Vintage Eve Circa 4/2017: The ‘Cru Bourgeois’ Distinction

March 10, 2020 by evebushman

I attended a wine class organized by the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), of which I am a member, to learn more about ‘Cru Bourgeois’ wines mostly from the Medoc and Haut Medoc region of Bordeaux, France.

Chateau Lestiac, from the Cru Bourgeois official website

Wine appellations in Europe have lots of rules and distinctions. The Cru Bourgeois was different from any other I had learned about before, and the prices – $20 to $50 average – made them accessible to anyone with wine interests.

There were just maybe two dozen of us in the class: sommeliers, wine store owners and wine students. I was surprised to learn that I was one of two people that had been to Bordeaux, but not to the Medoc region.

Some of the reasons why the Bordeaux region is important

All of our winemaking techniques blending, fining, etc. – come from Bordeaux.

One of the longest aging wines in the world, it’s a fact with a proven track record.

Lower alcohol levels than other age-worthy wines.

Bordeaux is divided between the left and right bank of the Gironde river. Left was originally under water before the Dutch drained it, leaving great white gravel pebbles, the “secret to Bordeaux.”

Due to the weather blending became a necessity.

Vintage years are important, and pushed by producers, due to unpredictable weather.

The wines made on the right side of the Gironde river aew Merlot-based. Grows best in colder gravel/soil. Hills and limestone, limestone stays cooler.

Left of the Gironde is Cabernet Sauvignon-based. White pebbles in vineyard increase ripeness.

Haut Medoc and Medoc

Haut Medoc is where the classic Cabernets come from. If you travel the road between Medoc and Haut Medoc, running south to north, the gravel changes from smaller and fine to bigger gravel and more clay. So wines from Haut Medoc are more tannic, potent, powerful and require more aging. As you continue up the wines get bigger. It is widely considered that wines made from grapes closer to the Gironde River are better.

Crus Bourgeois du Medoc

The term, Crus Bourgeois, first became commercial in 19th century. The classification was made official in 1932 with 444 members. By 2003 there were 247 Chateau in the association.

The Crus Bourgeois are considered good wines that weren’t let into Grand Cru classification. This was a way to get national recognition beyond the Grand Crus.

The Crus Bourgeois is a privately controlled certifying organization. At one point one member of the panel was a vintner, it was eventually deemed unfair, and in 2009 a new tasting was held.

The first official selection of Crus Bourgeois was for the 2008 vintage. Every year, two years after harvest, the wines are tasted to see if they will be included as a Crus Bourgeois. The procedure is done annually, to every vintage, and supervised by an outside party, with an audit and a blind tasting. (Grand Crus don’t do this testing)

They have to have a representative random sample, to get an indication of that year’s quality, so they do an annual blind tasting that starts with 80 samples and goes down to 16. This gives a benchmark score of quality and what they are looking for.

More Facts of the Crus Bourgeois

Cru Bourgeois can be identified by QR code on a white label affixed to foil.
3% of Medoc vineyards, 30 million bottles, make the Crus Bourgeois du Medoc.
Average price is $25 a bottle and remain stable.
2013 and 2015 are the highest scanned bottles sold. California, New York and Texas are the states that visit the crus-bourgeois.com website the most.
You can visit 90% of the properties for tours and tastings.
They plan to reintroduce three levels, Crus Bourgeois, Superior Crus Bourgeois and Exceptional Crus Bourgeois categories by 2020.
They also want the review process to be every five years and not for single years.

Presented by NASA

For centuries, BORDEAUX has commanded an almost mythical status in the world of wine, beguiling kings, emperors and dictators alike. While its survival is dependent on the capricious nature of weather, its prosperity has always been tied to the shifting fortunes of global economies. As powerful nations rise and fall, so does the fate of this place.

One of the unique and historical characteristics of this commanding wine region is the quality ‘classification’ of its left bank (Medoc) wineries. Most of us are well aware of the famous 1855 classification that divided the wineries into a ‘Grand Cru’ scale of 1 to 5 and how unreachable the 5 top Chateaux are in price…but how about the wineries that were NOT classified in 1855 ? The ones that were born after, or perhaps never made the cut back then but today make fabulous wines at accessible prices? Welcome the CRU BOURGEOIS. Created in 1962 but with a far longer history, this association of producers stands to protect, classify and promote all the superb wineries that were not classified in 1855 and were in the hands of merchants and not noble families. They represent some of the best and most competitive wines that Bordeaux has to offer. As a result of their selection criteria and positioning in terms of price, the Crus Bourgeois are ideally suited to today’s markets and the requirements of increasingly demanding consumers.

