The Winners of the 2018 Global Wine Awards, Nine Judges (including yours truly) Select Best in Show and Highest Awards Winners

August 3, 2018 by evebushman

Las Vegas, Nev. – The inaugural 2018 Global Wine Awards was hosted June 18- 20 at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The competition featured nine world class judges with a panel of the finest palates including, Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, wine educators and industry experts.

Bottom Row: Cami Sisk MS, Chairwoman of the Judges Panel Deborah Parker Wong, Eve Bushman, Stacie Hunt. Top Row: Danny Ronen, Paul Ellis, Cassandra Brown, David Glancy MS, Roger Bohmrich MW

L to R Top Row: Danny Ronen, Paul Ellis, Cassandra Brown, David Glancy MS, Roger Bohmrich MW. L to R Bottom Row: Cami Sisk MS, Chairwoman of the Judges Panel Deborah Parker Wong, Eve Bushman, Stacie Hunt.

The 3-day judging process for the diverse and specific wine categories began with a 100% blind tasting preliminary round, with the best wines advancing to the Sweepstakes Rounds, where the Double Gold and The Best of Show Categories were awarded.

Featured Award Winning Wines: ( For a complete list of all the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners, visit GlobalWineAwards.co/)

• Overall Best in Show and Best in Show, Red Wine:
o Martellotto Wine Productions, 2016 Il Cappocia Riserva (Barrel Aged)

• The Best in Show, White Wine:
o Frank Family Vineyards, Late Harvest Chardonnay

“Our expert judges are pleased to announce the 2018 Global Wine Awards winners who all represent excellence in winemaking skills and superior presentation from all around the world. The wines were judged based on varietal expression, uniqueness in character and approachability” said Eddie Rivkin, CEO/Executive Director of Global Wine Awards. “Las Vegas is an entertainment destination known globally for its vibrant wine culture, its fine-dining restaurants and celebrity chefs. It was the perfect paring to our first annual event.” he said.

Double Gold Winners (Listed by: Winery, Wine Name, Wine Type, Vintage, Score):

Martellotto Wine Productions, Martellotto, Il Capoccia Riserva, 2016, 97
Frank Family Vineyards, Frank Family Vineyards, Late Harvest Chardonnay, NV, 97
Wines Of Greece, VOURVOUKELI ESTATE MALAGOUZIA, Malagouzia, 2017, 97

2Hawk Vineyard & Winery, 2Hawk Winery, Viognier, 2016, 96
Penrose Hill, Cantharos, Grenache, 2014, 96
Cellardoor Winery, Cellardoor Winery, Petite Sirah, 2013, 96
Wines of Greece, HELEXO WINERY RETSINA White, RETSINA white, 2016, 96The prestigious judges, encompassing years of expertise, passion and credibility in the wine industry, featured: Deborah Parker Wong, Global Wine Chairwoman and Editor for SOMM Journal and The Tasting; David Glancy, Master Sommelier & CWE, Founder & CEO of San Francisco Wine School, the largest wine school in the USA; Cameron Sisk, Master Sommelier, with thirty-five years in restaurants; Cassandra M. Brown, Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, and Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators; Stacie Hunt, Certified Silver Pin Sommelier /North American Sommelier Association and Vice President of the Board of the National Association of Wine Retailers; Paul R. Ellis, Sommelier at Rao’s, Caesars Palace; Eve Bushman, Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA); Roger Bohmrich, Master of Wine, independent consultant, writer, and educator; and Dänny Ronen, educator in spirit and cocktail development.
During the awards competition, all the wines, in their respective and specific sub-categories, were sampled together as flights, carefully evaluated in all aspects, and scored by each one of the skilled judges. All winners received industry acknowledgment and a distinguished medal of recognition.

The scoring ranges are: Bronze – 80-84
Silver – 85-89
Gold – 90-95

Double Gold – 96-100

About Global Wine Awards & Global Spirits Awards

Eddie Rivkin CEO/Executive Director of Global Wine Awards and Global Spirits Awards hosts the events from the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information and a complete list of judges bios, photos and winners, visit the website at www.GlobalWineAwards.co. Follow on Instagram at Globalwineawardslv.

New Champagne & Caviar Tastings at Antica Terra in Willamette Valley

July 25, 2018 by evebushman

Antica Terra, one of Oregon’s most innovative wineries guided by the aesthetically oriented Maggie Harrison (formerly of Sine Qua Non and recently featured and dubbed “one to watch” by Food & Wine), has just announced an unprecedented addition to its already extraordinary tasting experiences.

From Facebook.

Having always offered a comprehensive tasting experience featuring Antica Terra’s current releases as well as a rotating selection of inspirational bottlings from around the world, the Collective Tastings at Antica Terra now all begin with Royal White Sturgeon Osetra and Champagne followed by house-made hen liver and foie gras terrine, a selection of farmhouse cheeses curated by Steve Jones of Portland’s Cheese Bar, jams by Ayer’s Creek Farm and Alma chocolates.

