Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Program (WASP) Receives Drinks Business Green Award 2020

January 10, 2021 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Portugal’s Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Program (WASP) has been honored at The Drinks Business Green Awards 2020, as this year’s recipient of the annual Amorim Sustainability Award. The Amorim Sustainability Award recognizes the accomplishments of a single organization in its efforts to bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in the implementation of sustainable practices. Judges look for evidence of change for the better over the past three years and more particularly with the past 12 months. Now in its eleventh year, The Drinks Business Green Awards constitutes the world’s largest program dedicated to raising awareness of green issues within the international drinks industry.

Alentejo wine region. Photo credit: PullThatCork.com

This latest recognition follows on the European Commission´s European Rural Innovation Award in 2019, with WASP, one of 15 winners out more than 200 applications, designated an EU Rural Innovation Ambassador in 2020.

WASP was established by the Alentejo Regional Winegrowing Commission (CVRA) in 2014, with the goal of improving the social, environmental, and economic welfare throughout the region. It is the first such program of its type in Portugal. Participation by wineries and growers is voluntary. Today, WASP’s 425-strong membership accounts for close to 50% of Alentejo vineyard plantings.

In July 2020, WASP introduced third-party “Sustainably Produced” certification for members, available via Bureau Veritas, SGS, Certis, and Sativa. Two Alentejo wineries have since become the first in the nation to earn “Sustainably Produced” certification. João Barroso, WASP Sustainability Coordinator, expects many more will earn certification in 2021.

“Certification increases sales by adding value,” notes Barroso. “From the start, we were able to show that even small producers can adopt sustainable practices and save money in the process. Sustainability is not a marketing ploy. It’s a necessity, and the new paradigm for responsible business in the twenty-first century.”

More new initiatives are planned for 2021, starting with the launch of an online performance calculator, enabling members to measure their individual carbon and water footprint.

WASP and Barroso work with top academic institutions on guiding members toward achieving clearly defined, data-driven goals in eighteen areas; these include water use, energy and waste management, pest management, human resources, air quality, materials, and community involvement. A practical, hands-on approach has produced rapid results, with WASP attracting 93 new members within its first year. That number has increased every year since. By-the-numbers results include multiple successes in the membership’s embrace of Best Practices, notably water management, at 30% in 2015, up to 54% in 2019; irrigation system maintenance, at 27% in 2015, reaching 62% by 2019; monitoring of energy use in vineyards, at 4% in 2015 and up to 30% in 2019; and the installation of nest boxes and perches for birds of prey, up from 5% in 2015 to 27% in 2019 (2019 being most recent year for which data is currently available).

Alentejo Regional Winegrowing Commission (Comissão Vitivinícola Regional Alentejana/CVRA): Founded in 1989 as a private institution, dedicated to certifying, controlling, and protecting Alentejo’s wine industry and culture. CVRA is also responsible for promoting Alentejo wines domestically and in selected international markets. Funding comes from the sale of certification seals, placed on the back label of Alentejo bottles, to guarantee the origin and authenticity of the wine.

The Drinks Business is a monthly international B2B magazine and website dedicated to discussion of the latest news and trends in the global beer, wine, and spirits industries. Published by UK-based Union Press.

America’s Fine Wine Purveyor – Wine Spectrum Announces 2020’s Top 100 Wines

December 27, 2020 by evebushman

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. – Each year Wine Spectrum reveals its Top 100 Wine List—experienced wine buyers (sommeliers, former wine buyers and directors) select the most exciting wines from thousands of wines they’ve evaluated during the course of the year. Wine Spectrum’s 2020 Top 100 honors the ‘best-of-the-best’ wines—a diverse group ranging from Napa Valley and Sonoma County icons to international gems, artisan brands, emerging labels and superb values. Wine Spectrum’s selection is based on quality, value, excitement and accessibility. The Top 100 is a reflection of the special spectrum of wines our wine buyers, wine advisors and clientele are passionate about. Many of this year’s Top 100 winners are still available for purchase (some at limited quantities). Visit Wine Spectrum’s Top 100 Wine List at: winespectrum.com/top100.

“The Top 100 exemplifies a key reason why our customers love us. We are the ‘treasure hunters’ of the wine world with decades of wine buying clout resulting from our deep relationships in the wine industry. We provide consumers access to some of the best wines in the world delivered with pristine provenance,” said Glenn Siegel—Wine Spectrum’s Founder and President.

Wine of the Year
Wine Spectrum honors Chappellet ‘Signature’ Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 as the #1 Wine of the Year. The stunning ‘Signature’ Cabernet has been Chappellet’s flagship wine for more than three decades. The dry, rocky soils of Pritchard Hill produce small, intensely flavorful grapes. ‘Signature’ is a benchmark for the long-lived hillside wines of the Napa Valley; full of structure and aging potential, yet seductively forward in its concentrated varietal character. To purchase, or for more information, visit Wine Spectrum’s Top 100 Wine List: winespectrum.com/top100.

Winemaker of the Year
Wine Spectrum honors Jesse Katz of Aperture Cellars in Healdsburg, CA. Katz honed his winemaking skills with stints at Pétrus, Viña Cobos, and Screaming Eagle. He spent five years as winemaker at Lancaster Estate in Alexander Valley. In 2009, he founded Aperture Cellars, a collaborative project with his father, renowned vineyard photographer Andy Katz. Aperture Cellars champions a range of expressive Bordeaux style wines from Sonoma County’s premier cool-climate Bordeaux varietal vineyard sites. Wine Spectrum recognized two of Aperture’s wines in the Top 100: 2018 Aperture Bordeaux Red Blend Alexander Valley (winespectrum.com/wine/2018-aperture-red-blend/) and 2018 Aperture Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley (winespectrum.com/wine/2018-aperture-cabernet-sauvignon/). The wines are intensely scented, layered and texturally stunning representing some of the best Cabernets coming out of Sonoma County today. To purchase, or for more information, visit Wine Spectrum’s Top 100 Wine List: winespectrum.com/top100.

