Eve's Wine 101

Behind the Wine by Dawn Abasta-Poulsen: Jamie Slone Wines

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When you talk to Jamie about wine, his passion for wine and his community shine through!  He loves the Santa Barbara region and the wine community there. Jamie, like many wine makers did not start out his adult life as a winemaker. He was an entrepreneur. Up until the early 2000s he ran five radio stations in the Tucson area of Arizona, then once he sold those stations he fulfilled his lifelong dream and became a racecar driver from 2005-2013. To say he is driven to succeed at everything he touches is an understatement. After having conquered the race world by coming in second at almost every one of his championship races.  Jamie decided he wanted to fulfill another dream of his, owning a winery. So thus began Jamie Slone Wines. He chose Santa Barbara, because in his and many others opinion, it is the best wine region to grow wine grapes. 

Santa Barbara is rich with a variety of soil types and this gives winemakers like Jamie the tools to really be creative with their wines and create one of a kind distinctive blend. In 2014 he released his first wines.  First his red blend called BoRific, which is Jamie’s nickname for his wife Kym. BoRific is a Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet, Malbec and Petit Verdot. It’s rich and delicious! He also released a Pinot Noir, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay. 

Most of his wine is sourced from vineyards in Santa Rita Hills and Happy Canyon; these offer him the best of both worlds, one is lusher and cooler at night and the other is dryer and hotter.  He spends a lot of time analyzing and choosing the best possible process for that season’s harvest.  To quote Jamie “Each year is a fresh new painting, I use fruit to sculpt that year’s wine.” 

When asked what the inspiration behind his wine was, Jamie said he wanted flexibility and a creative outlet. Something he could be proud of.  In his words he wanted to create a “fabulous experience.”  

We then talked about his favorite over the years.  He said consistently his Super Tuscan, but every year there is a special one he likes most.  Right now, he says his 2019 Grenache is outstanding!

I then told him a firsthand story about his Super Tuscan. It was September 2017 and my wine group and I were on our summer excursion. My friend Jeff had told me I needed to go and check out Jamie Slone, so we made it one of our stops that day. It was late afternoon and we were just about done with our tasting. All of us had loved everything we tasted and three of us joined the winery club that very afternoon. Then when we were about to leave it started to rain pretty hard outside. So, we decided why walk around in the rain when we could just chill there and ride out the storm. We ordered a bottle of the Super Tuscan and road out the brief storm in the comfort of his beautiful tasting room. It was the highlight of that trip! Jamie shows passion in every wine he serves and he works hard to personally craft his wine so that every one of them gives his customers a truly “fabulous experience.” You can check out his winery at 23 E De La Guerra St in Santa Barbara CA 93101

Third Generation Family-Owned Sangiacomo Vineyards Celebrates 95 Years of Farming in Sonoma County

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SONOMA, Calif.,/PRNewswire/ — The pioneering Sangiacomo family, leaders in sustainable grape growing in Sonoma County, are honored to celebrate 95 years of farming and stewardship in Sonoma.

The Sangiacomo family’s roots in Sonoma County began on August 30, 1927, when founder Vittorio Sangiacomo signed the deed to the 55-acre Eden Dale ranch, at the southern end of the Sonoma Valley in what is now the Carneros appellation. The historic agricultural property, dating back to the mid-1800s, was at the time an award-winning fruit tree farm, planted to apples, pears, peaches, prunes and cherries. Though Vittorio and family first found success focusing on the cultivation of pear trees, the Sangiacomos shifted their agricultural focus when they planted their first Sonoma vineyard, Green Acres, in 1969. For the past 53 years, the family has continued their farming heritage by growing premium cool-climate wine grapes from their 1,600 acres of certified sustainable estate vineyards in Carneros, the Petaluma Gap, and Sonoma Coast. Along with launching their namesake wine brand in 2016, they are proud to continue to work with over 70 wineries, many with long-lasting relationships spanning decades.

The original Eden Dale property, now known as the Sangiacomo family “Home Ranch,” is the heart and soul of the family business. It’s where the second and third generations of the family learned the value of stewardship and sustainability, and where, 95 years later, they continue their long-standing tradition in farming. The 110-acre Home Ranch is also home to the Sangiacomo Family Wines tasting room, where visitors can taste small-lot Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the family’s historic vineyards, while gaining insight into the history of the family and the land they’ve farmed for nearly a century.

