Stags Leap District Winegrowers’ 20th Annual Vineyard to Vintner

April 12, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Vineyard to Vintner takes place April 27-29, 2018 in the Napa Valley

Tickets are limited and can be purchased here. Each year, member wineries of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers open their doors for this one weekend, giving visitors exclusive access to the wines, vineyards and people behind this iconic wine region. Visitors enjoy unparalleled personal, backstage access to private homes and historic wineries alike. The weekend includes exclusive dinners, private tours, barrel tastings, food pairings, music, and experiences–all set amongst the glorious vineyards and towering Palisades of the Stags Leap District.

To further support relief efforts from the recent fires, 5% of the proceeds from this year’s Saturday Open House tickets will be donated to the Napa Valley Community Foundation. Additionally, for the first time and to kick-off the Saturday festivities, there will be a Vineyard ‘Walk and Talk’ with vintner Jim Regusci to hear a firsthand account of the harrowing tales about the Napa Valley October fires and discuss vineyard management and landscape recovery.

“Vineyard to Vintner is a rare opportunity for wine enthusiasts to have VIP access to the owners, and winemakers in our iconic appellation,” said Nancy Bialek, Executive Director of Stags Leap District Winegrowers. “It’s truly an extraordinary weekend with library wine dinners, open houses, a vintner-hosted lunch, and the first taste of the critically acclaimed 2015 Cabernet Sauvignons from Stags Leap District. If you are a Cabernet fan you simply can’t miss this event.”

This year’s Vineyard to Vintner hosting wineries include Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Odette Estate, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards.

The Vineyard to Vintner weekend includes:
Exclusive Vintner-Hosted Library Wine Dinners: Friday, April 27, 2018 // 6:30PM – 10:00PM
On Friday evening, the winery owners and vintners of the Stags Leap District dig deep into their cellars to share their most cherished library wines for an intimate dining opportunity. Guests choose from among dinners at Baldacci Family Vineyards (co-hosted with Shafer Vineyards, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards), Chimney Rock Winery (co-hosted with Ilsley Vineyards, Odette Estate and Regusci Winery), Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (co-hosted with Clos Du Val, Lindstrom Wines, Quixote Winery and Silverado Vineyards), and Stags’ Leap Winery (co-hosted with Cliff Lede Vineyards, Malk Family Vineyards and Pine Ridge Vineyards) as four celebrated chefs create cabernet inspired menus. Each dinner is open to just 45 guests and provides an unforgettable night of world-class wines and hospitality.

The Vineyard to Vintner weekend includes:
Vineyard “Walk and Talk” with Jim Regusci: Saturday, April 28, 2018 // 9:00AM – 10:00AM
Offered for the first time, guests can join a Vineyard ‘Walk and Talk’ with vintner Jim Regusci. Hear a first-hand account of the harrowing tales about the Napa Valley October fires and see the landscape recovery as Jim gives a personal tour of his property.

Open Houses: Saturday, April 28, 2018 // 10:00AM – 4:00PM
On Saturday, individual Winery Open Houses provide back-stage access to the Association’s member wineries. Guests spend the day with vintners and winemakers at their private homes and historic wineries and enjoy special access to wines and food not available to the general public.

Vintner-Hosted Lunch and Appellation Collection Tasting: Saturday, April 29, 2018 // 11:30AM – 2:00PM
The Vineyard to Vintner weekend concludes Sunday with a vintner-hosted farm-to-table buffet lunch. Set among the sprawling ranch at Regusci Winery V2V guests also get a first “sneak peek” of the 2015 Stags Leap District Appellation Collection released in the fall.

Tickets and Additional Information
Tickets go on sale, February 14, 2018. You can find more information and purchase tickets, at http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V. Prices range from $690 for a three-day pass, to $545 for a two-day pass (Friday/Saturday), $340 for a two-day pass (Saturday/Sunday), and $195 for a Saturday single-day pass. ‘Signature Wine Weekends for Two’ packages are available for $3,399 and include two passes for all three days of the event, the limited 2015 Appellation Collection of 17 handcrafted 2015 SLD designated Cabernet Sauvignons each signed exclusively by the vintners, and one Solle two-bottle jacquard and leather embossed wine tote. More information can be found at http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V.

