Eve's Wine 101

Arizona’s Female Winemakers

by

Did you know that many of Arizona’s wineries are female owned and/or operated? The state’s governor recently recognized the flourishing wine region as an important sector in agribusiness, employment, and tourism by designating this past March 2022 as Arizona’s first official Wine Month. Here is a list of some of the women helping create Arizona’s award winning wines:

Julia Dixon, Winemaker, 1764 Vineyards

 Julia Dixon’s passion for winemaking didn’t begin until her 24th wedding anniversary in October 2012 during a visit to the Verde Valley. Two years later she moved from Phoenix to Cottonwood and began her studies in viticulture and enology at Yavapai College. After her graduation in 2016, Julia and her husband purchased their own land in Pearce,  founded 1764 Vineyards, and she began interning at Four Tails Vineyard. Today, Julia is the head winemaker at their 30-acre property working with Petit Verdot, Picpoul Blanc, and Vermentino varieties.  

Brooke Lowry Ide, Winemaker, Vino Stache Winery

Brooke’s winemaking journey began in 2014 when she enrolled at Yavapai College studying viticulture and enology. She has interned at Four Eight Wineworks, Caduceus Cellars, Merkin Vineyards, and Callaghan Vineyards. In 2019, she began her one-woman operation at her own winery, Vino Stache Winery. She has delayed planting on her 54-acre property, but is building her brand with fruit sourced from several Arizona growers. Her first wines were bottled in 2021. 

Megan Stranik, Co-Owner, AZ Hops & Vines

Megan was introduced to the world of winemaking at Sonoita Vineyard where she spent a year as a volunteer, helping tend the farm. For many years after, she worked at various wineries learning the process of winemaking, but owning her own winery was always her goal. Today, she co-owns AZ Hops & Vines with her sister, Shannon, where you can almost always find her tending to the vineyards.

Shannon Austin Zouzoulas, Co-Owner, AZ Hops & Vines

Shannon grew up in Southern California and attended the University of Maryland. After returning to California, she began volunteering at wineries and festivals and began conspiring with her sister on how to get into the industry themselves. While her sister handles viticulture and oenology, Shannon was inspired in the marketing, hospitality and agro-tourism side of the business. She spends her days creating fun events, meeting great people, trying new wines, and marketing their winery.

Monica Preston, Owner, Birds & Barrels Vineyards

Monica Preston founded Birds & Barrels Vineyards on 50-acres of land with her husband Chad in 2015 with the goal of crafting ultra-premium Arizona wines. Though she does not have a background in viticulture, her passion and drive to learn has been helpful on this adventure. Monica handles water management, herbicide and pesticide management, fertilizer regiments in the vineyard, vine assessments, petiole, and fruit sampling prior to harvest. She also handles the wine club and Founders program planning and coordination. Though they have been called crazy many times along this journey, they remain ambitious and plan to expand while planting in 2023.

Gayle Glomski, Bree Nation, Lauren Maldonado, Page Springs Cellars 

Gayle, Bree, and Lauren all work at Page Springs Cellars in Cornville, Arizona where most of the workers are women. The three came together and collaborated on Vin de Filles (Girls’ wine in French), a wine produced by women to highlight feminine strength within the world of wine. The women care for specific rows of vines for their entire growing cycle, then bring their harvest to the cellar to ferment, press, and bottle their wine. The majority of profits from the sales of these wines benefit The Verde Valley Sanctuary, a local nonprofit that supports women who are victims of domestic abuse, assault, and human trafficking. This project not only empowers women in wine, but also in the community.

Valerie Wood, Heart Wood Cellars 

Valerie Wood moved to Arizona with her husband Daniel in 2009 for a new lifestyle and plans to contribute and participate in the growing sector of the Arizona wine industry. In 2013, she began studying viticulture and enology at Yavapai College in the Verde Valley while working part time at the Yavapai College Southwest Wine Center planting the college’s new vineyard. In 2015 she graduated with honors and her degree and was invited to join the Four Eight Wineworks-Caduceus Cellars winery family. In 2016 Heart Wood Cellars released its first vintage following the guidelines of their business model – to craft wines they love and want to share with others. 

Desiree Gerth, Owner and Winemaker, Strive Vineyards 

Desiree Gerth moved to Arizona with her husband shortly after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While on a weekend vacation to Arizona wine country, they decided to try to make their own wine with a home winemaking kit purchased from a local brew shop. Though the first batch was undrinkable, they persisted, first creating an in-home winery and then looking for their own land in Willcox. She and her husband with the help of family and friends have built everything themselves from the ground up – fencing, gates, irrigation systems, trellis systems, utility shed and more. They are completely off-grid utilizing solar power for their well pump and green, sustainable farming practices. In 2018 she began her professional winery career at Golden Rule Vineyards, and today oversees administration and operations for Strive Vineyards and works in all areas of wine production, winery management, and operations at Cochise Wine Co.

