Eve's Wine 101

Sippd Launches Premium At-Home Wine Tasting Bundle

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WASHINGTON (PRWEB) – Sippd, the wine recommender that uses artificial intelligence to provide users with personalized scores, has released an at-home wine tasting bundle offering app users a premium wine experience delivered to their door. Sippd’s Wine Tasting Kit encourages users to learn about wine by drinking it, while giving beginner drinkers a place to start and wine aficionados an at-home experience to get outside of their comfort zone.

Making it simple and convenient to explore the quintessential wine varietals of the premier wine-producing regions of the world, the tasting kit features six bottles – each one of the major wine types: red, white, sparkling, rose, fortified, and dessert. Sippd has partnered with connected online retailer, Wine Spies, to create this kit offering a range of flavors to satisfy a variety of tastes, make a great addition to any wine collection, or help wine-curios consumers discover which wine suits their unique taste preferences.

In addition, Sippd users receive 57% retail pricing of the bundle, taking the six-bottle Wine Tasting Kit from $232 to only $99, including shipping.

What’s in the tasting kit:

  • Red: Wine Guerrilla 2018 Paradise Lane Vineyard RRV Old Vine Zinfandel
  • White: Stéphane Ogier 2014 ‘Viognier de Rosine’ IGP Collines Rhodaniennes
  • Sparkling: Wine Spies Brut Sparkling
  • Rosé: IND ‘Influencer’ Rosé of Cinsault
  • Dessert: “Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 ‘Eroica’ Riesling Ice Wine 375ml
  • Fortified: Wolf’s Head ‘Iberian Ruby’ Port Blend 500ml

“From music to movies, everyone has personal preferences in all facets of life, and wine is no different,” says Blake Hershey, Co-Founder and CEO of Sippd. “Our team created this bundle to showcase an outstanding portfolio of wine while helping our users learn about, build on, and refine their unique taste profile – as drinking what you like is what it’s all about.”

Sippd’s Wine Tasting Kits are perfect for your personal consumption, special occasion gatherings, and make a great gift for wine lovers whether you’re showing appreciation to a friend or client.

To purchase a Sippd Wine Tasting Kit, consumers can buy here on desktop or download the Sippd app on mobile devices, available for free on the Apple and Google Play stores.

About Sippd
Sippd empowers people to focus on enjoying their wine, not ordering it. Combining artificial intelligence and wine, Sippd helps wine lovers find and order wines that match their tastes. With our Taste Match capabilities, we’re able to provide you with personalized wine recommendations that continually evolves with your preferences, so you can effortlessly order the perfect bottle every time. Stop wasting your money on bottles you don’t like and instead, simplify and transform your online wine experience with Sippd, the AI-powered personal sommelier that knows your palate. Sippd’s free mobile app is available for download on the Apple and Google Play stores. For more information, visit sippd.com.

Tasting pureCru Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine

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What are the benefits of joining a Wine Club besides better pricing, supporting a winery or winemaker you love and club parties? How about member-only allocations? Wine that the public may get their hands on…or not. This is a one-bottle post on one of those special bottles: the first edition of a Brut Rose sparkling wine from winemaker Mitch Cosentino, and it’s already an award-winner! Here was the teaser:

A SURPRISE ALLOCATION JUST FOR YOU! 

Award-Winning Brut Rosé is available for a limited-time to our Members and Private Clients in this special allocation. 

There has been a lot of buzz about my new sparkling wine so thought I would share some updates. The pureCru Brut Rosé Cuvee XXI sparkling wine was made as a proof of concept and has been undergoing testing in all forms of the wine marketplace, where it is now proving to be extremely well received. I am honored to share that my first pureCru sparkling wine release took home “Best of Class”, a “Gold Medal”, and “98 Points” at the recent Los Angeles International Wine Competition.

Today, the first of its kind, pureCru Brut Rosé, will be offered as a special allocation to our members and private clients. We only made 200 cases of this limited-release non vintage sparkling and our members always get first-access….Cheers! Mitch.

Eve’s Tasting Notes

We joined Mitch’s club a year or so ago, happy to get our hands on any whites or reds they send our way. This is not only the first Rose of his for us to try, it’s also the first sparkling. Color me happy, and here goes:

The back label of the bottle revealed that the wine had 13.2% alcohol and is a Rosé of Sangiovese. We had Mitch’s Sangiovese before and had liked it too.

The color in itself was just lovely, and darker than what most people would expect; it was a deep raspberry with gold that especially dazzled as the bubbles raced to the top of the champagne flute that held my sample.

On the nose (once I poured my sample into a red wine glass to catch the aromas better than in a flute) I was excited to find stewed red fruits – lots of raspberry, white fleshy peach, pink grapefruit, cherries, biscuit, stems, wet gravel and a tiny hint of sea air.

When I tasted the wine I found an abundance of Red Delicious apple right at the start, then came waves of that same raspberry I was promised from the color and aroma, ripe Rainier cherries, red cherries and black cherries – wow, just a bushel of cherries – and the back palate revealed that same biscuit but this time with a little bit of Brie cheese during the finish. It was beautifully balanced.

What fun this would be in a pairing! I’m thinking of a salad with fruit and cheese, a rare sous vide steak with a cherry reduction sauce, Pork Wellington, dark chocolate (maybe even chocolate covered cherries) or with a strawberry cheesecake. Heck, this wine would be great with just plain popcorn! I was going to have it with a mildly spiced Jambalaya myself…in about 15 minutes!

Sounds good to you? Go to the website to see if the wine is now available to the public, or join the club! I got four bottles, err, now only three! I predict my bottles will all be gone by the end of the summer!

https://www.purecruwines.com/

https://www.instagram.com/purecru_wines/

https://www.facebook.com/PureCruWinesNapa

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

Perlises Pick: Jeff Cohn Cellars

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We’ve tasted wines from Jeff Cohn Cellars many times, but always at events, where the wines were poured by Jeff or his wife, Alexandra. We had never had an opportunity to sit down and taste through the lineup with Jeff and hear the full story.

