Eve's Wine 101

Embrace California’s Newest Beverage Frontier With “Space For Savoring” Lompoc’s Wine Country

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Lompoc, CA – As the wine harvest approaches next month, what better time than now to escape to Lompoc, home to some of the industry’s most creative beverage makers. From estate wineries to regional brews, this Central California city in Santa Barbara County is bursting with refreshing wine and beer choices. Below are top picks to experience the destination’s wine bar scene and new and existing craft breweries.

https://explorelompoc.com/lompoc-wine-tasting/

https://explorelompoc.com/wine-bars-breweries-pubs/

Lompoc is located in a valley, which provides a consistent, ideal climate for grapes. As a result, several wineries and vineyards have popped up in and around the region. There are four main must experience wine-tasting areas: 

1. Lompoc Wine Ghetto

Lompoc possesses a hip industrial park area that transformed into a wine-lovers paradise, affectionately called the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Inside, are 11 small, boutique wineries and tasting rooms that locals and visitors adore.

While visiting “the ghetto,” try: 

2. Midtown Wineries

Just a few blocks from Midtown Lompoc, visitors find a handful of wineries that are worth a stop. Brewer-Clifton, Longoria Wines, Turiya Wines and Camins 2 Dreams make up the Midtown Wineries. Here’s a list on these top spots: 

  • Brewer-Clifton
    Owner Greg Brewer was recently named Winemaker of the Year at this well-known winery, and is the man behind the flavorful wines on tap. Tastings are served by appointment only at this location, and when visitors set up a time to visit, they can try the 2015 Acin Pinot Noir.
  • Longoria Wines
    Established in 1982, Longoria is a small family-owned winery producing acclaimed artisanal wines. Travelers cannot miss this location, as it resembles a red barn. During a visit, taste the 2016 Chardonnay Cuvee Diana. The winery is open daily
  • Turiya Wines
    It is at this boutique winery that one can sample entirely hand-crafted red blends and Bordeaux-style wines. The tasting room is open on Friday and Saturday. If you swing by, try the 2016 Chardonnay Cuvee Diana.
  • Camins 2 Dreams
    Camins 2 Dreams makes their wine with grapes sourced from Sta. Rita Hills vineyards. The boutique winery looks forward to sharing their love of wine with each guest.

3. Sta. Rita Hills Wineries

A short drive outside of town takes visitors to the rolling landscape of Sta. Rita Hills. Here one will discover large estate vineyards and wineries, most of which are open daily. Here are a few suggestions for a countryside wine tour: 

  • Babcock Winery and Vineyards
    This winery has a hangar-sized tasting room with a retro rock-and-rock theme. It’s a great spot for a group of friends to visit. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon “Block 15” is a must-try.
  • Dierberg Starlane
    With 40+ years of winemaking experience, the owners of Dierberg Starlane know what it takes to make good wine. Wine enthusiasts can stop in and enjoy a flight of five wines
  • for $25.
  • Sanford Winery & Vineyards
    The Sanford family was among the first to start vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills regions and specialize in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. For a truly distinctive experience, consider taking an ATV tour of the vineyard and follow it up with a tasting. 
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  • Sta. Rita Hills Wine Center
  • At the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Center, grape lovers can experience three award-winning tasting rooms. Book a private tour or enjoy a tasting on the delightful patio area.

Lompoc’s craft brewery and wine bar scene

The region is known for its wines, but a number of bars serve handcrafted beers from the area too. For those in the mood for a draft or wish to relax at a wine bar, try these locations:

·         PCH Street Wine Lounge
Stop by the PCH Street Wine Lounge in historic old town Lompoc for a fun time and delicious wine. This Wine Lounge has a great selection of beer and wine on tap or by the bottle. Check their calendar for trivia and karaoke nights.

·         Cold Coast Brewing Company
Opened by four Lompoc locals, Cold Coast, which debuted this year, features great beers on tap like their Tropical IPA or the Happy Blonde.

·         Solvang Brewing Co. Hoptions Taproom & Eatery
Hoptions offers visitors a wide selection of craft beers at their on-site taproom. Enjoy a cold beer and delicious food.

·         Tap & Cork
Located in Old Town, the Tap & Cork is a local pub with a dozen local and regional beers on tap. Pool tables, karaoke, and poker nights add to the fun.

·         Jasper’s
The locals love Jasper’s and you will too. It has 20+ beers on tap and a pool table that’s ready for action. 

Travelers can spend an entire weekend enjoying the crafted drinks throughout the Lompoc area. Prior to a visit, book a hotel room, and use the recon above to plan their tasting itinerary.

ABOUT LOMPOC                                                                                                                                                                             Lompoc’s New Cold Coast Brewing Company

Located on scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, just 155 miles northwest from Los Angeles with close proximity to Santa Barbara and Solvang, Lompoc takes on a world of its own. Its valley setting, surrounded

by spectacular rolling hills and vineyards, creates an invitation for visitors to detour off the main road, and explore what’s around the bend. Lompoc is a destination for wine tasting, golf, cycling, hiking, skydiving, birding, and surfing at nearby Jalama Beach. It is home to La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, the most fully restored and furnished of the 21 California missions, and adjacent to Vandenberg Air Force Base, where rockets are launched throughout the year by such entities as NASA, SpaceX, and ULA, to name a few.Lompoc has 12 hotels to welcome visitors. To discover more about the Lompoc Valley, and the range of things to see and do, visit: www.explorelompoc.com.   

