Eve's Wine 101

Registration opens for Vinexpo America and Drinks America 2023

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PORTLAND, Maine – Registration has kicked off for Vinexpo America and Drinks America following a successful 2022 debut for the two co-located events, which unite the global beverage alcohol industry. The leading international exhibition for wine and spirits professionals in North America will return to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s new exhibit Hall 3 in New York March 8-9, 2023. Next year’s program will build on the momentum of 2022, which drew more than 380 exhibitors representing the products of 30 countries. Planning for the co-located programs is well under way, and a new member of the Vinexpo America and Drinks America Advisory Board is in the mix. Robert Tobiassen, president of National Association of Beverage Importers, Inc., has joined the prestigious panel, now comprised of 13 esteemed executives from the beverage alcohol industry. Registration for attendees is now open, with an early bird rate offered through March 7.

Where the Wine, Beer, and Spirits World Meets in North America

North America’s premier trade-only expos will provide U.S. and Canadian buyers and decision makers with access to new and established brands looking to enter and expand in the North American market, and the opportunity to discuss products and conduct business in one location. Vinexpo America focuses exclusively on wines from around the world and Drinks America features spirits, beer, sake, ready-to-drink, and related products and services. Attendees will have full access to both events. The event will feature two full days of educational conferences and master classes, networking opportunities, and an exhibition hall strategically organized to foster business relationships. Exhibitors already confirmed for the 2023 show include Aquitaine Wine Company, Kazayak-Vin, Bodegas Tagua Tagua SPA, Retail Pak, Scentone, Casa Maestri, Charles Edge London, and Slim Chillers.

For younger wine and spirits producers with less than five years in the business, a New Wave exhibitor option is available to help them launch and boost sales. The show will welcome Brau from France and Wine Library from the United States as New Wave exhibitors this year and is still accepting applications.

By the Numbers: Attendees and Purchasing Power

Ninety-three percent of last year’s attendees were from North America, with 43 states represented. Top participating states included New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Texas, Maryland, and Illinois. Seventy-one percent had purchasing roles within the beverage alcohol space, and 68% purchased between $100,000 and $1.5 million annually.

Advisory Board Welcomes Robert Tobiassen

Robert Tobiassen, president of the National Association of Beverage Importers, Inc. (NABI), has joined the Vinexpo America and Drinks America advisory board. Since 1935 NABI has represented importers of distilled spirits, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages on key regulatory and public policies at the federal, state, and international levels impacting trade and supply chain distribution in goods and accompanying services.

Tobiassen joins 12 other U.S.-based wine and spirits industry leaders who contribute to the planning and growth of Vinexpo America and Drinks America, including John Beaudette (MHW, Ltd.), Cheryl Durzy (LibDib), Valerie Gerard-Matsuura (Sopexa USA), Monique Huston (Winebow), Helen Mackey (Darden), Vela McClam Thomas (Lemae Group), Steve Melchiskey (USA Wine West, LLC), Brandy Rand (The IWSR), Brian Rosen (BevStrat LLC), Manilay Saito (Business France), Aaron Sherman (SevenFifty) and David Talbot (Ultimate Beverage Challenge).

For more information or to register to attend, visit www.vinexpoamerica.com.

About Vinexposium

Owned jointly by Comexposium and Vinexpo Holding, Vinexposium is the world’s leading organizer of wine and spirits trade events. Vinexposium offers an enhanced range of high-performance events, tailored to different market segments, with a portfolio of iconic and recognized events: Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris, WOW! Meetings, Vinexpo America & Drinks America, Vinexpo Hong Kong, WBWE Asia, Vinexpo Bordeaux, Vinexpo Shanghai and WBWE Amsterdam, as well as Vinexpo Explorer and World Wine Meetings.

About Diversified Communications

Diversified Communications is a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products, Diversified Communications connects, educates, and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: renewable energy, healthcare, natural and organic, food and beverage, and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA, with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third-generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit www.divcom.com

Renegade Rum Launches New Terroir-Driven Pre-Cask Collection

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Renegade Rum Distillery, the game-changing terroir-driven rum project based in Grenada, announces the August launch of a diverse new selection of four flavorsome Pre-Cask white rums in the United States. An industry-challenging enterprise from Mark Reynier, the man behind the renaissance of Islay’s Bruichladdich single malt whisky and multi-award winning Waterford Whisky, Renegade Rum seeks to explore the effect terroir, cane variety and distillation style has on the flavor of rum.

