Eve's Wine 101

Perlises Pick Little Beast

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Some time ago we had explored paying a visit to the restaurant Little Beast in Eagle Rock. Starting as a popup by Sean Lowenthal and Deborah Schwartz, it found its eventual permanent spot in 2013 in a historic craftsman home built in 1911.

Well, we never did make it over there. Then, we read last summer that the restaurant had new owners: Monique King and Paul Rosenbluh, who also own Fox’s in Altadena as well as Cindy’s which is just across the street from Little Beast. We remembered a long-ago wonderful dinner at their previous restaurant Firefly Bistro in South Pasadena and definitely planned to pay Little Beast a visit. Months slipped by though and what really got us off our butts to get over there was hearing from our friend Jason Zucker that he is now manager at Little Beast. Getting to see Jason again was the last little nudge we needed to drive down to Eagle Rock – okay, Jason also did tell Michael that they make a great burger!

Strolling to the entrance of Little Beast on the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Loleta Avenue, it felt like visiting a friend’s home for dinner. We enjoyed the ambiance of the patio, where it really did feel like we were at our own table at someone’s backyard dinner party.

If you check out the online menu [www.littlebeastrestaurant.com/menu], note that the in-person menu is a bit more extensive. Jason told us that the menu is seasonal and that the new owners are adding items regularly as they add their own touches while keeping customer favorites, such as the aforementioned Little Beast Burger, among others.

The wine list has some impressive offerings both by the glass and bottle, such as Carol Shelton Wines Wild Thing Viognier, Cass Winery Roussanne and Bedrock Old Vine Zinfandel, as well as Beer & Cider selections. Jason said that the wine list is being expanded as well. Corkage for you BYOBers is a very reasonable $18 per bottle. They also have a very interesting program of signature craft cocktails.

Now on to our meal… We started with the Chicken Liver mousse with “cherry-white port gelee, pickled shallots, crispy bacon, warm bread”, which was a terrine of creamy rich goodness. Karen ordered the Crispy Skin Striped Bass with “parsnip puree, black eyed pea salad, tomato oil, preserved lemon, charred kale’’.  She said it was cooked perfectly and along with a side of Little Beast Carrots with apple mustard BBQ and Fuji apples, she enjoyed the entrée immensely. Of course, Michael ordered, the Little Beast Burger [“dry aged prime beef, tomato onion jam, lettuce, rosemary 1,000 island, house pickles, aged cheddar served with organic greens or wedge potatoes”]. This made the short list of Michael’s favorite burgers, but he said he will need to have it a couple of more times to determine the exact ranking – hard work for sure. Dessert was the Butterscotch and Chocolate Pudding Duo, which was as good as it sounds.

Service manages to combine extreme professionalism and courtesy but zero level of stuffiness, preserving that feeling of visiting a friend’s home.

We are looking forward to visiting our new and old friends at Little Beast again very soon.  You know that the Perlises are into backyard dinners.

Little Beast

www.littlebeastrestaurant.com

1496 Colorado Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90041

Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Virginia Wineries Association Announces Virginia Governor’s Cup® Gold Medalists

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RICHMOND, Va., /PRNewswire/ — The 2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup® Competition marks another record-breaking year for the Virginia Wine industry. With 614 entries from across the state, 66 wineries in the Commonwealth were awarded with 142 gold medals.

In its 41st year, the competition has garnered a reputation for being one of the most stringent in the nation while highlighting the most outstanding wines, ciders and meads being produced in Virginia. Medals are awarded after a series of rigorous blind tastings by a prestigious panel of judges, led by competition director Jay Youmans, Master of Wine. To receive a gold medal, a wine must receive an average score of 90 points or higher on a 100-point scale.

“The Virginia Wineries Association is thrilled to announce this incredible number of gold medal winning-wines,” said Virginia Wineries Association President George Hodson. “The gold medals span eight regions and are crafted with over 20 grape varieties all grown in Virginia, producing quality wines expressive of their farms and the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

Youmans added, “The overall quality of the wines was the highest we have seen. Leading the way are the red blends, many of which are produced in a Meritage style, Petit Verdot, Petit Manseng and Cabernet Franc.”

These categories spotlighted by Youmans account for over half the medals with 28 red blends, 24 Petit Verdots, 16 Cabernet Francs and 11 Petit Mansengs taking home gold medals. In addition to the top wine categories, nine ciders also earned a Gold Medal.