Wine Country Resorts to Visit This Summer

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ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – When planning summer vacation time, travelers from far and near seeking natural beauty, exquisite food and wine experiences, unique-to-the-location adventures and attractions and luxurious getaway amenities and hospitality should consider one or more of these wine country resorts – all with special programming and easy access to the country’s finest wineries.

Silverado Resort and Spa – Napa Valley

Tucked into the rolling hills of legendary Napa Valley, Silverado Resort and Spa offers wine aficionados proximity to over 400 wineries, and the resort’s Best of the Valley wine tastings on Saturdays feature sommelier-led tastings of selections from highly respected local wineries. Outdoor activity enthusiasts will love the two championship golf courses, 10 tennis courts, bike and hiking trails and three swimming pools at the resort. Other customized features for Wellness guests to enjoy are the spa’s 30 fitness classes offered weekly and over 30 spa treatments available.

New This Summer: Daily yoga classes in the historic, tranquil Mansion Garden

Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa – Texas Hill Country

Located along 290 Wine Road between Johnson City and Fredericksburg in rugged, naturally beautiful Texas Hill Country, Carter Creek is the only winery resort in this wine country –which is home to over 50 wineries – that also houses a brewery, producing seasonal craft beers that beer lovers will want to savor. The winery’s award-winning wines include blended Plateau Red and white blended Gloriosa, and for music lovers, there’s live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. Vacationers will want to be outdoors for all the nearby recreational offerings: hiking, biking, bird watching, kayaking, boating, horseback riding, golfing, fishing, caving and more.

New This Summer: Full-service Spa opening with five treatment rooms featuring organic ingredients

Carter Estate Winery and Resort – Temecula Valley

The resort is situated on 109 pristine acres, near more than 40 other esteemed Temecula wineries and many visitor attractions, including Harveston Lake Park for walking, jogging and summer boating, and the location is known for hot air ballooning adventures and horse-drawn carriage rides through the vineyards. Wine lovers appreciate that Carter Estate has a roster of award-winning wines and is especially known for its delicious méthode champenoise sparklings. For comfort and pampering, there are 60 luxurious villas with private patios steps away from the winery vineyards.

New This Summer: Exclusive Méthode Champenoise Tasting Experience in collaboration with Grazing Theory Cheese, available on Saturdays and Sundays

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa – Temecula Valley

Beautifully situated on 63 lush acres of rolling vineyards, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and is the only full-service resort and spa in the valley. For oenophiles and new wine appreciators, this multi-award-winning winery has been distinguished as a four-time winner of California Winery of the Year and offers over 45 wines to taste. Gourmet dining attracts food lovers to The Vineyard Rose Restaurant with appealing summer al fresco dining on the landscaped patio. For vacation pampering, GrapeSeed Spa touts 22 treatment rooms with patios with fountains and features a yoga studio.

Happening This Summer: Rhythm on the Vine® Concert Series featuring jazz, pop and country performers

Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach – Central Coast

An idyllic beachfront boutique resort along the Pacific with near proximity to Central Coast’s famed wine regions of Arroyo Grande, Edna Valley, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and Cambria, this noted region for wine lovers includes more than 250 wineries. Vespera Resort hosts regular wine dinners with outstanding wine partner participation. After a day of wine tasting, guests can enjoy Vespera Resort’s beachfront location and, at night, its Stargazing Program with in-room collapsible telescopes to take outside to the Starlight Lawn. Special attraction for dog owners is the Pismo Pub Club that welcomes best furry friends to the resort with all kinds of amenities.

New This Summer: Tacos & Beer Menu offered along with live entertainment on Starlight Lawn on Saturday afternoons overlooking the Pacific

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association Presents Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine for the 100th Anniversary and 2022 Season

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LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association has announced details of the menus for the 2022 Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine season in celebration of the Bowl’s 100th anniversary milestone. Now into the seventh year with award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine promises exceptional dining for visitors to the iconic venue. Goin and Styne’s culinary history has defined Los Angeles tastes since 1998 when they opened Lucques, their legendary first restaurant. At the Hollywood Bowl, their California-inspired offerings include three restaurants and three marketplaces. Additionally, menus for the Terrace and Garden Boxes, which can be ordered a day in advance, are created by four-time James Beard Foundation award-winner Suzanne Goin. Goin’s vibrant new summer dishes pair beautifully with the exceptional wine and beer programs curated by Caroline Styne, the recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s 2018 Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year award. Overseeing the broad range of dining options serving Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s thousands of nightly guests is Executive Chef Jeff Rogers.

