Eve's Wine 101

California’s Russian River Valley Winegrowers Announces Presenting Sponsorship of Pinot Forum, July 10-12, 2022

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FULTON, CALIF. (PRWEB) – An unrivaled opportunity for wine trade to explore the wines of one of California’s most lauded regions, Pinot Forum will return in Summer 2022. Presented for the first time by Russian River Valley Winegrowers (RRVW), the immersive three-day series of tastings, seminars, and vineyard tours affords attendees an in-depth knowledge of the distinctive Pinot Noirs of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. The event brings winemakers, proprietors, and growers together to offer a deep dive into the history and terroir of the region, demonstrate winemaking techniques and showcase the area’s incredible wines. Pinot Forum Presented by Russian River Valley Winegrowers will be held in-person from July 10-12, 2022.

For nearly twenty years, fine wine buyers from across the country have come to Pinot Forum for a hands-on education of Pinot Noirs and winemakers of this esteemed California growing region. This year, the partnership with Russian River Valley Winegrowers has allowed the event to enhance its programming and expand its roster of participating wineries. The addition of the Marketplace Grand Tasting, which will emphasize small wineries new to wholesale alongside artisan local food purveyors, provides even more context for the richness of the region’s food and wine traditions. Up and coming wineries will also pour, giving attendees a first taste at undiscovered brands.

“There’s no better way to experience this mix of highly regarded, well-known wineries along with new players. Between the comprehensive education and connections with winemakers, attendees will come away as experts in Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, one of the most prevalent grape varieties in our northern California area,” said Jesslyn Jackson, executive director, Russian River Valley Winegrowers. “We’re proud to leverage our membership and community base to enrich the seminars, panels and events, and support the ongoing education programs. Pinot Noirs from our region are among the finest in the world, and we can’t wait to welcome our trade partners this summer.”

Other Pinot Forum Presented by Russian River Valley Winegrowers event highlights include master classes, vineyard walks complete with soil pits to highlight soil profiles from around the American Viticultural Area (AVA), farming discussions and winery production tours. The gala Grand Dinner and festive closing Bacchanalia also provide lots of quality time to connect with winemakers and like-minded wine professionals from around the country.

“I am excited to host Pinot Forum Presented by Russian River Valley Winegrowers in-person for 2022. We have even more wineries, wines, and winemakers eager to share what makes our home uniquely special. We are a collaborative group of friends, family, and coworkers who work and play together every day,” said Mari Jones, president, Emeritus Vineyards and chair of Pinot Forum 2022. “Our attendees become part of the history and fabric of the Russian River Valley every year. That’s what makes Pinot Forum different from other educational opportunities.”

Participating Wineries
Ancient Oak, Balletto Vineyards, Bob Cabral Wines, Cartograph Wines, Davis Bynum, Deutsch Family Wine, Domaine Della, Domaine de la Rivière, DNA Vineyards, DuMOL Winery, Emeritus Vineyards, Gary Farrell Winery, Hartford Family Winery, Joseph Jewell Wines, Joseph Swan Winery, Kanzler Family Vineyards, Kosta Browne, La Crema, Lando Wines, Marimar Estate, Martinelli Winery, Merry Edwards Winery, Patz & Hall Winery, Pellegrini Olivet Lane, Ramey Wine Cellars, Ron Rubin Winery, Scherrer Winery, Senses Wines, Siduri Wines, Three Sticks Wines, and Trione Vineyards and Winery. More program participants to be announced.

Application Details
The event is trade focused, and geared toward sommeliers, wine buyers, beverage managers, and fine wine retailers from across the country. Apply now through April 3, 2022, at http://www.pinotforum.com/apply. There is space for only 60 attendees; a lottery of qualified applications will be held, and selected applicants will be confirmed in mid-April. Acceptance into Pinot Forum includes lodging, meals, and all seminars, tastings and events.

COVID Protocols
The health and safety of all participants is a top priority. Pinot Forum will abide by all local and state ordinances in place at the time of the program.

About the Russian River Valley Winegrowers
The Russian River Valley Winegrowers (RRVW) is a community of winemakers and farmers dedicated to producing exceptional wines that showcase the nuance and diversity of California’s Russian River Valley neighborhoods. Members are committed to being good stewards of the land and honoring the area’s rich farming heritage. Founded in 1994, the nonprofit organization is dedicated to driving awareness for its 200 members with marketing, sales and event initiatives that showcase the acclaimed Russian River Valley growing region and its outstanding cool-climate wines. For more information on the Russian River Valley, please email info@rrvw.org or visit http://www.russianrivervalley.org or follow on facebook.com/russianrivervalleywinegrowers, instagram.com/rrvwinegrowers and @RRVWinegrowers.

