Eve's Wine 101

Washington Wine Country Adds Rocky Reach American Viticulture Area

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ORONDO, Wash./PRNewswire/ — Rocky Pond Estate Winery, the Washington producer crafting wines from their breathtaking sustainably farmed riverside and lakeside vineyards in the Columbia River Valley, recently received good news when their Flagship Double D Vineyard and Rocky Reach Estate Vineyard received approval by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Rocky Reach will be Washington’s twentieth AVA.

“We are extremely pleased to see this return on our efforts,” stated Owners and Founders David and Michelle Dufenhorst. “This is an essential step towards recognizing what we’ve known for some time – that this is a remarkable place to grow and produce quality vines and wines.”

The Rocky Reach AVA will encompass over 32,333 acres (50 square miles) along the Columbia River. The AVA takes its name from the Rocky Reach Dam and the Rocky Reach Reservoir (also known as Lake Entiat). Steamboat captains first applied the name “Rocky Reach” to the region in the late 1800’s, to describe the rapids within a stretch, or “reach”, of the Columbia River. This new AVA will follow the Columbia River from Wenatchee north to Lake Chelan. Unlike its surrounding wine region, however, Rocky Reach possesses a unique combination of topography, soils, and climate — all of which call for a singular AVA designation.

These characteristics derive from a fascinating geologic history. Rocky Reach AVA consists of crystalline basement rocks which are silica rich due to the mica and quartz minerals. This is in contrast to the existing Columbia Valley AVA which is 95% basalt.

The soils were formed from wind-deposited sand and silt overlying cobblestone gravel and sand deposited by ice-aged floods. The prolific, stony surfaces warm quickly, and the hot stones radiate and retain daytime heat to the vines and promote faster and more complete ripening. The gravels within Rocky Reach were deposited approximately 18,800 years ago by gigantic floods. The new AVA envelopes several gently sloping terraces, but hovers below the surrounding highlands at elevations of no more than 1,600 feet.

Unlike the areas upstream in the Columbia Valley, Rocky Reach was never glaciated. Rocky Reach contains no glacial till nor erratic rocks and its landforms have not been shaped by erosion of ice. 

David Dufenhorst believes that this area is an undiscovered gem in the state of Washington. The unique amalgam of climate and geology within Rocky Reach is ideal for grape growing, bolstered by a long growing season of more than 150 days on average and lower riverside elevation. The Rocky Reach AVA officially recognizes the outstanding capacity of such a rare combination of characteristics.

Rocky Pond operates two tasting rooms – one in Chelan and the other in Woodinville – for wine, culinary, travel enthusiasts and members looking to experience their high-quality wines and impeccable service. Reserve a table today at www.rockypondwinery.com.

About Rocky Pond Estate Winery:
Rocky Pond Estate Winery was established in 2013 by David and Michelle Dufenhorst. The winery itself takes its name from the tumbled granite stones found on their estate vineyards located in one of the most awe-inspiring regions of the Columbia River Valley.

Regionally, Rocky Pond Estate Winery is making a name for itself as a high-quality Washington winery that is focused on producing Bordeaux and Rhone-style wines that showcase the truly unique terroir of their sustainably farmed riverside estate vineyards deeply rooted in the soils of the geographic wonder that is the Columbia River Valley.

Eat Local in the Nordics: Top Culinary Experiences For All

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Nordics, a coalition of the seven Nordic tourism boards of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, represent a region known internationally for its gastronomy. In addition to creative cuisine, The Nordics are committed to offering sustainable culinary experiences. This was solidified in 2004 when each country signed the Nordic Food Manifesto which contains 10 principles on purity, season, ethics, health, sustainability, and quality that are embodied by hotels and restaurants across the seven countries. Currently, The Nordics boast 65 Michelin starred restaurants, 20 of which have been recognized with a Michelin Green Star for their sustainable practices, and more than 260 Michelin-recommended restaurants.

In The Nordics, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to eat like a local, whether at a restaurant or in a truly immersive experience out in nature.

OYSTER SAFARIS IN DENMARK
The UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea National Park is one of the world’s most important tidal zones and also the site of oyster safaris. Visitors at low tide can strap on waterproof boots and follow a guide to the oyster banks to gather the plentiful Danish delicacy for a tasting while learning the history of oysters in the area along the way. Tours last approximately 2.5 – 3 hours and take place in February through May and September through December. Sort Safari offers oyster safaris at DKK 275 (approximately US$40) which can be booked here. Those who want a full gastronomy trip should look at one of Denmark’s 26 Michelin-starred restaurants, vineyard visits to Europe’s northernmost grape-growing area, foraging tours, and a food walk in Copenhagen. In 2020, Michelin awarded 11 Danish restaurants with the Michelin Green Star. In 2021, World’s 50 Best Restaurants awarded the first and second spot to Denmark restaurants Noma, a Michelin Green Star recipient, and Geranium.

FAROE ISLANDS’ HOME HOSPITALITY
Traditional cuisine reigns in the 18-island archipelago of the Faroe Islands where Heimablídni, Faroese for home hospitality, is listed on the United Nations’ Sustainable Consumption and Production list.
The Faroese welcome travelers into their homes where they serve homemade dishes created from their own or their neighbors’ farms while sharing stories that relate to the country or local village. An array of experiences, from traditional dinners to day-long fishing and cooking excursions, can be booked online with rates starting at DKK 350 (approximately US$50). One restaurant that should be on the itinerary of any foodie is Ræst, which is Faroese for fermented. The menu is dedicated entirely to traditional Faroese fermented foods and combines modern gastronomic trends with ancient food traditions.

