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Limited Edition Wines to debut as first co-branded label by Vin Social and Red Tail Ridge Winery

June 13, 2021 by evebushman

New York, NY  — An interactive, wine-tasting platform and a sustainable, independent winery have partnered to produce two new co-labeled wine blends, handmade in New York’s Finger Lakes region.

Vin Social, a fast-growing virtual hospitality company, subscription wine club and E-commerce platform joins Red Tail Ridge Winery, a women-owned, LEED Gold Certified winery known for small batch vintages, to introduce their first collaboration of limited-edition wines available exclusively through Vin Social.

The two bottles — ‘Rebel with a Cause’ Red Blend and Cabernet Franc Estate Rosé — offer distinct flavors that capture the essence of the terroir, an exciting, up-and-coming domestic wine region that industry insiders are watching closely.

“We wanted to partner with a small, independent winery producing sustainable, interesting wines. ‘Rebel with a Cause’ is a love for the underdog, an ode to women-owned businesses that are purpose-driven with intent on breaking the mold. The ‘Cab Franc Estate Rosé’ is about celebrating summer and the casual, carefree Finger Lakes lifestyle,” says Sara Moll, Vin Social Founder and CEO.

As Vin Social’s very first wine partner, Red Tail Ridge and head winemaker Nancy Irelan helped establish the trajectory for Vin Social’s product partnerships, setting them on a path to working with accomplished female winemakers producing under-recognized, high quality wines.

“Nancy’s commitment to sustainability, her mission to raise the bar for the Finger Lakes region, and her dogmatic focus on her craft are just a few reasons why we wanted to partner with Red Tail Ridge. They really fit our criteria as a purpose and quality-driven brand making exciting wines that deserve significantly more market visibility,” says Sara.

As a virtual hospitality solution for businesses to “wine and dine” customers, Vin Social provides an interactive tasting experience of curated craft wine and spirits led by sommeliers and spirits experts. Shipping more than 7,000 bottles to event attendees nationwide throughout the last several months, Vin Social has provided access and awareness to brands like Red Tail Ridge, helping to grow their revenue and exposure.

“It’s really hard to have our voice heard when there’s so much noise from the big, corporate wineries. Vin Social has opened up a whole new avenue for E-commerce, giving us access to a new platform for our products as well as a team of wine educators that are really out there telling our story and growing our audience,” says Nancy Irelan.

To purchase the ‘Rebel with a Cause’ Red Blend [$35] or the Cabernet Franc Estate Rosé [$26] visit VinSocial.co.

About Red Tail Ridge Winery

Located in the Finger Lakes of New York, Red Tail Ridge Winery is the only LEED Gold Certified Winery in the state.

Founder Nancy Irelan has a PhD in Grape Genetics, decades of experience at the largest winery in the world, E&J Gallo, is a 2x James Beard Award Nominee.

About Vin Social

Vin Social is a premium virtual hospitality experience delivered as a service for businesses through a unique, online program and E-commerce platform. Clients host ‘Vin Socials’ to engage, retain, and convert their most valuable relationships.
Vin Social’s mission is to help small, sustainability-committed makers by serving as an alternate direct-to-consumer channel and to show reverence to these purpose-driven producers by telling their stories authentically.

Vin Social recently launched its first-ever equity crowdfunding campaign as it pioneers bridging E-commerce with wine and spirits tastings in the new, explosive category of virtual hospitality.
For more information, please visit
 www.vinsocial.co.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: blend, Cabernet Franc, craft, estate, finger lakes, flavor, leed, New York, red blend, Rose, sommelier, spirits, sustainable, terroir, vintage, winemaker

Nevada’s Bently Heritage Estate Distillery Tasting Room Opens to the Public

March 28, 2019 by evebushman

MINDEN, Nev., – PRNewswire – The Bently Heritage tasting room opened to the public on February 9, 2019. Tours are offered through the reservation system at bentlyheritage.com. The cost of a tour is $20; tastings are $10. The tasting room hours of operation will be from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Thursdays, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays. Tours will generally run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The distillery’s home, which is currently pursuing LEED Gold certification, was the site of the century-old and historic Minden Flour Mill, a local landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Owners Christopher and Camille Bently have lovingly restored the historic building to state-of-the art standards, creating an important landmark which will be a source of pride for Minden, Carson Valley, and all of Nevada.

