Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country to Host 40th Annual “Day in the Country” Fall Festival

September 30, 2019 by evebushman

LOS OLIVOS, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Los Olivos (https://www.losolivosca.com/), the historical, wine-drenched Santa Ynez Valley wine country town in the heart of Santa Barbara County, will welcome guests to its 40th annual Day in the Country festival (https://www.losolivosca.com/day-in-the-country/) on Saturday, October 19, 2019. The largest of Los Olivos’ event productions, Day in the Country embodies the village’s history-laden atmosphere, featuring an entertaining mix of Victorian-era, Western-style and harvest season activities and experiences. A day-long fall event, Day in the Country will this year, be the family-friendliest part of the inaugural “Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley” (http://tastesyv.com/), a multi-day and multi-town, immersive foodie event running October 17-20.

Day in the Country begins with an early morning, Platinum Performance-sponsored 5K Fun Run and a 5K Walk (7:30 AM-9:30 AM) – which are dog-friendly, and include a one-mile Kids’ Run. Runners may sign up online in advance, or day-of, starting at 7:00 AM in downtown Los Olivos. Also starting at 7:00 AM, served until sold out, is a Burrito Breakfast produced by members of the Lucky Clover 4-H Club, at the Los Olivos Community Organization Hall (f.k.a., Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall).

At 10:00 AM, Los Olivos’ main thoroughfare of Grand Avenue transforms into a parade route displaying vintage tractors, antique autos, professional square dancers, musicians and animals. Presiding over the 2019 Day in the Country Parade is this year’s Grand Marshal, Eli Parker (https://www.fessparker.com/Family/Eli-Parker), who rides in celebration of the family-owned Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard’s 30th year in Santa Barbara County.

The parade is followed by a street fair (opens at 11:00 AM) with more than 100 local and regional vendors, crafters and food purveyors, where food trucks and pop-ups will mingle with shopping opportunities for original, local artisan goods. The Los Olivos outpost of Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. will host a Beer Garden, and live music will entertain throughout town.

While overall admission to Day in the Country is free, activities in the event’s Kiddie Korral – where littles and grown-ups will find kiddie steer roping, giant yard games, face painting and more family fun – will carry a minimal fee. Los Olivos businesses will also be showcasing their entries in the 2019 Los Olivos Scarecrow Fest, inviting Day in the Country revelers to cast votes for their favorite scarecrows in the friendly competition.

Also on tap for this year’s event, is the 2019 Day in the Country Wine Roundup which provides tasters with a ticketed Roundup Pass good for both Saturday and Sunday ($25.00 per person; 21 and over), allowing them more than 18 tastes from over nine local wineries like Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills Estates, Epiphany Cellars, Brewer-Clifton, Larner Vineyard & Winery, E11even Wines by Andrew Murray, Solminer Wine Company and others, to be announced. On Saturday, a tented VIP Lounge will also feature Los Olivos-area labels lacking in-town tasting rooms, and just “two-steps” away, gourmet nibbles from the First & Oak Kitchen food truck and a “Country Lounge” with live music, in front of Community Craft.

Day in the Country is produced by the Los Olivos Chamber of Commerce (https://www.losolivosca.com/about/lochamber/), a volunteer organization which funds town services such as maintenance for the village’s central flagpole, public restroom facilities and trash removal.

Current “Day in the Country” sponsors are as follows; additional sponsors will be announced as the event nears and will be listed on the event’s web page or on the Facebook Event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/417814779042620/):

Visit Santa Ynez Valley; a santé Spa; The Bear and Star; The Bubble Shack; Fess Parker Wine Country Inn; Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard; Epiphany Cellars; Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation; KRAZy Country 105.9; Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café; Mission Sanitation; Nielsen Building Materials; Platinum Performance; Saarloos + Sons; St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church; Revisit Wine Co.; Los Olivos General Store and Larner Vineyard & Winery.

Located just a couple of hours north of Los Angeles, the walkable – and Instagram-able – Santa Ynez Valley town of Los Olivos boasts an abundance of wine tasting options; wine, beer and craft cocktail bars; foodie havens in the town’s restaurants and gourmet culinary counters; art galleries and carefully-curated boutique shopping for clothing, accessories and home décor – both new and vintage; plus, luxury lodging and equally luxurious spas. Many of the town’s businesses are housed in 100-year-old buildings, which have been meticulously maintained.

Los Olivos also hosts a signature, family-friendly, holiday season event, Olde Fashioned Christmas (December 7, 2019;https://www.losolivosca.com/los-olivos-olde-fashioned-christmas/). Additional information about Los Olivos may be found at LosOlivosCA.com (https://www.losolivosca.com/), including a brief history of the Western town.

For further information about Los Olivos’ October 19 Day in the Country festival, please contact Anna Ferguson-Sparks, Stiletto Marketing, at 1.877.327.2656 or info [at] stilettomarketing [dot] com.

About Los Olivos, CA
Located in the vista-filled Santa Ynez Valley, the charming, historical town of Los Olivos is a rewarding and relaxing weekend getaway or fun-filled day. Founded in 1887 as a stop on the stagecoach route from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, Los Olivos is noted for its support of the arts, wine tasting opportunities, unique shopping, epicurean restaurants, seasonal festivals, antiques, recreational landscapes, and friendly village residents. Boasting expansive views of Santa Barbara County’s vineyards and horse ranches, Foxen Canyon Wine Trail starts in Los Olivos and stretches north, winding its way through the rolling hills of California’s Central Coast.