Eve Bushman has a 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), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits

Miner Family Winery Celebrates the Completion of Interior Tasting Room Upgrades

March 5, 2020 by evebushman

OAKVILLE, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Miner Family Winery, a family-owned winery known for its flagship Bordeaux-style blend, The Oracle, is thrilled to announce the completion of their new wine tasting spaces. Brought to life with the help of Kristin Martin Design and General Contractor, Andy Isdahl, the new space was designed with intimate tasting experiences in mind to create enjoyable, comfortable and memorable experiences.

Noting on the new interior space, vintner Dave Miner said, “The new design is a true reflection of our personality as a company and a culture. It’s fun, casual and relaxed, but still incredibly classy. It evokes who we are and embraces two of my passions: world-class wine and jazz guitars.”

The second and third floor wine tasting spaces display family, vineyard and property photos as well as encased Benedetto jazz guitars. In addition, the third floor tasting room lounge has been named the Benedetto Lounge in tribute to Benedetto Guitars, of which Dave Miner is part-owner.

Each wine at Miner is crafted in a style to encapsulate the distinctive elements and the indelible fingerprints of their respective vineyards. We have sought and secured a number of California’s finest vineyard sites, but only those allowing complete farming control. It is this level of detail and control that ensures our wines consistency and quality.

Miner Family Winery offers a variety of experiences to suit every visitor. Our Walk-In Bar Tasting ($35 per person) doesn’t require an appointment and features a selection of our current wines. During our Private Tour and Tasting ($60 per person), guests visit our caves and production facility while learning the history of the winery. Guests have a dedicated host during this experience along with a private tasting space. Additional tastings, including our Oracle Blending Seminar and our Sommelier Experience, are available by appointment.

About Miner Family Winery: Miner Family Winery is a dynamic family owned winery tucked into the eastern hills of Oakville within the heart of Napa Valley. Founded in 1998 by Dave & Emily Miner, Miner is defined by a sensational portfolio of wines characterized by and committed to individualistic style and quality. https://minerwines.com/

Winter Getaways in California Wine Country

January 5, 2020 by evebushman

SAN FRANCISCO — When temperatures plummet in other parts of the country, it’s time to warm up to a winter getaway in California wine country. Not only does the Golden State enjoy sunny skies and comparatively mild temperatures year ‘round, California’s distinctive wine regions offer a host of seasonal activities and events, from food festivals to barrel tastings. Here are just some of the activities and events happening in California wine regions this season.

Wine Tasting

For those who prefer hands-on pursuits, many California wineries offer wine-blending workshops, cooking classes that focus on seasonal ingredients and in-depth, educational tastings. See DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com to search for wineries by region, varietals and amenities.

For great wine tasting deals in Napa Valley, pick up the Winter in the Wineries Passport ($60), which includes tastings at 16 Calistoga wineries, or St. Helena’s Little Book of Big Experiences passport ($75), which offers enhanced wine experiences and curated pairings at 15 wineries throughout the season.

Annual Wine & Food Events

Some of California’s best wine and food events happen in the winter months. During California Restaurant Month in January, eateries across the state offer special rates on prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus. Restaurant Week promotions run in various cities throughout the month. This year, Sonoma County extends its Restaurant Week celebration from Feb. 21-March 1.

The Napa Truffle Festival (Jan. 17-20) includes mushroom foraging and truffle cultivation seminars, plus chef-led cooking demonstrations. Crab Feast Mendocino (Jan.24-Feb. 2) features all-you-can-eat crab feeds, a wine competition showcasing local producers and a Crab Cake Cook-off.

Fans of crab and wine enjoy the Mendocino Crab Feast. Photo: Visit Mendocino.

Tour northern Sonoma County during Winter Wineland (Jan. 18-19), when vintners pour samples of new releases and limited-production library selections.

Enjoy special tastings at the Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Celebration Day (Jan. 18), when more than 40 participating wineries throughout the region open their doors to visitors. The Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Event (Jan. 25-26) offers a self-guided taste and tour to sample barrel and tank wine samples, as well as new releases. The Zinfandel Experience (Jan. 30-Feb. 1) is a three-day wine and food fest in San Francisco that presents wine seminars, an auction and dinner and a grand tasting—all centered around California’s distinctive Zinfandel wine.

The Zinfandel Experience in San Francisco features Zinfandels from all of California’s growing regions.

Sweet treats abound at two February events: the Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend (Feb. 7-9), and the Madera Wine Trail Wine & Chocolate Weekend (Feb. 8-9), held at multiple wineries. The Presidents’ Wine Weekend (Feb. 15-16) in Calaveras County presents wine experiences and special events throughout the weekend in the Gold Rush town of Murphys.

Good times, good friends are part of the Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend.