We finally were able meet with Jeff at their recently opened tasting room in Healdsburg. You can read all about Jeff Cohn Cellars on the website here www.jeffcohncellars.com/about-our-story but ultimately, it turns out that their story is a multi-faceted love story.

First and foremost, the love story of Jeff Cohn Cellars is about Alexandra and Jeff and their family. They met while they were both working at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Virginia – Jeff was F&B Cost Controller and Alexandra was an accounting trainee. Coincidentally, they had both also attended Florida International University. Alexandra’s career path took her back to Florida and Jeff joined her there, working on cruise ships for two years. But being in the hospitality industry often means being bitten by the wine bug and eventually, they moved to California. Jeff had already worked as an intern at Boordy Vineyards in Maryland but during the process of obtaining his Master’s in Agricultural Chemistry at Cal State Fresno, he discovered French techniques as well as the wines of the Northern and Southern Rhone plus Zinfandel. The rest was history.

It is also apparent the love that Jeff has for his colleagues and mentors, both former and current, most notably the late Kent Rosenblum. Jeff went to work for Kent at Rosenblum Cellars after graduating from CSUF, moving up the line to eventually become winemaker and then vice president of winemaking and production. He left in 2006 to focus on Jeff Cohn Cellars [then called JC Cellars] which he had founded in 1996, but not before making his permanent mark on the wine world by having Rosenblum’s 2003 Rockpile Road Zinfandel hit #3 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list.

Finally, and certainly not least, is Jeff’s love of wine grapes, particularly, as mentioned above, Rhones and Zins.

So yes, we are finally getting to what we tasted –

2017 Iris Sparkling Brut Rose – named after Jeff’s beloved mother, this delicious bubbly is a blend of 60% Grenache (Rossi Ranch), 20% Syrah (Rockpile) and 20% Mourvedre (Rossi Ranch). Modeled after the wines from the France’s Tavel region, Karen picked up notes of Persimmon.

2018 Rossi Ranch GSM – a classic blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre, this wine had a long finish, with sausage spices notes.

2018 Maggie’s Vineyard – 100% Zinfandel from vines that are over 120 years old         . Many textures and layers on this wine that Jeff dedicated to his friend Kent [see above].

2017 Sweetwater Springs – 100% Petite Sirah. Dark, ruby red, purple in color, big and balanced.

2017 Domain Des Chirats -100% Rockpile Syrah – A joint project with Yves Cuilleron, Northern Rhone winemaker from Chavanay, France (half of this wine’s production is exported to France). Big luscious berry notes; one of the finest Syrahs we’ve tasted.

2016 Stagecoach Marsanne – 85% Marsanne, 15% Roussanne. The last wine we tasted was a white. We asked Jeff why other wineries pour their whites first and he said “because they are doing it wrong.” Seriously though, white wines poured at the beginning of a tasting are often forgotten by the end. We wouldn’t have forgotten this one though no matter where in the tasting it was poured. A wonderful palate brightener with delicious tropical fruits to wake up the taste buds. Crisp citrus notes and a big mouth feel. This Napa Valley vineyard was bought by Gallo a few years ago so we are not sure what the future holds for these varietals there.

Jeff Cohn makes more wines in addition to the ones we tasted.  He has many more Rhones and single vineyard Zins sourced from Sonoma, Napa and the central coast. They are definitely worth a stop when you are in Healdsburg or in the Santa Rosa area or interested in making an online purchase.

We expect you’ll love them as much as we did.

Jeff Cohn Cellars

34 North St, Healdsburg, CA 95448

www.jeffcohncellars.com

Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Discovering the White Wine Winery Acquiesce, a Lodi Treasure

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In planning a recent Napa trip one of my friends suggested we spend a day in Lodi. The last time I visited Lodi was virtually, when several winemakers came to LA to present a seminar and tasting. It was so long ago, possibly ten years, that all I recall was tasting old vine Zinfandels, a wine the area was known for.

We visited four wineries that day. All had at least one or more wines that I enjoyed from whites to old vine Zinfandels. One winery stood out. First because they only make white Rhone varietals (some which were new to me) and one rose, but as I tasted through their lineup, and made my notations, it turned out that every single wine I tried I wanted to buy.

Fast forward to planning this trip. I went to the LA Wine Writers group on Facebook and asked my associates who I should visit. Then I reached out to Lodi.com to help me plan the trip. As I only had one day I wanted to focus on the wines alone, there would be no time for winery or vineyard tours. We also invited Steve and Vashti Roebuck (wine bloggers, collectors and admins of the popular Wine in the Glass Facebook group) to join us.

Acquiesce Winery

This is an excerpt from my upcoming article in SCV Elite Magazine, “The first on my list to try was a winery recommended to me by more than one wine loving pal: Acquiesce Winery. We were awestruck by all of the gorgeous white wines, and one Rose, during our “Elevated Tasting Experience” there. Many are award winners from respected competitions: 2020 Ingenue, 2021 Grenache Rose, 2020 Bourboulenc, 2020 Clairette Blanche, 2021 Picpoul Blanc, 2021 Viognier, 2020 and 2021 Grenache Blanc. Don’t miss these Chateauneuf du Pape inspired Rhônes by winemaker Susan Tipton.” Here is the link to the social media post that also includes notes and photos from Acquiesce and other Lodi wineries we visited that day.

To expand, the Elevated Tasting Experience, seen here in the photo by Steve Roebuck, was a great pairing! (Not every food and wine pairing is spot on but theirs was.) And for Steve Roebuck and me, as it’s our practice to sample wines without food, it was difficult not to sample those small bites. But the wine…oh how I wish I could have lingered there all day. Also of note: most of these wines were less than $30 each.