Bently Heritage Estate Distillery uses 100% of its grains from those grown on the operation at the Bently Ranch. Winter rye, oats, wheat, corn, and barley are milled on-site and malted in-house on the malting floor. The distillery’s Mill Building creates single malt whisky using handmade Forsyths pot stills that were imported from Scotland. The distillery’s Creamery Building distills vodka and gin, using carl pot stills imported from Germany. Bently Heritage has also begun the process of oak barrel aging their single malt, bourbon, and rye for future releases.
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Three spirit offerings are included in the first Bently Heritage release: Source One Single Estate Vodka, Source One Vodka Rested in Oak Sherry Casks, and Juniper Grove American Dry Gin.
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 All products are sold in 750ml bottles for between $32 and $40. Bently Heritage whiskies are currently aging in barrels and will be available in the future.

You can visit Bently Heritage, L.L.C. at 1601 Water St., Minden, Nevada 89423, or find us online at bentlyheritage.com.

About Bently Heritage
Bently Heritage Estate Distillery creates ultra-premium spirits from grains that have been grown on the Bently Ranch here in Minden, Nevada. Our products elevate the connoisseur’s passion for luxury spirits, creating an experience that will be treasured for generations to come.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: distill, gin, leed, nevada, scotland, sherry, single malt whisky, spirits, stills, tasting room, vodka

HALL’S CABERNET COOKOFF RETURNS FOR TENTH YEAR

February 17, 2019 by evebushman

ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA  – HALL, one of the world’s most notable Cabernet Sauvignon producers, has announced plans for its tenth annual Cabernet Cookoff to return on Saturday, April 27 at HALL St. Helena. Hosted by Vintner Kathryn Hall, the annual event will feature an impressive lineup of renowned Bay Area Chef teams vying for a chance to win proceeds for a charity of their choice by participating in a food and wine pairing competition. 100% of ticket proceeds benefit non-profit organizations as selected by the winning chef teams. The event includes a VIP Preview from 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the Main Event which takes place from 12 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

At the “Selfie Station” at HALL Wines during a past Cookoff event

“This event makes a difference for many lives in our community,” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “So many people come together to celebrate passion for food and wine, and in the end, local non-profits garner awareness and proceeds. Everyone participating comes out a winner.”

Fifteen chef teams are tasked to create a small dish that they feel pairs best with 2015 HALL Ellie’s Cabernet Sauvignon, a top-rated wine that has earned praise from the wine industry’s top critics. Guests in attendance will sample all pairings to vote on the People’s Choice Awards, and a star-studded panel of celebrity judges will taste to vote for the Judge’s Choice Awards. In total, four winners will be announced. Participating chef teams include One Market, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ, Brix, Goose & Gander, Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, Paula Le Duc Fine Catering, Archetype, Acacia House, KAIYŌ, Harvest Table, PRESS, Blossom Catering Company, Chef Ryan Barnett, and more.

Prior to the Main Event, there will be a one-hour VIP Preview will feature a live cooking demonstration taking place in the Mezzanine of HALL’s St. Helena Tasting Room. Chef Ari Taymor, winner of Iron Chef 2018 and voted one of People’s Most Sexiest Chefs Alive, has signed on to headline a lively cooking demonstration alongside Kathryn Hall. This event is SOLD OUT.

Natalie Morales, TODAY West Coast Anchor and Host of Access, has been announced as the official Emcee for the event. Morales will help wrangle in the crowd with event happenings day-of as well as help announce the winners alongside host Kathryn Hall. The 2019 Judging panel includes Actress Wendi McLendon-Covey, Television personality Shep Rose, Michelin-rated Chef, Ken Frank, La Toque, and Wine Critic Virginie Boone with Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Actress and star of the CBS’s The Neighborhood, Beth Behrs, returns to the event as the Charity Champion, sharing news about her non-profit organization, She Herd Power, as well as the other fifteen non-profits in attendance hoping to win funds from the event. Each chef team selects a charity of their choice for which they are competing – this year’s line-up of non-profits include: Napa Humane, Soroptimist International of Vallejo, Hands Across The Valley, Grace Cathedral, St. Helena Hospital, CIA Scholarship Fund, Voices – Foster Care for Independence, Community Resources for Children, Collabria Care, to name a few.

Event sponsors include Microsoft, Corkcicle, Nixon-Peabody, Colorscience, Frank Rimerman + Co, Cypress Grove Cheese Company, Imprezziv, Print Inkorporated, Signum Architecture, and more. VIP Tickets are available for $200pp and includes access to the Main Event. The General Admission Ticket for the Main Event is available to purchase for $125.        