FINLAND FORAGING
Finland is actively creating sustainable solutions for food sourcing and production. Finns and visitors have “Everyman’s Rights,” a law that allows anyone the freedom to forage, fish (with a permit), and more. Finnish forests are brimming with nutrient-rich arctic superfoods in summer and early autumn that yield blueberries, chanterelles, and cloudberries. METTÄ’s Helsinki Wildfoods collective offers wild herb courses and foraging excursions, and guided mushroom-picking tours, like the ones offered at Hotel Punkaharju in eastern Finland, are also great for beginners. Those looking for something different and truly unique can travel to Lahti, the 2021 European Green Capital. There, Ant Brew’s latest “Wasted Potential” beer series includes Boreality Check which uses lichens from the north, Dumpster Diver brewed with orange peels from a local juicer, and Goosebumps that utilizes aromas from goose droppings. In Helsinki, Nolla was born out of a desire to serve great food with a waste-free ideology. Their in-house composter provides suppliers with composted soil to take back to their fields.

GREENLAND’S FRESH CATCHES
Every town in Greenland has a local fish and meat market called Kalaaliaraq (“little Greenlander”) where daily catches are sold. In addition to buying straight from the source, visitors can catch their own meal, dine with a local, or enjoy fine dining. Qooqqut Nuan, accessed by boat from Nuuk, is one of the most isolated restaurants in the world and features vegetables grown locally and fish from the nearby fjord. Visitors may catch their own fish which the restaurant will then prepare for them in one of several different ways. To dine with a local, the Greenlandic tradition of kaffemik, a large celebration hosted by a local, can be considered. Visitors can book a kaffemik experience which provides insight into Greenlandic homelife. The two Michelin-starred restaurant KOKS from the Faroe Islands is setting up shop in Ilimanaq north of Nuuk for the summers of 2022 and 2023. It will open in Ilimanaq Lodge, one of the oldest houses in Greenland, and have a focus on the clean, pure flavors of the ocean with plentiful seasonal herbs and wildflowers.

ICELAND’S GEOTHERMAL FARM-TO-TABLE
Geothermal energy is key for Icelandic cuisine and its organic produce. Icelandic farmers rely on greenhouse farming, which is heated and powered by readily available, 100% renewable geothermal energy. Visitors to Laugarvatn Fontana can see how Icelanders use geothermal energy to bake bread. For ISK 2300 (approximately US$18), participants can learn how the popular rye bread is baked underground near a hot spring, see the pot dug out of the hot black sand, and enjoy the bread while it’s still warm from the ground. Visitors can also enjoy farm-to-table experiences like a meal at Friðheimar’s greenhouse surrounded by tomato plants. With three different varieties grown on site, offerings include tomato soup, green tomato and apple pie, green tomato jam, tomato beer, or tomato schnapps (a hollow tomato filled with Icelandic Birch schnapps). Other places of note for farm-to-table cuisine include the Efstidalur farm hotel and Vogafjós farm café.

NORWAY UNDER THE SEA
Traditional Norwegian cuisine is largely a reflection of the environment, utilizing materials readily available in the country’s mountains, wilderness, and coast. Norway’s most unique dining experience combining marine research, architecture, and gastronomy can be found near the coast in Lindesnes. Under Restaurant allows travelers to dine underwater beneath a concrete shell created to act as an artificial reef. Half sunken 16 feet into the icy waters, Under provides visitors with an opportunity to view the rarely seen marine ecosystem of the North Atlantic Ocean while enjoying an 18-course, seafood-forward prix fixe menu with available wine pairings. Visitors can also time their visit with one of Norway’s popular food festivals, including the Gladmat food festival in Stavanger (June), Trøndelag Food Festival (July), and the Matstreif in Oslo (September).

SWEDEN’S BEST
Every year, the Nordic 360° Eat Guide recognizes establishments that showcase culinary excellence with sustainable practices. The 2021 standout nominees included Musselbaren which utilizes organic, locally-sourced ingredients with mussels as the star of the show. The restaurant offers a 4.5 hour mussels tour in a west Swedish fjord where participants will learn about the area, harvest their own catch, and prepare their meal. The grand finale is moule frites with fresh bread and aioli. Northwest of Stockholm, travelers can tour Sweden’s oldest orchard Köpings Musteri, an organically certified cider farm where a 1.5-hour tasting tour showcases 40 apple varieties and the cider production process. Set in the forests of Dalsland, Swedish Country Living offers guests a guided tour to learn about the property’s holistic approach to food, sustainable buildings, and regenerative agriculture. Standout Stockholm restaurants include Fotografiska which has a plant-based kitchen that received a Green Star from Michelin in 2021; Hermans, a vegetarian establishment where even the company car runs on biofuel; and K-märkt which focuses on reducing food waste by selling the food by weight.

ABADÍA RETUERTA LEDOMAINE CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

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5th June 2022, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine brought together friends and other esteemed guests for a special dinner to commemorate the hotel’s tenth anniversary.

It was a perfect moment to reflect on some of the highlights of their first decade in business.

RENOWNED HOSPITALITY

From the outset, the aim of Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine was to be able to invite guests to its striking enclave. Today, it is synonymous with unrivalled hospitality, authenticity and excellence in its treatment of guests and visitors, thanks to its butler service.

Amid an estate that spans 700 hectares, with a breathtaking 12th-century monastery, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine has become a must-visit for all those longing to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is ideal for those who wish to reconnect with nature, in a place where they can enjoy local and avant-garde cuisine, unwind in the Santuario Wellness&Spa, and revel in the estate’s exclusive, world-class wines.