About Stags Leap District Winegrowers:
The Stags Leap District Winegrowers is a non-profit association of vintners and growers united by the mission of enhancing the reputation of the appellation and its wines, and sharing its quality with the wine-loving world. The SLDWA is comprised of 17 wineries and 10 grower members. Wineries include: Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Odette Estate Winery, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards. To learn more about the Stags Leap District, please visit stagsleapdistrict.com or find the Association on Facebook.com/StagsLeapDistrict, Instagram.com/StagsLeapAVA Twitter @StagsLeapAVA. #SLDV2V

Napa County Agricultural Preserve Celebrates 50 Years

March 31, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Napa, CA – The Napa County Agricultural Preserve marks its 50-year anniversary in 2018. To celebrate this momentous milestone, community leaders from the Jack L. Davies Napa Valley Agricultural Land Preservation Fund and other organizations from throughout Napa County will work together to educate both residents and visitors on the significance of this remarkable achievement.

A landmark ruling, passed in 1968 by the Napa County Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors, created the Ag Preserve – the first of its kind in the U.S. This innovative statute launched a succession of progressive land-use policies to protect farmland from encroaching urbanization. County leaders and voters overcame initial dissent to prioritize agriculture as the best use of the land. This ground-breaking action protects 31,609 acres of Ag Preserve farmlands from urban development until 2058.

“Today, we are all the beneficiaries of the Agricultural Preserve’s visionary leaders,” says Hugh Davies, Jack L. Davies Ag Fund Board Chair and President of Schramsberg Vineyards. “The Board of Supervisors vote was controversial in 1968, but it is widely celebrated today. By protecting the rich farmland and open space of this world-renowned winegrowing region, the Napa County Agricultural Preserve has helped make the region what it is today—a national treasure and a very special place to live, work and visit.”

To help celebrate this special anniversary, and being reflective of the cooperative spirit embraced by the citizens of Napa County, the JLD Ag Fund is collaborating with organizations throughout the county to educate the public and raise awareness of the Napa County Ag Preserve. These include the County of Napa, Napa Valley Vintners, Napa Valley Grapegrowers, Visit Napa Valley, Napa Farm Bureau, Napa Valley Museum and Napa Valley Vine Trail.

Among the various activities in the works are:

The launch of a new website: www.napaagpreserve.org

A series of short films documenting personal testimonies from three generations of locals describing the economic, cultural and environmental importance of the Ag Preserve to the County
Four new highway signs on Highway 29 and Silverado will welcome visitors as they enter the Ag Preserve
A new kiosk on the Napa Valley Vine Trail, located near Oak Knoll Avenue, will help inform the public of the importance of the Ag Preserve for future generations
A new exhibit at the Napa Valley Museum which will highlight the historical significance of the Ag Preserve and its impact on the present day

For this year’s Auction Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Vintners have included a special auction lot where the lucky bidder will receive a collection of 300 magnums from around the valley, as well as a day in the Napa County Agricultural Preserve with friends experiencing its wines, its vines and its people. Many wineries located in and around the Ag Preserve will also be distributing educational materials in their tasting rooms to further promote the Napa County Ag Preserve to locals and guests.

Additional programs and activities are planned for 2018 and will be announced as more information becomes available. Those interested in finding out more about the Napa Ag Preserve and the activities planned around the 50th anniversary are encouraged to visit NapaAgPreserve.org.