The cane plant, rum’s primary raw ingredient, is the natural source of its flavor. Thus the land on which it grows and its microclimate determines its character. With these details in mind, Renegade Rum chose to explore the terroirs of Grenada one place, one farm, at a time – to be shared initially as these fresh, vibrant spirits before cask ageing.

Pure and intense building blocks of flavor, the Renegade Rum Pre-Cask Collection of rums are for spirits connoisseurs to compare and contrast original nuances, but they will also have appeal to those searching for inherently and authentically flavorsome white spirits to create cocktails rooted in real provenance. So distinct are these cane-derived spirits that the first Pre-Cask Collection of white rums that were available in late 2021 in Europe, have already sold out with the trade and won notable awards, including Best New Rum at Vinexpo, Paris.

Renegade Rum CEO Mark Reynier says, “We are delighted to share more Pre-Cask bottlings for the curious, to explore with us these new realms of natural flavor derived from sugar cane. They are for spirits connoisseurs searching for authenticity and transparency. And as the building blocks of our Renegade Rum, we have discovered they also make for intensely flavored, ultra high-provenance ingredients for the most discerning cocktail enthusiasts.”

“Even though these are among our first distillates, we have been delighted with their award-winning reception and the fact that we have commenced serious discussions around terroir, traceability and transparency in rum, adds Mark. This is a prelude, of course, to our aged rum – and we look forward to sharing our first serious studies with the world this autumn.”

The four Single Farm Origin white rums to be released in the United States within the Pre-Cask Collection are as follows:

Single Farm Origin: Nursery – The genesis of our pioneering project to propagate entirely clean & healthy heritage cane varieties began at our nursery farm. Nestled in La Calome Valley, with its almost terraced valley floor, it is made up of Hartman & Woburn clay loam soils & a profusion of volcanic boulders. For this rum we harvested the sucrose-rich variety we call Yellow Lady from “big pumps” field, which stands on the terroir known as Upper La Calome.

  • Terroir: Upper La Calome
  • Cane Variety: Yellow Lady
  • Pot Still

Single Farm Origin: Hope – On the island’s south-eastern flank, sheltered from the Atlantic Trade Winds by a narrow mangrove belt, stands this distinctive terroir. Bright, iron-red clay & pyroclastic boulders & rich, alluvial soil & its cool, high water table ensures a humid microclimate with lush cane in the driest season. For this rum we harvested the oldest of our varieties, Cain, from Mamo Field, which stands on the terroir known as Boulders.

  • Terroir: Boulders
  • Variety: Cain
  • Pot Still

Single Farm Origin: Lake Antoine – Lower Crater Lake South and Upper Crater Lake South – At Lake Antoine, intriguing terroirs wrap around the steep, seaward-facing slopes of a volcanic crater lake, where cane grows on granular Woburn clay loam – sparse & dry at the summit, deep & rich at the foot – fully exposed to the desiccating salt-laden Atlantic trade Winds. For these two rums we harvested the sucrose-rich variety we call Purple Tallboy from two fields, one from Ball Pasture Field, which stands on the terroir known as Lower Crater Lake South and the second from More Field, which stands on the terroir known as Upper Crater Lake South.

  • Terroirs: Lower Crater and Upper Crater Lake South
  • Variety: Purple Tallboy
  • Pot Still

The Renegade Rum Pre-Cask Collection of Single Farm Origin: Nursery, Hope and Lake Antoine Lower Crater & Upper Crater Lake South are each 50% ABV and are available in 700ml bottles for $65 in fine retail stores. Renegade Rum is imported by Glass Revolution Imports.

Situated on the mountainous, volcanic, Caribbean island of Grenada, the modern marvel that is the Renegade Rum Distillery was designed precisely to extol individuality, with extended temperature-controlled fermentation for purity, and considered distillation for gravitas. The purpose-built, state-of-the-art distillery is the first of its scale to have been designed from the ground up for terroir-bred sugarcane. As well as cutting-edge still design and digital logistics, the Renegade Rum Distillery uses sophisticated technology for air filtration and water purification of waste streams, thus ensuring distilling systems run in rhythm with natural systems.

