Russian River Valley’s Prestigious Wine Growing Reputation Experiences a Growth Spurt

November 7, 2019 by evebushman

Santa Rosa, CA—The Russian River Valley makes another big stride in proving itself to be one of the world’s premiere wine growing regions. In the 2019 Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition, the top three Sweepstakes winners were all wines made with Russian River Valley grapes. All three of the wineries are also members of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers (RRVW).

“Those of us who live and work in the Russian River Valley know what a treasure we have in the soils and climate that produce some of the most outstanding wines in the world,” says Chris Crispo, President of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers. “It’s gratifying to see that work recognized.”

The Sonoma County Harvest Fair hosted 18 judges over the course of 2 days for a competitive tasting. In the end, the three wines chosen for the top honors are:

Sweepstakes Winning Specialty Wine

Balletto Vineyards & Winery

2013 Sparkling Brut Rose- Estate, Russian River Valley

Sweepstakes Winning White Wine

Russian River Vineyards

2018 Chardonnay- Petersen Vineyard, Russian River Valley

Sweepstakes Winning Red Wine

J Vineyards

2017 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

“My panel had arguably some of the most amazing wines of the competition,” says wine journalist and Harvest Fair Wine Competition judge, Laura Ness. “We felt we had the makings of a sweepstakes-worthy chardonnay in that Russian River Vineyards Petersen Vineyard, and it proved to be an all-around palate pleaser. Russian River really showed its special stuff in this well-run and highly competitive contest, from a plethora of wonderful rosés to exquisite pinot noirs. Kudos to all the winemakers for a great effort on every level.”

The Russian River AVA was established in 1983 and is the second largest appellation in Sonoma County (Sonoma Coast is the first). The area is known for its cool, foggy nights and mornings, which is the perfect weather for cool climate varietals like pinot noir and chardonnay.

Just as a wine region like Burgundy is filled with villages, the Russian River Valley is made up of six smaller areas called “neighborhoods” that stretch from Sebastopol to Santa Rosa and from Forestville to Healdsburg. A new UC Davis study shows scientific proof that each neighborhood is made up of unique soils and terroir that exhibit specific characteristics in the wines resulting in unique textures and aromas for each area.

The Russian River Valley Winegrowers are also celebrating member winery, Gary Farrell for making the list of the top 100 international wineries according to Wine & Spirits magazine. The region is included in Wine Enthusiast magazine’s declaration of Sonoma County being the “Wine Region of the Year”, and all member wineries are currently celebrating Sonoma County Wine Month as declared by the Sonoma County Vintners.

About the Russian River Valley Winegrowers:
The Russian River Valley Winegrowers (RRVW) is a nonprofit marketing and educational organization dedicated to promoting the Russian River Valley as the premier region for growing cool climate grapes while producing wines that showcase the diversity of the AVA’s six neighborhoods. The region’s generations of farmers and winemakers are continuing a long legacy of producing distinctive wines of exceptional quality, authenticity, and integrity. The RRVW has more than 200 members including growers, wineries, and sponsors. The RRVW provides regular marketing, publicity and community relations support through consumer events that promote the Russian River Valley as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions.

PRESQU’ILE WINERY AGAIN SCORES HIGH AMONG USA TODAY’S 10 BEST TASTING ROOMS IN THE UNITED STATES

September 8, 2019 by evebushman

Presqu’ile, the contemporary-styled minimalist estate winery poised high in the hills of Santa Maria with stunning ocean and vineyard views, has announced their second year win in USA TODAY’s 2019 National Readers Poll of 10 Best Tasting Rooms across the United States. Presqu’ile proudly served as the only representative and entry from Santa Barbara County, a region rich with over 200 wineries and tasting rooms. The top ten winners were announced late August.

“It’s always been our mission at the Presqu’ile tasting room is to share our passion for the wines from Santa Maria Valley and our estate vineyard in a relaxed, elegant setting while providing world-class hospitality,” states Matt Murphy, co-founder and president. “This nomination for the top 10 Best Tasting Rooms and eight place finish in the poll is a testament to the hard work our team puts in daily to deliver this experience. They are an extension of our family and do an incredible job living up to our high expectations for the guest experience at Presqu’ile. A huge thanks to our friends and extended family who voted for us; we are so appreciative of the support.”