Returning for the 2022 season are the fan-favorites Winemaker Wednesdays and Sunday Market Tastings – an eight-week program of complimentary wine tastings at the Plaza Marketplace with guest winemakers, importers, sommeliers, and breweries hand-selected by Caroline Styne. Caroline also introduces a broad selection of vegan and organic wines this year that can be discovered in the marketplaces with other new natural wines on the restaurants’ lists, including Scribe, Broc Cellars and Perichor.

Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s many dining options include three sit-down restaurants, street-food kiosks, pre-ordered picnic boxes, and a full-service dinner delivered to your box seat. For private events, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine provides catering at several locations for groups both large and small.

New additions for the 2022 Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine portfolio are highlighted below:

Supper in Your Seats – Available by pre-order online until 4PM the day before a performance, Supper in Your Seats offers curated three-course dinners or customized meals from à la carte selections delivered right to your box seats.

Menu Highlight: The 101 – red and green little gems with cucumbers, meyer lemon, cherry tomatoes and basil buttermilk; choice of torchio pasta with heirloom tomatoes, pancetta, parmigiano reggiano and garlic breadcrumbs (vegan option) or chicken under a brick with chickpeas, piperade, black olive and saffron; and basque cheesecake with blueberries and candied lemon.

Newly available Supper in Your Seats items for 2022 include:

·         smashed carrots and marinated beets with tahini yogurt, dandelion and toasted seeds

·         seared albacore with weiser potatoes, braised leeks, salsa verde and dijon

·         sea bass with white beans, rapini, coriander crushed almonds and piri piri

·         veal osso buco with saffron risotto, asparagus, pea shoots and meyer lemon salsa

Ann’s Wine Bar by A.O.C – Showcasing a wine list personally curated by Caroline Styne, Los Angeles’ favorite wine bar comes to life at the Hollywood Bowl with a wine-friendly menu of artisanal cheese and charcuterie, farmer’s plates, grilled flatbreads, market-fresh salads and A.O.C.-style fish and meats. There are also craft brews and farmers’ market-driven cocktails made with soju and other wine-based liquors.

Newly available Ann’s Wine Bar by A.O.C. items for 2022 include:

·         grilled flatbreadwith asparagus, wilted leeks, taleggio, mint and pistachios

·         prawns with yellow tomato confit, sofrito and parsley aioli

·         halibut with green rice, rajas, crème fraiche, and squash blossoms

the backyard – The al fresco dining area, adjacent to the amphitheater, is flanked by two large wood-burning grills and offers an updated seasonal market-driven menu of summer salads, an extensive raw bar, and side dishes in addition to the wood-grilled selection of fresh fish, seafood, organic chicken, chops and steaks.

Newly available items for the backyard in 2022 include:

·         hungry cat’s kampachi with plums, herbs and chermoula

·         pan con tomate with heirloom tomatoes, alorena olives, salsa verde and monte enebro

·         white trumpet mushrooms with summer vegetables méchoui, harissa and pine nuts

·         scottish salmon with grilled nectarines, pickled fresnos, crème fraîche and pistachio

·         za’atar lamb chops with smoked eggplant, cucumber and preserved lemon labneh

Picnic Boxes – All five of Suzanne Goin’s complete picnic boxes can be pre-ordered a day before a concert and picked up at the Plaza Marketplace or delivered to your box seats.

Menu Highlight: The Westside Story – grilled chicken breast with almond sofrito; fregola with chickpeas, carrots and spinach; marinated beets with horseradish and parsley; baguette with tapenade; and Larder Baking Company chocolate chip cookie.

Kitchen 22 – Made-to-order beef and veggie burgers, Suzanne’s spanish fried chicken, grilled comté cheese on larder sourdough and savory sandwiches anchor the Hollywood Bowl’s tribute to American classic fare.

Menu Highlight: classic double-bacon cheeseburgers

Marketplaces – Three Marketplace locations – Plaza, East, and West – specialize in “grab-and-go” salads, sandwiches, and farmers’ market-driven main courses, as well as charcuterie, cheese plates, desserts, and Magpies Softserve ice cream. The west-side Marketplace includes a sushi bar where chefs prepare premium sushi, available for pre-order or to purchase on-site.

Showcasing the best of Goin and Styne’s casual Larder café-marketplace, these Hollywood Bowl venues also feature a large selection of hand-picked wines, craft beers, sodas, and waters, as well as salty and sweet snacks including cookies and brownies, candy, nuts and crackers.

Menu Highlight: Endless Love for Two – salmon & avocado roll – 4 pieces; spicy shrimp roll – 4 pieces; spicy tuna roll – 4 pieces; and tuna roll – 4 pieces

Lucques at the Circle – This is a full-service dining experience for Pool Circle subscribers, showcasing a seasonal made-to-order menu and exceptional wine list styled from the award-winning cuisine of Lucques.

Menu Highlights: lobster risotto carbonara with pancetta, pea shoots and wild mushrooms; wild striped bass with papa pomodoro, purple tomatoes and smoked paprika butter; and cornmeal shortcake with peaches, strawberries and poured ice cream.