“When my brother Mike, sister Mia and I reflect on 95 years of farming, commitment, passion, and family heritage come to mind,” says Steve Sangiacomo, third-generation partner. “From the progression of growing pears to wine grapes, three generations have worked side-by-side and have shared the vision to seek opportunity, take risks, and evolve our family business. We would not be where we are today without the knowledge and values we learned from our grandparents, parents, uncles, and aunt. It’s an honor to continue our family’s agricultural journey, planting the seeds to enable future generations to build upon this legacy.”

To celebrate this near-century milestone, the Sangiacomos are releasing the remaining amounts of their Home Ranch Chardonnay from their library, including the inaugural 2016 vintage, along with many of their other exclusive estate bottlings. All are available at the Sangiacomo Home Ranch tasting room, located two miles south of the Sonoma Plaza.

About Sangiacomo Vineyards

As multigenerational Sonoma farmers with roots tracing back to 1927, the Sangiacomo family have continued their farming heritage by growing premium cool-climate grapes from their 1,600 acres of certified sustainable estate vineyards. Widely recognized as leading growers in California, the Sangiacomos also make estate wines for their own label, Sangiacomo Family Wines. A true family business with over 50 years of grape growing experience, they bring unparalleled knowledge and expertise, and lead with a commitment to quality and authenticity in all areas of operations. Working with acclaimed winemaker James MacPhail, the family produces limited quantities of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon wines that express the character of the land they’ve farmed for 95 years, and hope to call home, for generations. For more information, visit www.sangiacomowines.com.

Napa Valley’s Vice Versa Announces Groundbreaking for New Winery and Caves in Calistoga Late Summer 2022

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CALISTOGA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Vice Versa Wines founder Patrice Breton has announced that Vice Versa, the luxury Napa Cabernet Sauvignon-focused brand he founded in 2003, will break ground on a new winery and cave at his recently acquired estate vineyard in Calistoga in late Summer 2022. Breton tapped San Francisco-based architect Olle Lundberg of Lundberg Design to design the 10,000-square-foot cave and winery. The winery and cave, which boast three private hospitality spaces, have a planned completion date of Summer 2024. Lundberg has also designed the caves for Screaming Eagle, Ramey Wine Cellars and Hourglass Winery.

The winery building will have a singular aspiration – to act as a gateway to the surrounding soil and vineyards. Lundberg hopes the winery will express the direct connection between the land, the grapes, the cave, and the winery.  The ground floor of the winery will serve as the production facility, and the second floor will be reserved for hospitality spaces for private tastings.  

“Think of the building as a traditional long gable barn, split in half, and the two volumes pulled apart and offset, twisting the roof and the connecting deck between, so that the result opens to the sky, the hillside beyond, and the cave underneath, stated Lundberg.

The construction utilizes three dominant wall surfaces – Corten, a weathering steel that seals as it rusts, Kalwall, an insulated translucent panel system, and glass. The upper hospitality level has 360-degree views from the fully glazed exterior walls. The covered crush pad is in the center of the winery’s ground floor, with a second-level entertainment deck overlooking the production area.  The crush pad opens up to the hillside behind, with the vines cascading down the hillside, the tableau framed by the structure above.

Patrice Breton commented, “Olle’s designs are pure, modern, organic, and holistic. I wanted an avant-garde, timeless, unique, and efficient design with clean lines, a structure that merged seamlessly into the surrounding vineyard, and a fireproof building.  Olle’s idea of choosing Corten steel for the superstructure was pure genius, as the building will age well and be impossible to burn down. It will be a true architectural masterpiece that will stand the test of time.”

The vineyard is home to beautiful, 25-year-old vines — primarily Cabernet Sauvignon — that grow at 500 ft. elevation on rocky white tufa soils and benefit from a cool marine breeze in the afternoon. Set in the Chalk Hill Gap area, the microclimate is eight-twelve degrees cooler in the afternoon on average than in other parts of Calistoga, resulting in wines with freshness, beautiful purity, minerality, and seductive richness.

Winemakers Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky of the renowned winemaking consultancy Atelier Melka have crafted Vice Versa’s wines since 2015. Since the brand’s inception in 2003, Vice Versa has been growing from strength to strength and today has secured its place as one of Napa’s elite wineries, with multiple 98-100-point scores from top wine critics.