Nominees for USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties and included experts Jill Barth, a Provence Wine Master; Shana Clarke, Wine Editor for inside.com and contributor to Eat Sip Trip; Karen MacNeil, one of the foremost wine experts in the U.S.; Ziggy Eschliman, publisher of ZiggytheWineGal; and June Rodil, a Master Sommelier, all chosen for their knowledge of wine and the American wine scene.

All voting is digitally submitted by the public, and the 10Best Readers’ Choice Award contest is accessible on the 10Best.com website. 10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. The team of local travel experts is a well-traveled and well-educated group who are not only experts in their fields – and their cities – but discriminating in their tastes. These local experts live in the city they write about and the content is constantly updated. 10Best.com averages 5 million visitors per month.

The Murphy family’s efforts have established Presqu’ile as one of the Santa Maria Valley’s defining wineries, recognized for making balanced and sophisticated cool-climate wines. From directing the planting of the Presqu’ile Vineyard to overseeing the design and construction of the state-of-the-art gravity-flow winery, shaping the elegant stylistic identity of the winery’s Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, to shaping the tasting experience, the Murphys’ collective vision has established Presqu’ile as one of California’s leading wineries. And thanks to USA TODAY it is now a must stop on anyone’s wine-bucket list.

ABOUT PRESQU’ILE WINERY:

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile (pronounced press-KEEL) is a small, family-run winery dedicated to making exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Presqu’ile is a multigenerational collaboration between Madison and Suzanne Murphy, their three adult children, Matt, Anna and Jonathan, and their daughters-in-law, Amanda and Lindsey. No strangers to agriculture, four generations of the wine-loving Murphy family have been farming land in Louisiana for almost a century. Led by eldest son Matt Murphy, the family founded Presqu’ile—the Creole word for “almost an island”—both as a tribute to a beloved Gulf Coast family gathering place that was lost in Hurricane Katrina, and because they envisioned Presqu’ile as an island-like haven amid the vines. Also on the team is rising star winemaker Dieter Cronje.

The Santa Maria Valley is one of the most distinctive winegrowing appellations in the world. With one of the longest growing seasons in all of California. The Santa Maria Valley is a true cool-climate winegrowing region, yielding wines of extraordinary elegance and purity—qualities that define the world’s best Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. To preserve the complexity of these grapes, the Murphys worked with acclaimed San Francisco-based Taylor Lombardo Architects to create a gravity-flow winery designed to Matt and Dieter’s specifications. And to ensure that each wine reflects its vineyard, Dieter practices a naturally minimalist approach to winemaking, with a focus on whole clusters, native yeasts and modest new oak. As a result, Presqu’ile’s wines are pure and purposeful, conveying the authentic charm, complexity and signature Santa Maria spice that have made the wines of the Santa Maria Valley famous among enthusiasts of elegant and balanced wines. In addition to being featured by USA TODAY, Presqu’ile Winery has received accolades in numerous publications including Vinous; Santa Barbara News-Press; The Daily Meal; Santa Barbara Independent’s “Tastings To Do;” Condé Nast Traveler’s “Beautiful Wineries in California;” Must Do Travel Show and the Travel Channel.

USATODAY.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW!

Click here for USA TODAY’S 10 BEST TASTING ROOMS

PRESQU’ILE WINERY

5391 Presqu’ile Drive

Santa Maria, CA 93455

Phone 805.937.8110

Become a fan of Presqu’ile Winery:

on Facebook: www.facebook.com/presquilewine

on Twitter: @PresquileWine

on Instagram: @presquilewine

Call for Entries – BRIT®/FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition

May 27, 2019 by evebushman

FORTH WORTH, Texas (PRWEB) – Come join the competition! The Botanical Research Institute of Texas and FIVS are pleased to announce the start of their 2020 sustainable winegrowing competition. Competition applications can be downloaded from BRIT’s web site at http://www.brit.org/wineaward and from the FIVS website http://www.fivs.org. The submission deadline for applications is September 30, 2019.

This is the first BRIT/FIVS co-branded and co-managed competition since the event began in 2010. The new partnership engages FIVS’s global membership of regional wine associations, wine producers and distributors to support and promote the competition.

The award attracts progressive and passionate wine organizations from around the world that are taking a leading role in “ground to glass” sustainable programs. The competition is based on the continuous improvement of the three tenets of sustainability – environment, economic, and social – and wine flavor.