About Wine Spectrum
Wine Spectrum—in the heart of Sonoma wine country, provides discriminating collectors a spectrum of diverse, rare and highly allocated wines through personalized selection and guidance. For more information on Wine Spectrum Inc. visit: winespectrum.com or http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wine-spectrum

Perlis Picks: Vintners Resort!

December 19, 2020 by Michael Perlis

The last time Karen and I visited Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa was in 2019. At that time, the additions of the modern luxury suites and rooms and amenities such as the new spa and pool were in place and the transition from Vintners Inn to Resort was complete.

My plan was to write about this for your reading pleasure late last year or early this one. Delays on my part pushed this farther out than anticipated, and then the world changed. Trying to tell you about the place we visited late last summer seemed perhaps a little irrelevant. What is relevant is what they are doing now and going forward.

Don’t get the wrong idea. The changes made last year are pretty exciting, completing the vision of a property modeled as a modern Mediterranean village, including a harvest table in the onsite vineyard for celebratory meals. And with Vintners Resort now in its 40th year, there is a lot to celebrate.

It’s just that celebrating is a little different right now.

Vintners Resort, in addition to being our favorite place to stay, is known for hosting amazing events, both indoor and out. Those are currently on hold, but staying at the resort certainly isn’t. They’ve indicated that guests are not put in adjoining rooms in order to maximize social distancing, and rooms are given extra sanitizing as well as 24 hours of non-occupancy between guests. So, capacity is reduced accordingly.

Meals are as great as ever, just a little different too. With the River Vine café temporarily closed until next spring, in-room dining is the next best thing. Admittedly, I was a little worried about how my poached eggs would weather the journey across the property, but they were perfect. [Yes, poached eggs are a thing for me.]

Late afternoon and evening dining are available at The Front Room and of course, at John Ash & Co., either dining on the patio or to-go back to your room. Both options are stellar [we know because we tried both] but I highly recommend you don’t miss the opportunity to dine at John Ash under the stars.

When I asked General Manager Percy Brandon what he would like people to know, he responded: “We’re open. We’re ready. And we are following protocols.”

Their website lists in detail what all these protocols are:

https://www.vintnersresort.com/experience/covid-19-policy/

We always love our visits to Vintners Resort. This one was no exception. For as long as I can remember, the property has always had the slogan “Celebrate Everything” but that can easily be augmented with the mantra of “Be Respectful” and the staff has really taken this to heart as well.

Not only is the property itself beautiful and quite peaceful, but it is also ideally located for day trips to the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, the Sonoma Coast and more. I can’t imagine a better place to stay in Sonoma County Wine Country.

Be sure to sign up on their website and follow them on Facebook. Now is the time to get great deals.

Vintners Resort

https://www.vintnersresort.com/

4350 Barnes Road
Santa Rosa CA 95403

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 30 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also President of MCP Financial, which provides outsourced controller services. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or mcpfinancial@aol.com.

Whitehall Lane Winery Released the First-Ever Camminare Noir and Paseante Noir Wines Made from California’s Newest Sustainable Grape Varieties Developed at UC Davis

November 19, 2020 by evebushman

SAINT HELENA, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — These red wines were 20 years in the making; or rather, the grape vines took two decades to develop. Whitehall Lane joined forces with Dr. Andrew Walker of UC Davis and Dr. Paul Skinner of Vineyard Investigations in Napa Valley and planted these experimental grape varieties because they are highly resistant to Pierce’s disease. Pierce’s disease is caused by a bacterium spread by leafhopper insects called sharpshooters. It infects grape vines across the US and costs California grape growers more than $100 million per year.

“These varieties will hopefully make viticulture much more sustainable and provide a high-quality wine that the industry will welcome,” said Walker. Whitehall Lane owner Katie Leonardini agrees with Walker adding, “Rather than trying to manage the sharpshooter with insecticides and potentially harming other beneficial insects, these new rootstocks dovetail into our sustainable and green practices. And the wine is outstanding too!”

Whitehall Lane bottled the 2019 Camminare Noir and 2019 Paseante Noir wines as single, distinct varietals. These grapes from the winery’s Oak Glen Vineyard were harvested on October 15, 2019. Winemaker Jason Moulton kept the two small lots separate saying, “It was amazing how distinct these two wines were from color to flavor to texture.” He continued, “As they developed in our custom American oak barrels, it was evident that these were excellent stand-alone wines.” The special American oak barrels were designed by Nadalie Cooperage in Calistoga, CA to specifically suit the characteristics of these new American wines.

The Camminare Noir profile is a cross between Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon and the wine has aromas and flavors of blackberries, raspberries, cherries and a dense tannin profile. The Paseante Noir is a combination of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon and delivers flavors of cassis, coffee, and berry. Fewer than 25 cases of each were made and are available at the winery.

Whitehall Lane planted the two rootstocks in 2016 in their Oak Glen Vineyard. Dr. Walker, professor of viticulture and enology at UC Davis, developed the rootstock, creating grape varieties that provide high-quality wine while elevating the level of sustainable grape growing. “Whitehall Lane was constantly replanting dead vines infected by Pierce’s disease,” said Dr. Skinner. “I knew the Oak Glen vineyard was a perfect location for Walker’s experimental varieties.”