Along with the diversity in styles of wine, the gold medal winning producers are located across Virginia. The Central Virginia region was awarded 72 medals, Northern Virginia received 39 and the Shenandoah Valley received 20. The remaining medals can be found in the Blue Ridge, Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, Southern Virginia and Virginia Mountain regions of the state. For a full list of gold medalists, visit: www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup/awards.

On February 23, the Virginia Wine Board hosted Virginia Governor’s Cup® Gala at Richmond’s Main Street Station and unveiled the competition’s top awards—the Governor’s Cup® Case, consisting of the 12 highest-scoring red and white wines, Best in Show Cider and the coveted Governor’s Cup®.

Beginning March 1, Virginia Wine fans eager to taste the winning wineries can sign up for the complimentary Gold Medal Wine Trail, a mobile passport that features the 66 gold medal winners. As users check-in at participating venues, they will unlock access to exclusive prizes and special offers. For more information or to pre-sign up for the Gold Medal Wine Trail, visit: vawine.info/gold.

About the Virginia Governor’s Cup® Competition

The Virginia Wineries Association’s Governor’s Cup® is held in partnership with the Virginia Wine Board. All entries must be made from 100% Virginia-grown fruit to be eligible. Each wine is ranked based on a unified scoring system. For more information about the Virginia Governor’s Cup® Competition and for a full list of winners, visit: www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup.

LE OFF: PARIS CELEBRATES WINE AND COCKTAILS

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Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris, due to take place from 13 to 15 February 2023, is spilling out into the capital city once again with its 3rd selection of 180 restaurants and cocktail bars for the perfect winning and dining experience. 

A SELECTION OF 180 RESTAURANTS AND COCKTAIL BARS FOR THE 3rd OFF PROGRAMME

The OFF selection for Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2023 has just been revealed and features 180 restaurants and cocktail bars spread across every district of the city where particular emphasis is placed on wine service and mixology.

The criteria for the latest selection run the gamut, from friendly, unique and lively venues with an eclectic wine list – featuring at list fifty wines and a great range of French wine regions – to wines by winegrowers with a clean work ethos, quality spirits, good food and the feel-good factor.

The eclectic selection – from the wine merchant serving food to the Michelin-starred restaurant – features 100 new establishments this year. It aims to provide a unique, user-friendly experience for all Epicureans and wine and spirits enthusiasts, and to celebrate Paris’ incredible range of gourmet foods.

The poster for the 3rd edition was signed by the talented illustrator and poster artist Thomas Baas, who is one of the leading names in contemporary illustration.

A VIBRANT PROGRAMME TO ROCK PARIS FROM 13 TO 15 FEBRUARY

To celebrate the incredibly talented chefs, sommeliers and mixologists, OFF restaurants and cocktail bars will be hosting exclusive wine and cocktail-focused events for three entire evenings.

So from 13 to 15 February, Paris will rock to the rhythm of wine and cocktails for enthusiasts and professionals gathered in the capital for Wine Paris et Vinexpo Paris through unique and exclusive experiences.

To whet your appetite, here is a sample of the line-up:

  • At ‘CANON D’ACHILLE’, the spotlight will be turned on women with wines by female winegrowers both by the glass and by the bottle on the wine list;
  • At ‘LA CALE’, a blind tasting with 4 blended wines (two whites, two reds) will be hosted. Whoever finds the right grape varieties will be given a complimentary glass of the wine;
  • At ‘JAJA’, special sparkling evenings will showcase ‘pét-nat’ wines, Champagne and cider;
  • At ‘GRAND CŒUR’, Magnums will be the centrepiece;
  • At ‘BON VIVANT’, there will be a tasting of skin-contact wines;
  • At ‘LE DENICHEUR’, on 13 and 14 February dinner will feature Ardèche winegrower Arnaud Prigent from Domaine Olivier De Serre;
  • At ‘FULGURANCES LA CAVE’, a themed Jura evening will revolve around traditional dishes served with 3 wines by one of the region’s producers.

A dedicated website is available: www.leoff-paris.com.

The full list of restaurants selected for OFF by WINE PARIS & VINEXPO PARIS can be found here.

All the events hosted from 13 to 15 February 2023 can be found here.

About WINE PARIS & VINEXPO PARIS
Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris is the annual event for wine and spirits professionals from around the world. Hosted in February at a key time of the year, it aims to offer a cohesive focal point for industry players centring on a comprehensive, relevant and inclusive range of products that showcases vineyard sites across the globe alongside all the French wine regions.