Peggy Fiandaca, Owner/Brand Manager, LDV Winery

After an incredibly successful career in Urban Planning, Peggy and her husband set out on their “second act” – wine. Wine was always a passion they shared; they traveled the world drinking, collecting, and absorbing everything they could about wine. They are often asked if owning a winery was their lifelong dream, but it was purely serendipitous (or a mid-life crisis). LDV winery sits on a 40-acre property, grows Rhone grape varieties, and produces about 2,500-3,000 cases per year. On a day to day basis, Peggy is responsible for strategic planning and analytics, wine marketing, public relations, sales, tasting room operations, contracts, regulations, trademarks, website, social media and all staffing. Peggy has served on the Arizona Wine Growers Association board as Secretary and President for two terms. She is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International and Women at the Top, a female business owner networking group.

Carla Milić, Wineworker, Los Milics Vineyard

Carla was born and raised in Chile, but the bulk of her training has been in Sonoita with local winemakers. She took a few courses at the University of California, Davis and also assisted during a harvest in Chile. Los Milics Vineyard is located in Elgin; it sits on 20 acres with 12.5 acres being under vine. Since the winery opened for tastings, Carla is responsible for greeting guests and guiding them through their tasting and providing tours of the construction site where the new tasting room and casitas will be located. Once harvest peaks, Carla will be receiving fruit, processing, cleaning, and monitoring fermentations. Her favorite part of the job is nurturing vines from infancy through their entire growth cycle. Carla continues to be inspired by other independent and hardworking women in the wine industry.

Ann Roncone, Owner/Winemaker, Lightning Ridge Cellars

Ann was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area. She worked an office job and winemaking was her hobby. For about five years, she read books on winemaking and viticulture, planted vines at home, took courses at the University of California, Davis, and worked harvests at local wineries. When she and her husband decided to pursue a career in wine, they couldn’t afford land in California, and decided to visit the Arizona viticulture area as her husband had gone to college in Tucson. In 2003, they purchased land in the Sonoita/Elgin AVA and in 2004 they began the process of starting a vineyard and winery from scratch. Lightning Ridge Cellars is located in Elgin and specializes in Italian varietals. It is hard to say what she enjoys most about winemaking, but the amount of time she spends outside is definitely among the top things.  

Kim Reed, Assistant Manager/Wine Club Coordinator, Javelina Leap Vineyard, Winery & Bistro

Kim came into the wine industry somewhat by accident after working in a community care and hospital as a Registered Dietitian for 10 years. Her in-laws, Rod and Cynthia Snapp own Javelina Leap, and when her husband Lucas took over as GM and head winemaker, it was quickly apparent that he was going to need help. In March 2020, Kim joined the family business, initially as the Wine Club and Event Coordinator. Since then, her role has grown to include helping the tasting room manager, serving as office manager, booking bands, shipping wine, answering emails and filling in the gaps wherever needed. Most of her wine knowledge comes from being around the business and family the last seven years, however she will be pursuing a Level 1 Sommelier certification in the future.  

Lori Dutt Reynolds, Winemaker, Sonoita Vineyards 

Lori is a third generation winemaker in Arizona with a Certificate in Enology and Viticulture from the University of California, Davis. She was inspired to join the wine industry by her grandfather, Dr. Gordon Dutt – the founder of the Arizona Wine Industry. Lori loves the art and science behind creating wine and her favorite parts of the job are blending wine and working in the vineyards with her family. It is important to her to have her children involved in Sonoita Vineyards to work and learn the wine industry first hand like she did.

Whitehall Lane Winery Released the First-Ever Camminare Noir and Paseante Noir Wines Made from California’s Newest Sustainable Grape Varieties Developed at UC Davis

by

SAINT HELENA, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — These red wines were 20 years in the making; or rather, the grape vines took two decades to develop. Whitehall Lane joined forces with Dr. Andrew Walker of UC Davis and Dr. Paul Skinner of Vineyard Investigations in Napa Valley and planted these experimental grape varieties because they are highly resistant to Pierce’s disease. Pierce’s disease is caused by a bacterium spread by leafhopper insects called sharpshooters. It infects grape vines across the US and costs California grape growers more than $100 million per year.

“These varieties will hopefully make viticulture much more sustainable and provide a high-quality wine that the industry will welcome,” said Walker. Whitehall Lane owner Katie Leonardini agrees with Walker adding, “Rather than trying to manage the sharpshooter with insecticides and potentially harming other beneficial insects, these new rootstocks dovetail into our sustainable and green practices. And the wine is outstanding too!”