Whitehall Lane Winery is a family-owned and operated winery in Napa Valley’s historic Rutherford Appellation. They are dedicated to growing and making premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines from their eight estate vineyards. They provide friendly hospitality at their Napa Valley winery and are Napa Green winery and vineyard certified with sustainable practices.

Dr. Walker is a faculty member of the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. His lab is actively involved in breeding wine grapes for resistance to Pierce’s disease.

The 12th Annual STARS of Cabernet 2020 At Home Edition: November 18th, 20th, and 21st

November 9, 2020 by evebushman

For 11 years – we gathered winemakers from all over the world for one special night in Beverly Hills and celebrated amazing Cabernet. This year, we take the event to ZOOM and bring the event to you wherever you are! We have wine flights or full bottle kits delivered to you – a Cabernet lover’s showcase delivered to your home! Join the winemakers LIVE and taste; join in one tasting or join them all! A silent auction will benefit 501(c)(3) Unite The United for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Single night tickets are $50 with a tasting kit – and that includes delivery in California!

Join all THREE events with tasting kits for $100 – and that includes delivery in California!
www.STARSofCabernet.com for details, wine list, and option to have your tasting kit picked up at TESSE RESTAURANT with a special STARS dinner menu!

THE STARS OF CABERNET 2020 | Wednesday 11/18 at 7pm

Mauritson

PEJU

Crown Point Vineyards

S. R. Tonella Cellars

Reynolds Family Winery

Dusty Nabor Wines

THE STARS OF CABERNET 2020 | Friday 11/20 at 7pm

Blagden Wines

Robert Young Estate

Rocca Family Vineyards

Mullan Road Cellars

Dana Estates

Sullivan Rutherford Estate

THE STARS OF CABERNET 2020 | Saturday 11/21 at 7pm

Hertelendy Vineyards

Carte Blanche

Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate

AXR Napa Valley

Tierra Roja Vineyard

Frank Family Vineyards

Tickets will sell out and prices do increase as the event date approaches – buy your tickets now!

For information and ticket purchasing, please visit STARSofcabernet.com

About Unite The United:

Unite The United Foundation is a public 501(c)(3) non-profit, fundraising organization founded by the producers of the Vans Warped Tour and Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival. Their mission is to encourage fans, artists and industry leaders from the music, touring and action sports worlds to work toward positive change, by supporting local charities, producing events, and participating in community volunteerism events across the United States.

About Ian Blackburn – Founder of wineLA.com and LearnAboutWine.com

Since 1995, Ian Blackburn has focused on improving Los Angeles wine culture through ongoing educational tastings, classes and experiences. Educating and edu-taining with precision, we invite and welcome the best of the wine world to partake. LearnAboutWine was the first of its kind and continues to innovate, fortifying a quality wine audience one class, one tasting, one experience at a time. We are a part of the Los Angeles lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and celebrate the people and the place with passion. The pandemic only made us better, stronger, and now we’re going nationwide!!! For more information visit www.wineLA.com or call 310-451-7600.

Oregon’s Domaine Serene Becomes the World’s Most Awarded Winery at Decanter’s 2020 World Wine Awards

November 7, 2020 by evebushman

DAYTON, Ore., /PRNewswire/ — Domaine Serene is far and away the most awarded winery in the world at the prestigious Decanter 2020 World Wine Awards. This year, the Dundee Hills winery took home 23 medals including ‘Best in Show’ for their 2016 Domaine Serene Mark Bradford Vineyard Pinot Noir, earning 97 points. The winery also brought home four Gold medals, 17 Silver medals, and one Bronze medal, with five wines earning a remarkable 95 points or more. Domaine Serene was not alone in its success with additional rave reviews coming for Château de la Crée and Maison Evenstad, also owned by proprietors Grace and Ken Evenstad. Their two Burgundian wineries were bestowed with an additional nine medals including seven Silvers. Standing at the top, their 2017 Maison Evenstad, Premier Cru Beaurepaire Santenay, earned 95 points, besting several Grand Cru Burgundies in the tasting.

Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is widely considered to be the world’s most important international wine competition, making this recognition yet another big win for Oregon’s burgeoning luxury wine industry. With an elite international panel of judges, the DWWA began the painstaking task of evaluating over 16,500 wines from 56 countries in August. Over the course of 28 consecutive days, 118 expert wine judges, including 37 Masters of Wine and nine Master Sommeliers, bestowed the honor of most awarded winery to Domaine Serene.

“Ken and I are thrilled that Domaine Serene has received such incredible recognition across the board. To be the most awarded winery in the world at the DWWA is a testament to the quality of our vineyards and to the talent, hard work and dedication of our team,” said Grace Evenstad, Co-Founder and Owner of Domaine Serene. “To receive ‘Best in Show’ for our Mark Bradford Vineyard Pinot Noir is especially gratifying. We named the vineyard after our son, Mark Bradford Evenstad, and it was the first vineyard that we ever planted at Domaine Serene almost thirty years ago. Planting its high elevation slopes and west facing aspect went against advice from the local vintners, yet we knew it had the potential to make world-class wine and so we planted it anyway. It has always been one of my favorite wines and I have long appreciated the power, structure, and longevity of our Mark Bradford Pinot Noirs. We are thrilled that it has received such critical acclaim at such an important competition.”