About Pinot Forum
Russian River Valley Pinot Forum began in 2003, with a mission to educate fine wine buyers about the distinctive characteristics of Pinot Noirs and winemakers of California’s Russian River Valley. Open only to members of the trade, the Forum consists of three days of seminars, tasting and on-site tours to select wineries and vineyards, with cutting-edge winemakers addressing the history of the area, terminology and terroir of the region. Participants are afforded an in-depth view of how and why the Pinot Noirs of the Russian River Valley are distinctive. Visit http://www.pinotforum.com to learn more.

Stags Leap District Winegrowers Announces Esteemed Culinary Partners for Vineyard to Vintner, April 22-24, 2022

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NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Offering even more reasons to attend its signature gathering, Stags Leap District Winegrowers today announced the roster of elite chefs and culinary partners for the 2022 Vineyard to Vintner weekend. The annual celebration brings Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts together with vintners, winemakers and principals for exclusive tastings, in-depth education and exquisite meals. This year’s event will be held Friday through Sunday, April 22 to 24, 2022.

“While renowned wines and rare library offerings take the spotlight throughout the weekend, guests will also be treated to an array of opulent menus designed to beautifully complement the power and grace of Stags Leap District varietals,” said Nancy Bialek, Executive Director of Stags Leap District Winegrowers. “We’re thrilled to welcome some of the region’s most exciting chefs to Vineyard to Vintner this year.”

Culinary partners include Michelin-starred and Wine Spectator Award-winning chef Ken Frank of La Toque; chef Daniel Gomez, who has more than 15 years of experience at Michelin-starred restaurants including The French Laundry and Cyrus; cookbook author and acclaimed Napa Valley chef Peter Hall; Top Chef finalist and fan favorite Casey Thompson of the newly opened Folk Table restaurant; chef, restaurateur and author Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen fame; executive winery chef Travis Westrope of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, along with Elaine Bell Catering; and Tracy and John Anderson, proprietors of Woodhouse Chocolates in St. Helena.

Featured Vineyard to Vintner Culinary Highlights:
Library Wine Dinners: Friday, April 22 // 6:30PM – 10:00PM

  • An Illuminating Wine and Food Experience with Chef, Author and Restaurateur Tanya Holland, hosted at Chimney Rock Winery with Shafer Vineyards and Quixote Winery
  • Homegrown: An Exploration of Fine Wines and Farm-to-Table Dining in Stags Leap District with Chef Casey Thompson, hosted at Regusci Winery with Lindstrom Wines and Stags’ Leap Winery
  • NOLA in Napa with Chef and Author Peter Hall, hosted at Silverado Vineyards with Cliff Lede Vineyards and Ilsley Vineyards
  • A Feast of Legendary Wine and Food with Chef Travis Westrope and Elaine Bell Catering, hosted at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars with Pine Ridge Vineyards, Malk Family Vineyards and Baldacci Family Vineyards
  • An Evening Under the Stars with SLD’s Pioneering Families with Chef Daniel Gomez, hosted at Taylor Family Vineyards with Clos Du Val and Steltzner Vineyards

Vintner-Hosted Gala Luncheon and Appellation Collection Preview: Saturday, April 23 // 12:30PM – 3:00PM at Stags’ Leap Winery.

Guests, vintners and winemakers will join in a celebratory champagne welcome followed by a strolling lunch prepared by Michelin-starred and Wine Spectator Award-winning chef Ken Frank of famed Napa Valley restaurant La Toque, along with specialties from Tracy and John Anderson of Woodhouse Chocolates of St. Helena. Vintners will showcase critically acclaimed wines as well as a sneak preview of the Stags Leap District 2019 Appellation Collection Cabernet Sauvignons, scheduled for release in October 2022.

The full Vineyard to Vintner weekend also comprises “Digging Deeper: Vineyard Walks, Talks and Tastings,” on Saturday, April 23, and “Savor SLD,” exclusive winery tasting experiences, on Sunday April 24. Guests will have the chance to fully explore the region while tasting wines and meeting with vintners from 16 famed properties, including Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, 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.