Larkmead Vineyards to Plant Viticultural Research Block in Napa Valley

September 21, 2019 by evebushman

CALISTOGA, CALIFORNIA (PRWEB) – Larkmead Vineyards, celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2020, announced today the planting of a Research Block in preparation for the next 125 years of Napa Valley viticulture. The Research Block will be located at the Larkmead estate in Calistoga and will host several different grape varieties, clones, and rootstocks for trial purposes as Napa Valley’s climate changes.

Founded in 1895, Larkmead has a long history of research and clonal trials. Dr. Harold Olmo of UC Davis, one of the most influential viticulturists of the 20th century, established a clonal station at the Larkmead estate in the 1940s, where he developed the widely-planted Cabernet Sauvignon clone FPS 02. Commonly known as the “Oakville selection,” this clone was fundamental in establishing Cabernet Sauvignon as California’s signature grape variety. However, with the reality of onset climate change, Larkmead is preparing for the future of viticulture by dedicating three acres of their 110-acre estate to plant grape varieties that could be better suited to increasing average temperatures.

“As stewards of this incredible estate, it is our responsibility to protect the land and preserve its ability to produce quality wines for future generations,” said proprietor Cam Baker. “Today we continue to grow some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley, but we are also preparing for tomorrow by establishing a Research Block on the estate.” The Research Block is being spearheaded by lauded winemaker Dan Petroski and viticulturist Kelly Maher, and will be supervised by vineyard manager Nabor Camarena. The three-acre plot will be planted to multiple heritage varieties including Chenin Blanc, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, alongside new world, Mediterranean varieties such as Aglianico, Tempranillo, and Touriga Nacional.

Winemaker Dan Petroski commented, “Climate change is very real and already affects vintners around the world. The fact is, Cabernet Sauvignon may no longer be well-suited to Napa Valley’s climate in twenty to thirty years. As one of the world’s top wine regions, we need to research and plan for inevitable warmer temperatures. Napa Valley will continue to lead the way in research and sustainability and we are carrying on the legacy of experimentation and trial here at Larkmead.”

With its long and rich history, Larkmead has played a fundamental role in the transformation of Napa Valley into one of the preeminent wine regions in the world. First established in 1895, Larkmead Vineyards has been in the hands of the same family since 1948. Current proprietors Cam Baker and Kate Solari Baker have worked in recent years to fine-tune Larkmead’s viticultural and cellar techniques to most accurately express the vineyard’s voice. Winemaker Dan Petroski captures the nuance and complexity of the 110-acre site by vinifying small lots according to clonal selection and soil type. Petroski was named the San Francisco Chronicle’s Winemaker of the Year in 2017.

The Research Block is Larkmead’s next step in the estate’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. “In order to determine the best path forward for the future and for our unique climate and terroir, we need to continue to experiment,” said Viticulturist Kelly Maher. We’re planning on testing different varieties, rootstocks, cover crops, and more. The goal is to have more biodiversity and climate resilient vineyards while continuing to produce better and better wines.”

Beyond the Research Block, Larkmead will continue to lead the conversation surrounding climate change and its effects on the global wine industry through a series of events at the estate. Hosted by winemaker Dan Petroski, these “Salons at Larkmead” are discussion-based forums for fellow winemakers, industry leaders, and journalists shaping the narrative on climate change and wine.

About Larkmead – https://www.larkmead.com/
The historic Larkmead estate is one of the oldest family-owned establishments in Napa Valley. Originally founded in 1895, Larkmead is now under the stewardship of proprietors Cam Baker and Kate Solari Baker. Kate’s parents, Larry and Polly Solari, purchased Larkmead in 1948. Kate spent her childhood in the valley, exploring a bygone Napa dominated by prune and walnut orchards, hayfields, cattle ranches, and acres of empty fields. Her parents were aware of Larkmead’s storied past, and sought to honor its legacy, a philosophy they passed down to Kate and her husband. The Bakers have been the dynamic force behind Larkmead’s transformation from a historic vineyard into a world-renowned wine estate. During the first 10 years of their ownership, they directed a complete replanting of the property, tailoring the selection of varieties, clones, and rootstock to suit the special characteristics of each individual block. In 2005, they built the first phase of a state-of-the-art winery on the property so that each vineyard block could have its own dedicated vinification tank. Designed by architect Howard Backen, an old family friend, the farmhouse and production facility are both classic and comfortable, providing a place for peaceful reflection away from a busy and demanding world. These days, Cam and Kate’s children and grandchildren are often found at the estate, continuing the family tradition at Larkmead into its fourth generation.

Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley to showcase the best of wine country

September 19, 2019 by evebushman

(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — The Santa Ynez Valley will celebrate the bounty of the region in a fresh, unique way with the inaugural Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley, a four-day experiential event scheduled for Oct. 17-20. The event will be an immersive experience designed to serve as an introduction to the food, wine, and beer that have made the Santa Ynez Valley the wine country jewel of California’s Central Coast.

Over four days, more than 100 restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms, and breweries will come together for nine main events and dozens of ancillary events set in and around the distinct communities that make up the Santa Ynez Valley — Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Solvang, and Santa Ynez. With so much to offer, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley promises to be the signature event on the region’s fall calendar for years to come.

“Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley is meant to be a celebration of everything that has made this region such a world-renowned wine country and foodie destination,” said Shelby Sim, President/CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, which is overseeing the event’s production. “With four days of events incorporating the diverse and unique aspects of all six of our communities, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley will offer a little bit of something for everyone, both visitors and locals alike. And it will ultimately put on full display the many reasons the Santa Ynez Valley has earned its reputation as a must-visit wine region.”

Each day of the Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley will focus on specific communities in the region, beginning on Thursday, Oct. 17, with a day in the charming Old West town of Los Alamos, and ending on Sunday, Oct. 20, with a celebration of the best of Buellton. The events will include wine tastings, special dinners, vineyard experiences, wine and cheese pairings, grape stomps, cooking classes hosted by local chefs, and much more.

Along the way, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley will incorporate longtime favorite events — such as the Solvang Grape Stomp (Oct. 19) and the Los Olivos Day in the Country (Oct. 19) — with an all-new lineup of experiences.

It’s also during Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley that the region will be marking the 15th anniversary of the release of Sideways — the movie that helped put the Santa Ynez Valley wine region on the map — with Sideways Fest. The celebration of the film will include a screening of the movie under the stars at Solvang Festival Theatre and a Sideways-themed Wine Festival.

“One of the most appealing aspects of the The Santa Ynez Valley is that each community has its own culture, offering its unique food and wine experiences,” Sim said. “Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley will give each attendee a feel for its diversity, while still enticing each to return for an even deeper exploration of the region.”

The event includes an array of single- and multi-day ticket packages to fit most any budget. For more information on ticket packages and a full list of Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley events, including dates and times, please visit www.tastesyv.com.

About the Santa Ynez Valley:
Barely two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct towns each with their own culture, vibe and menu of experiences. Blanketed with fruitful farms and vineyards, the California Central Coast wine region’s temperate weather allows for year-round activities of all sorts, spread throughout the historical communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. Destination dining and world-class wines await, accompanied by lodging at every level, all painted into atmospheric backdrops which colorfully mesh Old World and Old West. Visit more than 100 wineries, feast on chef-driven cuisine, and enjoy festive events and design details from Victorian-era to mid-century to modern Danish. For more information, including a listing of wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms and events, go to VisitSYV.com.

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TASTE OF THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY HIGHLIGHT EVENTS

Thursday, Oct. 17 – Los Alamos

Los Alamos Tasting in Ferrini Park: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Bell Street Restaurant Dinner in Los Alamos: 5:30-9 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 18 – Santa Ynez

Morning Wine Seminar in Santa Ynez: 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Grand Tasting of Santa Ynez and Happy Canyon Wines: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cooking Class at The Baker’s Table with Chef Robin Goldstein: 2-4 p.m.
Wine and Cheese Seminar: 2-4 p.m.
FrancFest at Gainey Vineyards: 4-6 p.m.
Sideways Movie Experience and Tasting at Solvang Festival Theater: 6-10 p.m.
Grimm’s Bluff Vineyards & Winery Dinner at the Estate: 6:30-10 p.m.
BBQ Dinner and Live Music at Maverick Saloon: 6:30-10 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 19

Solvang Events:
- Solvang Grape Stomp and Santa Ynez Valley Grand Wine Tasting: 2-5 p.m.
- Pence Vineyards & Winery Dinner at Root 246: 6:30-10 p.m.
- First & Oak Restaurant Winery Dinner: 6:30-10 p.m.
Los Olivos events:
- Los Olivos Wine Roundup + VIP Tent at ‘Day in the Country’: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Day in the Country.
Ballard events:
- Cooking Class with Chef Budi Kazali of The Ballard Inn and The Gathering Table: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Winery Dinner with Chef Budi Kazali of The Ballard Inn and The Gathering Table: 6:30-10 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 2 – Buellton

Cutting, Casing and Curing Cooking Class with Industrial Eats + Lunch: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m
Sideways Wine Festival: Noon-4 p.m.
Sta. Rita Hills vs Santa Maria Valley Wine Seminar at the Sideways Inn: 10:30 a.m.-noon
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Craft Beer Dinner: 6-9 p.m.

NorCal’s Oakville Grocery Enhanced with New Features + Expanded Food & Wine Offerings

September 18, 2019 by evebushman

OAKVILLE, Calif. – Oakville Grocery, the general store that has been a gathering place for locals and tourists for nearly 140 years, has been enhanced since joining the Boisset Collection in January. Visitors to both Oakville and Healdsburg will now find an emphasis on local sustainable, organic and Biodynamic food offerings as well as an expanded wine selection that includes exclusive, highly allocated wines by the taste, glass or bottle. These new items, as well as the grocery’s signature favorites, can now be enjoyed on renovated patios during extended summer hours.

Photo credit: Scott Chebegia.

“We are so excited to bring new life into community landmarks in Napa Valley and Sonoma County,” said Jean-Charles Boisset, proprietor of Boisset Collection. “Oakville Grocery is a phenomenal destination where guests can spend a relaxing afternoon trying a selection of amazing wines; fresh, healthy and local cuisine; and fabulous craft beers!”

The historical legacy of the Oakville destination has been made more prominent through extensive signage throughout the property that tell the story of its founding role in Napa Valley. In addition, the property next door — 1881 Napa Wine History Museum & Tasting Salon — features tastings of wines from 13 sub-appellations of Napa Valley as well as an archive of wine relics open for complimentary visitation and has published its own history of the region.