The Garagiste Festival: Northern Exposure (Feb. 15) in Sonoma gives tasters access to under-the-radar, micro-production wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, the Santa Cruz Mountains and more. Central Coast winemakers show off their blending expertise at BlendFest on the Coast in Paso Robles (Feb. 20-23), a tribute to the region’s rule-breaking wines. This year’s Anderson Valley Winter White Wine Festival (Feb. 22-23) highlights Riesling and other Alsace varietals with seminars, a grand tasting featuring local and international vintners and winery open house events.

Amador County wineries present educational seminars, food pairings and hard-to-find wines at Behind the Cellar Door (March 7). Taste barrel samples and meet the winemakers behind them at the WineRoad Barrel Tasting (March 6-8 and 13-15), a tasting tour of the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys in Sonoma County. Sip some of Mendocino County’s finest wines in shops and galleries throughout Mendocino village while scouting the coastline for giant aquatic mammals at the Mendocino Whale Festival (March 7).

Wintertime Winery Activities

California wineries host special activities and tastings throughout the winter season.

North Coast

Acumen in the Napa Valley now offers Wine and Chocolate Tasting Thursdays through Sundays in partnership with Napa’s Annette’s Chocolates. Learn about chocolate production while sampling three PEAK Cabernet Sauvignons paired with six chocolate selections. Reservations must be made online or by phone 72 hours in advance.

Every Friday through April, Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena hosts a Winter Farmers Market featuring organic produce, beef, honey and other farm-grown goodies.

Head to V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena on Jan. 18 for a Coq Au Vin and Cabernet Pairing in the glow of the winery’s crackling fireplace. Steaming bowls of slow-cooked coq au vin with porcini-parmesan polenta are matched with Napa Valley Cabernets, including older vintages.

On President’s Day Weekend, Black Stallion Winery in Napa is celebrating with a wine and oysters event Feb. 15. No reservations needed.

For more fun winter experiences and events around the state, visit DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com.

Wine Institute is the public policy association of California wineries producing 80 percent of U.S. wine. As the nation’s number one state for wine and food tourism with 3,900 wineries, California attracts 24 million visitors to its wine regions each year.

LOT18.COM UNVEILS NEW WINE COLLECTION BASED ON ‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ AND ITS NEW FEATURE FILM

October 14, 2019 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES – Lot18 cordially invites you to taste a new wine collection, crafted in honor of Downton Abbey’s eagerly awaited return for the first time on the big screen. Relive the romance, drama and intrigue of the beloved Crawley family and its fiercely loyal staff, as both the upstairs and downstairs members of the iconic residence continue to navigate their personal lives as well as larger events of the early 20th century. As the Dowager Countess would say, “You’ll find there’s never a dull moment in this house” – nor with this wine.

Winemaker Lot18.com has teamed up with NBCUniversal and Focus Features to produce a collection of wine based on the beloved and multiple Emmy® Award-winning series, and newly released feature film, Downton Abbey. The new collection includes a Downton Abbey Sparkling Rose from Val de Loire, France, a 2018 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Blanc from Bordeaux, France and a 2018 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Rouge from Bordeaux, France.

The collectable wines, which are available in limited quantity, go on sale today and can be purchased exclusively in-store at select Cost Plus World Market locations nationwide as well as ordered exclusively online at Lot18.com/DowntonAbbey while supplies last.

Here are the tasting notes for the Downton Abbey wine collection:

Downton Abbey Sparkling Rose, Val de Loire, France

The Wine and Winemaking:

We are the oldest sparkling wine company from the Loire with 200 years of winemaking experience. With one of the most trusted names in France when it comes to producing sparkling wines. The best blending, made with the wine base after the first fermentation, is achieved in our cellars. This blending art is perfectly mastered by our Chief winemaker according to a 2-century tradition and is one of the key factors of success for this wine. The second fermentation is temperature controlled and is made in stainless steel tanks for 4 weeks. This method allows for a wine with fine and delicate bubbles. The grapes were selected from a blend of vineyards in well-known growing regions of France, the Loire and Languedoc to create its unique and fruity style. The wine was elaborated in the Charmat Method and aged to create small, delicate bubbles that delight the palate.

Tasting Notes:

A brilliant bright pink hue, a medium-bodied wine from France’s highly renowned Loire region. Beautifully rounded on the palate, with bright, red fruit aromas blending notes of ripe raspberry and delicate mountain strawberry, florals and refreshing acidity. The finish provides notes of citrus with fine bubbles that are crisp and effervescent. This Rosé is an ideal food match. Enjoy as an apéritif, or pair with flavorful cheeses, fresh seafood or meats, like duck, chicken and pork, with flavorful, fruit-based sauces.