About VINEXPOSIUM

Vinexposium is the world’s leading organizer of wine and spirits trade events. The group boasts an extensive portfolio of iconic, high-performance events tailored to different market segments: Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris; Vinexpo America, Drinks America; Vinexpo Asia; Symposium; Vinexpo China; WBWE Amsterdam; and Vinexpo India, along with Vinexpo Explorer and Vinexpo Meetings. Vinexposium also continues to enhance its digital portal, Vinexposium Connect, the high-performance business enabler where industry members can connect 365 days a year around the world and enjoy online networking and exclusive content.

Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris 2023, turning the spotlight on Be Spirits

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The forthcoming Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris exhibition, due to take place from 13 to 15 February 2023 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, is dedicating a hall to the spirits and craft beverage arena with a programme that promises to be more vibrant than ever.

2023, A LANDMARK YEAR FOR BE SPIRITS 

  • In terms of new features, Be Spirits will boast its own hall to make room for spirits from all backgrounds, from the craft distilleries to the household brands, and shed light on industry trends for professionals.
  • The new format comes with a change in tempo stemming from a desire to meet the community’s needs through specific opening times, from 10 am to 8 pm.
  • A new area, dubbed the Craft Pavilion, will be reserved for the upcoming generation, with young producers of spirits, RTDs, alcohol-free drinks, ciders and beers, allowing them to promote their products in an outstanding international setting. Featured producers will include Gin and Pastis from the Distillerie de l’Ort, produced organically by a brother and sister duo in the Perigord region; rum infusions from K’ribean Cocktail-Taleya, born of a family venture in Guadeloupe; Gin with lavender accents by the Le Vadrouilleur-Maison LC 1901 distillery in Haute Provence; and the craft aperitif Vylmer Apéritifs, also produced in Provence and inspired by the 1950s.

BE SPIRITS, AN EVENT WITHIN THE EVENT 

In 2023, spirits, craft and alcohol-free beveragesare becoming even more significant with 20 % extra floor space compared with the 2022 event and 44 % new exhibitors. Alongside the many French exhibitors, international attendance will be very strong with the return of Belgium, Canada, the United States, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Romania, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Alongside them will be Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic and Vietnam as newcomers to the exhibition in 2023.

BE SPIRITS, AN EVENT FOCUSING ON DISCOVERY 

27 categories of spirits will be represented: Anise-based drinks, Armagnac, Cachaça, Calvados, Cognac, Cream Liqueurs, Brandies, Gin, Mezcal, RTDs, Rum, Rum infusions, Sake, Alcohol-free, Tequila, Tonic, Vermouth, Vodka and Whisky. New alcoholic drinks will enter the Be Spirits repertoire: Absinthe, liqueurs, bitter, Pisco (Peru’s national drink), Hard Tea and Shochu (the Japanese spirit), along with ciders and beers.

Making their debut in the Be Spirits hall are alcohol-free drinks which will come in a range of styles from semi-sparkling, spirits and beers to mixers and tonics, broadening the choice on offer in response to market demand.

EXHIBITORS FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS

International participants include Whisky, Rum and Vodka from Canada with Notaboo and sake and shochu from Japan with the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association and American RTDs Slim Chillers. French exhibitors will also share the limelight with attendance by the National Armagnac Marketing Bureau, Cognac with Château Montifaud, craft cream liqueurs with La Mentheuse, and Whisky from La Distillerie Warenghem with its Whisky Armorik.

Loyal exhibitors include the Consorzio di Tutela della Doc Prosecco, Anivin de France, Armagnac Castarede, Armagnac Veuve Goudoulin, BBC Vins et Spiritueux, Calvados Christian Drouin, Château de Saint Aubin, Cognac Dobbe, Maison Dolin, Drouet et Fils, Cognac François Voyer, Cognac Prince Hubert de Polignac, Dartilongue et Fils Armagnac, Delors Frères, Distillerie des Moisans, Distillerie Merlet, Distillerie de la Seine, Distillerie Jean-Paul Mette, Distillerie Longueteau, Domaine familial Louis Dupont, Eyland Spirits, Fire&Ice Beverages AG, Hardy Cognac, Hawkins Distribution, Jacoulot, Kaskad Diffusion, Les Bienheureux, Le Club des Marques, Les Jardins de l’Orbrie / So Jennie, Maison de la Mirabelle – Distillerie de Rozelieures, Maison Ferroni , Maison Peyrat, Michel Couvreur Scotch Whiskies LTD, Plus Oultre Distillery, Tesseron Cognac, Terre de Légende – Bruant Distribution, Tennessee Distilling and Vinet Delpech.

