HALL WINES CABERNET COOKOFF RETURNS FOR NINTH YEAR

March 3, 2018 by evebushman 2 Comments

ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA – HALL Napa Valley, one of the world’s most notable Cabernet Sauvignon producers, has announced plans for its ninth annual Cabernet Cookoff to return on Saturday, April 28 at HALL St. Helena. Hosted by Vintner Kathryn Hall, the annual event will feature an impressive lineup of renowned Bay Area Chef teams vying for a chance to win proceeds for a charity of their choice by participating in a food and wine pairing competition. 100% of ticket proceeds benefit Napa Valley non-profit organizations. The event includes a VIP Preview at 11 a.m. prior to the Main Event which begins at 12 p.m.

Kathyrn Hall

“This event makes a difference to so many lives,” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “Guests come together to celebrate passion for food and wine, and in the end, local non-profits garner awareness and contributions. Everyone participating comes out a winner – it is a fun and rewarding day for all involved.”

Fifteen Chef teams are tasked to craft a seasonal small bite that they feel pairs best with HALL Coeur Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests in attendance will sample all pairings to vote on the People’s Choice Awards, and a star-studded panel of Celebrity Judges will taste to vote for the Judge’s Choice Awards. Participating teams include The Grill at Meadowood, One Market Restaurant, Charlie Palmer Steak, Goose & Gander, Paula LeDuc Catering, C Casa, Galpau Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, Amiee D’Maris Events, El Dorado Kitchen, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ, Brix, Napa Valley Bistro, Sift and Intercontinental Mark Hopkins.

Natalie Morales, TODAY West Coast Anchor and Host of Access, has been announced as the official Emcee for the event. Morales will help wrangle in the crowd with event happenings day-of as well as help announce the winners alongside Kathryn Hall. Natalie’s new lifestyle book, At Home with Natalie: Simple Recipes for Healthy Living from My Family’s Kitchen to Yours will be released this April and will be given away to all VIP Ticket holders.

The 2018 Judging panel includes Actress Beth Behrs from the hit CBS show, 2 Broke Girls; Celebrity Chef Duff Goldman from Food Network; Bay Area Sports Hall of Famer and Former San Francisco 49ers Executive, Carmen Policy; Michelin-rated Chef, Ken Frank, La Toque, and Wine Critic Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Event sponsors include Microsoft, Nixon-Peabody, My Office Products, Bright Rentals, Certified Parking Attendants, ROBB Report, Cypress Grove Cheese Company, ZICO Coconut Water, Signum Architecture, Snap Fiesta, Harvest Sanitation, Private Spring Water, Mark T. Palmer Window Services, Lux Productions, Riedel Glassware, Barbier Security and ALKAR.

Both VIP and General Admission tickets are available. VIP ticket holders will experience a Preview offering from 11a.m. to 12p.m. prior to the main event featuring the Celebrity Judges and Host Kathryn Hall sharing their philosophies on what makes a good food and wine pairing. Additionally, there will be a Silent Auction during the event where guests can bid on locally sourced items with all proceeds benefitting Napa Valley non-profits.

Saturday, April 28, 2018
VIP Preview: 11a.m. – 12p.m. $200pp

Main Event: 12p.m. – 3p.m. $125pp

HALL St. Helena

401 St. Helena Hwy. S

St. Helena, CA 94574 (707) 967-2626

TICKETS: www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff

The 2017 HALL Cabernet Cookoff drew more than 850 attendees for a sold-out crowd and raised $80,000 for local charities. Since inception in 2011, the HALL Cabernet Cookoff has raised $500,000 for Napa Valley charities. For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff or via social channels using #cabernetcookoff.

HALL: The Art of Cabernet

HALL produces award-winning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available to taste and buy at two properties in Napa Valley as well as at hallwines.com. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, its vineyard collection features seven Estate vineyards, of which five are California Certified Organic (CCOF). Led by Winemaker Steve Leveque, HALL’s wine portfolio includes 19 distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings highlighting the finest vineyards and sub-appellations of the Napa Valley. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014, making HALL a leader in green efficiencies. HALL’s 2008 ‘Kathryn Hall’ Cab earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100”. Two other bottlings, the ‘Exzellenz’ and ‘Rainin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignons have garnered multiple 100 point ratings in recent years. For more information about HALL, please visit www.hallwines.com or by calling 707.967.2626. @hallwines #artofcabernet

Vintage Eve 9/2014: Planning For Healdsburg and Napa

February 13, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

I’ll be heading out to Healdsburg for the first time since 2008 soon, and in planning the trip I looked for wineries that friends had recommended and/or I liked their wines already – but have never visited before. I don’t post when I’m actually away, so this article is a precursor to the fun I will be having…later…and then I will do a post-trip story.

