WALT WINES ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW TASTING ROOM LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN NAPA

July 31, 2019 by evebushman

SONOMA, CA – WALT Wines, a leading luxury Pinot Noir producer owned by Craig and Kathryn Walt Hall, has opened a new tasting room in the Oxbow District of downtown Napa. The new location, WALT Napa Oxbow, marks the second tasting room location for the prominent, luxury wine brand led by General Manager Jeff Zappelli and Winemaker Megan Gunderson Paredes.

“Downtown Napa has an energy that ushers in a more urban experience for the new type of wine consumer,” says WALT General Manager, Jeff Zappelli. “We found an ideal Tasting Room location in the Oxbow District that is directly across the street from the Oxbow Market and CIA Copia. The location is walking distance to the Napa Riverwalk, Napa Fairgrounds, and a collective of tasting rooms, notable modern art galleries, high-end hotels and renowned restaurants. Expanding WALT from the tasting room in Sonoma to include a second location in Napa allows us to share our quality Pinots with locals, Bay Area day-trippers and tourists alike as this area is typically the first stop for visitors entering Napa Valley.”

The 1500 square foot indoor tasting room space features a three-dimensional, custom designed tasting bar comprised of an Italian-porcelain countertop, and the bar is illuminated with LED gold globes hanging above the countertop. The building was renovated with low energy lighting, and includes a series of landscape and structural upgrades to improve the energy efficiencies, beautify the property and reduce water usage. The Hall’s extensive collection of art compliments the décor and experience.

WALT Napa Oxbow has four tasting offerings for guests to experience including:

CURRENT RELEASE TASTING, $30pp

Guests will explore five current releases including single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines spanning 1,000 Miles of Pinot, a concept designed to educate Pinot fans with vineyard sourcing and terroir.

PORTFOLIO TASTING, $30pp

Guests will have access to taste through all three HALL Family Wine brands including WALT Pinot Noir, HALL Cabernet Sauvignon and BACA Zinfandel wines in a tasting that highlights current releases for each varietal and background about the Hall family.

WINE & CHOCOLATE PAIRING, $50pp

Guests are able to indulge in the decadent world of wine and chocolate through a tasting experience that explores the senses through taste and aromatics. The experience includes six Pinot Noir wines paired with Kollar Chocolates, a leading luxury chocolatier based in Yountville, CA.

ROOT 101, $60pp

Root 101 is the signature food and wine pairing experience at WALT. This seated tasting includes six single vineyard Pinots paired with a seasonal, farm-to-table bite prepared by renowned Napa-based eatery, Carpe Diem. The experience aims to educate guests by exploring one’s palate as it relates to flavor profiles. Reservations are required.

The WALT Napa Oxbow renovation included a number of prominent, luxury consultants including:

Architecture: Jarrod Denton, Signum Architecture
Contractor: Frank Bourges General Contractor
Art Curator: Virginia Shore – Shore Art Advisory
Interior Design: Carol Padham, Padham Design

WALT produces single vineyard Pinot Noir wines from appellations stretching from as far north as the Willamette Valley in Oregon, through Anderson Valley, the Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and the Sta. Rita Hills of the Santa Barbara County. WALT specializes in premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from vineyards spanning 1,000 miles, a mile marking distance that coined the brand’s popular 1,000 Miles of Pinot concept.

For more information, please visit www.waltwines.com, follow on social @waltwines, or by calling 707-933-4440.

WALT: 1,000 Miles of Pinot

WALT specializes in premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced 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 allow thoughtful viticulture to enable 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, WALT 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. WALT has two tasting room locations including one adjacent to the Sonoma Square in Sonoma, CA, and the second in the Oxbow District of downtown Napa, CA. Both Tasting Rooms are open to the public. For more information, please visit www.waltwines.com or by calling (707) 933-4440. @waltwines #1000milesofpinot.

Solvang Stomp: 2nd Annual Wine Harvest Street Festival Set for Saturday, 10/19/19

July 24, 2019 by evebushman

Solvang, California, USA –Tracy Farhad, Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau, has announced the return of Solvang Stomp, a Wine Harvest Street Festival. The second annual event will be happening on Saturday, October 19, 2019, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in downtown Solvang on First Street (between Mission Drive/Hwy 246 & Copenhagen Drive) and the adjacent Solvang Park.

Solvang Stomp guests will have the opportunity to stomp grapes in vats barefoot, sip tastes from dozens of area wineries, dance to a live band, drink pink in the “I Love Rosé Lounge” and be able to purchase food inside the festival area from popular area eateries as well as participate in the “Lucy & Ricky Ricardo Look-a-Like Contest based on Lucille Ball’s famous grape stomp episode on her TV show. All “Solvang Stompers” will receive a souvenir logo wine glass and foot towel plus a ticket to win wine-related prizes.