Tickets, Schedule and Additional Information
A limited number of tickets remain available and can be purchased at http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V. The Friday through Saturday experience (April 22-24, 2022) is $1,200 per person, which includes the entire weekend’s offerings. Visit http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V for the full schedule and other details.

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 16 wineries and 9 grower members. Wineries include: Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, 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 and Twitter @StagsLeapAVA.

Wine Cab: the wine route by English taxi to discover the Bordeaux vineyards differently

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Each year in France, 10 million wine tourists come to discover some 10,000 cellars open to visits throughout the country.

But this success has a drawback: the circuits offered are all alike. Wine lovers have to do with soulless luxury sedans and signposted tours, without much originality.

It is because he had this experience when he moved to Bordeaux 12 years ago that Antoine Beucher decided to break the codes of the market. He invented a unique, deliciously atypical concept: Wine Cab, the wine route by English taxi.

Climbing aboard the mythical London “cab” means boarding in a car with a vintage look and a strong personality. Fitted out as a real tasting room, the famous Fairway FX4 seduces with its inimitable style and elegant line.

On Bordeaux lands, this English taxi allows you to live a unique experience, at the same time simple, convivial and authentic, to meet passionate winegrowers.

A slow life mindset to reinvent the iconic wine route

Wine Cab embodies a philosophy like the English taxi: the friendly driver offers tailor-made tours or in classic format, with beautiful addresses usually known to only “happy few” in the region.

Tastings in the car, innovative in Bordeaux, mark the spirits by their originality and their quality.

And so to make each lap unforgettable, each participant leaves with a souvenir road book with Polaroid pictures… so chic but without fuss !

The little Wine Cab plus : a welcoming guide in each area, who shares “house” secrets and offers tastings directly from the barrel or the vat.

         “Our Wine Tour concept is simply unique in the world!”

The Wine Cab assets

  • Health security: the English taxi is the only private transport vehicle with protective glass;
  • Private tours: tours take place with friends, couples or families up to 4 people
  • The possibility of creating your own wine (cellar master workshop)
  • Tastings in the taxi while driving;
  • A souvenir road book with Polaroid pictures

Unforgettable tours to satisfy all wine and authenticity lovers.

Wine Cab offers everyone the opportunity to live an exceptional and authentic experience around the best wines.

Zoom on a selection of 2 circuits not to be missed:

Organic wines: “happiness is in organic”

More and more winegrowers have made organic a philosophy and even an art of better living.

Wine Cab therefore offers an initiatory circuit to discover more structured, more aromatic wines, with more fruity and spicy notes, in short, naturally good (organic) wines!

On the program: 4 hours of discovery of the best wines produced by passionate and educationalists winegrowers driven by the desire to introduce this type of culture.

The circuit includes pick-up and drop-off at a hotel in Bordeaux, 2 visits with tasting in 2 “Organic” certified châteaux, 1 “countryside” tasting in the vineyards (or in the Cab in case of rain) and transport in an English cab by an English speaking driver.

As an option, it is also possible to provide accompaniment by an expert oenologist (+280€).

Price: from €132/person

The Wine of Women Winegrowers

Women often have a different outlook than men : they are more open to innovations, organic viticulture and biodynamics.

In Bordeaux, a few women are even pioneers in this field and their wines are very successful.

Wine Cab invites you to meet these passionate and fascinating women who give themselves up through their testimonies and their stories.

About Antoine Beucher, the founder

After studying at a journalism school (Institut Français de Presse) and obtaining a degree in Economics, Antoine Beucher worked as a host in a local channel in Toulouse and then worked for 30 years as the manager of an event agency.

Today, Wine Cab aims to publicize the Wine Tours organized in Bordeaux and to establish itself as the reference for vintage vehicle tours in the region. Moreover, beyond 10 people, the tours can also be organized in Combi, 2 CV, Cadillac…

Subsequently, Wine Cab will duplicate its concept in other wine regions.

To know more

French website: https://www.wine-cab.fr/

English website: https://www.wine-cab.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winecab/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winecab33/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoine-beucher-46910921/

Wines of Alentejo Announces Rigorous Sustainability Certification: Four Wineries Qualified to Date

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EVORA, PORTUGAL (PRWEB) – Certification details were unveiled in August 2020. Qualifying wineries must comply with 86% or more of 171 demanding WASP criteria at the most advanced level. Areas covered are viticulture, vinification, and social responsibility, including employee well-being and benefits for the local community. Independent verification is handled by one of four certifying agencies: Bureau Veritas, Certis, Kiwa Sativa, and SGS.