Saturday, April 27, 2019

VIP Preview featuring Chef Ari Taymor: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (SOLD OUT)                       

Main Event: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.                                 

HALL St. Helena

401 St. Helena Hwy. S

St. Helena, CA 94574

(707) 967-2626

Tickets Available: www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff

The 2018 HALL Cabernet Cookoff drew more than 800 attendees for a sold-out crowd and raised $90,000 for local charities. Since inception in 2010, the HALL Cabernet Cookoff has raised $800,000 for Napa Valley non-profit organizations. For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff or via social channels using #cabernetcookoff.

HALL Wines: The Art of Cabernet

HALL produces award-winning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available to taste and purchase at two properties in Napa Valley as well as at hallwines.com. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, its vineyard collection features eight Estate vineyards, of which five are Certified Organic (CCOF). Led by Vice President and head winemaker Steve Leveque, HALL’s portfolio includes 19 distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings highlighting the finest vineyards and sub-appellations of the Napa Valley.  The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014, making HALL a leader in green efficiencies. HALL’s 2008 ‘Kathryn Hall’ Cabernet earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100.”  Two other bottlings, the ‘Exzellenz’ and ‘Rainin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignons have garnered multiple 100 point ratings in recent years. For more information about HALL, please visit www.hallwines.com or by calling 707.967.2626. @hallwines #artofcabernet.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: cabernet, California, charity, chef, food pairing, leed, st. helena, vineyards, vintner, wine enthusiast, wine pairing

HALL WINES CABERNET COOKOFF RETURNS FOR NINTH YEAR

March 3, 2018 by evebushman

ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA – HALL Napa Valley, one of the world’s most notable Cabernet Sauvignon producers, has announced plans for its ninth annual Cabernet Cookoff to return on Saturday, April 28 at HALL St. Helena. Hosted by Vintner Kathryn Hall, the annual event will feature an impressive lineup of renowned Bay Area Chef teams vying for a chance to win proceeds for a charity of their choice by participating in a food and wine pairing competition. 100% of ticket proceeds benefit Napa Valley non-profit organizations. The event includes a VIP Preview at 11 a.m. prior to the Main Event which begins at 12 p.m.

Kathyrn Hall

Kathyrn Hall

“This event makes a difference to so many lives,” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “Guests come together to celebrate passion for food and wine, and in the end, local non-profits garner awareness and contributions. Everyone participating comes out a winner – it is a fun and rewarding day for all involved.”

Fifteen Chef teams are tasked to craft a seasonal small bite that they feel pairs best with HALL Coeur Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests in attendance will sample all pairings to vote on the People’s Choice Awards, and a star-studded panel of Celebrity Judges will taste to vote for the Judge’s Choice Awards. Participating teams include The Grill at Meadowood, One Market Restaurant, Charlie Palmer Steak, Goose & Gander, Paula LeDuc Catering, C Casa, Galpau Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, Amiee D’Maris Events, El Dorado Kitchen, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ, Brix, Napa Valley Bistro, Sift and Intercontinental Mark Hopkins.

Natalie Morales, TODAY West Coast Anchor and Host of Access, has been announced as the official Emcee for the event. Morales will help wrangle in the crowd with event happenings day-of as well as help announce the winners alongside Kathryn Hall. Natalie’s new lifestyle book, At Home with Natalie: Simple Recipes for Healthy Living from My Family’s Kitchen to Yours will be released this April and will be given away to all VIP Ticket holders.

The 2018 Judging panel includes Actress Beth Behrs from the hit CBS show, 2 Broke Girls; Celebrity Chef Duff Goldman from Food Network; Bay Area Sports Hall of Famer and Former San Francisco 49ers Executive, Carmen Policy; Michelin-rated Chef, Ken Frank, La Toque, and Wine Critic Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Event sponsors include Microsoft, Nixon-Peabody, My Office Products, Bright Rentals, Certified Parking Attendants, ROBB Report, Cypress Grove Cheese Company, ZICO Coconut Water, Signum Architecture, Snap Fiesta, Harvest Sanitation, Private Spring Water, Mark T. Palmer Window Services, Lux Productions, Riedel Glassware, Barbier Security and ALKAR.

Both VIP and General Admission tickets are available. VIP ticket holders will experience a Preview offering from 11a.m. to 12p.m. prior to the main event featuring the Celebrity Judges and Host Kathryn Hall sharing their philosophies on what makes a good food and wine pairing. Additionally, there will be a Silent Auction during the event where guests can bid on locally sourced items with all proceeds benefitting Napa Valley non-profits.