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Photo: Seguin Moreau Napa Cooperage Facebook page.

Day One would start with a sit-down tasting at Ramey Wine Cellars in Healdsburg. In perusing their Facebook page I learned that they harvested nearly 60 tons of Napa Cabernet in what might have been “possibly the most condensed harvest in many years…”

They also shared that their 2011 Pedregal Vineyard was given 92 points from Wine Spectator’s James Laube.

Not sure what we will be trying in the tasting room, but I see current wines include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Claret, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Sounds good to me.

Eight minutes down the road we will then be at Mazzocco Sonoma Vineyards and Winery where we will meet and lunch with winemaker Antoine Favero, and then enjoy a private barrel tasting. Their website shows four Wine Spectator award winners for their 2010 Zinfandels: 91 points for Maple, 91 points for Pony Reserve, 91 points for Sullivan and 90 points for Warm Springs.

According to their Facebook page the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc was chosen for the United States Diplomacy Center’s groundbreaking event. Looking forward to trying whatever is offered here.

Next we will venture to visit Seghesio Family Vineyards where we will be checking in at the bar and then meeting with Tony Sciullo, the VIP liaison. Their last Facebook update showed that harvest for them started in late August, “Pinot Grigio was the first to come in, with some Zinfandel from Cloverdale not far behind.”

I became a fan of Seghesio when one of their Zins made Wine Spectator’s wine of the year. Their 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel received 92 points…looking forward to sampling.

The last winery to see on our first day will be Mauritson Family Winery, five minutes away from Seghesio. The winemaker Clay Mauritson, or his wife Carrie, will be hosting our tour and tasting. They show three small children, “future winemakers”, with Clay in several photos of the winery on their Facebook page, I’m hoping we will get a sighting of these cuties!

The website of Mauritson label wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Rockpile labels include lots of Zinfandels, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Can’t wait to review!

That will pretty much end our first day. If you have a reasonably priced suggestion for dinner let me know: Eve@EveWine101.com

Leaving Healdsburg, Day Two will begin at Rocca Family Vineyards in Napa Valley. You read about Rocca recently on Eve’s Wine 101 as they had obtained the title of “Napa Valley Organic Winery of The Year.” We will be meeting with Sales Director John Taylor for our tasting. There seems to be plenty of Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and red blends for us to try! And according to their Facebook page they are currently crushing Merlot.

From Rocca we will probably venture over to Dean and Deluca for lunch supplies and then make a dash for Darioush Winery on Silverado Trail. We have been scheduled for a “Tableside Portfolio Tasting” via concierge Jenna Kennedy.

The Darioush Facebook page reported that they were “safe and sound” after the recent earthquake. Their damage was minimal but they were without power and were closed for one day. Their website promised current releases of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier. Shiraz blend and a late harvest Semillon Sauvignon Blanc.

ZD Wines may be our last trip of this day unless we hit someone up near 4pm…if we have the energy. There are beautiful photos of grape clusters on their Facebook page, as well as a bottle of their 45^th anniversary Chardonnay. Besides maybe trying that one, we look forward to sipping their Reserve Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon…and more.

Bright and early on Day Three we have a special treat, a tour of the Seguin Moreau Napa Cooperage. There will be no swirling and tasting, but there will be aromas! Hoping to see some toasting, bending and whatever else they have in store for us. Earlier this month they showed a cool photo of a barrel being toasted on their Facebook page.

McClintock Distilling is Certified as Maryland’s First and Only Organic Distillery

February 5, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

FREDERICK, Md. – McClintock Distilling has been officially certified as Maryland’s first ever USDA Organic Distillery as of the permit issue date of January 20, 2018. McClintock Distilling has been using organic ingredients from the opening of the business in December 2015 and went through a year of compliance with the Maryland Department of Agriculture before the certification became official.