A unique feature of both Oakville Grocery locations is that guests can taste some of the most sought-after wines from rotating producers that have included Opus One, Screaming Eagle and Kosta Browne by purchasing cards and using them in Napa Technology dispensers.

“Normally wine lovers have to wait on allocation lists for years to purchase these bottles,” said Ed Maass, Oakville Grocery Wine Program Manager. “We are thrilled that we can make these beautiful wines more accessible and offer them by the taste and glass at Oakville Grocery, and through our Oakville Wine Society.”

Throughout each store, the wine selections have been significantly expanded and diversified as well as organized by appellation. In the Oakville location guests can discover wines from nearly 300 Napa Valley vintners and in Healdsburg they can browse through an equally large selection of Sonoma County producers. The flagship location in Napa Valley also has two new spaces dedicated to wine: a “cave” where guests can sample the highest-end wines from the Napa Tech machines as well as a wine vault that guests can enter and make selections from, as if they’re perusing their own wine cellar at home. A wine vault is also planned for the Healdsburg location, which has a revamped and upgraded main floor wine section.

The robust and diverse wine offerings are now available through a unique wine club. The Oakville Grocery Wine Society offers wine enthusiasts the opportunity to continue their journey through the wine country of Napa Valley through quarterly shipments of wines, many of which are small lot and hard to find. Society members receive access to private tasting experiences as well as a 10% discount on reorders and store purchases. The society has four different levels: Embarcadero, with a three-bottle allocation averaging $225; Expedition, with a three-bottle allocation averaging $450; Quicksilver, with a 3- or 6-bottle allocation averaging $1,050 or $2,100; and Savant, which offers the selections of the most exclusive and hard-to-procure wines, and is available exclusively by invitation for the most discerning collectors.

As a community fixture in the hearts of Napa Valley and Healdsburg, Boisset welcomes chefs, friends, neighbors and visitors to come in to shop. Oakville Grocery is also committed to its community and invites artisans and purveyors to bring in their products for consideration for sale. A steadfast practitioner of Biodynamic and organic farming, through the new food selection at the groceries, Boisset is spreading its mission for people to “take a stand for the future of food” and carefully consider what they are putting in their bodies. As part of this ideal Boisset has improved and expanded the line of Oakville Grocery-branded proprietary offerings — such as vinegar, olive oil, preserves, tapenade, mustards, charcuterie and beer — while at the same time ensuring they derived from more local sources.

“Our motto is ‘Eat Local, Drink Local, Picnic Local.’ We want to sell products that are made as close to Oakville Grocery as possible,” said Oakville Grocery General Manager Barry Dinsmore, referencing both the Oakville and Healdsburg locations of the store. He estimated that 70% of products in the stores hail from California, with another 20% from the U.S. and the remaining 10% international.

One of the new food providers Oakville Grocery has partnered with is Ohm Coffee Roasters. The Napa Valley-based company led by former sommelier and wine marketing professional Derek Bromley is the exclusive coffee provider for both the Oakville and Healdsburg locations. The Oakville location now has a coffee machine from La Marzocco, the benchmark Italian brand, as a central feature of the upgraded coffee program.

In addition to new foods and wines, the Oakville location has a renovated patio with new furniture and umbrellas to better enable guests to take in views of some of Napa Valley’s most notable landmarks—the Mayacamas Mountains and the landmark To Kalon vineyard to the west and the valley’s highest point, Mt. St. Helena, to the north. Guests can soak up the atmosphere while enjoying sandwiches and salads from the deli cases inside; delicious pizza, burgers and sandwiches made in the wood-fired outdoor oven; or locally raised roasted chickens from the rotisserie, along with wine selected from the grocery or the new, adjacent 1881 Napa tasting room. The Healdsburg patio, which has 40 seats and is one of the only outdoor eating spaces near the Healdsburg Plaza, will also soon have an updated look.

1881 Napa derives its name from the history of Oakville Grocery, which was founded in 1874 as a general store by P.B. O’Neil and then transitioned into a community hub in 1881 under the auspices of Jim and Jennie McQuaid.

“None of us own 1881 Napa or Oakville Grocery. We are just guests in their history. These places will outlive us,” said Boisset.

More Information
In Oakville, Oakville Grocery is located at 7856 St. Helena Highway. Oakville Grocery is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday through September. The phone number is 707.944.8802, and the catering team can be contacted by emailing cateringnv@oakvillegrocery.com.

In Healdsburg, Oakville Grocery is located at 124 Matheson Street and is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday through September. The phone number is 707.433.3200, and the catering team can be contacted by emailing cateringhb@oakvillegrocery.com

About Boisset Collection
Boisset is a family-owned collection of historic and unique wineries and lifestyle destinations led by Jean-Charles Boisset and bound together by a common vision: authentic, terroir-driven wines in harmony with their history, their future and the land and people essential to their existence. With more than 25 historical and prestigious still and sparkling wineries in the world’s preeminent terroirs, including Burgundy, Beaujolais, Jura, the Rhône Valley, the south of France, and California’s Russian River Valley and the Napa Valley. Its California wineries include DeLoach Vineyards, Raymond Vineyards, Buena Vista Winery and JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset; its French properties feature Domaine de la Vougeraie, Jean-Claude Boisset, Bouchard Aîné et Fils, J. Moreau et Fils, Louis Bouillot, Henrie Maire, Fortant and Bonpas. Each house retains its unique history, identity and style, and all are united in the pursuit of fine wines expressive of their terroir. Wine is at the center of Boisset’s mission, and is complemented by spirits, beer, cider, gourmet foods and luxury goods, both of its own design and from partnerships with historic companies such as Baccarat, Lalique, St. Louis, Riedel, Christofle, and Bernardaud. To learn more about the Boisset Collection, please visit www.boissetcollection.com.