Saturday, April 28, 2018
VIP Preview: 11a.m. – 12p.m. $200pp

Main Event: 12p.m. – 3p.m. $125pp

HALL St. Helena

401 St. Helena Hwy. S

St. Helena, CA 94574 (707) 967-2626

TICKETS: www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff

The 2017 HALL Cabernet Cookoff drew more than 850 attendees for a sold-out crowd and raised $80,000 for local charities. Since inception in 2011, the HALL Cabernet Cookoff has raised $500,000 for Napa Valley charities. For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff or via social channels using #cabernetcookoff.

HALL: The Art of Cabernet

HALL produces award-winning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available to taste and buy at two properties in Napa Valley as well as at hallwines.com. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, its vineyard collection features seven Estate vineyards, of which five are California Certified Organic (CCOF). Led by Winemaker Steve Leveque, HALL’s wine portfolio includes 19 distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings highlighting the finest vineyards and sub-appellations of the Napa Valley. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014, making HALL a leader in green efficiencies. HALL’s 2008 ‘Kathryn Hall’ Cab earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100”. Two other bottlings, the ‘Exzellenz’ and ‘Rainin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignons have garnered multiple 100 point ratings in recent years. For more information about HALL, please visit www.hallwines.com or by calling 707.967.2626. @hallwines #artofcabernet

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: cabernet, chef, cooking, estate, food pairing, judge, leed, Napa Valley, non profit, organic, st. helena, vineyard, wine pairing, wine spectator

Portola Hotel and Spa Named Top Hotel

November 16, 2017 by evebushman

MONTEREY, CA – More than 300,000 voters have made it official: Portola Hotel & Spa has just been chosen as a winner of Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards. Out of hundreds of qualified properties, the Portola Hotel & Spa takes its place among the Top Twenty Hotels in Northern California in the voting.

19679454_10155403607998638_6238895321390410867_oThe Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.” The Readers’ Choice Awards have become more selective and specific to the passions that inspire today’s travelers. In 2017, more than 300,000 readers made their voices heard via desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone.

It is no surprise that Portola Hotel & Spa was voted one of Northern California’s top hotels, considering that the scenic Monterey hotel has recently undergone a $6 million upgrade including a new restaurant, lounge and lobby bar. In addition, the hotel offers over 60,000 square feet of flexible meeting space with the adjacent $60 million renovated Monterey Conference Center and an additional 60,000 square feet of outdoor meeting space, all combining to make the Portola Hotel & Spa one of Northern California’s most welcoming gathering places.

About Portola Hotel & Spa:
The AAA Four Diamond, Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey, CA was one of the first U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Certified hotels on California’s Central Coast. The Portola Hotel features 379 nautically inspired guestrooms and suites and 60,000 square feet of meeting space with the adjacent Monterey Conference Center.  Home to the Monterey Peninsula’s original craft brewery, Peter B’s Brewpub, The Club Room and Monterey’s newest dining hot spot, Jacks Monterey.  The Portola boasts an award-winning 6,000-square-foot day spa. Spa on the Plaza offers beautifully appointed treatment rooms and an extensive spa menu of signature treatments. Overnight guests also have access to the hotel’s spa and fitness facilities, complete with steam room, sauna, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. For more information, please visit https://www.portolahotel.com/

For Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards full list is published exclusively online, at www.CNTraveler.com/rca.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: award, California, Central Coast, leed, Monterey

HALL’s Cabernet Cookoff Back for Star-Studded 8th Year

March 6, 2017 by evebushman

The HALL Cabernet Cookoff will return for its eighth year on Saturday, April 29 at HALL St. Helena from 11a.m. to 2p.m. Hosted by Vintner Kathryn Hall and HALL Wines, the annual event will feature an impressive lineup of renowned Chef teams vying for a chance to win proceeds for a charity of their choice by participating in a food and wine pairing competition. 100% of ticket proceeds benefit Napa Valley non-profit organizations.“

Kathyrn Hall

Kathyrn Hall

This event brings out the most enthusiastic crowd,” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “Guests get to enjoy delicious food while sipping on HALL Cabernet and take part in a food and wine competition. Chef teams all bring their A-game and a serious competition ensues – it’s exciting to know that Napa Valley charities are the beneficiaries of all of it.”