About the Jack L. Davies Napa Valley Agricultural Land Preservation Fund:
In 2003, recognizing a mutual commitment to preserving the agricultural lands and heritage that are fundamental to Napa County’s rural character, the Jack L. Davies Fund, the Napa Valley Foundation and the Napa Valley Agricultural Land Preservation Fund united to create The Jack L. Davies Napa Valley Agricultural Land Preservation Fund. Guided by a volunteer board of directors, the JLD Ag Fund operates under the premise that only an educated electorate can protect the integrity of the land, and is dedicated to a mission of preserving, protecting, and promoting agricultural land in Napa County. More information about the Jack L. Davies Ag Fund are available at JLDAgFund.org.

SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS WINE ARTISANS CELEBRATE 12th ANNUAL GALA MAY 19

February 25, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif.—Tickets are now on sale for the Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans 12^th annual Sun, Wind & Wine Gala Saturday, May 19 at Mer Soleil Winery in Monterey wine country.

The Gala celebration is a strolling wine tasting through the barrel cellar of Mer Soleil, a venue not normally open to the public. Guests enjoy limited release Santa Lucia Highland poured by the vintners themselves. Participating wineries include: August West, Belle Glos, Bernardus, Boekenoogen, Bruliam, Caraccioli Cellars, Cima Collina, Estancia, Hahn Family Wines, Hope & Grace, J. Lohr, J. McFarland, Joyce, Kosta Browne, La Rochelle, Luli, Mansfield-Dunne, Manzoni, McIntyre, Mer Soleil, Miner Family, Miura, Mooney, Morgan, Odonata, Pessagno, Pisoni Vineyards, Lucia Vineyards, Poppy, Prim Family, Puma Road, Roar, Sarah’s Vineyard, Scheid, Siduri, Smith Family, Talbott, Tantara, Testarossa, Tondre, Tudor, Twomey, Windstream, and Wrath.

Local chefs and food purveyors bring Monterey Peninsula flavor with gourmet bites from the region’s best restaurants and chefs, including Chef Matthew Bolton from The C Restaurant at the Intercontinental Monterey, Chef Soerke Peters from Basil Carmel, Chef Cal Stamenov from Bernardus Lodge, Chef Tim Wood from Carmel Valley Ranch, Emanuele Bartolini from La Balena, Tarpy’s Road House, Monterey Plaza Hotel, Jeninni Kitchen and Wine Bar and many more. Artisan food producers including Bar Cart, Chefs Palette Spice Rubs, Marich Chocolate, Schoch Dairy, Zio Brand Sausage and more. A rare, “big bottle” silent auction with exclusive winery experiences benefits a local charity, live music by SoulFoot, and other surprises will round out the day.

Mer Soleil Winery, the northernmost vineyard estate in the Highlands, is owned by the Wagner family, producers of Mer Soleil Chardonnay, Caymus and Conundrum. Mer Soleil is located at 1290 River Road, Salinas, California.

SLH Gala General Admission tickets are $120 per person available online at: https://slhgala.eventbrite.com. A limited number of Early Admission tickets are $150 per person that allow entrance at 11 a.m. to a special advance tasting and auction featuring guaranteed access to rare wines, library releases and new gems from the vintners and growers of the Santa Lucia Highlands.

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About the Santa Lucia Highlands…

The Santa Lucia Highlands is one of the crown jewels of California viticulture, growing and producing some of the state’s best cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The narrow 18-mile appellation encompasses 6,400 acres of prime vineyards, planted on the elevated terraces of the Santa Lucia mountain range in close proximity to nearby Monterey Bay. The region’s unique winegrowing character was recognized with official A.V.A. status in 1991. Formed in 2005, the Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans is a not-for-profit association of vineyards and wineries that grow grapes in the SLH. or use the appellation’s fruit to craft their vintage releases. The group’s online home is SantaLuciaHighlands.com

The International Rhône Wine Community will Unite In Paso Robles Wine Country this April

February 22, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Hospice du Rhône’s bi-annual conference creates the largest gathering of Rhône wines on the planet

San Luis Obispo, Calif. USA— Hospice du Rhône®, an international wine organization based in San Luis Obispo, California, will host their bi-annual Paso Robles conference April 26 -28, 2018 at the Paso Robles Event Center. Uniting the world-wide Rhône wine community, the three-day wine event will gather attendees for a weekend complete with in-depth educational seminars, tastings exploring global Rhône wines, carefully curated meals and so much more.