The Pairing

We began with the 2021 Picpoul Blanc paired with Italian salsa, Spenker Goat Ricotta Tartine. Next was their 2021 Grenache Rose alongside Radish Tartine with Butter (butter is always a good choice!) and Cracked Pepper. Our third was the 2020 Grenache Blanc with Asparagus (a hard vegetable to pair), Ricotta, Preserved Lemons on Pumpernickel and then our final pairing with the 2020 Clairette Blanche with a Dijon Tarragon Tuna, Tomato, Tartine on Rye. All pretty simple and simply delish. (Note: this was their April Pairing Menu, titled “We Love Tartines” and their May pairing was geared toward the recent Cinco de Mayo holiday. So know that you will most likely have a different menu when you visit – don’t forget to make reservations – but I would make a bet that it would be just as yum-worthy. And when I last checked their website for the price it was only $20!)

Tasting Notes Courtesy Steve Roebuck:

2021 Picpoul Blanc

Score: 92 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Picpoul Blanc

Wafting from my glass was an elegant bouquet of fresh cut apples, pears, lemon curd, crushed seashells, wet river rocks and a touch of lemon grass. The wine had nice acidity with a crisp palate giving way to hints of green apple, pears, melon, citrus oil, lemon grass, crushed minerals, and a soft note of dill on the finish with a splash of lemon. The wine is beautifully balanced with fresh orchard fruits and crisp minerals that seamlessly intertwine together. 

2021 Grenache Rose

Score: 92 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Grenache Noir

This light salmon colored wine had a lovely bouquet of strawberries, melon, raspberries, Jolly Roger candy and dried hay bale. The wine had a nice level of acidity that brought balance to a palate painted with strawberries, watermelon, cherry, lemon zest and crushed gravel. The wine was refreshingly crisp with a beautiful layering of fruits and bright terroir notes. This wine is reminiscent of a French Provence rose wine; thus, an elegant and sophisticated style. 

2020 Grenache Blanc

Score:  93 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend:  100% Grenache Blanc

The wine had an expressive bouquet of cut apples, white peach, cut almonds, wet river rocks, chalky minerals and a note of marzipan. The wine is full bodied with a nice level of acidity, giving way to hints of green apple, white peach, wet slate, chalky minerals and a finish with softly brined apricots. This vivacious wine had lovely layers of fruit that harmoniously blended with the wonderful terroir notes. 

2020 Clairette Blanche

Score:  93 Points

Location:  Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Clairette Blanche

This rare beauty had an eloquent bouquet of poached pears, apricots, white tea, ginger cookie, marzipan, dried herbs, grapefruit and soft hints of yellow beeswax.  The wine is full-bodied with bright acidity that gives way to a palate painted with mixed orchard fruits, crisp minerals, light spice, fresh herbs and a touch of white fig on the finish. There is beauty here with a tapestry of fruit, exotic spice, and lovely terroir notes. 

2020 Ingenue

Score: 94 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Ingenue

The wine had a floral bouquet of white flowers, poached pears, apple pie crust, kiwi, orange blossoms, cut almonds, dried herbs, lemon and crushed minerals. The wine was medium-bodied with lovely acidity that brightened the palate with hints of fresh apple, honeydew melon, vanilla, soft citrus oil, crushed gravel and a drop of honey on the finish. The wine is complex with beautiful layers of fruit and earth that harmonize wonderfully together. 

2020 Bourboulenc

Score: 91 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Bourboulenc

This wine had a lovely bouquet of green apples, pears, white peach, lemon grass, chamomile tea and a splash of brine. The wine had nice acidity that gave way to hints of white peach, sliced apple, lime, beeswax, and white pepper. The wine is refreshing and crisp on the palate with soft notes of spice and orchard fruits. 

2021 Viognier

Score: 95 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Viognier

The wine had an alluring bouquet of white flowers, lavender, jasmine, pears, peaches, honeysuckle, white pepper, crushed stone and a touch of pineapple. The wine is medium ++ in body with a beautiful level of acidity that gives way to hints of tropical and orchard fruits, honeysuckle, exotic spice, soft brine, river rocks, and a kiss of citrus. The wine is complex with harmonizing layers of fruit and earth that play beautifully together. The wine is reminiscent of a French Rhone, as it is showing in an old-world style. 

More

The winemaker and owner, Susan Tipton, led our tasting. She told us that they started ten years ago, after she fell in love with white Chateauneuf du Pape wines. Her vineyards are all estate-owned and are dedicated to white wine grapes alone. None are oaked. The area has a Mediterranean climate, warm days, cool nights and a Delta breeze.

We purchased a case of wine each, the Roebucks and us, and I’ve since been looking over the club membership: six bottles delivered twice a year, in April and October, 20% off any purchases, complimentary tastings at the winery and invitations to release parties and pick up events.

Read this to see how well their wines did at the recent San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. (Short answer: They won four Best of Class Awards – and over 5,800 wines were judged.)

From the Winery

Do you love white wines? Located in the Lodi Appellation we offer estate grown, award-winning premium white and rosé wines lovingly created in small batches. We carefully craft these unique wines: Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette Blanche, Bourboulenc, Belle Blanc and Ingénue (white blends) and a Grenache Rosé. Join us by appointment, Thursday – Sunday 11-5 for our Elevated Tasting Experience

Elevated Tasting Experience reservations à https://www.exploretock.com/acquiescewinery

Homepage
https://www.facebook.com/AcquiesceWinery
https://www.instagram.com/acquiescewinery/

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.

South Coast Winery Garners 20 Awards from LA Competition

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TEMECULA, Calif. – South Coast Winery, owned by the Carter family, raised the gold standard at the 83rd anniversary of the Los Angeles International Wine Competition – winning two “Best of Class” gold medals, five other gold medals, eight silver medals and five bronze medals – stellar recognition for 20 of its wines. Sister winery Carter Estate Winery was also awarded three Silver Medals at the competition.