Herdade dos Grous

Herdade dos Grous manager and oenologist Luís Duarte comments, “As the first winery in Portugal to achieve this level of sustainability certification, we are proud to help promote the image of Portugal and, especially, Alentejo as home to some of the world’s most ecologically and socially responsible wines, bar none.” Herdade dos Grous’ highly regarded “Moon Harvested” a 100% Alicante Bouschet, is one of the first wines to sport the new logo.

WASP debuted just five years ago under the auspices of Portugal’s Comissão Vitivinícola Regional Alentejana (CVRA), aka Wines of Alentejo.

Starting with an impressive 96 members at the end of 2015, that number currently stands at 483 out of a universe of 1,800 winegrowers and 260 wineries.

Members represent nearly 50% of Alentejo’s vineyard area.

Under the WASP auspices, 600 individuals have received one-on-one training or attended classes. A further 1,500 have attended sustainable winegrowing workshops. Key to the program’s success is the focus on helping partners save money: a simple water and electricity monitoring plan, for example, can reduce consumption by 20% to 30%. But João Barroso is especially proud of the program’s leadership role. He is confident that not only other Portuguese regions but other areas and countries around the world will step up to the sustainability challenge.

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 certification process, which is proven by the certification seal placed on the back label of the Alentejo bottles and attests to the guarantee of origin and the quality standard of the wine.

Oregon Welcomes its 22nd American Viticultural Area (AVA): Lower Long Tom

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PORTLAND, ORE. (PRWEB) – Lower Long Tom, the newest appellation in Oregon and the southernmost in the Willamette Valley, has received federal recognition as an American Viticultural Area (AVA). Drawn to reflect distinct soil, topography, and climate attributes, Lower Long Tom becomes the 22nd federally recognized winegrowing region in Oregon, the tenth nested AVA within the Willamette Valley, and the first in the Southern Willamette Valley. The new AVA was granted approval by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) on November 10 and took effect on December 10, 2021.

Located in Lane and Benton counties, Lower Long Tom is characterized by a chain of rolling hills separated by east-to-west valleys, cut by the tributaries of the region’s namesake, the Long Tom River. The AVA sits within the Lower Long Tom watershed and the Long Tom River, a tributary of the Willamette River, serves as the AVA’s eastern boundary.

Vineyards in the appellation are located on stream-cut ridge lines, with Bellpine as the predominate soil type. These shallow, clay-loam soils are formed from up-lifted ancient marine sediments, primarily sandstone.

To the west, the region is flanked by a stretch of significant peaks within the Coast Range, which serve as a weather shield. The rain shadow contributes to consistent grape maturity in the region.

Long Tom is a regional name associated with the Kalapuyan people who have lived in the area for more than 10,000 years. The name is used in recognition of the ongoing contributions of the Kalapuyan people in the local community and across Oregon.

Four years ago, Dieter Boehm of High Pass Winery petitioned the TTB for the addition of the AVA to the wine country map. 12 wineries and 24 vineyards join the new Lower Long Tom AVA. A full list of wineries and vineyards can be found below.

“This neighborhood is warm, genuine, authentic, and down-to-earth, with passionate owners and farmers connected to the land,” said Matt Shown, second-generation winemaker at Brigadoon Wine Co. “That love for this place goes beyond wine and permeates our daily lives.”

“Oregon’s newest viticultural area acknowledges the increasing appreciation our grape growers and winemakers are developing for site-specific growing conditions and flavor complexity,” said Oregon Wine Board Executive Director Tom Danowski. “In the shadow of Prairie Mountain and the Coast Range, Lower Long Tom will add a unique dimension to the Willamette Valley’s esteemed reputation for extraordinarily elegant and expressive fruit.”

Both the industry and consumers who look to Oregon for its one-of-a-kind appellations and the sense of place in Oregon’s wines can celebrate the addition of Lower Long Tom as a nested AVA of the Willamette Valley. Pinot Noir is the predominant grape of the region, with wines leaning toward blue and black fruits and plush tannins for graceful aging. Around a dozen white grape varieties are grown as well, most notably Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot gris, and Sauvignon blanc.