2018 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Blanc, Bordeaux, France

The Wine and Winemaking:

Co-fermented and aged in stainless steel before bottling. With a name derived from the French word sauvage, or wild, Sauvignon Blanc is a grape that can be tracked back at least 500 years. Our Downtown Abbey Bordeaux Blanc touches upon the variety’s origins and essence. Fresh flavors of white grapefruit and lemon are punctuated by lemongrass and mineral nuances on the palate, followed by a crisp, dry finish. The Semillon addition is a classic and contributes lively stone fruit notes and rounds out the palate. Enjoy this classically styled Sauvignon Blanc with fresh fish or dishes that feature goat cheese.

Tasting Notes:

Lively and fresh fruit flavors of white grapefruit and lemon are punctuated by lemongrass and mineral nuances on the palate, followed by a crisp, dry finish.

2018 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Rouge, Bordeaux, France

The Wine and Winemaking:

Vines are 30+ years of age. Co-fermented and aged in stainless steel and 10mo French Oak Barriques. A family castle steeped in history and respect for the land. Château Haute Courtiade’s vineyard is part of a family history since the 17th century. It was created and developed over the centuries with a strong passion: to reveal its soil in a vineyard management respecting the ecosystem. Henri SICARD, 13th generation, exploited the vineyard since 1988. Very active and engaged in the development of environmental farming practices, he is one of the craftsmen of the obtaining of the standard High Environmental Value (HVE) by UNIVITIS.

Tasting Notes:

This opaque wine is elegant and rich, with aromas of red, blackberry and blackcurrant. Remarkable balance and complexity, velvety tannins and a long and tasty finish confirming the anticipated aromas. 10 months of ageing in French oak barrels gives the wine a beautiful concentration, balance and finish.

Experiencing the Universal Whisky Experience 2019

May 17, 2019 by evebushman

In the three years we’ve been lucky enough to attend the Universal Whisky Experience, aka the Nth, I’d have to say it just keeps getting better and better. This year we covered less ground (husband and I split the room – at the Wynn in Las Vegas – in two) and still only tasted maybe a quarter of what was being poured. And even though we each had two tickets for Super Pours, the brand ambassadors offered us everything they had – or it at least seemed that way! (If you just want a synopsis you can go here for photos alone.)

Last time I can share this banner…with yours truly on the top right next to The Nose!

This year I spent my first hour giving some attention to a few Bourbon tables; though I usually make a beeline for the oldest single malts in the room, I mixed it up this time. It might be because there was a large table set up with pre-measured pours, pens and tasting notes drawing my attention to the back of the main hall.

The table I’m referring to was set up Maker’s Mark Bourbon. The tasting experience that Maker’s Mark “Diplomat” Phil Olson talked me through was amazing. I learned about the different oak expressions, and the aromas and flavors each had. I noted that I liked the Seared French Cuvee, Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength (46 is the name of the particular wood), Roasted French Mocha and Toasted French Spice – this final one was my favorite. All four used French oak. I also noted that as my palate “warmed” so did my preferences. (Phil had me go back and revisit a couple.) I could’ve spent the entire evening there, and never made it to his finale where you are meant to blend your favorites, then get a few pals to agree with your choice = your own 15k barrel!

Moving on, though it was hard, I was in the mood for Bourbon and quickly found a Las Vegas based distiller, Smoke Wagon Bourbon. I enjoyed all three bottles they poured, and could see why they had won several gold and double gold medals at the San Francisco Wine and Spirits Competition.

Alpine Distilling, located in Park City, Utah, was a surprise for me. The botanicals in their “Summit Gin” slayed me. Now I just have to figure out how to get it from Utah here in So Cal! Also of note for me was their “Spur” Whiskey.

Then I got very much side-tracked by That Boutique-Y Whisky Company. I tasted everything in their line-up. Completely blown away with whiskeys from Japan, So. Africa and England. I think there were a dozen I tried, and a few in the back I got my hands on too. If you ever have an opportunity to taste this whisky brand don’t miss it.

The Scotch Whisky Syndicate 58/6 was a new thrill for me to taste, according to their Facebook page it is “an award-winning 12 Year Old specialist Blended Scotch Whisky, finished in Sherry butts for a distinctly richer fruity character.”

Glenfiddich had 12, 14 and 15 year olds, but I went straight to the 21 year old – as I had visited the distillery in Scotland and had done more than my fair share there. (If you ever get to Scotland don’t skip Glenfiddich – very generous pours. And while you’re at it reserve your kilted driver, aka tour operator, via Rabbie’s.)