All tastings at Antica Terra offer a superlative journey through the senses including a selection of rare and inspiring wines from all over the world thoughtfully compiled and sourced by Winemaker Maggie Harrison. A total of nine wines are poured at each. The Collective Tastings are approximately 90 minutes and $75 per guest. Reservations are required at least one hour in advance and can be made by calling (503) 244-1748 or via www.anticaterra.com. The winery is located at 979 SW Alder Street in Dundee.

All dietary restrictions, ranging from kosher to vegan, are gracefully honored and catered to on request. “Our entire purpose with in the new Antica Terra Hospitality Department is to make each and every guest feel seen and heard,” says Harrison. “It is about meeting people where they are. If that means providing bites that are congruent with dietary restrictions, then that is what we do. There is no formula or recipe. It is all about being present and willing, as we at Antica Terra all are.”

About Maggie Harrison and Antica Terra

Antica Terra co-owner and winemaker Maggie Harrison arrived in 2005 from Ventura County where she had spent the previous eight years making Syrah at the iconic Sine Qua Non winery. Maggie’s approach to winemaking is informed by the notion that beauty is conveyed in the accumulation of minute human actions. She sets aside reductive thinking that often associates the quality of a wine with simple quantities (such as pH, alcohol and SO2) and formulaic actions, believing the quality will instead be determined by her combined interaction with fruit and vine. In the Antica Terra winemaking process, clusters and individual berries are meticulously sorted by hand. The wines are fermented naturally, manually punched down and tread by foot, siphoned and bucketed into barrel, never settled or racked and aged on the lees before being bottled without fining or filtration.

Vintage Eve 5/2015: Cabs of Distinction – Discovering Rotta, J Lohr Component Tasting and Vina Robles Seminar

July 24, 2018 by evebushman

During the first day of Paso Robles Cab Collective Cabs of Distinction event I was happy with many wines from wineries I already knew or at least knew of. As I was strolling past one table I was immediately charmed by the gentleman pouring for guests in front of the table and excitedly describing the wines. This was my first encounter with Jeff Branco, the winemaker and Director of Operations for Rotta Winery.

Discovering Rotta

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My husband Eddie at Rotta luncheon.

Within minutes I fell in love with Branco’s 2013 Rotta SBR blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. I also learned that Branco had been the winemaker for Justin – and the incredibly popular Isosceles blend had originated under his tenure.

As this was the Cab Collective and all we were tasting were Bordeaux style blends or Cabs I asked Branco if he made other wines. He quickly invited me and my pals to a luncheon and wine tasting at his winery on Winery Road, just past Turley in Templeton, the next day.

Fast forward and we’re in the Rotta tasting room happily sampling a Rotta 2013 Pinot Gris from San Simeon that received 90 points from Wine Enthusiast magazine. From there we had a Rotta 2013 Rosé, and then the rest of the 2013 tasting line up was from Paso Robles and included a Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Estate Zinfandel – all yummy.

Then we were driven up to the top of the property where a total of 19 guests huddled under pop up tents, happily sipping wine and taking photographs of the vineyards surrounding us. Once the courses began (see photos of the menu and pairings here) the conversation never ceased – along with the praise for Branco’s exquisite wines and Chef Brooke Stockwell’s imaginative pairings.

Several times the charming Branco would tap his water glass with a knife to get our attention and comment on the joy he found in his work. One story included his out-of-the-box idea of a tailgate party on the property that served as a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association. He, along with “the love of” his life Sonya Guzman, proudly held up a check for $900 that they had made in their inaugural attempt, an event mostly filled with friends and local winemakers.

After lunch we headed back down the mountain, back to the tasting room, and nearly back to reality. The last I had seen of Branco was him headed off on a ATV to pick up his daughters. I ordered a few wines and lingered a bit in the tasting room but he hadn’t made it back before we all had to leave. As he had given me his cell number we called from the car where all five of us let him know that we loved his wines and thanked him for a remarkable time.

More about Rotta

Established in 1908.

Try the Black Monukka dessert wine.

Open 10:30-5:30 daily.

805-237-0510

Info@rottawinery.com

Www.RottaWinery.com

Lohr Cuvee Component Tasting 2014 Vintages

Meeting at J. Lohr Vineyards, which we hadn’t visited since our wonderful 2011 trip, we met in the same large room as before but this time it was set up for a component tasting. (For anyone wanting to do a component class get the Torani syrups, they are the most true. See photos here.) Along with the syrups for identifying fruit aromas, we sniffed dried and fresh flowers (rose, sage, jasmine and hibiscus), spices and other components (clove, cocoa, coffee, tarragon and fennel) trying to identify each so that later we could identify them in our wines.

Ian Adamo, the sommelier at Paso Robles’s Bistro Laurent (we had met Ian before when he paired an outstanding Adelaida dinner for us at the 2014 Cab Collective event) is currently working on his dissertation for his MS. Adamo, along with J. Lohr red winemaker Steve Peck, led us through each wine to evaluate the fruit, spice, floral, herbs, volume, astringency and then we were to try to guess the varietal of each of the five 2014 single varietal wines in front of us.

A bit tough with the caliber of fellow writers and somms in the room, we agreed on some descriptors and what wine that indicated. Ian listed colors, fruits and tannins that were certain indicators of standard varietals no matter where grown.