“Pinot noir is still the kingpin variety in the Willamette Valley,” said Morgen McLaughlin, executive director of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. “Winemakers love Pinot noir because it’s such an expressive grape: it insists on telling you where it’s from. We’re so excited to see Pinot noir and other wines from Lower Long Tom AVA recognized in the larger story of the Willamette Valley.”

Lower Long Tom AVA:

Details:
Official date of recognition: December 10, 2021
Total acreage: 25,000
Planted acreage: 575
Number of wineries: 12
Number of vineyards: 24
Varieties: Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot gris, and Sauvignon blanc
Soil: Bellpine

Wineries:
Antiquum Farm
Bennett Vineyards and Wine Company
Bradshaw Vineyard
Brigadoon Wine Co.
Benton Lane Winery
Five Fourteen Vineyard
High Pass Winery
Pfeiffer Vineyards and Winery
Poco Collina
Rainsong Winery
Territorial Vineyards and Wine Company
Walnut Ridge Vineyard

Vineyards*:
Bellpine Vineyard
Chardonnay Way
Davis Reid Vineyard
Evans Vineyard
Fitzpatrick Vineyard
Gelardi Vineyard
Grace Hill Vineyard
Hildebrand Ranch
Kliewers Weinberg
Kokkeler Vineyard
Moriah Vineyard
Priddy Vineyard
Stroda Vineyard
Sunny Mountain
Union School
*Many of the wineries above are located on an estate vineyard.

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ABOUT THE OREGON WINE BOARD
Oregon is home to 995 wineries and 1,370 vineyards planted, generating annual economic impact of $7.2 billion for the state. The Oregon Wine Board is a semi-independent Oregon state agency managing marketing, research, communications, and education initiatives that support and advance the Oregon wine and wine grape industry. The Board works on behalf of all Oregon wineries and independent growers throughout the state’s diverse winegrowing regions. Visit oregonwine.org for more info.

ABOUT THE WVWA
The WVWA is a nonprofit industry association dedicated to achieving recognition for Oregon’s acclaimed Willamette Valley as a premium Pinot noir-producing region. The WVWA has more than 230 members representing wineries, tasting rooms and vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley. The organization also hosts Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction, Oregon Pinot Camp, Pinot in the City, May in Wine Country, The Giving Season and the Cellar Season. Visit willamettewines.com for more info.

Slow Wine Announces Its 2022 Us Tour, Welcoming New Wineries From Italy And The United States

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NEW YORK (PRWEB)  – The acclaimed Italian wine organization, Slow Wine, announces the return of its annual multi-city event series in the United States. The series celebrates the publication of the international 2021 Slow Wine Guide, which originated in Italy as the sustainable beverage branch of the Slow Food movement. Events will be held in San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, Miami, and New York, between January 24th and February 2nd, 2022.

Photo: from Slow Wine Guide’s Facebook.

The Guide’s Italian wine section continues to grow substantially, as more environmentally-focused wine producers join their peers in the Slow Wine movement. A total of 1,958 Italian producers are featured in the Guide this year. Slow Wine’s United States membership has also grown significantly, guided by US Editor and esteemed wine educator, Deborah Parker Wong, and her team of dedicated field coordinators. For the first time ever, the United States portion of the 2021 Guide will stand on its own as an individual publication, separate from the Italian wineries, boasting 285 wineries from California, Oregon, Washington and New York. Slow Wine is keeping this format for the upcoming 2022 edition, published by Goff Books.

The Slow Wine Tour will be back on the road in the United States in early 2022, thanks to the dedication of the guide’s Editor in Chief, Giancarlo Gariglio, and his team. The tasting events will showcase more than 75 wineries from Italy and the United States, welcoming hundreds of wine professionals in San Francisco (January 24th), Seattle (January 25th), Austin (January 27th), Miami (January 31st), and New York (February 2nd). Slow Wine will be one of the first international wine organizations to host a large-scale event series in the country post-Covid-19, continuing its vision of uniting the Italian and American wine industries through clean viticulture.

The mission of Slow Wine, a non-profit organization, is to promote “good, clean, and fair” wines, in a time when climate change has never been more evident nor more threatening to winegrowers and winery owners. In a further commitment to sustainable agriculture, Slow Wine partner wineries have signed a Manifesto created by the Slow Wine Coalition, a united global network of wine industry members who are dedicated to supporting a wine revolution driven by environmental sustainability, protection of the land, and rural, social, and cultural growth. The Coalition will meet for the first time in Bologna, Italy, from February 26th to March 1st, 2022 during the Slow Wine Fair for four days of conferences and tastings.

