Eve's Wine 101

THE ORIGINAL WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB® LAUNCHES THE PURE WINE SERIES

by

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The original Wine of the Month Club®, the nation’s first wine subscription company founded in Los Angeles in 1972, has just launched its Pure Wine Series featuring the purest wines on the planet with a selection of wines that are organic, biodynamic, sustainably produced and more.

Paul Kalemkiarian talks wine with evewine101.com founder Eve Bushman.

With a movement toward more natural wine, where little interference or manipulation is done by the winemaker, the demand for such wines is growing in the marketplace. But, as Paul Kalemkiarian, second-generation owner of Wine of the Month Club, is quick to point out, not all natural wines are ones you’d want to drink.  Buzzwords–such as sustainable, organic and biodynamic–require stringent definitions and certifications to be included on a wine label; however, a wine that markets itself as a natural wine–inferring that it’s held to a higher standard– offers a false sense of credence as no such certification exists for “natural wines.”

“This is where I come in,” explains Paul. “Just because a wine label says it’s ‘natural,’ ‘organic,’ or ‘certified sustainable,’ doesn’t mean it tastes good. I have created the Pure Wine Series to highlight the best wines I find in these categories and send them directly to those who are as interested as I am in exploring this subject.”

Bottles from the Pure Wine Series represent several attributes, from sustainable practices such as dry farming and certified organic farming to wines with no added sugar, low sulfur, and those approved by various diets, including vegan, keto and paleo.  Members can choose to have two or three bottles shipped to their home or office every 1-3 months, and shipping is always free.

Kalemkiarian has tasted more than 100,000 wines in his lifetime. Every week he conducts his own Tuesday Tasting where he’ll taste up to 70 wines from all over the world.  Only the very best will be selected and shipped to his members, including those that make the cut for the Pure Wine Series.

“My dad, who started Wine of the Month Club nearly 50 years ago and still enjoys a glass of wine at age 91, taught me the importance of tasting every wine,” says Kalemkirian. “Whether it smells like vinegar or rotten eggs, you still need to taste it and learn from its flaws. I taste a lot of bad wines that we end up tossing in the garbage,  and it pains me when I see that same wine emerge in the marketplace. But that’s what sets us apart from other wine clubs. We don’t rely on algorithms or buy overproduced wine from Europe, we taste each and every wine that will eventually be uncorked by our thousands of members. It may seem old-fashioned, but it’s how we’ve done things for nearly half a century.”

For more information on Wine of the Month Club and its various membership options, visit wineofthemonthclub.com or call 800.949.WINE (9463) Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PST).

About Wine of the Month Club

Founded in 1972, the Original Wine of the Month Club® began in Los Angeles, California as the creation of innovative wine shop owner and first-generation immigrant, Paul Kalemkiarian Sr.  “Paul Sr.,” as he’s now known, owned and operated Palos Verdes Wines and Spirits, a premier wine shop in the LA/Malibu area. Kalemkiarian initially conceived of the idea of a monthly wine subscription service to fulfill the needs of loyal Palos Verdes Peninsula customers who had moved out of the area. This idea quickly evolved into Wine of the Month Club, the first wine-by-mail company in the country.

Nearly 50 years later, Wine of the Month Club is owned and operated by Kalemkiarian’s son, Paul Kalemkiarian Jr, known as “Paul K.”  Paul K hand selects the wines for each club every month, just as his father did before him. While the quality and value have remained consistent throughout the company’s history, customers can now conveniently order and customize their subscriptions online, choosing from a variety of clubs such as the Classic Series, Vintners Series, Limited Series or regional and varietal-specific clubs such as Napa, Bordeaux and pinot noir. Each shipment comes with a newsletter including information on wine history, food pairing tips, and more, and is backed by a money-back satisfaction guarantee. More information is available online at wineofthemonthclub.com.

Discovering Folded Hills Winery – Plus Winemaker Angela Osborne

by

Once again the #LAWineWriters met up at Napa Valley Grille in Westwood to have a wine paired luncheon. This time organizer and fellow writer Cori Solomon invited us to taste through some new Rhone wines – Grenache predominant – from a winery in the Santa Ynez AVA: Folded Hills Winery Farmstead Ranch.

We were greeted by the owner, Kim Busch, and general manager Tymari Lore on the patio of the restaurant. There were no less than nine wines for us to try, along with a six course meal created by Chef Ben Diaz. (See photos here.)

What we learned about the winery:

  • The vineyards are situated further south than any other vineyards in the Santa Ynez AVA and provide for cooler climate wines.
  • The winemaker, Angela Osborne, is also known for her A Tribute to Grace wines.
  • Their wine club is called “The Fold” and is very event-centered.
  • If you like French Rhônes, many of which are lower in alcohol than the American version, know that the Folded Hills wines we tried ranged from low to mid-range at 12.10% alcohol to 14.5%, with most hovering at about 13%.
  • They launched in April 2017 and you can taste the wines in their Montecito tasting room or at the estate in Gaviota.
  • This is a small production winery, with 5,500-6,500 case production, and they tend to “sell out fast.” Owner Kim Busch added, “Yes we do sell out of most our wines, all but 2 of which are purposely higher production.”
  • If you visit the winery you will not only see vineyards but also fruit trees and farm animals.