The 2022 Los Angeles International Wine Competition received 1,250 wines to judge, and the entrants showcase their finest domestic and international vintages through this prestigious wine event with judging taking place on March 9 to 10. Competing wines were produced in 19 countries, including: Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and the United States.

The public will have its first opportunity to taste and learn about the award-winning wines at The Learning Centers at Fairplex, which offers an extensive wine education program at the Los Angeles County Fair being held from May 5 to 30 and attended by approximately 1 million people each year and at CHEERS!, a June fundraising event to benefit the education programs of The Learning Center.

“We are extremely proud to have been recognized by a leading, 83-year-old wine institution, being judged by a team of highly trained wine professionals and compared to so many outstanding domestic and international producers,” said Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality, which owns South Coast Winery and Carter Estate Winery. “And we are pleased the Los Angeles International Wine Competition gives wine enthusiasts the chance to taste winning wines at the famous Los Angeles County Fair and its CHEERS! educational event.”

Following are the 20 South Coast Winery winning wines from the Los Angeles International Wine Competition:

Best of Class Gold Medal: Sparkling, Gewurztraminer, Temecula Valley, 94 points

Best of Class Gold Medal: Port, Black Jack Port, South Coast, 94 points

Gold Medal: Grenache Blanc, Temecula Valley 2020, 93 points

Gold Medal: Sparkling Pinot Grigio, Temecula Valley 2020, 92 points

Gold Medal: Rhone Style Blend, 20th Anniversary, South Coast 2018, 92 points

Gold Medal: Riesling, Temecula Valley 2020, 91 points

Gold Medal: Sangiovese, South Coast 2017, 91 points

Silver Medal: Viognier, Temecula Valley 2019

Silver Medal: Red Blend, Big Red Table, South Coast

Silver Medal: Red Blend, South Coast 2017

Silver Medal: Pinot Blanc, “Sur Lie,” Temecula Valley 2020

Silver Medal: Verdelho, Temecula Valley 2020

Silver Medal: Sparkling Rosé, Vineyard Rose, Temecula Valley 2018

Silver Medal: Red Blend, Meritage South Coast 2017

Silver Medal: Red Blend, Tempranillo, Monastrell, South Coast 2015

Bronze Medal: Sparkling, Spumante Diamante, Temecula Valley

Bronze Medal: Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2019

Bronze Medal: Chardonnay, Sans Chene, South Coast 2019

Bronze Medal: Sauvignon Blanc, Musqué Clone, Temecula Valley 2019

Bronze Medal: Gewurztraminer, Temecula Valley 2019

The Carter family’s sister winery, Carter Estate Winery, in Temecula also earned citations for three of its wines at the 2022 Los Angeles International Wine Competition:

Silver Medal: Blanc de Blanc, South Coast 2015

Silver Medal: Blanc de Noir, South Coat 2015

Silver Medal: Brut, South Coast 2015

A list of all winners and additional information is available at https://fairplex.com/competitions/wine-competition.

About South Coast Winery

The only winery among the state’s top wineries to claim the title of California Winery of the Year four times at the California State Fair Wine Competition, South Coast Winery sets the gold standard for excellence amongst California wineries, earning more than 3,000 awards since its inception in 2003. Situated on 63 lush acres, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers a breathtaking retreat for wine tours, romantic getaways and group events with 132 rooms and villas, a working winery and tasting room, gift shop, full-service spa and restaurant.

South Coast Winery offers a broad portfolio of 45 wine labels, the majority of which are available for sampling in its main tasting room – from robust reds such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir to whites including Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Riesling. Also available are sparkling wines, dessert wines and other specialty offerings. The winery employs a staff of skilled winemakers, including master winemaker Jon McPherson and winemaker Javier Flores, both with decades of experience in the wine industry.

For more information, visit www.southcoastwinery.com.

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.

Auberge du Soleil Celebrates Third-Annual “Rosé All May

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RUTHERFORD, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Signaling the first taste of summer, Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley’s quintessential adults-only getaway, unveils its third-annual, month-long “Rosé All May” celebration centered around the release of the hotel’s private label Rosé. Throughout the month of May, hotel guests are invited to join in the festivities by reserving a Rosé All May special offer that includes:

  • A two-night stay in a choice of luxurious accommodations (Sunday through Thursday)
  • An upgrade to the next available room category upon arrival (subject to availability)
  • In-room welcome bottle of Auberge du Soleil Rosé
  • Three-course prix fixe lunch on the hotel’s famed outdoor dining terrace, with each course paired with a select Rosé
  • Full breakfast served daily at the Michelin Star Restaurant
  • 10% off all services at the exclusive Auberge du Soleil Spa
  • Access to the complimentary Mercedes-Benz Guest Drive Program

“Nothing expresses the first taste of summer like a perfectly chilled glass of Rosé,” said Bradley Reynolds, Managing Director of Auberge du Soleil. “Each year we look forward to celebrating the official opening of Rosé Season by showcasing everyone’s favorite summer beverage throughout the property. From complimentary daily Rosé tastings to Rosé-inspired spa services, Auberge du Soleil will be ‘in the pink’ the entire month of May.”

Photo Arizona Foothills Magazine

Special Rosé cocktails will be featured throughout the month as Auberge du Soleil partners with Haus, a local pioneer of farm-to-bottle apéritifs, to create refreshing low-ABV (alcohol by volume) beverages. Guests may enjoy Haus Spa Water featuring Haus Rose Rosé served over ice with cucumber and lemon while relaxing after a treatment at the Spa; a Rose Rosé Spritz while lounging poolside; or a refreshing Haus on the Rocks at The Bistro.

“We’re thrilled to work with the team at Auberge du Soleil, who share our values of quality, sustainability, and creativity,” said Helena Price Hambrecht, Haus Co-Founder and CEO. “We look forward to working together to bring a unique, rose-themed cocktail experience to Napa Valley.”