Every aspect of production was considered for the certification, from the grains used in whiskey production to the botanicals included in McClintock’s award-winning Forager gin. Representatives from McClintock, the USDA and the Maryland Department of Agriculture worked closely throughout 2017 to ensure compliance as this is the first distillery to go through the process in the state.

“We are thrilled to be the first distillery in the state to be organic certified. Using one hundred percent organic grains was part of our mission to ensure that we get the best possible ingredients to make the best possible spirits. As an added bonus we get to support responsible farms that are using non-GMO grains and reducing the pesticide and nitrogen pollution of our waterways” Braeden Bumpers, Owner, McClintock Distilling

Being organic certified is part of McClintock Distilling’s overall mission to increase sustainability in alcohol production, both at their facility in downtown Frederick and off-site. The distillery itself is powered by one hundred percent renewable electricity purchased through Clean Choice Energy and the owners designed and built a proprietary closed loop cooling system that has reduced wastewater in the facility by several hundred thousand gallons a year. The distillers also work closely with local farmers to ensure that all spent grain mash gets re-used as animal feed in Frederick County.

McClintock Distilling, an organic craft distillery located in Frederick, Maryland, offers vodka, gins, and whiskeys. McClintock Distilling strives to maintain a sustainable and locally sourced business with a focus on product quality, environmental impact and community betterment. McClintock Distilling is committed to bringing the McClintock experience to all of our customers through every drop. For more information please visit http://www.mcclintockdistilling.com.

Alexander Valley Vineyards of Healdsburg, California Wins Top Honors

January 31, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

FORT WORTH, Texas (PRWEB) – The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT®) is pleased to announce the winners in its 2018 International Award of Excellence in Sustainable Winegrowing competition. The platinum medal goes to Alexander Valley Vineyards (AVV) of Healdsburg, California, based on the winery’s on-going sustainable programs that address the three elements of sustainability: environmental, economic, social – and the Vineyard’s wine taste.

AVV is one of an elite group of wineries recognized as a Bay Area Green Business. They became a member of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program in 2006 and achieved vineyard certification in 2014. AVV bottled their first wine produced from organic certified grapes in 2008, today the family organically farms over 30 acres and offers two wines from 100% California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) grapes. A second family vineyard will receive CCOF certification in June 2018. Other AVV sustainable initiatives include solar arrays that supply about half of the winery’s power; cover crop plantings to minimize pesticide use and control erosion; drip irrigation for precise water management; 25,000 square feet of underground, naturally cooled caves that reduce the winery’s carbon footprint; and installation of variable speed drives on all winery equipment to decrease energy waste.

The awarded wine was AVV’s, 2014 Organic Cabernet Sauvignon, Single Vineyard, using certified organic grapes.

“Alexander Valley Vineyards’ strong list of sustainable programs and care in winemaking produced an unbeatable application,” said Ed Schneider, BRIT’s president and director. “During the taste portion of the competition, our judges especially noted that the 100% organic varietal was perfectly balanced with fruit and spice to the taste and a testament to the Wetzel’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and family farming.”

AVV is a family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, on the historic property originally settled in the 19th century by Cyrus Alexander, the valley’s namesake. Since 1975 the Wetzel Family has been producing an array of estate wines that reflect the unique character of the property.

“We are honored to receive the BRIT award and the recognition of the practices we have implemented over the decades,” says Harry Wetzel. “As a family run operation, we all believe that it is our responsibility to make this an even better place for future generations.”

Additional BRIT sustainable awards went to:

Gold medals

E. & J. Gallo Winery, Modesto, California. Submitted 2015 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon. Gallo receives special recognition for its corporate-wide, multi-brand sustainability programs and for the organization’s industry leadership.
Bodega Catena Zapata, Mendoza, Argentina. Submitted 2014 Catena Malbec.

Silver medal

Franciscan Estates, St. Helena, California. Submitted 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bronze medal

Peach Creek Vineyards, College Station, Texas. Submitted Sassy Lassy, semi-sweet Texas table wine made with Noble grapes.

Competition for BRIT’s 2018 international award began May, 2017, when wineries submitted applications documenting their sustainable programs relating to environmental, economic, and social aspects of grape growing, and wine production along with their wine samples.