Chef Teams present perfectly paired seasonal bites with HALL Cabernet to an all-star panel of celebrity Judges who vote for the top dish. Chef teams are also judged by the guests in attendance who select the top two pairings for the title of People’s Choice Award.

Participating Chef teams include The Grill at Meadowood, One Market, Harvest Table, The Patriot, Ca’ Momi, Winery Chefs Napa Valley, Goose & Gander, Paula Le Duc Fine Catering, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ, Shakewell Oakland, Harris Ranch, Feast Catering, Brix, Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, Kara’s Cupcakes and Sift Dessert Bar.

The 2017 panel of judges include Celebrity Chef Duff Goldman from Food Network’s Ace of Cakes; 12-Time Olympic Medalist and Dancing with the Stars Alumni, Natalie Coughlin; Wine Enthusiast Critic, Virginie Boone; Michelin-rated Chef, Ken Frank of La Toque.

Two ticket options are available for guests: General Admission as well as a VIP Sky Loft Ticket. The VIP Ticket allows guests early access to a VIP Media Preview from 10a.m to 11am featuring all four Judges and Kathryn Hall sharing insight into what they will be looking for in a food and wine pairing dish during the event. The VIP Sky Loft Ticket also includes full access to the historic Bergfeld Building during the entire event featuring HALL Artisan Cabernets, hosted small bites, and cheese boards prepared by Cypress Grove.

Additionally, KVON’s 99.3 The Vine will be broadcasting live during the event and feature real time interviews with Chef teams, guests and non-profit organizations with on-air personality, Bob St. Laurent.

Saturday, April 29, 2017
10a.m. – 11a.m. (Media/VIP Ticket Preview feat. Kathryn Hall + Judges)
11a.m. – 2p.m. (Main Event)

HALL St. Helena – The Great Lawn
401 St. Helena Hwy. S
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 967-2626

TICKETS:
General Admission: $90 (Early Bird Ticket: $80 before 3/31/2017)
VIP Sky Loft: $150 (Includes Media/VIP Preview)
Tickets Available: www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff

The 2016 HALL Cabernet Cookoff drew more than 750 attendees for a sold-out crowd and raised $59,000 for local charities. The 2016 Judges took on the impressive task of choosing a runner-up and first place winner from dishes like “Cherry Marinated Skirt Steak with Broccolini, Point Reyes Blue, Chive Blossom” or “Black Currant and Rose Macaroon with HALL Cabernet infused Geleé”. Mark Dommen from One Market Restaurant in San Francisco took first place with his mouth-watering “Pancetta Wrapped Passmore Ranch Sturgeon Du Puy Lentils, Smoked Garlic, Thyme Jus” benefiting non-profit Collabria Care of Napa. Ca’Momi placed runner-up with a delectable “Heirloom Pork & Veal Agnolotti, Savoy Cabbage, Napa Valley Cabernet Pan Jus and Parmigiano Reggiano” aiding the organization Do It For The Love of Napa. Restaurants also had the opportunity to raise money for their charity through People’s Choice, a voting system with corks serving as the tallies. First place for People’s Choice was Napa restaurant, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ, preparing “Fried Chicken with Spring Succotash” with the winnings benefiting Napa Humane. Paula LeDuc Fine Catering of San Francisco took runner up of People’s Choice with the “HALL Cabernet Roasted Strawberries with White Chocolate Crumble and Mascarpone Cream,” partnering with non-profit St. Helena Hospital.

Since inception in 2011, the HALL Cabernet Cookoff has raised $300,000 for Napa Valley charities. For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff or via social channels using #cabernetcookoff.

ABOUT HALL:
HALL produces critically acclaimed artisan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available to taste and buy at two properties in Napa Valley as well as at hallwines.com. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, its vineyard collection features seven estate vineyards, of which five are California Certified Organic (CCOF). Each vintage, Vice President of Winemaking, Steve Leveque crafts distinct Cabernet Sauvignon wines which demonstrate the unique characteristics and diversity of Napa Valley terroir. HALL’s wine portfolio includes three 100 point scores given by critic Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate. These wines included its 2013 Rainin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Exzellenz Cabernet Sauvignon and 2010 Exzellenz Red Wine. HALL also earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” for its 2008 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. Since the first vintage in 2002, over 75 HALL wines have earned 95 point and above scores. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014. HALL’s partner winery, WALT, known for producing premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from distinctive vineyards, is located in Sonoma, California. For more information about HALL, please visit www.hallwines.com, @hallwines, or by calling 707.967.2626.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: cabernet sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, charity, chef, food pairing, leed, Napa Valley, organic, Pinot Noir, robert parker, Sonoma, tasting room, terroir, vineyard, vintage, vintner, wine enthusiast, wine pairing, wine spectator, winery