ABOUT VICE VERSA
Founded by French Canadian vintner Patrice Breton in 2003, Vice Versa produces coveted small-lot, single-vineyard wines from Napa Valley’s most highly acclaimed vineyards. Art, culture, and history are at the core of the pure yet bold expressions of Vice Versa’s limited-production wines, which are reflected in the brand’s new art-driven labels, released in conjunction with the 2019 vintage. For more information, please visit www.viceversawine.com.

FOR: VICE VERSA WINES
707.412.8423
www.viceversawines.com

WALLA WALLA VALLEY THREE-PEATS AS ‘BEST WINE REGION,’ LONG SHADOWS TAKES ‘BEST WINE TASTING ROOM’

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(WALLA WALLA, Wash.) — What do “America’s Best Wine Region” and “America’s Best Wine Tasting Room” have in common? Both are in Walla Walla, at least according to the 2022 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. For Walla Walla, three times really is the charm. The Walla Walla Valley was voted America’s Best Wine Region for an unprecedented third consecutive year, an enormous accomplishment for the region, according to Visit Walla Walla and Walla Walla Valley Wine.

Even more, Long Shadows Vintners won the Best Wine Tasting Room category for the first time. The winery finished in third place in 2021, following two consecutive fourth-place finishes in 2020 and 2019.

“We congratulate all of the wine regions on earning their rightful place as finalists in the category, but it’s extremely gratifying to see the Walla Walla Valley finish at the top of the list for an unprecedented third consecutive year,” said Robert Hansen, executive director of Visit Walla Walla and Walla Walla Valley Wine. “From the arts, history, and culture, to the dining, agriculture, and scenery, to of course the wine, there are a lot of pieces to the puzzle that makes the Walla Walla Valley America’s Best Wine Region.”

The annual USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are decided entirely through public voting. The Walla Walla Valley prevailed from a field of 20 finalists, including some of the most famous wine regions in the U.S. Long Shadows was the top vote-getter among 10 finalists in the Best Wine Tasting Room category.

Nestled on Walla Walla’s Westside, Long Shadows’ Chihuly Tasting Room has long been among the most unique and stunning found anywhere. A result of a friendship between Long Shadows’ founder Allen Shoup and famed glass artist Dale Chihuly, the tasting room represents a perfect marriage of art and wine, accentuated by a collection of Chihuly glass including a dramatic custom chandelier.

“We established Long Shadows in Walla Walla 20 years ago because we were drawn to its small-town charm and inspired by its pioneering winemakers,” said Dane Narbaitz, president of Long Shadows. “They established Walla Walla as a destination for world-class wines and hospitality. It is a tradition that inspires our winemaking and the experience our team seeks to offer guests. We are honored to be named America’s best tasting room at the same time Walla Walla is recognized as the country’s best wine region.”  

The Walla Walla Valley has earned a groundswell of nationwide acclaim in recent years. Not only is it a three-time pick for Best Wine Region in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the region was named one of Forbes’ 22 Best Places To Travel In The U.S. In 2022, the West’s best Emerging Wine Route in the 2021 Sunset Travel Awards, and one of Fodor’s Top places to go in the west in 2022.

To learn more about the Walla Walla Valley and its award-winning wines and wineries, visit www.wallawalla.org or www.wallawallawine.com

About Walla Walla:

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

About Walla Walla Valley Wine:

Walla Walla Valley Wine is a nonprofit wine industry membership organization whose primary mission is to build an internationally acclaimed Walla Walla Valley wine brand among consumers, media, and trade by providing marketing programs on behalf of member wineries, vineyards, and partners. Walla Walla Valley Wine functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media, and trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry. For more information visit www.wallawallawine.com.

About Long Shadows Vintners:

Washington wine visionary Allen Shoup founded Long Shadows in 2002. His idea for Long Shadows was as simple as it was complex. Recruit seven internationally acclaimed winemakers; give each access to Washington State’s best grapes, and outfit a winery to the vintners’ exacting cellar specifications. Seven stand-alone wineries are the result and comprise the Long Shadows’ portfolio: Chester-Kidder, Feather, Pedestal, Pirouette, Poet’s Leap, Saggi, and Sequel. Since the beginning, Long Shadows’ director of winemaking and viticulture, Gilles Nicault, has brought each winemaker’s vision to completion. The wines are made at a state-of-the-art winery in Walla Walla, home to Long Shadows’ Chihuly Tasting Room. The wines are also available for tasting at Long Shadows’ Woodinville location. More information is available at longshadows.com.

