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2018 PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY EVENTS ANNOUNCED
Paso Robles, CA – Tickets for Paso Robles Wine Country’s marquee events are now on sale at www.pasowine.com. Blendfest on the Coast brings blended wines of Paso Robles to Cambria and San Simeon, February 9 – 11, 2018. The annual celebration of Paso’s heritage variety, Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend is scheduled for March 16 – 18, 2018. Paso Robles’ signature wine event for 36 years, the Paso Robles Wine Festival takes place on May 17 – 20, 2018. With all three events on sale at the same time, it’s a one-stop shop to plan for 2018.
Blendfest on the Coast kicks off with a winemaker dinner at Indigo Moon restaurant on Friday, February 9, showcasing Paso Robles blended wines with winemakers pouring. Saturday, February 10 features a two-session walk-around tasting within one of the most exclusive venues on the coast, the Hearst Ranch property overlooking the San Simeon bay. Each session offers limited tickets, creating an intimate tasting where everyone has an opportunity to spend time with the winery representatives. This event will have a charitable element, raising funds to benefit those impacted by the southern California fires. Blendfest continues Sunday, February 11 with a winemaker led blending seminar, letting audience members try their hand at the art, and science, of blending wines. Blendfest on the Coast is presented in conjunction with Visit Cambria, Visit San Simeon, and the California Highway 1 Discovery Route.
Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend begins on Friday, March 16 with Zinposium, a Zin-focused seminar in downtown Paso Robles at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom. Moderated by iconic winemaker, Wes Hagen with J.Wilkes Wines, a panel of winemakers will share some vintage stories to go with their Zinfandel and Zin blended wines. This seated tasting is guaranteed to be educational and entertaining.
In the evening, the ballroom transforms into a lounge atmosphere for Z After Party. Join up to 20 Paso wineries for a savory walk-around Zinfandel tasting, complemented by a fantastic selection of desserts and live music by the Darrell Voss Trio. This intimate tasting is sure to sell out with 80 seats for Zinposium and 175 tickets for Z After Party. Advance purchase only.
Zinfandel Weekend continues on Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18 with more than 100 wineries holding their own individual events throughout Paso Robles Wine Country. Visit www.pasowine.com to search by winery, activity or day to plot a course for fun.
The Paso Robles Wine Festival returns May 17 – 20, 2018 with the 36th annual celebration of everything Paso Robles wine. Wine Fest kicks-off Thursday, May 17, 2018 with Winemaker Dinners, each featuring multiple winemakers at the table with their wines paired with the cuisine of two iconic Paso Robles restaurants, Thomas Hill Organics and The Hatch. On Friday, May 18, RESERVE delights a limited gathering of wine and food lovers with Library, Reserve, White/Rosé, and Barrel Sample wines, complemented by fresh and local gourmet bites.
The following day, Saturday, May 19, begins with a Winemaker Seminar. Five winemakers sharing their vintage stories about a uniquely named wine that is a perfect example of the Paso Robles region. The day culminates with the Wine Festival Grand Tasting in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park. This unique outdoor tasting features 70+ wineries arranged by “regions” (Bordeaux-style, Rhône-style, Zinfandel, Burgundian-style, Italian varieties and Other Wild Wines) with wineries pouring their best. In the picnic area and gazebo, live music will provide the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a beautiful summer day sipping Paso Robles wines.
Back by popular demand, the 2018 Wine Festival will feature complimentary food tasting from the region’s best chefs and caterers. Visit www.pasowine.com often to see updates on who will be sampling their delicious creations. Creativity abounds with the return of a limited lineup of handpicked artisan merchants. These entrepreneurs will offer a selection of unique local and wine country themed products.
Sunday, May 20 of Wine Festival weekend encourages people to travel beyond the Park to explore more than 100 winery events throughout the weekend including winemaker dinners, live music, barrel samples, and so much more!
Tickets – All Blendfest on the Coast, Zinposium, Z After Party, Wine Festival Winemaker Dinners, RESERVE, Wine Festival Seminar, and Wine Festival Grand Tasting Tasting tickets are now available on www.pasowine.com.
Blendfest on the Coast, February 9 – 11, 2018
- Afternoon Session: 1 – 3 p.m.