A Taste of HALL Returns in 2016 – Monthly Food and Wine Workshop Aims at Inspiring and Educating

February 25, 2016 by evebushman

HALL, one of the leading Cabernet producers in the world, has announced plans to renew its premiere culinary offering, A Taste of HALL, for 2016. The wildly popular food and wine pairing workshop is designed to engage, inspire and educate guests about seasonal food and wine pairings while channeling one’s inner chef.

Taste of HALL - John & Chris Kitchen Image

Taste of HALL – John & Chris

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our guests an unparalleled wine and food pairing experience in the Valley,” says Director of Hospitality, Jocelyn Hoar. “This program combines our passion for quality winemaking with exceptional culinary arts, and our chef team has garnered significant recognition for their dynamic approach with this series.”

The monthly workshops will feature a different, seasonal theme each month as selected by HALL’s In-House Chef / Wine Education team made up of Chris Quillen and John Pelham. The dynamic duo bring a modern perspective to Napa cuisine while aiming to engage guests by sharing a fresh approach to pairing workshops. Chef Quillen and Chef Pelham bring a diverse background to the program, combining two decades of luxury wine and culinary education.

Each guest attending A Taste of HALL will receive a recipe card featuring the courses and wine pairings discussed in the Workshop and have the chance to purchase HALL and WALT wines. A Taste of HALL takes place on one Sunday per month during the lunch hour and will include a three course meal paired with a combination of HALL and WALT wines.

2016 A Taste of HALL Schedule includes:

•  Sunday, March 13: LUCK OF THE IRISH
Feature Wine: 2013 HALL ‘Mount Veeder’ Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sunday, April 10: SPRING FLING
Feature Wine: 2013 HALL ‘Bergfeld’ Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sunday, May 8: COOKING FOR MOM
Feature Wine: 2013 HALL ‘Ellie’s’ Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sunday, June 12: CHILLIN & GRILLIN
Feature Wine: 2013 HALL ‘Jack’s Masterpiece’ Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sunday, July 17: RED, WHITE & BLUE
Feature Wine: 2013 HALL ‘Eighteen Seventy-Three’ Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sunday, August 7: A FOODIE’S VACATION
Feature Wine: 2013 HALL ‘Kathryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sunday, September 18:KATHRYN HALL Y’ALL
Feature Wine: 2013 HALL ‘Kathryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sunday, October 9: HAPPY HALL’OWINE
Feature Wine: 2013 HALL ‘Diamond Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sunday, November 13:THANKSGIVING DAY FEAST
Feature Wine: 2013 HALL Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sunday, December 11: PERFECT HOLIDAY PAIRINGS
Feature Wine: 2013 HALL ‘Stags Leap District’ Cabernet Sauvignon

Tickets are $125pp and are available to purchase at http://www.hallwines.com/hall-st-helena.

HALL Wines owns over 410 planted acres in Napa County, Sonoma County and Mendocino County that includes five California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) Estate vineyards in Napa and Sonoma Counties.

ABOUT HALL
HALL produces critically acclaimed artisan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available to taste and buy at two tasting room and winery locations in Napa Valley. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Walt Hall, its vineyard collection features five Certified Organic estates producing classic Bordeaux varietals. Each vintage, Director of Winemaking Steve Leveque crafts distinct Cabernet Sauvignon wines which demonstrate the unique characteristics and diversity of Napa Valley. HALL’s highly rated wines include two 100pt scores given by Robert Parker for its 2013 Rainin Vineyard Cabernet and its 2010 Exzellenz. HALL also earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” for its 2008 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. Since the first vintage in 2002, over 170 HALL wines have been rated 90 points and above. HALL employs high-density plantings and small vine viticulture combined with two cutting-edge, gravity-flow wineries to produce the highest quality wines. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014. Each of HALL’s state-of-the-art winemaking facilities and tasting rooms combine modern art and architecture matched with spectacular settings. HALL’s partner winery, WALT, known for producing premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from distinctive vineyards, is located in Sonoma, California. For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com, @hallwines, or by calling 707.967.2626.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: artisan, cabernet, Chardonnay, chef, cuisine, culinary, education, estate, food pairing, leed, mendocino, menu, Napa, organic, Pinot Noir, recipe, robert parker, sonoma county, tasting room, vineyard, viticulture, wine pairing, wine spectator, winemaking, winery

Beacon Circa 3/2011: Niner Wine Estates, Built to Last

December 8, 2015 by evebushman

Hi Eve! A quick note to let you know how much we look forward to hosting you and your group this weekend for a tour and tasting at Niner Wine Estates. Please note that you will be meeting with our shining star Winemaker Amanda Cramer on Saturday. She will show you a lovely time!