In an effort to modernize the Guide and create additional transparency between the wineries and consumers, the 2021 Slow Wine Guide now features unique QR codes for select wineries, which direct readers to video interviews with the winemakers and the Slow Wine editorial team.

About Slow Wine
The Slow Wine Guide evaluates over 2,000 Italian wineries, and over 300 American – including a small selection from Slovenia – and treats each with the utmost respect and attention. The Slow Wine team prides itself on the human contact it has with all producers, which is essential to the guide’s evaluations. While other guides limit their relationship to a blind tasting and brief write-up, Slow Wine takes the time to get personal with each winery in order to create a well-informed, detailed review of the wines themselves and the people behind the production. Slow Wine selects wineries that respect and reflect their local terroir and practice sustainable methods that benefit the environment. For the first time ever, those wineries that receive the snail or the official Slow Wine seal are 100% free of chemical herbicides, a quality that the Slow Wine Guide continues to passionately support.

About Colangelo & Partners
Colangelo & Partners specializes in premium food, wine and spirits brands, and has long-established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution as well as communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on “closing the loop” between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity and the consumer in order to maximize the efficiency of its communications programs and deliver measurable results.

Lodi Winegrape Commission Celebrates 30 Years

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LODI, Calif.– The year 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the Lodi Winegrape Commission – the grower-centric organization which represents 750 winegrowers farming more than 100,000 acres of winegrapes in the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) spanning California’s northern San Joaquin and Sacramento counties.

Over the past 30 years, the Lodi Winegrape Commission has elevated Lodi’s reputation as a premium winegrowing region amongst core buyers, consumers, trade, and media, while providing support for the region through marketing, education, research, and sustainable winegrowing programs.

Proof of the organization’s decades-long work is reflected in the region itself. Since 1991, Lodi’s acreage under vine has more than doubled, progressing from 39,000 acres to over 100,000 acres. Crop values increased from $80 million to more than $500 million, and the number of wineries expanded from six to 85. Wine-related tourism continues to generate billions of dollars in annual economic impact for the community. The recognized Lodi Appellation has become an indicator of quality on labeled wines, growing from a handful in the 1990s to thousands today.

“The success of the Lodi Winegrape Commission hinges on the support of its winegrowers and wine community,” states Aaron Shinn, Lodi Winegrape Commission board chair. “Collectively, we have excelled at our original objectives to move Lodi forward and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished thus far. In continuing to work together, we have an exciting future ahead of us. The best is yet to come.”

The Commission continues to spur innovation in technology, viticultural practices, and modern thinking while serving as a winegrowing industry thought leader. Its programs and achievements since 1991 are just the beginning of the Commission’s success and contributions to the larger wine industry.

In honor of the accomplishments of its dedicated winegrowers and wine community, the Lodi Winegrape Commission hosted an invitation-only celebration featuring a presentation from California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross on November 17, 2021.

Notable achievements of the Commission over the past 30 years include:

  • In 2005, creation of the LODI RULES for Sustainable Winegrowing program, now widely regarded as the most comprehensive and rigorous sustainable vineyard certification in the world. What began as a handful of certified vineyards in 2005 has increased to nearly 1,300 certified vineyards and 55,380 certified acres across 16 California Crush Districts, Washington, and Israel. The program was awarded the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) in 2006 and again in 2014.

  • In 2015, Lodi was honored as Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Wine Region of the Year because of the Lodi Winegrape Commission’s highly visible and successful consumer-facing branding and national marketing campaign.

  • In 2000, the Lodi Winegrape Commission established the Lodi Wine Visitor Center – one of the industry’s original regional wine education and tasting centers.

  • In 2006, the Lodi Winegrape Commission was instrumental in establishing seven unique areas or nested AVAs within the greater Lodi AVA: Alta Mesa, Borden Ranch, Clements Hills, Cosumnes River, Jahant, Mokelumne River, and Sloughhouse.

  • In August 2020, the Lodi Winegrape Commission released “Mealybug Biocontrol in California Vineyards” – a video detailing a one-year project with Dr. Kent Daane and a team of Lodi growers who later leveraged the original Western SARE grant into a $1 million BIFS (Biologically Integrated Farming Systems) grant for the study of mealybug biocontrol in Lodi and the Central Coast.