Whitehall Lane bottled the 2019 Camminare Noir and 2019 Paseante Noir wines as single, distinct varietals. These grapes from the winery’s Oak Glen Vineyard were harvested on October 15, 2019. Winemaker Jason Moulton kept the two small lots separate saying, “It was amazing how distinct these two wines were from color to flavor to texture.” He continued, “As they developed in our custom American oak barrels, it was evident that these were excellent stand-alone wines.”  The special American oak barrels were designed by Nadalie Cooperage in Calistoga, CA to specifically suit the characteristics of these new American wines.

The Camminare Noir profile is a cross between Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon and the wine has aromas and flavors of blackberries, raspberries, cherries and a dense tannin profile.

The Paseante Noir is a combination of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon and delivers flavors of cassis, coffee, and berry.  Fewer than 25 cases of each were made and are available at the winery.

Whitehall Lane planted the two rootstocks in 2016 in their Oak Glen Vineyard. Dr. Walker, professor of viticulture and enology at UC Davis, developed the rootstock, creating grape varieties that provide high-quality wine while elevating the level of sustainable grape growing. “Whitehall Lane was constantly replanting dead vines infected by Pierce’s disease,” said Dr. Skinner. “I knew the Oak Glen vineyard was a perfect location for Walker’s experimental varieties.”

Whitehall Lane Winery is a family-owned and operated winery in Napa Valley’s historic Rutherford Appellation. They are dedicated to growing and making premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines from their eight estate vineyards.  They provide friendly hospitality at their Napa Valley winery and are Napa Green winery and vineyard certified with sustainable practices.

Dr. Walker is a faculty member of the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis.

His lab is actively involved in breeding wine grapes for resistance to Pierce’s disease.

Discovering Camins 2 Dreams in Lompoc

by

Was recently invited by fellow wine writer and organizer of the #LAWineWriters group, Cori Solomon, for a road trip to Lompoc. It had been awhile since our group had met but Cori found a winery she liked that was most willing to set up for us outside and socially distanced for a tasting. The winery is Camins2Dreams and this is their story.

“Wife and wife” winemakers Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribo Tena share the Camins 2 Dreams winery. Some of us had already tasted wines made by Gomez, as she is also the winemaker at Kita. The pair make wines, starting with their flagship Gruner Veltliner and Syrah, only in a natural style. Cori hinted that “Tara and Mireia have a good story.”

We quickly learned that the pair has years of winemaking experience between them. Gomez got her Enology degree and began making wine at J Lohr (where the two met) and Fess Parker before starting Kalawashaq’ Wine Cellars (the winery name is the same as the village her Chumash forefathers lived in). Fast forward to taking some time away to make wine in Spain, specifically at Castell d’Encus, where Tena was the winemaker. Tena also has an Enology degree, and went back to school to earn a Masters in Enology, Viticulture and Marketing of Wine.

The pair started Camins 2 Dreams in 2017, making wines from Sta. Rita Hills vineyards that focus on 100% natural bottling, not filtered or fined, all foot stomped, no new oak barrels (their new standard) and only add SO2 (a wine preservative) just before bottling. Their first production was a mere three barrels.

“We have to adjust for each vintage…it’s difficult to be consistent. So the focus is on the vineyard,” the pair shared. They “respect the land and want (their) vineyards to be SIP certified.” Look for newcomers Grenache and Graciano in their lineup.

Tasting (Notes on aromas and flavors were provided, I will only comment on those that I noted as remarkable.)

We started with a 2019 Gruner Veltliner that was a big hit with the group. Noted: pear, green apple, freshness, acidity and it worked as the perfect palate cleanser for the tasting. At the end of the tasting we were treated to a refreshing Pet Nat of their Gruner Veltliner which is described by Wine Enthusiast as “Pét-nat, or Méthode Ancestrale, is a method of sparkling wine production used all over the world. … After a period of rest that can be as short as a couple of months…”

After the white wine we moved over to their pink, a 2019 Rose of Syrah that had been made in the saignee method with nearly zero skin contact and completely fermented in stainless steel. We notes strawberries, Rainier cherries, pomegranate with a crisp finish that I thought would lend itself well to a nice picnic with cold fried chicken.

Then we started on their many Syrah wines: 2017 Zotovich Vineyard, which was their first, which had a lovely blueberry nose, tannins and long finish – my favorite of the Syrahs. A 2018 Zotovich had a lovely balance and a bit lighter to me than the 2017. The 2018 Spear Vineyards had a medium body, black fruit and a decent amount of acidity that I felt was due to its youth.

We finished for with a 2018 JSB (from the John Sebastiano Vineyard) that had been bottled just two weeks prior, and a red table wine that was a combination of both 2018 and 2019 Syrah from all three vineyards: JSB, Pear and Zotovich.

My takeaway: If you seek natural wines Camins 2 Dreams is not to be missed.

Camins 2 Dreams

313 North F St, Lompoc, CA.

805-741-7047

https://camins2dreams.com

https://www.facebook.com/camins2dreams/

https://www.instagram.com/camins2dreams/

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.