In addition, the following Rosé All May amenities will be available to all guests at the property throughout the month:

  • A selection of still and sparkling Rosés available at guest check-in
  • Welcome bottle of Auberge du Soleil Rosé delivered to each guest room upon arrival
  • La Vie en Rosé Body Treatment and Rejuvenating Rose Spring Facial featured at the exclusive Auberge du Soleil Spa
  • Complimentary afternoon Rosé tastings in the Courtyard each day of the month
  • An expanded list of still and sparkling Rosés served by the glass at The Bistro
  • Rosé Sangria served at the La Plage adult swimming pool and sun terrace

To reserve the Rosé All May guest stay experience book online or contact Auberge du Soleil Reservations directly at 1.800.348.5406. Dining reservations are available at OpenTable for The Restaurant and The Bistro.

About Auberge du Soleil
Inspired by the relaxed sophistication of the South of France and infused with California soul, Auberge du Soleil features wine country’s most luxurious accommodations, spectacular valley views, a Michelin Star Restaurant, and the exclusive Auberge du Soleil Spa. Nestled within a 33-acre hillside olive grove, the “Inn of the Sun” is celebrated for delivering passionate, intuitive service that embodies gracious Napa Valley hospitality. The 50 residential-style rooms, suites and private maisons set the stage for romance in the seclusion of the adults-only environment. The property is a long-standing member of Relais & Châteaux, an international association of outstanding boutique properties known for their excellence in hospitality and the culinary arts and the flagship hotel for the Auberge Resorts Collection.
For more information visit http://www.aubergedusoleil.com and follow on Instagram or Facebook @AubergeduSoleil.

About Haus
Haus is the pioneer of the modern apéritif market, creating better-for-you, great tasting low-ABV beverages for every palate. Made with natural, responsibly sourced fruits, herbs, and botanicals, Haus is transparent about their processes and ingredients so you know exactly what’s in your glass. With about half the alcohol of hard liquor, Haus is for those who want to enjoy the social ritual of drinking without the undesired consequences. Haus is sold in select retail, bars, and restaurants across California with continued expansion to other states in 2022. Visit drink.haus and follow along @drinkhaus.

About Relais & Châteaux
Created in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an organization of more than 560 exceptional hotels and restaurants run by independent men and women, all driven by a passion for their profession and dedicated to the authenticity of the relationships they build with their customers. With operations on all five continents, from the vineyards of Napa Valley to Provence and the beaches of the Indian Ocean, Relais & Châteaux members invite all to discover the art of living enshrined in the location’s culture, and share a unique, human story. Relais & Châteaux members have a profound desire to protect and showcase the richness and diversity of the cuisine and inviting cultures of the world. They worked towards this goal, along with the goal to preserve local heritages and the environment, through a UNESCO Manifesto in November 2014. For more information please visit http://www.relaischateaux.com.

About Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 22 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.
For more information: aubergeresorts.com
Connect with Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook Twitter and Instagram @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge

About The Friedkin Group
The Friedkin Group is a privately-held consortium of automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure companies. These organizations include: Gulf States Toyota, GSFSGroup, US AutoLogistics, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Resorts Collection, AS Roma, Imperative Entertainment, 30WEST, NEON, Diamond Creek Golf Club, Congaree and Legendary Expeditions. The Friedkin Group is led by Chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin. For more information, visit http://www.friedkin.com.

Robin Thicke, Mýa, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and More to Headline Célébrez en Rosé Wine & Music Festival

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UNITED STATES (U.S.) – Organizers of Célébrez en Rosé (formerly La Fête du Rosé) wine and music festival have announced an all-star lineup of headline performers for its 2022 events in Atlanta on May 7 (Mother’s Day Weekend), Houston on May 28 (Memorial Day Weekend), Washington, D.C. on June 11 (National Rosé Day), and Chicago on June 25 (International Rosé Day).
This year’s festival will feature world-renowned contemporary R&B artist and hitmaker Robin Thicke in Atlanta, Houston, and D.C.; Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and actress Mýa in Houston and Chicago; hip-hop legend DJ Jazzy Jeff in Atlanta, Houston, and D.C.; and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer Tamia in D.C.; among others.
Founded in 2018, the picnic-style event has garnered national attention through previous years’ music lineups, which featured prominent artists like Lupe Fiasco, Estelle, DJ Cassidy, Marian Hill, and more, as well as the high fashion, Instagram-worthy photo installations, VIP experiences, and culinary offerings from celebrity chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Kelis that attendees have come to expect.
The festival will be making its third appearance in both the Atlanta and D.C. markets and debuting for the first time in two new cities, Houston and Chicago, in 2022.
“Since the event’s inception, we’ve continued to improve the experience and music for our guests, and this year will be no different,” said Cleveland Spears, III, founder of Célébrez en Rosé. “Music is a huge part of that experience, and I’m proud to say that there will truly be something for everyone at each of the four Célébrez en Rosé events in 2022. We look forward to being back in D.C. and Atlanta with a few new and exciting surprises in store, and introducing our new audiences in Chicago and Houston to a rosé all day experience like nothing they’ve seen before.”
Célébrez en Rosé (French for “Celebrate in Pink”) has continued to grow in popularity and attendance since it launched four years ago under the name of La Fête du Rosé in Atlanta. The festival sold out its second annual appearance in Atlanta and inaugural event in D.C. the following year, attracting thousands of attendees dressed in their finest pink and white summer attire. Watch the official recap of last year’s Célébrez en Rosé event in D.C. here.
Additional local acts and a full entertainment lineup will be announced in the coming weeks, paying homage to the unique cultures and audiences of each of the four cities.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit celebrezenrose.com.