The competition application consists of 20 high-level self-assessment questions in which applicants describe their organization’s conservation efforts in the vineyard and in operations. Examples include how waste is avoided, how it is reclaimed, and how the winery extends conservation efforts to its customers. Practices established to maintain environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically feasible winemaking principles are detailed. Two bottles of wine must also be provided for a tasting by the judging committee. The competition has an entry fee of $50 USD.

International entrants may use their US distributors to forward their wine samples to BRIT or may use BRIT’s consignee, La Cigale Wines of Fort Worth, Texas, to clear shipments and provide COLA Waivers. If wishing to use La Cigale Wines, please contact Edward Proctor, La Cigale Wines, at (817) 923-6747 or email, ed@lacigalewines.com before shipping.

Previous platinum award recipients include: Casa Ferreirinha, 2019, Alexander Valley Vineyards (2018), Yealands Family Wines, (2017), Buzet (2016), LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards (2014), Yalumba (2013), Trefethen Family Vineyards (2012), Parducci Wine Cellars (2011), and HALL Wines (2010).

The competition begins May 1, 2019 with a submission deadline of September 30, 2019. Winners will be announced in November. Platinum, gold, silver, and bronze-level medals are awarded to top-placing entries.

The competition’s overall winner will be presented with BRIT/FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing glass sculpture in Fort Worth in January 2020, during BRIT’s Vine to Table award presentation and dinner.

Laurel Glen Vineyard to Host Signature Sonoma Valley 2019 Retrospective

April 4, 2019 by evebushman

Glen Ellen, CA – Laurel Glen Vineyard, is pleased to announce it will host a very special tasting during the third annual Signature Sonoma Valley vintage retrospective, during the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance’s flagship weekend event series. The iconic Sonoma winery will host the tasting at its eponymous Sonoma Mountain estate vineyard on Saturday, May 18, 2019 (from 2-4:30pm).

The tasting will bring together wine aficionados and collectors for an extremely rare showcase of Laurel Glen vintages across four decades. Current winemaker Randall Watkins will be joined by the estate’s founding winemaker, Patrick Campbell, as well as Proprietor and Managing Partner Bettina Sichel and winegrower Phil Coturri to provide ‘behind the vine’ perspectives. This special event will be moderated by Esther Mobley, wine critic and journalist at the San Francisco Chronicle, who will provide insight and perspective on the nuances of each vintage.

“We could not be more thrilled to host this year’s retrospective tasting,” says Sichel. “We are especially honored that Esther Mobley has accepted our invitation to moderate, and look forward to an illuminating discussion. We recently tasted through the 15 vintages we’ve selected to pour and were impressed with how well they showed. I cannot wait to share these rare wines with a new audience at Signature Sonoma on May 18th!”

The retrospective will commence with Laurel Glen’s debut 1981 vintage, and include a curated selection of 15 vintages spanning four decades that demonstrate the winery’s consistent depth, elegance and focus. The winery’s signature sophisticated style has never wavered since it joined the ranks of first generation “cult” Cabernets from California in the 1980s, and – thanks to the ongoing policy of holding back a portion of cases upon release – Laurel Glen has become known for its deep library of wines from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s; many of which are featured on some of America’s most prestigious restaurant wine lists, including French Laundry in the Napa Valley, Mastro’s Steakhouse in Houston and Gotham Bar & Grill in New York City.

Though tickets for the Signature Sonoma Valley retrospective are nearly sold out, Laurel Glen will also offer a special library flight the weekend of May 17-19 in the estate’s Glen Ellen tasting room. The Cabernet Sauvignon vintages offered in the flight will evoke the spirit of the retrospective and include the 1986, 1999 Reserve, 2006, 2009, 2012 Lot 44. Cost will be $75 per person and guests should plan to reserve at least 48 hours in advance.

Laurel Glen wines will also be featured in the Legends: Collector’s Dinner at 6:30pm on May 18th, the capstone event of Signature Sonoma Valley, which celebrates the heritage vineyards of the region. Tickets can be purchased here.