This five-star hotel measures 8000 m2, and it has thirty luxurious bedrooms, three of which are suites. The rooms are all exquisitely decorated, and they overlook a rippling sea of vineyards, providing the tranquillity and privacy that guests need.

Since 2020, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine has been included in the exclusive list of Leading Hotels of the World.

IMPECCABLE, PRIZEWINNING GASTRONOMY

The cuisine offered by Abadía Retuerta is a true spectacle for the senses, and is sure to impress all those who visit. Its gastronomy has garnered numerous awards, most notably from the Michelin Guide and the Repsol Guide. The estate has four distinct eateries, each with a unique and surprising menu.

The estate’s flagship restaurant is Refectorio, which has held a Michelin Star since 2014, a Green Star since 2020, as well as two Repsol Suns. Under the guidance of head chef Marc Segarra, its menu is deeply rooted in the surrounding lands: Segarra uses locally sourced produce to capture the essence of the region and pay tribute to its people. He proudly showcases produce from over 50 local suppliers and 30 towns and villages, from all nine provinces of Castilla y León.

Vinoteca, Calicata Terroir Bar, Jardín del Claustro (the Cloister Garden) and Pool Bar (the latter two of which only open in summer) round off the resort’s offering for foodies. In all of them, the guiding philosophy is a focus on high-quality local and seasonal food.

AN ETHICAL, SUSTAINABLE ATMOSPHERE

All those who choose Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine can feel safe in the knowledge that they are supporting a business that believes in sustainability, that looks after the environment, makes use of natural resources in an ethical way, and seeks to boost the local economy. This haven of experiences was awarded Green Globe certification in late 2021, proving its credentials as one of the most sustainable resorts in the world. A mere 650 hotels have been granted this endorsement, only four of which are in Spain.

One of its key projects with regards to sustainability is the Monks’ Vegetable Garden. This allotment spans 1200 m2 and sits on the banks of the River Duero, exactly where the monks used to grow their own produce centuries ago. The crops are cultivated with traditional methods, under the philosophy of biodynamics. This garden has become the natural pantry for all of the hotel’s restaurants, providing them with superb seasonal produce. With this project, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine once again proves its commitment to the local, as well as respecting nature and its seasons.

A LONG TRADITION OF WINEMAKING

With over 30 years of history and a winemaking tradition dating back more than eight centuries, Abadía Retuerta finds its true essence and raison d’être in its single-plot Pago wine, which reflects all the personality and uniqueness of the local terroir. The abbey’s monks were the first to grow grapes and make wine on this site, right on the banks of the Duero, with its long tradition of winemaking. Today, the winery is perfectly integrated into the stunning surroundings, and Abadía Retuerta is one of the most renowned wine producers in the area.

The estate spans 700 hectares, and its vineyards are divided into distinct plots or “pagos”: there is the Pago Negralada (100% Tempranillo); Pago Valdebellón (100% Cabernet Sauvingnon); Pago Garduña (100% Syrah) and Petit Verdot (100% Petit Verdot).

Abadía Retuerta is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced wineries in Europe. Designed by French wine expert Pascal Delbeck, its current consultant, and aided by the viticulturist and wine expert Ángel Anocíbar, it was one of the first facilities in Spain to move wine using gravity alone. Its system for lifting tanks with cranes, as well as its own patented system for transferring wine, are particularly noteworthy.

The estate’s unique wines have won numerous prizes and awards. For instance, Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial 2001 won the prize for Best Red Wine in the World – Red Wine Trophy, at the 2005 International Wine Challenge in London (Wine Magazine, UK).

UNWIND AT SANTUARIO WELLNESS & SPA

A true oasis, right at the heart of nature. Santuario Wellness & Spa was opened in 2015, as a haven of wellbeing. It is built into an underground space where the abbey’s stables used to be, while several openings ensure 80% natural light, making a warm and cosy environment. It measures over 1000 m2, and its water is extracted from a well at a depth of 120 metres, before being decalcified and, after undergoing reverse osmosis, stored in a 120,000-litre tank, thereby providing a quality of drinking water similar to natural mineral water.

Santuario Wellness & Spa strives to innovate: it has its own Spa Sommelier, who designs a tailor-made experience that matches guests’ physical and emotional needs and expectations. The philosophy is based on traditional Tibetan medicine and its key elements, namely wind, fire, earth and air.

One of the exclusive holistic experiences, as offered by Santuario LeDomaine Wellness & Spa since 2020, is the session with Tibetan Singing Bowls, as part of the Balancing Ritual VibraHealing®. This rounded experience focuses on relaxation and reaching a state of balance in both body and mind.

A TASTE FOR ART

Fine art is important to Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine. The estate has its own open-air museum, by the German sculptor Ulrich Rückriem, as well as a private collection with over 170 works. These pieces range from the 12th to the 21st century, by artists including Palma il Giovane, Guardi, Panini, Joan Miró and Rückriem. There are also French tapestries, antique Spanish furniture, paintings, sculptures, reliefs and rugs. One of the latest additions to the collection is ‘Rumor de Límites V’ (1959) by Eduardo Chillida, a unique piece sculpted in steel, which is currently on loan to the Museo San Telmo in San Sebastián. In its place, guests can contemplate ‘Lotura’ in the Jardín de Hospedería, also by Chillida. Furthermore, in 2021, a new artists’ residency project was launched, in which national and international artists are invited to live and work at the resort. The first guest artist was Abderrahim Yamou (Casablanca, 1959).

