Slow Wine to Add Oregon Wineries in Guide and on Tour for First Time

January 7, 2019 by evebushman Leave a Comment

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Slow Food International and Slow Wine Editore are proud to announce the release of the latest English-language edition of Slow Wine, the acclaimed and comprehensive annual wine guide of over 500 different wineries worldwide, with its annual US Tour in March 2019.

This year, the Slow Wine guide continued their expansion into the US, by including Oregon wineries for the first time. The wineries were reviewed with the same Slow principles as their Italian peers. The move to add non-Italian wineries is not unprecedented – the 2018 edition added seventy wineries from California– this year’s additions continue to show the guide’s vigorous efforts to take their Slow philosophy worldwide.

Slow Wine’s move into the US started in California, where it officially opened its chapter in the summer of 2017. After visiting hundreds of producers on the West Coast and evaluating them according to the same high standards the guide is known for, 70 producers were selected and added to the 2018 guide. Now, moving into Oregon is a significant step for the Slow Wine Guide, as the pioneering state is home to internationally-celebrated wine producing areas. Oregon’s commitment to sustainable wine-making and respect for the terroir is consistent with Slow Wine’s principles and its mission to support local agriculture.

Slow Wine Editore, the Slow Wine guide publisher, and a delegation of its top wineries will hold tasting events for press and trade during their annual US tour, this year making stops in five cities nationwide. Attendees will get a chance to preview this innovative guide, discover new wines, and meet the people behind 100+ Italian and American select producers who represent the Slow Wine values.

The dates and locations of the 2019 Slow Wine US Tour are:
March 4th, San Francisco, California
March 5th, Portland, Oregon
March 7th, Denver, Colorado
March 11th, New York, New York
March 12th, Boston, Massachusetts

Slow Wine recognizes that the wineries they review not only put their hearts and souls into the wines they produce, but also into the land on which it is made. The guide uses the following symbols to evaluate each winery:

The Snail, the Slow Food symbol, signals a cellar that has distinguished itself through its interpretation of sensorial, territorial, environmental, and personal values in harmony with the Slow Food philosophy. Only wineries that are herbicide free can receive the Snail.
The Bottle, allocated to cellars that show a consistently high quality throughout their range of wines.
The Coin, an indicator of great value.

Slow Wine features wines that represent outstanding quality, expressing the history and identity of the land from which they come in each sip.

“We are very happy to continue our adventure into the US, featuring wineries from California and now, Oregon. As we delve deeper into the US wine world, the more impressed we are with its landscape, and how more and more wineries and winemakers are adopting organic and sustainable beliefs and practices. The newly chosen Oregon wineries are core examples of this; these producers represent the “Slow” philosophy, which continues to be increasingly important to consumers in wine and food globally,” says Giancarlo Gariglio, Editor of Slow Wine. “We look forward to carrying on our work of discovering new wineries and winemakers around the world, whose beliefs and practices coincide with the “Slow” philosophy, as well as continuing the guide’s role of helping readers find these wineries, which have become even more numerous in Italy, and the US, in the nine years since we started the guide.”

To register for the Slow Wine trade and media events in San Francisco and New York, please visit the links below. Registration for Portland, Denver, and Boston will follow shortly.

San Francisco https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slow-wine-2019-us-tour-san-francisco-tickets-52089322566
New York https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slow-wine-2019-us-tour-new-york-tickets-52089477028

About Slow Wine
The Slow Wine Guide, published by Slow Food Editore (the publishing arm of Slow Food Italy*), adopts a new approach to wine criticism and looks at a variety of factors to evaluate wineries in their entirety. They take into consideration wine quality, history and adherence to terroir, value, environmental sensitivity and ecologically sustainable methods of practice. Slow Wine was conceived to give a realistic snapshot of the current Italian wine landscape. The guide features reviews of over 500 different wineries, each one visited by Slow Food experts. It is available for purchase on Amazon.com as well as in select bookstores.