Through the years, Hospice du Rhône has played host to a diverse set of international Rhône personalities, tasted attendees on Rhône wines found only at the Paso Robles conference and has been the launching platform for many Rhône focused wineries. The 2018 event will continue this tradition by uniting an international group of winemakers, importers, enthusiasts, sommeliers and media who all share a passion for the twenty-two Rhône varieties.

The 2018 Seminar Series will once again gather Rhône winemakers and winegrowers alike to take the stage to discuss all things Rhône wine. Starting off the series will be a lively look, and taste, into the South African Cinsault renaissance. Presenting a collection of wines that will deliciously illustrate this Cinsault phenomenon will be Ryan Mostert of Silwervis, Andrea Mullineux of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, Tremayne Smith of The Blacksmith and Danie Steytler of Kaapzicht Wine Estate. Moderated by Lauren Buzzeo of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Digging deep into the historic soils of the Hoffmann Vineyard, planted in the 1880s, within the Barossa Valley in Australia will be four dynamic winemakers and one sixth generation farmer. Examining cultural history and how winemakers interpret fruit from the same vines will be Adrian Hoffmann of Hoffman Vineyard, Paul Heinecke of Soul Growers, Russell Johnstone of RBJ Vintners, Chris Ringland of North Barossa Vintners Collaboration and Michael Twelftree of Two Hands Winery & Twelftree, along with moderator Chuck Hayward of Vinroads.

Adding to the docket will be an in-depth look into the fascinating history of California Rhône vineyards dating back to the 1880s. Sharing Rhône wines from a variety of historic California vineyards, insight and stories of the past will be presenters Morgan Twain-Peterson, MW of Bedrock Wine Company and Tegan Passalacqua of Sandlands and Turley Wine Cellars. Moderating this look at the past will be John Alban, Founder of Hospice du Rhône and Alban Vineyards.

Making the trip from the Rhône Valley to close out the 2018 Paso Robles Seminar Series will be the ever-gracious and talented Philippe Guigal of E. Guigal. Guests will experience the magic of Philippe, his wines and his family’s history as they taste through wines from one of the greatest wine estates in the world.

The journey continues with over 130 global Rhône wine producers sharing their wines at both the Opening and the Closing tastings. The Opening Tasting will focus on Rhône wines from the 2012 vintage and older where the Closing Tasting will feature Rhône variety wines from the 2012 vintage and newer. This tasting format allows guests a two-day opportunity to taste how gracefully the producers’ wines age and what to expect in the future. A list of all attending Rhône wine producers and importers may be found on the organizations website.

This Rhônely installment would not be complete without exquisite culinary comrades taking to the stove. Guests will delight in cuisine from Chef John Toulze of the girl & the fig of Sonoma at an invite-only welcome reception, the refreshing fare of Chef Nick Nolan of Society Cuisine of Paso Robles for the Rosé Lunch, and the talented Chef Spencer Johnston of Danior Kitchen Catering from San Luis Obispo at the Saturday Farewell Dinner.

This bi-annual conference could not be made possible without the generosity of sponsors. Supporting the 2018 Paso Robles gathering is Cadus Tonnellerie France, Clever Concepts, Farm Credit West, FedEx, Fiji Water, J&L Wines, Pack n’ Ship Direct, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, Poor Richard’s Press, Riedel, The SOMM Journal, Scott Laboratories, Sunridge Nurseries, Taylor Rental Party Plus, the girl & the fig, The Tasting Panel, Travel Paso Robles, Umpqua Bank, Wine & Spirits Magazine and Wine Country this Month.