Enologist and Educator Marcus Rafanelli Joins L’Ecole N° 41 as Winemaker

by

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – L’Ecole N° 41, one of the Walla Walla Valley’s early founding family wineries, has announced that experienced enologist and educator Marcus Rafanelli has joined L’Ecole as Winemaker.

Photo: Alamy.com

Rafanelli comes to L’Ecole from Walla Walla Community College’s Institute for Enology & Viticulture, where he has been the Instructional Technician/Cellarmaster, overseeing 65 students and the production of College Cellar’s wines. Prior to that, he worked at wineries spanning the globe, including the esteemed Weingut Dr. Loosen (Mosel, Germany) and Two Hands Winery (Barossa Valley, Australia). At William Church Winery, he was an integral lead in production for more than five years, becoming Winemaker in 2011. Rafanelli also worked harvest at L’Ecole more than a decade ago, in 2007.

L’Ecole’s Owner & Managing Winemaker, Marty Clubb comments on L’Ecole’s hiring of Rafanelli, saying that it “illustrates the winery’s commitment to consistency and quality in every bottle, using traditional old-world style winemaking techniques; Marcus is the perfect person to lead our winemaking team to an even higher level of success.” Furthermore, he insists that Rafanelli’s role at L’Ecole will “position him to become one of Washington’s great winemakers.”

WWCC’s Director of Winemaking, Tim Donahue, comments that Rafanelli joining the L’Ecole team is a “big win for the EV program, having another graduate heading up winemaking for such a prominent brand”. Further, he notes that the program has “over 300 graduates, of which 84% are currently employed in the WA wine industry”.

Speaking about the college’s Enology & Viticulture program, Clubb asserts that he has been “more than pleased with the caliber and quality of their innovative winemaking program”, and that he is “proud of L’Ecole’s support of the program which is ratcheting up WA State’s reputation for wine”. Clubb, himself, has been on the Advisory Board for the program since its inception.

Rafanelli earned a B.S. in Biology at Boise State University and completed the Enology & Viticulture program at WWCC. He is a member of the Washington Wine Technical Group, a professional organization committed to improving Washington wines. As a recipient of the Powers Sabbatical Award, he traveled through France in early 2019, studying the use of oak in quality wine production. He and his wife Heather live in Walla Walla with their family.

Attilio Scienza and Serena Imazio’s nonfiction bestseller about the historical and genetic journey of European grapevines – finally published in English

by

VERONA, ITALY (PRWEB) – Attilio Scienza and Serena Imazio’s wine history opus ‘Sangiovese, Lambrusco, and Other Vine Stories’ is finally available in hardback, following its official launch in the European market on Thursday, October 17th, 2019. The publication, which is the English translation of Italian nonfiction bestseller ‘La Stirpe del Vino’ (Sperling & Kupfer, 2018) can now be purchased in Italy and, through Amazon.it, also in Europe; the digital version is also widely available through Amazon Kindle. Focusing on a number of iconic vine varieties (Sangiovese, Lambrusco, Pinot, Chardonnay and others), the book reconstructs the lineage of wine by analyzing stories of migration, conquest, and cross-cultural exchange underpinning wine commerce and viticulture. It is a must-read for wine professionals and enology students, while wine lovers and the general public will be drawn into learning more about the topic by the authors’ accessible prose.

From the website: Silvano Romani Parma

The book focuses on the history and ancestry of vines that are cultivated in Italy (e.g. Sangiovese, Ribolla, Primitivo, Traminer, and the many Moscato, Malvasia, and Lambrusco grapes), but also includes international varieties such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot in the conversation, highlighting cross-currents and contamination: “What is certain is that research into the origin of the vine—as well as man in Europe, by a singular analogy—highlights a plurality of roots and matrices,” write Scienza and Imazio in the Introduction, “This is what happened in Italy […]: the variety of approaches demonstrates and confirms that our wine civilization is the result of a tormented hybridization of cultural contributions from the most diverse origins, ranging from Europe to Africa, from the Middle East to Central Asia. In this sense, the Italian case is archetypal for the whole of Europe: from the research on the identity of the vine in the different regions, emerges a continent without rigid borders, a continuous crossroads of migrations, interactions, hybridizations, contrasts and conflicts between peoples, which has drawn fundamental sap from the diversity of roots, on a cultural and political level.” (XXII)