“In its 17^th year, the DWWA is the world’s largest and most influential wine competition. Judged by the top wine experts from around the globe, the DWWA is trusted internationally for its rigorous blind judging process and regional experts,” said Bree Stock, Master of Wine and Education Manager of the Oregon Wine Board. “It’s an enormous feat for a region like Oregon, that represents a fraction of US global exports, to receive ‘Best in Show’ along with the breadth of medals in such a prestigious competition. This award raises the profile and awareness of our region’s wines not only to Decanters’ highly informed consumer audience, but also to the global wine experts on the judging panel. Congratulations Domaine Serene.”

Domaine Serene took home a total of 23 medals from the elite London-based contest. In addition to being awarded ‘Best in Show’, the winery earned four Gold Medals for the 2016 ‘Aspect’ Pinot Noir, 2017 Clos de Lune Vineyard Chardonnay, and 2016 Etoile Vineyard Chardonnay, each earning 96 points, with its 2016 Two Barns Vineyard Pinot Noir, earning 95 points. The Dundee Hills winery also brought home 17 Silver medals and one Bronze medal, more details can be found here. Domaine Serene wines have now earned 95 points and above by major critics an astounding 115 times! This is in addition to being awarded #1 Ranked Pinot Noir in the World by Wine Spectator in 2013 and in 2016 #1 Pinot Noir in the World by Decanter and #1 White Wine in the World by Wine Spectator, for its ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Chardonnay. This universal acclaim from an array of critics solidifies Domaine Serene as America’s Most Acclaimed Winery.

“We are humbled by this great honor and thank our members, distributors and customers supporting our pursuit of quality over the years. To celebrate these awards, we are making some of the medalists available for tasting at our winery Clubhouse in the Dundee Hills and at the Domaine Serene Wine Lounge in Lake Oswego. We are also opening up our wine library to new and existing wine club members so that they can share in the enjoyment of these cherished wines in their homes.” said Ryan Harris, Domaine Serene President.

For more information, to visit our locations or to join the wine club or mailing list, please visit www.DomaineSerene.com or call 503-864-4600 and follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

About Domaine Serene
The Evenstads settled in the Northern Willamette Valley in 1989. Their spirit and passion to produce wines that rival the great wines of Burgundy led them to purchase and plant a hilltop estate that had just been logged in the now famous Dundee Hills.

Today, Domaine Serene produces wines from six individual vineyard estates, planted exclusively to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In Oregon, the Evenstads own nearly 1,000 total acres of land in the hills of Yamhill County, with 275 acres planted to vine.

Working every job in the winery for many years, Grace and Ken Evenstad built Domaine Serene from the ground up with a focus on producing high quality wines through innovation and a focus on excellence. The Evenstads have gained a true appreciation for the attention to detail required to make exceptional wines.

In 2015, Ken and Grace Evenstad fulfilled a lifelong dream of producing wine in Burgundy, France by acquiring Château de la Crée, the respected wine estate located in the birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: the renowned Côte d’Or. They own 25 acres of prime vineyards in Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Santenay and Maranges. This made them the first Oregon-based vintners to own land and produce wines in Burgundy.

In just under three decades, the Evenstads have propelled Domaine Serene onto the global stage as one of the world’s most acclaimed and respected wineries. Domaine Serene’s wines represent the achievement that is possible in Oregon, one of the finest regions in the world for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

THE 2020 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY WINE INDUSTRY AWARDS ANNOUNCED

October 25, 2020 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, CA – The San Luis Obispo County wine industry comes together annually to honor leaders of the local wine community. Typically, this awards ceremony takes place in the summer at the California Mid-State Fair. This year the ceremony took place online on October 16 and was streamed live on Facebook. These awards recognize dedication, stewardship, innovation, and leadership demonstrated in the San Luis Obispo County wine community. The 2020 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards go to – Winegrape Grower of the Year, William and Derryal (posthumously) John, John Vineyard Applications; Winemaker of the Year, Joe Barton, Grey Wolf Cellars and Barton Family Wines; Wine Industry Person of the Year, Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, Ancient Peaks Winery. On Friday, October 16 the Winery of the Year from the Central Coast Wine Competition (CCWC) will be announced live.

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance in partnership with the San Luis Obispo Coast Wine Collective, the Independent Grape Growers of the Paso Robles Area, The Vineyard Team, and past award recipients worked together to vote on the 2020 industry award winners. The honorees are evaluated on their leadership and accomplishments in California’s third largest wine region, San Luis Obispo County. The Winery of the Year is determined by the Central Coast Wine Competition based on a winery’s overall performance of wines through the competition. CCWC judging is currently underway with wine awards being announced in the coming week.

“Although the circumstance of 2020 have been unprecedented, agriculture continues in our County and these individuals’ leadership, hard work, and dedication continue to bring national and international attention to the region,” said Joel Peterson, Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “We are excited to utilize a new format to celebrate these passionate individuals with a much wider audience and honor their work that will continue to elevate the reputation of wines from the greater San Luis Obispo County and the Paso Robles wine region.”

Hosted by Tom Keffury of the California Mid-State Fair and Christopher Taranto with the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, this year’s celebration was virtual. The public can watch the presentation on the Facebook pages of the California Mid-State Fair, The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, and KRUSH 92.5. A short video presentation begins the presentation, followed by a live award ceremony and the unveiling of the Central Coast Wine Competition Winery of the Year award.