*Slow Food International is a global grassroots organization that envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it, and good for the planet. A non-profit member-supported association, Slow Food was founded in Italy in 1989 to counter the rise of fast food and fast life and the disappearance of local food traditions, and to encourage people to be aware about the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes, and how our food choices affect the rest of the world.

Cork Closures Seal 88% of the World’s Top Wines?

September 24, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – According to a recent survey conducted on behalf of APCOR – The Portuguese Cork Association, 88 percent of the world’s top wines as selected by Wine Spectator in 2015, 2016 and 2017 are sealed with cork closures. The survey also revealed that 92 percent of red wines and 74 percent of white wines selected in the last three years were sealed with cork closures.

“Given the incredible natural properties of cork, it makes sense that the majority of the best wines from around the world are sealed with cork,” says Carlos de Jesus, Operational Director of the InterCork program of APCOR. “Its lightness, elasticity, carbon sequestration, and ability to provide consistent oxygen transfer to help with the aging process, are just a few of corks characteristics.”

Cork closures are 100 percent recyclable and sustainable. They are sourced from the bark of the cork oak tree, which regenerates after being harvested by hand every nine years. Cork oak is a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) priority species because it is one of the most ecologically, economically, and culturally important species on the planet. Cork oak forests provide habitats for endangered species and are a dependable income for the Western Mediterranean communities that maintain and harvest them.

Since 1988, Wine Spectator has released its annual Top 100 list, selecting the best wines from the thousands reviewed during the year. According to the magazine, the criteria used to create this highly-regarded, annual list focus on quality, value, availability, and excitement.

The information collected in this survey was conducted through individual phone calls and emails to the wineries, importers, and distributors listed in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 List of 2015, 2016 and 2017.

For more information about APCOR, visit http://www.apcor.pt/en/ and http://www.100percentcork.org. You can follow APCOR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For questions about APCOR, please contact Krisna Bharvani of Colangelo & Partners.

About APCOR:
The Portuguese Cork Association (http://www.apcor.pt/en/) exists to promote natural cork and its products. APCOR is the employers’ association of the cork sector that represents, promotes and carries out research in the Portuguese cork industry. It was created in 1956 and is based in Santa Maria de Lamas, in the council of Santa Maria da Feira, at the heart of the cork industry around 30 kilometers from Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. Membership of the association is open to all companies operating in the fields of production, marketing or export of cork products. The organization advocates on behalf of the Portuguese cork industry worldwide and is the driving force of an industry based on tradition, innovation and sustainability.

About Colangelo & Partners:
Colangelo & Partners (http://www.colangelopr.com) specializes in premium food, wine and spirits brands, and has long established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution as well as communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on ‘closing the loop’ between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity and the consumer in order to maximize the efficiency of its communications programs and deliver measurable results. Founded in 2006, Colangelo & Partners was honored as one of the year’s top integrated communications firms at the 2013 Agency Elite Awards and for one of the best digital marketing campaigns at the 2014 Digital PR Awards.

ZD Wines Celebrates 50 Years of Family Winemaking

September 2, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) – ZD Wines has announced that the 2018 harvest will mark 50 years of winemaking for this Napa Valley family. Founded in 1969 by Norman and Rosa Lee deLeuze, ZD Wines is committed to producing world-class wines, farming organically and providing first-class hospitality, all while supporting many charitable efforts.

Today, the second and third generations of the deLeuze family carry on the family legacy, producing wines from their certified organic vineyards in Rutherford and Carneros, as well as organic vineyards in Napa, Santa Barbara, Monterey and Sonoma. With innovative winemaking practices, they produce wines of quality, consistency and style.

“Our parents, Norman and Rosa Lee deLeuze, were dedicated to producing the highest quality wines and strived to raise the bar of excellence across the board,” said their son, Brett deLeuze, President of ZD Wines. “As we head into our 50th harvest, we are honored to carry on their vision and winemaking traditions.”