“It’s the structure that tells you the story” Ian said, in describing a Cabernet Sauvignon. And the purple color and bright fluorescent rim in the glass is indicative of all Malbecs.

Any bell pepper notes, which most people think is a flaw, ends up in their lowest priced bottles Peck said, and is how most domestic wineries handle that component when found.

I checked off whenever at least my descriptors matched Ian’s as I certainly wasn’t going to guess all of the varietals correctly! At the end of the class I got one wine right across the board, the others only shared descriptors. I definitely want to try this at home with a group.

Peck then gave us some great news: when we got to lunch a little later “some of the wines the somms tasted” in front of us the other day that we weren’t given…had “fallen off the truck” and we were going to taste them!

But first we were to blend a “Cuvee Pom” (in a nod to the Pomeral region of Bordeaux) blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Malbec with 2% (equal to 1/2 barrel) to 4% (equal to 1 barrel) of Cabernet Franc. The first, with 2%, softened the bite of the Pom alone, more fruit and less tannin. The second, with the 4%, now seemed spicier, rougher, and I actually like that better. It was an interesting exercise as again, it’s very objective so we all had our favorites of the blends we had created.

Peck said that he wanted to create a luxury brand, and is not after scores. He has yet to decide what he will do with the blends we were playing with. In the meantime, the evil scientists at my table grabbed more glasses and decided, ON THEIR OWN, to move to 6% of Cabernet Franc in their blend.

During “the next chapter” of our seminar Peck gave us a slide show that included a “style map” with color/body/mouthfeel/tannin/color broken town into styles based on their strength. He mentioned that it was akin to how someone may like their coffee: thin and astringent, dark but with creamer, etc. Pinot Noir would fall on the light end of the map while Cabernet Sauvignon would be on the dark end, and blends in the middle.

After that we adjourned to a wonderful lunch and all of the wonderful wines that fell off the truck and the latest three J. Lohr Cuvee blends – enjoyed it all!

Vina Robles Cabs of Distinction Seminar

The Swiss owner of Vina Robles, Hans Nef, that greeted our merry group of seminar attendees told us that he has a farming background and came to Paso Robles in the mid 1990s. Nef’s goal, after turning the class over to winemaker Kevin Willenborg, was to give us some background on Vina Robles and present 11 districts of Paso AVA with the six wines we were too taste.

With six slides we learned that the family came to Paso in 1996 and had their first crush in 1999. Introducing Vina Robles wine in 2003, the Cuvee Collection in 2005, RED4 wines launched in 2006, in 2007 the Hospitality Center opened, Willenborg joined in 2012 and the new Vina Robles Amphitheatre opened in 2013.

Nef said that the winery is mid-sized, family-owned and produced 40k cases per year, all from estate grown grapes.

Willenborg then took over the lecture. He told us that they have 5 different districts within the Paso Robles 11 AVAs that are used in Vina Robles wine. He pulled some wines, still in barrel, from different districts that we would later sample to see if we could discern any differences between the different AVA districts (map).

The Santa Lucia mountain range allows the area to be warm in the growing season. There are other ranges, on the south and east that “kind of frame Paso Robles.” Like being in “a bowl” surrounded by mountains. There are 614,000 acres in the 11 Paso AVAs with 32,500 planted. There are over 45 soil series, including alkaline, calcareous and siliceous.

The word “Sauvignon means wild” Willenborg said…and Cabernet Sauvignon grows wild and strong after planting. Here, not like Bordeaux, their window for growth is longer.

There are 23 varieties grown, on 1,300 acres, at Vina Robles and they only source 15%, so the balance is sold to other wineries. The main districts that Vina Robles grows in are Jardine (Estrella District), Huerhuero (split between two districts: Geneseo and El Pomar), Creston Valley (Creston District) and Adelaida Springs Ranch (Adelaida). Then we tasted wines from each district to discern different flavors.

This was tough for me, like barrel sampling, these wines were single varietals that had yet to age or be blended. Lots of tannins, volume, weight, astringency, and big mouthfeel was indicative in all – as these attributes comes straight from the grapes. Some seemed less tannic or fruitier than others, but all in all I longed to have each in their final blended process which I was more than happy to trust Willenborg with!

(After the 2013 Cab Collective I visited Vina Robles winemaker Kevin Willenborg. Read here for story on the tasting and interview.)

Story in photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10205508500739325.1073741916.1455706632&type=1&l=dbb4543053

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Stags Leap District Winegrowers’ 20th Annual Vineyard to Vintner

April 12, 2018 by evebushman

Vineyard to Vintner takes place April 27-29, 2018 in the Napa Valley

Tickets are limited and can be purchased here. Each year, member wineries of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers open their doors for this one weekend, giving visitors exclusive access to the wines, vineyards and people behind this iconic wine region. Visitors enjoy unparalleled personal, backstage access to private homes and historic wineries alike. The weekend includes exclusive dinners, private tours, barrel tastings, food pairings, music, and experiences–all set amongst the glorious vineyards and towering Palisades of the Stags Leap District.