Among new exhibitors will be Arspirits, Armagnacs from Château de Lacquy, Black Mountain, Cognac Paul Giraud et Fils, JNPR, Distillerie de l’Ort, Distillerie Castan, Distillerie Miclo, Distillerie des Menhirs, Domaine de Coquerel, Dunrobin Distilleries, Groupe Geloso/Broue Alliance, Kratochvilovci, K’Ribean Cocktail / Taleya, Gaec du Clos de la Pommeraye, Godet Frères Cognac, Vignobles du Hour, Notaboo Corp, Famille Laudet / Domaine de Laballe, Maison Gelas, Saka Spirits, Slim Chillers, Spirignac, Shogga, Spiritique, Spiribam, Square Box / L’arrange Français and Univers Drink.

AN ON! PROGRAMME FUELLED BY CREATIVITY 

As part of the ON! programme, the event will provide the stage for innovative events in a new area called Speakeasy, a nod to the illicit ‘speak softly’ bars of the Roaring Twenties.  The 2023 Speakeasy by Wine Paris & Vinexpo will take an enterprising approach to on-trend topics in the world of spirits and mixology, yet maintain a very convivial atmosphere.

The battle of the Mixologists, a new event, will bring together the industry’s most creative figures. Speakeasy will also be the venue for masterclasses, conferences and panel discussions devoted to new trends and challenges in the global spirits market. The line-up already includes:

  • a masterclass on Brandy curated by Lucien Bernard,
  • a ‘Spirits’ masterclass by the WSET,
  • a ‘Sowine’ conférence hosted by Marie Mascré, ‘Z (for zebra?): younger generations and their relationship with wines and spirits’,
  • and masterclasses by the Japan Sake and Shochu Association.

The FEVS (French Federation of Wine & Spirits Exporters) will also reveal figures for French wine and spirits exports at its annual press conference on Tuesday 14 February at 10 am in the LET’S SPEAK WINE! area.

  • THE INFINITE BAR

One of the go-to attractions at Be Spirits is the huge, 40-metre-long Infinite Bar which is a focal point in the Be Spirits hall and the point where business meets inspiration. In 2023, it will welcome European, Parisian and French bars to showcase the incredible creativity of the top mixologists or up-and-coming personalities on the bartender scene.

For more information, visit wineparis-vinexpo.com

About WINE PARIS & VINEXPO PARIS

Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris is the annual event for wine and spirits professionals from around the world. Hosted in February at a key time of the year, it aims to offer a cohesive focal point for industry players centring on a comprehensive, relevant and inclusive range of products that showcases vineyard sites across the globe alongside all the French wine regions.

About VINEXPOSIUM

Vinexposium is the world’s leading organizer of wine and spirits trade events. The group boasts an extensive portfolio of iconic, high-performance events tailored to different market segments: Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris; Vinexpo America, Drinks America; Vinexpo Asia; Symposium; Vinexpo China; WBWE Amsterdam; and Vinexpo India, along with Vinexpo Explorer and Vinexpo Meetings. Vinexposium also continues to enhance its digital portal, Vinexposium Connect, the high-performance business enabler where industry members can connect 365 days a year around the world and enjoy online networking and exclusive content.

Shop like a Pro with the Tastings.com 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

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CHICAGO, /PRNewswire/ — Tastings.com, the official review site of the Beverage Testing Institute, is gifting savvy holiday revelers with their Holiday Gift Guide that features hundreds of award-winning adult beverages to help them better plan their parties and upgrade their gift giving, all while impressing their friends, family, and co-workers with tasty drink discoveries.

The Tastings.com Holiday Gift Guide is a colorful, eye-catching flip book that features top-rated and perfect-for-presents spirits, wines, beers, ready-to-drink cocktails, sakes, ciders, and mixers from BTI’s expert reviews in 2022. The guide also serves up some delicious holiday-inspired drinks that are perfect for around the house and a few personal holiday stories from their expert panelists.

Considered the nation’s leading adult beverage testing and review organization, BTI taste tests thousands of beverages annually, is accredited by the American Society for Testing and Materials for its scientifically based blind tasting standards, and is universally recognized for independence, integrity, and consistency. Ratings and reviews from BTI have catapulted brands like Grey Goose and Pappy Van Winkle into the pantheon of the world’s most successful brands. Julian P. Van Winkle has said of BTI, “Every time we received a high rating from BTI over the years, interest increased for our brand. We owe a lot to Beverage Testing Institute for our success.”

Their Tastings.com Holiday Gift Guide makes finding and purchasing unique wines, beers and spirits super simple and virtually foolproof. With just a click on a product from the guide you go to the full review page on Tastings.com where their “Buy-It-Now” button allows consumers to buy any item featured in the guide via links to retailer sites. Throughout the guide you will find “Best Buy” beverages that offer exceptional score to price ratios, so that you can drink like a connoisseur without spending a ton of coin.