According to their brochure the wines “have no residual sugar and one gram or less of carbs, no commercial additives, minimal sulfur, only native yeast, are grown organically following the biodynamic calendar, made from grapes that are 95% estate grown, hand harvested using sustainable practices in the vineyard, are vegan, and crafted consciously to be lower in alcohol…” as well as being family owned.

Below are my tasting notes on the wines and food pairings:

ONE

Beet Tartare: Yuzu, hazelnut chimichurri, radish, nasturtium, country bread.

2018 Lilly Rose Grenache: 100% Folded Hills Grenache. Salmon in color, aromas and flavors of pink grapefruit, apple, lemon, graphite. Loved the beets and the Rose cooled down the heat of this dish.

 

TWO

The Nomad Flatbread: Salmon belly, crème fraiche, escabeche, radish, chervil.

2018 August White: 68% Folded Hills Grenache Blanc, 32% Area 51 Roussanne. White flowers, pears in light syrup, concrete, mild acidity. I loved the salmon – and had seconds – with this white Rhone.

 

THREE

Apple and Brie Flatbread: Granny Smith, picked red onion, triple crème brie, prosciutto, heirloom tomato velouté.

2018 Estate White Santa Ynez Valley: 50% Grenache Blanc, 25% Marsanne, 25% Clarette Blanche. Apple, peach, butter, toasted oak, crisp and clean mouthfeel, and my favorite white in the tasting. Loved the apple notes in the wine with the apples in the flatbread.

 

FOUR

Mary’s Free-Range Chicken Wings: Thai passion fruit chili, petite frisee, Heirloom radish, cilantro.

2017 August Red: 67% Grenache, 33% Syrah. Very perfumy aromatics, velvety red fruit, black cherries, big and tannic – especially when compared to the other red wines. My fellow writers oohed and awed over the pairing; it was quite nice with the spices on the chicken.

 

FIVE

Yellowfin Tuna: bubu arare, porcini crema, truffle ponzu, maitake.

2017 Cluster Grenache: Whole cluster Grenache, 100% Folded Hills. Cherry cola, green peppercorn and a nice easy drinker.

2017 Estate Grenache: 100% Folded Hills Grenache. Cherry liqueur, brambles, minty and dry.

2017 Grant Grenache: 92% Grenache, 8% Syrah. Raspberry, bright, oak and tannic.

All were really nice with the tuna, and as it was served cold it was a perfect picnic as we were outdoors on a cool day with low alcohol wines. These last two Grenache were my favorites of the reds.

 

SIX

Charred Te Mana Lamb: honey nut squash, baby kale, pine nut relish, au poivre.

Twice Fried Brussels Sprouts: Balsamic, parmigiano reggiano, togarashi, shaved bonito.

2017 Stolpman Syrah Ballard Canyon: 100% Stolpman Syrah. Strawberry, richly oaked, cola, tart.

2016 G.S.M.: 80% Folded Hills Vineyard, 20% Thompson Vineyard. 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre. Red berries, ash, long finish.

Both wines were very nice with the lamb and Brussels Sprouts, if I could have eaten more I would have!

 

https://foldedhills.com/

https://www.facebook.com/foldedhills/

https://napavalleygrille.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NapaValleyGrilleWestwood/

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.

Top Rhône Producer Delas Frères Opens New Winery in Tain-l’Hermitage

by

TAIN-I’HERMITAGE, FRANCE (PRWEB) – Delas Frères, one of the northern Rhône Valley’s best producers, is excited to usher in a new chapter in its long history and announce the opening of its new premises in Tain-l’Hermitage. The project has included new facilities and tools essential to the company’s future growth and a new showcase site in which the Delas team will be delighted to relate the history of the company to visitors.

Founded in Tournon-sur-Rhône in 1835, Maison Delas Frères has constantly gone to great efforts to execute a strategy committed to quality and respect for the terroir. Delas Frères has been associated with the Deutz Champagne House since 1977 when it was purchased by the latter. It was given new momentum in 1993, when the Rouzaud family of Maison Louis Roederer, already the owner of several wine estates, acquired the two wine companies and entrusted their management to Fabrice Rosset, CEO since 1996. Under his management, and with the intention of taking the domaine to the next level of excellence, the company embarked on a long-term development program.

Over the last twenty years, nearly 30 million euros have been invested: harvest-handling facilities, vat room, high-tech equipment and new ageing cellars in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, rebuilding of the drystone support walls on the Hermitage hills, replacement of 7,000 vines, consolidation of the vineyards with the purchase of several plots. In 2006, the acquisition of nearly 20 hectares in the Crozes Hermitage appellation took the total vineyard surface area now worked by Delas Frères to around 30 hectares.

Delas Frères has been historically located in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, but in 2015, its 180th anniversary year, it acquired a property tucked away in the center of Tain-L’Hermitage. This would be the start of the next phase in the process of elevating the brand.

“Delas Frères needed a high-performing production tool that matched its ambitions and would allow it to deliver the purest expression of its prestigious northern terroirs,” said Fabrice Rosset at the time…. “and, at the same time, be consistent with the elegant efficiency of Deutz and the constellation of magnificent estates under the same umbrella” (Château Pichon Comtesse, Adriano Ramos Pinto, Domaimes Ott, Louis Roederer, Merry Edwards, Roederer Estate, etc.).