Each bottle of Renegade Rum will feature an innovative CaneCode which includes all the information about the farm, cane variety and terroir showcasing total transparency for spirits enthusiasts. More information can be found at: https://renegaderum.com/canecode/

In addition, Renegade Rum has also recently launched its cask offering. This is a unique opportunity for anyone to acquire a cask of their own super-premium quality rum – distilled from pure cane juice derived from an individual Single Farm Origin – to be bottled with a personalized label. There are options for French Oak hogsheads matured in the Caribbean, and “Early Landed” American oak barrels, which will be aged in Europe. More information can be found at: https://renegaderum.com/renegade-cask-offer/

About Renegade Rum: Renegade Rum is a game-changing rum distillery located in Grenada, using fresh sugar cane juice rather than generic molasses (a by-product of sugar production), grown on the diverse terroirs of Grenada in the Caribbean. We began producing our first spirit in the autumn of 2020. The cane plant, rum’s primary raw ingredient, is the natural source of its flavor. Thus, the land on which it grows & its microclimate determines its character. Therefore, we choose to explore the terroirs of Grenada – one place, one farm, at a time. For more information, please visit https://renegaderum.com/

Ten cocktail and wine trends in the US unveiled by Southern Glazer’s

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MIAMI and DALLAS —Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer’s) — the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol — has unveiled the results of its 2022 Liquid Insights Tour, a coast-to-coast educational initiative designed to explore and identify the latest trends in cocktails and wine. The Liquid Insights Tour kicked off in Houston in February, and included stops in Kansas City, New York, Las Vegas, Chicago and Los Angeles. Over the course of 111 days, Brian Masilionis, Director, On-Premise Commercial Strategy & National Accounts for Southern Glazer’s, led a team of its industry-leading mixologists to sample more than 400 drinks in 83 of the hottest restaurants, bars and hotels, compiling their insights to discover emerging cocktail and wine trends across the U.S.

Analyzing industry data and gathering insights within the beverage industry has long been a practice of Southern Glazer’s, where it is used for internal education and training of the company’s sales force and its accounts. Now, through the Liquid Insights Tour, Southern Glazer’s is sharing its findings more broadly to help a hospitality industry still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, and to excite consumers about wine and cocktail innovation being driven by a new generation of diverse bartenders, sommeliers and beverage professionals. 

“Our driving purpose for conducting the Liquid Insights Tour was to uncover innovative beverage trends and experiences across the country to ensure Southern Glazer’s continues to have the most knowledgeable sales consultants in the industry,” said Masilionis. “Throughout the tour, we evaluated the complete on-premise experience by examining product offerings, pricing, promotional approach, people, service and process.” 

The conclusions from this tour, coupled with Southern Glazer’s world-class wine and spirits portfolio, creates a leading wine and cocktail experience, with best-in-class customer service from coast to coast, for restaurants, bars, hotels and other on-premise venues. 

Top 10 Trends Revealed

Analysis of the findings of the Liquid Insights Tour revealed that top trends fell into three distinct categories: cocktail trends, wine trends, and presentation/execution trends.

Top cocktail insights:

  1. Uncommon Combinations: Bartenders were mixing spirits not commonly used together to create new and interesting cocktail flavor profiles such as Scotch and corn liqueur, rum and cognac, and gin and mezcal.
  2. Beyond Basic Balancers: The team found many cocktails that were made using an innovative variety of methods or modifiers to balance the drink or add layers of flavor. These included the use of acids; sugars and syrups; salt; herbs and spices; coffee and tea; and the use of fats beyond animal fats. Adding ice or heat, like with stamped ice or smoked ice, was also common.
  3. Caffeinated Comeback: Once the darling of the 90s bar scene, the Espresso Martini took center stage as the standout cocktail of the tour. Around the country, mixologists are giving new life into this classic, incorporating a variety of creative ingredients such as amaro and coffee liqueurs or brandy with espresso or cold brew.
  4. Sophisticated and Spirit-Free: Non-alcoholic offerings at the country’s top bars, restaurants and hotels are now just as elevated, delicious, and pricey as their alcoholic counterparts, featuring similar ingredients, flavors and presentations just without alcohol.