I definitely had to stop at the Dewars’s blended Scotch whisky table, as Brand Ambassador Georgie Bell had made me a fan at a past Universal Whisky Experience event where we tasted through all of the single malts that go into Dewar’s. This year I sampled 21, 27 and 32 year olds, all “double double aged for ultimate smoothness.”

Had to taste from Westward American Single Malt Whiskey…when whisky pal and leader of the So Cal Whiskey Club Ries Michael manned the booth.

Finally, I’d like to give a special shout out and thanks to founder Mahesh Patel and organizer Mit Patel, can’t imagine anyone else pulling anything like this off but the Patels and their team.

More Brands Seen at the Show (keep in mind that each of these brands had several pours.)

Macallan

Old Pulteney

John Craggie

Glencairn Crystal (Great nosing glass!)

The Dalmore

Highland Park and Glenrothes

Johnnie Walker

Tomatin

Total Wine

Benromach

Gordon and MacPhail

Facundo Rum

John Dewar Malts

Hardy

Borderies Cognac

Suntory Whiskey

Whistle Pig

Sazerac Rye

Glenfarclas

Dictator

Royal Salute

The Glenlivet

Aberlour

Loch Lomond

The Balvenie

And even though I was lucky enough to be featured in the 2019 Facebook banner ad and don’t expect the honor again, I will be stalking the website and Facebook pages listed below to see if the event photographers caught me “in the act” of having the time of our lives. See you in 2020!

https://universalwhiskyexperience.com/

https://www.facebook.com/universalwhisky/

https://www.instagram.com/universalwhisky/

Eve Bushman has a 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), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 15k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Inglenook Celebrates 140th Anniversary with Major Cave Expansion

May 11, 2019 by evebushman

RUTHERFORD, California – Francis Ford Coppola, proprietor of Inglenook, is pleased to announce that the historic winery will mark its 140^th anniversary by significantly expanding its caves. The major expansion will accommodate the addition of 122 stainless steel fermenting tanks, each dedicated to one of Inglenook’s 122 vineyard parcels.

“Since it was founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum, Inglenook has been renowned for its creativity, quality, innovation and industry leadership,” said Coppola. “We continue that tradition and dedication with this significant cave expansion, led by our director of winemaking, Philippe Bascaules.” The cave expansion kicks off a year-long celebration of Inglenook’s 140^th anniversary.

From Gustave Niebaum to John Daniel, Jr. to Francis Ford Coppola, Inglenook’s three principal stewards have shared a strong sense of vision and an unwavering passion to create a wine estate that hearkens back to the European tradition, producing original, distinctly Napa wines that rival the best in Europe. Working with Coppola, Bascaules’ vision is to ferment each of Inglenook’s 122 vineyard parcels separately, to enhance the wines’ complexity.

“Having more tanks preserves the identity of each parcel, which allows us to be more precise as we’re blending,” said Bascaules. “We can then better explore the capacity of each parcel, which will create more diversity and will lead to more complex, balanced blends.”

Inglenook has a rich history of leadership in the wine industry. Many of founder Gustave Niebaum’s innovations at Inglenook became industry standards: Inglenook instituted the first sterile bottling process in Napa; it was the first to separate field debris from grapes; Inglenook planted Napa’s first Merlot in 1882; and Inglenook built the first gravity-flow winery in 1888, which was considered one of the greatest winery structures in the Western Hemisphere at the time.

The new cave expansion is expected to be completed in time for the 2020 harvest.

About Inglenook
Founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum as Napa’s first estate winery, Inglenook boasts an illustrious heritage, a renowned legacy of innovation and an outstanding portfolio of award-winning wines that have defined and established Napa as a world-class wine region. From Gustave Niebaum to John Daniel, Jr. to Francis Ford Coppola, Inglenook’s three principal stewards have shared a strong sense of vision and an unwavering passion to create a wine estate that hearkens back to the European tradition, producing original, distinctly Napa wines that rival the best in Europe. It remains the largest contiguous estate on the famed Rutherford Bench, Napa Valley’s finest area for producing spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon.

The iconic Inglenook chateau was first constructed in 1887, and faithfully restored in 1997. Befitting the grandeur of the Inglenook estate, the chateau welcomes guests for seated tastings and special events. Experiences include tours of the Chateau, the Infinity caves, the vineyards, barrel tastings and culinary offerings under the direction of Winery Chef Alex Lovick who expertly pairs the wines with the seasonal, organic bounty of the expansive estate farm and orchards.