To further support relief efforts from the recent fires, 5% of the proceeds from this year’s Saturday Open House tickets will be donated to the Napa Valley Community Foundation. Additionally, for the first time and to kick-off the Saturday festivities, there will be a Vineyard ‘Walk and Talk’ with vintner Jim Regusci to hear a firsthand account of the harrowing tales about the Napa Valley October fires and discuss vineyard management and landscape recovery.

“Vineyard to Vintner is a rare opportunity for wine enthusiasts to have VIP access to the owners, and winemakers in our iconic appellation,” said Nancy Bialek, Executive Director of Stags Leap District Winegrowers. “It’s truly an extraordinary weekend with library wine dinners, open houses, a vintner-hosted lunch, and the first taste of the critically acclaimed 2015 Cabernet Sauvignons from Stags Leap District. If you are a Cabernet fan you simply can’t miss this event.”

This year’s Vineyard to Vintner hosting wineries include Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Odette Estate, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards.

The Vineyard to Vintner weekend includes:
Exclusive Vintner-Hosted Library Wine Dinners: Friday, April 27, 2018 // 6:30PM – 10:00PM
On Friday evening, the winery owners and vintners of the Stags Leap District dig deep into their cellars to share their most cherished library wines for an intimate dining opportunity. Guests choose from among dinners at Baldacci Family Vineyards (co-hosted with Shafer Vineyards, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards), Chimney Rock Winery (co-hosted with Ilsley Vineyards, Odette Estate and Regusci Winery), Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (co-hosted with Clos Du Val, Lindstrom Wines, Quixote Winery and Silverado Vineyards), and Stags’ Leap Winery (co-hosted with Cliff Lede Vineyards, Malk Family Vineyards and Pine Ridge Vineyards) as four celebrated chefs create cabernet inspired menus. Each dinner is open to just 45 guests and provides an unforgettable night of world-class wines and hospitality.

The Vineyard to Vintner weekend includes:
Vineyard “Walk and Talk” with Jim Regusci: Saturday, April 28, 2018 // 9:00AM – 10:00AM
Offered for the first time, guests can join a Vineyard ‘Walk and Talk’ with vintner Jim Regusci. Hear a first-hand account of the harrowing tales about the Napa Valley October fires and see the landscape recovery as Jim gives a personal tour of his property.

Open Houses: Saturday, April 28, 2018 // 10:00AM – 4:00PM
On Saturday, individual Winery Open Houses provide back-stage access to the Association’s member wineries. Guests spend the day with vintners and winemakers at their private homes and historic wineries and enjoy special access to wines and food not available to the general public.

Vintner-Hosted Lunch and Appellation Collection Tasting: Saturday, April 29, 2018 // 11:30AM – 2:00PM
The Vineyard to Vintner weekend concludes Sunday with a vintner-hosted farm-to-table buffet lunch. Set among the sprawling ranch at Regusci Winery V2V guests also get a first “sneak peek” of the 2015 Stags Leap District Appellation Collection released in the fall.

Tickets and Additional Information
Tickets go on sale, February 14, 2018. You can find more information and purchase tickets, at http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V. Prices range from $690 for a three-day pass, to $545 for a two-day pass (Friday/Saturday), $340 for a two-day pass (Saturday/Sunday), and $195 for a Saturday single-day pass. ‘Signature Wine Weekends for Two’ packages are available for $3,399 and include two passes for all three days of the event, the limited 2015 Appellation Collection of 17 handcrafted 2015 SLD designated Cabernet Sauvignons each signed exclusively by the vintners, and one Solle two-bottle jacquard and leather embossed wine tote. More information can be found at http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V.

About Stags Leap District Winegrowers:
The Stags Leap District Winegrowers is a non-profit association of vintners and growers united by the mission of enhancing the reputation of the appellation and its wines, and sharing its quality with the wine-loving world. The SLDWA is comprised of 17 wineries and 10 grower members. Wineries include: Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Odette Estate Winery, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards. To learn more about the Stags Leap District, please visit stagsleapdistrict.com or find the Association on Facebook.com/StagsLeapDistrict, Instagram.com/StagsLeapAVA Twitter @StagsLeapAVA. #SLDV2V

Private Barrel Auction Paves Way for Washington Wine Industry to Lead on a Global Scale

April 11, 2018 by evebushman

SEATTLE (PRWEB) – Four years ago, the Auction of Washington Wines (AWW) introduced the trade-exclusive Private Barrel Auction that featured just eight wineries; this year the Private Barrel Auction is expanding to feature more than thirty of the most noted winemakers across Washington state. Unlike other auctions in the U.S. that highlight specific wine regions, the Private Barrel Auction shines a light on the entire state of Washington to raise awareness and generate innovation for the future of the state’s wine industry.

USA, Washington, Woodinville. Private Barrel Auction at the Auction of Washington Wines.