Admission: $45 ($35 until January 2)
Wine & cheese - Sunset Session: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Admission: $65 ($55 until January 2)
Wine, cheese, and passed hors-d’oeuvres (menu coming soon!) - Tickets available here – https://pasowine.com/events/blendfest-on-the-coast/
- Guests staying in Cambria and San Simeon lodging can enter each session 30 minutes early with the presentation of a room key.
Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend, March 16 – 18, 2018
- Zinposium Seminar – $40
- Z After Party – $40
- Combo: Zinposium Seminar & Z After Party – $70
- Tickets available here – https://pasowine.com/events/vintage-paso-zinfandel-weekend/
36th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival, May 17 – 20, 2018
- Winemaker Dinners – Thomas Hill Organics ($125), The Hatch ($100)
- Combo: Friday, RESERVE & Saturday, Grand Tasting, Early Entry – $145 ($135 until March 15)
- RESERVE only – $90
- Saturday, Grand Tasting, Early Entry (12 p.m.) – $90 ($80 until March 15)
- Saturday, Grand Tasting, General Admission (1 p.m.) – $70 ($60 until March 15)
- Winemaker Seminar (10:30 a.m.) – $25
- Designated Driver (Grand Tasting, 1 p.m.) – $25
- Locals Only Ticket (1 p.m.) – $50 (until March 15)
- Early Bird Pricing applied to Combo, Early Entry or General Admission Tickets only, with $10 savings
- Early Bird Offer Expires March 15, 2018
During Paso Robles Wine Country event weekends, visitors and locals alike are encouraged to travel beyond the park to visit the more than 100 wineries that host special activities including winemaker dinners, food pairings, barrel tastings, winery and vineyard tours, and much more. Visit www.pasowine.com to plan a complete Paso Robles Wine Country experience, including lodging, restaurants, transportation, and more things to explore.
ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance represents wineries, growers and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California’s third largest wine region. It encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit www.pasowine.com. @PasoRoblesWine, @PasoWine (Insta), #PasoWine, #BlendFest, #VintagPaso, #PasoWineFest,
Tasting Dom Pérignon’s Finest with the North American Sommelier Association (NASA) Part Two
Last week I gave you a little lesson on Dom Perignon courtesy of NASA president and US Brand Ambassador Diego Meraviglia. Today I’m sharing…what we tasted.
From NASA
AS A TOAST TO THE ENDING 2017 VINTAGE, JOIN US FOR AN IN DEPTH GUIDED TASTING & SEMINAR ON DOM PERIGNON’s NEW VINTAGES AND OLDER RESERVE GEMS, STILL AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET. THE PRESENTATION & TASTING WILL INCLUDE RARITIES RARELY PULLED…(including the) ‘PLENITUDES’:
Dom Pérignon Blanc vintage 2009, Dom Pérignon Rose’ Vintage 2005, Dom Pérignon P2 vintage 2000, Dom Pérignon Rose’ P2 vintage 1995, + a surprise old vintage…
TASTING PRESENTED AND LED BY DOM PERIGNON US BRAND AMBASSADOR & NASA PRESIDENT, DIEGO MERAVIGLIA.
MY TASTING TAKEAWAYS (all quotes – except where I’ve mentioned Wine Spectator – are Diego’s)
P2 stands for Plentitudes and, according to Wine Spectator’s most recent tasting report on Champagne, “highlights the evolution of the house’s Champagnes after extended maturation on the lees.”
We tasted blind as the “bias is consistent” and you can never get a “complete objective” on how the wine tastes – I agree.
We tasted “the rare of the rare of the rare.”
The P1 Blanc revealed was a 2009 and described as a “voluptuous” wine with “minerality, curry, magnolia, brine, chalk, salt, toast, almonds, pineapple, mango, licorice” and a “mouthfeel” that is the hallmark of Dom Perignon.
The next wine, a 2005 P1 Rose, “was just released and could go another 40 years”…“emulates a red wine…with more weight (indicative) of a warm and wet vintage.” I got the notes of dried cherry and stem on this as I would on a Pinot Noir. It’s even possible that I would have thought it was a Pinot if the glass itself was hidden.