CA Wins at NY International Wine Competition

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NYIWC Winners from CA in 2021

  • Aimee (Morgan Hill, CA)
    • Gold medal: Petite Sirah- Region lll 2017
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
    • Silver medal: Bollicine 2019
    • Bronze medal: Petite Sirah- Region V 2017
    • Individual award: Napa Petite Sirah Winery of the Year
  • Benson Marketing Group (Napa Valley, CA)
    • Gold medal: Vermouth di Torino
  • Blair Estate (Carmel By The Sea, CA)
    • Silver medal: Blair Estate Pinot Noir Morgantini Vineyard 2016
    • Silver medal: Blair Estate Rose of Pinot Noir 2019
    • Individual award: Arroyo Seco Rose of Pinot Noir Winery of the Year
  • Cameron Hughes Wine (San Francisco, CA)
    • Gold medal: Lot 746 Arroyo Seco Chardonnay 2019
    • Silver medal: Lot 765 Sierra Foothills Zinfandel 2018
    • Individual award: Arroyo Seco Chardonnay Wine of the Year
  • Clos de la Tech (Woodside, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Domaine Lois Louise “Cote Sud”  2015
    • Silver medal: Domaine Valeta “Sunny Slope” 2015
    • Bronze medal: Santa Cruz Mountain Estates 2015
    • Individual award: Santa Cruz Mountains Winery of the year
  • DoublePlus Wines (St Helena, CA)
    • Gold medal: Rose 2020
    • Gold medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Individual award: Napa Sauvignon Blanc Winery of the Year
  • E&J Gallo Winery (Modesto, CA)
    • Barefoot Hard Seltzer
      • Gold medal: Peach
      • Silver medal: Pineapple
      • Bronze medal: Cherry
    • J Vineyards
      • Gold medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Gold medal: Pinot Noir 2018
      • Silver medal: Brut Rosé
    • La Marca
      • Gold medal: Prosecco
    • Louis M. Martini
      • Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
      • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon
      • Individual award: Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Wine of the Year
    • Alamos
      • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Barefoot
      • Silver medal: Sangria
      • Silver medal: Pink Pinot Grigio
      • Silver medal: Merlot
      • Silver medal: Zinfandel
      • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc
      • Bronze medal: Chardonnay
      • Bronze medal: White Zinfandel
      • Bronze medal: Moscato
      • Bronze medal: Pinot Grigio
      • Bronze medal: Moscato
    • Barefoot Bubbly
      • Silver medal: Brut Cuvee
      • Bronze medal: Brut Rosé
      • Bronze medal: Prosecco
    • Barefoot Fruitscato
      • Silver medal: Strawberry
      • Silver medal: Mango
      • Bronze medal: Watermelon
      • Bronze medal: Peach
      • Bronze medal: Blueberry
      • Individual award: Wines with Fruit Flavor of the Year
    • Barefoot Spritzer
      • Silver medal: Moscato Spritzer
      • Bronze medal: Summer Red
    • Black Box
      • Silver medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Silver medal: Malbec 2018
      • Silver medal: Pinot Grigio 2019
      • Silver medal: Shiraz 2018
      • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
      • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
      • Individual award: Boxed Wine of the Year
    • Edna Valley
      • Silver medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Bronze medal: Rosé 2020
    • MacMurray Estate Vineyards
      • Silver medal: Pinot Noir 2018
    • Prophecy
      • Silver medal: Pinot Noir 2018
      • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Starborough
      • Silver medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Talbott
      • Silver medal: Kali Hart Chardonnay 2019
    • William Hill Estate Winery
      • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
      • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2019
  • Fazeli Cellars (Temecula, CA)
    • Gold medal: Merlot 2017
    • Silver medal: Shiraz 2017
    • Bronze medal: Petite Sirah 2017
    • Individual award: Temecula Winery of the Year
  • Frey Vineyards (Redwood Valley, CA)
    • Frey Organic
      • Double Gold medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2019
      • Gold medal: Viognier 2018
      • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
      • Silver medal: Sun & Rain Chardonnay 2019
      • Silver medal: Pinot Grigio 2019
      • Bronze medal: Zinfandel 2019
      • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Individual award: California Organic Winery of the Year
    • Frey Biodynamic
      • Gold medal: Merlot 2019
      • Silver medal: Chardonnay 2019
  • Garemani Wines (Santa Barbara, CA)
    • Gold medal: Chardonnay 2019
    • Gold medal: Pinot Noir 2019
    • Silver medal: Merlot 2019
    • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Bronze medal: Tannat 2019
    • Individual award: Central Coast Pinot Noir Winery of the Year
  • Halleck Vineyard (Sebastopol, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Pinot Noir; Three Sons Cuvee 2017
    • Gold medal: Calandrelli Vineyard 2019
    • Gold medal: Hillside Cuvee 2017
    • Silver medal: Little Sister Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Silver medal: The Farm Vineyards 2017
    • Silver medal: Clone 828 2018
    • Bronze medal: Pinot Noir; Haas Vineyard 2017
    • Individual award: California Gewurztraminer Winery of the Year
    • Individual award: Russian River Pinot Noir Winery of the Year
  • Hartlam Winery (San Gabriel, CA)
    • Gold medal: Grenache 2020
    • Silver medal: Syrah Rosé wine 2020
    • Bronze medal: Sauvignon blanc 2020
    • Individual award: California Grenache Winery of the Year
  • Herzog Wine Cellars (Oxnard, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: American Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Gold medal: Choreograph 2020
    • Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Gold medal: Rosé 2020
    • Silver medal: French Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Silver medal: Four Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Bronze medal: Pinot Grigio 2020
    • Bronze medal: Momentus
    • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Individual award: Kosher Winery of the Year
  • Kenwood Vineyards (Kenwood, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
    • Gold medal: Six Ridges Chardonnay 2018
    • Silver medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Silver medal: Jack London Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
    • Bronze medal: Six Ridges Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Bronze medal: Six Ridges Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
    • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2018
    • Bronze medal: Pinot Noir 2018
    • Individual award: Sonoma County Chardonnay Winery of the Year
  • Libelle Wines (St Helena, CA)
    • Gold medal: Grüner Veltliner 2019
    • Individual award: Gruner Veltliner Winery of the Year
  • Maker Wine Company (San Francisco, CA)
    • Gold medal: Chenin Blanc 2020
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Silver medal: Sparkling Rose
    • Silver medal: Merlot 2018
    • Bronze medal: Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Bronze medal: Rose of Grenache 2020
    • Individual award: Chenin Blanc Winery of the Year
  • Mystic Hills Vineyard (San Miguel, CA)
    • Gold medal: Unforgiven 2015
    • Bronze medal: Gran Trio 2015
    • Individual award: San Luis Obispo County Winery of the Year
  • New Clairvaux Vineyard (Vina, CA)
    • Gold medal: Moschofilero 2020
    • Silver medal: Barbera Rose 2020
    • Silver medal: Petite Sirah 2018
    • Bronze medal: Assyrtiko 2020
    • Individual award: Tehama County Winery of the Year
  • Nichelini Family Winery (St Helena, CA)
    • Gold medal: Remeber
    • Silver medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Silver medal: Engine 318
    • Individual award: Napa Rose Winery of the Year
  • Oak Farm Vineyards (Lodi, CA)
    • Gold medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Silver medal: Zinfandel 2018
    • Silver medal: Rosé 2020
    • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2020
    • Individual award: Lodi Winery of the Year
  • Penrose Hill (Napa, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Musa Noctuaria Rosé of Garnacha 2020
    • Double Gold medal: Trailstone Chardonnay 2019
    • Gold medal: Tintoretto Pinot Grigio 2019
    • Gold medal: Watchful Maker Bold Red Wine 2018
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Bronze medal: Iron Arrow White Blend 2019
    • Bronze medal: Luxana Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Bronze medal: Penrose Hill Rosé of Pinot Noir 2019
    • Bronze medal: Tintoretto Sangiovese 2019
    • Individual award: Spain Rose of the Year
    • Individual award: Italy Pinot Grigio Winery of the Year
    • Individual award: Columbia Valley Winery of the Year
  • Perchance Estates (Rutherford, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard 2018
    • Individual award: Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Wine of the Year
  • PR Farms, Inc. (Clovis, CA)
    • Gold medal: My Italian Cousin Eugenio 2018
    • Silver medal: My Italian Cousin Eugenio 2016
  • Rodney Strong Wine Estates (Healdsburg, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Russian River Valley; Estate Rose of Pinot Noir 2020
    • Gold medal: California Chardonnay 2019
    • Silver medal: Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2017
    • Silver medal: River West Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2017
    • Silver medal: Red Blend 2018
    • Silver medal: Knotty Vines Pinot Noir 2018
    • Silver medal: Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2017
    • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Bronze medal: Sonoma County Merlot 2017
    • Individual award: Russian River Winery of the Year
  • Vinesse (Westlake Village, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Sangiovese 2019
    • Gold medal: Garnacha 2019
    • Gold medal: Merlot 2019
    • Gold medal: Chardonnay 2019
    • Silver medal: Merlot 2019
    • Silver medal: Chenin Blanc 2019
    • Silver medal: Bordeaux Superieur Red Wine 2018
    • Silver medal: Montepulciano 2019
    • Bronze medal: Syrah 2019
    • Bronze medal: Shiraz 2019
    • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Bronze medal: Aglianico 2019
    • Individual award: Wahluke Slope Winery of the Year
    • Individual award: International Wine Club of the Year
  • Vintage Wine Estates (Santa Rosa, CA)
    • Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Gold medal: Chardonnay 2020
    • Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Gold medal: Malbec 2020
    • Gold medal: Zinfandel 2019
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Silver medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Silver medal: White Zinfandel 2020
    • Silver medal: Moscato 2020
    • Bronze medal: Sangiovese 2020
    • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
  • VJB Cellars (Kenwood, CA)
    • Gold medal: Barbera 2018
    • Silver medal: Primitivo 2017
    • Silver medal: Nebbiolo 2017
    • Silver medal: Wellington Cellars Merlot 2017
    • Bronze medal: Wellington Cellars 1882 Zinfandel
    • Individual award: Sonoma Winery of the Year
  • WineShop At Home
    • Gold medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Gold medal: Alcedo 2019
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Silver medal: Hero’s Blend 2017
    • Bronze medal: Black Muscat 2020
    • Individual award: Chile Sauvignon Blanc of the Year