Thank you again Eve and see you this weekend. Cheers! Allison Dana Addison www.ninerwine.com

921602_162383810597182_1830366804_oWe entered Niner as fast as we could last Saturday afternoon. We hardly noticed the yellow-brick-road as we dashed inside the tasting room. I checked in for our tour and while we waited I meandered around the gynormous room.

One wall had a large fireplace and seating area that my cold pals took advantage of. I strolled around the room noting another wall had large windows showcasing “The Hospitality Center” – that many guests were headed to for a party, a wall of wine bottles, another wall with gifts, and a display of wine glasses with selections of herbs, chocolate, coffee, spices and fruit meant to help educate tasters on the different aromas and flavors used to describe wine.

I felt that I had entered a very large classroom. Especially when I noted a second story that looked down on the first, akin to an observation floor.

Then my self-guided tour ended when I saw a young, healthy, vibrant, hurried woman striding purposely our way.

Well, fancy that, the winemaker we were slated to meet was Amanda Cramer. In the photo you can see that she is the 2010 winner of Andre Tchelistcheff’s “Winemaker of the Year” award from the San Francisco International Wine Competition. So the first thing this wine 101er asked was, “So, how’d you win?” To which Amanda, while raking back errant waves of hair from her face, said, “They like interesting wines! And these were my first for Niner!”

Amanda, a UC Davis grad and a school teacher in a former life, asked us to follow her car, yellow Volkswagen Beetle, as she slowly led our cars to the winery we were to visit.

Along the paved road we saw a couple of manmade irrigation pools and noticed that most of the vines we saw were still in cartons. Once at the main building, Amanda explained that Mr. and Mrs. Niner, owners of the winery, were going to be receiving their LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in silver, hopefully by the spring. (Learn more about LEED here.)

Amanda then brought us inside, past her office, and the lab where she tastes wine with her assistant winemaker and enologist, “It’s the three” of them that are making the decisions on the wine.

Now, this is the part of the tour where Amanda tried not to loose us, figuratively and literally.

The “winery” is huge. It has a “multi-level” set up, where the juice drops down from the top tier, mostly only employing “gravity”, passes through many processes including de-stemming and sorting, and finally into the many waiting stainless steel tanks.

Amanda told us about the winery’s construction – the 14 inch thick walls made with foam and concrete keeping the room at the necessary 57 degrees, her choice in squat tanks for reds and tall for whites, and a woman’s bathroom on either side of the floor as the length was too far for her to sprint.

And, the tanks in a circle, as opposed to up against a wall, allowed all of the workers quick and efficient access. All innovations that even her teachers at US Davis would be surprised that she had employed, at great cost and benefit, for Niner Wines.

Amanda, in constant movement to match her constant speech, said, “It’s my OCD, or anal compulsiveness, that helps with the winemaking – so the fruit ‘shows itself.’”

At the end of the tour, which ran long for the obvious reasons – so much to see and learn – unfortunately our group had to race through the tasting to make it to our next scheduled stop! I noted that none of the wines were over $28 – most hovered around the $25 range – and the 07 Bootjack Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon was very good. The entire lineup, from white to red to olive oil can be seen here.

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: bottle, enologist, leed, tasting room, wine education, winemaker, winery

HALL Wines Awarded Prestigious LEED® Gold Certification from U.S. Green Building Council for Tasting Room & Production Facility

September 14, 2014 by evebushman

HALL Wines, a premier portfolio of luxury wineries and tasting rooms located in Napa Valley, has been awarded LEED® Gold Certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council for its HALL St. Helena modern Tasting Room and high-tech Production Facility. This accolade is the second LEED® Gold award for the HALL Wines St. Helena property which was previously recognized as the first winery in California to earn LEED Gold for its fully sustainable production facility in 2009.

“The entire vision for this effort was attached to the idea of being green and environmentally responsible,” said HALL Wines President Mike Reynolds. “Craig and Kathryn chose to pursue sustainable farming and building certifications that have become the hallmark for leading our day-to-day operations and high-tech winemaking efforts.”