The ancient Abbey of Santa María de Retuerta has become much more than a hotel and winery. It is a project that strives to uphold and enhance a legacy that goes back over nine centuries, with a sense of responsibility and generosity. This commitment to sharing the estate’s heritage with today’s generations, and ensuring that it lives on into the future, is the reason why Abadía Retuerta seeks to add ever more value to its own history. This is done by fostering creativity right now, in the 21st century, and this can be seen in its gastronomy, winemaking and genuine engagement with art. A year ago, a new art project was launched with the aim of getting more out of the existing collection, and further expanding it. A fundamental aspect of this project is to collaborate with other cultural agents, understanding culture here as a vital social driving force that can lead to brighter futures.

AWARDS

Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine has received multiple accolades in the field of luxury and sustainable experiences. The most recent one is the Green Globe certification, which endorses this resort as one of the most sustainable in the world, thanks to the environmentally-friendly policies brought in over the years. Abadía Retuerta also featured in Travellers’ Choice 2021, by Trip Advisor, based on the exceptional reviews and opinions submitted to the travel platform over the past year. With this honour, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is deemed to be one of the best hotels in the world.

The hotel also won the 2021 “Best Wine Tourism Experience” from the International Wine Challenge, as well as the LHW Membership Award 2021 as “Best Hotel for Remarkable Experiences”, according to Leading Hotels of The World, the exclusive list of over 400 luxury destinations in 80 countries. Other awards include the Trip Advisor certificate of excellence, granted for the fifth year running; the Best Wine Tourism Management Award, presented at the 12th Edition of the Wine Markets and Distribution Business Awards in 2018; and the 2018 CN Traveler Award in the category of Best Hotel for Getaways in Spain. In 2019, the CN Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards voted Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine as Best Hotel #2 in Spain and Portugal. It was also chosen, in 2019, as the Best Luxury Hotel in Spain by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

The New York Times commended Abadía Retuerta as a must-visit destination, naming it one of its 52 places to go in 2018. Furthermore, TripAdvisor users chose it as the Best Hotel in Spain, 2018. In 2017, it was named Hideaway of the Year in the distinguished annual Andrew Harper awards and Best Hotel in Spain and Portugal at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Tatler Travel Guide selected it as one of the 101 best hotels in the world, and The Telegraph 50 as one of the best hotels in Spain for spring and summer.

Another noteworthy recognition was the Equality between Women and Men in the Workplace award by Óptima Castilla y León. Similarly, the Valladolid Provincial Council granted Abadía Retuerta the Equality between Women and Men in the Workplace, business category award.

In late 2019, the Spanish Wine Federation (FEV) awarded Abadía Retuerta the certification of Wineries for Climate Protection (WfCP), which has since been renewed in 2020. This recognises Abadía Retuerta’s commitment to sustainable development and the environment, with only 31 wineries having been awarded this certification in Spain.

ABOUT ABADÍA RETUERTA

Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is located less than a two-hours’ drive from the Spanish capital, Madrid, in the heart of the Duero Valley, on the outskirts of Sardón de Duero (Valladolid). It is home to a 5-star hotel and a world-class winery, set in the grounds of a 12th-century monastery originally founded by the Premonstratensian Order in Spain. The estate spans 700 hectares (including 200 hectares of vineyards), while the hotel itself is 8000 m2, with 30 exclusive rooms (27 double rooms and three suites), eight of which are located in the old stables. It also offers a full butler service.

The resort offers a wide range of experiences, related to wine, gastronomy, nature, art and wellbeing. Its flagship restaurant, Refectorio, holds a Michelin Star, a Green Star and two Repsol Suns, and the estate now also has Green Globe certification, proving its credentials as one of the most sustainable resorts in the world. Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is the ideal destination for unwinding in the name of wellness, or where business and pleasure can come together. The estate’s winery is one of the most innovative in Europe, and its wine has won international accolades, even being featured in Wine Spectator’s list of the “100 Best Wines in the World”.

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.

Arizona’s Female Winemakers

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Did you know that many of Arizona’s wineries are female owned and/or operated? The state’s governor recently recognized the flourishing wine region as an important sector in agribusiness, employment, and tourism by designating this past March 2022 as Arizona’s first official Wine Month. Here is a list of some of the women helping create Arizona’s award winning wines:

Julia Dixon, Winemaker, 1764 Vineyards

 Julia Dixon’s passion for winemaking didn’t begin until her 24th wedding anniversary in October 2012 during a visit to the Verde Valley. Two years later she moved from Phoenix to Cottonwood and began her studies in viticulture and enology at Yavapai College. After her graduation in 2016, Julia and her husband purchased their own land in Pearce,  founded 1764 Vineyards, and she began interning at Four Tails Vineyard. Today, Julia is the head winemaker at their 30-acre property working with Petit Verdot, Picpoul Blanc, and Vermentino varieties.  

Brooke Lowry Ide, Winemaker, Vino Stache Winery

Brooke’s winemaking journey began in 2014 when she enrolled at Yavapai College studying viticulture and enology. She has interned at Four Eight Wineworks, Caduceus Cellars, Merkin Vineyards, and Callaghan Vineyards. In 2019, she began her one-woman operation at her own winery, Vino Stache Winery. She has delayed planting on her 54-acre property, but is building her brand with fruit sourced from several Arizona growers. Her first wines were bottled in 2021. 

Megan Stranik, Co-Owner, AZ Hops & Vines

Megan was introduced to the world of winemaking at Sonoita Vineyard where she spent a year as a volunteer, helping tend the farm. For many years after, she worked at various wineries learning the process of winemaking, but owning her own winery was always her goal. Today, she co-owns AZ Hops & Vines with her sister, Shannon, where you can almost always find her tending to the vineyards.