Street Food and Snacks – Authentic street foods can be found throughout the grounds of the Hollywood Bowl, including tacos, artisanal pizzas, pulled pork BBQ sandwich, assorted sandwiches and beverages. The Sweet Shop offers signature desserts, cookies and brownies as well as coffee and ice cream. New this year, visitors will find local favorites Magpies Softserve’s ice cream pies as well as their mix-in ice creams, which include non-dairy and vegan options.

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Please visit Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine for more information about the food and wine experiences available at the Hollywood Bowl. High-res photos can be downloaded HERE. Photo credit Rob Stark.

About the Hollywood Bowl

One of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000, the Hollywood Bowl has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922 and plays host to the finest artists from all genres of music, offering something for everyone. It remains one of the best deals anywhere in Los Angeles; to this day, $1 buys a seat at the top of the Bowl for many classical and jazz performances. In June 2021, the Hollywood Bowl was awarded Amphitheater of the Decade at the 32nd Annual Pollstar Awards. It was also awarded the Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year award at the 31st Annual Pollstar Awards, an honor bestowed 14 previous times, as well as Top Amphitheater prize at the 2017 and 2018 Billboard Touring Awards. For millions of music lovers across Southern California, the Hollywood Bowl is synonymous with summer. Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine is presented by the Los Angeles Philharmonic in partnership with The Lucques Group and Sodexo Live!

Breckenridge Wine Classic, Held in the Heart of the Rockies, Returns this September

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GOLDEN, Colo.  – The Breckenridge Wine Classic tickets are now on sale for the September 15-17 festival. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Breckenridge Wine Classic is a three-day festival anchored by the two-day Grand Tasting in addition to unique seminars such as a guided hike and pairing with master winemakers, wine dinners planned by world-class sommeliers, and more than 100 wineries, breweries, distilleries, and epicurean purveyors at this ultimate food, wine and sensory experience.

“The Breckenridge Wine Classic is the accessible wine festival with world-class offerings nestled in the mountains that we always wanted to see,” said Breckenridge Wine Classic Festival Events and Marketing Director Kristen Horpedahl. “With pricing starting at $75, it’s an affordable, yet highly desirable destination, for a weekend getaway with friends, bachelorette party, couples’ trip and more.”

The 2022 Breckenridge Wine Classic, celebrating its eighth year, includes:

  • The Grand Tasting, Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17: The Classic’s Grand Tasting features an impressive selection of hundreds of domestic and international wines, plus premium craft beer and spirits. In an effort to provide a truly intimate tasting experience for patrons, there will be two sessions of the Grand Tasting. Both sessions feature the same beverages and samples.

  • Pairings & Seminars, all weekend: Ticketed seminars play into a variety of interests and activities. You could take a hike with a winemaker followed by a paired lunch; learn the basics of wine pairing at home; or taste why the wine glass really does make all the difference.

  • Wine dinners, Thursday, Sept. 15: Expertly curated wine dinners and paired lunches will be held at local top dining restaurants across Breckenridge with Master Sommeliers and winemakers.

“Whether you are a full-fledged foodie or an emerging gourmand, you are sure to find more than one event to whet your appetite at the wine classic,” said Slater. “There is something for everyone – from tastings next to a Rocky Mountain backdrop, to deeply educational seminars and luncheons, to outdoor adventures with food and wine influences, there are tastes and temptations at every turn.”

More details regarding the seminars and events will be released closer to the festival. Volunteer applications will open in June.

New Survey Shows Many Craft Beer Drinkers Want Brews Shipped Directly to Their Doorsteps, But 75% of States Prohibit Direct-to-Consumer Beer Shipping

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BOSTON (PRWEB) – The interest and enthusiasm for direct-to-consumer (DtC) beer shipping has not waned in 2022, even as the past year has brought some relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted in partnership with the Brewers Association, the second annual Sovos ShipCompliant Beer DtC Shipping Report revealed that many craft beer drinkers do not differentiate between beer and other household goods in terms of what they’d like to have conveniently shipped to their homes.

As part of the Sovos ShipCompliant Direct-to-Consumer Beer Shipping Report, The Harris Poll conducted an online consumer survey on behalf of Sovos ShipCompliant among over 500 regular craft beer drinkers, defined as those who drink craft beer at least once per month. The ShipCompliant/Harris Poll consumer survey found that among the products regular craft beer drinkers would like to be able to purchase and have shipped DtC, beer (54%) is just as popular as wine (49%) and several everyday use items such as clothing (58%), self-care products (57%), paper products (56%), cleaning products (56%) and food (53%). This stands in stark contrast to the fact that interstate direct-to-consumer beer shipping is only legal in 11 states and D.C., while wine can be shipped DtC to 47 states and D.C. Additionally, the survey found that more than 9 in 10 regular craft beer drinkers who would like to purchase beer via DtC shipping (92%) say if they could do so, they would make those beer purchases once a month or more often.

“In 2021, we discovered that the desire for DtC beer shipping skyrocketed due to the limitations on people accessing their favorite beverages in person,” said Larry Cormier, vice president and general manager, Sovos ShipCompliant. “In 2022, we took our research a step further to find out that 68% of regular craft beer drinkers who would like to purchase beer DtC say they would be willing to spend $50 or more a month – highlighting a lost opportunity for the craft brewing industry because the desire for DtC beer can’t be met in the current regulatory landscape.”