New Ways to Sip, Savor and Sightsee by the Sea in Nova Scotia

April 11, 2019 by evebushman

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (PRWEB) – Producing a quarter of Canada’s seafood and boasting a billion-plus dollar fish and seafood export industry annually, Nova Scotia offers a multitude of diverse signature culinary experiences along its 4,500 miles of coastline. And, Nova Scotia is now closer to more U.S. travelers with new non-stop service to the capital city of Halifax from Chicago and Philadelphia beginning in June 2019, adding to the direct flights currently offered out of New York City and Boston. Often a first stop for visitors, Halifax is home to the oldest farmers market in North America and has the notable distinction of having more pubs per capita than any other province in Canada among its many culinary charms.

New opportunities to “sip, savor, and sightsee” in 2019 incorporate experiences for active and adventurous travelers throughout Nova Scotia. Here are a few highlights:

A Distillery Tour on Foot and by Boat

Old Town Lunenburg UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to artisan distilleries with award-winning rum, colorful architecture, and traditional foods. Here, on foot and by boat travelers can explore the waterfront of the historic town with their taste buds. The Lunenburg Distilled: Culinary Adventure takes guests on a walking tour with an eighth generation Lunenburger to Ironworks Distillery, the first artisan distillery in the province. Listeners will gain insight on creating spirits and liqueurs from scratch. Afterwards, a boat tour with Heritage Fishing Tours drops visitors at an exclusive Dory Shop to sample traditional foods from the region. The tour ends with a seafood dinner onboard the Teresea D. Conner, a historic schooner from the Lunenburg waterfront. Price is $395 CAD per person. Dates available: June 19, July 14, August 21, and September 25.

Wine Blending on the Bay

A reflection of the region that’s shaped by the sea, Avondale Sky Winery’s crisp Tidal Bay was the first appellation wine of Nova Scotia. This year, guests can be a winemaker for the day with the Avondale Sky Wine Lab Adventure. A tour of the vineyard reveals rolling hills situated on the St. Croix River as it meets the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world. Samplings are done in the tasting room and experimenting begins in the wine lab, where guests ultimately create their own Tidal Bay blend with a signature custom-made label. Award-winning winemaker, Ben Swetnam, will lead a blind tasting competition of the blends to crown the next master winemaker. The chosen wine is served at a gourmet, chef-prepared dinner for the group to enjoy. Price is $295 CAD per person. Dates available: June 22, July 6, July 20, and August 24.

Hike, Eat, Repeat

Active travelers work up their appetite for seafood by hiking, kayaking, and swimming during the Seaside Adventure & Beachside Feast. The day starts with a hike to the Kejimkujik National Park Seaside with Parks Canada interpreters, followed by a two-hour kayak tour through this unique and protected coastal estuary. Participants will fuel up with a lobster roll picnic and cool off by enjoying a swim on the white sand beaches. A final seafood feast will be served at the Quarterdeck Beachside Villas, and a night in a new studio loft at this luxurious beachside resort is included in the experience. The one day and one-night starts at $849 CAD per person or $1,600 CAD per couple. Dates available: July 3, July 22, August 24, August 28, September 7, September 18, and October 5.

Coastal Helicopter Ride and Picnic

For a birds-eye view of the stunning Nova Scotia coastline, travelers can journey by helicopter to a sommelier-led picnic on a private island. The Heli-Picnic Island Escape, a two-hour tour over Halifax to Sambro Island, is an opportunity to view the wildlife and coastline from a new perspective. After landing on a private beach, guests will indulge in Nova Scotia bubbly while exploring the hidden coves. The sommelier in attendance will lead a tasting picnic of local wines, smoked salmon, cheese, and chocolate at a lighthouse. Price is $575 CAD per person. Dates to be announced.

Sunsets and Stargazing

Storytelling, sunsets, seafood, and stargazing make up the Lightkeeper’s SeaFeast. The tour begins on a Cape Islander’s fishing boat that sets sail from the Yarmouth waterfront. The boat comes equipped with oysters, Nova Scotia wine, and stories with Tusket Island Tours. After landing at the Cape Forchu lighthouse, a chef prepares a lobster feast on the beach, and guests watch the sunset over the water while being entertained by Acadian songs. The tour goes on after the sun sets, with a dark-sky expert leading stargazers through a certified Starlight Tourist Destination. This experience is available on Thursday nights throughout July, August, and September. Price to be announced.

For more information about the province, visit Nova Scotia or call 1-800-565-0000.

About Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism (ACAT):
This project has been made possible through funding provided by the Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism (ACAT). ACAT is a nine member pan-Atlantic initiative comprised of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Canada Tourism Industry Associations, and the four Provincial Departments responsible for tourism.