According to Andrew Moldenhauer, BTI’s Director of Content & Education, “Because BTI assembles dozens of leading experts to assess products based on consumer appeal, quality, and typicity, you know that the Tastings.com Holiday Gift Guide is a great way to elevate your home tastings and discover many of the best and most interesting products in their categories without having to sift through advertising spin or just rely on one writer’s sense of taste.”

Items featured in the Holiday Gift Guide were blindly judged and scientifically vetted based on merit alone by BTI’s panels of beverage industry experts. The guide features many of BTI’s recently announced “Best of Year Awards” like Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2022 Best Straight Bourbon Whiskey), Evan Williams Egg Nog Cream Liqueur (2022 Top 2 Cream Liqueurs), and Le Chemin Du Roi NV Brut Rosé (2022 Best Champagne Brut Rose), Grand Marnier (France) Cuvée Du Centenaire Liqueur (2022 Best Flavored Brandy Liqueur ), Philip Mead Traditional Sweet Mead (2022 Top 2 Traditional Meads) and the Midleton Dair Ghaelach Kylebeg Wood Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (2022 Best Whiskey of the Year).

Put a bow on it and call it a wrap with Tastings.com’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide.

Walla Walla has a secret: beyond the warmth of summer and fall’s fruitful harvest is a quaint town alive with winter charm

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(WALLA WALLA, Wash.) — A winter visit to Walla Walla might seem like a revelation, but for those in the know, it’s one of the most magical times of the year. Downtown’s twinkling lights set a festive atmosphere for boutique shopping, winemakers pour their newest releases, reservations at some of the most sought-after restaurants are easier to obtain, and the bustle of summer and fall are replaced with peace and solitude aplenty.

Signaling the arrival of winter in Walla Walla, the downtown Parade of Lights celebrates the holiday spirit with a parade of decorated floats on the first Saturday in December (Dec. 3). The festive vibes continue with Walla Walla Valley Wine’s Holiday Barrel Tasting (Dec. 2-4). This three-day event is filled with wine, food, art, music, and — most importantly — the opportunity to sample future releases straight from the barrel. From wineries to lodging, the town is alive with festive spirit, special promotions, and holiday cheer.

While Walla Walla is best known for its wines, this agricultural community is also home to a handful of local breweries and cideries. Walla Walla BrewFest (Feb. 18) celebrates the valley’s long history of brewing and growing hops, barley, and more, and features the best of Washington and Oregon breweries in downtown Walla Walla.

Walla Walla’s signature winter event, the monthlong Walla Walla Restaurant Month, returns in February to spotlight the valley’s culinary stars, from fine dining to casual cafes. The month is a celebration of the region’s bounty and the local farmers and ranchers who have made the region the “Breadbasket of the Pacific Northwest.” Locals and visitors return to take their place at the table with prix fixe menu offerings, curated wine tastings, and special lodging packages. Please note that the current landing page reflects February 2022 offerings and will be updated soon for 2023.

Outdoors, avid skiers and snowboarders can enjoy short lift lines, uncrowded slopes, some of the best tree skiing and riding in the Northwest at nearby Ski Bluewood. This independently owned ski hill with a family friendly vibe, boasts Washington’s second-highest base elevation (4,545’), more than 300 inches of snow annually, and a variety of terrain ranging from groomed runs to tree skiing and snow-cat accessible terrain. The recently renovated lodge has a “sit and stay awhile” atmosphere, and while leaving may be hard, downtown Walla Walla is only one hour away for the perfect ski-by-day and wine and dine-by-night experience.

During the winter, lodging in Walla Walla is easier to come by and often accompanied by special rates and packages. Take your pick from options that will fit every budget and wide range of experiences. The recently opened Royal Block Hotel and Stella’s Homestead offer boutique lodging opportunities in the nearby town of Waitsburg. The Finch, Best Western Plus, and Hampton Inn provide a modern downtown experience. Bed and Breakfast lovers will rejoice with a stay at the luxurious, adults-only, The Barn B&B or in one of Eritage Resort’s 20 luxury suites and lakeside bungalows. The Marcus Whitman Hotel offers more of a historical vibe. Newly renovated, The GG (formerly Green Gables Inn) is tucked away among some of Walla Walla’s most historic neighborhoods and offers another glimpse into the past.

For additional Walla Walla inspiration or to start planning your stay visit WallaWalla.org.