CUTWATER SPIRITS SURPASSES 2,000 AWARDS ACROSS PORTFOLIO

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SAN DIEGO /PRNewswire/ — Today, nationally-renowned distillery and RTD cocktail category leader, Cutwater Spirits announces an exciting milestone, surpassing over 2,000 awards across its portfolio of canned cocktails, non-alcoholic mixers and bottled spirits. Established in 2017, Cutwater has earned prestige as the most awarded canned cocktail brand in the U.S. Noteworthy wins in 2022 include top brass from prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Denver International Spirits Competition. The 40 medals recently garnered at the Ascot Awards upped the brand’s overall awards total to 2,067.

Awards for Cutwater at the 2022 ASCOT Awards include Best of in the following categories: Mezcal (Mezcal Joven), American Agave Spirit (Mezcal Reposado) and RTD Cocktail (Tiki Rum Punch) as well as Double Platinum for Cutwater Mezcal Joven, Mezcal Reposado, American Rye Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey as well as for the following RTD cocktails: Lime Margarita, Mango Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Tiki Rum Punch and White Russian. The ASCOT Awards are led by noted spirits authority Fred Minnick and an esteemed panel of industry judges.

“We are honored to have the breadth of our portfolio consistently acknowledged by the most prestigious awards organizations in the world,” says Co-Founder and Master Distiller, Yuseff Cherney. “While we are extremely proud of each individual medal we bring home, it is very exciting for our team to celebrate crossing the 2,000-award milestone as a testament to our hard work, attention to quality, and breakthrough innovation.”

This year, Cutwater’s agave-based bottled spirits – Mezcals and Tequilas – have taken the awards circuit by storm, bringing in 42 total medals since January 2022. Following are some of the most notable honors:

  • San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Cutwater Tequila Blanco & Tequila Reposado (Gold)
  • International Wine & Spirits Challenge: Cutwater Mezcal Joven & Mezcal Reposado (Gold Outstanding)
  • TAG Spirit Awards: Cutwater Tequila Reposado & Tequila Anejo (Double Gold)
  • ADI International Spirits Competition: Cutwater Tequila Reposado (Best of Category)
  • Denver International Spirits Competition: Cutwater Bali Hai Tiki Dark Rum (Best of Show) Cutwater Tequila Blanco & Tequila Reposado (Gold)

Agave spirits are a true passion for Cherney, and Cutwater Mezcals are the most recent addition to spirit category added to the brand’s portfolio. Made from 100% wild Cenizo Agave, Cutwater released Mezcal Joven in April 2021 and debuted its Mezcal Reposado earlier this year. Cutwater debuted Tequila Blanco in October 2019 followed by Reposado and Añejo in 2020. To create its tequilas, Cherney forged a unique partnership with the Orendain family-owned and operated distillery in Jalisco, MX. Cherney oversees every step of the tequila production process and Cutwater has its own dedicated distillery space and copper still within the distillery (NOM 1110). While developing Cutwater’s tequilas, Cherney was inspired to explore other agave-based spirits and developed Cutwater Mezcal Joven in Durango, working closely with distillery owner Gaston Martinez and his Master Mezcalero (CRM: D614G).

In 2022, Cutwater’s diverse portfolio of over 25 RTD cocktails featuring distilled spirits across nearly every spirit base earned 124 awards. Following are some of the most notable honors:

  • ADI International Spirits Competition: Cutwater Lime Margarita, Cutwater Mild Bloody Mary, Cutwater Orange Vodka Smash, Cutwater Tequila Paloma, Cutwater Whiskey Mule (Gold)
  • LA Spirits Invitational: Cutwater Lime Margarita, Cutwater Orange Vodka Smash, Cutwater Strawberry Margarita, Cutwater Vodka Mule, Cutwater White Russian (Double Gold)
  • Denver International Spirits Competition: Cutwater Bali Hai Pina Colada, Cutwater Orange Vodka Smash, Cutwater Prickly Pear Ranch Water, Cutwater Spicy Bloody Mary, Cutwater Tequila Paloma, Cutwater Whiskey Mule (Gold)

To date, Cutwater Spirits has earned 2,067 awards across its portfolio, reinforcing its position as an industry leader. Cutwater continues to innovate and release new, bar-quality canned cocktails and bottled spirits. Follow Cutwater Spirits on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest.