Daniel Lahr, Solvang CVB’s Special Program Manager shared, “Solvang is surrounded by world-class vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms. October is harvest time which means it’s a festive time to taste new wine and stomp some grapes.”

Farhad remarked, “Our inaugural 2018 event attracted 500 guests with 46% staying in a Solvang hotel, 60% purchasing wine or beer, and an impressive 75% shopped and dined locally according to our after-event survey. Solvang CVB is proud to present this event to celebrate our local wine heritage.”

Solvang Stomp general admission from 2:00-5:00 p.m. is $75 per person and VIP Stompers (limited to 250 guests) features early admission at 1:00 p.m. and private VIP area for $125 per person. Guests must be ages 21 years and beyond. Advance ticket purchases are highly recommended online at www.solvangusa.com/STOMP

The second annual Solvang Grape Stomp is presented by the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau with event production by Cultivate Events. For more information about lodging, dining, wine tasting and attractions year-round in Solvang, visit www.SolvangUSA.com

Allegretto Wines Releases The Report ‘Storage Tips For Wine Collectors

July 21, 2019 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, Calif. (PRWEB) – Allegretto Wines, the source for some of the best single vineyard wines in Paso Robles, has released the report ‘Storage Tips for Wine Collectors.’ “One of the conversation topics in our tasting room is the best storage methods for wine,” said Quin Cody, Director of Hospitality, “the tips in this report are going to help answer some of those questions.”

Photo from Allegretto Facebook page.

The report provides information for estimating the storage space, storage methods, the best temperatures for storing and serving, and some creative ideas for building a wine cellar on a budget.

Figuring out storage space

The storage space needed depends on how many bottles you would like to have on hand, or already have but don’t have adequate space. Buying a wine refrigerator is a common solution to storing wine, but sometimes the wine refrigerator you would like costs more than the family budget allows.

There are options for adding or increasing wine cellar space that include re-purposing a closet or cabinet or even adding a “wine room” in the garage. But before getting into remodeling ideas, you still need to know how many bottles you want to have available. Here is a quick estimate (based on ceilings that are nine feet high):

500 bottles or less needs about 25 square feet of space
1,000 bottles would use 50 square feet

It might seem that 500 bottles are a lot of wine, but a single person enjoying a bottle with dinner three or four nights a week adds up to more than 200 bottles a year. Figure in what is shared with dinner guests and gifted to friends and family. If you entertain frequently you can reach 500 bottles a year easily.

The space calculations need to include wines that are being allowed to age, those you are keeping for special occasions and those you will be drinking soon. Once the storage space is figured out, decide on the best affordable storage method that is going to meet the temperature and humidity needs of your special wines.

Temperature, UV light, and humidity

Wine is typically stored at one temperature and served at a different temperature. The ideal storage temperature for most reds and whites is 55 degrees. Serving temperatures vary by the wine:

Traditionally, red wines were served at room temperature, but the modern-day thermostat means homes are kept at a variety of temperatures for personal comfort. The ideal serving temperature for red wine is from 60 – 65 degrees F.

White wines are best served slightly chilled between 50 – 60 degrees.

Sparkling wines and champagne usually taste best chilled to around 40 degrees.

The kitchen refrigerator temperature is usually at around 40 degrees F. Too cold to store wine but a good temperature to chill a sparkling wine. Not sure when the wine has reached the appropriate serving temperature? Use an inexpensive wine bottle thermometer to know when the bottle is ready to pour.

UV rays and humidity

UV rays cause chemical reactions that can change a wine’s flavor and color in unfavorable ways. Keep your wine collection out of the sunlight.

Wines with cork closures need sufficient humidity at around 70-percent to keep the corks moist and expanded so some kind of humidity control is important. Store corked wines on their sides to help keep the cork moist. Screw top bottles don’t require the same kind of humidity control, but since most people collect both corked and screw-topped wines these days, humidity control is the best way to go.

The ‘cellar’

Most of us don’t have space or finances for a high-tech wine cellar with sophisticated humidity and temperature controls and there are affordable options.

Wine coolers, or refrigerators, start at around $200 for 20 or so bottles of wine and price upwards from there. When space is an option, some wine refrigerators can be stored in closets or in the garage and this works perfectly for many people. Some collectors want a more formal “cellar.” Remodeling closets, under stair spaces, kitchens, and garages are becoming popular ways to create dedicated wine storage. There are several good do-it-yourself sources on the Internet or give your local construction company a call for an estimate.