Top wine insights:

  1. Bubbly Is Popping: Champagne and sparkling wines continue to climb in popularity on drink menus. Throughout the tour, more sparkling options were available by-the-glass and had a more prominent presence on top wine lists. In addition, bartenders are mixing sparkling wine of all styles and prices into their cocktails to add effervescence, crispness or sweetness to the experience.
  2. Wines Chill Out: Chilled selections of red and sweet wines appeared on menus across the U.S. Orange wines also appeared more frequently than ever before, often presented on menus in a combined rosé and orange section. 
  3. Tempting Trial With By-The-Glass & Premium Half-Bottles: Curated by-the-glass (BTG) options are becoming more diverse and more balanced between domestic and international offerings than in the past. There is also a growing trend in wines priced to sell with good value in either BTG or by-the-bottle formats to drive more orders and not just high margins.

Top execution and presentation insights:

  1. Batching for Speed and Service: Top bartenders continue to innovate around batching their cocktails, including both partial (batching only non-perishable items) and full batching, driven by the need for speed and to improve quality and consistency in cocktail preparation, which allows for more time to connect with guests.
  2. Entertaining Experience Enhancements: Adding “flair” to the cocktail experience with the use of vapors, “air,” smoke or torch; the use of unique glassware; or the return of communal drinks to be shared; all are creating memorable moments for consumers.
  3. Meaningful Menu Innovations: Restaurants and bars are evolving their menus beyond being a functional tool to improve the consumer experience. The team saw great storytelling, unique categorizations and humorous names paired with detailed drink descriptions. QR codes, which rose in popularity due to COVID-19, are now being used to deliver broader offerings and information – from curated, account-specific Spotify playlists to ever-changing allocated spirit offerings, all of which can be updated easily without needing to reprint menus.

Factors Influencing Trends

Backed by industry data and Southern Glazer’s internal insights, Masilionis and his team identified several key factors that are influencing these trends. These include an aging population, demographic and ethnic diversification of the U.S., a preference for health and wellness among consumers, and ongoing ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting the hospitality industry.

“These unique insights can be incorporated into any on-premise business to build greater success through strategic and innovative beverage programs,” said Masilionis. “Identifying which insights are relevant to your business and how to incorporate them using creative themes, highlighting seasonal ingredients, and tailoring cocktail and wine offerings to the demographics of your guests are all strong strategies. We continue to see the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout this industry segment, in terms of effects on the work force and on the consumers returning for the on-premise experience. We’re excited to offer these insights to help speed the recovery from the pandemic and make this segment stronger and more consumer-focused than ever.”

For more information, visit the Liquid Insights Tour resource page at  www.southernglazers.com/Liquid-Insights.

L’Ecole No 41 is Awarded Top 100 Winery of the Year by Wine & Spirits Magazine

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WALLA WALLA, WA – L’Ecole N° 41, one of the Walla Walla Valley’s founding wineries, has announced that Wine & Spirits Magazine has recognized it as a Top 100 Winery of the Year for 2022. This is the sixteenth time the winery has received this recognition.

Each year, Wine & Spirits designates its Top 100 Wineries of the World. The magazine’s editors taste many thousand wines from around the world to develop a list of the year’s best wineries based on overall performance. Only 18 wineries including L’Ecole, have been named to this prestigious list 16 times.

L’Ecole will participate in the Wine & Spirits Top 100 Tastings in San Francisco and New York City. These events recognize the year’s Top 100 recipients pouring their wines alongside food offered by each city’s top restaurants. L’Ecole will show their Bordeaux- style blends from their two estate vineyards: 2019 Ferguson, Estate Ferguson Vineyard and 2019 Perigee, Estate Seven Hills Vineyard, both of which received 94 points from Wine & Spirits. Patrick J. Comiskey, Wine & Spirits Senior Correspondent, has referred to Perigee as “a winery statement through the lens of a single vineyard” and referred to it as “iconic, a definitive expression of Walla Walla’s terroir …”

“This is an extraordinary honor for L’Ecole especially given it comes on the cusp of our 40th harvest as a winery,” says Marty Clubb, Owner and Managing Winemaker. “We strive for high-quality, expressive wines, vintage after vintage. Honors like this Top 100 award affirm our efforts and speak to the excellence of Walla Walla Valley, and to the commitment of our family, winery team, vineyard crew, and growers.”

About L’Ecole No 41

Housed in the historic Frenchtown schoolhouse depicted on its label, L’Ecole has earned international acclaim for producing expressive, distinctive wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of their Walla Walla Valley estate vineyards. Founded in 1983, L’Ecole celebrates its 40th harvest this fall. In addition to Clubb, his wife Megan Clubb and their children Riley Clubb and Rebecca Olson are also co-owners and serve on L’Ecole’s Board of Directors.