The new property, located at the foot of the l’Hermitage hill, now includes an architectural gem that lives up to the outstanding setting. The design and restoration of the facilities were entrusted to architect Carl Fredrik Svenstedt, a graduate of Harvard and the Yale School of Architecture, with a brief to respect the character of the original property and to set off the “terroirs of excellence.” In the prestigious Architecture MasterPrize competition this past October, the new winery was awarded Honorable Mention in Architectural Design and its architects won the Small Firm of the Year Award in Sustainable Architecture.

The spectacular building housing the new winery and cellars, which adjoins the former family residence and the new reception cellars, is impressive for its purity, precision and modernity. Only noble material – stone, glass and steel – has been used in its construction. The wall sculpture, created from 274 blocks of stone, seems to be almost alive with a rhythmic and harmonious undulation that appears to take the shape and mimic the Hermitage hills. In a 6,000 square-meter walled property, the venerable “Maison Delas Frères” now boasts a tailor-made, state of-the-art production facility.

In September 2019, the grapes from the northern crus were brought in to this new red wine winery in Tain-l’Hermitage for an emotional first harvest. The white wines and blends from the southern crus were taken to the Delas Frères site in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols which is still in operation.

The reception cellars, sheltered by noble stones that parallel the design around the winemaking operations, come at the end of the tour. This space is entirely dedicated to wine tastings and a retail area. It offers wine novices and wine lovers a chance to try, as well as purchase, the Delas Frères range of wines representing the finest Rhône Valley terroirs.

The Reception House, which was the former family residence, perfectly illustrates the contemporary nature of the project sought by Delas Frères with an interior design courtesy of renowned designer Julia Rouzaud. Its reception facilities include two lounges and a dining room. Eleven bedrooms for the use of Delas’ guests (partners, customers, VIPs, etc.) complete this space in which the Delas Frères team will be delighted to relate the history of the company.

Fabrice Rosset states, “We are delighted to have been able to make the most of this unique property, now practically an icon thanks to its history and its rebirth within the world of fine Rhône Valley wine. This will be the facility where we will be able to receive devotees of the brand and Rhône Valley wine enthusiasts, in style.”

The new winery and reception cellars are located at 40, Rue Jules Nadi, Tain-l’Hermitage, and is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 12:00pm and from 1:30pm to 6:30pm.

About Delas Frères http://www.delas.com/en/
Delas Frères is a winery of tradition and renewal. Founded in 1835 in the heart of the northern Côtes du Rhône, the winery has thrived with the dynamism of its original founders and their heirs and more recently, the renewed energy of the Lallier-Deutz family, owners of Champagne Deutz. Delas Frères and Champagne Deutz were acquired by Maison Louis Roederer in 1993. André Lallier retired from daily winery duties in 1996, and Fabrice Rosset, a 20-year executive with Roederer, today leads both Delas and Deutz. Delas wines are crafted by a panel of experts headed by winemaker Jacques Grange. Together, the team makes wines that have been heralded for their intensity of flavor and excellent value. The wines are imported exclusively into the U.S. by Maisons Marques & Domaines (MMD USA).

Crittenden Estate of Australia Wins Top Honors in 2020 BRIT/FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition

by

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (PRWEB) – The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) in partnership with FIVS, a global public policy federation serving the wine, spirits, and beer sectors, are pleased to announce the winners of their 2020 International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition. Topping this year’s competition is Crittenden Estate of Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia, based on the winery’s on-going programs addressing the three elements of sustainability – environmental, economic, and social – as well as its wine’s flavor.

Founded in 1982 by Garry Crittenden, Crittenden Estate farms 27 acres in Dromana and is proud of its multi-generational family farm commitment to preserving the land while producing high-quality wine.

Among Crittenden’s many sustainable accolades are abandoning the use of chemicals in the vineyard for an innovative program of inter-row cover crops and soil cultivation; a twelve-month composting program to maintain soil health; introducing bees to the property to fertilize desirable fruit trees and supporting a diverse agricultural population of plants and insects while combating wasp species; reducing energy costs by sixty percent cost with the installation of solar panels; and reclaiming and reusing water through Crittenden’s water treatment plant.

The awarded wine was Crittenden Estate’s Cri De Coeur 2017 Pinot Noir, a new, premium wine that showcases Crittenden’s viticulture and winemaking efforts.

“The Crittenden family has taken great pride in working their land for two generations and in that time their wines have won the accolades of Australia’s food and wine critics,” said Dr. Ed Schneider, BRIT’s president and executive director. “The combination of sustainable programs with the family’s love of the land has produced a wine that’s truly outstanding.”

“To win such a prestigious international award, particularly given the caliber of our fellow entrants is very humbling for us,” said Rollo Crittenden, second generation winemaker at Crittenden Estate. “We’re passionate about our sustainability and regenerative programmes and delighted that they have been recognised in this way by BRIT/FIVS. There is no doubt these efforts contribute directly to an increase in the quality of wine we produce, and we will continue to strive further on both our land care and wine advances over the generations to come.”