Signature Sonoma Valley is an exclusive, four-day immersion into the acclaimed wines, historic vineyards and welcoming community of Sonoma Valley. Tickets for all events are now on sale and available at SonomaValleyWine.com/Signature-Sonoma-Valley. Seating is limited and all events will sell out, so early purchase is strongly recommended. For more information, please call 707.935.0803 or visit SonomaValleyWine.com.

“Signature Sonoma Valley shapes how wine collectors view Sonoma Valley as a wine region, and we could not be more thrilled to showcase over three decades of Laurel Glen vintages in the capstone retrospective tasting,” said Maureen Cottingham, Executive Director of the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance. “Our greatest hope is that guests will leave Signature Sonoma Valley with a deeper connection to our vineyards and an appreciation for the caliber of wines coming out of Sonoma Valley, and Laurel Glen’s impressive track record more than supports that message.”

About Laurel Glen Vineyard
Laurel Glen Vineyard wines have a proven track record for longevity and grace. They are among the most sought-after examples of classic California Cabernet Sauvignon, and can thus offer a true study in how the variety can perform from a great vineyard site.

Originally planted to mixed red varietals by German immigrants at the end of the 19th century, Laurel Glen vineyard was replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1968 on the eve of a modern proliferation of vineyards in California. Today, the 14-acre estate is farmed organically and planted entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon, and in particular the Laurel Glen clone of Cabernet Sauvignon, certified as a unique clone by the University of California at Davis.

In 2011, Bettina Sichel, a veteran of the California wine industry, became the steward of Laurel Glen Vineyard. Among other quality oriented improvements, she has overseen the vineyard’s transition to CCOF organic certification in 2014.

About the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit trade organization serving more than 500 members who share a mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine, and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry. Sonoma Valley comprises six of the 17 American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) of Sonoma County: Bennett Valley, Los Carneros, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain, and Sonoma Valley. The Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation (SVVGF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has raised more than $25,000,000 through Sonoma Wine Country Weekend and supports youth and children for future success, preserving our environment, and improving health and welfare of our local communities. For more information on the SVVGA and SVVGF, please visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com.

22nd Annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival Announced for May 17-19

April 3, 2019 by evebushman

Anderson Valley, CA – The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association is pleased to announce that the 22nd annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival will take place May 17, 18 and 19, 2019. Wine lovers are invited to sip, sample and savor Anderson Valley Pinot Noir (plus rose and sparkling wines) from more than 50 producers, enjoy mouth-watering food pairings by the region’s best chefs and local caterers, and listen to live music while bidding on exquisite auction lots for local charity.

The much-anticipated weekend’s events range from educational seminars to a live music BBQ, grand tasting, winemaker dinners and free winery open houses – all hosted amidst the spectacular beauty of Anderson Valley’s vineyards and towering redwood trees. Music lovers will be happy to learn about an added bonus – this year Camp Navarro will host a concert on Saturday evening. The events have achieved a loyal following for being distinctively uncrowded and unpretentious, with an array of Pinot Noir styles that serve as the ideal introduction (or refresher course!) to the Anderson Valley.

“We could not be more thrilled to celebrate the 22^nd annual Pinot Noir Festival,” says Kristy Charles, President of the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association and Owner of Foursight Wines. “Our aim is that revelers will leave the festival with a deeper connection to our vineyards and an appreciation for the caliber of wines coming out of Anderson Valley.”

A full list of events can be found below, as well as at avwines.com/pinot-noir-festival.
Tickets are available for individual events as well as for weekend packages. Discounted ticket packages are available when booked together, and limited. Winemaker dinners will be announced on Friday, March 15 at noon and often sell-out quickly. Sign up for the AVWA mailing list to be informed of event updates. Tent and cabin accommodations at Camp Navarro are available Thursday through Sunday on their website: campnavarropresents.com/anderson-valley-pinot-festival.

Event tickets are limited and will sell out, so early purchase is strongly recommended. For more information, please call 707.895.9463 or visit avwines.com/pinot-noir-festival.

About Anderson Valley
Anderson Valley, located less than 100 miles north of San Francisco, is an area blessed with a temperate cool coastal climate. Classified in viticultural terms as a Region 1 growing area, this designates it as the coolest climate in which grapes may be commercially grown with any success. Cutting laterally through the coastal range rather than lying between ridges, the west or “deep end” of the Anderson Valley is only a few miles from the cold Pacific Ocean, while the town of Boonville is some 20 miles to the east. The combination of warm sunny days and cool foggy nights and mornings allow the grapes from this region to mature slowly and to develop to the height of their varietal character. The planted acreage in the Anderson Valley consists primarily of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling. There are also small acreages of other varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Merlot.