U.S. supermarket wines are catching up with European counterparts

September 16, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — U.S. supermarket wines, once considered to be poorly made and rarely worth drinking, scored a major success at the 2019 International Salute to Excellence awards for private label in Amsterdam, winning seven top honors in the category.

Getty images

The award-winning wines were:

From Costco: Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 (Bordeaux, $10), best quality; Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco NV (Italy, $10). best value.

From Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s organic Grower’s Reserve Merlot 2017 (California, $5), best quality; Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2017 (Russian River Valley, $15), best quality.

From Aldi US: Evanta Malbec 2017 (Argentina, $4), best value; Scarlet Path Zinfandel 2017 (Lodi, $8), best quality; Outlander Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Paso Robles, $9), best quality.

This is the best performance ever recorded for wines sold exclusively by U.S. supermarkets, more than doubling the number of 2018 winners. The showing demonstrates that U.S. private label wines continue to get closer to their European counterparts in terms of value and quality – especially among wines costing less than $15. This matters because wines that are sold exclusively by European supermarkets have long been considered among the best wine in the world at combining those two things.

“Don’t overlook private label store wines,” said Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntrye, one of 18 international judges who participated in the 2019 wine awards program. “These were good value, high quality bottlings. Some stores are doing a great job sourcing really good juice.”

Wines were judged in 25 categories by varietal, style, and appellation, and each category was judged for best quality and best value. The 18 men and women who judged the competition came from around the world, and included Masters of Wines, sommeliers, winemakers, wine writers, wine educators, and retailers. They judged 350 wines from 40 retailers in 11 countries.

To see all results for the 2019 judging, visit www.plmasalute.com/wine-awards. The international Salute to Excellence Wine Awards are a competition sponsored by the Private Label Manufacturers Association, with offices in New York and Amsterdam. Founded in 1979, PLMA today represents 4,000 companies who are involved in the manufacture and distribution of store brand products in foods and beverages, as well as home and health products. PLMA sponsors two trade shows annually in Chicago and Amsterdam.

Clavey Vineyard and Winery Wins Top Placements with Wine Enthusiast, Sunset International Wine Competition, and Monterey International Wine Competition

September 11, 2019 by evebushman

NEVADA CITY, Calif. (PRWEB) – Grass Valley-based boutique winery, Clavey Vineyards & Winery, has won top placements from three prestigious establishments: Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Sunset International Wine Competition, and Monterey International Wine Competition.

Wine Enthusiast (will appear in late summer issues)

2015 Syrah – 90 pts
2015 Sangiovese – 91 pts
2016 Rose – 89 pts
2015 Class III – 86 pts

Sunset International Wine Competition

2016 Sangiovese – Gold Award
2016 Syrah – Bronze Award

Monterey International Wine Competition

2015 Sangiovese – 92 pts
2015 Class III – 90 pts

This brings us to 13 awards to date for 2019, including recognition from the esteemed San Francisco Chronicles, West Coast Wine Competition, and the Jefferson Cup Invitational among others.

“My wife Summer and I are excited to bring our boutique winery on a national stage,” says Executive Winemaker Josh Orman. “We are very proud that our family-owned winery is furthering the Sierra Foothill appellation on the wine map. Our dream is to bring more delicious natural wine options to the public.”

From the Sierra Foothills in Northern California, Clavey Vineyards & Winery specializes in unfiltered and unfined wines that are Certified Vegan. With a growing portfolio of award-winning wines, Clavey’s eco-friendly wines are ideal for environmentally conscious wine consumers and those with dietary restrictions.

These wines are now available in several locations including our Tasting Room in Nevada City, the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op, and online at http://www.claveywine.com.

For more about Clavey, please visit http://www.claveywine.com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

PRESQU’ILE WINERY AGAIN SCORES HIGH AMONG USA TODAY’S 10 BEST TASTING ROOMS IN THE UNITED STATES

September 8, 2019 by evebushman

Presqu’ile, the contemporary-styled minimalist estate winery poised high in the hills of Santa Maria with stunning ocean and vineyard views, has announced their second year win in USA TODAY’s 2019 National Readers Poll of 10 Best Tasting Rooms across the United States. Presqu’ile proudly served as the only representative and entry from Santa Barbara County, a region rich with over 200 wineries and tasting rooms. The top ten winners were announced late August.

“It’s always been our mission at the Presqu’ile tasting room is to share our passion for the wines from Santa Maria Valley and our estate vineyard in a relaxed, elegant setting while providing world-class hospitality,” states Matt Murphy, co-founder and president. “This nomination for the top 10 Best Tasting Rooms and eight place finish in the poll is a testament to the hard work our team puts in daily to deliver this experience. They are an extension of our family and do an incredible job living up to our high expectations for the guest experience at Presqu’ile. A huge thanks to our friends and extended family who voted for us; we are so appreciative of the support.”

Nominees for USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties and included experts Jill Barth, a Provence Wine Master; Shana Clarke, Wine Editor for inside.com and contributor to Eat Sip Trip; Karen MacNeil, one of the foremost wine experts in the U.S.; Ziggy Eschliman, publisher of ZiggytheWineGal; and June Rodil, a Master Sommelier, all chosen for their knowledge of wine and the American wine scene.