When submitting for the competition, wineries provide a self-assessment of their organization’s accomplishments in sustainable winegrowing, winemaking, and ecopreneural/social responsibility practices. They describe their organization’s conservation efforts in the field and in operations: how waste is avoided, how it is reclaimed, and how the winery extends conservation efforts to its customers and community. They also are required to submit a bottle of wine for a tasting by the judging committee.

Because the BRIT award is the only international award of its kind, it is of primary interest to wineries which care deeply about the environment and are taking a leading role in their community/region/country by implementing sustainable practices. Sustainable winegrowing programs are by nature, ongoing, so a key part of each program is its continual improvement process.

As a nonprofit, international plant research and knowledge sharing organization, BRIT offers this award to help raise interest and awareness of the value plants bring to our lives and the need for biodiversity.

Presentation of the platinum award to Alexander Valley Vineyards will be made in Fort Worth on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 during BRIT’s Vine to Table dinner and auction fundraising event.

BRIT’s 2019 sustainable winegrowing competition begins May 1, 2018, with the competition’s Call for Entries news release and the 2019 application is posted on the BRIT website, http://www.BRIT.org/wineaward. The submission deadline is September 1, 2018.

Perlis Picks – The New Wine Rules by Jon Bonné

January 20, 2018 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

A few years ago, Jon Bonné’s book The New California Wine became one of my favorite books on wine. I think some people looked at that book as the author telling people that these are the only wines you should be drinking out of the vast selection available to us. Instead, I took Mr. Bonné’s intent to be to advise his readers of which wineries he felt were most involved in pushing the boundaries of quality winemaking in California.

Admittedly, I especially appreciated Bonné’s theme as I tend to gravitate towards wine outliers myself; often those who don’t follow the standard rules.

So, I was somewhat surprised by the author’s latest book, which is all about rules. I expected to dislike this book, but I liked it – a lot. Truthfully, the “rules” read more like suggestions to make your wine-life easier, whether you be a possibly intimidated wine novice or a seasoned wine lover. And as the book reads like suggestions, the reader can feel free to choose which ones works best for him or her.

Some of the “rules” that resonated with me were…

Rule 1 – Drink the rainbow.

It’s easy to get in a rut of one color [red, white or pink] or even one varietal [sayeth the Zin Fan]. That’s a good way to do it, if you want to miss a lot.

Rule 6 – There’s a difference between “fruity” and “sweet.”

While the author tries to not get hung up on technicalities, this is a good one to remember. They definitely mean different things.

Rule 14 – Organic and biodynamic mean something specific. Natural means a different thing.

I like this one because, ironically, these terms mean very little to me as to whether I select a wine for my own drinking. Although it does make for interesting conversation while sharing a glass or two of it with fellow wine drinkers.

Rule 17 – Stop worrying about sulfites.

I love this one for all of you who complain that the sulfites gave you a headache when it is really probably because you drank too much.

Rule 23 – No two bottles of wine – even of the same wine – are exactly alike.

So many factors can contribute to bottle variation, from conditions at the winery to conditions with the consumer and anywhere in between. It is just a fact of life and what contributes to wine being so interesting.

Ditto for…

Rule 25 – The occasional faulty bottle of wine is a fact of life. Don’t let one ruin your day.

Something I need to remind myself of sometimes.

The author also provides a very nice explanation of what the various faults [corked, cooked, oxidized, brett, etc.] are. Personally, I’ve found that people can be sensitive to some faults more than others; for example, “oxidation” is my pet peeve. I also am reminded of a conversation I was having with a WSET-2 graduate [no, not Eve] who was describing a flawed wine she had tasted and said “It was corked; it was totally oxidized.” When I inquired which it was [corked or oxidized] I was met with a blank stare.

Rule 26 – A wine’s price rarely reflects its quality.

As long as we’re not talking about bargain supermarket plonk, I tend to agree. Although I still think you are more likely [but not guaranteed, of course] to get a better bottle by spending the extra bucks.

Rule 42 – Never judge a bottle by its closure.

If it were up to me, all wines would have twist-off caps.