If you are collecting as an investment, leasing commercial wine storage is a safe way to protect your investment.

About Allegretto Wines

Good conversation is part of the wine experience, especially at the Allegretto Wines tasting room. Drop in for a unique tasting experience, good conversation and a staff that enjoys answering questions and keeping the conversation going. The tasting room is located at 2700 Buena Vista Drive in Paso Robles. Hours are Sunday and Monday 1 – 7 p.m.; Wed-Sat noon – 7 p.m. Tuesdays are by reservation only.

Allegretto Wines
2700 Buena Vista Drive
Paso Robles CA 93446
(805) 369-2526

Celebrate The Summer In Walla Walla

June 27, 2019 by evebushman

(WALLA WALLA, Wash.) — Summer is a season for the outdoors in Walla Walla. It’s a time when the days start with a morning hike or bike ride that reveals endless natural beauty, continues with an afternoon tasting on the terrace of a local winery, and ends dining al fresco in Walla Walla’s charming and walkable downtown. It’s rural chic Americana at its finest, and it makes summer perhaps the best time of year to experience Walla Walla in all her glory.

Average high temperatures in Walla Walla peak at 90 degrees in July, and most days are mild and sunny. It’s why the region bustles with outdoor festivals and events, adventures, highly acclaimed golf, cultural events, baseball, farmers markets, and more.

One thing Walla Walla does lack relative to many other world-class wine destinations are the summer crowds. Named Sunset Magazine’s “Best Wine Town” in 2018, it’s not that Walla Walla is a secret. With more than 120 wineries and deep agricultural roots fostering a true farm-to-table culinary scene, this unofficial capital of Washington wine country was bound to be discovered. But Walla Walla remains just far enough from typical that it can hold on to its slower pace and small-town friendliness.

“One of the remarkable aspects of Walla Walla is that even as it has grown into an acclaimed wine destination, the town remain as welcoming as ever,” said Ron Williams, CEO of Visit Walla Walla. “The weather draws people outside, and visitors and locals mingle at outdoor markets, wineries, Walla Walla Sweets baseball games, and more. It’s an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.”

First Friday Art Tour, held the first Friday of every month through October, the Downtown Farmers Market, held Saturdays through October, and the summer evenings spent at Borleske Stadium to watch the Walla Walla Sweets baseball club, offer regular reminders of Walla Walla’s unique mix of a robust arts and culture scene, agricultural and rural roots, and traditional Americana.

A busy and eclectic events schedule makes almost every weekend a special occasion during summer, too. The Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival (June 6-29), Celebrate Walla Walla Valley Wine (June 13-15), Walla Walla Movie Crush (July 12-14), Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival (July 20), Annual Dunham Days Festival (Aug. 23-25), and the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days (Aug 28.-Sept. 1) all give reason for the community and its visitors to come together and celebrate what makes Walla Walla special.

Regardless of the season, the world-class wines and farm-to-table culinary scene of Walla Walla are forever a draw. From pastoral estate vineyards and wineries to intimate downtown wine tasting rooms, Walla Walla is an oenophile’s dream. In summer the region’s wineries and tasting rooms, many of which also offer outdoor spaces for the kids to roam, are particularly family-friendly. http://wallawalla.org/listing-category/wineries/

Much of Walla Walla’s dining scene can be found in its charming downtown — where foodies sample the creations of renowned chefs using locally grown ingredients. In summer, sidewalks and restaurant patios fill with those who would never miss an opportunity to dine al fresco. And the farms that nourish Walla Walla’s best dishes invite foodies to discover the source of their meal at u-pick farms, orchards, and roadside farm stands.

Walla Walla is an active town, too. Golfers will discover the rolling terrain of Wine Valley Golf Club, one of three championship golf courses in Walla Walla and among the must-play golf courses in Washington. Cyclists will find a road-biking mecca with country roads that wind through a storybook landscape of vineyards and farms, and even join a group ride with Allegro or Bicycle Barn. The nearby Blue Mountains attract outdoor adventurists for a hike or ride, and some drawn to the Blues Crew work parties. Birders are lured by the more than 300 bird species that call the area home, and fishing is abundant in and around Walla Walla. And kids are invited to learn though education events, such as Learning on the Land, BioBlitz, and Nature Kids on the Farm.

“Summer makes everything in Walla Walla possible,” Williams said. “Walla Walla isn’t just about wine. Outdoor excursions, incredible food, golf, baseball, and invitations to immerse yourself into music, food, and culture all make Walla Walla a summer trip worth remembering.”

For more information on planning a trip to Walla Walla, go to the redesigned visitwallawalla.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.visitwallawalla.com.