For more information on the four provinces, visit these websites or follow on social media:

New Brunswick
Web: http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca
Instagram: @DestinationNB
Twitter: @SeeNewBrunswick
Facebook: @DestinationNB

Nova Scotia
Web: http://www.novascotia.com
Instagram: @VisitNovaScotia
Twitter: @VisitNovaScotia
Facebook: @NovaScotia

Newfoundland and Labrador
Web: http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com
Instagram: @newfoundlandlabrador
Twitter: @NLtweets
Facebook: @NewfoundlandLabradorTourism

Prince Edward Island
Web: http://www.tourismpei.com
Instagram: @tourismpei
Twitter: @tourismpei
Facebook: @tourismpei

Robert Hall Winery hosts “The Fishing Pig” harvest celebration

September 30, 2018 by evebushman

Paso Robles, Calif. – Mark your calendars for a harvest land and sea celebration at Robert Hall Winery. Winemaker Don Brady is hosting “The Fishing Pig” party savoring the indulgence between the bounty of Central Coast’s briny seafood, luscious pork goodness and fruit-forward Paso Robles wines.

On October 20^th, from 5:00pm until 8:30pm, “The Fishing Pig” celebration will feature locals’ favorite purveyor of fresh seafood, Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant in Morro Bay. Tognazzini’s will be providing an array of freshly caught seafood including oysters, shrimp, crab cakes, as well as smoked ribs, pork tacos, pulled pork sliders, and sausages.

Guests will also be treated to a vast array Robert Hall’s award-winning wines at specialty tasting bars, have the opportunity to do a barrel tasting with Brady and participate in a blending session, all while enjoying fantastic food. There will be a raffle prize to win a Double Magnum of Robert Hall wines. The party also features live music from Central Coast favorite and Grammy Award winner, Louie Ortega.

“With ‘The Fishing Pig’ event, wine lovers get an opportunity to enjoy a truly special fish, seafood and pig barbecue in a timeless setting,” said Brady. “We will have our latest Robert Hall selections and a few favorites available to sip on the terrace, overlook the vineyards, cut loose and have some fun.”

Tickets are available now on the Robert Hall website, and are $75 for members and $95 for nonmembers.

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About Robert Hall Winery

Robert Hall Winery is known for wines that enhance the great moments of life and encourage the spontaneity of the unexpected. Winemaker Don Brady sources fruit from all 11 Paso Robles AVAs ensuring the best quality wine from the best quality fruit. Guests love the casual and comfortable tasting room, picnicking under the large oak trees and cooling down with a tour of the wine cavern. Become part of the family at roberthallwinery.com and on Facebook and Instagram.

Bodega Catena Zapata Draws $260,000 at Naples Winter Wine Festival

March 1, 2018 by evebushman

NAPLES, Fla. (PRWEB) – A dazzling journey through Argentina donated by Bodega Catena Zapata exceeded expectations at the Naples Winter Wine Festival auction with a winning bid of $260,000, making it one of the top lots at the leading charity wine auction in the United States. The lot—which combines wine, art, food, and culture in a getaway for four—inspired spirited bidding during the auction, with auctioneer Humphrey Butler hammering it “Sold!” to Joan and Bob Clifford for more than a quarter-million dollars.

“The energy in the room was incredible,” said Dr. Laura Catena, the winery’s managing director. “The driving force was to raise money for children and that got everybody fired up to bid up, up, and up! I adore the Cliffords and I am going to make sure that it is the best trip their family has ever taken.”

The journey begins in Buenos Aires at the Faena Hotel, the glamorous property designed by Philippe Starck in the Puerto Madero neighborhood. Chefs at the city’s top restaurants—Tomás Kalika of Mishiguene, Donato De Santis of Cucina Paradiso, and Germán Martitegui of Tegui—will open their kitchens for private, behind-the-scenes culinary tours. A visit to the studio of the renowned Buenos Aires artist, Luti Vernet, will include sitting for a portrait. And Nicolás Catena, Bodega Catena Zapata’s third-generation winemaker and considered the father of the modern Argentine wine industry, will host an intimate lunch with his wife, Elena.

Then it is on to Mendoza, the country’s premier wine region, with relaxing stays at the Park Hyatt hotel and La Vendimia, the Catena family’s weekend retreat outside the city. An in-depth visit to the Catena Zapata winery, led by Dr. Laura Catena, will include a blending session to create a unique personal bottling to take home, along with other treasures from the Catena cellar that were part of the Naples auction lot, including: double-magnums of Nicolás Catena Zapata, the winery’s flagship blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, as well as current releases of their pure Malbec releases, including Malbec Argentino, Fortuna Terrae, River Stones, and Mundus Bacillus Terrae.

The trip will conclude with a celebratory night at chef Francis Mallmann’s renowned restaurant, 1884, and tango at Bodegas Caro, the winery that was created in partnership by Nicolás Catena and Domaines Barons de Rothschild, whose holdings include Château Lafite Rothschild.