About the New York International Wine Competition:

The NYIWC is part of the International Beverage Competition (IBC) series, a unique group of wine, beer, and spirits competitions taking place in New York City, Berlin, Melbourne, and Hong Kong annually. The judging panels at all IBC competitions consist entirely of active trade buyers, including sommeliers, cicerones, retail store buyers, distributors, importers, restaurant beverage directors, and more. The organizers of the competition feel that these judges, whose livelihood rely upon their skill set, truly know what the consumer wants, as they receive on a daily basis the feedback from the consumer of what is good and what will sell. The carefully selected judges taste the products in a blind tasting format, judging the products by both category and price.

From Founder Adam Levy:

“We’re the only international beverage competitions where all the judges are real trade buyers who are judging by category and actual price. These judges are buyers from the top New York Area liquor stores, restaurants, hotels and more. The submissions in 2021 were exceptionally good, and the judges were excited to be able to sample such a wide range of well-executed traditional styles of alcohol, as well as some more inventive products from all over the USA and internationally. Many of our judges discovered new products that they will be incorporating into their inventories in the coming year.”

View the full list of 2021 winners, learn more about the judging panel, and find information about submitting products for next year’s competition at https://nyiwinecompetition.com. In addition to the annual competition series, the IBC also publishes The Alcohol Professor – an online “homeroom” for the beverage trade and the enlightened consumer to learn about all things bibulous. Visit https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/ for thoughtful, in-depth articles about wine, beer, spirits, and more.