Authors Scienza and Imazio have worked extensively on vine genetics. Scienza, who is Full Professor at the University of Milan, specializes in genetic improvement of the grapevine; he has published over 350 scientific articles and 15 books aimed at both academic and non-specialist audiences. He has also served on many national and international research committees and participated in the zoning of over 35 viticultural areas throughout Italy. A biologist by training, Imazio was a researcher in vine genetics at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and at the Centro di Trasferimento Tecnologico dell’Emilia Romagna; she now works as a science writer for various outlets and has published books and articles on wine history, ampelography, and genetics. Thanks to both authors’ untiring curiosity for all-things vine, the book successfully blends together genetic research on grapes’ DNA, ampelography and botanical studies, anthropology, the history of ancient civilizations, linguistics and literary studies in a monograph which also critically expands on the notion of ‘native’ or ‘indigenous’ grape: “…the word ‘autochthonous’ gradually loses its meaning: the vines are the result of an intense and ancient varietal circulation between areas sometimes even spanning great distances, often without geographical boundaries, so the term no longer refers to a place, but to a time, in which the vine is manifested in an optimal way through its production characteristics. The meaning of autochthonous can also be extended to the place where the vine gives its best, such as Sangiovese which, although of southern origin—as we shall see—expresses its DNA in the best way in Tuscany and Emilia, where it is now considered autochthonous” (Scienza and Imazio, XXV).

In the book’s Preface, Vinitaly International’s Managing Director Stevie Kim, who has been working with Scienza since 2018 on the Vinitaly International Academy project, comments on the educational value of this publication for the international community of professionals working in the beverage sector: “The English translation of ‘La Stirpe del Vino’ (which literally translates ‘the lineage of wine’) is another powerful tool to assist wine professionals in their study of Italian wines. The revised title—Sangiovese, Lambrusco, and Other Vine Stories—aims to give prominence to iconic Italian grapes and wines that are well-known internationally. […] To our Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) community no glass of Italian wine will ever taste the same after reading Attilio and Serena’s ‘Sangiovese, Lambrusco, and Other Vine Stories’: this book […] will bring them closer than they have ever been to the wines that they taste, professionally assess, or drink for pleasure.”

‘Sangiovese, Lambrusco, and Other Vine Stories’ can be purchased on Amazon Italy for €18,90 and on Amazon Kindle for $9,99 (€ 9,02). Publisher Positive Press also provides shipping options. Additional information on the book can be requested by emailing info@italianwineunplugged.com.

Authors’ biographical note:

  • Attilio Scienza is Full Professor at the University of Milan, where he taught genetic improvement of the grapevine. His research interests include the genetic improvement of grape varieties and rootstocks by crossbreeding and clonal selection, the appraisal of old vines, and the study of interactions between the vine and the environment to enhance wine quality. He also worked on the preservation and enhancement of the Georgian germplasm. He is the author of 350 scientific publications and 15 books—both academic and of wider appeal—on topics related to the description of grape varieties as well as their relationship with the environment and historical origin. He also serves as the Chief Scientist of the Vinitaly International Academy, wine education provider specialized in teaching the diversity of Italian wine to international professionals.
  • After completing her degree in Biology in 2000, Serena Imazio begins her extraordinary journey into the wine world by pursuing doctoral studies on the origin and genetics of the grapevine. After her doctorate, she worked as a researcher at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and at the Centro di Trasferimento Tecnologico dell’Emilia Romagna, where she started to get in touch with the world of communication and scientific dissemination of knowledge to wider audiences. She considers herself very lucky since she managed to turn her unabashed curiosity for all things science and her love for the wine world into a fantastic job.

Praise for the book:

  • “The unique triumph of Scienza and Imazio’s new book on Italy’s viticultural heritage is how, rather addressing it in isolation, it successfully sets Italy’s story in a larger geographical, historical and scientific context. In so doing, the authors reinforce rather than diminish Italy’s importance, expertly demonstrating how the peninsula and its myriad peoples were often key connectors joining the dots of seemingly disparate traditions. Sweeping in its scope, but retaining the intimacy of a personal anecdote, this book is a must for anyone who would seek to truly know Italian wine.” Sarah Heller MW, Proprietor, Radix
  • “Wine grapes are the most human fruits. Wherever they are planted, if successful, they not only represent in their wines the societies that took care of their cultivation, but also mark the character of the lands in which they grow. Attilio Scienza and Serena Imazio share a series of most exciting real stories about grapes travelling and transforming landscapes. Their angle—solidly based upon science and knowledge with as much global perspective as depth—is unique. They are like this book’s grapes, well traveled and exceptional. I have not seen many books so soundly structured and so easy to read, books that provide knowledge while stimulating the imagination of the reader. I enjoyed the Italian version first and then its English version masterfully translated by Joy Livingston. Thanks, Serena, Attilio for your contribution to the understanding of the world of fine Italian wine and, most of all, for giving to me (and I think that to many readers too) lovely hours of intellectual enjoyment.” Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW, International Wine Judge
  • “To speak with Professor Scienza, to read his books, and to listen to him is always a great experience as well as a profound learning journey that we can teach us new notions which at times were overlooked. For decades, Attilio Scienza has stimulated and energized the production sector of the agronomic and enological world. I don’t think we would have reached today’s results without his scientific commitment. Even now, every time I meet him, I always feel the excitement and reverence of a student. Thank you Professor Scienza!” Lamberto Frescobaldi, President, Marchesi Frescobaldi
  • “Attilio Scienza and Serena Imazio’s scholarly quest to understand the genetics of the vine and their passion to narrate their lineage weaving together anthropology, archaeology, sociology, and linguistics make this book a perfect learning tool for people who work in wine, but also for wine lovers at large.” Stevie Kim, Managing Director, Vinitaly International