  • In October 2020, the Commission launched Save the Old Vines – a marketing campaign aimed specifically at the preservation of heritage vineyards. In March 2021, the Commission was one of a handful of leaders asked to speak at the world’s first Old Vine Conference – a movement dedicated to ensuring heritage vineyards a valued and enduring place within the commercial realities of the global wine industry.

About the Lodi Winegrape Commission

Established in 1991, the Lodi Winegrape Commission represents the common interests of Lodi winegrowers with programs in marketing, education, research, and sustainable viticulture.  The Commission collectively and effectively promotes Lodi’s vibrant, multi-generational farming community and California’s most dynamic wine region. Comprised of nine commissioners and nine alternates, the board of directors provides direction and input on behalf of the region’s 750 winegrowers. For more information about the Lodi Winegrape Commission, visit lodigrowers.com.

About the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA)

A historic winegrowing region since the 1850s, Lodi is perfectly situated 40 miles south of Sacramento and 90 miles east of San Francisco. Lodi’s Mediterranean climate and distinct soils allow its growers to cultivate 125 winegrape varieties, making Lodi the most diverse winegrowing region in the United States. The region also serves as home to 85 boutique wineries specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.

Lodi is naturally a leader in sustainable viticulture. Created by California farmers and accredited by world-renowned scientists, LODI RULES is America’s original sustainable winegrowing program. Held to a high standard of scientific rigor and excellence, the program emphasizes environmentally and socially responsible practices, while keeping economic feasibility in mind for long-term business success. Today, there are more than 55,000 acres certified throughout California, in Washington, and Israel. For more information about the Lodi AVA or LODI RULES, visit lodiwine.com and lodirules.org.

UGCB confirms the strong performance of the Bordeaux Grands Crus

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The 2021 vintage, which tested winegrowers’ nerves until the very end…

The harvest began with the white wines in early September, followed by the reds from the end of the month until mid-October. It signalled the end of a year marked by weather conditions that compelled winegrowers to go the extra mile. After an early start, the 2021 growing season was affected by frost in spring, leading to losses in highly localized areas. While initially slow to emerge, the summer eventually set in, with sunshine and a fairly dry month of August. As a result, the 2021 harvest began later than expected, and yields are lower compared to previous years. The unusual weather also accounts for the distinctive nuances of this vintage. This year’s grapes are remarkably sweet and well-balanced, conducive to producing elegant and harmonious wines. In the coming weeks, they will be transferred to the cellar to age for several months.

… to be presented “En Primeur” in April 2022

As the historic organiser, the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux has confirmed that the next “En Primeur” tastings, bringing industry professionals from around the world, will take place from 25 to 28 April 2022. Health regulations permitting, this international event will be held in the iconic backdrop of Bordeaux. The aim for the UGCB is to continue to support industry activities and maintain longstanding ties between producers and professionals. The one-off format adopted for the previous two years to allow the “En Primeur” tastings to go ahead in the best possible conditions stands as a testimony to this.

 

The Bordeaux Grands Crus have confirmed their strong performance in France and abroad

The Bordeaux Grands Crus are still winning over fans. Sales have seen strong growth in the past year, both in France and all over the world. Exports of Bordeaux wines sold at over €22.50/bottle have exceeded 1.3 billion euros in the past 12 months. According to Ronan Laborde, President of the UGCB, several factors explain this growth. Firstly, the outstanding quality and style of Bordeaux wines, which appeal to enthusiasts. Secondly, the industry’s unique commercial approach, which has helped drive the market despite the restrictions in place

Lodi, California: Home to a World of Winegrape Varieties

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Home to 125 varieties in production, the Lodi AVA is the most diverse winegrowing region in the United States. While it is the leading producer of many top California varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, what makes the region truly distinctive are the myriad of unusual grape varieties planted here. From Alicante Bouschet to Zweigelt, Lodi is a dazzling melting pot of global varieties. Take a peek to learn how Lodi came to grow the largest collection of German varieties outside Deutschland.

Dusky sky over Harney Lane vineyard, Sept. 2013-Credit Randy Caparoso

Lodi’s ideal Mediterranean-like climate is integral to the ability of different winegrapes to flourish within the region. Varying micro-climates across Lodi’s sub-appellations and sandy loam soils rich in granitic-based minerals create an ideal environment for diverse wine production. During the growing season, warm, sunny days allow for optimal ripening of winegrapes, while cool winds off the Pacific Ocean which travel inland over a network of waterways act as a natural air conditioner, helping grapes maintain racy acidity.