About Wine & Spirits Magazine

Founded in 1982, Wine & Spirits is published four times a year in print, with 24 online Regional Tasting Reports, and read by over 200,000 members of America’s wine community. Consumers and wine professionals read the magazine for information on established and up-and-coming regions and producers, the art and science of viticulture, industry happenings, and food and wine pairing. Wine & Spirits, the only wine publication to win the James Beard award five times for excellence in wine writing, evaluates more than 15,000 bottlings every year.

The Sustainability Values of Wines of Provence Resonate Beyond the Glass

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A conversation with acclaimed Chef Robert Connoley about selecting sustainable wines for his zero-food waste restaurant.

New York, NY. – Sustainability has long been a theme for Wines of Provence, with 100% of vineyards set to be certified organic or HVE (High Environmental Value) by 2030. The region has found itself at the forefront of the fight against using chemicals and herbicides in the vineyard as well as preserving the environment and conserving natural resources. This is achieved through local vignerons’ efforts, which go far beyond simple certifications. From pioneering biodynamics to forming strategies around water conservation, Provençal producers continue to find solutions that move the world towards a more sustainable future.

Wines of Provence spoke with Chef Robert Connoley of Bulrush, a zero-food waste restaurant that recently made headlines as one of Wine Enthusiast’s Top 50 Restaurants of 2022, to discuss the importance of sustainability in his food and wine ideologies.

At Bulrush, the sustainability initiatives are top-of-line. The team implements numerous ways to avoid food and wine waste, from strategic planning in the kitchen to creating aminos, misos, kombuchas, and more. In the effort to be most sustainable, an essential factor at Bulrush is the focus on where the products that enter the restaurant are sourced, since the team is strict about only putting forth food and wine that match their stringent sustainability values.

Wine Sustainability

When seeking sustainable wine, Connoley advocates for boutique producers investing long- term in their soil and community, meaning anything from exploring the concepts of permaculture to alternative energy and efficiency in transportation. Given these indispensable sustainability requirements, it is no surprise that Provence Wines are a consistent presence on Bulrush’s ever-evolving menu.

Historically, Provençal winemakers have been aware of their fragile environment and the responsibility they must shoulder. The region has adopted new ways to protect its environment, specifically intending to preserve water, maintain the region’s biodiversity, and improve its ecological footprint.

In the viticultural realm, many producers aim to preserve water by utilizing agroforestry practices, mulching, and grassing. Further, some local Provençal producers have gone beyond organic certification and have furthered holistic efforts in the vineyard to encourage biodiversity and maintain a natural ecosystem. For example, bats are brought in to keep vineyard moths and other pests at bay, natural teas are used to strengthen the bond between the vines and the earth, and a mixture of ground cover dwarf clovers have been introduced to reduce water stress in the vineyard.

Wines of Provence in the Food and Wine Pairing Sector

For sustainable, food-friendly wines with a deep, regionally rich history, Connoley reaches for Wines of Provence to serve at Bulrush. “The Midwest is a land of sustainability […] and Provence Rosés allow us to celebrate, knowing these values are represented both on our plates and in our glasses”, Connoley explains. “The historical significance of rosé in Provence assures us that the winemakers have the knowledge and experience to produce consistently great wines.”

Chef Connoley shares one of his favorite zero-waste recipes, to pair with a crisp glass of thirst- quenching Wines of Provence Rosé. Santé!

Bulrush Beet Salad Recipe to Pair with Wines of Provence

Ingredients

6 Medium sized beets 2 Lemons (zest)
1 Cup Lemon juice
1 Stick of Butter

3 Eggs
3 Yolks
1 Cup Sugar
6 oz Goat Cheese
2 Tablespoons Honey 2 Tablespoons Sugar 2 oz Cream Cheese 1/2 Cup Sour Cream 1 1/2 Cup Cream

1. Roast the beets at 350oF (skin on and wrapped in foil) until tender all the way through, for about 45 minutes. Use a toothpick to poke into the center of the beet to check doneness. When tender, cool the beets to room temperature. Rub the skin off the beet, then use a melon
baller to hollow out the inside of the beet entering from the top (the cut end). Hollow leaving 1⁄4- inch thick walls on the beet.