About Walla Walla:
As the unofficial capital of Washington wine country, Walla Walla is home to more than 120 wineries, a nationally recognized culinary scene, an abundance of easily accessible nearby outdoor recreation, and an arts & entertainment scene that rivals cities many times its size. This community of just over 30,000 residents is known for many things, including its friendliness and hospitality, the quality of its wine, and of course, the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onion. An easy and scenic four-hour drive from Seattle, Portland, or Boise, Walla Walla can also be accessed via Alaska Airlines daily non-stop flight from Seattle. For more information and to begin planning a trip to Walla Walla, visit www.wallawalla.org.

Wine Lovers Wanted: Experience the Tennessee Wine Trail

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NASHVILLE, TENN. (PRWEB) – Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Alliance (TFWA), the official statewide organization that supports wineries and vineyards in Tennessee, has launched the first ever Tennessee Wine Trail.

This free, passport-based wine trail, available to anyone 21 and over, is comprised of over 40 participating wineries, including those that produce mead and cider. Showcasing the best of Tennessee’s wine industry, this easy and mobile friendly passport is your ticket to the wonderful wines of Tennessee.

“We are thrilled to launch this trail. With the help of the Tennessee Wine and Grape Board, this endeavor allows Tennessee to have a program focused specifically on the fantastic wines, meads, and ciders produced in Tennessee,” said Laura Swanson, TFWA Executive Director.

Conversations around the statewide wine trail began earlier this year and led TFWA to Bandwango, a well-known technology company designed to support both free and paid experiences created by destinations that are marketing to visitors as well as locals. Using this technology, TFWA began working with wineries across Tennessee this summer to establish the statewide trail.

“We here at Grinder’s Switch Winery are looking forward to meeting new faces from across the great state of Tennessee and beyond,” said Jodie Morgan, co-owner of Grinder’s Switch Winery.

Through this passport, wine lovers will be able to visit a dedicated mobile landing page where they can sign up for the Tennessee Wine Trail by providing their name, e-mail address, and mobile phone number.

A link is then sent to their mobile phone, which opens the passport and directs the user to add the button icon to their home screen where they can access it any time. There is never anything to download and no bulky apps take up space on a user’s phone.

“The process is very simple,” said Swanson. “After logging in, the visitor has to click only once in order to check-in at the participating winery, meadery, or cidery. GPS from the phone will automatically validate the location and after 10 visits, a prize will be on its way!”

Passport holders can earn prizes at certain intervals, including a free VIP pass to an upcoming wine festival.

Sign up for the Tennessee Wine Trail by visiting tennesseewines.com and visit us on all of the social media @tennesseewines.

Teatulia Teas Does it again with Tea and Botanical Flavor Innovations; Featured in Recent Cider Collaboration with Stem Cider – Leaves

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DENVER, PRNewswire/ — Premier organic tea maker Teatulia recently collaborated with Stem Ciders as an ingredient provider for their new botanical cider: “Leaves.” At only 100 calories and zero grams of added sugar per 12 oz. serving, the Stem Cider flavor is part of the botanical cider series, focusing on fresh, botanical ingredients. Serving as perfect examples of how tea and botanicals can transform any craft brew for the better, Teatulia explored more collaborations at the upcoming Craft Brewers Conference in Minneapolis, May 2-5.

“Tea and botanicals have not traditionally been looked at as ingredients in the cider, beer or alcohol industry, but we’re well on the way to changing that,” said Tim Bradley, Teatulia’s CEO. Added Chris Olsen, Chief Business Development Officer: “We are proud to help provide ingredients for Stem Cider’s new recipes, as they are a fantastic example of the talent and artistry that goes into craft brewing. We look forward to working with Patrick Combs and his team again – they are really breaking new ground by using tea to expand flavor profiles.”

Botanical Ciders Featuring Teatulia Tea

“Our new botanical cider series was designed as a way for us to explore new boundaries of cider and how it relates to better-for-you beverages,” explains Patrick Combs, Director of Innovation and Quality for Stem Ciders. “We’re continuing to experiment with other botanicals and hope to expand the series by utilizing functional ingredients in a very flavorful way.”

  • “Leaves” – Following the notes of a classic Arnold Palmer, with features of rich Oolong leaves, Chinese Black Fanning tea, and hand-picked, organic Lemongrass. A lemon verbena and Stevia leaf layer on top of a dry cider base, “Leaves” is an earthy, tart, citrus-forward cider with a clean, refreshing, and sweet finish.

“The craft brewing community has embraced a whole new tea-cabinet of delicious ingredients to work with and we’re thrilled we can help establish tea and botanicals as keynote ingredients in this incredible craft market. We continue to supply tea to the majority of top US kombucha and hard kombucha brewers,” Olsen said, “as well as select, breweries and seltzer makers.”