About Cutwater Spirits: Cutwater Spirits, the most awarded canned cocktail brand in the U.S., is a San Diego-based distillery known for its award-winning lineup of over 25 canned cocktail classics made from its portfolio of over 20 bottled spirits that span nearly every spirit category including tequilas, vodkas, rums, gins, whiskeys, mezcals and liqueurs. Co-Founder and Master Distiller Yuseff Cherney began distilling as a side project under Ballast Point Brewing. He started canning cocktails because he wanted to make drinks he could enjoy while doing the things he likes to do (mostly fishing and hiking). In 2017, Cutwater Spirits was established as a separate entity from the brewery and now operates from a 50,000 square foot distillery and production facility, which includes a world-class tasting room and restaurant. To date, Cutwater has earned over 2,000 awards across its portfolio of products and is distributed in 50 states. Learn more at www.CutwaterSpirits.com or follow @cutwatersprits on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Madera Wines Are Winners!

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MADERA, CA  — Each summer season the California wine world is abuzz with news from the prestigious Sunset International Wine Competition. More than 2,900 vintages vie for the annual accolades, and this year, two of Madera County’s most beloved wineries took home Double Gold!

To earn a Double Gold medal, the judges must award a score higher than 95 points. This is no easy feat amongst the distinguished applicants in this year’s field. Excitingly, San Joaquin Winery’s 2021 Toschi Vineyards Red Moscato did exactly that, earning the winery its highest award to date. In addition, Westbrook Wine Farm, located in the Sierra foothill hamlet of O’Neals, also took home Double Gold and Best of Class for the Westbrook Wine Farm NV Malmsey Dearest.

“To have a wine receive a medal here is no small achievement,” stated Debra DelFiorentino, CEO / Executive Director of the Sunset International Wine Competition. “Our competition is one of the most respected, recognized for consistently identifying the best wines produced internationally. This contest again drew top-level wines, and our hand-picked, top-quality judges determined which wines stood out as worthy of accolades.”

In addition to their first Double Gold Medal, San Joaquin Winery also earned silver medals for their Moody Press Cellars Brut Blanc de Blanc and Toschi Vineyards Family Blend at the 2022 Sunset International Wine Competition. Furthermore, the winery earned silver medals and 91 points each for the 2021 Toschi Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, 2020 Moody Press Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2019 Toschi Vineyards Pinot Noir at the California State Fair.

“We are very proud and excited to receive our latest medals, especially the Double Gold for our Toschi Vineyards Red Moscato. The Moscato grapes come from our locally farmed vineyard, which we carefully evaluate for quality from bud break to harvest,” San Joaquin Winery, Winemaker Miguel Sanchez, shared. “The hours spent monitoring this vineyard have definitely paid off! We hope you will stop by our tasting room, open seven days a week, and try these latest award-winning wines.”

Westbrook Wine Farm winemaker Ray Krause, gives thanks to his clientele (the ultimate judges) for their continued support. Westbrook Wine Farm is open for wine tasting by appointment only. Cheers!
 

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About Visit Yosemite | Madera County

Formed in 1985, Visit Yosemite | Madera County’s mission is to draw the millions of Yosemite National Park visitors to its gateway’s many businesses and attractions. We invite visitors to take a journey from the Fossil Discovery Center to the Madera Wine Trail and onward into the High Sierra. Discover incredible dining, talented tradespersons, four seasons of water sports at Bass Lake, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, and mighty adventures right up to the massive Giant Sequoia trees. Madera County is the gateway to so much more.