Additional BRIT/FIVS sustainable awards went to:

Gold Medals

  • Vina Cono Sur, Santiago, Chile. Submitted Cono Sur Organic Red Blend.
  • C. A. Henschke & Co., Keyneton, South Australia. Submitted Henschke Mount Edelstone 2015.

Silver Medals

  • Herdade dos Grous, Albernoa, Portugal. Submitted Herdade dos Grous Red.
  • Valdivieso, Santiago, Chile. Submitted Valdivieso Eclat Vigno 2010.

Bronze Medals

Platinum Multi-brand Award

“A big round of applause goes to all of our 2020 winners,” says Greg Hodson, President, FIVS. “From their sustainable programs in the field to their progressive workforce and community programs, to being good leaders and stewards within the global wine industry, we congratulate their achievements.”

When entering the competition, wineries provide a self-assessment of their organization’s accomplishments in sustainable winegrowing, winemaking, and ecopreneurial/social responsibility practices. They describe their organization’s conservation efforts in the field and in their operations; how they have sought to minimize waste, how water is reclaimed, and how the winery extends conservation efforts to its customers and communities. They also are asked to submit a wine sample that best represents their sustainable efforts for a tasting by the judging committee.

Because the BRIT/FIVS award is the only international award of its kind, it is of primary interest to wineries who are taking a leading role in their community/region/country by embracing sustainable practices. Sustainable winegrowing programs are by nature ongoing, so a key component of each program involves its continual improvement process.

Presentation of the BRIT/FIVS glass sculpture award to Crittenden Wines will be made in Fort Worth on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, during BRIT’s Vine to Table award dinner and fundraising event.

The 2021 BRIT/FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition begins in the summer of 2020. Details of the 2021 competition will be posted on the BRIT web site, http://www.BRIT.org/wineaward and on the FIVS web site, https://www.fivs.org.

Waipapa Bay Wines Pledges Support for Whale and Dolphin Conservation With 2019 Vintage Launch

by

Sonoma, Calif. –Beginning this past November, in tandem with the launch of the 2019 vintage in the USA, Waipapa Bay Wines partnered with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) as the nonprofit’s first wine industry corporate sponsor—a milestone in Waipapa Bay’s ongoing commitment to supporting global conservation and sustainability efforts.

The name Waipapa Bay comes from a renowned whale-watching coastal site on the South Island of New Zealand where Brent and Shirley Rawstron—who oversee viticulture and winemaking—often visit when traveling to the vineyards in Marlborough.  Furthermore, the close proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides ideal climatic conditions for the vines to thrive; protecting the ocean and its delicate underwater ecosystems is paramount to producing high quality grapes in the region.

“It’s always been our intention with Waipapa Bay Wines to give back to the oceans,” says Liz Cobbold, Marketing Director. “We’ve been in search of the right partner who shares our goals and are thrilled to have found it with WDC. Plus, the partnership is a meaningful way to introduce the 2019 vintage wines to market.”

Founded in 1985, WDC is a global organization which has led the charge on protections for whales and dolphins in all our world’s oceans, an essential means to sustain the future of the planet’s climate resiliency and future. WDC has around 80 staff worldwide working in six locations dedicated to research and action to support this mission. 

“We are excited to receive the support of sustainably-focused businesses such as Waipapa Bay Wines,” says WDC’s Melissa Walker. “The future of grape growing and agriculture overall are dependent on healthy oceans, so it is imperative that we unite for this common goal.” 

As the organization’s first winery corporate partner, Waipapa Bay Wines will pledge to help support WDC in their four principal goals—end captivity, stop whaling, create healthy seas, and prevent accidental deaths in fishing gear—with a particular emphasis on raising awareness for the intern program, which fosters careers in conservation biology for young adults.

The 2019 vintage wines from Waipapa Bay include: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay from Marlborough, as well as a Pinot Noir Rosé from Canterbury. The wines retail at $14.99 and will be available in retail outlets. Read the full harvest report here.

Follow @waipapabaywines and @whales_org on Instagram for news and developments regarding the partnership.

About Waipapa Bay Wines

Waipapa Bay Wines reflect and respect the stunning, natural beauty of the place they take their name from–Waipapa Bay. With vineyards in Marlborough and Canterbury, we strive

to produce wines with elegance and a sense of place from grapes farmed with the utmost

attention and care. The close proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides ideal climatic conditions for the vines to thrive and gives a signature fresh character that carries through each of the four wines. To learn more visit: waipapabaywines.com.

About WDC

Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) is the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and their ocean home. Their mission is to educate people on the significant ecological role whales and dolphins play in the marine ecosystem, and inspire global action to protect them. This is not a noble gesture, but an essential means to sustain the future of our Earth by increasing the planet’s climate resiliency.

About Broadland Wineries

An international wine business with UK heritage, Broadland Wineries brings innovative and

modern wines to consumers–most recently with the wine advent calendar, which sold out at a national supermarket in less than 24 hours and created a social media buzz. Throughout its 50-year history, the mission remains the same: to offer superior service, quality, and value at all times. To learn more visit: broadland-wineries.com.