Other notable findings in the new report outlined consumer preferences and intent, including:

  • Increased permissions for DtC beer shipping could mean a substantial boost in brewery sales, with three-quarters of regular craft beer drinkers (75%) saying they would purchase more craft beer if they were able to have it shipped directly to their home versus having to go to a retail location to purchase it.
  • Among regular craft beer drinkers who would like to purchase beer DtC, an overwhelming majority (92%) say if they could do so, they would make these purchases once a month or more often, and nearly a third (32%) say they would do so weekly or more often.
  • When asked how much they would be willing to spend on DtC beer purchases each month, roughly two-thirds of regular craft beer drinkers who would like to purchase beer DtC (68%) say they would spend $50 or more, and more than two-in-five (45%) say they would spend $100 or more monthly.
  • College grads are particularly interested in purchasing beer via DtC. Craft beer drinkers with a college degree or higher are more likely than those with a high school diploma or less to say they would like to be able to purchase beer and have it shipped directly to their homes/someone else’s home via a third-party carrier (58% vs. 43%).
  • Among regular craft beer drinkers, adults ages 21-54 are significantly more likely than those ages 55+ to say they plan to purchase beer via DtC shipping in 2022 (73% vs. 45%) and those with children under 18 living in the household are more likely than those without to say they plan to purchase beer via DtC shipping in 2022 (79% vs. 57%).

Market potential for beer surpasses current sales
“Results from this year’s report give us an indication of just how much money is being left on the table for producers and states that forbid DtC beer shipping,” said Bart Watson, chief economist at the Brewers Association. “Based on the findings, it’s clear that expanding DtC shipping would meet consumer demand and boost craft brewery sales.”

DtC beer shipping provides a niche to build brands and sell higher value-added products than those they are growing in traditional distribution, making it an increasingly important tool for small and independent craft breweries to use in driving growth. From the perspective of the Brewers Association, the report shows that the DtC market is poised to grow in the coming years, if the regulatory landscape shifts to support that growth. Beer direct-to-consumer interstate shipping is currently only available to 14.8% of the 21+ U.S. population, versus 96.7% of the 21+ population for wine. Simple parity in shipping availability would grow the potential consumer market 6.5X for beer.

To further understand the regular craft beer drinkers’ desire for DtC beer shipping, as well as to gain insights on potential future behaviors surrounding it, download the full Direct-to-Consumer Beer Shipping Report at dtcbeerreport.com.

Consumer Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Sovos ShipCompliant in January 2022 among 1,951 adults ages 21+, among whom 562 are regular craft beer drinkers, defined as those who drink craft beer at least once per month. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Sovos ShipCompliant at helloship@sovos.com.

About Sovos ShipCompliant
Sovos ShipCompliant has been the leader in automated alcohol beverage compliance tools for more than 15 years, providing a full suite of cloud-based solutions to wineries, breweries, distilleries, importers, distributors and retailers to ensure they meet all federal and state regulations for direct-to-consumer and three-tier distribution. ShipCompliant’s solutions reduce risk, lessen the burden of compliance, accelerate bringing products to market and enable revenue growth. With 60+ partner integrations, Sovos ShipCompliant leads a robust ecosystem of technology partnerships, enabling powerful complementary solutions. For more information, visit https://www.sovos.com/shipcompliant/ and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About the Brewers Association

The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,600-plus U.S. breweries. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. For more information, visit BrewersAssociation.org.

California Wine Festival Announces New 2022 Event Dates

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Santa Barbara, CA — California Wine Festival is pleased to announce the 2022 schedule of signature oceanfront tasting events. Celebrating its 20th year, each festival commemorates the vast offerings from winemaking regions across California, paired with gourmet food selections from local dining purveyors, with live entertainment and sweeping coastal views.

Each two-day event commences with a Friday evening “Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting”, an intimate experience for dedicated wine lovers. Kicking off with a sparkling wine reception, the evening features samplings of hard-to-find trophy wines and offers tasting room exclusives and limited-production wines hailing from vineyards based in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Temecula and more. Top regional chefs will serve delicious hot and cold appetizers to pair with the world-class wines. Each “Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting” overlooks picturesque waterfront landscapes.

The second day boasts a “Beachside Wine Festival”, a sun-splashed daytime event facilitating culinary education and exploration through one-on-one conversations and tastings with culinary and wine talent hailing from California’s top wineries and local restaurants. Attendees will have access to hundreds of premium California wines and regional craft brews. Delectable wines can be paired with samples of artisanal cheeses, fresh-cut fruit, shellfish, salads, olive oil, decadent chocolate and more. Each event will host a live band providing the ultimate soundtrack to a relaxing day while basking in sunshine and enjoying coastal California vistas.

“We aim to showcase what California is known for: the most picturesque strips of coastline globally, and world-class wines,” Emily Kaufmann, Executive Director, California Wine Festival. “At each festival, guests will get the same unrivaled experience at each one of our four seaside locations.”