2. Combine the lemon zest, juice, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. While the juice mixture is heating, gently whisk the eggs, yolks, and sugar in a mixing bowl. When the juice just starts to simmer, pour 1/3 into the eggs, whisking constantly, then pour the hot egg mixture into the saucepan with the remaining juice. Gently whisk nonstop until the mixture thickens. When the first bubbles appear in the saucepan, remove the pan from the heat and pour the lemon curd through a mesh strainer to remove the zest and any egg solids. Cool the curd until chilled.

3. In a double boiler, warm/melt the goat cheese, honey, sugar, and cream cheese until the mixture is soft and smooth. Remove from heat and add the sour cream to the cheese mixture whisking until thoroughly combined. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the goat cheese mixture into the cream creating a light goat cheese mousse.

4. Spoon 1 Tablespoon of the lemon curd into hollowed beet, followed by the goat cheese filling until the whole cavity is filled. Enjoy immediately with a lightly dressed salad.

About Wines of Provence

Wines of Provence, known in France as the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Provence (CIVP), is an organization representing over 641 wineries and trade companies from the Provence region. Its mission is to promote and advance the wines of the organization’s 3 appellations, Côtes de Provence, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence and Coteaux Varois en Provence. Members together produce 96% of Provence’s Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) wines, 166M bottles in 2020 Wines of Provence is the global leader for premium rosé wine, accounting for 38% domestic and 4.2% of global rosé production. The U.S. is Wines of Provence’s first export market, with 34% in volume of its exports last year.

Find us on social media at @WinesofProvence, or visit our website for more details.

The Second Edition of The “Barolo En Primeur” Charity Auction To Take Place on October 28, 2022

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Barolo en Primeur auction will take place on October 28, 2022 at the Grinzane Castle in Piedmont, Italy, and will stream live to New York City. Like the first edition, the auction will feature 15 barriques, each yielding approximately 300 bottles of the most recent Barolo vintage, 2021. The event is organized by Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo Foundation in partnership with the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani, representing almost 540 wine producers in Piedmont, Italy, in collaboration with Christie’s global auction house, and internationally renowned wine critic, Antonio Galloni.

The first edition of Barolo En Primeur was an international success, raising an impressive donation of 660,000 euros for 17 charities. All donations were awarded directly to projects in the non-profit field, as selected by the organizers and donors.

“With this operation, the only one of its kind, CRC Foundation has created a charity event at the national and international level, focusing on a single territory, its beauties, singularities and products of excellence, creating an innovative event that will generate important social benefits,” commented Ezio Raviola, President of Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo Foundation.

The 15 barriques that will be available at auction contain wine made from grapes from the historic Cascina Gustava Vineyard, Grinzane, a four-hectare (9.8 acres) vineyard dedicated solely to Nebbiolo, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The wine was produced and vinified by Donato Lanati, the internationally renowned enologist.

Again, this year the proceeds will be donated to social projects and initiatives in the fields of health, research, the arts and culture, as well as those promoting social inclusion and safeguarding of the Italian cultural heritage.

“The Barolo En Primeur event represents an initiative of highly scientific, educational and human value, capable of combining various aspects: the promotion of the wine-growing area, of which the vineyard is the mainstay, research with in-the-field teaching, and the important social aims pursued by the CRC Foundation,” explained Lanati.

In addition to the 15 barriques, this second edition will include participation from wine producers of the Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe and Dogliani Consortium, who will auction a selection of the most prized bottles of Barolo and Barbaresco coming from prestigious villages of both appellations, which include 10 lotti comunali (seven lots of Barolo 2021 from different Comuni (municipalities) and three 2021 Barbaresco lots).

“The Barolo en Primeur charity event is not only of great historical and social importance but is also highly significant for the Barolo wine sector, which is projected at an international level,” added Matteo Ascheri, President of the Consortium for the Protection of Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe and Dogliani.

The 300 bottles from each barrique and the bottles from the wineries will be ready in 2025, following the mandatory aging process for Barolo, and will be numbered and marked with a label specially created by an internationally renowned artist. This is a unique opportunity for wine connoisseurs, collectors, investors, and philanthropists, who are invited to take part in an international charity initiative that showcases one of the most world-renowned Italian wine appellations, its values of quality and sustainability, its territory, and the good causes that will benefit from it.

Ahead of Barolo en Primeur 2022, Antonio Galloni, who tasted the wine of each barrique, will publish his tasting notes in Vinous Media, so that potential bidders can read his opinion about how these rare wines capture the essence of Barolo and of the Gustava Vineyard, and their long ageability.