Visionary Chilean Winery VIK Awarded 2019 Wine Star

by

SANTIAGO, Chile /PRNewswire/ — Wine Enthusiast Magazine revealed their 20th Annual Wine Star Awards this past month, naming VIK, in Millahue Chile, the inaugural Wine Star for ‘Best Winery Experience.’ The award celebrates wineries offering more than just superb wines in a beautiful setting, but those that provide an unforgettable immersion in wine lifestyle.

Photo from VIK’s Facebook page.

VIK is the first winery to be awarded this accolade. Wine Enthusiast Founder and Publisher Adam Strum extolled the achievement, saying, “From world-class pours and exceptional food to stunning architecture, boutique accommodations, cultural activities and more, VIK goes above and beyond offering one-of-a-kind, wine-centric wine tourism experiences.” Wine Star Award winners reflect the industry’s highest standards. Winners will be featured in the magazine’s December 31st Best-of-Year issue, and at January gala.

VIK is meticulously curated and designed to delight. Guests visiting for the day or staying at one of three spectacular on-site accommodations, Vik Chile, Puro Vik, or the Vik Cabin can explore the vineyard on horseback, taste a flight of exquisite wines at the altar to VIK, and learn culinary techniques from VIK’s exceptional and inspired Chef. “VIK redefines what a luxury winery experience can be,” said the winery Co-Founder Carrie Vik. “Awards like the Wine Star show how close we are to achieving our goal of joining the pantheon of the world’s great wines.” Visionary entrepreneurs Alexander and Carrie Vik trail-blazed Chile’s Millahue Valley, planting the first commercial vines in 2006, opening the Vik Chile retreat in 2014 and releasing the first VIK vintage to the public in 2015.

To visit the winery and reserve a tasting or book accommodations at Vik Chile, visit www.vik.cl.

About VIK
VIK is changing the world of fine wine. A pioneer of Chile’s Millahue Valley, located within the Cachapoal Valley, VIK is one of the most highly-awarded new vineyards in the world. Guided by holism and the stewardship of nature, the winery and vineyard employ exclusively sustainable practices. VIK wines are available internationally both through the winery website and through valued trade partners. First planted in 2006, VIK wines have been recognized with critical acclaim and are featured on leading Top 100 lists. To learn more, visit www.vik.cl

Sequoia Grove Celebrates 40th Harvest with Sustainability Certification

by

NAPA VALLEY, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Sequoia Grove Winery, a Napa Valley producer of Cabernet Sauvignon since 1979, is celebrating its 40th harvest in a new winemaking facility in Rutherford, California.  This family-owned winery continues to make significant investments in winemaking, vineyards and sustainability to craft distinctive, varietally-correct wines that are unmistakably Napa Valley.

Sequoia Grove Winery is dedicated to sustainable agriculture and has recently become certified in Napa Green Land and Fish-Friendly Farming for their estate vineyards. These latest certifications, combined with the winery’s recent re-certification as a Napa Green Winery, demonstrate an estate that is deeply committed to environmentally-responsible practices throughout its entire operation.

Sequoia Grove Winery is taking its environmental message beyond the winery by joining 1% for the Planet®.  As a 1% for the Planet® member, Sequoia Grove Winery has committed to donating 1% of sales from its Vineyard Series wines to the nonprofit Save the Redwoods League.

“For us, the coastal redwood tree is more than just our brand icon; it’s a symbol of persistence, fortitude and interconnectedness,” explains Steve Bowden, Vice President of Sales & Marketing.  “These magnificent trees represent a true sense of place along a narrow strip of the California coast, just like our Vineyard Series wines.  We are proud to partner with these great organizations to protect and preserve habitat for endangered old and new-growth sequoia groves.”

From the very beginning, Sequoia Grove Winery was recognized as an innovator with a focus on quality.  Early accolades included “Best American Cabernet Sauvignon” in the American Wine Competition for both 1985 and 1987.  Fast-forward to today – the winery is still family-owned and continues to push the envelope in quality.  Countless 90+ point scores have been bestowed upon Sequoia Grove’s Napa Valley and Vineyard-designate Cabernet Sauvignons and the 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet was a Wine Spectator “Top 100 Wines” award winner.

“We are extremely excited to be celebrating our 40th harvest,” explains Rick Bonitati, President of Sequoia Grove Winery. “Over the last few years, the winery has focused efforts on improvements across all facets of the operation including precision farming techniques, viticulture, sustainability and the replanting of the estate vineyards. Now with the new winemaking and educational facilities, our dedicated team is even further inspired to continue our mission to produce wines of distinction and provide an exceptional Napa Valley experience for our guests. We’ve only just begun to see the results of this undertaking; the future looks very promising.”

The property improvements continue with a completely re-imagined educational facility and accompanying guest experience. Under the direction of Executive Chef Britny Maureze, the Sequoia Grove educational program provides guests with comprehensive wine and food pairing discussions, focusing on the versatility of Cabernet Sauvignon as a pairing varietal. With a diverse selection of educational experiences being offered, from the recently-added and highly-acclaimed “Terroir Tasting” featuring vineyard-designate Cabernet Sauvignon paired with cuisine, to the compelling “Cabernet Culinary Challenge” and classic offering of “A Taste for Cabernet,” visitors may choose from a variety of interactive educational sessions which pair Sequoia Grove wines with warm hospitality.