MARGERUM WINE COMPANY ANNOUNCES NEW TASTING ROOM IN SANTA BARBARA’S FUNK ZONE

June 26, 2019 by evebushman

Santa Barbara, California; May 28, 2019 – Doug Margerum and the Margerum Wine Company announce the opening of their new tasting room at the Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara, California. The Margerum Wine Company tasting room offers distinctive flights and wines by the glass from their premium wines produced at their state-of-the-art Buellton winery.

Leading the Margerum Wine Company team is creator and namesake, Douglas Barden Margerum, a long term Santa Barbara resident who has been a fixture in the Santa Barbara food and wine scene for over 35 years. Rani Mclean oversees the tasting room as the Direct to Consumer Manager.

Enter the MARGERUM WINE COMPANY tasting room across from the entrance to the Hotel from Mason Street, near the corner of Helena Avenue, and discover a balanced mix of quintessential Santa Barbara Spanish Colonial architecture and a multi-faceted modern style. The interior was styled by designer Marni Blau Margerum and she describes it as “where modern farmhouse meets couture boutique”. Marni’s eclectic design style centers around an expansive bar made of a reclaimed and flattened oak barrel staves from the winery. The bar is the main focal point, anchoring the spacious and exquisitely finished interior to create a naturally defined room for wine tasting and socializing.

The oak stairs lead one past the hand-forged cast-iron railings to the stunning private room that sets the stage for an unforgettable wine tasting experience in Santa Barbara. The private tasting room accommodates up to 32 people for a seated event or 50 for a stand-up reception or custom wine-tasting menu. Crafty details and sky-high ceilings are accented by the crimson red velvet curtains on the mezzanine, providing a cozy lounge for wine club members and for larger groups with reservations. Private lunches or dinner parties are available for an exceptional wine and dining experience.

The beautiful outdoor patio boasts a spectacular vantage point for lounging, wine tasting and people-watching. The patio can also be transformed into a private space for exclusive events day or night, which can accommodate up to 24 guests for an alfresco experience at this quintessential Santa Barbara wine tasting venue.

The wines are produced from their Estate vineyard and from purchased top Santa Barbara County growers to create hand-crafted wines that are indicative of the region, showcasing individual characteristics and personality of each terroir. The scale of production is kept at a level where they can touch and know the wine as it is raised to the bottle. The standards of quality are measured by their own criteria (not by external sources) and they only make wines they personally enjoy – some to drink young; others for long aging in cool cellars for future generations to enjoy.

Margerum produces several different wine varietals, including Sybarite Sauvignon Blanc; UBER Syrah (a blend of Syrah grapes from Santa Barbara County’s best vineyards); Riviera Rosé (made primarily from Grenache grapes); the flagship Rhône Varietal Red Blend M5 (blended from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Counoise grapes); the M5 White (blended from Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier and Vermentino); and Amaro – a fortified wine made from Herbs (Sage, Thyme, Marjoram, Parsley, Lemon Verbena, Rosemary, and Mint), Barks, Roots, Dried Orange Peels, Barrel-Aged Brandy and Caramelized Simple Syrup. Currently, the Margerum Wine Company produces about 16,000 cases a year.

The Tasting Room will be its ever-changing menu featuring rare bottlings and excellent older vintages of Margerum Wines. For those seeking a more refined experience, the Margerum Wine Company offers customized Private Winemaker Tastings with Doug Margerum by appointment.

The Margerum Wine Company tasting room is open daily from 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday/Saturday and by appointment.

ABOUT MARGERUM WINE COMPANY:

MARGERUM WINE COMPANY produces limited quantities of wines made from grapes grown both on their estate vineyard and grapes purchased from other top vineyards from in and around Santa Barbara County. The 18-acre estate vineyard is planted exclusively to Rhône grape varietals. The acreage is divided between limestone hillsides and gravelly alluvial flatlands along Alamo Pintado Creek. The wines are made at their state-of-the-art winery located on Industrial Way in Buellton. Owner and Director of Winemaking, Douglas Barden Margerum, works with the top vineyards from the cool, eastern end of the valley in Happy Canyon to the western end’s cold vineyards of Sta. Rita Hills. Doug carefully selects the vineyards with meticulous attention to detail in all factors influencing the ultimate quality of the wines, including pruning, soil, climate, and farming methods. MARGERUM WINE COMPANY is committed to creating hand-crafted wines using only the highest quality grapes in order to make wines that are indicative of the place where they are grown. They strive to make wines naturally, to make wines that have individual characteristics and to make wines with personality. The scale of production is kept at a level where they can touch and know the wine as it is raised to the bottle – the antithesis of mass production. The standards of quality are measured by their own rigid criteria – not by external sources. They make wines they personally enjoy – some to drink young, others for long aging in cool cellars for future generations to enjoy, but mostly to share at the table with family and friends.