About:
Sangiovese, Lambrusco, and Other Vine Stories (Positive Press, 2019) is the English translation of Italian nonfiction bestseller about wine history La Stirpe del Vino (Sperling & Kupfer, 2018). In the book, vine genetics experts Attilio Scienza and Serena Imazio illuminate the interaction between human communities and vines, in a journey which will reveal the lineage of wine through stories of migration, conquest, and cross-cultural exchange. Using DNA analysis, archeology, anthropology, myth, and literary sources, authors discuss the origin and ancestry of vines such as Sangiovese, Ribolla, Primitivo, Traminer and the many Moscato, Malvasia, and Lambrusco grapes. Chapters also cover more widely planted varieties such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot, as well as the impact of the phylloxera epidemic in the nineteenth century. Maps and genealogical charts of vine families also grace the book. Available on Amazon for €18,90 and on Amazon Kindle for $9,99.

Private Barrel Auction Paves Way for Washington Wine Industry to Lead on a Global Scale

by

SEATTLE (PRWEB) – Four years ago, the Auction of Washington Wines (AWW) introduced the trade-exclusive Private Barrel Auction that featured just eight wineries; this year the Private Barrel Auction is expanding to feature more than thirty of the most noted winemakers across Washington state. Unlike other auctions in the U.S. that highlight specific wine regions, the Private Barrel Auction shines a light on the entire state of Washington to raise awareness and generate innovation for the future of the state’s wine industry.

USA, Washington, Woodinville. Private Barrel Auction at the Auction of Washington Wines.

USA, Washington, Woodinville. Private Barrel Auction at the Auction of Washington Wines.

The Private Barrel Auction is committed to innovation, investing 100 percent of last year’s proceeds – $137,500 – in Washington State University’s (WSU) Viticulture and Enology Research Program. WSU’s program fosters education and cutting-edge research that is paving the way for the Washington wine industry and its leadership on a global scale. AWW is the largest private donor to WSU’s Viticulture and Enology Research Program, contributing nearly one quarter of all the research money for WSU in 2017. Research on this level will ensure the future success of the entire industry.

At the Private Barrel Auction, attendees are invited to sample and live-bid on exclusively crafted wines made one time only and not available elsewhere. This opportunity allows the discerning trade community to differentiate themselves with unique, distinct Washington wine selections and the exclusivity of ownership with the 60-bottle allotment they purchase. Of the thirty-plus wineries participating this year, Betz Family Winery has been involved since the beginning.

“Washington’s wine community has experienced unprecedented growth, now ranking as the second largest premium wine producer in the U.S. Each year the Private Barrel Auction has grown as well, offering serious national trade members the opportunity to acquire the finest, most unique examples of the state’s wines. And it’s fun! A time of year when the best of the best come together to celebrate our industry and the future of Washington wines,” said Bob Betz, founder and consulting winemaker at Betz Family Winery.

This year’s Private Barrel Auction is set for August 16, 2018. To learn more and register, visit http://www.AuctionofWashingtonWines.org/trade. For more information around all 2018 Auction of Washington Wine events, visit http://www.AuctionofWaWines.org.

About the Auction of Washington Wines
Since its inception in 1988, AWW has raised more than $41 million, benefitting Seattle Children’s Hospital and Washington State University Wine Science Research. Events hosted by AWW give wine lovers the chance to support the Washington wine industry and families in our communities around the region. The 2018 Auction of Washington Wines will take place August 16-18, 2018. Major sponsors have included Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ferrari of Seattle, The John L. Scott Foundation, The Seattle Times, King 5 TV and Wine Spectator Magazine.

About Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Program
The WSU Viticulture & Enology Program is a comprehensive education and research program that prepares students for successful careers in the wine industry and supports the needs of the region’s winemakers and grape growers. Enhanced by world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, the V&E Program takes a hands-on, multidisciplinary approach, offering students technical, scientific, and practical experience. V&E’s cutting-edge research and education helps growers and winemakers cultivate healthy plants and craft wines that express the unique characteristics of Washington’s wine growing regions. In close partnership with an engaged industry, the WSU V&E Program propels Washington wine forward.