“No matter what we’re trying to achieve, the renovations and upgrades have provided our team with tools for us to succeed—be it winemaking, viticulture, sustainability or the visitor experience,” says Sequoia Grove Winemaker, Molly Hill. “To me, that speaks volumes about what Sequoia Grove Winery stands for.”

About Sequoia Grove Winery:
Established in 1979, Sequoia Grove Winery is obsessed with the details that go into crafting our Napa Valley wines and single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Our commitment to quality starts in the vineyard; we grow the very best grapes in the finest terroir to form the foundation of our wines. Quality is intrinsic to everything we do, from winemaking to our gracious hospitality; it’s ingrained in our culture and the vanguard of our philosophy. At Sequoia Grove, we’ve been carving our own path for decades while never losing sight of who we are: rooted in history, guided by integrity, resolute in our values, and committed to the future.  Learn more at www.sequoiagrove.com.

Find us on Instagram @SequoiaGrove

About 1% for the Planet®
1% for the Planet is a global organization that connects dollars and doers to accelerate smart environmental giving. It recognizes that the current level of environmental giving—only 3% of total philanthropy—is not enough to solve the most pressing issues facing the planet. Through its business and individual membership programs, 1% for the Planet inspires people to support environmental organizations through everyday actions and annual commitments. Their team advises on giving strategies, certifies donations, and amplifies the impact of the network. Learn more at onepercentfortheplanet.org.

About Save the Redwoods League
Save the Redwoods League is one of the nation’s oldest conservation organizations. Save the Redwoods League has been protecting and restoring redwood forests since 1918, connecting generations of visitors with the beauty and serenity of the redwood forest. Our 24,000 supporters have enabled the League to protect more than 216,000 acres of irreplaceable forest in 66 state, national and local parks and reserves. For more information, go to savetheredwoods.org.

Acme Hospitality Introduces Pearl Social, Santa Barbara’s Most Innovative Cocktail Lounge

by

Santa Barbara, California – Acme Hospitality introduces Pearl Social, an intimate cocktail and music bar opened to the public on November 1, 2019. The bar is located at 131 Anacapa Street in Santa Barbara in Suite B, located between The Lark and Helena Avenue Bakery.

Pearl Social is a nod to the celebrated first lady of Santa Barbara, Pearl Chase, a community activist who worked tirelessly on the historic preservation and beautification of the popular coastal city. Pearl Chase was an intelligent and courageous woman who deeply loved her adopted hometown of Santa Barbara and spent her life committed to bettering it. Pearl Social is intended to be a place of connection for the community to come together in a social and convivial atmosphere.

The cocktail program is led by Gavin Koehn, a Santa Barbara local and long-time Acme alumnus. Starting his career in hospitality as a server at The Lark, Gavin quickly established himself as a cocktail prodigy and moved on to lead the beverage program at sister restaurant Loquita. A participating U.S.A. finalist in the Mediterranean Inspirations global cocktail competition held in Ibiza, Spain, Gavin brings his passion for Old World cocktails with modern twists to Pearl Social. The eclectic cocktail menu has five cocktail classics; Not So Classic; Rule Breakers; Are they Martinis; Communal Consumption; and B. Anthony Approved non-alcoholic drinks. Samples include the Dry Appletini with Calvados, Pineau de Charentes, Dry French Vermouth and London Dry Gin; an absinthe-laced twist on the ever-popular espresso martini; The Unheard Melody features Blanche Armagnac, mezcal, blueberry-infused grappa, lemon, pineapple and basil. Communal Consumption selections offer librations served in vintage punchbowls to share, sure to please couples on a night out.

Enter Pearl Social’s intimate space, designed by Doug Washington and Kim Calabrigo of August Studio, located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s popular Funk Zone. Washington is an integral part of the Acme family, responsible for the design of all of its successful concepts. The design of Pearl Social is inspired by the 1930s-1950s transatlantic urban social clubs of the United States and Europe. Influenced by the Mediterranean climate, gorgeous Pacific coastline and lush flora of Santa Barbara, Pearl Social is illuminated by tranquil hues of deep blue, green and soft pink. The custom overhead chandeliers, originally designed by Washington, are reinterpretations of lights that hang in New York City’s Grand Central Station. Deep blue walls encapsulate the space creating a romantic and luxurious vibe. Emerald green tile provides the backdrop for the custom-built back bar built by Alan Lockwood, bordered in front with Calacatta Luccia quartz. Mid-century style leather sofas atop vintage Persian rugs, soft rose-colored velvet chairs and low-slung conversation areas create the perfect opportunity for connection. A nature-inspired mural saturates the space with intense color and energy while the intimate patio provides a cozy place to circle up. Pearl Social is designed for relaxing, settling in and connecting with friends.

Acme Wine Director Hayden Felice is credited for development of the wine program at Pearl Social. By-the-glass wine selections are small but focused, with an emphasis on sustainable farming practices and natural winemaking processes featuring both Old World and local winemakers that produce the finest wine worldwide. Similar to the by-the-glass list, the bottle list selections have substantial breadth. The numerous fans of Pearl Social’s previous incarnation, Les Marchands, can find selections from the extensive wine list from the beloved wine shop on Pearl Social’s list and at The Lark restaurant. All four of the Les Marchands Wine Clubs continue to be offered online.