The Private Barrel Auction is committed to innovation, investing 100 percent of last year’s proceeds – $137,500 – in Washington State University’s (WSU) Viticulture and Enology Research Program. WSU’s program fosters education and cutting-edge research that is paving the way for the Washington wine industry and its leadership on a global scale. AWW is the largest private donor to WSU’s Viticulture and Enology Research Program, contributing nearly one quarter of all the research money for WSU in 2017. Research on this level will ensure the future success of the entire industry.

At the Private Barrel Auction, attendees are invited to sample and live-bid on exclusively crafted wines made one time only and not available elsewhere. This opportunity allows the discerning trade community to differentiate themselves with unique, distinct Washington wine selections and the exclusivity of ownership with the 60-bottle allotment they purchase. Of the thirty-plus wineries participating this year, Betz Family Winery has been involved since the beginning.

“Washington’s wine community has experienced unprecedented growth, now ranking as the second largest premium wine producer in the U.S. Each year the Private Barrel Auction has grown as well, offering serious national trade members the opportunity to acquire the finest, most unique examples of the state’s wines. And it’s fun! A time of year when the best of the best come together to celebrate our industry and the future of Washington wines,” said Bob Betz, founder and consulting winemaker at Betz Family Winery.

This year’s Private Barrel Auction is set for August 16, 2018. To learn more and register, visit http://www.AuctionofWashingtonWines.org/trade. For more information around all 2018 Auction of Washington Wine events, visit http://www.AuctionofWaWines.org.

About the Auction of Washington Wines
Since its inception in 1988, AWW has raised more than $41 million, benefitting Seattle Children’s Hospital and Washington State University Wine Science Research. Events hosted by AWW give wine lovers the chance to support the Washington wine industry and families in our communities around the region. The 2018 Auction of Washington Wines will take place August 16-18, 2018. Major sponsors have included Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ferrari of Seattle, The John L. Scott Foundation, The Seattle Times, King 5 TV and Wine Spectator Magazine.

About Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Program
The WSU Viticulture & Enology Program is a comprehensive education and research program that prepares students for successful careers in the wine industry and supports the needs of the region’s winemakers and grape growers. Enhanced by world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, the V&E Program takes a hands-on, multidisciplinary approach, offering students technical, scientific, and practical experience. V&E’s cutting-edge research and education helps growers and winemakers cultivate healthy plants and craft wines that express the unique characteristics of Washington’s wine growing regions. In close partnership with an engaged industry, the WSU V&E Program propels Washington wine forward.

Vintage Eve Circa 1/2015: What’s Happening in Our Local Bonded Winery?

March 27, 2018 by evebushman

If you live anywhere in the Santa Clarita Valley, and you are into wine, you probably already know that we have a wine tasting room in downtown Newhall. You might even know that we have a licensed and bonded winery in the Valencia industrial center. But did you know that our only winery has become a home for many commercial and non-commercial wineries…many of which use our local winemakers as consultants? Maybe even up to 15 wineries?

The “unbreakable” Pulchella glasses, photo credit: Rick Lott

Yes, this is the growth that local winemakers Steve Lemley and Nate Hasper have seen since opening their TWO doors. You can taste Paso Robles wine at Pulchella Winery Thursday through Saturday evenings, and make an appointment to see the SCV Winery facility if you would like to make your own wine.

And to help you get started I asked Steve Lemley to give readers an update:

EB: Steve, please tell us a little (because I know you do a lot) about what you do at the winemaking facility.

SL: Nate and I fuel our passion and produce all of Pulchella Winery’s allocations here along with working with 15 other wineries as their consulting winemaker to produce their wine labels as well. Producing wines in small lots from fruit sourced primarily from the central coast. We are super excited to have invested in state of the art equipment, expanded the operation and opened it up to a select group of other wineries and vineyard owners who share our stylistic approach to winemaking.

EB: And do we get to taste the fruits of your effort in your Newhall tasting room? Tell us about your current releases and if club memberships are available.

SL: Absolutely! Pulchella Winery’s current releases are poured in our tasting room Thursday through Saturday from 5pm to 10pm without any appointment needed. We are currently pouring 8 wines. In spring, we will release the next allocation, which we are by far the proudest of as we have had time to focus the brand and make some really solid wines. Our wine club has recently re-opened to new members, which offers just two allocations a year, 20% off all purchases, free tastings and more. For a full list of current and upcoming wine releases, visit our website.

EB: How about a story of something funny that has happened during your years of winemaking…something wannabe winemakers might be interested in.

SL: We get asked a lot how the Westside Paso Robles, Cerro Prieto vineyard Pinot Noir named “Deadbeat”, fell into our program. In spring 2013 we took on a project with a new client and were asked to source some of the best quality Pinot Noir from the Paso Robles Willow Creek area. Making an extensive amount of Pinot Noir for clients in the past, we took the challenge and poured our hearts, souls and wallets into the project just to have the client inform us a few months later that he could not continue and would not be able to pay for any of the fruit and barrels. Given that we sourced and paid for the fruit, produced the wine and designed the barrel program for it, it only seemed right to release it under Pulchella Winery’s label and see what everyone thought. The now past client got the wine named after him and it was loved by everyone so much that it has now become a staple in our portfolio of wines.

EB: Can you give us an update on the vines you and Nate helped plant at College of the Canyons?