The third wine to taste, a Blanc P2 turned out to be the just released 2000. The extra years on the lees gives the wine “more pairing options” with notes of “forest floor, Brie, brine, spice, licorice, anise…(and would pair well with) “soft cheese and white meat like veal and pheasant.”
Our fourth wine was a 1996 P2 Rose with more strawberry color that could pair well with “beef, steak, duck…fruit tarts (and other) pastry (for its) fresh Burgundian flavors. This may have been my favorite and I joined the other somms and retailers in the room and drained my glass.
Our final wine, a surprise for all, turned out to be a 1995 P3 Blanc vintage that was released in 2015 that I found the color had honeyed with age, with notes of almond, fruit cocktail, pears in syrup as well as “toffee and mocha.” Had to agree that this wine was extremely vibrant and a pleasure to taste. As they all were.
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com
Historic Families to Ring in the New Year with Amarone Tasting Events in New York City
NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Historic Families (Le Famiglie Storiche), the organization that represents thirteen quintessential producers of Amarone della Valpolicella, the Italian noble red that hails from Italy’s Veneto region, will be coming to the United States in January 2018 to host two tasting events in New York City. Historic Families aims to educate trade and consumers about the traditions, quality, and nuances of Amarone della Valpoicella, which is celebrated as one of Italy’s finest wines.
Amarone FAMILIES from Wineworld blog
The tastings will take place on January 31 at Del Posto, the famed Italian restaurant in Chelsea owned by the Batali & Bastianich (B&B) Hospitality Group. They will give trade and press the opportunity to meet the producers and taste fine vintages of Amarone della Valpolicella.
Jeff Porter, Beverage Director of the B&B Hospitality Group, will host a guided vertical tasting of the 2009, 2010, and 2011 vintages of Amarone della Valpolicella. During the seminar, Porter and the producers will explain and explore the many nuances in the wines that result from the terroir of the Valpolicella area as they demonstrate that Amarone is as much about terroir as it is about technique.
Following the seminar, there will be a walkaround tasting showcasing select Amarone bottles of each of the thirteen producers. Both events are reserved exclusively for trade and press.
“The wineries of Historic Families are rooted in traditional values and craftsmanship,” says Sabrina Tedeschi, owner of Tedeschi Winery and President of Historic Families. “We combine generations of know-how with modern innovation to produce one of Italy’s greatest red wines. Amarone has always been well-received in the United States, and we’re eager to showcase three excellent vintages from wineries whose standards guarantee high quality and honor the long history of Valpolicella.”
The entry of new producer members into Historic Families has strengthened the interest and prestige of the association over time, making it the recognized and influential institution that it is today, increasingly active in decisions in favor of high quality Amarone.
About Le Famiglie Storiche/Historic Families: The group was founded in June 2009 (previously Le Famiglie dell’Amarone d’Arte/Amarone Families) by ten historic Valpolicella companies. Today, it boasts 13 partners, prestigious wineries that have sustained and promoted the Valpolicella wine territory in the Veneto region of Italy territory for centuries: Allegrini, Begali, Brigaldara, Guerrieri Rizzardi, Masi, Musella, Speri, Tedeschi, Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Tommasi, Torre D’Orti, Venturini, and Zenato. Together, the wineries bring a heritage of knowledge consolidated from an unwavering commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation as testimony to this great wine.
SOMMCON POPS UP ON THE EAST COAST
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San Diego, CA – SommCon® announces the addition of SommCon Washington, D.C., set to take place at the Westin Georgetown July 22-24, 2018, in a pop up networking experience and conference for the region’s leading beverage professionals. The new D.C. event joins the lineup of educational opportunities alongside its sister location in San Diego with dates slated for November 14-16.
 “SommCon connects professionals on a regional level, making world-class education and networking accessible through Master Classes and tasting experiences that help to shape the futures of our industry’s best and brightest,” said Master Sommelier, David Glancy of the San Francisco Wine School and a member of the SommCon Board of Advisors.SommCon’s education is built by some of today’s most influential palates for trade professionals and serious enthusiasts who have a passion for wine and spirits and an unyielding quest for knowledge. During SommCon, attendees learn and taste alongside industry leaders through educational seminars, tasting breaks and networking opportunities.