Winegrape Grower of the Year:
William and Derryal (posthumously) John
John Vineyard Applications
“I’m so honored that I have been awarded the Winegrape Grower of 2020 by my peers in the wine industry,” said Will John. I’ve always tried to be a good steward of the land and produce high quality wine grapes. I’m so pleased to be recognized for my contribution to this amazing wine region and thankful for all the wonderful industry professionals who have supported me along the way. I know my father would have been equally honored and grateful.”

Derryal John (1948 – 2020)
Derryal John was born into a farming family in 1948 in Delano, California. His father, Francis John, was a vineyard farmer and taught Derryal how to farm vineyards from a young age. After two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Army, Derryal moved to Shandon in 1971. At this time he planted the San Juan Vineyard for Louie Lucas. In 1990, he started Derryal John Management and continued to farm the San Juan Vineyard until 1999. In addition, he developed and managed many vineyards in the Paso Robles area. He developed 800-acre Cuesta Ridge Vineyard for Robert Mondavi, which is now owned by Ancient Peaks Winery as the Santa Margarita Ranch. Derryal was a volunteer firefighter for 25 years in Shandon and coach of many youth sports teams. He enjoyed working closely with Will and continuing to help him with many of the farming tasks as he moved into retirement. In his spare time, Derryal and his wife Lesa loved attending activities and sports games of their six grandchildren. Derryal was much loved in the community and is dearly missed by his many friends and family after he passed away in January 2020.

Will John
Much like his father, Will John was born into a farming family in 1975 in San Luis Obispo. He grew up on the San Juan Vineyard and worked closely with his father from a very young age. He attended Cal Poly, taking every fall quarter off to work grape harvest, and put himself through school. He met and married his wife, Jalene in 2003 and they have two girls, Quinn, 13 and Delaney, 11. Will started his own vineyard farming business, John Vineyard Applications, Inc. in 2004. He enjoys vineyard development from the ground up. He currently farms approximately 400 acres of leased and owned vineyards and also manages a handful of vineyards for clients. His newest project is a 100-acre dry-farmed vineyard, Armory in Paso Robles’ Adelaida District, consisting mostly of Cabernet Sauvignon and a few Rhône varietals. In his spare time, Will enjoys participating with his girls in the raising of their sheep flock, which they show in 4-H. He also enjoys camping, snowboarding and drinking wine, of course.

Winemaker of the Year
Joe Barton
Grey Wolf Cellars and Barton Family Wines
“I am humbled and grateful to be in such amazing company in this Year’s Mid State Fair Wine Awards,” said Joe Barton. “This award is always a representation of those that continue to bring excellence to the Central Coast. I am so honored to be a part of the legacy of artisans who have helped to craft our wine industry. I want to thank all of my family, friends and Grey Wolf staff members, both past and present, who along the way gave me their best. I could not have done it without you.”

Joe Barton is the owner and Director of Winemaking at Grey Wolf Cellars and Barton Family Wines. His parents, Joe Sr. and Shirlene Barton, started the winery in 1994, following their dream of owning a winery and building a family business for future generations to come. Joe Jr. attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo as a fruit science major and was tasked at the young age of 23 with carrying on the family legacy and dream after his father tragically passed in 1998. He now operates the business with his wife Jenny and has made it his life mission the past 25 years to create a distinct style, sourcing from dry-farmed vineyards in the Paso Robles Willow Creek, Templeton Gap, and Adelaida District AVAs. Farming is the core of his business. Understanding the unique microclimates of Paso Robles distinct AVAs identifies the best location for growing a variety of wines with regional character. Focusing on making hand-crafted wines from specific sites creates a dynamic portfolio of wines. He works with a selection of wine varieties including the heritage varietal Zinfandel, the classic Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, and both Rhône red and whites. Joe is a past board member of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and served on the AVA Committee that oversaw the creation of petitions that created the 11 new districts within the Paso Robles AVA.

Wine Industry Person of the Year
Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins
Ancient Peaks Winery, Wine Speak, Dream Big Darling
“I am deeply humbled to be named Industry Person of the Year,” said Amanda. As fourth generation of the Central Coast, I am proud to be part of this agricultural community, for many years I have greatly admired past award recipients. I’m honored to carry on the legacy of paying it forward and creating opportunity for others. The rising tide floats all ships, and I’m blessed to be surrounded by an amazing community and work family who make nearly anything possible. A special thank you to my husband Sam, and my two children Cooper and Cecilia who remind me everyday that anything is possible if you dare to dream.”

As Executive Vice President at Ancient Peaks, Amanda has helped establish Ancient Peaks as a leading national brand. Along the way, she has been a passionate advocate for Paso Robles, SLO County and the Central Coast. Amanda has also invested heavily in employee personal and professional development, including a successful internship program has helped many graduates achieve professional growth, opportunity and success. Amanda was on the cover on Wine Enthusiast’s 2019 “40 Under 40” issue featuring “the trailblazers who are redefining the industry as we know it.” She was also one of five nominees for “Social Visionary of The Year” at the 2019 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards. In 2017, Amanda co-founded Wine Speak Paso Robles, an annual industry trade event that is now regarded as one of the finest events of its kind in California. Wine Speak is deeply involved in community service, such as hosting young wine professionals on scholarship. In 2018, Amanda founded Dream Big Darling, a local nonprofit dedicated to fostering the success of up-and-coming women in the wine and spirits industry. Amanda is passionate about local community service and served on the boards of the SLO Coast Wine Collective (three years) and Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (two years). Amanda is a Paso Robles native, and a graduate of Paso Robles High School, Cuesta College and Cal Poly. She served as the girls JV basketball coach at Paso Robles High School, and also served as co-head coach with her sister for two seasons.

Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance:
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is the official trade and marketing organization that 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 is California’s third largest wine region. It encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit pasowine.com. Facebook – @PasoRoblesWine, Instagram – @Pasowine, #pasowine.

About The Central Coast Wine Competition:
The Central Coast Wine Competition promotes the excellent quality and diversity of commercial wineries and grape growers while recognizing the fastest growing wine region in California. In its 17th year, the Central Coast Wine Competition is a collaboration of six California fairs and highlights the wine industry as an integral agricultural component of the community. Gold Medal winners will be showcased at the California Mid-State Fair; Contra Costa County Fair; Cow Palace/Grand National Livestock Exposition, Horse Show and Rodeo; Monterey County Fair; San Benito County Fair; and Santa Maria Fairpark. For further information, please visit centralcoastwinecomp.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and YouTube @ccwinecomp. The 2021 California Mid-State Fair runs July 21 – August 1.

Tolosa Winery Announces New Futures Program for 2019 Single Vineyard Wines

October 19, 2020 by evebushman

San Luis Obispo, Calif. — Tolosa winery, acclaimed producer of estate and single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from the Edna Valley, announced a look into the future of its much-anticipated 2019 Single Vineyard wines with private tastings of barrel samples.

Private seated tastings, available by appointment, are currently offered on the winery’s expansive outdoor patio, allowing guests the rare opportunity to explore these exclusive small-lot wines prior to release. The 2019 Single Vineyard wines will be released November 1, accompanied by the 2019 Primera, also scheduled to be released on November 1, 2020. Futures of the Primera and the Single Vineyard series wines are now available for purchase. Given the prestige of these limited-production bottlings, with under 250 cases of each produced, many of these wines are expected to sell-out prior to release.

“2019 was a textbook cool climate grape growing vintage. Harvest unfolded nicely, the mild weather letting us call for the perfect picking dates with no need to rush things, which is a nice feeling for once. In their youth, the wines are showing bright fruit (definitively on the red side for the Pinots and on the stone fruit one for the Chardonnays) and great freshness. And I am really excited about this, because it is also a guarantee of the aging potential they have,” said Winemaker Frederick Delivert.

Ideally situated close to the Pacific Ocean in California’s coolest wine region, Tolosa is blessed with a myriad of microclimates and soils that prove ideal for growing delicate Burgundian grapes. As a testament to the winery’s dedication to crafting exemplary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Tolosa looks beyond Edna Valley for their Single Vineyard series, selecting the best sites and fruit for these varietals throughout California. The artisanal wines of the Single Vineyard series invite exploration of renowned appellations and acclaimed vineyards — including Tolosa’s own SIP Certified estate vineyard, Edna Ranch — confirming Edna Valley’s place in this distinguished company.

Through November, guests are invited to visit Tolosa to experience barrel samples of the 2019 Single Vineyard Series, each crafted with a similar approach in the cellar in order to capture the true essence of each vineyard and its unique terroir. The following wines are now available to taste:

Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley 2019

This iconic vineyard in Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley AVA benefits from one of the longest growing seasons in California. Located 16 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard was first planted in 1973 and is acclaimed for its world-class Chardonnay. Situated at 600 feet of elevation on the valley floor, the site is punctuated by mild sunny days, an afternoon sea draft, and foggy nights and mornings to moderate the temperature of the vines. These conditions translate into a wine with vibrant acidity, recognized through essences of grapefruit, nectarine and pineapple. Oak aging in 35% new, lightly toasted puncheons adds notes of vanilla and walnuts, while partial Malolactic fermentation reveals fresh green apple flavors on the mineral-driven mid-palate. Tolosa is honored to be one of the few producers to source fruit from this highly sought-after vineyard located just south of us in the Santa Maria Valley.

Poletti – Edna Ranch Chardonnay, Edna Valley 2019

The Poletti portion of Edna Ranch is located on the mountainside slopes of the Edna Valley — home to block 569, featuring own-rooted Tepesquet Chardonnay vines. The slopes offer more sun exposure, while the vineyard sits in the direct path of the coastal sea breeze, offering a cooler temperature to maintain natural acidity and citrusy aromatics. After completing malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged in 30% new, lightly toasted oak puncheons, allowing it to develop a creamy, seamless texture layered with notes of hazelnut, citrus and stone fruit. This elegant Chardonnay encapsulates the Edna Valley, with a refined structure and uplifting acidity that stands out on the finish.

El Coro Vineyard Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap 2019

El Coro translates to “The Chorus” in Spanish. This site is farmed by the Keller family and is located within the Petaluma Gap AVA, the premier gateway to the Sonoma Coast. Located just 7.5 miles from San Pablo Bay, here maritime wind and fog roar into the region cooling off the vines, while less sun exposure from north-facing slopes contributes to the wine’s bright, complex berry fruit flavors. Adding to its appeal is a silky texture and racy acidity that lingers on the impressively long finish. In reverence to its name, this wine brings harmony to the palate.

Apex Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2019

Farmed by the Franscioni family, Apex Vineyard is located 28 miles from the cold water of Monterey Bay in the heart of the renowned Santa Lucia Highlands. The vineyard rests high atop a bench receiving morning sun exposure before being influenced ever so slightly by the daily fog and ocean winds. Typical of its region, this wine paints itself darker, lending more robust flavors of juicy fruit, ripened cherry and sweet spice. This is a Pinot Noir for the Cabernet lover.

Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2019

Solomon Hills Vineyard takes its name from Salomon Pico, a celebrated bandit who travelled frequently along the El Camino Real in the 1850s — and may have inspired the legend of Zorro. This acclaimed Santa Barbara County vineyard is located at the westernmost end of the Santa Maria Valley AVA, where its close proximity just 10 miles to the Pacific Ocean reveals itself through the wines that flourish in its sandy soils. Floral and red fruit aromas carry on through the palate, showcasing notes of pomegranate, raspberry, cherry and rose petals that integrate seamlessly into its fine-grained tannic structure.

Drum Canyon Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2019

Farmed by the Dierberg family, Drum Canyon Vineyard thrives in the eminent Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County. Adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, the region is famous for its transverse mountain range, which allows strong coastal breezes to drift through the vines. These cooling influences, coupled with the vineyard’s sandy loam soils, produce a beautifully structured Pinot Noir with velvety tannins and signature notes of dark cherry, cola and raspberry. A more structured Pinot Noir than many others in the line-up, this is a wine with well-developed tannins that will soften beautifully as it ages.

Gunsalus Vineyard Pinot Noir Green Valley of Russian River Valley 2019

The newest single vineyard Pinot Noir in the series balances the collection as an excellent cellar addition for the wine enthusiast. This small vineyard resides 12 miles from the coast at an elevation of 242 feet in the Green Valley region of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, known for its maritime fog that rolls in and lingers throughout the day. Big and bold in structure, this garnet-colored Pinot Noir leads with aromas of black cherry, strawberry, pine and rose petal. Bright red fruit, fig and tobacco flavors linger on the palate, accented by gentle mouth-coating tannins on the flawless finish.

Hollister – Edna Ranch Pinot Noir, Edna Valley

Located in the core of the Edna Valley, the Hollister section of Tolosa’s home vineyard, Edna Ranch, is the closest to the Pacific Ocean. Located just 5 miles away, it receives a moderating maritime influence to maintain composed acidity in the grapes, while varied soils, including chalky limestone and sand, contribute to the minerality and complexity in this wine. Made from a single block in the vineyard, Block 579, the wine displays aromas of blood orange, wild strawberry, anise and rose petals. Black cherry notes shine on the palate, which is layered with stone fruit and clove to express an exceptional sense of place.

Primera Pinot Noir, Edna Valley 2019

Tolosa’s flagship Primera demonstrates the full potential of the varietal, revealing what makes Pinot Noir one of the most coveted grapes in the world. Primera is a small-lot selection of the best of Tolosa’s estate vineyard, Edna Ranch, located a mere 5 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here, daily fog and prevailing winds funnel into the transverse valley from Morro Bay, cooling off the vines. The result is a wine of power and length characterized by notes of hibiscus, strawberry and dried herbs, enhanced by a seamless mouthfeel and structure. This is truly a vintage-specific statement Pinot Noir for the oenophile looking to add a marquee wine to their cellar.

Futures of the Single Vineyard 2019 series as well as the Primera 2019 are available to taste by appointment through October 2020, with tastings available to both Club Members and non-members. Purchase of wine futures is available prior to their release, November 2020. Tolosa also invites qualified media to look behind the curtain at the winery with a tasting of the Single Vineyard Series. For media inquiries, please contact: Linda@parkersanpei.com.

About Tolosa

Cowboy dreams of owning a cattle ranch brought Robin Baggett to California’s Edna Valley over 40 years ago. The cold Pacific wind and soils from ancient seabed to limestone made him realize he was on a frontier of a different sort. Tolosa is the expression of his commitment to spare no effort to craft Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines of distinctive character to rival any in the world. Founded in 1998 and guided by the core values of integrity, teamwork and meticulous craftsmanship, Tolosa is committed to creating complex, balanced and nuanced wines that are the purest expressions of Edna Valley. The Tolosa winemaking team combines traditional winemaking techniques and cutting-edge technology to achieve the purest translation of place to taste. Tolosa supports numerous environmental and philanthropic initiatives and is an active member of the Central Coast community, welcoming guests daily to enjoy its trademark gracious hospitality and a variety of luxury tasting experiences surrounded by its Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified vineyard, Edna Ranch. Tolosa is open daily at 4910 Edna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or visit the website at tolosawinery.com.

Vertical Finance Welcomes 28 New Partner Wineries to the Grand Reserve Rewards Network

October 17, 2020 by evebushman

PASADENA, Calif. – Vertical Finance has announced that they have welcomed 28 new partner wineries to the Grand Reserve Rewards network, a unique loyalty and rewards program centered on the Grand Reserve™ World Mastercard®, the credit card designed for wine enthusiasts.

Grand Reserve is delighted to welcome, from Napa Valley: Myriad Cellars, Quivet Cellars, Switchback Ridge, In Good Taste, Bright Angel Wines, Shoe Crazy Wine, Yoonit Wines, from Sonoma County: Patz & Hall Winery, Ketcham Estate, Joseph Jewell Wines, Donelan Family Wines, Bricoleur Vineyards, P. Harrell Wines, Styler Wines, Zialena Winery, Collier Falls Vineyards, Huge Bear Wines & Knights Bridge Winery, from Paso Robles: Four Lanterns Winery, from Oregon: Lenné Estate, Ridgecrest Wines, Utopia Vineyard & Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn, from Washington: Col Solare Winery, Spring Valley Vineyard, North Star Winery, Elsom Cellars, and from New York: Suhru Wines.

Grand Reserve connects members with the finest boutique wineries and offers exclusive benefits through its winery rewards and loyalty program. Cardmembers enjoy significant bonus points on direct purchases from the newly added partner wineries, and enjoy other benefits such as exclusive offers and exclusive event access.