All voting is digitally submitted by the public, and the 10Best Readers’ Choice Award contest is accessible on the 10Best.com website. 10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. The team of local travel experts is a well-traveled and well-educated group who are not only experts in their fields – and their cities – but discriminating in their tastes. These local experts live in the city they write about and the content is constantly updated. 10Best.com averages 5 million visitors per month.

The Murphy family’s efforts have established Presqu’ile as one of the Santa Maria Valley’s defining wineries, recognized for making balanced and sophisticated cool-climate wines. From directing the planting of the Presqu’ile Vineyard to overseeing the design and construction of the state-of-the-art gravity-flow winery, shaping the elegant stylistic identity of the winery’s Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, to shaping the tasting experience, the Murphys’ collective vision has established Presqu’ile as one of California’s leading wineries. And thanks to USA TODAY it is now a must stop on anyone’s wine-bucket list.

ABOUT PRESQU’ILE WINERY:

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile (pronounced press-KEEL) is a small, family-run winery dedicated to making exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Presqu’ile is a multigenerational collaboration between Madison and Suzanne Murphy, their three adult children, Matt, Anna and Jonathan, and their daughters-in-law, Amanda and Lindsey. No strangers to agriculture, four generations of the wine-loving Murphy family have been farming land in Louisiana for almost a century. Led by eldest son Matt Murphy, the family founded Presqu’ile—the Creole word for “almost an island”—both as a tribute to a beloved Gulf Coast family gathering place that was lost in Hurricane Katrina, and because they envisioned Presqu’ile as an island-like haven amid the vines. Also on the team is rising star winemaker Dieter Cronje.

The Santa Maria Valley is one of the most distinctive winegrowing appellations in the world. With one of the longest growing seasons in all of California. The Santa Maria Valley is a true cool-climate winegrowing region, yielding wines of extraordinary elegance and purity—qualities that define the world’s best Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. To preserve the complexity of these grapes, the Murphys worked with acclaimed San Francisco-based Taylor Lombardo Architects to create a gravity-flow winery designed to Matt and Dieter’s specifications. And to ensure that each wine reflects its vineyard, Dieter practices a naturally minimalist approach to winemaking, with a focus on whole clusters, native yeasts and modest new oak. As a result, Presqu’ile’s wines are pure and purposeful, conveying the authentic charm, complexity and signature Santa Maria spice that have made the wines of the Santa Maria Valley famous among enthusiasts of elegant and balanced wines. In addition to being featured by USA TODAY, Presqu’ile Winery has received accolades in numerous publications including Vinous; Santa Barbara News-Press; The Daily Meal; Santa Barbara Independent’s “Tastings To Do;” Condé Nast Traveler’s “Beautiful Wineries in California;” Must Do Travel Show and the Travel Channel.

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PRESQU’ILE WINERY

5391 Presqu’ile Drive

Santa Maria, CA 93455

Phone 805.937.8110

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American Cheese Society Announces 2019 Judging and Competition Winning Cheeses

September 7, 2019 by evebushman

RICHMOND, Va. (PRWEB) – “Stockinghall,” from Murray’s Cheese in New York, was named “Best of Show” among 1,742 entries at the American Cheese Society’s (ACS) 2019 Judging & Competition. The results were announced tonight at the 36th Annual ACS Conference: Virginia Is For Cheese Lovers™, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, Virginia. Second place “Best of Show” went to “Professor’s Brie” from Wegmans Food Markets in New York. Third place “Best of Show” was awarded to “Aries” from Shooting Star Creamery in California.

This year’s “Best of Show” cheeses indicate that the traditional European practice of producers working in collaboration with “affineurs” is growing in the U.S. Affinage is the practice of aging cheese in caves carefully regulated in temperature and humidity. Both the first and second place “Best of Show” cheeses were created through such partnerships between cheesemakers—in this case, Old Chatham Creamery—and affineurs, in this case both retailers. First place winner “Stockinghall” was produced by Old Chatham Creamery then handed over to Murray’s Cheese to age in their Long Island City caves, while “Professor’s Brie,” also made by Old Chatham Creamery, was aged in Wegmans Food Markets’ caves in Rochester, New York.

“We worked with Old Chatham Creamery for several years to make ‘Stockinghall,’ which is their only cheddar,” said Josh Windsor, affineur for Murray’s Cheese. “Aged cheddars are finicky and hard to produce—this cheese was truly a labor of love.”

“It has been a wonderful experience to work with our team to create our cheese caves in Rochester and work with cheesemakers on unique cheeses for Wegmans,” said Cathy Gaffney, vice president at Wegmans Food Markets and ACS board president. “’Professor’s Brie’ was named in honor of Dave Galton, owner of Old Chatham, and my former professor at Cornell University. This award is proof that this model of production can create phenomenal American artisan cheese.”

“We’re so proud of the Old Chatham team and our partners,” said David Galton, owner of Old Chatham Creamery, “We strive to make cheeses that meet the high standards of our partners, who are truly the best creameries in the American artisan cheese industry.”

Growing from just 89 entries 35 years ago, the ACS Judging & Competition this year welcomed cheeses and cultured dairy products from 257 companies. Competing entries represented 35 U.S. states, 4 Canadian provinces, Mexico and Brazil. ACS awarded a total of 433 awards including 139 gold medals, 143 silver medals and 151 bronze medals.