Today: Grand Opening of Maria Concetto Winery Tasting Room in Calistoga

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MARIA CONCETTO WINERY OPENS NEW TASTING ROOM IN DOWNTOWN CALISTOGA

Grand Opening Celebrations – Wine, Food and Live Music by Ke Marie on Saturday, August 6th, 2022

NAPA VALLEY, California – The new Maria Concetto Winery has opened a tasting room in beautiful downtown Calistoga in the Napa Valley and is officially welcoming guests. Located at 1367 Lincoln Avenue, the Maria Concetto Winery tasting room is ideally situated between Napa Valley and Sonoma County, less than an hour’s drive from San Francisco and Oakland. The winery offers an elegant, upscale chic aesthetic that reflects the style and vibrancy of the wines being produced by Maria Reznikova, owner and wine entrepreneur. The tasting room is open to the public by-appointment, with seated tastings available between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. Walk-ins are always welcome. 

“We are excited to be putting down roots in this sensational community,” says Reznikova. “Not only is Calistoga one of the premier wine destinations, but it is also a lovely place for guests to relax and enjoy the charming environment as they explore our world-class wines. With our portfolio of wines focusing on Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties, we offer a variety of wines for most every level of wine consumer. I love Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s one of our flagship wines; however, Moscato has become fashionable and is in high demand at our new tasting room too. I believe Calistoga is the ideal place to experience our vibrant style of winemaking, which emphasizes lush fruit, bright acidity and impeccably balanced oak.” 

The new tasting room features beautifully appointed interiors for sit-down tastings, including a VIP area and a welcoming wine bar, as well as an all-season patio for outdoor tastings. Adding to its allure, the tasting room is close to vineyards, public bike and hiking trails, and is a short distance from desirable accommodations, restaurants and other acclaimed tasting rooms. In addition to the unveiling of Maria Concetto Winery’s new home, there are other noteworthy destinations nearby, including the highly anticipated Four Seasons Resort and Residences and Solage, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection.
Maria Concetto Winery is dedicated to producing wines of integrity from Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Mendocino County.

It was founded in 2020 with a focus on sourcing and producing the region’s best expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Bordeaux style reds, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Rosé of Pinot Noir and Moscato from Northern California’s top appellations. The portfolio will soon add Sauvignon Blanc and Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine.

The Maria Concetto Winery tasting room is open to guests who are 21 or over. Reservations are recommended but not required. www.mariaconcettowinery.com
PHONE:(707) 860-5774 | EMAIL: maria@mariaconcettowinery.com | ADDRESS: 1367 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga CA 94515 | Walk-ins Welcome.

Washington Wine Country Adds Rocky Reach American Viticulture Area

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iris Vineyards opens first tasting room in historic Springfield, Oregon

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Eugene, Ore – Open June 2nd, Iris Vineyards’ new Wine Bar in downtown Springfield Oregon. Locally owned by Pamela Frye, Iris Vineyards produced their first wines in 2001. They have become one of Oregon’s fastest growing premium wineries. Their 36 acre vineyard provides the fruit for the production of their highly acclaimed Areté sparkling wines such as their 2019 Brut Blanc de Blancs and 2019 Brut Blanc de Noirs. The tradition of award winning wines continues, with the 2020 Pinot Gris receiving Best of Show in the recent McMinnville Wine & Food Classic, a first for any Pinot Gris in the competition’s 29 years.

The pandemic prompted the closing of the winery’s original tasting room in the hills above Territorial Highway in the Lorane Valley. During this time, the winery in downtown Cottage Grove continued to offer curbside pick-up to their club members and longtime customers.

Club members and Oregon wine enthusiasts have been awaiting the time an Iris Tasting Room would reopen – David Cordtz, General Manager of Iris Vineyards says, “We are very excited to be opening our new location in the heart of downtown Springfield. We will serve a wide assortment of our critically acclaimed wines, along with inhouse wine-based cocktails developed by winemaker Aaron Lieberman, David Cordtz and the Iris Vineyards team. There will also be locally inspired charcuterie and gourmet cheeses. We truly look forward to great experiences in a great space with our customers again.”

The new Iris Vineyards Wine Bar can be found at 322 Main Street Springfield, Oregon 97477 in an area of recent rejuvenation that includes Plank Town Brewing and Tavern on the Main, making the wine bar an ideal stop for those on their way to and from area dining options.

Hours are 11:30am – 8pm, Thursdays – Sundays. Walk ins accepted. About Iris Vineyards The owner’s private estate is home to the 36-acre vineyard, nestled in the Southern Willamette Valley, twenty minutes southwest of Eugene, Oregon. The Iris Vineyards brand produces wine from grapes grown at the estate vineyard and carefully selected vineyards throughout Oregon. The cool climate in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range allows the grapes to mature slowly while maintaining the proper acid balance that is essential for producing the finest wines in the southern Willamette Valley.