Partner wineries benefit from marketing opportunities with Grand Reserve cardmembers and promotions. Grand Reserve also facilitates co-hosted exclusive tastings, experiences, and more to showcase partners and provide cardmember with unique wine-focused experiences and access to boutique wineries across the country. The Grand Reserve Rewards program and events encourage cardmembers to purchase directly from our partner wineries.

The Grand Reserve Network has more than 400 founding partner wineries including Beringer Vineyards, Charles Krug Winery, Delectus Winery, Freeman Winery, Grgich Hills Estate, Krupp Brothers Estates, Ladera Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Relic Wine Cellars, Senses Wine, Stony Hill Vineyard, Wente Vineyards, Whitehall Lane Winery and Zaca Mesa Winery. The full list of Grand Reserve partner wineries may be viewed here: https://grandreserverewards.com/partner-network

Following a successful Grand Reserve World Mastercard launch in August, the Grand Reserve partner network has attracted more wineries to allow the program to expand its reach. Grand Reserve is working to add more discerning boutique wineries across the U.S. that fit their rigorous standards.

“Our partner wineries are at the heart of our offering to our cardmembers, so it is very gratifying to see such interesting and diverse wineries becoming an integral part of the Grand Reserve family,” said Matthew Goldman, Vertical Finance founder and CEO “Our goal is to provide a unique way for wine lovers and producers to share and extend their love of wine. As wineries face the challenges of the pandemic and recent devastating wine country fires, we provide a viable and growing channel to a targeted group of wine consumers.”

The Grand Reserve World Mastercard is designed with a cardmember-first approach and focused on the passion cardholders have for discovering, enjoying, and collecting fine wine.

Grand Reserve Points can be redeemed for hundreds of sommelier-curated items from wine keys and decanters, to books, classes, tasting experiences and more. Members also earn access to Grand Reserve exclusive member events.

Full details about Grand Reserve and the Grand Reserve World Mastercard be found at grandreserverewards.com.

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About Vertical Finance

Vertical Finance is a neobanking and challenger credit card startup. The company’s modern credit card platform matches consumers with independent and unique merchants and authentic rewards that enhance their lifestyle pursuits. The company’s flagship program, Grand Reserve, rewards consumers when they shop at wineries, wine clubs, and wine shops. Vertical Finance is a 1% for the Planet company, a global network of businesses, nonprofits, and individuals working together for a healthy planet, committed to giving 1% of gross sales each year to approved nonprofit partners. Visit verticalfinance.com and grandreserverewards.com to learn more. Consumers can connect with Grand Reserve on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

Disclaimer

Vertical Finance reserves the right to modify or discontinue its products or offerings at any time and without notice. The Grand Reserve World Mastercard is powered by Deserve and issued by Celtic Bank, a Utah-Chartered Industrial Bank, Member FDIC. See site for complete terms and conditions.

Chianti Classico Finds the Silver Lining of the 2020 Vintage

October 10, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – As the Covid-19 crisis forced tasting room, tourism, and restaurant closures across Italy and Europe, the winemakers of the Chianti Classico Consortium (Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico) have been able to spend more time than ever in their vineyards and cellars. The result is that in such a challenging and altogether unheralded year, Chianti Classico producers have had a chance to focus on the 2020 vintage with a never-before-possible commitment to detail and singular attention to every aspect of cultivation, vineyard management, and production.

While 2020 has not been an easy year, the quality of this Black Rooster vintage may well turn out to be legendary, according to Chianti Classico Consortium President GIovani Manetti—and perhaps one of the greatest in living memory.

“The pandemic has in fact given us a unique opportunity: that of being able to concentrate all our efforts on the care of the vineyard for a few months,” says Manetti. “The goal that we, Chianti Classico winemakers, have today is to produce the best wine of our career and that this is the memory that we will bring with us in a few years, when we will open some exceptional bottles of Gallo Nero 2020.”

While rooted in centuries of tradition and history, the Chianti Classico Consortium is a thoroughly modern organization making use of all new resources and support mechanisms available to assist innovation, cooperation, and production among stakeholders as member producers continue to maintain growth under challenging circumstances.

As winemakers spend more time than ever tending to their vineyards, the Consortium has approved an extraordinary plan of interventions to support the appellation in the post-Covid emergency period, with strategic planning designed so as to not to interrupt the path—undertaken for years—of valorization and development that has defined the denomination. The emergency actions taken by the Consortium have also provided for a January 1, 2021 release, instead of October 1, for the 2019 vintage, which is itself shaping up to praiseworthy.

Extraordinary times produce extraordinary wines, and the upcoming releases and vintage reports from Chianti Classico will undoubtedly show that this historical denomination’s future is just as bright as ever.

For more information, please contact Silvia Fiorentini of the Chianti Classico Consortium or Andrew Lohse of Colangelo & Partners.

About the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico:
The Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico exists to protect, oversee, and valorize the Chianti Classico denomination. Since the Consortium’s founding in 1924, the organization has changed its name and the design of its logo, the Black Rooster, which since 2005 has been the trademark of the whole denomination. As one of the premier institutional organizations in the European Union in the grape-growing and winemaking sector, the Consortium represents 96 percent of the DOCG production. The entire production chain is supervised by a public tracking system, which enables consumers all over the world to check the bottle they’ve purchased via the Consortium’s website. The Consortium also conducts research and development in the agronomic and enological fields, in collaboration with prestigious educational and research institutes. For more information, please visit http://www.chianticlassico.com.