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

January 16, 2022 by evebushman

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.

###

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.

Billionaire’s Row Champagne Included in Wine and Spirits Magazine’s Year’s Best Champagne List

December 23, 2021 by evebushman

MIAMI, /PRNewswire/ — Billionaire’s Row, Premier Black-Owned champagne brand has been included as one of Wine & Spirits Magazine’s 2021’s Best Champagnes.

Currently highlighted in their December 2021 Holiday Issue, Billionaire’s Row was rated with a ninety (90), highlighted as both delicious and compelling (a compelling wine of its region; a delicious, finessed expression of a place).

“Billionaire’s Row was created at Champagne Dumenil, an independent Champagne House that is passionate about both crafting champagnes of style and the vineyard on their land situated in Chigny-les-Roses, Rilly la Montagne, Ludes and Sacy,” said Patrick Ductant Billionaire’s Row Co-Founder.

All wine evaluations for Wine & Spirits Magazine’s tastings section are conducted under controlled, blind conditions, with the wines served in numbered glasses in their own offices.

“Our tasting process is a bit unique—we taste everything we receive in a blind panel of wine professionals, asking the other panelists if they would recommend the wine to a friend. The wines that a majority of panelists would recommend are then tasted and scored by the critic. Thus, we only score a fraction of the wines that we receive. Generally, we reveal only vintage, appellation and variety if applicable. For Champagne, we taste all the wines from a house in the same flight, to account for style, and reveal dryness info (and vintage or variety information, where applicable),” says Tastings Editor, Corey Warren. https://www.wineandspiritsmagazine.com.

Before being stamped by the government in France, Billionaires Row took the Jagermeister approach to marketing — where they quickly rose to fame by throwing lavish parties and sponsoring events attended by Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton and more.

Billionaire’s Row is one of the only black-owned champagne brands to be recognized by both federal governments of France and the United States.

For more information please visit: https://billionairesrow.com

SOURCE Billionaires Row

The Region’s Best Kept Secrets: Bourgogne Wines With Bourgogne Wine Ambassador James King

December 17, 2021 by evebushman

Well color me happy, was invited to my first press event in Las Vegas – and it was organized by the Bourgogne Wine Board. For my wine 101ers Bourgogne is the correct word to use for the region of Burgundy, France. And for my wine 101ers that drink U.S. made Pinot Noir and not Burgundy: it’s the same grape but Bourgogne is where the varietal was born (among others). So the French terroir – winemaking, soil, history, and climate – is hundreds of years older than ours in the USA. Doesn’t mean better, just different, and as the French say, “Viva La Difference!”

This event was led by Bourgogne Wine Ambassador James King, which meant I was destined to learn much more about Bourgogne wines. And if that wasn’t enough it was over a luncheon at Ada’s Wine Bar, reputed to be one of the best wine bars in Las Vegas.

From the Invitation

Bourgogne is renowned worldwide for producing some of the finest wines with its unique terroir and savoir-faire, which are translated to each of our 84 appellations. Some of them have reached the status of icon and some are still to be brought to the light. Join us to (re) discover Bourgogne through a selection of appellations.

Tasting and Learning

Our lecturer King is a WSET teacher and right off the bat wanted us to learn that the word Bourgogne, pronounced Boar-Gown to me, was to be used instead of the generally accepted term Burgundy for this wine-growing region of France.

The wine tasting would be with food as that is the most traditional, King said. We would look for “balance, integration, whether the wines were too heavy, over-oaked” and we would learn that “not all Bourgogne wines are expensive.” A Bourgogne drinker could easily, “work their way up” from inexpensive Bourgogne wines and still enjoy them very much.

We had nine wines, six whites and three reds, that we tasted blind. Not my favorite way to taste but by the end of the tasting I had an idea as to why King led us this way: We all have preconceived notions of the value of a wine based on where it’s from and the price. King removed that bias from our minds. And with that we all very much enjoyed wines retail priced between $11 and $34 and some from areas the average consumer – and some of us – were not as familiar with.

We were given plenty of maps of all of the different wine-growing regions in Bourgogne – and there are a lot – and I don’t think any of the professionals in the room could correctly guess where each wine was from.

My wine notes consisted of fresh fruits from citrus to berry to tropical, different florals, little oak, balance and tannins…the usual suspects. The food we had after sampling each wine – see photos here of the food, some bottle shots, menu and wine list – were well paired bringing out savory qualities in both.