The conference launched in San Diego, CA, in 2015 and has become a leading program and community for beverage industry professionals.
“SommCon is an important way to connect and learn alongside some of the heavy hitters and exciting personalities in the business,” said Jesse Rodriguez, Advanced Sommelier at Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina and member of the SommCon East Advisory Board. “We are excited to see SommCon ‘Pop Up’ in DC, connecting our community for three days of intense education and power networking!”
SommCon is currently seeking qualified speakers for the 2018 educational programs. Industry pros interested in joining this year’s talented roster of educators at SommCon may submit applications by January 19, 2018, to qualify. Selected presenters will be notified by email by January 30. For further information regarding requirements and how to apply, view the Speaker Application.
“On behalf of Kistler I have participated in SommCon since its inception. I have led seminars and panel discussions,” said Geoff Labitzke, Master of Wine and Director of Sales at Kistler Vineyards. “All of the sessions are filled with talented influencers with a professional diversity that creates an energy and buzz to the event. The content of the presentations blends wine knowledge and business acumen.”
SommCon Washington, D.C., takes place July 22-24, 2018, at Westin Georgetown in Washington, D.C., and SommCon San Diego is held November 14-16, 2018. Conference registration for the DC Pop Up will be available in early 2018. For more information, visit: SommConUSA.com.
Sponsors and brands interested in taking part in SommCon may contact Producer, Michelle Metter at metter@fastforwardevents.com.
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ABOUT SOMMCON:® is a leading conference for sommelier-level education and training of wine professionals and serious enthusiasts. The conference brings together industry professionals of all levels to discuss, develop, and lead the conversation on the business of wine. SommCon’s education is built by sommeliers for trade professionals and serious enthusiasts who have a passion for wine and spirits and an unyielding quest for knowledge. Attendees learn and taste their way through educational classes and seminars complete with tasting breaks and networking opportunities. SommConis produced by Fast Forward, an event management agency specializing in productions for the wine, beer, spirits and hospitality industries, fastforwardevents.com.
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Vintage Eve Circa 7/2014: A Masterclass on The Wines of South Africa
Sure, I don’t mind driving down to the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills (with the hoards of summer tourists) and then up to the penthouse suite to learn about and taste South African wines. I knew it would be worth it, and more. This was the info that came with rsvp:
Hi Eve,
We’d be glad to have you. The masterclass will include 12 top South African wines representing a range of varietals, styles, and regions; I’ll be covering history, trends, terroir – all the stuff a sommelier needs to get a good grasp of South African wine today. I hope you can make it.
Jim Clarke
Marketing Manager, WOSA US
Wines of South Africa Masterclass
With no money coming from the government, the WOSA (Wines of South Africa) groups represents all of South African wines, and representative Jim Clarke covers all of the U.S.
Clarke explained that the Western Cape is the grape growing region, and is fairly compact. The first harvest was in 1659 with grapes brought in by the Dutch. White wines was known to combat scurvy as citrus fruits did, so the Dutch wanted the white wines for their ships. The French Huguenots arrived in 1688.
KWV was founded in 1918, starting as a cooperative not the distributorship they are today; and most wines were offered in the $10 range. (From Wikipedia, “The name “Koöperatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Suid-Afrika” is Afrikaans for “Co-operative Winemakers’ Society of South Africa”)
With Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990, by 1994 the country held their first elections, and could start exporting wine again as the sanctions were dropped. And Clarke said that a “bump in quality” occurred before 2000. Wines are being made in the old world character, and winemakers are now very big on blending.
The sustainability seal (Sustainable Wine South Africa) is being used by 93% of their producers. Any seal found on a wine or estate brandy “has been certified by the Wine and Spirit Board” and “is a guarantee of origin, vintage, and variety as stated on the label.”
Sauvignon Blanc is the second most planted white wine grape varietal and Chenin Blanc is still the first. Pinotage is not as common as people think, with only about 6% of the plantings. Pinotage is a unique varietal to South Africa. It is a cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault – Cinsault is also referred to as Hermitage, hence the name. The first Pinotage was in 1959 and has proven to be disease resistant and offers a high yield.