ABOUT DOUG MARGERUM:

Doug’s multi-faceted background as the Sommelier/Owner of The Wine Cask, a Wine Spectator Grand Award restaurant recipient, and as a highly respected winemaker made him sought out by a variety of wineries to assist in the formation of their brands. Doug has consulted for Chêne Bleu super Rhône wines in France, and continues to consult for La Encantada Vineyards, Rancho Boa Vista and Happy Canyon Vineyards, all in Santa Barbara County, as well as the Santa Barbara wines of Paradise Springs Winery based in Virginia.

MARGERUM WINE COMPANY TASTING ROOM

19 Mason Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805.845.8435

tastingroom@margerumwines.com

For more information the public can visit:

www.margerumwines.com

Follow MARGERUM WINE COMPANY:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/margerumwine

Twitter: @MargerumWine

Instagram: @margerumwine

For information on the Barden Wines visit:

www.bardenwines.com

So Much New To Explore In Walla Walla

June 6, 2019 by evebushman

WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Go without a visit to Walla Walla long enough, and it can almost feel like never having been at all. No wonder, really. While the town’s charms, friendly people, and rural-chic Americana vibe will always remain, as a haven for enterprising and creative minds, Walla Walla is constantly evolving.

That is particularly true today for Walla Walla, the acknowledged center of Washington’s wine country. Already with more than 120 wineries, a farm-to-table culinary scene that is deeply influenced by southeast Washington’s agricultural roots, an array of lodging options to meet the demands of the luxury-minded, the budget conscience, and everyone in between, Walla Walla always manages to find ways to improve on what already seems so perfect.

“With each new winery, restaurant, activity, or amenity — and there have been many in recent years — Walla Walla’s reputation as a world-class wine country destination is only strengthened,” said Ron Williams, CEO of Visit Walla Walla. “These evolutions not only give fresh reason for some visitors to return and for others to finally make the trip, they bring welcome amenities to locals who already enjoy the high quality of life on Walla Walla.”

What’s new in Walla Walla? Here are a few of the highlights:

LODGING

The Barn B&B: Set in the rolling landscape just west of town, The Barn B&B has been an incredible addition to Walla Walla’s increasingly diverse list of lodging properties. Owned by retired hotel chain executive Anand Rao and his wife Naina, The Barn features seven unique suites, each with its own private garden and outdoor shower, view of the Blue Mountains, and private entrance, along with incredible food, complimentary family-style dinners on Mondays and Thursdays, and Happy Hour Fridays with pizza and, of course, local wines.

The Marcus Whitman Hotel: A treasured landmark that has risen above downtown Walla Walla since 1928, the Marcus Whitman has gone back to work, renovating its West Wing rooms with all new flooring, furniture, TVs, paint, window treatments, and wallpaper. This comes after the Marcus Whitman renovated the historic tower in 2015 to add premium guest rooms, and performed a complete renovation in 2001. The renovations have paired its enviable historic pedigree with an unflinching commitment to modern day luxury and exceptional service.

RESTAURANTS

Hattaway’s on Alder: Set in downtown Walla Walla, Hattaway’s on Alder has made quite a splash on the local culinary since opening in fall 2018. The work of owners Richard and Lindsay Hattaway, Alabama natives who met at a Georgia restaurant where Richard was the chef and Lindsay the sous chef, Hattaway’s offers a Northwest-inspired take on the cooking traditions of the Southeast and rural America. The result is honest food with the charm of Southern hospitality.

Walla Walla Steak Co. and Crossbuck Brewing: For generations, the historic Train Depot has been Walla Walla’s front door. Now this historic downtown building has been transformed into Walla Walla Steak Co. and Crossbuck Brewing, which opened in October 2018. With a menu crafted by Executive Chef Chad Bostwick, the two restaurants prepare updated steakhouse classics and beer-friendly tap room fare over a custom charcoal grill and wood-fire oven. The outdoor patio with fire pits provides a gathering place for guests to connect. Both are led by a team of hospitality veterans and Walla Walla residents with deep local roots: Dan Thiessen, managing partner, and Steven Brack, head brewer and partner, who teamed with Seattle-based Fire & Vine Hospitality to bring this fresh culinary experience to Walla Walla.

TMACs: The landmark restaurant is a familiar one, but a new location, a new look, and a new menu has given TMACs new life. Tom Maccarone, who grew up in Walla Walla with parents who themselves were restaurant owners, opened T. Maccarone’s in 2005, becoming a flagship in Walla Walla’s downtown. Now Maccarone’s restaurant is simply known as TMACs, and offers a wine country culinary experience with a Mediterranean flare that showcases Walla Walla Valley’s agricultural bounty with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients.