When the price points for each wine was revealed, and some of the guests wanted to purchase, we learned that none had yet to be released in the U.S. This class, this exercise I should say, was an excellent lesson on how well the wines of Burgundy Bourgogne do with the most experienced palates. And I for one will keep that in mind the next time I recognize – or don’t recognize – a label from Bourgogne. Now I just want to try more! And more to the point, if you are not a big Pinot Noir fan or even if you are: Give Bourgogne a try. Not all wines are made the same way – especially if made in different parts of the globe.

Bourgogne Wine Board

The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) is a non-profit association under the 1901 law. Built on the principle of each member having an equal voice, it defends and promotes the unique skills of the professions of winemaking, the négoce trade and vine growing, the heritage of a shared passion.

https://www.bourgogne-wines.com/

Ada’s Wine Bar

Chef driven small plates and more. Now pouring in Tivoli Village, Las Vegas. Intriguing wines by the glass or bottle. Adding to a number of local accolades, in 2020, Chef Trees was named a Finalist for the James Beard Award: Best Chef Southwest.

https://www.adaslv.com/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits

Lodi Winegrape Commission Celebrates 30 Years

November 29, 2021 by evebushman

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.

Sokol Blosser Adds Two New Box Wines to Evolution Line

October 4, 2021 by evebushman

DUNDEE HILLS, Ore. /PRNewswire/ — Sokol Blosser Winery, one of the Willamette Valley’s pioneering wineries celebrating 50 years in 2021, is adding to its breakthrough line box wines with two new 1.5-liter boxes of Evolution Chardonnay and Evolution Big Time Red.

“When we launched our first two Evolution box wines in mid-2020, they were met with huge enthusiasm,” says Sokol Blosser CEO Alison Sokol Blosser. “Consumers are loving box wines because of the ease of drinkability and quality has gone up in recent years. So far, we’re still the only winery in Oregon producing super-premium wine in boxes and distributing nationally. We’re excited about adding Chardonnay and Big Time Red to the mix!”

Evolution 2020 Chardonnay is 100 percent Chardonnay from the Willamette Valley. Each 1.5-liter box – the equivalent of two 750-ml bottles – has an SRP of $28. Evolution 2020 Big Time Red is a blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and the secret ingredient: a touch of Evolution Lucky No. 9 White! Big Time Red is American-appellated, with grapes coming from Oregon and Washington and an SRP of $21.

A New Look for the New Boxes
The two new box wines also mark an updated package design for all four Evolution box wines. The boxes feature a “by Sokol Blosser” tagline beneath the bold Evolution brand name, as well as an “Oregon” icon and reference to Sokol Blosser’s B Corp status. There also is a “gluten-free” indication on each box.

“We acted fast last year with the first two boxes and this time around, we were able to add some great new design elements to the boxes,” added Alison Sokol Blosser. “The Evolution brand is all about enjoying great wine with friends and having fun, so the box design and labeling gives customers the information they want with a lot of visual appeal. We can’t wait for people to see these beauties on store shelves this fall!”

All of the Evolution 1.5L box wines fill a growing consumer demand for great quality wines in convenient and accessible formats. “These are the same high-quality wines that consumers know and love in glass bottles,” says Sokol Blosser Winemaker Alex Sokol Blosser. “Putting them in the bag-in-box package helps them stay fresh for up to 30 days – if people don’t polish them off before then,” added Sokol Blosser.

Evolution Box Wines Now Packaged in Oregon
Sokol Blosser worked with their bottling partner in Oregon to make it possible to package the wines locally. This marks the first bag-in-box packaging capability in Oregon and Sokol Blosser invites other wineries to join in!

“Sustainability has been a priority for us for 50 years,” commented Alison Sokol Blosser. “Box wines have a smaller carbon footprint than bottles, making them a very sustainable option for eco-conscious consumers. We hope other Oregon wineries are inspired to jump on the box wine train with us now that bag-in-box packaging is available locally.”

The new Evolution Chardonnay and Big Time Red box wines are expected to reach store shelves across the country by November, in time for the holiday season. The new box wines joined Evolution Lucky No. 9 White (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Chardonnay and Gewürtztraminer), with an SRP of $21 and Evolution 2020 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with an SRP of $28. All four Evolution box wines will be in the newly designed boxes.

About Evolution & Sokol Blosser Winery
Evolution, one of the Willamette Valley’s most evolutionary wine brands, was created by Susan Sokol Blosser in 1998, as she searched for a white wine that was light and bright and right for the spicy, savory flavors of the Asian Fusion food trend of the day. That wine was Evolution Lucky No 9 White Blend, a magical mix of nine varietals which is still a fan favorite. Since then, Evolution has evolved (pun intended!) to include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, a red blend and several sparkling wines. Evolution is part of the Sokol Blosser family of wines, based in Dundee, Oregon. Sokol Blosser is a certified B Corp (since 2015) and is the only winery in the U.S. to have received three “Best for the World” awards from B Corp in 2019 and 2021. A multi-generational family business and now under the stewardship of siblings Alison Sokol Blosser (CEO) and Alex Sokol Blosser (Winemaker)), Sokol Blosser marks its 50^th anniversary in 2021. For more information, please visit EvolutionWine.com or SokolBlosser.com.