SL: For the last two years Nate and I have also expanded our operation to include full scale vineyard management for many of our clients. Donating our time as full time vineyard consultants for College Of The Canyons is a dream come true for us. The college shares a vision with us and the fruits of everyone’s labor is starting to take shape.

After the 50 year old zinfandel transplant project was completed, we have planted another zinfandel block and have completed the architectural design and installation of yet another Syrah block. We have had a 100% success rate with the vineyard and are very proud to have been given the freedom to establish an infrastructure that will offer a very complex curriculum of viticulture and enology in the future for COC students. We will continue to manage the project until COC has a program in place to take it over.

EB: What do you and Nate see for the future?

SL: It’s easy to increase production but we want to honor the support we have and will not increase our production so that we can offer the same quality wines year after year to everyone who supports us. We will continue to focus our brand and dedicate every waking moment to increasing the quality of our wines and the wines we produce for our clients.

Santa Clarita will soon have other very high quality brands to enjoy and we are humbled to be involved with the vision and production of them. Visit our website or come visit us in the tasting room and see what’s down our dirt road of passion.

The winery tasting room is located at: 24261 Main Street in the Old town Newhall historical district. (91321). For current tasting room hours, please call our tasting room at 661-799-wine. Closed most major holidays.

http://www.pulchellawinery.com

Customerservice@PulchellaWinery.com

SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS WINE ARTISANS CELEBRATE 12th ANNUAL GALA MAY 19

February 25, 2018 by evebushman

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif.—Tickets are now on sale for the Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans 12^th annual Sun, Wind & Wine Gala Saturday, May 19 at Mer Soleil Winery in Monterey wine country.

The Gala celebration is a strolling wine tasting through the barrel cellar of Mer Soleil, a venue not normally open to the public. Guests enjoy limited release Santa Lucia Highland poured by the vintners themselves. Participating wineries include: August West, Belle Glos, Bernardus, Boekenoogen, Bruliam, Caraccioli Cellars, Cima Collina, Estancia, Hahn Family Wines, Hope & Grace, J. Lohr, J. McFarland, Joyce, Kosta Browne, La Rochelle, Luli, Mansfield-Dunne, Manzoni, McIntyre, Mer Soleil, Miner Family, Miura, Mooney, Morgan, Odonata, Pessagno, Pisoni Vineyards, Lucia Vineyards, Poppy, Prim Family, Puma Road, Roar, Sarah’s Vineyard, Scheid, Siduri, Smith Family, Talbott, Tantara, Testarossa, Tondre, Tudor, Twomey, Windstream, and Wrath.

Local chefs and food purveyors bring Monterey Peninsula flavor with gourmet bites from the region’s best restaurants and chefs, including Chef Matthew Bolton from The C Restaurant at the Intercontinental Monterey, Chef Soerke Peters from Basil Carmel, Chef Cal Stamenov from Bernardus Lodge, Chef Tim Wood from Carmel Valley Ranch, Emanuele Bartolini from La Balena, Tarpy’s Road House, Monterey Plaza Hotel, Jeninni Kitchen and Wine Bar and many more. Artisan food producers including Bar Cart, Chefs Palette Spice Rubs, Marich Chocolate, Schoch Dairy, Zio Brand Sausage and more. A rare, “big bottle” silent auction with exclusive winery experiences benefits a local charity, live music by SoulFoot, and other surprises will round out the day.

Mer Soleil Winery, the northernmost vineyard estate in the Highlands, is owned by the Wagner family, producers of Mer Soleil Chardonnay, Caymus and Conundrum. Mer Soleil is located at 1290 River Road, Salinas, California.

SLH Gala General Admission tickets are $120 per person available online at: https://slhgala.eventbrite.com. A limited number of Early Admission tickets are $150 per person that allow entrance at 11 a.m. to a special advance tasting and auction featuring guaranteed access to rare wines, library releases and new gems from the vintners and growers of the Santa Lucia Highlands.

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About the Santa Lucia Highlands…

The Santa Lucia Highlands is one of the crown jewels of California viticulture, growing and producing some of the state’s best cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The narrow 18-mile appellation encompasses 6,400 acres of prime vineyards, planted on the elevated terraces of the Santa Lucia mountain range in close proximity to nearby Monterey Bay. The region’s unique winegrowing character was recognized with official A.V.A. status in 1991. Formed in 2005, the Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans is a not-for-profit association of vineyards and wineries that grow grapes in the SLH. or use the appellation’s fruit to craft their vintage releases. The group’s online home is SantaLuciaHighlands.com

Tastings.com Launches 2018 With Announcement Of Innovative New Categories

January 28, 2018 by evebushman

CHICAGO (PRWEB) – World Wine Championships is the largest category within Tastings.com with over 3,000 wines tasted annually. This year’s calendar will include exciting new calls for wines in the growing Eastern European imports, the ever trendy Rosé wine and a new Wine Cocktail group for delicious Mimosas and Sangrias. These are just a few selected by the Tastings team in which US market buying trends show superior growth. “Rosé wine has surmounted its fad status and has become the new normal here in the states. Just like Rosé’s place in European culture, the category has become an American summer staple,” says Laura Kruming, Assistant Director at Tastings.com To view the complete 2018 wine calendar of categories, click here.