I’ll stop with that one. There are a lot more rules in the book, 89 in total. This book is definitely worthy of your time, not just for the rules but also for the large amount of useful information that the author manages to include in a fairly small space.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

VINTNER KATHRYN HALL ELECTED TO CALIFORNIA SUSTAINABLE WINEGROWING ALLIANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

January 13, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

(ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA ) – The California Wine Institute unanimously elected Vintner Kathryn Hall to the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) Board of Directors effective December 2017. The CSWA Board of Directors is made up of winegrowers representing both vineyards and wineries. CSWA is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 2003 by The Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers to develop and promote sustainable practices, tools for education and outreach, partnerships with key stakeholders, and prioritizing research.

Kathyrn Hall

“Electing Mrs. Hall to the Board of Directors brings even more talent, expertise and energy to our Board of Directors” says Allison Jordan, Executive Director of CSWA. “With over 2,000 California winegrape growers and winemakers participating in the CSWA program, California has one of the most widely adopted sustainable winegrowing programs in the world in terms of wine acreage and case production. Mrs. Hall and her HALL & WALT wineries are part of this vibrant movement, including being Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing.”

HALL and WALT luxury wine brands, owned by Kathryn Hall and husband Craig Hall, include 500 planted acres in Napa County, Sonoma County, Santa Barbara County and Mendocino County. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir producers have earned numerous certifications and accolades – 11 HALL vineyards are certified Sustainable by the CSWA, and five of the HALL estate vineyards are certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). Additionally, each of WALT’s three estate vineyards are certified sustainable by the CSWA. The CSWA and CCOF certifications have rigorous requirements and standards related to irrigation to eco-friendly farming techniques.

“I am thrilled to be elected to the CSWA Board of Directors and to participate in ways to support sustainable farming practices for our industry,” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “These practices are a central focus for us at HALL and WALT as well as a personal commitment for me. They are also key to the long term viability of our industry. I admire the leadership of the CSWA in the area of sustainable farming and look forward to being a member of the board.”

Hall has been coined as a model for community action by pioneering green decisions and most recently was a featured speaker at Vinexpo Bordeaux to discuss achievements in sustainability. The panel of esteemed experts and global influencers who discussed critical issues facing the wine industry, specifically climate change. Hall served as the United States Ambassador to Austria from 1997-2001.

“We are delighted to have Mrs. Hall join our CSWA Board of Directors” says Steve Lohr, Board Chairman of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, and CEO of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines. “Kathryn and her team have shown their commitment to sustainability by becoming a certified participant in the CSWA program with all of their estate vineyards, and by building California’s first LEED Gold certified winery. We look forward to bringing Kathryn and her enthusiasm for sustainability to a Board that is passionate about sharing best sustainable business practices with vineyards and wineries throughout California.”

For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com and www.waltwines.com.

ABOUT CSWA: California Sustainable Winegrowing SWA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization incorporated in 2003 by Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers to develop and promote sustainable practices, tools for education and outreach, partnerships with key stakeholders, and prioritizing research. Wineries and vineyards throughout the state have to apply to earn Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing status verified by a third-party auditor through CSWA. Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing and other statewide and regional programs such as Bay Area Green Business Program, Fish Friendly Farming, Lodi Rules, Napa Green and Sustainability in Practice (SIP) play vital roles in the California wine community’s successful efforts to produce high quality wine that is environmentally sound, economically feasible and socially responsible. More than 2,000 wineries and vineyards in the state participate in the CSWA program.

ABOUT HALL: HALL produces critically acclaimed artisan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available to taste and buy at two properties in Napa Valley as well as at hallwines.com. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, its vineyard collection features seven estate vineyards, of which five are California Certified Organic (CCOF). Each vintage, Vice President of Winemaking Steve Leveque crafts distinct Cabernet Sauvignon wines which demonstrate the unique characteristics and diversity of Napa Valley terroir. HALL’s wine portfolio includes three 100 point scores given by critic Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, for its 2013 Rainin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, its 2013 Exzellenz Red Wine and its 2010 Exzellenz Red Wine. HALL also earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” for its 2008 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. Since the first vintage in 2002, over 75 HALL wines have earned 95 point scores and above, and over 250 wines have earned 90 point scores and above from the industries top critics. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014, making HALL a leader in green efficiencies. For more information about HALL, please visit www.hallwines.com, @hallwines, or by calling 707.967.2626.