From the WOSA, “When the term ‘Wine of Origin’ or the abbreviation ‘W.O.’ together with the name of a production area, such as Stellenbosch, Durbanville or Robertson appears on a label, it confirms that 100% of the grapes from which the wine was made come from that specific area.”
They have a wine school and viticulture school in South Africa; as well as fair-trade and black-owned wineries, and black winemakers due to scholarships now being offered. Clarke said there are lots of efforts being put into those areas now.
Of final note, good wines are available in the $30 to $50 range. The retail prices of the wines we tasted are below.
Tasting
Aromas and flavors separated by “;”
Klein Constantia Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Fresh crisp and cool, white peach, golden delicious apples, lemon zest; lemon, grapefruit, acidic, long finish. Need shellfish, thinking icy cold shrimp cocktail. (Costantia region.) $24
Downes Family Sanctuary Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2012, some Semillon.
Juicy, herbaceous and floral, peach, apricot, steely; good mouthfeel, acid mid-palate, lemon-lime, softly balanced. (Elgin region.) $20
Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2013
Honeydew melon, cantaloupe, a tiny hint of white pepper, wet pebbles; Nice mouthfeel, sliced apples, acidic, tingly and pleasant. (Stellenbosch region.) $10
Botanica Chenin Blanc 2011
Jasmine, anise, orange peel, stemmy; licorice, lemony, sharp and tangy, quite pleasant. (W.O. Citrusdal region.) $20
De Westhof Lesca Chardonnay 2013
Lemon-lime, butter, fresh, hint of suede; lemonade, grassy, acidic. (W.O. Robertson) $22
Sadie Family Skerpioen 2012
Tropical fruit cocktail, sweat, anise; Lime, peach, concrete, acidic finish. (W.O. Swartland region, Chenin Blanc, Palomino.) $55
Painted Wolf Guillermo Pinotage 2010
Leather, sautéed mushrooms, black plum, mint, dark chocolate, rich soil; Dry, dark dusty fruit, green peppercorn, lingering black licorice. (W.O. Swartland region) $18
Jardin Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Blueberry, blackberry, black pepper, milk to dark chocolate, dried wood; Black cherry, spice and pepper in good balance, nice finish, well done. (W.O. Stellenbosch) $20
Vilafonte Series C 2011
Plum, pluot, mint, bark; dusty black fruit, smoke, cigar. (W.O. Paarl. Cabernet Sauvignon blend.) $60
Mullineux Syrah 2012
Stewed dark fruit, Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, white pepper; dark dry and tannic, pungent, long finish. (W.O. Swartland) $30
Keermont, 100 Syrah, 2011
Blue to black fruit, smooth, pepper blend; Great spice, juicy dark fruits, smoke. Well done. (W.O. Stellenbosch) $45 approximately.
Klein, 100% Muscat, 2008, late harvest, no botrytis.
“Natural Sweet Wine.” Honeysuckle, rose petals, pear liqueur, gentle, compelling; lovely viscosity, honey and acid play off each other. (W.O. Constantia)
$65.
Visit Temecula Valley Reveals Winners of the Second Annual People’s Choice Blind Tasting and Awards
TEMECULA VALLEY, Calif. (PRWEB) – Visit Temecula Valley (VTV), in coordination with Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA), has announced the winners of the second annual People’s Choice Blind Tasting. The event took place on Sunday, November 12, 2017, at Leoness Cellars, and featured a walk-around blind tasting, a wine seminar led by Master of Wine Roger Bohmrich and a 6-course awards dinner paired with last year’s winning wines.
Doffo Winery’s 2015 Zinfandel took first place in the competition, after taking second place to Wilson Creek’s Petite Sirah at last year’s inaugural event. The 2017 second place winner was Lorimar Winery’s 2014 Syrah, and third place was taken by Thornton Winery’s 2014 Estate Syrah.
“We are beyond thrilled with receiving 1st Place in the People’s Choice competition,” said Damian Doffo, CEO and Winemaker for Doffo Winery. “We work very hard in the vineyard to produce high quality fruit and make exceptional wine. We look forward to sharing with wine with the public in February.”