ZD Wines is known for three core varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. They also produce two small production whimsical wines, named “Rosa Lee” and this fall they will release their first-ever sparkling wine to commemorate their 50-year anniversary. This fall ZD will also release their 20th Bottling of Abacus, ZD’s pinnacle and innovative solera style wine that is a blend of every vintage of their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon dating back to 1992.

The deLeuze family has a rich history of embracing an ecologically sensitive approach to all aspects of their operation. With a focus on producing world-class wines, ZD’s certified organic vineyards promote biodiversity using the best technologies of the day, as well as time honored farming methods. The winery and vineyards use solar energy, bio fuels, composting, cover cropping, recycling, water conservation, electric vehicles, and more, to conserve and enhance our planet. ZD Wines is certified by CCOF, Fish Friendly Farming, Napa Green Winery, and California Certified Sustainable Winegrowing.

“Our father believed that great wines are made from healthy vines grown in rich, living soils,” said Robert deLeuze, CEO of ZD Wines. “We are dedicated to taking care of our planet and our community. It’s at the core of who we are as a family and who we are as a business.”

The deLeuze family is also dedicated to giving back. Their annual fundraising events include Crush Challenge and ZD’s Summer Wine Celebration. A strong emphasis is placed on the Napa Valley Boys & Girls Club Teen Center as the beneficiary of these events, as well as The deLeuze Family Charitable Foundation that benefits research to find a non-toxic cure for Lymphoma (Founder, Norman deLeuze succumbed to this disease in 2007). Each week, the deLeuze family and ZD team deliver healthy snacks to the Napa Valley Boys & Girls Club Teen Center. The deLeuze family also provides an annual $500 grant to each employee to gift to local charities of their choosing, and each year they participate in charity events around the country.

To mark their 50th anniversary, ZD Wines is hosting two Napa Valley events on Saturday, September 8. The first event is an exclusive wine tasting and harvest lunch hosted at ZD’s Rutherford estate winery. That event will be followed that evening with the “ZD’s 50th Anniversary Bash” taking place at CIA at Copia in downtown Napa where ZD will host a silent auction for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa. More information can be found here.

About ZD Wines
ZD Wines is owned and operated by the deLeuze family who is dedicated to producing world-class wines, farming organically and giving back to the community. The winery is located in the Rutherford region of the Napa Valley. Their hospitality center offers sweeping valley views of premium Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards and the Mayacamas mountain range to the west. The deLeuze family produces wines from their certified organic Napa Valley vineyards in Rutherford and Carneros, as well as organic vineyards in Napa, Santa Barbara, Monterey and Sonoma. With innovative winemaking practices, they produce wines of quality, consistency and style. ZD Wines is currently celebrating 50 years of winemaking and can be found online at ZDWines.com and @ZDWines on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Caliza Winery Celebrates 10 Years with a Look to the Future

March 8, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Paso Robles, Calif. – Celebrating 10-years of crafting estate-grown, sustainably-farmed Rhone wines, and already looking to the next 10-years is Caliza Winery. Situated in the heart of Paso Robles wine country, the small, family-owned and operated winery has big dreams for what the future holds. Including new vineyard plantings, hospitality space and a winery on their estate property just off Highway 46 West.

Nestled into the rolling hills of the Paso Robles’ AVA Willow Creek District, Caliza has become known for crafting wine with a purpose and control from vine to glass. Hands on from day one, husband and wife team, Carl and Pam Bowker don’t plan to change that aspect one bit. In fact, they look forward to bringing on new staff who, alongside the Bowkers, will welcome guests to share the wines, history and vision of Caliza Winery.

“Learning about the viticulture and winemaking process had become a passion of mine through the years and it became extra serious after a trip to Europe,” said Carl Bowker, co-owner/winemaker of Caliza Winery. “When we discovered the diverse soils, vast microclimates, and most of all the welcoming community of Paso Robles, we knew this was the place where we would start our next adventure and ultimately Caliza.”