ABOUT WALT: WALT specializes in premier, vineyard designate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the most coveted vineyards along the Pacific Coast, spanning 1,000 miles from as far north as the Willamette Valley to the Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County. WALT represents wines of a place – these special sites where thoughtful viticulture enables winemakers to create expressive wines that reflect the signature personality of each site. WALT farms three estate vineyards and partners with meticulous growers who aspire to share standards of quality. Owned by Kathryn Walt Hall and her husband Craig, the winery honors Kathryn’s parents, Bob and Dolores Walt, who were grape growers in Mendocino County since 1972 and nurtured Kathryn’s passion for vineyards and wine. The WALT Sonoma Square Tasting Room opened in 2012 and is located in Sonoma, CA and is open to the public. For more information, please visit www.waltwines.com or by calling (707) 933-4440.

Rebel Coast Winery Crafts Crisp Marijuana-Infused Sauvignon Blanc

January 11, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Sonoma, CA- The founders of Rebel Coast Winery, an award-winning California winery with a rebellious spirit, announced the launch of the world’s first legal, alcohol-removed, cannabis infused wine. The new company’s marijuana (THC) infused, premium Sauvignon Blanc — Rebel Coast — is set to begin shipping to dispensaries and residents throughout California this year in compliance with the state’s new cannabis industry regulations. The new cannabis industry is expected to have a $7 billion dollar impact on the Golden State. The patent-pending product affects consumers in under 15 minutes and has 4mgs of THC per glass.

“If you’ve ever drank a glass of wine or tried marijuana before, you’re in luck,” said Rebel Coast Co-founder and CEO Chip Forsythe. “We’ve continued our disruptive approach to craft the world’s first cannabis-infused, alcohol-free wine. We wanted to excite the rebellious spirit in Americans through innovation, so we took two world-class California products — marijuana and wine — and created a proprietary process that resulted in a delicious, crisp and elegantly crafted Sauvignon Blanc that’s teed up to be a game changer for the wine and cannabis industries.”

“Winemakers have been making infused wine for years, but no one developed a reliable method to remove the alcohol and infuse it with cannabis’ active ingredients in a way that wasn’t impacting the quality of the wine, so it appealed to both wine and cannabis aficionados” said Rebel Coast co-founder Alex Howe. “Our infused wine is a premium product that we believe will be a hot, new dinner party trend across California and soon, the U.S. We also wanted to mimic the traditional wine drinking experience by incorporating a modest amount of THC in each serving- this is a product to be enjoyed by the masses, not the hardcore cannabis user.”

Rebel Coast’s grapes are grown in Sonoma County –California’s wine capital– and fermented through a traditional winemaking process. Then, Rebel Coast removes the wine’s alcohol and infuses each bottle of its premium Sauvignon Blanc with 16 milligrams of organic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active ingredient found in cannabis, responsible for a euphoric high. Finally, the infusion incorporates essential fragrant oils called terpenes, that gives the wine a pleasant marijuana aroma.

Consumers in California, who are 21 and older, can pre-order bottles for $59.99 on the Rebel Coast site, which is expected to ship early 2018. Rebel Coast plans to be distributed to more than 500 dispensaries across California by Green Reef Distributing, a licensed statewide cannabis distributor that also represents national wine and spirit accounts for forthcoming CBD products. Rebel Coast is best served chilled and should be enjoyed responsibly.

In the coming year, Rebel Coast plans to craft and release a refreshing cannabis-infused Rosé and champagne, as well as a line of Cannabidiol-infused (CBD) wines with medicinal benefits, but no psychotropic effects, in the second half of 2018. Rebel Coast will offer the wine in additional states with recreational cannabis allowances and throughout Canada in the coming months.

Feel free to follow the Rebel Coast hijinks on Instagram, or don’t. Better yet, go pre-order some of the wine here.

‘No Hangover’ V.E.S Premium Vodka & Gin

November 2, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Vodka and gin enthusiasts can now “drink responsibly” and enjoy the first premium spirits that hangover lovers hate. Made from a 1000-year-old recipe using small batch techniques, V.E.S. spirits are targeted at drinkers who hope an exhilarating night out needn’t be followed by a rough morning after – why should all that fun come at a price paid by your body?