Over 200 guests tasted 29 wines (6 whites and 23 reds) without knowing any of the wines’ identities, and rated them on a scale of 1-5 during a walk-around wine tasting. The top 12-scoring wines from this portion of the event went on to be poured during a wine seminar led by Master of Wine Roger Bohmrich, where they were again tasted blind and rated on a scale of 1-5, including by Roger himself. Final scores were tallied to determine the top 3 “People’s Choice” wines. Wines could be any variety or a blend, at any price point, as long as they were from the Temecula Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). Entries ranged from just $24 per bottle to well over $100, and represented a number of grape varieties, from Falanghina to Syrah to Cabernet Franc.
In addition to the walk-around tasting and seminar, the event featured a six-course dinner created by Chef Daragh Matheson from Leoness Cellars, paired with last year’s People’s Choice winners. A VIP reception offered hand-selected pours presented by local winemakers and winery owners. San Diego singer-songwriter Christian Taylor performed throughout the tasting. The evening’s dinner program was emceed by Lindsay Pomeroy, Master of Wine Candidate and owner of the “Wine Smarties” school in San Diego, and a brief keynote was delivered by Bohmrich. Local musician Brian Stodart performed throughout the dinner program.
Sponsors included Gosch Ford, 34° Crisps, Palpula Dips & Sauces, Temecula Lavender Co., Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants, Aall In Limo & Party Bus, Grapeline Wine Tours and American AgCredit. Carter Estate Winery & Resort was the official hotel partner for the event.
The top twelve scoring wines in alphabetical order were as follows:
- Avensole Winery 2014 Malbec, $32.95
- Baily Vineyard & Winery 2014 Malbec, $25.00
- Doffo Winery 2015 Zinfandel, $72.00
- Falkner Winery 2014 Rock Creek Syrah, $49.95
- Fazeli Cellars 2014 Shiraz, $48.00
- Hart Winery 2014 Volcanic Ridge Vineyard Syrah, $60.00
- Leoness Cellars 2014 CS Cabernet Franc-Merlot, $38.00
- Lorimar Winery 2014 Syrah, $48.00
- Miramonte Winery 2014 Estate Syrah, $65.00
- South Coast Winery 2016 Viognier, $25.00
- Thornton Winery 2014 Estate Syrah, $49.00
- Wiens Family Cellars 2015 Sangiovese, $44.00
Most wines can be purchased directly online through each winery’s website. The entire list of wines entered into the competition can be accessed HERE.
ABOUT THE TEMECULA VALLEY AND VISIT TEMECULA VALLEY
With natural gifts of climate and geography, Temecula Valley is widely recognized for its scenic vineyards, award-winning wines, and friendly wineries as Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. The destination includes the Temecula Valley A.V.A. (American Viticulture Area) as well as Downtown, Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort & Casino.
Visit Temecula Valley is online at VisitTemeculaValley.com; “Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country” on Facebook and @Visit_Temecula on Twitter. The Temecula Valley Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula on Mercedes Street adjacent the Old Town Parking Garage. For visitor assistance, call 888/363-2852 or 951/491-6085.
ABOUT THE TEMECULA VALLEY WINEGROWERS ASSOCIATION
Temecula Valley is the largest and most commercially successful winegrowing region in the South Coast AVA, the viticultural zone spanning more than 2 million acres from Riverside County to the San Diego border. The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association has long served as a steward of the Southern California wine community. Comprising 36 wineries and more than 60 winegrowers, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association is a nonprofit regional organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the quality wines and wine grapes grown in the Temecula Valley and South Coast Appellations. Established in 1984, the Temecula AVA consists of 33,000 acres, of which approximately 2,500 acres are currently planted to commercial vineyards. Known as Southern California’s wine country, the Temecula Valley is located in Riverside County just one hour from San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs and 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
Colavita Brings Italian Culture and Education to Downtown Napa
NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Colavita (http://www.colavita.com), the leading family-owned specialty food producer of one of the top-selling extra virgin olive oils in the United States, is proud to announce the latest expansion of its partnership with The Culinary Institute of America (http://www.ciachef.edu), with the opening of the Colavita Olive Grove Terrace and Outdoor Kitchen at the CIA at Copia.
Located in downtown Napa at the recently opened CIA at Copia, the latest expansion provides students the opportunity to host festivities and celebratory events all while engaging in hands-on learning about making the perfect olive oil, from harvesting to extraction and finally, production.