Walla Walla Bread Company/Bakehouse 55: The restaurant and bakery was purchased in late 2018 by Michele and Coral Pompei, owners of The Bakehouse 55, a popular Redmond, Wash., bakery known for its artisanal croissants and baked goods. The Pompeis have relocated The Bakehouse 55 to Walla Walla Bread Company, and will continue to operate Walla Walla Bread Co. as both a bakery and restaurant. The restaurant, long a favorite, will continue its tradition of preparing wood-fired pizzas, steaks and more, using mostly locally produced ingredients.

Walla Walla Pasta Factory: The restaurant formerly known as Mama Mia’s Pasta Factory has long served some of the most beloved family-style Italian food in Walla Walla. But the newly named Walla Walla Pasta Factory has moved to cool new digs on Main Street in downtown, while still serving fresh homemade pastas, sauces, and more.

More from the culinary scene: Food truck Walla Walla Hummus Hummus, which serves Syrian Street Food, is the latest addition to the Gut Grub Lot on the eastern edge of downtown. Further east, the family-owned Best Pizza Ever is true to its name. And Big House Brew Pub is under new ownership.

WINE

Valdemar Estates: There may be no clearer sign that Walla Walla has become a truly world-class wine region than the arrival of Valdemar Estates. Born more than 125 years ago in an underground cellar in Oyón, Spain, the wines of family owned Bodegas Valdemar are beloved in their native country. Now Bodegas Valdemar Estates has made its first foray into the U.S. with Valdemar Estates. Its new winery and tasting room opened in April among Walla Walla’s southside wineries, marking the first time a non-American winery has come to the region.

Canvasback Wine: Southeast Washington’s growing reputation as a producer of cabernet and merlot proved impossible to resist for Napa’s Duckhorn Wine Co. Canvasback is the luxury cabernet label produced by Duckhorn Wine Co., in the skillful hands of Walla Walla winemaker Brian Rudin, with grapes from its Longwinds Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA.

SMAK Wines: Owned by winemaker Fiona Mak, SMAK is the region’s first rosé-exclusive winery in Walla Walla. Woman owned and operated, SMAK’s tasting room is nestled in Walla Walla’s emerging Airport District.

More from the world of wine: Set in the Walla Walla AVA, the family-owned SmokyRose Cellars is producing a wide range of varietals, from chardonnay to syrah. Dillon Cellars and Golden Ridge Cellars are two of the newest tenants in the In the Walla Walla Airport wine incubators, and Time & Direction Wines is planning on opening a new tasting room. Spring Valley Vineyard, G. Cuneo Cellars, and Lagana Cellars have moved into gorgeous new downtown locations. And Rotie Cellars is in the process of building an impressive new winery in the Rocks AVA.

For more information on planning a trip or to directly book a visit to Walla Walla, go to the redesigned visitwallawalla.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.visitwallawalla.com.

ZD Wines Introduces New Guest Experiences and Renovated Hospitality Destination

May 18, 2019 by evebushman

NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) – Today the deLeuze family and ZD Wines unveiled the final stages of their renovated hospitality center, welcoming guests to a contemporary reception area, private tasting lounge, and custom kitchen. Sleek lines and refined natural elements come together in a modern aesthetic that puts ZD’s acclaimed wines at center stage.

The focal point of the new reception area is a large picture window showcasing the beautiful barrel room, allowing guests to peek into the working winery. Nearby, custom 13-foot tall sliding glass doors designed in Portugal enclose an inviting private lounge, complete with a fireplace and access to a patio garden. An extensive wine library showcases selections from their 50 years of winemaking before guests reach their new, modern kitchen.

Upstairs, tall glass doors blur the lines between indoors and out in the Vineyard View Tasting Room and Deck, where unobstructed vineyard views stretch from the east side of Rutherford all the way across the valley floor to the Mayacamas Mountains. A timeline told through historic bottlings and family photos provides an introduction to the winery’s rich history, which dates back to 1969.

“Decades ago, we offered tastings at a small bar tucked into the corner of our winery. Now, we can provide the opportunity to enjoy ZD Wines in a gracious, luxurious space that reflects our dedication to excellence,” said Brett deLeuze, President of ZD Wines. “We’re looking forward to the next 50 years of world-class wines.”