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the preeminent building ratings program that is the nationally accepted benchmark for the construction, design and operations of green buildings. Buildings are certified based on achieving superior performance in the areas of energy efficiency, sustainable site development, water efficiency, construction waste management, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

“Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The HALL Wines project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come.”

To meet the precise requirements to become LEED® Gold certified, HALL Wines included many sustainable design, environmental, architectural and innovative elements and practices within the plans including:

• Storm Water Design: Quantity control resulted in a 63.74% decrease in storm water runoff
• Materials & Resources: 11% of materials used in construction came from recycled materials
• Water Use Reduction: The design team was able to document a 38% reduction in water usage
• Energy: The project optimized energy performance at every phase, having 46.97% energy cost savings which is significantly above the standard California Energy code requirements
• Water Efficiency: Water efficient landscaping including the use of recycled water injected under the event lawn area (no aeration). 100% of water used in wine production is recycled and used for vineyard and landscaping irrigation
• Innovation: Innovative and state-of-the-art technology was included in the pre- and post- development plans, some of which are new to the wine industry
Jarrod Denton, with St. Helena based firm Signum Architecture, was the lead architect on the project. Denton assisted with utilizing innovation credits that provided renewable energy systems with savings of over 15%, (46.37% by cost), as well as a comprehensive approach to capture and treat storm water runoff. Additionally, an exemplary performance innovative credit was awarded for providing this project with an increase in open space by 50% (local zoning requires 25%).

Additionally, HALL Wines director of winemaking Steve Leveque has helped implement an innovative landscape into the high tech production facility attached to the Tasting Room. Specific additions include Optical Sorter technology, HVAC Control systems, Pond Variation systems, Gravity Flow production systems, Tank Cooling systems and the addition of automated spectrophotometers.

HALL extends their environmental responsibility to their general operations by recycling and using recycled materials for direct-to-consumer wine in recyclable products, 70% post-consumer recycled material in shipping boxes and 100% post-consumer recycling in its bottle carriages. Additionally, all marketing collateral is printed on 100% PCR materials that are 100% recyclable.

HALL Wines owns over 500 planted acres in Napa County, Sonoma County and Mendocino County that include five California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) Estate vineyards in Napa and Sonoma Counties.

For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com.

About HALL Wines
HALL Wines represents critically acclaimed artisan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from two tasting room and winery locations in St. Helena and Rutherford. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, its vineyard collection features five Certified Organic estates producing classic Bordeaux varietals. Each vintage, Winemaker Steve Leveque crafts 15 distinct Cabernet Sauvignon wines which demonstrate the unique characteristics and diversity of Napa Valley. HALL’s highly rated wines include the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, selected as Wine Spectator’s #18 of the ‘Top 100’ in 2010, the HALL 2008 “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon that earned #2 Wine Spectator “Top 100” Wines, and its 2010 ‘Exzellenz’ earned 100 points by Robert Parker. Collectively, over 140 HALL Wines have been rated 90 points and above. HALL Wines employs high-density plantings and small vine viticulture combined with two cutting-edge, gravity-flow wineries to produce the highest quality wines. In addition, the HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California, making HALL Wines pioneers in the use of green buildings for the wine industry. The site maintains one acre of solar panels on its roof and uses 100% recycled water throughout its processes. Each of HALL’s state-of-the-art winemaking facilities and tasting rooms combine modern art and architecture with comfortable luxury, and warm hospitality for winery guests. For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com, @hallwines, or by calling 707.967.2626.

About U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 20,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 100,000 LEED Accredited Professionals, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to soar to $60 billion by 2010. The USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students. Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs. For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com or call (707) 967-2623.

LEED Image
In the Photo:
(From left: David Horobin, Board Member, U.S. Green Building Council Redwood Empire Chapter; Jarrod Denton, Lead Architect, Signum Architecture; Kathryn Hall, Vintner/Owner, HALL Wines; Mike Reynolds, President, HALL Wines; Craig Hall, Owner, HALL Wines; Steve Leveque, Director of Winemaking, HALL Wines; Ann Nevero, Mayor, City of St. Helena, California)

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: Bordeaux, cabernet sauvignon, California, leed, Napa, organic, robert parker, Sonoma, tasting room, winemaker, winery

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Eve Bushman

Eve Bushman, owner Eve’s Wine 101 and Eve Bushman Consulting.

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