Pam and Carl Bowker happened upon Paso Robles in 2002 as they traveled down Highway 101 towards San Diego. After a night’s rest followed by breakfast at the charming circular counter of the Paso Inn the couple was hooked. After much research, many more trips to Paso Robles, the Bowker’s purchased their first property in December of 2003. Followed by a 2004 purchase of land that is now home to the current 20-acre vineyard and tasting room site. Then, in 2006 things started to become very real as they planted their vineyard. Two years later, in late November of 2008, the doors to the Caliza tasting room opened.

Looking to the next 10 years, one main goal and vision the Bowkers have is to build. The process has begun with drafted plans that include building a new hospitality space for enhanced wine tasting and guest experiences along with construction of a winery adjacent to the current and future tasting room. Additionally, the plans include a chef’s kitchen that will allow the Bowkers to host wine dinners, provide food and wine pairing opportunities and a space to host a variety of wine club gatherings.

“We feel that being able to show guests the whole process, from vine to glass, allows them to truly understand the passion we have for crafting wines here in Paso Robles,” notes Pam Bowker, co-owner of Caliza Winery. “It has been our dream to have both of these buildings on our estate-property from day one, and we truly see this vision coming to life in the near future.”

Crafting wine in a new on-site building is only one goal the Bowkers plan to achieve within the next 10 years. The duo is also anticipating the expansion of their current 20-acre vineyard planting and possibly even add new acreage down the line. The new plantings will allow Caliza to grow their current wine production in order to meet a growing demand for current and future customers. Plus, when they plant, the Bowkers plan to add different wine grape varieties and clones (other than what is already planted) that will allow Carl to make new wines and unique blends to compliment the current Caliza portfolio.

“We are blessed with the ability to have our own property to experiment with new plantings, clones and trellising designs,” says Carl Bowker, co-owner/winemaker of Caliza Winery. “Plus, that is sort of what this whole winemaking thing is about; experimenting, taking a risk and enjoying the process along the way.”

In celebration of Caliza’s 10-year milestone, the Paso Robles winery will host a variety of events at the tasting room, the winery and even on the road throughout California. For a complete list of exciting events and celebrations head to calizawinery.com.

To get to know the small family-owned winery team and wines, visit Caliza Winery at their Tasting Room located off Anderson Road within the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles wine country Friday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Guests looking for a private tasting or a focused wine experience may do so by booking in advance.

“To hit this milestone and to say we are thrilled is an understatement,” mentioned Carl Bowker, co-owner/winemaker of Caliza Winery. “We are filled with much gratitude for the support from the Paso Robles community, our loyal wine club members and anyone who buys Caliza wines.”

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About Caliza Winery

Sharing a love for both wine and the Paso Robles wine region, husband and wife team, Pam and Carl Bowker, invite you to visit Caliza to taste a true dedication to estate-grown, sustainably-farmed Rhone wines and unique blends. Celebrating 10 years in 2018, Caliza’s 20-acre estate vineyard lies within the rolling hills of the Paso Robles AVA Willow Creek District. The Bowkers oversee all aspects of viticulture allowing them to meticulously control the winemaking process from vine to glass. Their small-lot wines are beautiful representations of the Paso Robles AVA – bold, expressive, elegant. Open Friday – Sunday, Caliza also offers focused tastings and appointments with advance reservations. To learn more visit calizawinery.com

Visit the Tasting Room

2570 Anderson Road

Paso Robles, CA 93446

Tasting Room Hours

Friday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday – Thursday: by appointment

Get Social With Caliza

facebook.com/calizawinery

instagram.com/calizawinery

10-Year Hashtag: #CALIZA10

Alexander Valley Vineyards of Healdsburg, California Wins Top Honors

January 31, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional BRIT sustainable awards went to:

Gold medals

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

Silver medal

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

Bronze medal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ways Top Winemakers and Merchants Are Utilizing Virtual Reality

January 29, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Virtual Reality (VR) has long been viewed as a powerful marketing and engagement tool. The wine industry is also awakening to this fact, with multiple winery virtual reality solutions and studios on the market. Through case analysis, we’re going to break down 6 ways for wine makers and merchants to explore new business opportunities through VR.