Attendees should gear up for a weekend of serious Rhône wine fun brimming with all things Rhône. From weekend passes to individual tickets, guests can purchase the option that best fits their schedule. Passes for the Paso Robles conference April 26 – 28, 2018 at the Paso Robles Event Center begin at $100 and are now on sale. To purchase passes and to learn more visit www.hospicedurhone.org.

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About Hospice du Rhône®

Hospice du Rhône® (HdR), located in San Luis Obispo, California, operates as a non-profit business league with the specific purpose of improving the business conditions of grape growers and wine producers of Rhône variety wines and grapes throughout the world. An international vintners’ association, they provide promotional and educational opportunities to the wine industry, trade and Rhône enthusiasts. Hospice du Rhône is not affiliated with any other charitable organizations and is a non-profit 501 (c) (6) Business League.

Get Social with Hospice du Rhône

Facebook.com/HospiceduRhoneIntl

Instagram.com/HospiceduRhone

Official Event Hashtag: #hdrpaso

Alexander Valley Vineyards of Healdsburg, California Wins Top Honors

January 31, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional BRIT sustainable awards went to:

Gold medals

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

Silver medal

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

Bronze medal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 25, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Steve Lohr, photo New York Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 13, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

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

Kathyrn Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perlis Picks: From Abe Schoener — Wine Study in the Loire: Lessons in the Foundation of Winemaking – Part One

September 9, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

I’ve made no secret that I am a huge fan of Abe Schoener, owner/winemaker of The Scholium Project. His wines are never mere quaffs and consistently require at least this wine lover to pay extra attention to what is in his glass. His writing is often the same, and he provides his mailing list readers with his own interesting insights into the wine world.

Not long ago, I received an email from Abe that I wanted to share with you. It is admittedly long, so I’ve broken it into a few parts and made a few very minor edits.

Abe Schoener via you tube

So now, with Abe’s permission, I give you…

A NEW LESSON IN THE MORAL NATURE OF WINEMAKING: LES JARDINS DES ESMÉRALDINS

Winestudy in the Loire

I am in Europe. I flew from Chicago to Paris on Thursday and drove into the center of France to administer the vows at the wedding of two friends in Savennières, in the heart of winegrowing region of the Loire. At the wedding, I met other winemakers, very serious people who make small amounts of wine with the greatest of care. All of them work fields that belong to their families; all feel that they are engaged in very traditional work, extending not just a profession but a way of life that reaches back dozens of centuries. All of the people that I met work in a somewhat unconventional way, even if they think of it as traditional. They make very serious wines, not anti-establishment gestures, yet they all eschew the use of sulfur in the winery and farm their vineyards organically, with the use of herbicide unimaginable. They have all figured out how to hold to this and produce wines of absolutely classical clarity, grace, proportion, and deep complexity. There are wines produced nearby that are made also by serious people but who achieve very different results; wines that are for me to some degree caricatures of other wines, not efforts of gravity– and this is no doubt fine with them.

On Sunday my friend Robert had prevailed on one of the brides to reach out to a local winemaker who works very quietly and is completely reclusive in his habits. He is not easy to see, he has no desire to engage in promotion. We would have had no hope of reaching him ourselves, but she is a local kid, and somehow got us an appointment. Sunday at 5. “Show up early. Do not bring your normal expectations.”

We pulled into a narrow drive in the completely walled town of Brézé. There are no freestanding houses on the street; instead, unbroken walls made from the local tufa; with some houses set into the walls and opening directly onto the street, and other set back, with small, in-town, walled estates surrounding the houses, and ornate gates barring the way. Everything seems very old– perhaps from before the revolution. There is a large and famous castle across the street, and it seems quite grand, but everything on our side of the street seems to be not only old, but in a mild state of decline and disrepair. At the end of our grass and gravel drive, a small chateau, shuttered, and with the air of having been abandoned. The land around it is wild and overgrown. I think of The Fall of the House of Usher, of Billy Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard.