To learn more about upcoming products, future collaborations with craft brewers, and craft brew conference appearances, follow Teatulia on social media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest. 

About Teatulia Organic Teas

Teatulia is a grower, producer, and seller of fine teas and botanicals ethically sourced across the world. Grounded in one simple principle, every cup Teatulia cultivates supports the land and its people to build a world where everyone thrives. Teatulia tea and botanicals have the kind of clean, fresh taste that comes from doing less to interfere with what the earth does best. Known for their garden-direct sourcing, Teatulia’s tea and botanicals never sit in long-term warehouse storage or wait around to be blended by a third party. The result is fresh, great-tasting teas and botanicals that are better for the land, the people, and the environment.

Teatulia a Public Benefit Corporation is always mindful of how its actions impact worldwide communities and actively supports ethical organizations like the Whole Planet Foundation, Rainforest Alliance, and B Corporation. Teatulia is also proud of its exquisite, clean, and smooth-tasting teas that support education, business, and health initiatives – demonstrating a thorough commitment to sustainability. Learn more about the growing tea varieties and exciting creative collaborations at: www.Teatulia.com.

SOURCE Teatulia Organic Teas

Woodchuck Hard Cider Introduces Brunch Box

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MIDDLEBURY, VT. (PRWEB) – Woodchuck Hard Cider, the brand that started the American cider revolution in 1991, is pleased to announce the arrival of its Brunch Box.

The Brunch Box variety pack features four innovative ciders: existing core Woodchuck styles Pearsecco, Mimosa, along with the addition of two new innovations, Paloma and Bellini. All ciders are 12oz cans, 3 cans of each style per 12-pack, 5.5% alc.vol., apart from Pearsecco, a bubbly dry cider, at 6.1% alc./vol. The Brunch Box will be available year-round, with a a PTC range of $17.99 – 18.99.

“Woodchuck’s Brunch Box continues to evolve our lineup of innovative award-winning ciders and delivers exciting new ciders, not only will cider fans enjoy this great pack, but this variety will also draw in new drinkers as we capture inspiration from classic brunch style cocktails,” says Bridget Blacklock, Chief Commercial Officer, Vermont Cider Company. “We are excited that Brunch Box will be a year-round offering and look forward to launching it this Spring.”

Brunch Box features the ultimate brunch medley of deliciousness showcasing Pearsecco, inspired by sparkling wines, this dry pear cider is full of bubbles with a clean, crisp finish. With Mimosas being one of the most popular drinks enjoyed at brunch, Woodchuck’s version is inspired by the classic morning beverage, this cider is bursting with orange zest and citrus notes. Rounding out the ciders featured in Brunch Box are two new innovations Paloma, a vibrant, grapefruit cocktail inspired semi-dry cider with notes of grapefruit, lime, and tequila, and Bellini, a peach cocktail inspired semi-sweet cider bursting with peach piquancy.

Woodchuck has already started shipping Brunch Box to select states and will roll out the variety pack to most states ahead of Spring. In addition. Brunch Box will be sold via Woodchuck.com’s direct to consumer platform, for a great alternative when consumers can’t find it locally.

Be sure to follow Woodchuck on Instagram @WoodchuckCider, on Facebook by visiting http://www.facebook.com/woodchuckcider and via Twitter @WoodchuckCider for the latest new cider releases, events and programming.

About Woodchuck Hard Cider

At Woodchuck® we have been crafting America’s original hard cider since 1991. Back then we didn’t really care that the world was drinking beer, because we had a passion for hard cider. So that’s what we made. Sure, cider may be popular now, either way we’ve stayed true to our roots, fermenting quality innovative ciders with every batch, because we like it. For additional information please visit http://www.woodchuck.com.

About Vermont Cider Company

We reinvigorated American hard cider in 1991 and continue to lead the category through our commitment to crafting innovative and refreshing hard ciders. Vermont Cider Co. crafts a variety of ciders for a variety of consumers. Our portfolio is as diverse as our fans. There’s iconic Woodchuck, fruit-forward Wyder’s as well as the classic Magners and Blackthorn, rounding out our import offerings. Most recently, in Summer 2021, Vermont Cider Co. introduced Day Chaser, a vodka based RTD canned cocktail. For additional information please visit http://www.vtciderco.com.