Because wine is the biggest category accounting for over 65% of the total reviews from Tastings.com overall, the judges have carved out a unique niche competition called World Value Wine Challenge. This competition promotes the best wines that retail at $20 and under, a price point which represents 90% of all wines sold in the US today. If a wine brand wishes to be a part of the competition, they must enter the program by August 1st here.

Fabulous new spirits and libations are discovered every year in the International Review of Spirits. In 2018, the program is also expanding its World Cocktail Championships with an opportunity for products to compete for the title of Best Gin, Best Tequila, Best Rum and Best Whiskey in the selected cocktail. In 2018, the Chicago Rum Festival is also back as the largest rum festival in the Midwest. And as co-producers, Tastings.com will review Rums featured at the fest and participate in Rum education and seminars. Spirits brands must enter here.

The beer world is one of the most unpredictable with trends coming and going as fast as the wind can carry them. Tastings.com judges love to embrace that unpredictability and will feature new categories for Foraged Beers, Barrel Aged Imperial Stouts & Hard Sodas. Brewers can enter of type of beer or beer style to the World Beer Championships here for a powerful review from our expert professionals.

Tastings.com is forever on the forefront of the wine, beer and spirit community, helping consumers and professionals make better beverage choices for over 38 years. It has a dedicated tasting lab in Chicago, IL that invites professional-only trade buyers and writers to taste and review according to a strict methodology. With new category calls and expanding event partnerships, the 2018 schedule is now open for entries and the excitement is building for a groundbreaking year in beverage trends. See the complete list and more on Trade.Tastings.com

2018 PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY EVENTS ANNOUNCED

January 14, 2018 by evebushman

Paso Robles, CA – Tickets for Paso Robles Wine Country’s marquee events are now on sale at www.pasowine.com. Blendfest on the Coast brings blended wines of Paso Robles to Cambria and San Simeon, February 9 – 11, 2018. The annual celebration of Paso’s heritage variety, Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend is scheduled for March 16 – 18, 2018. Paso Robles’ signature wine event for 36 years, the Paso Robles Wine Festival takes place on May 17 – 20, 2018. With all three events on sale at the same time, it’s a one-stop shop to plan for 2018.

Blendfest on the Coast kicks off with a winemaker dinner at Indigo Moon restaurant on Friday, February 9, showcasing Paso Robles blended wines with winemakers pouring. Saturday, February 10 features a two-session walk-around tasting within one of the most exclusive venues on the coast, the Hearst Ranch property overlooking the San Simeon bay. Each session offers limited tickets, creating an intimate tasting where everyone has an opportunity to spend time with the winery representatives. This event will have a charitable element, raising funds to benefit those impacted by the southern California fires. Blendfest continues Sunday, February 11 with a winemaker led blending seminar, letting audience members try their hand at the art, and science, of blending wines. Blendfest on the Coast is presented in conjunction with Visit Cambria, Visit San Simeon, and the California Highway 1 Discovery Route.

Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend begins on Friday, March 16 with Zinposium, a Zin-focused seminar in downtown Paso Robles at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom. Moderated by iconic winemaker, Wes Hagen with J.Wilkes Wines, a panel of winemakers will share some vintage stories to go with their Zinfandel and Zin blended wines. This seated tasting is guaranteed to be educational and entertaining.

In the evening, the ballroom transforms into a lounge atmosphere for Z After Party. Join up to 20 Paso wineries for a savory walk-around Zinfandel tasting, complemented by a fantastic selection of desserts and live music by the Darrell Voss Trio. This intimate tasting is sure to sell out with 80 seats for Zinposium and 175 tickets for Z After Party. Advance purchase only.

Zinfandel Weekend continues on Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18 with more than 100 wineries holding their own individual events throughout Paso Robles Wine Country. Visit www.pasowine.com to search by winery, activity or day to plot a course for fun.

The Paso Robles Wine Festival returns May 17 – 20, 2018 with the 36^th annual celebration of everything Paso Robles wine. Wine Fest kicks-off Thursday, May 17, 2018 with Winemaker Dinners, each featuring multiple winemakers at the table with their wines paired with the cuisine of two iconic Paso Robles restaurants, Thomas Hill Organics and The Hatch. On Friday, May 18, RESERVE delights a limited gathering of wine and food lovers with Library, Reserve, White/Rosé, and Barrel Sample wines, complemented by fresh and local gourmet bites.

The following day, Saturday, May 19, begins with a Winemaker Seminar. Five winemakers sharing their vintage stories about a uniquely named wine that is a perfect example of the Paso Robles region. The day culminates with the Wine Festival Grand Tasting in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park. This unique outdoor tasting features 70+ wineries arranged by “regions” (Bordeaux-style, Rhône-style, Zinfandel, Burgundian-style, Italian varieties and Other Wild Wines) with wineries pouring their best. In the picnic area and gazebo, live music will provide the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a beautiful summer day sipping Paso Robles wines.