The service team is led by Kacey House, also General Manager for The Lark, who is committed to delivering the warm and gracious hospitality that all Acme concepts are known for.

Award-winning Chef Jason Paluska from The Lark designed a complementary menu of snacks for Pearl Social. As the original chef for The Lark, Jason has garnered numerous awards and international recognition for his Central Coast inspired, seasonal, locally sourced, and scratch-made menu. His small bites menu at Pearl Social includes a choice of West Coast Oysters with Foraged Pink Peppercorn and Sea Bean Mignonette as well as Malt Vinegar Potato Chips with Smoked Trout Roe Dip. Some larger format dishes include a Golden Beet Tartine with French Butter Pear, Burrata, and Crispy Sage, as well as a Dry-Aged Beef Burger Paired with Green Peppercorn Aioli, Jasper Hill Aged Cheddar and Pickled Red Onion, served on a Helena Avenue Brioche Bun.

Live and recorded music is planned as a regular feature of Pearl Social featuring jazz, blues, folk, rock, acoustic instrumental and vocal performances as well as DJs spinning favorite tunes.

Pearl Social is open nightly from 5:00 p.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 5:00 p.m. – midnight on Friday and Saturday.

ABOUT ACME HOSPITALITY:

Acme Hospitality owns and operates an innovative collection of boutique food and beverage concepts in the heart of Santa Barbara, California’s Funk Zone. The group has earned numerous awards and accolades for its many concepts. Recognition includes “America’s Top 100 Wine Restaurants” from Wine Enthusiast for both The Lark and Les Marchands; “36 Hours in Santa Barbara” by the New York Times for Loquita;  Travel + Leisure; “Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America” by OpenTable for The Lark; “10 Hottest Restaurants in Santa Barbara” by Zagat for Lucky Penny; and “10 Best New Restaurants by U.S.A.Today for Loquita, and Los Angeles magazine; Food & Wine for The Lark, Loquita, Santa Barbara Wine Collective, Tyger Tyger and Monkeyshine. Acme Hospitality is dedicated to delivering outstanding food, wine, cocktails, service and beautiful interiors to the Santa Barbara community and visitors to the American Riviera from around the globe.

PEARL SOCIAL

131 Anacapa Street, Ste. B, Santa Barbara, California 93101

(between The Lark and Helena Avenue Bakery)

805.284.0380

info@pearlsocialsb.com 

For more information, the public can visit: www.pearlsocialsb.com

Follow PEARL SOCIAL:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pearlsocialsb.com

Twitter & Instagram: @pearlsocialsb

 

For information on the ACME HOSPITALITY visit: www.acmehospitality.com

Hey Alexa! Play the “Oregon Wine Quiz!”

by

PORTLAND, Ore., /PRNewswire/ — Oregon is home to more than 760 wineries and 19 distinct growing areas, making it one of the largest wine-grape-producing states in the nation. It’s tough for even the biggest Oregon wine aficionados to know everything about Oregon wine. That’s why Travel Oregon created the new “Oregon Wine Quiz” for Alexa users to test their wine knowledge. Whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur, the quiz highlights some of the undiscovered facts about the Oregon wine landscape and tells the deeper story of Oregon wine.

Oregon is home to more than 760 wineries and 19 distinct growing areas. (Photo credit: Cotterell)

It’s estimated that by 2020, 50% of all searches will be voice searches. Currently 17% of American households have a smart speaker installed. By 2022, this number is anticipated to increase to 66%. The shift to voice search has already begun. The “Oregon Wine Quiz” is a way for Travel Oregon to integrate tourism marketing and voice search and stay ahead in the ever-changing media landscape.

“We need to keep evolving and expanding our content platforms if we’re going to remain relevant to our target audience,” said Mo Sherifdeen, Global Integrated Marketing Director at Travel Oregon. “We’re thrilled to be the first tourism agency in the country to experiment with distributing content through voice search. But more importantly, we’re excited to give wine enthusiasts another way to learn about Oregon wines before they head out to wine country this fall.”

To activate the quiz, simply ask Alexa to “play the Oregon wine quiz.” Users will then be asked a series of questions about Oregon wine. Depending on the answers, users will unlock one of four podcasts, featuring interviews and storytelling from some of Oregon’s most prominent wine industry professionals, including: Travel Southern Oregon, Abacela, Brooks Winery Troon Vineyards, Tuality Healthcare and Willamette Valley Vineyards.

The topics covered include: 

  • Community winemaking
  • Oregon’s new varietal: Tempranillo
  • The Applegate Valley Wine Trail
  • Sustainable winemaking

This Alexa application was built by Portland-based agency, Sparkloft Media with content support from the Oregon Wine Board. Are you ready to take your Oregon wine knowledge to the next level? Take the quiz today. For more information, visit TravelOregon.com or Amazon.com.

About Travel Oregon
The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors’ experiences by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission aims to improve Oregonians’ quality of life by strengthening the economic impacts of the state’s $12.3 billion tourism industry that employs more than 115,000 Oregonians. Visit industry.traveloregon.com to learn more.