We are met by a man, tall, thin, graceful, who greets us warmly and suddenly we know that we are already inside something very special, something unforeseeable. “Xavier,” he introduces himself and listens carefully to our names. He walks us around the corner of the chateau to a hole in the ground, underneath some kind of wild tree with leaves like a bay, but the growth habit of large weed. We discern stone steps overgrown with grass and moss, and wait, while he disappears further into the earth. He returns with a box of wine glasses like any others, and four bottles unlabeled, all previously opened, with their corks jammed back into them.

All of the bottles have been open for 15 days, he says.

To be continued…

Environmental Leader Awards SIP Certified with Project of the Year

July 6, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Atascadero, Calif., — Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified, a rigorous third-party certification program for vineyards and wineries, is pleased to share they have been awarded Project of the Year from the Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards. Considered a model project by judges, SIP Certified has been recognized for their dedication to preserving and protecting natural and human resources.

“SIP Certified is a practical approach to translating sustainability goals to business practices in the real world. Its strength comes from being focused on serving an industry sector – vineyards and wine production – and using a broad set of criteria beyond environmental performance in measuring sustainability, including social and economic factors,” notes one judge of the SIP Certified project. “The number of organizations certified and high retention rate are indicative of a well-designed and executed program.”

The Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards is a program recognizing excellence in products and services that provide companies with energy and environmental benefits, or in projects implemented by companies that improved environmental or energy management and increased the bottom line.

“We are beyond thrilled to be recognized by the Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards for standing strong in our commitment to sustainability,” says Beth Vukmanic Lopez, SIP Certified Manager. “Since 2008, our goal has been to work with vineyards and wineries to offer great wines that protect the people and the planet.”

With rapid advancements and a continuous rate of change in the field, sustainability and energy professionals have a notoriously difficult time knowing what products to choose to help their companies increase energy, environmental, and sustainability performance. The Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards give companies a solid base of products, vetted by experts, from which to choose, as well as a variety of successful projects to illustrate how sustainability and energy management is helping companies improve.

Scores were determined by a panel of independent judges headed by Peter Bussey of LNS Research and also including judges from Advanced Micro Devices, ATT, Best Buy, C&A, Caesars, Cox Enterprises, Fetzer Vineyards, General Motors, Harbec, Kellogg, LNS Research, Marriott, MillerCoors, Newell Brands, Novartis, Oldcastle Inc., Panasonic, Parker Hannifin, Paul Leavoy/Consultant, Safeway, Sears Holdings Corporation, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Strategic Sustainable Consulting, Tyco Global Products, Wellborn Cabinet, and Zee Company/Member of the Vincit Group.

“With a highly respected (and critical) judging panel and a strict set of judging criteria, entrants faced an extremely high bar for the level of product or project to qualify for an award,” says Tim Hermes, publisher of Environmental Leader parent company, Business Sector Media. “Those who entered needed to bring their A-game to get even a sniff of award-nirvana. And they delivered.”

About SIP Certified

Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified provides a way for vineyards and wineries to verify their attention to sustainability through a commitment to environmental stewardship, equitable treatment of employees, and economic viability. Developed by the Vineyard Team, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to sustainable winegrowing since 1994, this program represents one extension of the group’s many innovative programs. To learn more about SIP Certified, please visit the website www.sipcertified.org. For more information about the Vineyard Team, please visit www.vineyardteam.org.

About Environmental Leader

Since 2006, Environmental Leader’s website and daily email newsletter have provided the definitive and objective voice in reporting on business-related energy, environmental, and sustainability issues, while Energy Manager Today is the leading daily trade publication keeping corporate executives informed about energy management news. For more information visit www.environmentalleader.com or www.energymanagertoday.com.

About the Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards

In its fifth year, the Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards recognize excellence in products and services that provide companies with energy and environmental benefits, or in corporate projects that improved environmental, sustainability or energy management and increased the bottom line. It is a five-point rating system designed to offer companies feedback and recognition. Third-party judges came from the following companies: Advanced Micro Devices, ATT, Best Buy, CandA, Caesars, Cox Enterprises, Fetzer Vineyards, General Motors, Harbec, Kellogg, LNS Research, Marriott, MillerCoors, Newell Brands, Novartis, Oldcastle Inc., Panasonic, Parker Hannifin, Paul Leavoy/Consultant, Safeway, Sears Holdings Corporation, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Strategic Sustainable Consulting, Tyco Global Products, Wellborn Cabinet, and Zee Company/Member of the Vincit Group.