Creating multi-sensory experiences: Brancott Estate

Brancott Estate is a New Zealand-based winemaker with over 40 years history of crafting wines. Partnering with Found Studio, they created “The Red Shed”, an unprecedented tasting experience that brings their story to life by engaging all your senses. The experience later went on a worldwide tour of wine festivals to showcase BE’s service and products.

‘The Red Shed’ reconstructs a virtual set of Brancott Estate’s vineyard and wine cellar, as well as features a vivid experience of wine serving and tasting. You head movements would trigger different actions from the environment; they also installed custom devices to release scents of flourishing grapes and fruit being sliced, to prepare your nose and palate for an expert wine tasting afterwards.

Making vineyard virtual tours: Flora Springs Winery, Napa Valley, CA, USA

Flora Springs is a family-owned and operated winery founded in Napa Valley in 1978, committed to producing sustainably farmed, estate-grown, handcrafted wines. Napa Valley is north of San Francisco, with more than 400 wineries in its wine region, whose Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys worldwide fame.

This video takes you on an exploration into Flora Springs’ premises, vineyards and cellars, with its current owner explaining the history of the winery. By VODE VR.

Making wine cellar virtual tours: Le Chai au Quai, Castillon-la-Bataille, France

Le Chai au Quai is a French boutique winery boasting a large 19th century cellar on the banks of the Dordogne in Castillon, just a stone’s throw from the medieval town of Saint-Émilion. With no vineyards attached, the winery purchases grapes regularly of its own choice. This is also why it decided to show you around its historied cellar instead of a vineyard tour. By Liquid Productions.

Producing wine tasting experiences: Vincent Gandia

Vicente Gandia is a Valencian wine producer and seller company founded in 1885, now managed by the 4th generation of the Gandia family. Its family-owned estate is located in Utiel, Spain. The cellar produces and sells wines from different appellations of Origin including Utiel-Requena, Valencia, Alicante, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rías Baixas, Rueda and cava (sparkling wine).

Bodegas Vicente Gandia is one of the top 15 cellars in Spain as well as one of the top 100 European wine companies according to Plimsoll ranking. By Oud Reuchlin & Boelen

Demonstrating wine portfolio & recording press events: Inverarity Morton

Founded in 1945, Inverarity Morton is Scotland’s leading independent wines and spirits merchant.

Being the only SOPA-certified organic wine importer in Scotland, Inverarity Morton’s wine list features over 2,000 wines from around the world, many of which carried exclusively. By WBC (Watchtower Broadcasting Corporation)

Recording wine festivals: Wine Festival, Landau in the Palatinate, Germany

Palatinate is a German wine-growing region in the area of Bad Dürkheim, Neustadt an der Weinstraße, and Landau in Rhineland-Palatinate. With 23,461 hectares (57,970 acres) under cultivation in 2008, the region is the second largest wine region in Germany after Rheinhessen. There are about 6,800 vintners producing around 6.5 million hectolitres of wine annually. By uSphere.

7. Die Bergkelder, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Built in 1968, Die Bergkelder (now Fleur du Cap) is one of the world’s most advanced underground cellars. It produced one of South Africa’s premier and best known wines – Fleur du Cap. It’s a member Distell group, the country’s top producer and marketer of fine wines and spirits.

The Fleur du Cap wines are made from grapes cherry picked from vineyards in the Cape Coastal region, which captures and reflects the highly sought-after varietal character and terroir.

Dedicated to making wine “the way Mother Nature intended”, winemakers Pieter Badenhorst and Elmarie Botes strive to make quality wines with minimal intervention in the cellar. By Chris du Plessis.

Steve Lohr Named 2017 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year

January 25, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Steve Lohr, photo New York Times

(Paso Robles, CA) Each year Paso Robles Wine Country comes together to recognize one of their own who has exemplified the spirit of the Paso Robles wine community with outstanding leadership and vision in promoting the region. On Friday, January 19, Steve Lohr, CEO of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines received the 2017 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year award at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s annual winter gathering.