Shannon Austin Zouzoulas, Co-Owner, AZ Hops & Vines

Shannon grew up in Southern California and attended the University of Maryland. After returning to California, she began volunteering at wineries and festivals and began conspiring with her sister on how to get into the industry themselves. While her sister handles viticulture and oenology, Shannon was inspired in the marketing, hospitality and agro-tourism side of the business. She spends her days creating fun events, meeting great people, trying new wines, and marketing their winery.

Monica Preston, Owner, Birds & Barrels Vineyards

Monica Preston founded Birds & Barrels Vineyards on 50-acres of land with her husband Chad in 2015 with the goal of crafting ultra-premium Arizona wines. Though she does not have a background in viticulture, her passion and drive to learn has been helpful on this adventure. Monica handles water management, herbicide and pesticide management, fertilizer regiments in the vineyard, vine assessments, petiole, and fruit sampling prior to harvest. She also handles the wine club and Founders program planning and coordination. Though they have been called crazy many times along this journey, they remain ambitious and plan to expand while planting in 2023.

Gayle Glomski, Bree Nation, Lauren Maldonado, Page Springs Cellars 

Gayle, Bree, and Lauren all work at Page Springs Cellars in Cornville, Arizona where most of the workers are women. The three came together and collaborated on Vin de Filles (Girls’ wine in French), a wine produced by women to highlight feminine strength within the world of wine. The women care for specific rows of vines for their entire growing cycle, then bring their harvest to the cellar to ferment, press, and bottle their wine. The majority of profits from the sales of these wines benefit The Verde Valley Sanctuary, a local nonprofit that supports women who are victims of domestic abuse, assault, and human trafficking. This project not only empowers women in wine, but also in the community.

Valerie Wood, Heart Wood Cellars 

Valerie Wood moved to Arizona with her husband Daniel in 2009 for a new lifestyle and plans to contribute and participate in the growing sector of the Arizona wine industry. In 2013, she began studying viticulture and enology at Yavapai College in the Verde Valley while working part time at the Yavapai College Southwest Wine Center planting the college’s new vineyard. In 2015 she graduated with honors and her degree and was invited to join the Four Eight Wineworks-Caduceus Cellars winery family. In 2016 Heart Wood Cellars released its first vintage following the guidelines of their business model – to craft wines they love and want to share with others. 

Desiree Gerth, Owner and Winemaker, Strive Vineyards 

Desiree Gerth moved to Arizona with her husband shortly after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While on a weekend vacation to Arizona wine country, they decided to try to make their own wine with a home winemaking kit purchased from a local brew shop. Though the first batch was undrinkable, they persisted, first creating an in-home winery and then looking for their own land in Willcox. She and her husband with the help of family and friends have built everything themselves from the ground up – fencing, gates, irrigation systems, trellis systems, utility shed and more. They are completely off-grid utilizing solar power for their well pump and green, sustainable farming practices. In 2018 she began her professional winery career at Golden Rule Vineyards, and today oversees administration and operations for Strive Vineyards and works in all areas of wine production, winery management, and operations at Cochise Wine Co.

Peggy Fiandaca, Owner/Brand Manager, LDV Winery

After an incredibly successful career in Urban Planning, Peggy and her husband set out on their “second act” – wine. Wine was always a passion they shared; they traveled the world drinking, collecting, and absorbing everything they could about wine. They are often asked if owning a winery was their lifelong dream, but it was purely serendipitous (or a mid-life crisis). LDV winery sits on a 40-acre property, grows Rhone grape varieties, and produces about 2,500-3,000 cases per year. On a day to day basis, Peggy is responsible for strategic planning and analytics, wine marketing, public relations, sales, tasting room operations, contracts, regulations, trademarks, website, social media and all staffing. Peggy has served on the Arizona Wine Growers Association board as Secretary and President for two terms. She is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International and Women at the Top, a female business owner networking group.

Carla Milić, Wineworker, Los Milics Vineyard

Carla was born and raised in Chile, but the bulk of her training has been in Sonoita with local winemakers. She took a few courses at the University of California, Davis and also assisted during a harvest in Chile. Los Milics Vineyard is located in Elgin; it sits on 20 acres with 12.5 acres being under vine. Since the winery opened for tastings, Carla is responsible for greeting guests and guiding them through their tasting and providing tours of the construction site where the new tasting room and casitas will be located. Once harvest peaks, Carla will be receiving fruit, processing, cleaning, and monitoring fermentations. Her favorite part of the job is nurturing vines from infancy through their entire growth cycle. Carla continues to be inspired by other independent and hardworking women in the wine industry.

Ann Roncone, Owner/Winemaker, Lightning Ridge Cellars

Ann was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area. She worked an office job and winemaking was her hobby. For about five years, she read books on winemaking and viticulture, planted vines at home, took courses at the University of California, Davis, and worked harvests at local wineries. When she and her husband decided to pursue a career in wine, they couldn’t afford land in California, and decided to visit the Arizona viticulture area as her husband had gone to college in Tucson. In 2003, they purchased land in the Sonoita/Elgin AVA and in 2004 they began the process of starting a vineyard and winery from scratch. Lightning Ridge Cellars is located in Elgin and specializes in Italian varietals. It is hard to say what she enjoys most about winemaking, but the amount of time she spends outside is definitely among the top things.  