“The event offers collectors an unprecedented opportunity to participate in a philanthropic initiative of great importance and to benefit from a barrique of Barolo of the 2021 vintage, obtained from a specific parcel within a historic vineyard,” noted Antonio Galloni, Founder & CEO, Vinous. “Bidders should be encouraged by the rarity of the wines, the specially commissioned works of art and charitable causes, and all this contributes to making this initiative truly special.”

Information on how to take part in the auction can be found at http://www.fondazionecrcdonare.it

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About the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo: On 24 January 1992, the Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo Foundation was established, a private and independent non-profit body pursuing aims of social and economic benefit and promotion. The Foundation is inspired by philanthropic aims and makes contributions to public and private non-profit organizations as well as directly promoted projects in the fields of education, welfare, culture, local development, health, scientific research and sport. The initiatives are supported by the resources deriving from the management of the Foundation’s assets, which comfortably exceed one billion euros.

The Foundation’s activities aim to contribute to the development of the communities in its area, supporting their capacity for innovation and strengthening their cultural and educational offerings, so as to create more united and supportive social conditions. Teamwork in synergy with the territory, alongside the third sector and public bodies, in collaboration with citizens and institutions. With Barolo en Primeur, CRC Foundation has created a charity event at national and international level, focusing a territory, its beauties and singularities, creating an innovative event that can generate important social benefits.

About the Consorzio Di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani: Founded in 1934 and representing over 500 wine producers across multiple appellations, the consortium is committed to the management, protection, and promotion of the Langhe, Alba, and Dogliani wine denominations. The Consortium ensures high quality by a set of formal production guidelines for the entire winemaking process, from agronomy to market surveillance. The Consortium continues to perform periodic sampling of wine products on the market to prevent fraud and to protect the wines’ authentication and reputation. Barolo & Barbaresco are registered trademarks in many countries throughout the world.

Hillick and Hobbs’ Finger Lakes Estate Set to Open, As Announced by Winemaker Paul Hobbs

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FINGER LAKES, N.Y. (PRWEB) – After years of anticipation, renowned winemaker Paul Hobbs has announced the grand opening of his Finger Lakes estate, Hillick & Hobbs. The state-of-the-art hospitality center will showcase Hillick & Hobbs’ exceptional estate Riesling and is set to become one of the premier wine destinations in the Finger Lakes.

Situated on the southeastern banks of Seneca Lake, the new Hillick & Hobbs hospitality center will feature cypress walls, furniture crafted from materials sourced from the estate and other sustainably made furnishings. Hobbs entrusted the planning and design of the estate to international designer Tom Johnson. Based in the Finger Lakes, Johnson has worked in Japan and other areas of Asia and has designed custom residences and wineries in upstate New York.

“Tom is an extraordinarily gifted designer. His ability to blend purposeful utility, simplicity, function, and beauty is thrilling,” said Hobbs. “His sense of scale and form play well to my own sensibilities.”

Hobbs selected Trade Design Build to lead the project because of its integration of architecture and construction within a single company. The firm specializes in the construction of luxury restaurants, tasting rooms, and bars with a focus on the environment and location.

Hillick & Hobbs holds special meaning to Hobbs, who named the winery after his parents, Joan Hillick and Edward Hobbs. The winery honors Hobbs’ roots in western New York where he grew up on his family’s farm. In 2013, he revived his family’s legacy of growing grapes in New York when he acquired a 78-acre property in the Finger Lakes with the vision of producing world-class Riesling. Hillick & Hobbs will offer an estate vertical experience featuring two vintages of the Estate Vineyard Dry Riesling, which was launched with the inaugural 2019 vintage, and a curated charcuterie board. There will also be a selection of food pairings available.

“The Finger Lakes is a compelling region for growing world-class Riesling. Its well-drained, slate soils trap the radiant heat, and the moderating effect of Seneca Lake creates the airflow crucial for keeping the canopies healthy,” said Hobbs. “After an exhaustive two-year search for the ideal site to grow Riesling that could rival the best of the Old World, aided by my brother David, we finally found the property just south of Hector Falls that was reminiscent of the Mosel.”

The estate vineyard is currently planted to 21-acres of high-density Riesling on steep slate soils that run with the slope, akin to Germany’s famed Mosel region. The Hillick & Hobbs estate is one of the first in the region to plant in this style with a focus on crafting site-specific estate Riesling under the supervision of winemaker Lynne Fahy and vineyard manager Samuel Pulis.