Drive Through Paso Robles – A Book Review

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A few weeks ago I received an email from Naushad Huda, the “Voice of Modern Wine Culture”, asking if I would like to review the book, Drive Through Paso Robles. Huda, the creator and publisher of both this book and a Napa version, also emailed a synopsis. I was intrigued, as I’ve been to the area for wine tasting many times but have never studied the area in depth (we definitely covered Paso during my course work forAmerican Wine Specialist) or met with all of the winemakers interviewed for the book, so I requested a copy to read. Below is my review and below that some of the information sent from Huda.

Eve’s Review

Authored by Paul Hodgkins and designed by Kathy Lajvardi, the back cover states that this book is the“#1 RESOURCE FOR PASO ROBLES WINE REGIONS”, and is an “ideal traveling companion” when you visit the area. Great start.

Here are some bullet points you may find interesting, or may not have known:

  • Paso was known for hot springs, cattle ranches, almond orchards and being near the Hearst Castle long before it was known as a wine region.
  • Robert Parker is quoted for referencing Paso’s Rhone Rangers in a nod to all of the quality Rhone varietals being made there.
  • Of the 11 Sub-AVAs (American Viticulture Area) in Paso there are 50 different soil types – including granite, sedimentary rock and volcanic rock.
  • You may have heard that during prohibition many people made wine at home, under the radar. But you may not have know that each home was allowed to make up to “200 gallons of non-intoxicating cider and fruit juice per year” that was definitely intoxicating.
  • Popular vintners and winemakers that have their history in Paso shared in this book include heavyweights Richard Niner (Niner), Hansjorg Wyss (Halter Ranch), Don Law (Law Estate), Bill Armstrong (Epoch), Hans Nef (Vina Robles), brothers Daniel and Georges Daou (Daou) and Ron Denner (Denner).
  • There is an anti-Napa movement in Paso, called Napafication. They want to be “rustic” and less “famous” than Napa.

Chris Taranto of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, who I’ve been in contact with for years when I travel to the area, did most of the “research and primary writing” for the chapters on the Sub-AVAs. If you are interested in tasting specific varietals when you visit Paso this section dedicated to each AVA would be of interest. For example if you want Bordeaux or Rhone wines they mention The Adelaida District. If you want old vines, they can be found in the Willow Creek District, as well as Rhônes and Cabs. The Creston District is known for Bordeaux wines. If you’re interest in the topography, soil and history on each – it’s also detailed in this section.

There is another section of the book dedicated to the winery tasting rooms in Tin City, close to the 101 freeway. At the end of this section there is also a list of the current tasting rooms in Downtown Paso. (You could easily spend a day or two between both places and cut down on your driving.)

The final chapter is dedicated to winemaker interviews done with author Paul Hodgkins. I’ve personally met and interviewed a few of them myself so I think this is very nice for wine lovers that haven’t had that opportunity. At the end of each is a sort of “autograph page” where the reader would bring the book to a tasting, make their notes and get the winemaker to autograph the page. Pretty cool. Some of the heavyweights in this section include Daniel Daou of Daou Vineyards, Janell Dusi of J Dusi Wines, Gary Eberle of Eberle Winery, Guillaume Fabre from Clos Solene, Jordan Fiorentini of Epoch Estate Wines, Austin Hope for Hope Family Wines, Steve Peck of J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines, Victor Hugo Roberts of Victor Hugo Winery and Justin Smith of Saxum Vineyards.

The final few pages are spent on “FAQS about wine tasting” which is helpful for anyone planning on visiting a winery. I know some people get nervous in a new surrounding; this section will serve to alleviate any tension.

From Naushad Huda

Part 1: history of California wine and the Paso wine region with human stories of the early families like Dusi and Pesenti.
Part 2: insights on the 11 sub AVAs with some geeky info like soil and what to expect from wines from that region.
Part 3: interviews with 9 winemakers – NOT talking about their wines – but about the uniqueness of their AVA and where they believe the Paso wine region is going.

Forward by award-winning writer/director Prentice Penny (HBO and Netflix). Here’s (a video they did with the) Paso Wine Alliance: https://fb.watch/cM7t8MeHXy/

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.