A tireless advocate for the Central Coast, Steve has played an important role in introducing the wines of Paso Robles to a global audience, while championing practices that have established the California wine industry at the forefront of sustainable farming.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” says Steve Lohr. “I also know that what we have achieved here in Paso Robles has been accomplished collectively. We are a community of independently spirited individuals who have come together to realize the potential of this remarkable place. Working side by side, we have achieved levels of quality that would have been undreamed of just a few decades ago, and established Paso Robles as one of the world’s great wine regions.”

Steve has emerged as a visionary second-generation leader, culminating in his being named CEO of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines in 2013. During his tenure, Steve has helped build one of California’s most acclaimed estate programs, spanning more than 3,700 sustainably certified acres, including over 2,300 acres in Paso Robles. He has also cemented J. Lohr’s position as an industry leader, supporting pioneering viticultural research, building the wine industry’s largest photovoltaic solar tracking array, and as an early adopter of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) certification program.

Working locally, nationally, and internationally on behalf of Paso Robles and the American wine industry, Steve has also held several other important positions. A three-time past chairman of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA), Steve worked with 57 vintners and growers on the petition process that established the region’s 11 AVAs, while leading the charge to ensure conjunctive labeling. Today, Steve is the chair of both the CSWA and Wine Institute (the only person to ever hold both positions simultaneously). At Wine Institute, Steve brings together the resources of 1,000 wineries to support legislative and regulatory advocacy, market development, media relations, scientific research and education.

Steve Lohr was nominated and named the 2017 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance membership which represents 450+ companies including wineries, vineyards, and associated businesses. Steve will be recognized by industry colleagues at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s Annual Gala on Friday, January 19 at the Park Ballroom at 6 p.m. This event is open to members of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and members of the media wishing to cover the event.

The Alliance’s Annual Gala hosts members of Paso Robles’ wine community with elected officials and representatives from national, state, and local offices on hand to commemorate the honor. Also set to take place is the installation of the Alliance’s 2018 Board of Directors.

Board of Directors Installation
This evening officially marks the “handing of the gavel” as Jason Yeager assumes the Chairman of the Board position and the Alliance recognizes outgoing Board Members. The incoming Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Board of Directors and Executive Team are as follows:

Jason Yeager – Chairman, Niner Wine Estates
Jason Haas – Vice Chairman, Tablas Creek Vineyard
Austin Hope – Secretary, Treana And Hope Family Wines
Sarah Kramer – Treasurer, Umpqua Bank
Tyler Russell – Director, Cordant|Nelle
Molly Scott – Director, Justin Vineyards & Winery
Bob Tillman – Director, Alta Colina Vineyards & Winery
Faith Wells – Director, Hospice Du Rhone
Jon Winstead – Director, Vineyard Professional Services

ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance represents wineries, growers, and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit www.pasowine.com. @PasoRoblesWine, #pasowine

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

January 13, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

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

Kathyrn Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vintage Eve Circa 8/2014: New Zealand Tasting of Yealands with the Winemaker

January 9, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Today we are introducing readers to a New Zealand producer of fine wines – “Yealands, owned by the legendary kiwi entrepreneur Peter Yealands” and “the dynamic winemaker behind Yealands, Ms. Tamra Kelly.”

“The Yealands story is an interesting one. This young winery was founded in 2008 by Peter Yealands, who built a fortune as a leading player in the green-shelled mussel industry. He has a passion for wine and the environment, and began purchasing vineyards in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley in the mid-2000s. His namesake winery was the first to be carbon neutral from the foundation, and he seeks to be NZ’s most sustainable winery – not an easy task in this land of sustainability!”