In addition to promoting and celebrating the fine wines and cuisine of California, each festival aims to advance charitable organizations from each event location. Many of the festivals will feature a silent auction during the Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting to benefit organizations including: Sandy Feet Initiative, Surfrider Foundation of South Orange County, Golden Rule Charity and Food Bank of Santa Barbara County.

EVENT SCHEDULE

CA Wine Festival Dana Point — April 22-23, 2022 **NEW VENUE**

April 22: Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting: Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

April 23: Beachside Wine Festival: Sea Terrace Community Park
Tickets available for pre-sale here.

CA Wine Festival Carlsbad — May 20-21, 2022

May 20: Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, The Gardens

May 21: Beachside Wine Festival: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Heron Lawn

Tickets available for pre-sale here.

CA Wine Festival Santa Barbara — July 15-16, 2022

May 20: Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting: Chase Palm Park, Carousel House

May 21: Beachside Wine Festival: Chase Palm Park, Great Meadow

Tickets available for pre-sale here.

CA Wine Festival Huntington Beach — November 11-12, 2022

November 11: Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting: Paséa Hotel & Spa

November 12: Beachside Wine Festival: Paséa Hotel & Spa

Pre-sale tickets will be available starting March 24.

California Wine Festival is a 21+ event. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit CalifoniaWineFestival.com.

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ABOUT CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL:

California Wine Festival celebrates the fine wines and culinary offerings of California. A nationally recognized event series, California Wine Festival aims to bring attention to the beautiful wines, foods, and landscapes of California. Founded in 2004 in Santa Barbara, California Wine Festival is proud to be one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the state and strives to be a green event producer. In 2019, 90% of the waste from the festivals was diverted from the landfill. A for-profit organization whose mission includes giving back, California Wine Festival has helped raise awareness and funds for local California charities including the Foodbank of Santa Barbara, Surfrider Foundation, and more. CalifoniaWineFestival.com

Carter Creek Winery Racks Up 12 Awards at TXIWC

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JOHNSON CITY, Texas – Carter Creek Winery, located in the heart of Texas Hill Country and owned by the Carter Family, accepted 12 awards at one of the largest wine competitions in Texas – the 5th Annual Texas International Wine Competition (TXIWC). The mission of this yearly competition is to highlight Texas as a prominent viticulture and wine-making region while also raising funds for charitable donations for local community organizations.

Entries from six countries and over 11 U.S. states were blind tasted and judged by panels of three or more industry qualified judges – master sommeliers, masters of wine, certified wine educators, enologists, wine writers, professors, beverage directors, buyers and other influencers – all chosen for their vast experience and well-trained palates.

“We are most pleased that 12 of our Texas High Plains wines from Carter Creek Family Winery won distinguished recognition at TXIWC and especially proud our Plateau Red was awarded Best of Class Texas Red,” said Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality, operating company of Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa. “We too, like the organizers of this competition, are passionate about bringing recognition to Texas viticulture and supporting local community causes,” Carter added.

Veteran master winemaker Jon McPherson, who oversees production of Carter Creek’s award-winning wines, points out the winery’s vineyards in Texas Hill Country produce varietals that are especially unique because of the combination of an extremely warm growing season and an early harvest delivering softer, earth driven wines. McPherson likes to talk about the qualities of Best of Class Texas Red winner, Plateau Red, which is a blend of tempranillo, grenache, touriga nacional and tinta cao, showing a very exotic fruit aroma of spiced black cherries and raspberries. He says that Plateau Red is a rich, full-bodied wine due to 18 months of barrel aging and pleases the palate with bold lingering fruit flavors.

The 12 Carter Creek Winery, Texas High Plains award winners include the Best of Class Texas Red, one double gold, two gold and eight silver medals. Award winning wines include:

  • Best of Class Texas Red Wine Blend: Plateau Red, 2016
  • Double Gold Red Wine Blend: Maverick, 2018
  • Gold Medal White Wine Blend: Gloriosa, 2017
  • Gold Medal Red Wine Blend: Maverick, 2017
  • Silver Medal Sparkling White: Brut, NV
  • Silver Medal Dessert, Port: Dominum Tinto, NV
  • Silver Medal Other Flavored Grape Wine: Sangria, NV
  • Silver Medal Sparkling Fruit: Sparkling Peach, NV
  • Silver Medal Red: Tempranillo, 2016
  • Silver Medal White Blend: Plateau White, 2017
  • Silver Medal White Blend: Viognier Roussanne, 2017
  • Silver Medal White Blend: Viognier Roussanne, 2018

Producing award-winning wines since 2016, Carter Creek Winery’s production facilities are in Johnson City along Old Hwy 290 in Texas Hill Country, complementing Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa. Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa features 78 luxury villas, tasting rooms, a restaurant, its own onsite microbrewery creating small batch craft beers and an outdoor event center. It is a counterpart to Temecula, California’s award-winning South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort.