Wente Family Estates President Amy Hoopes nominated by Wine Enthusiast for Wine Star Awards

November 18, 2020 by evebushman

LIVERMORE VALLEY, CA – Wente Family Estates is pleased to announce that President Amy Hoopes has been nominated in the category of Wine Executive of the Year for the wine industry’s prestigious Wine Star Awards, produced and presented by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Now in its 21^st year, the awards annually recognizes people and organizations within the wine and alcohol beverage industry who are making remarkable contributions to its advancement. Wente Family Estates is the country’s longest continuously family-owned and operated winery, focused on producing top quality, appellation-driven California wines with strong distribution in a competitive marketplace both domestically and internationally.

This nomination joins a long list of industry achievements for Hoopes who joined Wente Family Estates in 2007 as the Vice President of Marketing. For the last thirteen years she has brought innovation, adaptation and strategic planning to the family business, keeping them ranked among the top 30 wine companies in America according to Wine Business Monthly.[1] Previous roles included Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President before being appointed President in 2016. In that role, she focuses on portfolio strategy and guest experience, working with a team of marketing, sales and hospitality leaders at Wente. Throughout her time with the company she has guided the business through both challenging and prosperous times, always with an eye on the future, particularly as the wine industry has recently faced new and unprecedented challenges. She oversees all global marketing and sales operations for Wente Vineyards, entwine, Murrieta’s Well, Double Decker, Hayes Ranch, Ravel & Stitch, Angel’s Ink and Unsullied wine brands as well as the family’s golf course, direct to consumer sales and tasting room experiences.

This is the second nomination for Hoopes with the Awards, the other being the Social Impact category in 2018. The family received American Winery of the Year in 2011 for its contributions to the American wine industry, spotlighting the historic Livermore Valley where the company was established by Carl Wente who came to California as an immigrant 137 years ago. Today eight members of the fourth and fifth generations manage and operate the company with diverse responsibilities, led by CEO Carolyn Wente. Together the family team along with Hoopes, are striving to position Wente Family Estates as the most respected family-owned winery in the world. Family leadership is comprised of 4^th generation winegrowers; CEO Carolyn Wente, Chairman of the Board Eric Wente, Vice Chairman Phil Wente; Fifth Generation Winegrowers COO and Chief Winemaker Karl D. Wente, President of Wente Foundation for Arts Education Christine Wente, Director of Marketing Aly Wente, Viticulture Manager Niki Wente, and Project Manager for Winegrowing Operations Jordan Wente.

Hoopes was among Direct Marketing News distinguished list of “40 Under 40” marketers in 2014 and was inducted into the Marketing Hall of Femme in 2015. She is a member of the Communications Committee for Wine Institute, an executive board member and Past President for Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, a Member of Monterey County Vintners and Winegrowers Association, a Board Member for First Beverage Group and the Past President and active member of the San Francisco chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier. She is also Co-President for the San Francisco Chapter of CISV, a global non-profit focused on education and inspiring action for a more just and peaceful world.

About the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards Process
This year, all full-time and contributing divisions (Sales, Events, Marketing, Editorial) of Wine Enthusiast Media were invited to submit nominees for our Wine Star Awards categories and submitted their nominations anonymously, with explanations of what made the nomination appropriate for consideration. That list of nominees was then sent to the group for anonymous voting to cull the larger nominee lists down. Final winners were chosen from the culled down list by the Executive Publishing team with selections based on many factors, including impact on consumers and trade in the wine, spirits, or beer space, commercial successes, company/brand vision, and trendsetting. The Wine Star Awards are an overall beverage industry awards program. While the editors are invited to participate, this is a collaborative program incorporating the input of all divisions of the Wine Enthusiast company and is not a specifically editorial franchise.

About Wente Family Estates
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards has been celebrated for its industry-wide contributions to innovation as the oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery in the country, now owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The company portfolio is comprised of Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, Hayes Ranch, Ravel & Stitch, entwine, Angel’s Ink, Unsullied and Double Decker brands. The winery draws from certified sustainable Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding array of fine wines that are distributed in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide. In 2010, it joined the top 5% of California wineries who meet all three tiers within the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing codes & designation. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California from France. Today, the Wente clones of Chardonnay are the most widely planted in California.

Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations. In 2018, the winery took a leadership role in its longstanding mission to inspire employees and guests to make time for what really matters, as realized through Wente Vineyards’ best practices, outstanding wines and wine country experiences. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.

Virtually Explore the Stags Leap District This Fall

August 26, 2020 by evebushman

NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – A highly anticipated release for more than 20 years, the Stags Leap District Appellation Collection showcases coveted Cabernet Sauvignon from 17 of the region’s wineries. This year’s one-of-a-kind offering highlights the 2017 vintage, and will be available for purchase from October 15th to December 15th, 2020, with wines arriving in time for holiday celebrations and gifting. Only 150 total sets are available.

New this year, Appellation Collection loyalists and buyers will also have the chance to meet the vintners and winemakers through a series of interactive virtual tastings, giving Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts the chance to learn more about the nuances of each prestigious wine. Reservations for the tastings, which will be hosted at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Friday afternoons in November and December, can be made at https://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/VirtualTastings or https://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/AppellationCollection.

“Each of these wines stands alone, but as a collective they tell a complete story of the Stags Leap District, and showcase the hallmark characteristics of this region – grace and power, lush texture and vibrant fruit,” said Nancy Bialek, Executive Director of Stags Leap District Winegrowers. “Our Virtual Tastings will deepen the experience, with the chance to hear directly from, and taste with, our vintners and winemakers about this memorable vintage.”

The limited-edition 2017 Appellation Collection includes a total of 17 distinctive Cabernet Sauvignons, from the following wineries: 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 2017 Appellation Collection is priced at $1,999 for the 17-bottle set, packaged in two boxes complete with detailed winemaker tasting notes; ground shipping is included. The Appellation Collection is only available for purchase from October 15th to December 15th, 2020.

Availability:
October 15th to December 15th, 2020
150 Appellation Collection sets
Sold exclusively by the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association
Order:
http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/AppellationCollection
Or call 707.255.1720
Cost:
$1,999, which includes ground shipping for 17 bottles shipped in two boxes with 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).

Appellation Collection Virtual Tastings
A full schedule and registration details for the Virtual Tastings can be found at
http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/VirtualTastings. The tasting series includes:

Session #1 – Friday, November 13, 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. PST

Clos du Val, Regusci, Silverado Vineyards and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Session #2 – Friday, November 20, 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. PST

Baldacci Family Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery

Session #3 – Friday, December 4, 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. PST

Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Malk Family Vineyards, Odette Estate

Session #4 – Friday, December 11, 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. PST

Ilsley Vineyards, Shafer Vineyards, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards

The 2017 Appellation Collection includes one bottle of each of the following Stags Leap District-designated wines:

Baldacci Family Vineyards, 2017 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon
Chimney Rock Winery, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Ganymede Vineyard
Cliff Lede Vineyards, 2017 Dancing Heart Cabernet Sauvignon
Clos Du Val, 2017 Hirondelle Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Ilsley Vineyards, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Lindstrom Wines, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Malk Family Vineyards, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Odette Estate Winery, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Pine Ridge Vineyards, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Quixote Winery, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Regusci Winery, 2017 ‘The Elders’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Shafer Vineyards, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five
Silverado Vineyards, 2017 SOLO Cabernet Sauvignon
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, 2017 FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Stags’ Leap Winery 2017 The Leap Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Steltzner Vineyards, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Taylor Family Vineyards, 2017 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 Twitter @StagsLeapAVA.

Stags Leap District Library Wine Black Card Offers Taste of History

October 26, 2019 by evebushman

NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) – Commemorating decades of winegrowing excellence and the 30th anniversary of its recognition as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), the Stags Leap District Winegrowers today introduced the Library Wine Black Card, a new program offering enthusiasts the chance to uncork rare Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignons. For the month of November 2019, cardholders will enjoy a sample of a vintner-selected Library Wine when visiting 11 acclaimed Stags Leap District wineries.

“We’re continuing our 30th Anniversary celebration by digging deep into our cellars,” said Nancy Bialek, Executive Director of Stags Leap District Winegrowers. “These wines are extremely limited – Library Wine Black Card holders will be among a very select group able to experience these selections. Our vintners will feature wines that showcase our appellation’s history, terroir and commitment to world-class winemaking.”

Known for powerful, graceful Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals, Stags Leap District was officially recognized as an AVA in 1989, and the region’s winegrowing roots date back to the 1800s. A “valley within a valley,” as it is often called, the District is bordered by the rocky hillsides to the east and the Napa River to the west. It was the first area in the United States to gain AVA status based on its distinctive soils.