The generous bid on Bodega Catena Zapata’s donation helped boost the total proceeds of this year’s Naples Winter Wine Festival to $15.15 million. The funds will benefit the Naples Children & Education Foundation, an organization supporting charitable programs in Collier County, FL. Since its inception in 2001, the Naples Winter Wine Festival has raised more than $176 million for children in need.

About Bodega Catena Zapata:

Bodega Catena Zapata has been at the forefront of wine culture in Argentina since their vineyards were first planted in 1902. Over the past 40 years, the pioneering vision and tireless work ethic of Nicolás Catena Zapata has been rewarded by the fact that Argentine wine now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best wines in the world. Nicolás Catena Zapata is the only South American to have received both Decanter’s Man of the Year Award and Wine Spectator’s Distinguished Service Award. Under the current direction of winemaker and managing director Dr. Laura Catena, Bodega Catena Zapata continues to lead Argentina into the next century of winemaking, balancing a ceaseless study of Argentina’s high altitude climate and soils with the family’s century-old heritage. For more information about Bodega Catena Zapata, please visit http://www.catenawines.com, or visit Catena’s U.S. Importer at http://www.mundovinoimports.com.

BEYOND THE STARS: Learning About Dom Pérignon with the North American Sommelier Association (NASA) Part One

January 5, 2018 by evebushman

In paying my annual dues to NASA there are many opportunities offered for continued education and tastings. And now that NASA President Diego Meraviglia is the US Brand Ambassador for Dom Perignon, it was just a matter of time before I could get in on the most rare opportunity!

Photo credit: SIMONA MAFFEI

From NASA

“Brothers come quickly ! I’m drinking stars !” was the exclamation uttered by father Dom Pérignon as he discovered bubbles in wine. A fluke, a coincidence of nature dictated by the extreme Northern location of the Champagne region causing stuck fermentations due to cold. He spent the rest of his life, 47 years, battling, studying, exploring, analyzing and comprehending this phenomenon.

In 1668 Dom Pierre Pérignon, a monk, is nominated curator of the abbey of Hautvillers. He was in charge of managing the supplies of this holy place and set out to improve and renovate the vineyards and wine the abbey produced. As a Benedictine monk, he followed the rule of St.Benedict…the strive for perfection and discipline; he left nothing to chance. He set out to make “the best wine in the world” and single handedly set the base for what Champagne and any ‘classical method’ sparkling wine is today. He invented techniques, methodologies and concepts that revolutionized wine forever.

The original prestige cuvée was indeed Moët & Chandon’s ‘Dom Pérignon’, launched in 1936 with the 1921 vintage. Until then, Champagne houses produced different cuvées of varying quality, but a top-of-the-range wine produced to the highest standards (and priced accordingly) was a new idea. In the last three decades of the 20th century, most Champagne houses followed these with their own prestige cuvées, often named after notable people with a link to that producer and presented in non standard bottle shapes (following Dom Pérignon’s lead with its 18th century revival design). These are indeed…the BEST SPARKLING WINES IN THE WORLD.

SEMINAR PRESENTED AND LED BY DOM PERIGNON US BRAND AMBASSADOR & NASA PRESIDENT, DIEGO MERAVIGLIA.

MY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE LESSON:

Dom Perignon is known for being the first to: put a brand name (his own) on a label (instead of just the name of the region), creating the bottle shape, making white wine from red grapes, blending and sorting (and at Dom Perignon every berry is sorted by hand).

Ruinart is known for being the first commercial winery in Champagne. Veuve Cliquot is known for being the first to filter.

Dom Perignon came to the abbey in 1668, at the age of 32, and was given the job of curator. He dedicated 47 years of his life to perfecting wine.

Wine in Champagne, France first appeared between the first and fourth centuries AD, when the Romans ruled the area. After that, during the Barbarian rule, there was no wine produced until 987 AD.

Champagne is the most northern region of France. There is less sunlight and thereby less warmth in the vineyard. Every year, to this day, it is a struggle for the grapes to ripen. There is spring frost and winter hail, so the “struggle is real” in producing Champagne, and also accounts for the cost.

Belgium is a bordering country but they’re not known for producing any wine at all, they make beer.

In the early days exorcists were brought in to deal with the “demon in the cellar” that was causing the wines to explode. Now that demon name has translated to what happens when you enjoy Champagne…

Dom Perignon only uses a strict 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The chalky fossil-rich soil in Champagne, due to originally being under the sea, gives the wines their minerality.

1921 was the first vintage champagne from Don Perignon. It was all non-vintage prior to this. To this day they don’t make a vintage champagne every year, only the years that the fruit is the best.

Stay tuned to this column next week where I will share some of the wonderful and rare wines we tasted after our lesson!