In addition to producing superb Pinot Noirs and Alsace varietal wines, the valley is home to three methode champenoise sparkling houses.

About the About the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association
The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) is a not-for-profit trade group created in 1983 to promote the grapes and wines of the Anderson Valley winegrowing appellation. The AVWA is supported through the dues paid by its membership, generous sponsorships, and proceeds from the festivals and events the association produces each year.

Along with promoting the Anderson Valley as a viticultural region, AVWA also works to build its community. To date over $400,000 has been donated to local community groups such as the Anderson Valley Health Center, Anderson Valley Housing Association, Anderson Valley Ambulance, the Anderson Valley Fire Department, as well as the Community Foundation of Mendocino County Disaster Fund for the most recent fire relief and recovery efforts. For more information on the AVWA, please visit www.avwines.com.

Limited Release 2015 Cabernets from 17 Prestigious Wineries: The 2015 Stags Leap District Appellation Collection

August 23, 2018 by evebushman

NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) – The Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association (SLDWA) announced today that their highly-limited Appellation Collection will be released on October 15th, 2018. This is the only collection of this type offered to consumers. This year’s Appellation Collection includes one bottle of 2015 Stags Leap District-designated Cabernet Sauvignons from the seventeen Association member wineries. Only 150 sets are available for this one-of-a-kind offering and it is only available for purchase between October 15th through December 15th, 2018.

“The Appellation Collection is a highly sought-after wine gift,” said Remi Cohen, Vice President and General Manager at Cliff Lede Vineyards and President of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association. “It is an exclusive collection that allows wine lovers to experience the entire District in one complete horizontal set. Each bottle unveils the unique terroir and soft tannin structure that makes the Stags Leap District the iconic region it is.”

The 2015 Appellation Collection includes one bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from each of the following: 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.

“The 2015 vintage is a classic vintage in Napa Valley,” added Cohen. “Higher than average temperatures produced an exceptional vintage, that was high in quality but low in yields. The result are wines that are sensuous and full of character.”

The 2015 Appellation Collection is priced at $1,999.00 for the 17-bottle set, packaged in two boxes, with ground shipping included. The Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association is the exclusive retailer of the Appellation Collection and the only American Viticultural Area (AVA) or appellation to offer a vintage-specific assemblage of its wines.

Consumers interested in purchasing the Collection may order online beginning October 15th, 2018, at http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/appellation_collection.php. For additional information, contact the Association’s Executive Director Nancy Bialek at (707) 255-1720.

Availability:
October 15th – December 15th, 2018
150 Appellation Collection sets (Limited Edition)
Sold exclusively by the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association

Order online:
http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/appellation_collection.php
Contact Executive Director Nancy Bialek at (707) 255-1720

Cost:
$1,999.00 includes ground shipping for 17 bottles shipped in two boxes with detailed winemaker tasting notes. Additional sales tax applies to purchases made in California and in various other states, to the extent required by law.

Shipping:
Included (where allowed by law).

The 2015 Appellation Collection includes one bottle of each of the following Stags Leap District-designated wines:

Baldacci Family Vineyards, 2015 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon
Chimney Rock Winery, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Ganymede Vineyard
Cliff Lede Vineyards, 2015 Moon Fantasy Cabernet Sauvignon
Clos Du Val, 2015 Hirondelle Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Ilsley Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Lindstrom Wines, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Malk Family Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Odette Estate Winery, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Pine Ridge Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Quixote Winery, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Regusci Winery, 2015 ‘The Elders’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Shafer Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five
Silverado Vineyards, 2015 SOLO, Cabernet Sauvignon
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, 2015 FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Stags’ Leap Winery, 2015 The Leap Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Steltzner Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Taylor Family Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

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, and Twitter @StagsLeapAVA.

Stags Leap District Winegrowers’ 20th Annual Vineyard to Vintner

April 12, 2018 by evebushman

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.

Napa County Agricultural Preserve Celebrates 50 Years

March 31, 2018 by evebushman

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

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

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.

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Official Event Hashtag: #hdrpaso