Only 130 Library Wine Black Cards are available; they allow access to exceptional older-vintage wines at Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines (at Heron House Yountville), Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery and Steltzner Vineyards (at Heron House Yountville).

The Library Wine Black Card is available now for $130. Cardholders and up to three guests can add a pour of an exclusive library wine to an existing tasting or tour, and can use the cards multiple times throughout the month of November. Regular winery tasting fees apply and advance reservations are required. Learn more at https://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/LibraryCard

All proceeds from the Library Wine Back Card will be donated to the University of California at Davis Nathan Fay Graduate Fellowship Fund. Established by the Stags Leap District Winegrowers in 2000 as a tribute to District pioneer Nathan Fay, who planted the first Cabernet vines in the region in 1961, the endowment awards a coveted scholarship each year to a graduate student in the School of Enology and Viticulture.

U.S. supermarket wines are catching up with European counterparts

September 16, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — U.S. supermarket wines, once considered to be poorly made and rarely worth drinking, scored a major success at the 2019 International Salute to Excellence awards for private label in Amsterdam, winning seven top honors in the category.

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The award-winning wines were:

From Costco: Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 (Bordeaux, $10), best quality; Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco NV (Italy, $10). best value.

From Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s organic Grower’s Reserve Merlot 2017 (California, $5), best quality; Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2017 (Russian River Valley, $15), best quality.

From Aldi US: Evanta Malbec 2017 (Argentina, $4), best value; Scarlet Path Zinfandel 2017 (Lodi, $8), best quality; Outlander Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Paso Robles, $9), best quality.

This is the best performance ever recorded for wines sold exclusively by U.S. supermarkets, more than doubling the number of 2018 winners. The showing demonstrates that U.S. private label wines continue to get closer to their European counterparts in terms of value and quality – especially among wines costing less than $15. This matters because wines that are sold exclusively by European supermarkets have long been considered among the best wine in the world at combining those two things.

“Don’t overlook private label store wines,” said Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntrye, one of 18 international judges who participated in the 2019 wine awards program. “These were good value, high quality bottlings. Some stores are doing a great job sourcing really good juice.”

Wines were judged in 25 categories by varietal, style, and appellation, and each category was judged for best quality and best value. The 18 men and women who judged the competition came from around the world, and included Masters of Wines, sommeliers, winemakers, wine writers, wine educators, and retailers. They judged 350 wines from 40 retailers in 11 countries.

To see all results for the 2019 judging, visit www.plmasalute.com/wine-awards. The international Salute to Excellence Wine Awards are a competition sponsored by the Private Label Manufacturers Association, with offices in New York and Amsterdam. Founded in 1979, PLMA today represents 4,000 companies who are involved in the manufacture and distribution of store brand products in foods and beverages, as well as home and health products. PLMA sponsors two trade shows annually in Chicago and Amsterdam.

Iconic Peachy Canyon Winery Passes the Torch, Next Gen Set To Take Over

July 18, 2019 by evebushman

Paso Robles, CA – After 30 years, Peachy Canyon Winery owners Doug and Nancy Beckett pass the torch to their sons, Josh and Jake Beckett. The Peachy Canyon Winery tradition of creating wines that exemplify the Paso Robles appellation through dry farmed Zinfandel and other varietals will continue and progress under the next generation.

“Nancy and I began Peachy Canyon Winery as a family business in 1988, just when the Paso Robles area was beginning,” said founder Doug Beckett. “We are very proud of what we created here at Peachy Canyon and look forward as the next generation of the Becketts take the helm.”

Following a successful 10-year hiatus running their business, Chronic Cellars, the brothers Beckett are excited to return to the family winery to manage the cellar, national sales and marketing, daily operations, as well as oversee the farming of the five westside estate vineyards in Paso Robles.

Chronic Cellars was acquired by WX Brands (Novato, CA) in 2014 and Jake and Josh have continued to work with WX to guide the brand and the winemaking for the past five years.

Returning to Peachy Canyon, the brothers are determined to carry on the legacy of the family business while infusing the brand with a new generation of followers. Peachy Canyon was one of the first wineries established in Paso Robles, California, in 1988 and is proud to remain a family owned and operated business.

About Peachy Canyon Winery

Peachy Canyon Winery is a family owned and operated winery since 1988 in beautiful Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast. Zinfandel has long been Peachy Canyon’s flagship varietal. These red Zinfandels range from elegant and restrained to fruit forward, each an exemplary call to its own terroir. With these exemplary Zins, Peachy Canyon has been instrumental in establishing Paso Robles’ reputation as a key California wine region. www.peachycanyon.com, @PeachyCanyon, #PeachyCanyon