Colavita USA was founded in 1978 by John J Profaci along with Enrico and Leonardo Colavita and pioneered the first major brand of extra virgin olive oil in the US. The partnership with CIA became an additional platform to keep extra virgin olive oil and Italian heritage at the forefront of culinary education. From advancing Italian cuisine through The Colavita Center for Italian Food and Wine, to establishing the John J. Profaci Legacy Scholarship and sponsoring the CIA’s annual Leadership Awards, the Colavita family has remained committed to enhancing education and understanding of the quality of extra virgin olive oil for the last 25 years.
“We are proud to be part of the leading culinary college in the world, and we hope that the opening of the Colavita Olive Grove Terrace and Outdoor Kitchen at the CIA at Copia will continue to shape the education and experiences students have at the CIA,” said President and CEO of Colavita USA, Giovanni Colavita. “Napa Valley is renowned as a world-class destination for food and wine, and we’re happy to be able to expand our relationship with an esteemed and recognized partner here.”
Colavita is distributed in over 80 countries and is recognized worldwide as the top authentic Italian extra virgin olive oil. Colavita is the leading brand in premium extra virgin olive oil, Italian pasta, and Italian vinegar in the USA in both the retail and foodservice sectors.
For more information about Colavita, visit http://www.colavita.com. You can follow Colavita on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
About Colavita:
Colavita (http://www.colavita.com) – A long time ago in the quaint hilltop village of Sant’Elia a Pianisi, located in the Molise region of Italy, two small family businesses were born. They were both Colavita families. Today, the Colavita Olive Oil and Colavita Pasta companies are still family-owned and operating in the same town of their ancestors. They have since joined with another family-owned company, Colavita USA, and together they have shared the fruits of their respective crafts with American consumers for over twenty years.
About The Culinary Institute of America:
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers bachelor’s degrees in management, culinary arts, culinary science, and applied food studies, and associate degrees in either culinary arts or baking and pastry arts. The college also offers executive education through its Food Business School along with certificate programs and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of nearly 50,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food business. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore. For more information, visit http://www.ciachef.edu.
Vintage Eve Circa 6/2014: Giving Wine an Identity?
Since starting Eve Bushman Consulting for wine-based and non-wine based businesses I’ve been reading marketing books, going to lectures and taking classes. One book sent to me for review, “Wine and Identity: Branding, Heritage and Terroir” seemed to fit my bill perfectly. So, for those readers that work in the wine industry, or have an interest in wine, you may find these ideas interesting.
I learned (or had my thoughts validated):
- “Marketing wine and wine regions has become increasingly about telling stories…(to) engage consumers and tourists and translate into sales.”
- Wineries strengthen their branding with a nod to both the heritage and terroir of their region.
- “Unlike milk, fruit…when and how wine was made…is a major factor in…purchase decisions.”
- A well-known and well-respected wine grape growing region, say Napa or Bordeaux, has a “competitive advantage.”
- The consumer will remember a “uniquely” built brand.
- Identify the target audience for your wine: are they connoisseurs, price-conscious consumers and/or new to wine and/or young?
- Very few wine buyers will talk to a wine store employee, though they will talk to a winery representative in a tasting room. And the smaller and more hospitable the tasting room the better.
- To evoke “imagery” and a sense of place to a winery label words such as “Vineyard” “Cellars” “Chateau” “Estate” and “Hills” are often employed. (However, with newer wine drinkers there has been a shift to sexy and clever themes.)
- “In the absence of human intervention, the label becomes the single most important window to a wine’s story”… and should be read within the time it takes to consume a single glass.
- The value of Napa and its winemakers are illustrated in this statement penned by Charles Wetmore of the Board of State Viticultural Commissioners in 1884, “To be a neighbor of Mr. (Charles) Krug …or such men elsewhere in the vine growing communities, would add at least $100 to the value of the land.”
- Wine, while fighting an “elitist image”, is a “marker of social identity” for those expected to show “sophistication.”
- Though the label and the tasting room have to draw people in its what’s in the bottle that will ultimately matter in repeat purchases.
- Old word wines are branded more by location, where new world wines rely more on grape varietals to fuel purchases.