The winery has also introduced new hospitality experiences. Available now, the elevated offerings include:

Vineyard View Tasting—This seated tasting in the well-appointed Vineyard View Room & Deck allows guests to enjoy a selection of current release award-winning wines while taking in the valley floor views of Rutherford. Hospitality professionals lead guests through ZD’s 50-year history, winemaking, and eco practices. Cost: $40 per person.
The ZD Experience—During this unforgettable private cellar tour, guests explore ZD’s 50-year history, vineyards, and stewardship practices. After sampling wine maturing in barrel, guests are seated in the Vineyard View Room to a choice of current release Reserve wines or Library selections, along with artisanal cheese and charcuterie pairing. Cost: $125 per person.
The Abacus Experience—The ultimate way to experience all that ZD has to offer, including its pinnacle wine, Abacus. This innovative solera-style wine is a blend of every vintage of ZD Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon dating back to 1992 (26 vintages). Guests will have a rare opportunity to taste the Abacus “solera” from barrel during their private cellar tour, along with other maturing wines. Afterwards, relax in the private lounge with a curated tasting of Reserve wines, including pours of a library and current Bottling of Abacus, paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. Cost: $1000 for up to 6 guests.

Known for three core varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, ZD Wines also crafts two small production whimsical wines, named “Rosa Lee’s Whim,” and a 50th Anniversary Sparkling Cuvée. ZD also recently released their 20th Bottling of Abacus, ZD’s solera-style Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

ZD Wines is open daily from 10am – 4pm at 8383 Silverado Trail in Rutherford. Reservations are required for all tours, and highly recommended for the Vineyard View Tasting. Appointments can be made by calling (800) 487-7757 or emailing experiences(at)zdwines.com.

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. Located in the Rutherford region of the Napa Valley, the winery and 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 vineyards in the Rutherford and Carneros regions, 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.

VERDE VINEYARDS AND TANK HOUSE JOIN THE WINERIES OF SANTA CLARA VALLEY FAMILY

May 9, 2019 by evebushman

SANTA CLARA COUNTY —The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is happy to announce the addition of two wineries to the association—welcome Verde Vineyards and Tank House.

Verde Vineyards:
Owners George and Lynda Green opened Verde Vineyards in 2017 and become members of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley this past March. Their backgrounds in the medical field and attention to detail carry over into their passion for winemaking. “Our focus is on making enjoyable wines that engage all the senses, and we strive for a balance of all the flavor components that give the taster an overall flavor or feeling of the wine as the first impression,” says George Green, co-owner Verde Vineyards.

The winery specializes in hand-crafted small lot Bordeaux varietals from their 12 acres of estate vines in Santa Clara Valley.

Tank House Winery
Father & son Al and Joe Cavigli, began making wine in their garage over 10 years ago. When the wine making became more than a hobby, they purchased 5 acres of land and moved to San Martin, California. Their first day of operation coincided with the first day of the associations Spring Passport month, so they were welcomed with more than a normal

The Caviglia’s make their wines with grapes from Borden Ranch, a distinct AVA of Lodi, California. They oversee every step of the process themselves and make ten different varietals that can be purchased in restaurants and stores throughout the Bay Area, as well as in their newly completed tasting room.

“We look forward to sharing our love of wine with all who visit the Tank House,” says Al Caviglia, co-owner Tank House Winery. “Please stop by with friends and family to enjoy a glass of Tank House wine with our family. Cheers!”

With the addition of Verde Vineyards and Tank House, the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is now up to 32 wineries strong.

About the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley:

The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is a non-profit 501c3 Corporation, made up of member wineries who grow and produce wines that are grown in the Valley. Producing wines from other regions fruit is also permitted. The specific purpose of the Corporation is to educate people about wine and wineries, grape growing, using sustainable agricultural winemaking and production practices related to the highest standard of quality winemaking in Santa Clara Valley. Its focus is also to provide educational opportunities and promote public awareness about the cultural heritage, health benefits and enjoyment of wine in a socially responsible manner, and to be recognized as a positive, contributing member of the community.

The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is an association representing member wineries that grow and produce wines in one of the oldest wine producing regions of California.

With the first plantings at the Santa Clara Mission in 1798, the region of Santa Clara Valley represents one of the oldest growing traditions in the country. The Santa Clara Valley is now home to over three dozen wineries, of every size and shape, from long-established family operations to relatively small newcomers. On March 28, 1989, the Santa Clara Valley received AVA status; prior to this the region’s wines were typically labeled ‘Central Coast’ or ‘Santa Clara County’.

Wine Enthusiast Releases Augmented Reality Magazine Cover This May

April 25, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Wine Enthusiast, the leading wine lifestyle magazine, has partnered with Augmented Island Studios to create an augmented reality (AR) experience for the cover of their May 2019 Wine & Tech Issue. As Wine Enthusiast’s first ever tech-focused edition, the issue dives into innovations that are radically changing the wine industry.