Are vodka and gin the healthiest things you can drink? “No,” say several scientists without elaborating. Can we agree that maybe there are ways to make consumption of alcohol less perilous to your body from a health perspective? “Yes,” say several other individuals who only by coincidence are involved professionally with V.E.S. Vodka & Gin, who just announced the debut of their new 40% ABV vodka and 45% ABV gin products.

To that end, V.E.S. spirits offer the following qualities, in their vodka and gin:

Made from 100% organic ingredients
Ingredients grown in nutrient rich soil to enhance quality
No other additives
Virtually calorie-free

“I’ll just warn people ahead of time, if you like hangovers you’ll hate our vodka and gin,” said V.E.S. Owner Darryl Tombleson. “We saw an opportunity to go in a different direction than traditional spirits makers, for the very limited segment of drinkers who don’t want to wake up next morning feeling like a train hit them. Admittedly it’s a select group we’re catering to and we’re running directly against the untold millions of drinkers who enjoy a good headache, shakiness and some nausea, gripping feverishly the toilet seat to keep from falling in. However, we’re confident there’s room for vodka and gin products that aim to deliver a great night without a miserable morning after.”

“But we could be wrong, wish us luck,” added Mr. Tombleson.

The story behind V.E.S. Vodka & Gin is an interesting one. The recipe is over 1,000 years old and was recovered from a museum archive by a heroic Indiana Jones-type, then shared with Mr. Tombleson, a hero in his own right as a 25+ year veteran of the hospitality and event management industries. V.E.S. Vodka is made from the purest of waters and organic raw sugar, which creates a smoother product than vodkas that use chemical laden water and potatoes or wheat.

V.E.S. Gin’s recipe includes several organic ingredients, including native pepperberry for spice, organic cranberries, finger limes for zest, and other absolutely unique berries and herbs. V.E.S. spirits are crafted with care in a small batch-style process that includes a traditional copper pot distillation method and intense filtration techniques that result in vodka and gin free from the usual impurities that can lead to hangovers.

“Yes, if it matters to you, we’ve crafted V.E.S. Vodka & Gin to be as healthy as possible, for alcohol at least,” said Mr. Tombleson. “There are millions of people worldwide who appreciate what they eat or drink can impact their health. Or their desire to live the next morning. We agree and suggest they choose all-natural V.E.S. Vodka & Gin as the most enjoyable way to consume premium spirits, without the unfortunate after effects.”

Mr. Tombleson noted V.E.S. is facing headwinds from powerful forces of the Pro-Hangover Lobby, who appear terrified of the looming existential threat. “The aspirin makers have informed us they are looking at their legal options – we’re ready to defend ourselves and confident justice will prevail.”

V.E.S spirits are best stored at freezer temperature and consumed straight-up from a frozen shot glass. Looking for a tasty mix? Organic cranberry juice may be added to the vodka or an organic tonic water to the gin.

V.E.S. Gin & Vodka is a formal re-branding of Vitamin Vodka and launched at select locations in New York City last month, followed by roll outs to Los Angeles, London, Europe and Australasia.

(Website under construction)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/V.E.S.Spirits/.

Drake’s Organic White Rum and Organic Vodka Receive Critical Acclaim

October 23, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Minneapolis (PRWEB) – Launched July 2017, Drake’s Organic Spirits is already redefining quality standards in the organic spirits industry as the recipient of gold medals for its vodka and white rum, both of which are organic, grain free, gluten-free and non-GMO.

The 2017 Global Spirit Awards presented Drake’s Organic White Rum with the only Double Gold medal awarded to a rum in the competition, along with the title of Best Rum (White). Its counterpart, Drake’s Organic Vodka, won a Gold medal from the 2017 San Diego Spirits Festival International Spirits Competition.

Early awards like these stem from the Minnesota company’s founders, Mark and Kristen Anderson, and their dedicated journey around the globe to source only the highest-quality organic, non-GMO ingredients to create a product that meets the highest possible consumer demands and expectations for quality in ingredients and taste.

Drake’s Organic Rum and Organic Vodka are handcrafted in the United States using alcohol that originates from the organic cane sugar fed from the purest water flowing down from the Andes Mountain tops to the fertile Cuaca Valley in South America. A 12-step distillation process creates a smooth, clean taste impossible to find in GRAIN-fermented spirits.