Waterford Whisky To Appear On Upcoming New Season of Amazon Prime’s Global TV Series The Three Drinkers

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Terroir-driven whisky producer, Waterford Whisky announced that it has partnered with Amazon Prime TV Series The Three Drinkers on their new series ‘The Three Drinkers in Ireland’, which will be airing globally on February 1, 2022. The Three Drinkers are drinks experts, writers and broadcasters Helena Nicklin and Aidy Smith, joined by a diverse revolving roster of ‘third drinker’ guests. The duo were joined by third drinker guests Beth Brickenden (episodes 1-3) and Eulanda Osagiede (episodes 4-6) on their latest adventure. This will be the second Three Drinkers TV series for Smith and Nicklin who also produce the popular ‘Bring a Bottle’ podcast, run the drink, travel and lifestyle-focused online magazine thethreedrinkers.com and have a growing social media/influencer presence.

Influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Whisky has sourced barley from nearly 100 individual farms, some of them organic and biodynamic. Their founder, Mark Reynier, was raised in the wine industry and ran one of premier London’s wine and spirits shops. In 2000, he resurrected the defunct Bruichladdich distillery in Islay, Scotland, and later sold it. Tapping into Mark’s background, Waterford Whisky carefully monitors each farm’s harvest and malts, mashes, ferments and distills the grains separately to bring out the character of each site.

Waterford Whisky, the largest producer of organic malt whisky in the world, has also recently released a few new exciting whiskys. First, The Cuvée, which is a Bordeaux inspired single malt that shakes up traditional whisky blending. 25 totally unique Waterford Single Farm Origin Whiskies, drawn from distinct terroirs of Southern Ireland, have been married together to create the ultimate layered, profound and compelling tasting experience. The second is Biodynamic: Luna, the world’s first whisky made from Biodynamic Irish barley. As part of its pioneering quest to unearth whisky’s most natural flavors, Waterford Distillery has introduced the radical biodynamic farming philosophy, as lauded by many of the world’s legendary winemakers, to the conservative whisky industry.

Smith said, “Being both wine and spirits experts, Helena and I were delighted to intertwine the two worlds during our visit to Waterford Distillery. To see first-hand how terroir has such an impact on the liquid inside the bottle really showcases the innovation of today’s Irish whisky industry. We can’t wait to share this discovery with our audience.”

In addition to Waterford Whisky, The Three Drinkers in Ireland will explore all sorts of drinks beyond delicious whisky, from gin and poitin to cider and Irish cream. They’ll also take a deeper dive into Ireland’s incredible food scene and will showcase some traditional activities such as bog snorkelling, cheesemaking, eel fishing and Irish dancing. The result is an escapist, gastronomic journey with a drinks hook through the picturesque island of Ireland that’s light-hearted and aspirational with plenty of take-home tips. It’s the perfect pour of armchair travel and feel-good entertainment.

Nicklin says, “We’ve loved bringing everything together here, from the food and drink, to the people, places, culture and tourism of the whole of the island of Ireland. We’ve been blown away by the sheer quality of Irish produce too. It’s world class! Ireland is also the perfect country to visit as the world opens up again, thanks to its wide open spaces and easy accessibility – and it’s a great location for lovers of fantastic food and drink to boot.”

About Waterford Whisky:
Waterford Whisky is on a quest to unearth whisky’s most natural flavors. Unashamedly influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford brings the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigor to unearth the nuances that make Waterford Whisky the most profound single malt ever created. Across southern Ireland, warmed by the Gulf Stream, temperate, moist air crosses fertile soils to produce a verdant landscape and the world’s finest barley. Since barley is the source of malt whisky’s complex flavors, it makes abundant sense to focus on where and how the barley is cultivated. Those flavors are shaped by place, by the soils that nourish its roots, by the microclimate in which it ripens. By terroir. Waterford is a whisky of the world, born of Irish barley. For more information, please visit https://waterfordwhisky.com/

About The Three Drinkers in Ireland:
The Three Drinkers in Ireland is a feel good, infotainment-style travelogue with a drinks hook that showcases the beauty of Irish gastro-tourism in all its glory. Road trip in style with just the right amount of knowledge thrown in, this armchair travel series follows Aidy, Helena (renowned drinks and lifestyle communicators) and their ‘third drinker’ guests on the ultimate, lifestyle journey through the unique and diverse landscapes of the Emerald Isle.

Along the way, they’ll scope out famous local landmarks and characterful locals before heading off to key stops on their tour of distilleries, orchards, country pubs and more via numerous points of interest, delicious food and unmissable scenery. Packed full of personality and flavor and using a blend of epic drone videography, natural, amusing in-car conversation and sweeping landscape shots, this is Ireland for a new, global audience.