- Wine festivals serve to highlight a region and can result in tourism. My own reflection on this is that it may prove difficult for a winery to stand apart from just its association with a region when showcased at a large fest.
Information From The Publisher
The shift to telling engaging and provocative stories to increase wine sales.
In an increasingly competitive global market, winemakers are seeking to increase their sales and wine regions to attract tourists. To achieve these aims, there is a trend towards linking wine marketing with identity. Such an approach seeks to distinguish wine products – whether wine or wine tourism – from their competitors, by focusing on cultural and geographical attributes that contribute to the image and experience. In essence, marketing wine and wine regions has become increasingly about telling stories – engaging and provocative stories which engage consumers and tourists and translate into sales.
Branding, Heritage, Terroir
Edited by Matt Harvey, Leanne White, Warwick Frost
This timely book examines this phenomena and how it is leading to changes in the wine and tourism industries for the first time. It takes a global approach, drawing on research studies from around the world including old and new world wine regions. The volume is divided into three parts. The first – branding – investigates cases where established regions have sought to strengthen their brands or newer regions are striving to create effective emerging brands. The second – heritage – considers cases where there are strong linkages between cultural heritage and wine marketing. The third section – terroir – explores how a ‘sense of place’ is inherent in winescapes and regional identities and is increasingly being used as a distinctive selling proposition.
This significant volume showcasing the connections between place, identity, variety and wine will be valuable reading for anyone interested in tourism, marketing and wine studies.
Click here to view inside this book, view the author biographies and to see the full table of contents.
Want to see more titles in this area? We also have: Social, Cultural and Economic Impacts of Wine in New Zealand.
These books are part of the Routledge Studies of Gastronomy, Food and Drink series
First Ever ‘International Volcanic Wine Conference’ To Be Held in New York on March 27th, 2018
NEW YORK (PRWEB) – John Szabo, Master Sommelier and award-winning author, has announced the inaugural ‘International Volcanic Wines Conference (IVWC)’ to be held in New York City on March 27, 2018. The event follows the global success of his definitive book on the subject, ‘Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power,’ published in 2016.
The IVWC aims to establish a volcanic wine movement, and to provide educational and promotional opportunities for volcanic wine producers internationally. The conference will act as a catalyst and facilitator to eventually bring together all of the world’s volcanic regions and create a “volcanic wine brand,” defined as a unique category of wines produced under some of the most extreme viticultural conditions on the planet. The IVWC will also help establish the volcanic wine brand as a premium category of high quality wines with a true sense of place, thereby increasing their perceived value.
“I’ve seen that wines made from volcanic soils around the world share common characteristics,” says Szabo, “yet maintain their own personalities, considering variations in not just climate, grape varieties and winemaking traditions, but also in volcanic soils themselves. It’s a fascinating world to discover.”
Wine professionals are continually discussing and debating the role of soils on wine profile, and volcanic soils have been recognized in recent years as having one of the strongest signatures. At the Volcanic Wine Conference, the first of its kind, Szabo aims to explore the unique characteristics that make volcanic wines special, drawing on experts from all related fields and wine producers from across the globe to delve deeply into the topic.
“The conference seminars will explore what differentiates volcanic wines in the world of wine, and what unites them. It will also give participants an unprecedented opportunity to taste a vast collection of volcanic wines under a single roof, with producers at hand to further explain their unique attributes,” says Szabo.
Producers from regions as diverse as Basilicata, Sicily, Soave, Campania, Santorini, Tokaj, Badacsony, Somló, Washington State and more will be participating in the inaugural conference. Winemakers, academics and journalists will be presenting educational seminars during breakout tasting sessions on various aspects of volcanic wines.
About John Szabo
John Szabo is a Toronto-based author and wine critic, and in 2004 was the first Canadian to add the Master Sommelier credential to his name. He was named ‘Canada’s best-known sommelier’ in Meininger’s Wine Business International, and he is a partner and a wine critic for WineAlign.com and freelances widely. In addition to Volcanic Wines, Salt, Grit and Power, his book titles include Pairing Food and Wine for Dummies and Sommelier Management. John also works as a restaurant consultant, and speaks and judges internationally, when he’s not making a few dozen bottles of wine from his vineyard in Eger, Hungary.
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