 About Carter Hospitality Group

Established in 2011, Carter Hospitality Group, LLC. is a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts as well as three wineries across the United States. Based in Orange County, California, the company manages and owns a portfolio of luxury properties including South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula, California; Carter Estate Winery and Resort, Temecula California; and Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Texas Hill Country. Carter Hospitality Group additionally serves as the owner-franchisee for Red Lion Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Orlando Florida. For more information, visit www.carterhospitality.com.

Tasting Sustainable Wines From Herdade do Esporão

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It’s been a while since I’ve had the opportunity to taste and study wines from Portugal so I was very interested in sampling four that I‘d never had before – two whites and two reds from Herdade do Esporão – and learning all about them. Here is an excerpt from the invitation:

Esporão Group Chairman João Roquette, one of the most influential people in the Portuguese wine industry today, will brief us on Esporao Group, his vision for the future and his take on the Portuguese wine industry. Herdade do Esporão lead winemaker, Sandra Alves, will talk about the estate and taste through the wines.

What I Learned

Both Roquette and Alves shared the efforts that the winery has made in creating holistic, sustainable and organic vineyards via composting, natural pest control, no chemicals in the farming, beneficial insects, animal grazing and soil maintenance. They spent twelve years educating themselves and visiting other wineries as they worked on their own sustainable program, and are now 100% organic.

Alves has 20 years of experience with Esporão. And Roquette’s family has owned the winery for two generations. Their workers are all part of the team, sharing in the work and benefits.

Their products, including olive oil and a craft brewery, express their agricultural place. Eighty percent of their products were originally sold in Portugal, now that percentage has gone down to thirty-five with the balance being sold internationally.

They do purchase some grapes beyond their estate for entry-level wine.And they produce 16 billion bottles per year, though their country is not large like Spain or France, more the size of Holland.

The Wines (Abbreviated technical sheet information, and finding some of the same tasting notes, are all in italics)

Esporão Colheita White 2020 / SRP $18

Concept: Wine produced solely from grapes grown at Herdade do Esporão, applying organic farming methods. Expresses the typical features of this vintage, diversity of the soil where the vines are planted, as well as the character and identity of the selected varieties.

Grape Varieties: Antão Vaz, Viosinho, Alvarinho and others. 13.5% alcohol

EB Notes: Golden Delicious yellow apple, white flower, lemon zest and green tea on the nose with flavors that were fresh and zesty, lemon, grapefruit and minerals with a long finish.

Esporão Reserva White 2020 / SRP $20

Concept: A classic wine obtained exclusively from our organic grapes. The diversity of Herdade do Esporão, together with the different characteristics of the grape varieties, the soils, the maturity of the vines and the character of those who make this wine consistently over the years, results in a rich, intense but always harmonious wine.

Grape Varieties: Antão Vaz, Arinto, Roupeiro and others. 13.5% alcohol.

Awards from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. 

EB Notes: Aromas of bruised fruit, incense and a surprise of mint followed by a mouth that reminded me of an older wine though it was young, balanced fruit, flint, smoke, muted but interesting.

Esporão Colheita Red 2018 / SRP $18

Concept: Wine with sense of place, intense, direct, and vibrant. Expresses the typical features of the vintage year, diversity of the soil where the vines are planted, as well as the character and identity of the selected varieties.

Grape Varieties: Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Touriga Franca, Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet. 14% alcohol.

Awards from Wine Spectator.

EB Notes: Hello LEATHER on the nose, like a well-worn saddle! That blew off somewhat but still lingered with the addition of sweat, tree bark and dark fruit. On the palate I noted dry fruit, that same smoke, oak, Espresso and tannins.

Esporão Reserva Red 2018 / SRP $25

Concept: The first wine made by Esporão in 1985. Obtained from grapes grown at Herdade do Esporão, it shows the consistency and rich character typical of the best Alentejo wines.

Label illustrated by Anne Geene.

Grape Varieties: Aragonez, Trincadeira, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante Bouschet. 14.5% alcohol.

High scores from Robert Parker and Wine Enthusiast.

EB Notes: Earthy, dark fruit, velvety, fennel, green peppercorn, spice rack – very aromatic aromas. The taste had the same spicy qualities as well as a sweetness that counterbalanced all of the dark berry flavors, very long finish.

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 16k 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.

Historic Straub Brewery Launches First Ever Sangria Spritzer for Year Round Enjoyment

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ST. MARYS, Pa./PRNewswire/ — The genesis of Straub Brewery traces back to the day Sabina Sorg and Peter Straub met, nearly 150 years ago. This brewer’s daughter and an emerging brewmaster married and together launched a legacy of handcrafting beer in the tradition of their German heritage, that continues on today seven generations later. To celebrate the spirit of this adventurous matriarch, Straub Brewery is proud to offer Sabina’s Signature Series – Wild Berry Sangria Spritzer!

“While the founding Straub family worked together, they were also known to enjoy spending some down time as a family,” noted Bill Brock, Straub Brewery President/CEO and the great-great-grandson of Peter and Sabina Straub. “I can envision them, sitting on their expansive front porch after a long day of work, sipping on their refreshing brews. It is in her honor that Straub Brewery is proud to offer our new flavorful Wild Berry Sangria Spritzer.”