Bordeaux Reports Historic 67% Annual U.S. Sales Increase

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BORDEAUX, FRANCE (PRWEB) – Bordeaux producers are feeling optimistic about the U.S. wine market. The Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.) reports that year-end 2021 sales of Bordeaux wines in the U.S. increased 67% in value to peak at $395 million (349 million euros), and 24% in volume to reach 247,000 HL as compared to 2020. The 2021 results represented the highest volume sales increase of Bordeaux wines to the U.S. over a 12-month period since 1985.

The United States was the second largest export market for Bordeaux wines, by volume and value. The recognition of quality and affordability of the 2018 and 2019 Bordeaux wine vintages, as well as the suspension of the 25% tariffs on French wines contributed to the acceleration of Bordeaux wine sales and bodes well for the future. These strong business results coincide with new benchmarks in sustainability: as of fall 2021, more than 75% of Bordeaux vineyards are certified sustainable, an all-time high which has driven positive trade and consumer recognition.

“We are thrilled with our sales results in the U.S.,” said Bernard Farges, President of the Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.) “It is a credit to the people of Bordeaux and our many U.S. partners to have overcome recent challenges and create opportunity for growth across such a wide range of Bordeaux wines.”

The strong growth reveals sustained momentum for the Bordeaux category in the U.S. wine market. Upward sales trends have impacted 65 of Bordeaux’s diverse AOCs (Appellations d’Origine Contrôlées), and all wine styles: reds, dry whites, rosé, sweet, and sparkling wines. While red wines remain the most prominent category, dry white Bordeaux wines have become increasingly popular: the U.S. is now the number one market for dry white Bordeaux, representing 5.2 million bottles in annual sales. Overall, American consumers have supported growth across a wide range of Bordeaux wines ranging from more affordable, everyday selections to classified growths from prestige AOCs such as Médoc (Pauillac, St. Estèphe, Saint Julien, Margaux), Graves and Saint-Émilion.

To support positive trends, the Bordeaux wine region is committed to continuing investment in dynamic U.S. marketing and education campaigns that support increased consumer and trade awareness, including outreach to young consumers and buyers who place a high value on sustainability.

ABOUT Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.)
Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.) was created by the French Law dated August 18, 1948. It unites representatives from the three families in the Bordeaux wine industry: winegrowers, merchants and traders. The CIVB’s 4 missions:

  • Marketing mission: stimulate demand for Bordeaux wines, recruit new, younger consumers and ensure their loyalty to the brand. Provide education for the trade and strengthen relationships.
  • Technical mission: build knowledge, protect the quality of Bordeaux wines and anticipate new requirements related to environmental, CSR and food safety regulations.
  • Economic mission: provide intelligence on production, the market, the environment and sale of Bordeaux wines around the world.
  • The industry’s general interests: protect the terroirs, fight counterfeiting, develop wine tourism.

New Vintages And Harmonious Melodies Bring Springtime Fun to Walla Walla

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WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Walla Walla’s panoramic Blue Mountains, springtime blooms, and verdant vines are calling.  The valley is abuzz with upcoming activities such as Spring Kick-Off Weekend, Spring Release Weekend, and live music at the newly launched Wine Country Amphitheater.

Spring Kick-Off Weekend, April 1 -3, marks the start of the 2022 wine season as vines emerge from hibernation. It’s the perfect time to taste, savor, and stock up on newly released rosés, whites, and valley reds. For oenophiles who can’t make it to Walla Walla in early April or for those who are looking for an excuse to return, Spring Release Weekend, May 6 – 8, continues the viticultural celebrations when winery and tasting room teams curate memorable experiences with live music, food, and wine pairings to showcase the latest releases. Visit the Walla Walla Valley Wine events page for a complete list of happenings.

“Walla Walla comes alive in spring as the temperatures rise, the vines wake up, and locals and visitors celebrate the changing of the season,” says Robert Hansen, executive director of Visit Walla Walla. “With marquee wine events, accessible outdoor recreation, and all the charms of downtown and the surrounding valley, it’s the perfect time to visit. “

The new Wine Country Amphitheater (capacity 5,000) will launch its first concert series collaborating with Wine Country Concerts in early summer. The amphitheater is located inside the Veterans Memorial Golf Course and within walking distance from downtown. Grammy-nominated ZZ Tops will kick off the season in June, the entire concert series line-up is coming soon but is set to include Grammy award-winning Maren Morris, country music star Aaron Lewis, and blues legend Bonnie Raitt. All tickets will be general admission lawn seating, and food and drinks will be available for purchase through onsite food trucks. For more information, visit  WineCountryConcerts.com.

Combine a wine tasting or concert series with some of Walla Walla’s other offerings for a truly memorable visit. Enjoy a show at the Gesa Power House Theater or experience Walla Walla’s history with a visit to Fort Walla Walla Museum. Explore the Stay & Play Golf packages featuring one of Washington’s top golf courses. And while Walla Walla has no shortage of delectable dining establishments, various Gourmet Grab & Go options are available for an impromptu picnic in the park.

To explore more or begin planning a visit to Walla Walla, visit wallawalla.org.

About Walla Walla:
As the unofficial capital of Washington wine country, Walla Walla is home to more than 120 wineries, a nationally recognized culinary scene, an abundance of easily accessible nearby outdoor recreation, and an arts & entertainment scene that rivals cities many times its size. This community of just over 30,000 residents is known for many things, including its friendliness and hospitality, the quality of its wine, and of course, the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onion. An easy and scenic four-hour drive from Seattle, Portland, or Boise, Walla Walla can also be accessed via Alaska Airlines daily non-stop flights from Seattle. For more information and to begin planning a trip to Walla Walla, visit www.wallawalla.org.