Kim Reed, Assistant Manager/Wine Club Coordinator, Javelina Leap Vineyard, Winery & Bistro

Kim came into the wine industry somewhat by accident after working in a community care and hospital as a Registered Dietitian for 10 years. Her in-laws, Rod and Cynthia Snapp own Javelina Leap, and when her husband Lucas took over as GM and head winemaker, it was quickly apparent that he was going to need help. In March 2020, Kim joined the family business, initially as the Wine Club and Event Coordinator. Since then, her role has grown to include helping the tasting room manager, serving as office manager, booking bands, shipping wine, answering emails and filling in the gaps wherever needed. Most of her wine knowledge comes from being around the business and family the last seven years, however she will be pursuing a Level 1 Sommelier certification in the future.  

Lori Dutt Reynolds, Winemaker, Sonoita Vineyards 

Lori is a third generation winemaker in Arizona with a Certificate in Enology and Viticulture from the University of California, Davis. She was inspired to join the wine industry by her grandfather, Dr. Gordon Dutt – the founder of the Arizona Wine Industry. Lori loves the art and science behind creating wine and her favorite parts of the job are blending wine and working in the vineyards with her family. It is important to her to have her children involved in Sonoita Vineyards to work and learn the wine industry first hand like she did.

Young Italian Winemakers Champion Sustainability and Innovation

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Five days before the ministers of agriculture representing the world’s largest economies met in Florence, Italy, for a G20 summit, a group of young Italian wine professionals held a symposium of their own. AGIVI, the Association of Young Italian Wine Entrepreneurs, hosted the convention on Sept. 12, 2021, at the same city’s Palazzo Vecchio, to discuss some of the most pressing questions about the future of Italian wine. How would wine fit into the global drive toward sustainability, also a G20 focus? And, more broadly, how could the up-and-coming generation in the industry reach young wine lovers in an increasingly competitive global marketplace?

“Young people think, plan and work in a green mindset”, said Violante Gardini Cinelli Colombini, president of AGIVI, which is a branch of the national UIV (Unione Italiana Vini) and export sales manager of Casato Prime Donne winery in Montalcino. “From the vineyard to the cellar, ranging from the choice of packaging to that of transport to the services offered in the company, the initiatives of the new generations are increasingly developed from a sustainable perspective, with specific actions aimed at achieving objectives that are as respectful of the environment as possible.”

According to a survey made on the AGIVI members, 94% believe sustainability provides a decisive competitive edge, with nearly 70% choosing suppliers based in part on the sustainability of their proposals. Another survey presented at the convention found that 70% of millennial wine tourists would be more likely to visit wineries with ethical labor practices, and 70% favored companies that helped disadvantaged communities. Canned wines, carbon emissions and pesticide alternatives have also been hot topics in AGIVI’s ongoing dialogue about sustainability.

While AGIVI has been exploring environmental and social initiatives, its members have also been navigating new technologies in viticulture and sales, along with new platforms, customers and tastes—while preserving the heritage that has long made Italian wine unique. In 2021, AGIVI members gathered to exchange knowledge in regions like Umbria and Trentino; they contributed to social media webinars, and panels and tastings at Vinitaly and in New York. Along the way, they discussed creative enotourism, labeling and transparency tools like QR codes, and distribution platforms like e-commerce.

“Our job is very challenging, we never stop learning and the wine industry is in continuous development,” explained Emanuele Rocca, export sales manager of Rocca Vini, which includes estates in Piedmont and Puglia. Rocca cited the cultivation of new and “forgotten” varieties, waste reduction in production and packaging, the embrace of e-commerce and social media, an enhanced cellar door experience, and expansion into lesser-known regions like Salento (the “heel” of Italy’s boot) as new ways the company is carrying on the family tradition of innovation. “Our grandpa didn’t teach us to ride a bike but taught us interesting wine secrets,” said Rocca. Among younger drinkers, Rocca notices a movement toward lower-alcohol wines and, most encouraging, an increased interest in wine education.

“I’m optimistic,” said Rocca, “because I see the young generations focus on the quality of the product.”
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The program: European quality wines: taste the difference is a project financed by the European Union and managed by Unione Italiana Vini and PRODECA for the promotion of PDO and PGI European wines abroad in China and US. In order to achieve this objective, the TTD.EU program will organize wine seminars, workshops and b2b meetings both in these countries and in Spain and Italy, inviting wine professionals to join study trips to Europe. The program, realized in the span of three years (2021-2023) aims at creating awareness about European quality wines, in particular Italian and Spanish, which share a long tradition and a high standard of quality.

The beneficiaries: Unione Italiana Vini is the oldest and most commissioned Association of the Italian wine market. It represents cooperative, private and agricultural wine-companies, bottlers, consortia, associations and wine-making machines or wine cellars / laboratory manufacturers, located throughout the Italian territory. Promotora de Exportaciones Catalanas (PRODECA) is a public company established in 1986 and part of the “Ministry of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda of the Government of Catalonia”. It supports the agri-food sector and its companies with the knowledge, tools and experience to increase their products in Catalunya and worldwide.

Green Wine Future 2022 adds “Wine For The Planet” to Program

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Miami, Florida- Green Wine Future 2022, the most important professional summit featuring sustainability and climate change for the international wine sector, announces the addition of “Wine for the Planet” (W4P) to its May 23-26, 2022, program.

W4P will showcase the wine industry’s work in protecting areas of the Earth most sensitive to the climate crisis, including:

  • Antarctica, Greenland, the Arctic
  • Coral reefs in different parts of our planet
  • The Amazon and other rainforests
  • Countries already suffering from water shortages and floods

Based on documentaries recorded and presented by W4P founder Pancho Campo and his team from the above listed regions, W4P will stream free globally during regular breaks of Green Wine Future. Those interested, may view the films through Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, where the team will highlight wine tastings in Greenland, Iceland, Antarctica, the Amazon, and the Great Coral Reef.