Back by popular demand, the 2018 Wine Festival will feature complimentary food tasting from the region’s best chefs and caterers. Visit www.pasowine.com often to see updates on who will be sampling their delicious creations. Creativity abounds with the return of a limited lineup of handpicked artisan merchants. These entrepreneurs will offer a selection of unique local and wine country themed products.

Sunday, May 20 of Wine Festival weekend encourages people to travel beyond the Park to explore more than 100 winery events throughout the weekend including winemaker dinners, live music, barrel samples, and so much more!

Tickets – All Blendfest on the Coast, Zinposium, Z After Party, Wine Festival Winemaker Dinners, RESERVE, Wine Festival Seminar, and Wine Festival Grand Tasting Tasting tickets are now available on www.pasowine.com.

Blendfest on the Coast, February 9 – 11, 2018

Afternoon Session: 1 – 3 p.m.
Admission: $45 ($35 until January 2)
Wine & cheese
Sunset Session: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Admission: $65 ($55 until January 2)
Wine, cheese, and passed hors-d’oeuvres (menu coming soon!)
Tickets available here – https://pasowine.com/events/blendfest-on-the-coast/
Guests staying in Cambria and San Simeon lodging can enter each session 30 minutes early with the presentation of a room key.

Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend, March 16 – 18, 2018

Zinposium Seminar – $40
Z After Party – $40
Combo: Zinposium Seminar & Z After Party – $70
Tickets available here – https://pasowine.com/events/vintage-paso-zinfandel-weekend/

36^th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival, May 17 – 20, 2018

Winemaker Dinners – Thomas Hill Organics ($125), The Hatch ($100)
Combo: Friday, RESERVE & Saturday, Grand Tasting, Early Entry – $145 ($135 until March 15)
RESERVE only – $90
Saturday, Grand Tasting, Early Entry (12 p.m.) – $90 ($80 until March 15)
Saturday, Grand Tasting, General Admission (1 p.m.) – $70 ($60 until March 15)
Winemaker Seminar (10:30 a.m.) – $25
Designated Driver (Grand Tasting, 1 p.m.) – $25
Locals Only Ticket (1 p.m.) – $50 (until March 15)
Early Bird Pricing applied to Combo, Early Entry or General Admission Tickets only, with $10 savings
Early Bird Offer Expires March 15, 2018

During Paso Robles Wine Country event weekends, visitors and locals alike are encouraged to travel beyond the park to visit the more than 100 wineries that host special activities including winemaker dinners, food pairings, barrel tastings, winery and vineyard tours, and much more. Visit www.pasowine.com to plan a complete Paso Robles Wine Country experience, including lodging, restaurants, transportation, and more things to explore.

ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance represents wineries, growers and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California’s third largest wine region. It encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit www.pasowine.com. @PasoRoblesWine, @PasoWine (Insta), #PasoWine, #BlendFest, #VintagPaso, #PasoWineFest,

Purple Wine + Spirits Launches Redwood Empire American Whiskey

October 19, 2017 by evebushman

Sonoma County, CA (PRWEB) – Purple Wine + Spirits, parent company to Sonoma County’s Graton Distilling Company (GDC), has announced the inaugural release of its Redwood Empire American Whiskey. Distinguishing itself from other whiskeys on the market today, Redwood Empire’s proprietary blend of house-distilled and port barrel-rested rye whiskeys includes mature stocks of four, five and eleven-year-old bourbon aged in classic, high-toast American oak casks. Rye-forward and 90-proof, its full body is complimented by subtle, spicy notes and an indulgent vanilla-caramel finish.

“With Redwood Empire, we set out to create a whiskey that was a true reflection of the spirit and landscape of our Northern California home – rugged, pioneering and adventurous but also aesthetically beautiful,” says GDC Distiller, Jeff Duckhorn. “Our ability to source and distill exceptional ryes and bourbons – and age them in a way that marries tradition with innovation – makes our proprietary blend a one-of-a-kind sipping and cocktailing experience unlike any other whiskey on the market today.”

Redwood Empire Whiskey began to hit store shelves in major metropolitan markets this past September for a suggested retail price of $45. It is the second craft spirit launched by GDC, whose D. George Benham’s Sonoma Dry Gin, launched nationally earlier this year to much critical acclaim. The stand-alone distillery, located on the site of a former apple processing plant, features a custom-built, micro-column still and is dedicated to producing carefully crafted spirits inspired by the artistry, local flavor and rugged beauty of Northern California.

ABOUT PURPLE WINE + SPIRITS

Founded by Derek Benham in 2001, Purple Wine + Spirits is dedicated to creating extraordinary wine and distilled spirits experiences including nationally branded, custom and private label wines for major U.S. and International retailers and restaurateurs. In 2015, Benham added a distillery to Purple Wine + Spirits main production facility based in the west Sonoma County town of Graton, and Graton Distilling Company was born. For more information about Purple Wine + Spirits, Graton Distilling Company or Redwood Empire American Whiskey, please visit our websites: purplewinespirits.com, gratondistilling.com, and redwoodempirewhiskey.com