Photo by Karlie Pickett for Wine Enthusiast Facebook

“It felt like it was time to have a conversation about wine and tech,” says Executive Editor Susan Kostrzewa. “Technology is dramatically changing how wine is grown, produced and enjoyed. The modern wine drinker’s pursuits are inextricably linked to tech innovations as is the industry’s evolution as a whole. ”

“Given the proliferation of augmented-reality applications across the wine and beverage world right now, from wine labels that come to life, to pop-up vineyard tours that people can experience in tasting rooms across the world, AR seemed like a natural fit for how we could bring the cover of this exciting issue to life in a modern and energetic way.” adds Managing Editor Lauren Buzzeo.

Through the use of the Wine Enthusiast AR app, available for both Android and iOS devices, the May issue’s augmented-reality cover brings the wine and tech theme to life. When viewed through the app, the cover is activated in a vibrant, dynamic way to introduce a dazzling, multidimensional visual overlay to the content, offering readers a new perspective on the synergies between wine and technology.

“From beginning to end, working with Wine Enthusiast on the development of their augmented reality magazine cover has been an absolute pleasure,” says Augmented Island Studios CEO Enrique Sánchez-Rivera of the collaboration with Wine Enthusiast. “We couldn’t have asked for a better fit between teams. The entire Wine Enthusiast team gets it. AR is transforming the way in which we consume information and with this first augmented cover, Wine Enthusiast has become one of the few print publications who can now call themselves a leader in the print/AR fusion space.”

Launching the Wine Enthusiast AR app with the cover of the magazine’s Wine & Tech Issue is a part of Wine Enthusiast’s category leadership as an innovator in wine media. The company intends to continue evolving and augmenting the app to offer readers even more progressive content through this emerging technology and medium.

“As a new generation of reader and wine drinker is coming of age, we want to be telling stories in the most engaging, dynamic and fun ways that we can,” notes Wine Enthusiast Senior Vice President of Publishing Jay Spaleta.

Beyond the unique AR cover, the first of its kind for a wine publication, the Wine & Tech Issue is brimming with fascinating content on exceptional and groundbreaking technologies that are acting as real agents of change. Wine Enthusiast’s Wine & Tech content aims to inform readers in a fun, educational yet unpretentious way about this complex coupling. From a look into at-home gadgetry, grape-DNA analysis or 3-D barrel printing, the intersection of wine and technology affects all consumers.

To experience Wine Enthusiast’s first AR cover, download the Wine Enthusiast AR app, available now for iOS and Android devices here. The May Issue of Wine Enthusiast hits newsstands Tuesday, April 9th 2019. To learn more, please visit https://www.winemag.com/wine-tech/

Nevada’s Bently Heritage Estate Distillery Tasting Room Opens to the Public

March 28, 2019 by evebushman

MINDEN, Nev., – PRNewswire – The Bently Heritage tasting room opened to the public on February 9, 2019. Tours are offered through the reservation system at bentlyheritage.com. The cost of a tour is $20; tastings are $10. The tasting room hours of operation will be from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Thursdays, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays. Tours will generally run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The distillery’s home, which is currently pursuing LEED Gold certification, was the site of the century-old and historic Minden Flour Mill, a local landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Owners Christopher and Camille Bently have lovingly restored the historic building to state-of-the art standards, creating an important landmark which will be a source of pride for Minden, Carson Valley, and all of Nevada.

Bently Heritage Estate Distillery uses 100% of its grains from those grown on the operation at the Bently Ranch. Winter rye, oats, wheat, corn, and barley are milled on-site and malted in-house on the malting floor. The distillery’s Mill Building creates single malt whisky using handmade Forsyths pot stills that were imported from Scotland. The distillery’s Creamery Building distills vodka and gin, using carl pot stills imported from Germany. Bently Heritage has also begun the process of oak barrel aging their single malt, bourbon, and rye for future releases.

Three spirit offerings are included in the first Bently Heritage release: Source One Single Estate Vodka, Source One Vodka Rested in Oak Sherry Casks, and Juniper Grove American Dry Gin. All products are sold in 750ml bottles for between $32 and $40. Bently Heritage whiskies are currently aging in barrels and will be available in the future.

You can visit Bently Heritage, L.L.C. at 1601 Water St., Minden, Nevada 89423, or find us online at bentlyheritage.com.

About Bently Heritage
Bently Heritage Estate Distillery creates ultra-premium spirits from grains that have been grown on the Bently Ranch here in Minden, Nevada. Our products elevate the connoisseur’s passion for luxury spirits, creating an experience that will be treasured for generations to come.