For a complete list of winners, visit www.environmentalleader.com/environmental-leader-product-project-awards-2017/

Dry Creek Valley Launches Exclusive “Winemakers in Conversation” Event Series

May 14, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Healdsburg, Calif. (PRWEB) – Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley will follow up their 28th annual Passport event with the launch of a new event series called “Winemakers in Conversation.” The series is comprised of three different immersive experiences, “Zealous about Zinfandel,” “Cult Cabernets” and “Zintopia.” Each experience, which is designed for just 50 attendees, will feature four Dry Creek Valley winemakers, one winegrower, and will be moderated by a wine industry icon. All tickets are $125.

The Winemakers in Conversation events begin with a seated, classroom-style tasting in which the four winemakers will each share and discuss a cellar selection wine, contextualizing it within the characteristic qualities unique to Dry Creek Valley. After the panel, the event breaks into a social, open tasting format with eight food pairings and passed hors d’oeuvres.

The schedule is as follows:

Saturday, July 15, 2017 – 10:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zealous About Zinfandel at Quivira Vineyards and Winery

The first tasting in the series is moderated by San Francisco Chronicle Wine Editor Esther Mobley. Guests will take a deep dive into the world of Dry Creek Valley’s most historic grape, with Ridge Vineyards Winemaker John Olney, Pedroncelli Winemaker Montse Reese, Seghesio Vineyards Winemaker Ted Seghesio and Quivira Vineyards’ Hugh Chappelle.

Saturday, July 22, 2017 – 10:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cult Cabernets at Passalacqua Winery

The second tasting in the series is moderated by Virginie Boone of Wine Enthusiast. Guests will explore Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with winemakers Jennifer Higgins of Lambert Bridge Winery, Tim Bell of Dry Creek Vineyard, Ed Sbragia of Sbragia Vineyards and Jessica Boone of Passalacqua. Also joining the discussion is grower Ryan Petersen from Petersen Management.

Sunday, July 30, 2017 – 10:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zintopia at Preston Vineyards

The final tasting in the series is moderated by the Chef and Author John Ash, the father of wine country cuisine. Guests will savor fine examples of Dry Creek Valley zinfandel from winemakers/owners Erik Miller of Kokomo Winery, Clay Mauritson of Mauritson Wines, Joe Healy of Bella Vineyards and Wine Cave and Lou Preston of Preston Farm and Winery. Chef Ash will be crafting pairings for this event, utilizing ingredients from Preston Farm.

Getting here:
Dry Creek Valley is located in the heart of Sonoma County, just 15 minutes from Sonoma County Airport (STS) and 70 miles north of San Francisco and Bay Area international airports SFO and OAK. Direct flights into STS are available on Alaska Airlines from Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle and Portland; visitors on these flights can check a case of wine for free on their flight home. American Airlines flies from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) to STS. A complete list of lodging options can be found at http://www.drycreekvalley.org.

Tickets can be found at: drycreekvalley.org/events/winemakers-in-conversation

About Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley:

Dry Creek Valley is a premium winegrowing region in northern Sonoma County, California, anchored by the charming town of Healdsburg. Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley® (WDCV) is a 501c6 non-profit trade association of over 60 wineries and 150 winegrape growers. Formed in 1989, the association represents a multi-generational family community of vintners and growers committed to growing high-quality fruit, producing world-class wines, and welcoming visitors to experience Wine Paired with Life®. Being good stewards of the land means that we are preserving the quality of our wines and the unparalleled beauty of Dry Creek Valley for future generations to discover. For more information, visit http://www.drycreekvalley.org.