Sabina’s Wild Berry Sangria Spritzer is a bubbly rich ruby red blend with 100% natural fruit juices and a hint of citrus. It is gluten free and has only 80 calories per six ounce serving. The 5% ABV complements the natural fruit and sparkling mountain fresh spring water, red and white grapes, apple, raspberry, and elderberry juices combine to create a refreshing, fruit forward, well balanced sangria that captures the wine sweetness and is balanced with real fruit tartness and citrus of the berries. Sabina’s Sangria Spritzer is available now throughout western Pennsylvania.

“In the beverage industry, flavored wines – such as Sangria – and sparkling seltzers have been doing well over the past few years and we thought, why not combine the two into a fresh new product?” added Brock. “Our Sangria Spritzer is a great entry category for new and younger Gen Z and millennial wine consumers, and we’ve experienced great feedback from a much broader base of new fans! After being stuck at home for so long, people are excited to get out and see their friends. And, our Sangria Spritzer is the perfect beverage for friends and family to get together, celebrate, and enjoy the super summer of all summers!”

ABOUT STRAUB BREWERY
Straub Brewery, Inc. is an international award-winning brewery founded in 1872 by German immigrant Peter Straub, who, at age 19, left his family and homeland in search of the American Dream. Today, Straub Brewery is an American Legacy Brewery™. Located in St. Marys, PA, it is one of the oldest and most historic breweries in America, and is still owned and operated by its founding family, now into its sixth and seventh generations. Fodor’s Travel named Straub Brewery one of the “5 Best Places in America to Drink American Beer.”  Straub Brewery produces Straub American Lager, Straub American Light Lager, Straub American Amber Lager, Hop Blaster IPA, and an ever-changing lineup of seasonal craft brews, such as Summer Splash Lager, Tight Lines Kolsch, 1872 Lager, Autumn Smash, Oktoberfest, and Winter Bash. For more information visit: www.straubbeer.com.

 

Media Contacts:
Cathy Lenze, Straub Brewery, Inc. Stephen Wayhart, BrandMill
814.335.4004, 312929@email4pr.com 412.401.0555, 312929@email4pr.com

 

 

SOURCE Straub Brewery

Hotel Citrine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel and Wild Onion Bistro & Bar Bring Vibrant Hospitality Experience to the Heart of Silicon Valley

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PALO ALTO, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Hotel Citrine, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, opens doors June 20 in Silicon Valley. Thoughtfully integrating vibrancy and sustainability, Hotel Citrine offers an exceptionally intuitive experience for travelers. With 150 well-appointed, carefully designed soothing, creative and comfortable guest rooms and suites, Hotel Citrine is the perfect elevated enclave with thoughtful touches and modern amenities.

Hotel Citrine joins Tribute Portfolio, part of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. Tribute Portfolio is a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals. The hotel is owned and developed by T2 Hospitality, managed by Evolution Hospitality and located on the same campus AC Hotel Palo Alto, which opened this past spring, also part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.

Hotel Citrine is located at 750 San Antonio Road, minutes from Stanford University, Shoreline Amphitheatre and Caltrain, 12 minutes from San Jose International Airport and 22 minutes from San Francisco International Airport. It’s convenient location near the world’s most innovative companies, unique restaurants, and outdoor activities makes it the ultimate destination for digital nomads visiting the Bay Area as well as leisure guests looking to experience the best of the Valley.

“We are thrilled for Hotel Citrine to join AC Hotel Palo Alto, completing our Palo Alto campus,” said Alex Lane, Campus General Manager. “We look forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike to Hotel Citrine, giving them a vibrant, design-forward space in which to work, relax and socialize.”

Guestrooms feature sustainable bedding and towels, eco-friendly finishes – cork headboards, terrazzo flooring, rain showers and antique brass fixtures. Deluxe King Rooms and One Bedroom Suites also feature balconies. All rooms and suites offer a 55″ TV with high tech connectivity, wifi access points in each guest room, integrated luggage benches, organic bath products from emerginC. The hotel’s flexible indoor/outdoor spaces offer over 400 square feet of gathering space. The larger meeting room opens to an adjacent 590 square foot patio.

Signature restaurant Wild Onion Bistro & Bar is the perfect neighborhood eatery, offering breakfast, brunch, grab-and-go pastries and coffee by morning, and an all-day bistro menu late into the evenings. Open daily, the restaurant features local ingredients, sourced organically when possible, further uniting the property to the surrounding community as a destination for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s vibrant open space and sunny patio is inspired by the essence of California cuisine. Chef Duy Tran’s menu features an eclectic mix of the best seasonal and locally sourced produce, paired with unique handcrafted cocktails and elixirs, local craft beers, and hand-selected local wines. Inventive combinations of flavors will be on display in items such as Avocado and Shishido Tacos, Buffalo Cauliflower, Mushroom Eggplant Bolognese and more hearty dishes including Steak Frites, Roasted Chicken and an American Kobe Burger.