Auction of Washington Wines Invests in Local Wine Industry

by

SEATTLE (PRWEB) – The Auction of Washington Wines (AWW) today announced two investments in Washington state’s wine industry. AWW, the single largest private donor to WSU’s Viticulture and Enology research program, is awarding $344,500 to WSU’s wine research program and education, as well as $10,000 to SOS Health Services of Walla Walla as part of AWW’s new Industry Grant Program.

bk-bottom-home2AWW has been supporting Washington State University’s wine research program for 11 years, accounting for more than one quarter of the program’s annual funding. This year, AWW’s gift also includes 100 percent of the proceeds from the 3rd annual Private Barrel Auction. “The Auction of Washington Wines provides much-needed support for WSU research, which is foundational for the future of Washington state’s wine industry,” said James Moyer, Associate Dean for Research, CAHNRS, WSU.

In 2017, AWW launched the Industry Grant Program as a new tool to invest in local communities that provide services directly impacting Washington state wine grape growers and wine producers. AWW’s $10,000 Industry Grant to SOS Health Services of Walla Walla, an urgent care facility that provides quality walk-in services to under-insured individuals, will remove barriers and increase local access to health care, especially for those working in the wine industry. “We are beyond honored to receive the Auction of Washington Wines’ first-ever Industry Grant. Without healthy staff in the valley, the vines, wines and morale suffer. These funds are critical in order to start solving so many issues both overnight as well as in the long-term,” said Ashley Trout, SOS Board Member.

AWW, now in its 31st year, aims to support the growth and global awareness of the Washington state wine industry. “Investing in WSU’s wine research program and SOS Health Services of Walla Walla is our mission in action,” said Shelley Tomberg, executive director, AWW. “These gifts support Washington wineries and the people behind them, which is what we’re all about.”

The 2018 Auction of Washington Wine events have been announced for August 16-18. For more information, visit http://www.AuctionofWaWines.org.

About the Auction of Washington Wines
Since its inception in 1988, AWW has raised more than $41 million, benefitting Seattle Children’s Hospital and Washington State University Wine Science Research. Events hosted by AWW give wine lovers the chance to support the Washington wine industry and families in our communities around the region. The 2018 Auction of Washington Wines will take place August 16-18, 2018. Major sponsors have included Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ferrari of Seattle, The John L. Scott Foundation, The Seattle Times, King 5 TV and Wine Spectator Magazine.

About Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Program
The WSU Viticulture & Enology Program is a comprehensive education and research program that prepares students for successful careers in the wine industry and supports the needs of the region’s winemakers and grape growers. Enhanced by world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, the V&E Program takes a hands-on, multidisciplinary approach, offering students technical, scientific, and practical experience. V&E’s cutting-edge research and education helps growers and winemakers cultivate healthy plants and craft wines that express the unique characteristics of Washington’s wine growing regions. In close partnership with an engaged industry, the WSU V&E Program propels Washington wine forward.

About SOS Health Services of Walla Walla
SOS Health Services of Walla Walla was founded in 2000 by a physician who recognized a need for health care for the uninsured in Walla Walla. Since the beginning, SOS Health Services has been a faith-based, non-denominational clinic providing compassionate urgent-care services to people in Southeastern Washington and Northeastern Oregon.

Perlis Picks: THE OTHER WINE COUNTRY, PART IV, Mazzocco-Sonoma

by

One of the great things about Sonoma County is its size and diversity. While many people think of Sonoma as being about Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, nothing could be further from the truth. While excellent representations of these varietals do come from the area, Sonoma is also known for great Zinfandels and Rhones.

Winemaker Antoine Favero, photo courtesy Mazzocco-Sonoma

Winemaker Antoine Favero, photo courtesy Mazzocco-Sonoma

As Karen and I were heading to the Dry Creek Valley AVA, the first thing that came to my mind was Zinfandel.

First stop, Mazzocco-Sonoma.

As the self-named “Zinfan”, I actually had a pretty big hole in my resume. While I had heard of the incredible Zinfandels being produced by winemaker Antoine Favero, I had never actually tasted them. Well, that was about to be remedied.

We drove to the winery on Lytton Springs Road in the Dry Creek Valley and Antoine met us at the tasting room. We went upstairs to chat.

Antoine’s journey to ultimately become winemaker at Mazzocco is pretty unique. Born in France, he and his family moved to Peru and then when he was 9-years old they moved again to Northern California. Growing up in Nor Cal and experiencing all it had to offer as well as the start of the “farm to fork” movement, it seems pretty natural that Antoine would study enology at UC Davis and become a winemaker, eventually joining Wilson Winery in 2003.

In addition to owning Wilson Winery and Mazzocco (which was founded in 1984 but acquired in 2005 by the Wilsons), Ken and Diane Wilson also own:

Matrix Winery

deLorimier Winery

Jaxon Keys Winery & Distillery

Soda Rock Winery

Pezzi King

St. Anne’s Crossing

 

Besides being winemaker at Mazzocco, Antoine is winemaker at Soda Rock featuring his Bordeaux varietals as well as being co-winemaker with Diane Wilson at deLorimier Winery in Alexander Valley.