“It’s an exciting year for American cheese,” said Nora Weiser, ACS executive director, “We have new producers, new production models and fresh new faces that are pushing the envelope and expanding creativity and collaboration within American artisan cheese.”

Third place winner “Aries” was created by cheese industry newcomer Avery Jones. Only 15 years old, Jones proves that exceptional cheeses aren’t only produced by established cheesemakers. The daughter of Reggie Jones of Central Coast Creamery in Paso Robles, California, she is part of a new generation driving excellence and innovation in the American artisan cheese industry.

“Watching Avery become the cheesemaker she is today has been amazing,” said Lindsey Mendes, production manager of Central Coast Creamery. “Cheesemaking takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears, and it’s heartening to see that the younger generation is so passionate about the industry. This win couldn’t have happened without the entire Central Coast Creamery team.”

For a list of this year’s winners and judges, visit https://www.cheesesociety.org/competition-winners. The 2019 ACS Judging & Competition Media Kit breaks down awards by product, dairy location and milk source, as well as producers’ contact information. The 37th Annual ACS Conference & Competition will take place on July 22 – July 25, 2020, in Portland, Oregon.

About the American Cheese Society
The American Cheese Society (ACS) is the leader in promoting and supporting American cheeses. At 1,800 members strong, ACS provides the cheese community with educational resources and networking opportunities, while encouraging the highest standards of cheesemaking focused on safety and sustainability. ACS strives to continually raise the quality and availability of artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheese in the Americas. Since its founding in 1983, ACS proudly hosts America’s foremost annual educational conference and world-renowned cheese judging and competition. For more information, visit https://www.cheesesociety.org.

This September Visit Temecula Valley Celebrates Autumnfest

September 5, 2019 by evebushman

TEMECULA, Calif. (PRWEB) – Plan a visit to Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country for food, wine, festivals, and unique harvest-themed activities during the changing colors on the vines. The season comes alive this harvest with a variety of must-see events including Temecula Valley Wine Month throughout September, as well as three entertaining festivals that round out the unique opportunities. Visitors to the region who book a 3-5-night, Sun-Thurs, stay will enjoy the season’s best with the bonus of smaller crowds and more intimate experiences. Temecula Valley is conveniently located in the center of Southern California, just 60 minutes from San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs, and 90 minutes south of Los Angeles.

Wine Month & Wine Events
Throughout the month of September, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, wine tasting with the SIP Passport, tours through wine country, food and drink pairings at winery restaurants, and the annual CRUSH Wine & Culinary Showcase. CRUSH is a one-day event on September 28, 2019 featuring 30-plus wineries, live entertainment, and artisan food bites from local restaurants.

Sip Sip Stay is a great way to enjoy wine month. The promotion includes one complimentary SIP Passport with a two-night stay, or two complimentary SIP Passports with a three-night stay.

Entertainment in Temecula Valley Wine Country includes Symphony in the Vines and Lauren Alaina Country Concert at Wilson Creek Winery, Warrant Concert at Wiens Family Cellars, popular cover bands at several wineries, Shakespeare in the Vines at Baily Winery, and Movies in the Vines at Lorimar Winery and Vitagliano Winery.

Harvest Festivals & Events
Visitors young and old are invited to find their way through the largest corn maze in southern California at Big Horse Harvest Festival. The festival also includes hayrides, a corn cannon, pumpkin patch ripe for picking, kiddie rides, food vendors, a pie-eating contests, and so much more. Peltzer Farms invites families to their farm experience that includes a pumpkin patch, kiddie train ride, gem mining, pig races, tractor garden, games and more.

Ralph Love Plein Air Festival, named in honor of historical local artist Ralph Love, celebrates the artistic heritage of Temecula Valley with an outdoor painting and art competition. Visitors can stroll the streets of Old Town during the weeklong event held September 26 through October 4. Artists create their masterpieces “en plein air” (in open air) on the scenic streets of Old Town Temecula.

Gunfighter’s Show at The Hotel Temecula in Old Town is held every Saturday. Be ready for an Old West shoot out at high noon and 2:00 pm.

Headless Horseman Haunted Hayride is at the historic site of Vail Headquarters. The wagon is pulled by draft horses through a scenic path while riders hear the narrated legend of Vail Hallow. It’s appropriate for all ages but it gets scarier as the night gets later.

Ride in at the Ranch features more than 100 classic and custom motorcycles, a classic MX display, and classic cars. There will be bands, food, brews, vendors, live street art, and more.

Old Town Temecula Outdoor Quilt Show this October will feature quilters, exhibits, demonstrations, a quilt walk, and quilt auctions. Hundreds of quilts will be on display in shops and hanging from eaves, balconies, and porches.

Greek Festival of Temecula Valley invites visitors to “Experience the Treasures of Greece” with authentic food vendors and delicious Greek pastries, a Mediterranean marketplace, children’s game area, live Greek music and folk dancing, as well as a Greek Wine, Beer, and Liquor area.

Temecula Valley Bocce Ball Tournament is a day-long competition between wineries with a finale at Wilson Creek Winery where the winning team will compete against celebrity Mario Lopez and his team.

Battle of the Burgers has local restaurants competing for the Best Burger award at Pechanga Resort Casino. Culinary students also compete for the best loaded fries. There are more burgers and fries than attendees can consume.

Live entertainment at Pechanga through Autumnfest includes concerts with headliners like Deep Purple, Steely Dan, Air Supply, Steve Miller Band, and Peter Frampton. Also, ventriloquist Terry Fator will perform in November.