Wine for the Planet will show:

  • The vital importance of protecting these sensitive areas from impacts of climate change
  • That we are all interconnected throughout our planet
  • That all industries must attend to these issues, regardless of their professional activity.

“Our first expedition will take us to Greenland, the Arctic and Island where we will record amazing footage of the impact of climate change on the Inuit and the local economy, but we will also taste some wine as a gesture of the industry for protecting these extreme but very sensitive areas,” says Pancho Campo.

With many more to follow, Green Wine Future now has more than 60 confirmed speakers representing all elements of the wine business – scientists, academics, media, and celebrities will all add their own unique perspectives. These wine industry luminaries are scheduled to participate both through live and pre-recorded connections from vineyards and wineries, coupled with streaming documentaries premiering at Green Wine Future 2022.

“W4P will occur virtually from five continents containing eight of the planet’s wine regions; California, Chile, Portugal, South Africa, France, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, to minimize its carbon footprint, to ensure that it be truly global, and to avoid impacts caused by the pandemic,” says David Furer.

The promo video, Information about The Wine for the Planet program, confirmed speakers, alliances and partners, and registrations may be found at www.greenwinefuture.com.

Really Good Boxed Wine Announces Master Sommelier Endorsement With Its National Launch

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HEALDSBURG, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Really Good Boxed Wine, the new direct-to-consumer wine brand whose mission is to elevate the quality of boxed wines, announces the release of its 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from a Certified Sustainable in Practice (SIP) vineyard in Paso Robles.

“Andy Myers, the first Master Sommelier to become affiliated with a boxed wine.”

This is the brand’s first broadly available release after two limited releases of a 2020 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, each time selling out in a few days. Really Good Boxed Wine is available as either a one-time purchase or as a monthly subscription.

The launch of the latest varietal comes with an endorsement from Andy Myers, the first Master Sommelier to become affiliated with a boxed wine. He found his love of wine while working at the three Michelin Star Inn at Little Washington and never looked back, later spending almost a decade as the beverage director for Chef José Andrés ThinkFoodGroup.

The Master Sommelier diploma is the highest distinction a professional can attain in fine wine and beverage service. There are only 269 Master Sommeliers worldwide, including 172 in the United States, with many sommeliers dedicating their lives to achieve this elusive designation.

“Boxed wine has gotten a bad rap from wine drinkers who perceive it as being inferior,” said Myers. “But since most of today’s wines don’t need to be aged in a bottle, it makes sense to take high-end wines like those offered by Really Good Boxed Wine and create better and more sustainable packaging, without inhibiting the drinking experience. I was thoroughly impressed with all of the wines Really Good Boxed Wine is releasing, and am excited to be part of their journey.”

Really Good Boxed Wine’s founder Jake Whitman concurs with Myers’ mission to revamp the image of boxed wine while helping to address the wine industry’s carbon emissions due to bottle manufacturing.

“Really Good Boxed Wine’s goal is to create the best boxed wine in the United States, and we’re beyond thrilled that Andy loved our wine enough to endorse it after trying it,” said Whitman. “Far from mass-produced, commercially farmed grapes, our wine is directly sourced from respected vineyards and award-winning winemakers. I believe boxed wines are one of the clearest ways to help reduce the carbon impact of packaging in our industry, and our hope is Andy’s incredible palate and Master Sommelier credentials will help educate consumers on the quality of our wine.”

Whitman followed, “Our team of sommeliers and industry experts tasted more than 50 options to find the perfect wine for our January release, ultimately landing on our new 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. We can’t wait to share it with the world.”

Each 3 Liter box of Really Good Boxed Wine, the equivalent of four bottles of wine, sells for $65, or $16.25 per bottle. Wines of this caliber typically retail for a minimum of to per bottle.

Consumers enjoy up to a 60% savings versus comparable premium wine bottles, since packaging costs and shipping are significantly lower.

Really Good Boxed Wine’s next varietals include a 2021 Pinot Noir Rosé from the Russian River Valley in February, followed by a 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County in March. For more information, visit https://www.reallygoodboxedwine.com.

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About Really Good Boxed Wine:
Really Good Boxed Wine combats the misconception that high-quality wine can’t be put in a box. They partner with world-class vineyards and award-winning winemakers to make ultra-premium wine, put it in the boxed wine format, and sell it direct-to-consumer through http://www.reallygoodboxedwine.com. It’s boxed wine you actually want to drink.

Abadía Retuerta is one of the most sustainable resorts in the world!

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Abadía Retuerta, one of the most sustainable resorts in the world, according to Green Globe

  • Green Globe is the worldwide certification of excellence that endorses the tourism industry’s green credentials
  • This recognition has only been awarded to 650 hotels in the world, just four of which are in Spain
  • This Green Globe certificate is the latest in a long line of awards granted to Abadía Retuerta, including the Michelin Green Star for the restaurant Refectorio, the Wineries for Climate Protection seal of approval, and the Family-Responsible Company certification

Eve’s article in Elite Magazine about the amazing Abadia Retuerta Le Domaine

Sardón de Duero, January 2022.- Abadía Retuerta, the five-star hotel and winery located in the Duero Valley, has been granted the Green Globe certificate, which commends the site as one of the most sustainable destination resorts in the world. A total of 650 hotels around the world have been given this recognition, just four of which are in Spain.

Green Globe is the worldwide certification of excellence that endorses the tourism industry’s green credentials. In order to gain this recognition, resorts must meet certain standards set by the organisation, with regards to aspects such as corporate social responsibility, conservation, and the responsible management of waste, energy and water.