Mazzocco is not a “one trick pony” and makes other outstanding wines besides Zinfandel. Knowing that once we went to the Zin there would be no looking back, Antoine suggested we try a few of the other wines first…

2013 Meola Chardonnay – lightly oaked, bright fruit flavors.

2012 Fascination – blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot – yes, Zin can be used as a blending grape too.

2012 Caz – 50/50 blend of Zin and Cab. Really delicious.

All three were tasty, well made wines. But Antoine knew what we were there for and it was time to….drum roll…bring on the Zins!

The Mazzocco website lists 31[!] Zinfandels from the 2012 and 2013 vintages. Obviously, we couldn’t taste them all…well, maybe we could have if we didn’t have other commitments for the day….so Antoine put together a representative tasting of the varietal for which Mazzocco is best known.

2013 Beasley

2013 Maria

2013 Fog

2012 Seaton Reserve

2012 West Dry Creek Reserve

 

In addition, we tasted the 2012 Scholar Zinfandel, proceeds of which help to fund scholarships for children of vineyard workers.

It was easy to tell, after tasting all of these, which barely made dent in the number of Zins produced by Mazzocco, why the winery is so famous for this varietal.

“But wait, there’s more…”

Antoine produces three more very special Zinfandels, affectionately known as “The Three Amigos”. Named “Juan Rodriguez”, “Antoine Philippe”, and “Kenneth Carl” after the vineyard manager, winemaker and owner respectively, these were truly three of the best Zinfandels I have ever tasted.  Ranging in price from $100 – $150, these are definitely special-occasion wines, but also definitely worth it.

But all these wines are worth seeking out, and I’m not the only one to think so, as borne out by the number of Gold [and Double Gold] medals received by Mazzocco at the recent 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.  That’s nothing new for Antoine, as the Golds and high scores have been coming in since he started with Mazzocco. Well deserved accolades!

TO BE CONTINUED…

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com

KITA Wines and the Camp 4 Vineyards of the Chumash Tribe, by Barbara Barrielle

by

I must admit that, living in Healdsburg, I was mortified when an Indian casino was built into the pristine hills above neighboring Alexander Valley. And I still think River Rock Casino is an eyesore and does not belong perched on a hill overlooking vineyards.

Recently, I discovered a different side of the tribal gaming story and their involvement in wine when trying Kita Wines, “our valley oak” in the Chumash language of Samala. The cool twist on these well-made Central Coast wines is that the Chumash Tribe owns the vineyards and they funded the winery that is headed by Native American winemaker Tara Gomez with assistant winemaker Tymari Lore.

kita 3In 2010, the Santa Ynez branch of the Chumash Tribe bought 256 acres of vineyards originally planted by the legendary Fess Parker in 1999. Producing primarily Bordeaux and Rhône varietals at the Camp 4 vineyard, the Tribe sells most of their grapes to other producers but their ownership of the property at the gateway to Happy Canyon prompted the establishment of a Tribe-supported winery. Although she has the benefit of tribe support, Tara is clear that she worked hard to present a business plan to the tribal leaders and continues to have to prove her bottom line.

Tara Gomez studied Enology at Cal State Fresno and was one of only two women graduating in 1998 in the winemaking field. One of her earliest jobs was actually with Fess Parker Winery and this was followed by time in Paso Robles and in Europe honing her winemaking knowledge.   She was an accomplished winemaker by 2010 when the Tribe helped her establish Kita Wines.

Kita has the advantage of their own vineyards for their Bordeaux and Rhônes varietals and blends but Tara sources what she considers the best in Santa Rita Hills for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Current Kita offerings include the hip Grenache Blanc and very crisp Sauvignon Blanc as well as T’AYA, “abalone shell” in native Samala language, blend of Marsanne, Roussane and Grenache Blanc which has stone fruit, floral notes and a bit of minerality on the nose which is followed by apricot and honey in the mouth and balanced acid throughout the finish. All whites are $22-24.

On the red side, the Samala word SP’EY means “flower” and this aptly describes Kita’s gorgeous blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignane, the latter on of Tara Gomez’s favorite varietals. A lovely wine with elegant floral tones, blueberry and candied fruit that develops in long mouth filling flavors of berry, licorice and spice. Great balance and memorable for only .
buy desyrel online https://www.mabvi.org/wp-content/languages/new/desyrel.html no prescription

Kita also makes outstanding Pinot Noirs from the popular Hilliard Bruce vineyard in Santa Rita Hills and Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah from their own Camp 4. Spectacular offerings from an even better story that will only continue to get better with time. Kita wines are offered in tribal casinos throughout the U.S. which certainly raises the stakes of getting a decent glass of wine at the blackjack table!