Thanksgiving Feasts at restaurants in Temecula Valley Wine Country and Old Town Temecula. Whether you’re celebrating Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving with friends and family, Temecula Valley makes for a stress-free holiday getaway.

For more information about all these Autumnfest events and more, see the events calendar at VisitTemeculaValley.com.

About Visit Temecula Valley
Laid back, picturesque Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country welcomes more than three million visitors each year. It is a year-round vacation destination, located 60 minutes from San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs; 90 minutes from Los Angeles.

Temecula Valley Wine Country is widely recognized for its scenic vineyards, award-winning wines, and experiential wineries. The popular boutique destination includes the Temecula Valley A.V.A. (American Viticulture Area) as well as historic Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort Casino. It also was named as a 2019 Wine Enthusiast 10 Best Wine Travel Destination.

Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors. The Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula. For visitor information and assistance, please call (888) 363-2852 or go to VisitTemeculaValley.com.

Santa Ynez Valley: a trip for any generation

September 2, 2019 by evebushman

(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — A perfect trip to the Santa Ynez Valley means just a little something different for every visitor. This is exactly what makes the wine country of California’s Central Coast such a gem: With so many incredible options and attractions — from morning hikes that peak with Pacific Ocean views to lush vineyards that produce a broad array of varietals to a diverse culinary scene rooted in the farm-to-table movement — the Santa Ynez Valley offers more than a few things for everyone.

Casa Dumetz Tasting Room.

It’s like a Choose Your Own Adventure book … but with better wine.

Less than 45 minutes from the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), two hours from Los Angeles, and four hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, getting to the Santa Ynez Valley is the easy part. Choosing from the array of unforgettable experiences that the six distinct communities of the Santa Ynez Valley offer is the bigger challenge.

Here are a few suggested itineraries to help you get started:

For the Baby Boomer

Arrive in late afternoon at the Santa Ynez Inn or the Ballard Inn, two of the most charming and romantic wine country bed and breakfasts in California. Once settled in, head to dinner at the Ballard Inn’s The Gathering Table, where award-winning chef Budi Kazali melds Asian and French cuisine to create a truly unique dining experience.

Begin the day with an Old West exploration of the shops, museums, and galleries of Santa Ynez. Then have a local wine tour operator pick you up for a day of wine tasting. First stop is The Lucky Hen Larder, where a gourmet picnic lunch will be prepared and packaged for you to enjoy at one of the many picturesque estate vineyards near Santa Ynez. Finish the day with dinner at S.Y. Kitchen, where you’ll treat yourself to fresh, modern Italian dishes that are almost entirely locally sourced.

Day Two starts with a spa treatment at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa or the The Spa at The Chumash Casino Resort. Next, move to downtown Los Olivos, enjoying lunch at the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe. Save time for the boutique shopping, art, and tasting rooms that have given Los Olivos so much character. Then cruise the estate vineyards of Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Cap a perfect day and trip with the refined ranch cuisine of The Bear & Star.

For the Gen X family

The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott or the “glamping” experience at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground make Buellton the perfect base for family travelers. In Buellton you’ll find a visit to Ostrichland USA will please the kids while two family-friendly breweries, Figueroa Mountain and Firestone Walker, will help adults unwind after a day of travel.

Day One begins in the storybook Danish-American town of Solvang. Enjoy a famed Aebleskiver at Solvang Restaurant, then treat the kids to a chocolate-making or cookie-decorating experience at one of Solvang’s authentic Danish bakeries. After lunch, it’s time for a group horseback ride through the vineyard with Vino Vaqueros or KAP Land & Cattle. Then relax with a family-friendly wine tasting at Buttonwood Farm and Winery. Return to Solvang for some fun at The Ultimate Escape Room or Space VR (virtual reality) and some authentic Italian at Leonardo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.

Day Two begins at Nojoqui Falls State Park, where a relatively short, shady hike ends with a big payoff. Stop at El Rancho Marketplace for picnic supplies, then head to Lake Cachuma for a day of fishing, wildlife viewing, or water recreation. Finish the day with a casual dinner at La Tequila in Buellton.

For the Millennial

Make your basecamp in the Scandinavian chic confines of The Landsby, an urban retreat in downtown Solvang, or the themed rooms of The Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos, nestled in the foodie haven of Los Alamos. Start the trip with dinner at PICO at the Los Alamos General Store, named by Wine Enthusiast as among the best wine country restaurants anywhere.

Begin the first full day with breakfast at The Baker’s Table in Santa Ynez followed by a glider ride over the Santa Ynez Valley from Cloud 9 Glider Rides, which operates out of the Santa Ynez Airport. After the ride, head to Los Olivos for a tour and tasting at Global Gardens, renowned for its estate-produced, organic olive oils. Return to Los Alamos, where tasty eats such as the moules frites at Bell’s await. Visit the urban tasting rooms such as Casa Dumetz and finish the day with dinner at Full of Life Flatbread, a pioneer of Los Alamos’ culinary scene.

Begin the second day with a scenic three-hour hike through Gaviota State Park, which includes 2,775 acres of oak-dotted trails, a natural hot spring, and views of the Pacific Ocean. After the hike, grab lunch at Industrial Eats in Buellton then explore the wineries around the area, including Standing Sun Wine, which boasts a unique combination of wine, art and music. End with dinner at First & Oak in Solvang for a truly intimate experience.

For more information or to begin planning a trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, visit visitsyv.com.