Abadía Retuerta successfully passed the exhaustive audit, carried out independently and in situ by the international organisation, thanks to the sustainable practices implemented in all its work areas. They include the conservation of the site’s natural legacy, the ethical and sustainable management of resources, investment in renewable energies, caring for the surrounding environment, supporting local suppliers and their produce, cultivating a vegetable garden, engaging with social issues, reducing waste, and offering experiences related to nature. All of this has led to Abadía Retuerta being certified as a sustainable tourist destination.

This is the latest in a long line of awards and certificates that laud this destination of experiences as a truly sustainable resort. These include a Michelin Green Star for the flagship restaurant Refectorio, awarded in recognition of its focus on local and seasonal produce, as well the cultivation of as its own vegetable garden; the Wineries for Climate Protection seal of approval, granted by the Spanish Wine Federation for the ethical and sustainable management of both the winery and the environment; and the Family-Responsible Company certification, from the Fundación Más Familia, awarded for the “Responsible Choices” programme that includes flexible workspaces (i.e. working from home or elsewhere) as well as the investment in internal training (0.5% of total turnover) that Abadía Retuerta has brought in for its collaborators.

For Enrique Valero, CEO of Abadía Retuerta, “it is an honour for Abadía Retuerta to receive the Green Globe certificate, and to be named as one of the most sustainable resorts in the world. It is truly gratifying that our many years of hard work has been acknowledged in this way, in terms of our sustainable management and our vision for excellence in tourism, both of which we are strongly committed to achieving”. This award further highlights the destination’s commitment to sustainability, and Valero adds that “we will keep working with these aims, strengthening the policies we’ve already brought in, but also setting ourselves new challenges. These include our new “Plastic-Free” initiative for 2022, our Woodland Management Plans, and a more active contribution to the implementation of a circular economy, via renewable energy”.

A Sustainable Experience

Sustainability is one of Abadía Retuerta’s fundamental pillars, a view now shared by many tourists. Sustainability has gone from being a trend, to being a key aspect of travel. “Tourists no longer just restrict their search to the location, history or reputation of the destination. Today, they want to make sure that their getaways are sustainable and environmentally-friendly, with forays into nature. They also want to stay in places that champion the local culture and produce, while making as little environmental impact as possible”, notes Valero.

Abadía Retuerta is home to a rich historical and natural legacy, with a 12th-century church and over 700 hectares of land. It is renowned for its winemaking, gastronomy and first-rate hospitality, ensuring that it stands out as a leading resort of experiences, both nationally and internationally. Recently, it won a 2021 Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award, as voted for by customers. It now aims to become the most sustainable destination for a relaxing getaway.

Napa Valley Wine Region Recognized for World Class Hospitality

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Visit Napa Valley and Napa Valley Vintners are pleased to announce seven regional winners of the Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards.

“Napa Valley is a globally recognized leader in wine and hospitality providing luxurious accommodations, Michelin starred restaurants and incredible wine experiences. These awards of excellence highlight the world-class hospitality that Napa Valley is so well known for,” said Linsey Gallagher, President and CEO of Visit Napa Valley.

These seven Napa Valley businesses are recognized for their innovation and excellence in wine tourism. Each award given recognizes a service or offering that is unique, executed with excellence and has a positive impact on local wine tourism.

  • Accommodations: Carneros Resort and Spa
  • Wine Tourism Restaurant: Auberge du Soleil
  • Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices: Clif Family Winery & Farm
  • Architectures and Landscapes: BRAND Napa Valley
  • Art and Culture: Charles Krug
  • Wine Tourism Services: Napa Valley Wine Academy
  • Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences: Cakebread Cellars

Each year, the regional winners from each capital around the world are reviewed by a distinguished global panel and only one prestigious “Global Best of Wine Tourism Award” is awarded for each category.

Charles Krug has been selected for the Global Best Award for Art and Culture for their efforts to be the “Cultural Hub of Napa Valley” through their deep support of food, wine and the arts. As Napa Valley reopened in 2021, Charles Krug was home to Blue Note Napa for jazz concerts, Festival Napa Valley, Music in the Vineyards, Cochon 555/Heritage Fire culinary celebration, Charles Krug comedy shows, Napa Valley Film Festival and Cameo Theater drive in movies.

“We’re proud of the resiliency shown in our region during the incredible challenges our region has faced the last two years. Charles Krug is an excellent example of the spirit of community and innovation that is so strong in Napa Valley,” said Stacey Dolan Capitani, VP of Marketing for Napa Valley Vintners.

The Great Wine Capitals is a network of the nine greatest wine regions in the world.  Napa Valley is a proud partner in the organization along with Adelaide, South Australia; Bilbao-Rioja, Spain; Bordeaux, France; Cape Town-Cape Winelands, South Africa; Lausanne, Switzerland; Mainz-Rheinhessen, Germany; Mendoza, Argentina; Porto, Portugal; Valparaiso-Casablanca Valley, Chile and Verona, Italy

About the Napa Valley Vintners 

The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its nearly 550 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, provide environmental leadership and care for the extraordinary place they call home. Since 1981, the NVV has invested more than $200 million in its community to provide equitable access to healthcare and opportunity for advancement in children’s education. NVV is dedicated to improving diversity and championing inclusivity in its community and in the wine industry. Learn more at napavintners.com.

About Visit Napa Valley

Visit Napa Valley® is the official destination management organization for Napa County. We promote the region as an attractive travel destination and enhance its public image as a dynamic place to visit, live and work. Primary funding for our activities and programs comes from a Tourism Improvement District (TID) special assessment on lodging. Additional funding is provided through partnerships with visitor-serving businesses throughout Napa County.