In addition to near-perfect terroir, Lodi’s success in winegrape diversification can be attributed to multi-generational winegrowing families who are dedicated to innovative and sustainable viticultural practices. Find out how the region’s LODI RULES for sustainable winegrowing program is ensuring fruitful longevity for years to come.

Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris, where the global industry meets

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Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris is returning to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from 14 to 16 February 2022 for its third edition, marking the resumption of in-person events for the wine and spirits industry. By offering a comprehensive and inspiring range of products with a powerful international resonance, the Vinexposium group’s flagship event is reiterating its commitment to becoming THE global benchmark and a key date for trade members.

Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris will be the first major international event of 2022 and it marks the resumption of full-scale tastings. Highly awaited by the global wine and spirits industry for the variety of products on show and its business meetings, the event is now focusing on promoting attendance by key buyers, including those from outside the EU who are showing a strong interest in the exhibition.

Over three days, more than 2,800 exhibitors will convene in Paris to showcase their latest vintage, their flagship products and rare bottlings, all of them delicious pours to be shared with connoisseurs from around the globe. The desire by French wine marketing boards to join forces by being stakeholders in the event is stronger than ever and the event will group together all of France’s wine regions, alongside an impressive line-up of international wine regions. In total, representations from 23 countries will celebrate the reunion of the wine and spirits community in the heart of the French capital next February.

The event, which will cover four halls at the entrance to the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles exhibition centre (halls 3, 4, 5 and 6), will cater as much to the small winegrowers as to the major international brands. Household names such as François Lurton, Gérard Bertrand, E. Guigal, Maison M. Chapoutier, Domaine Paul Mas, Castel Frères, Maison Sichel, Bernard Magrez, Grands Chais de France and Gh Martel & Cie Champagne will be attending, alongside less prominent vineyards well worth discovering, such as the Aquitaine Independent Winegrowers and family-run properties like Vins Chevron Villette, Vignobles Vellas and Château Castigno, to name a few. Hall 5, set aside for international producers, will welcome wines of Luxembourg, Advantage Austria, Tenuta Lamborghini, Wines of Lebanon, Wines of Germany, Cesari, Carpineto, Consorzio Di Tutela Della Doc Prosecco, Consorzio Tutela del vino Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco, Gaja, J. Garcia Carrion, Viniportugal Wines Of Portugal, Hammeken Cellars and Flechas De Los Andes, for example.

Alongside wines in Hall 3, the Be Spirits by Vinexpo area and its huge Infinite bar will bring together spirits from all backgrounds, ranging from micro-distilleries through to well-known brands. Attendees will include the Armagnac marketing board BNIA, Calvados Château du Breuil, Cognac Lheraud, Distillerie Warenghem, Gin de Binche, Glasgow Whisky, La Martiniquaise, Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association and Distilleria Bertagnolli.

“Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris is above all an event that brings people together and creates a sense of community. People welcome their clients there from a wide range of backgrounds to give international exposure to local, innovative products, from the little treasures to the prominent growths. Paris will host a celebration in 2022 and we are very much looking forward to being reunited with everyone once again”, stresses Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium.

For more information, please visit wineparis-vinexpo.com 

About WINE PARIS & VINEXPO PARIS

WINE PARIS (created by COMEXPOSIUM under the guidance of 13 French wine marketing boards) is the merger of VinoVision and Vinisud, an initiative by all of the founding, partner wine marketing boards. It was further enhanced in 2020 when it partnered with VINEXPO, the creator of international events for the wine and spirits trade. Founded in 1981 by the Bordeaux-Gironde chamber of commerce and industry, Vinexpo is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2021 and has gained unique market insight, along with an extensive network of influential distributors worldwide.

About VINEXPOSIUM

Owned jointly (50/50) by global events organiser Comexposium and Vinexpo Holding (owned by the Bordeaux-Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CCIBG), Vinexposium is the world’s leading organiser of wine and spirits trade events. Vinexposium brings together an extensive range of high-performance events catering to different market segments through its portfolio of iconic, recognised events: Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris, Vinexpo America, Drinks America, Vinexpo Hong Kong, Vinexpo Bordeaux, Vinexpo Shanghai, WBWE Amsterdam, as well as Vinexpo Explorer and World Wine Meetings.