Rescue Dog Wines launches nationally

by

LODI, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Based in Lodi, California, Rescue Dog Wines was established with the goal of donating 50% of its profits to rescue dog organizations across the country. Proprietors Blair and Laura Lott explain that they started planning a new life in wine country around 2015. “We knew that we wanted to embrace sustainable growing practices and create a new, more rewarding lifestyle for ourselves. In addition, we knew that we wanted enough land to grow wine grapes AND foster dogs…we knew that we wanted to create high quality, premium wines. During this period of exploration throughout many of California’s wine regions it dawned on us that we could combine our two passions and Rescue Dog Wines was born,” they said.

The Lotts are preparing to plant their 16-acre vineyard in Lodi this spring to Grenache, Sangiovese, and Mourvedre. Until those grapes are grown, the winery is sourcing grapes from the Lodi growing region which are grown according to Lodi Rules and California Rules sustainability protocols. The winemakers are Susana Rodriguez Vasquez and Eric Donaldson.

Current releases are Bubbly Boxer NV Demi-Sec Sparkling Wine, Methode Champenoise, $34.00 (Lodi AVA); Predominantly Poodle NV Sauvignon Blanc, $18.99 (Lodi AVA: Cosumnes River sub-AVA); Bubbly Boxer Sparkling Rosé is a NV, Methode Champenoise, $38.00 (Lodi AVA); Beloved Mixed Red, Red Wine Blend, NV, $24.99 (41% Lodi, 28% Cosumnes River, 21% Clement Hills, 10% Mokelumne River) and 2018 Rosé, $18.99 (Cosumnes River AVA). Rescue Dog Wines’ first release was Beloved Mixed Red Blend, a non-vintage red, which was released in the summer of 2018.

The wines are available to purchase from the winery’s website. There are plans for a tasting room in Lodi in the future.

On National Dog Day (August 26), the winery did a joint program with Hotel Milo in Santa Barbara, California. Dogs were welcomed with treats and gifts, and owners with choices of the Rescue Dog wines. “This type of collaborative effort brings us great joy,” comment Blair and Laura Lott, who have participated in dog rescue related events including the Sacramento SPCA Fall Gala, Friends of the Alameda (California) Animal Shelter, the Lodi PALS (People Assisting Lodi Shelter), Los Angeles Found Animals Foundation, The Rescue Dog Runway Show in Los Angeles and the English Bulldog Rescue Bully Ball in Atlanta. As Rescue Dog Wines have been presented at rescue dog charity events around the country, Blair and Laura have felt an enormous wave of enthusiasm and interest. “The feedback we receive is phenomenal and heart-warming. We love meeting our customers and future customers and discussing our combined love of dogs and wine,” Blair explains. “People are initially drawn in by our mission, but end up leaving impressed with the wines,” he adds. Blair and Laura also relish their role as evangelists for the Lodi growing region.

Blair Lott was born and raised in Georgia. He worked with his father on their 20-acre farm and, in fact, several generations of his family have been farmers in the South. The family grew vegetables and raised livestock and he came to value the agricultural lifestyle. There were lots of dogs in his childhood, mostly boxers and Boston terriers. At 17, Blair formed an alternative rock band, the first expression of the drive to creativity which still propels him today. Blair spent the first years of his career working in the music world—writing and performing in Athens, Georgia, Nashville and later in Melbourne, Australia. He transitioned into a livelihood as a digital media consultant. During his three years in Australia he became immersed in the wine and food scene and intrigued with the idea of making wine his vocation. After moving back to Atlanta and marrying his wife Laura, they decided to move to northern California to be closer to wine country.

Laura Lott was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, and she grew up all across the U.S. as part of an Air Force family. In the summers she visited her family in Brittany, on the northwest coast of France. Her grandfather was a pastry chef in St. Malo and Laura has fond memories of spending time in the bakery. She would also visit cousins who were farmers; she remembers dinners being interrupted by having to run outside to take care of squealing pigs. She’d garden with her grandmother, where one of their specialties was making jam from the raspberries they grew. As a young adult Laura adopted her first rescue dog, a boxer, Daisy, from an animal rescue operation in Atlanta. The experience of visiting the animal shelter made an enormous impression on Laura; she determined after that visit to make rescue dogs a cause in her life. In the first part of her career, she became an HR specialist for large corporations. She then left the corporate world and embarked on a journey of exploration, investigating her creative side.

Founded in 2009, Krewe du Bizou Wines is based in New Orleans and imports and distributes fine wines from around the world. In New Orleans, the term “krewe” is applied to a group of people who make up a Mardi Gras organization. “When combined, you get a collection of fine wines representative of those special little kisses (bizou) in life, which is exactly what you’ll discover at Krewe du Bizou Wines,” explains James Moises. The company is located on the Lafitte Greenway at 2500 Saint Louis Street in New Orleans. Following Rescue Dog Wines’ lead, Bizou will be donating a portion of their sales to local New Orleans animal rescue groups.

Get our Dear Wine Friend wine news via your inbox every Friday!
  • Our Latest Wine News
  • A Weekly Wine Discovery
  • Links to our Seven Weekly Articles
  • Our Weekly Highlighted Event
  • SCV Wine Calendar Updates
Do you want to plan your weekend? Subscribe Today!
Your name and email address will never be sold.
Clifton's Lightbox