Meet the Winemaker

Tamra Kelly-Washington, was born in Marlborough, New Zealand – and has come back to her roots to work at Yealands Estate Wines. Tamra got her enology degree, and began amassing some great winemaking experience 15 years ago. She began working around the world doing harvests; in Australia, as well as Napa, (learning all about warm climate wines) then back to Australia. She also traveled into Sicily, Puglia, and other areas of Northern Italy – spending a total of five years in Italy – furthering her winemaking experience.

Kelly heard about Peter Yealands and what he was doing back in New Zealand. Wondering if she would fit in, she was excited about how Sauvignon Blanc was making its mark back home. She thought it was a good time to return, and Peter needed a winemaker at his new winery back in Marlborough. Starting afresh with a brand new proposition, this was the end of 2007. By 2008 they had their first vintage. A big challenge, Kelly said, that she’s really enjoyed.

“Peter is very in tune with nature” Kelly said, and “the land, a big chunk of it, is on the water.” And while they have 133 block and nearly 2,500 acres, Sauvignon Blanc is just one of several varietals that they now grow. Warm sunny days in summer paired with cool nights, holds the flavor in, while maintaining the grapes’ freshness and acidity. There is no treatment, according to Kelly, as “what you are tasting is a really natural product.”

Taste the Wines (aroma and flavors separated by 😉

2013 Sauvignon Blanc (100% Sauvignon Blanc, Seaview and Wairau vineyards)

Lemon, lemon zest, condensation on metal; good citrus fruit, acidity, fresh sliced pear flavors throughout the finish.

2013 Estate Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (100% Sauvignon Blanc, Seaview vineyard)

Nut fruit, apricot, crisp golden delicious apples; same fruit comes forward on the palate, viscosity, nice acidity.

2013 Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc (100% Sauvignon Blanc, Seaview vineyard)

(SI means Special One to Tamra) They chose to make this wine from a single block that received lots of sunshine.

Grapefruit, limeade, cool stones; zingy, good crisp citrus fruit and acid.

2013 Pinot Gris (100% Pinot Gris, Seaview vineyard)

Kiwi, candied apple, honeycomb; juicy fruit, moist feeling, less acidic than the Sauvignon Blancs, could have this with French Toast, maple syrup and fruit. Cool climate vineyard, according to Tamra, allowed for them to retain the acidity.

2013 Pinot Noir (100% Pinot Noir, Awatere and Wairau Valleys)

Stewed plums and Luxardo cherries, green pepper; great fruit and balance between fruit and pepper, with a long clean finish.

2013 Estate Pinot Noir (100% Pinot Noir, Seaview vineyard)

Slightly heavier fruit, darker cherry, white and green pepper; bigger yet with a pleasant tartness, nice.

And you should be able to find these wines at BevMo, Vons and a few independent retailers!

Learn More about Yealands

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yealandsestate?fref=ts

Website: http://www.yealands.co.nz/

Vintage Eve Circa 7/2014: A Masterclass on The Wines of South Africa

December 26, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Sure, I don’t mind driving down to the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills (with the hoards of summer tourists) and then up to the penthouse suite to learn about and taste South African wines. I knew it would be worth it, and more. This was the info that came with rsvp:

Hi Eve,

We’d be glad to have you. The masterclass will include 12 top South African wines representing a range of varietals, styles, and regions; I’ll be covering history, trends, terroir – all the stuff a sommelier needs to get a good grasp of South African wine today. I hope you can make it.

Jim Clarke

Marketing Manager, WOSA US

Wines of South Africa Masterclass

With no money coming from the government, the WOSA (Wines of South Africa) groups represents all of South African wines, and representative Jim Clarke covers all of the U.S.

Clarke explained that the Western Cape is the grape growing region, and is fairly compact. The first harvest was in 1659 with grapes brought in by the Dutch. White wines was known to combat scurvy as citrus fruits did, so the Dutch wanted the white wines for their ships. The French Huguenots arrived in 1688.