“Kristen and I both grew up on Midwestern farms knowing the importance of organic agricultural practices and were able to see a gap in the spirits industry. Not only did we want to provide a product that would meet the needs of people who support the organic movement and those with gluten allergies, but we wanted that product to taste exceptional. We wanted a product that was smooth– without the burn of grain alcohol. To do that we had to find the right ingredients, and we found them in South America,” said Mark Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Drake’s Organic Spirits.

Informing on the gap in the spirits industry for a line of premium organic spirits, a 2016 Technavio report notes that while consumers are attracted by ingredient quality, previous organic spirit labels have not emphasized taste in their products. The same report denotes organic alcohol as an emerging trend that is expected to propel the growth of the global organic drinks market through at least 2020.

With the expected growth of the organic spirits industry and increasing demand for high-quality taste and ingredients in organic/non-GMO products, the launch and immediate critical success of Drake’s Organic Spirits signals a welcoming answer to the previous absence of a premium organic spirits label.

“We are thrilled with the positive response the organic vodka and organic white rum are receiving right off the bat. It helps validate the care we’ve taken in sourcing ingredients for a line of premium organic spirits that consumers will actually enjoy drinking,” said Anderson.

About Drake’s Organic Spirits
Drake’s Organic Spirits was launched in 2017 to utilize USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified ingredients for the distillation and distribution of unique, premium alcoholic spirits. Handcrafted in Rochester, New York, Drake’s Organic Vodka and Drake’s Organic White Rum offer non-grain, gluten free, ultra-premium, 12 times distilled handcrafted products created from non-GMO Project Verified ingredients at a better price than the leading premium brands.

Drake’s Organic Spirits is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

For more information, please visit http://www.drakesorganicspirits.com, facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drakesorganic/, Instagram: @drakesorganic, or contact email sales: storm(at)drakesorganic(dot)com.

Part Two with Mixologist Rob Floyd: Learning at the Western Foodservice and Hospitality Expo 2017

September 29, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Last week I shared all of the new products from booze to food that I sampled at the recent food show, as well as highlights from a seminar on restaurant business. This week I devote to Mixologist Rob Floyd, and all that I learned in his seminar.

Liquid Demonstration by Rob Floyd, RX Liquid Chef on the Center Stage: Molecular Gastronomy Demonstration and Trending Beverages.

This was my first time seeing Bar Rescue’s Rob Floyd in action. He created a cocktail for the entire audience with liquid nitrogen. Clearly making a statement that the show is as important as the drink. He was also awarded with the Bartender of the Year by Show Director Tom Loughran. These are my takeaways:

Molecular cocktails are trending so you need to be aware and competitive.

Drinking is not a “man’s world” only thing anymore. A whopping 75% of your bar customers are women. Beginning with the popularity of the Cosmopolitan when Sex and the City was in its heyday, ladies now want more savory-based (think whisky) cocktails. It’s also been proven that women have a better palate.

Taste, Fundamental Technique and a “Tale” are crucial. The Tale is the story that makes the customer “connect” to the drink. You have to find out what speaks to them. It’s akin to the “secret sauce.”

Speed kills or saves a place. With craft cocktails taking 7-9 steps that has got be narrowed down to 3-4 so the drink doesn’t take longer than 3-5 minutes to deliver to the table.

By the fourth visit you have a regular. Comp them something at visits one or two to make sure they make it to a fourth.

If you can get a diner to order that second drink, it will triple your money and create an order for food.

Managers must “touch” each table, make the visit personal, tell diner to “ask for me” next time they come in so that you can “send something” to their table.

Your bar, like any business, needs a short mission statement. (I believe that you need a employee guide/policy book too. So everyone’s training is always the same.)

Be aware of popular trends, like organic products, and bring into bar menu.

Cheapest marketing is social media. Instagram is huge for food/drink photos. Gain followers on Instagram and Facebook, and re-tweets from Twitter.

Test market your new cocktails, and let the ones go that aren’t popular. This should be on-going. Roll out a different cocktail each night. Accept mistakes, learn from them and move on.

How do you evaluate a bar manager? Floyd said that unfortunately most aren’t good. They have to put the business first, be a team worker and can’t be a partier. Keep the floor clean, never drink on the property (unless it’s a scheduled tasting) and overpay them.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com