KWV was founded in 1918, starting as a cooperative not the distributorship they are today; and most wines were offered in the $10 range. (From Wikipedia, “The name “Koöperatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Suid-Afrika” is Afrikaans for “Co-operative Winemakers’ Society of South Africa”)

With Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990, by 1994 the country held their first elections, and could start exporting wine again as the sanctions were dropped. And Clarke said that a “bump in quality” occurred before 2000. Wines are being made in the old world character, and winemakers are now very big on blending.

The sustainability seal (Sustainable Wine South Africa) is being used by 93% of their producers. Any seal found on a wine or estate brandy “has been certified by the Wine and Spirit Board” and “is a guarantee of origin, vintage, and variety as stated on the label.”

Sauvignon Blanc is the second most planted white wine grape varietal and Chenin Blanc is still the first. Pinotage is not as common as people think, with only about 6% of the plantings. Pinotage is a unique varietal to South Africa. It is a cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault – Cinsault is also referred to as Hermitage, hence the name. The first Pinotage was in 1959 and has proven to be disease resistant and offers a high yield.

From the WOSA, “When the term ‘Wine of Origin’ or the abbreviation ‘W.O.’ together with the name of a production area, such as Stellenbosch, Durbanville or Robertson appears on a label, it confirms that 100% of the grapes from which the wine was made come from that specific area.”

They have a wine school and viticulture school in South Africa; as well as fair-trade and black-owned wineries, and black winemakers due to scholarships now being offered. Clarke said there are lots of efforts being put into those areas now.

Of final note, good wines are available in the $30 to $50 range. The retail prices of the wines we tasted are below.

Tasting

Aromas and flavors separated by “;”

Klein Constantia Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Fresh crisp and cool, white peach, golden delicious apples, lemon zest; lemon, grapefruit, acidic, long finish. Need shellfish, thinking icy cold shrimp cocktail. (Costantia region.) $24

Downes Family Sanctuary Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2012, some Semillon.

Juicy, herbaceous and floral, peach, apricot, steely; good mouthfeel, acid mid-palate, lemon-lime, softly balanced. (Elgin region.) $20

Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2013

Honeydew melon, cantaloupe, a tiny hint of white pepper, wet pebbles; Nice mouthfeel, sliced apples, acidic, tingly and pleasant. (Stellenbosch region.) $10

Botanica Chenin Blanc 2011

Jasmine, anise, orange peel, stemmy; licorice, lemony, sharp and tangy, quite pleasant. (W.O. Citrusdal region.) $20

De Westhof Lesca Chardonnay 2013

Lemon-lime, butter, fresh, hint of suede; lemonade, grassy, acidic. (W.O. Robertson) $22

Sadie Family Skerpioen 2012

Tropical fruit cocktail, sweat, anise; Lime, peach, concrete, acidic finish. (W.O. Swartland region, Chenin Blanc, Palomino.) $55

Painted Wolf Guillermo Pinotage 2010

Leather, sautéed mushrooms, black plum, mint, dark chocolate, rich soil; Dry, dark dusty fruit, green peppercorn, lingering black licorice. (W.O. Swartland region) $18

Jardin Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Blueberry, blackberry, black pepper, milk to dark chocolate, dried wood; Black cherry, spice and pepper in good balance, nice finish, well done. (W.O. Stellenbosch) $20

Vilafonte Series C 2011

Plum, pluot, mint, bark; dusty black fruit, smoke, cigar. (W.O. Paarl. Cabernet Sauvignon blend.) $60

Mullineux Syrah 2012

Stewed dark fruit, Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, white pepper; dark dry and tannic, pungent, long finish. (W.O. Swartland) $30

Keermont, 100 Syrah, 2011

Blue to black fruit, smooth, pepper blend; Great spice, juicy dark fruits, smoke. Well done. (W.O. Stellenbosch) $45 approximately.

Klein, 100% Muscat, 2008, late harvest, no botrytis.

“Natural Sweet Wine.” Honeysuckle, rose petals, pear liqueur, gentle, compelling; lovely viscosity, honey and acid play off each other. (W.O. Constantia)

$65.