For more information about Hillick & Hobbs’ wines, history, new releases, and upcoming celebratory events, please visit http://www.hillickandhobbs.com and follow Hillick & Hobbs on Instagram @hillickandhobbs.

About Paul Hobbs Wines
Founded on Paul Hobbs’ pioneering spirit and adventurous pursuit of innovation and discovery, Paul Hobbs Wines is a highly curated selection of superior quality wines. Through sustainable farming, meticulous vineyard management, and minimally invasive winemaking techniques, each wine expresses its vineyard origins with finesse, complexity, and authenticity. The company’s portfolio spans the globe; domestic projects include Hobbs (California), Paul Hobbs Winery (California), Crossbarn (California), and Hillick & Hobbs (Finger Lakes, New York). The international ventures, imported to the U.S. by Paul Hobbs Selections, includes Viña Cobos (Argentina), Crocus (Cahors, France), Yacoubian-Hobbs (Armenia), and Alvaredos-Hobbs (Galicia, Spain). For more information, visit http://www.paulhobbswines.com and http://www.paulhobbsselections.com.

About Paul Hobbs
Highly regarded for his ability to identify exceptional vineyards across the globe and working innovatively to refine the art of winemaking, Paul Hobbs continues his unwavering pursuit to express new and historical sites by employing viticulture and winemaking practices that capture their unique origins. For over 30 years, Paul has engaged annually in two harvests spanning seven countries. Today, Hobbs is owner and vintner for wineries around the globe: Paul Hobbs (California), Crossbarn (California), Hillick & Hobbs (Finger Lakes, New York), Viña Cobos (Argentina), Crocus (Cahors, France), Yacoubian-Hobbs (Armenia), and Alvaredos-Hobbs (Galicia, Spain). To learn more, visit http://www.paulhobbs.com.

The Italian Riviera in a Bottle: Portofino Dry Gin Announces Nationwide Launch

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Portofino Dry Gin is announcing a nationwide launch across the United States. Hailing from Italy’s town of Portofino, known around the world for its breathtaking view, iconic Italian scenery, beauty and charm, Portofino Dry Gin is bringing Italian authenticity and high quality, packaged in a striking, unforgettable design, to the United States.

“Portofino Dry Gin was founded as a tribute to my grandfather, Klaus Pudel,” says Ruggero Raymo, CEO and co-founder of Portofino Dry Gin. “He was admired for having saved Portofino from the destruction during World War II. Portofino is in the heart of the Italian Riviera, and the bottle design is an homage to the beautiful region. We are thrilled to bring a spirit that combines heritage and a sense of place to the US.”

Produced at an antique Italian distillery, Portofino Dry Gin (SRP $56.99) features 21 botanicals, each one carefully selected for its natural aromatic properties. Juniper, lemons, lavender, rosemary, marjoram, sage, iris and rose are organically grown in Portofino Dry Gin’s botanical sanctuary on the hills of Portofino and combined with locally handpicked ingredients to complete Portofino Dry Gin’s secret recipe. The region’s unique microclimate allows lush Mediterranean vegetation to grow year round, and each botanical is ripened by the fresh sea breeze and the warm sun of the Italian Riviera.

“We are so proud to bring Portofino Dry Gin to the US. It’s a major milestone in our company’s growth,” says Christopher Egger, CMO and co-founder of Portofino Dry Gin. “While we would love for everyone to experience the beauty and charm of our town of Portofino in Italy first-hand, we are thrilled that we can now bring that authentic Italian experience of charm and beauty to the US. You don’t have to travel to Portofino to experience Portofino!”

Imported to the United States by Artisanal Cellars, Portofino is available at select premium retailers including Eataly as well as nationally via Cask & Barrel.

About Portofino Dry Gin
Portofino Dry Gin (SRP $56.99) is produced in Italy. Each batch of Portofino Dry Gin is made using a combination of traditional and innovative methods: from an old Italian copper pot still used to distill local liqueur and grappa to a state-of-the-art technology that produces vacuum distillation, preserving the aromas from Portofino Dry Gin’s most delicate botanicals. Distilled and bottled in Italy using natural ingredients, without added sugar, artificial flavors or preservatives. Alc./Vol. 43% – 86 Proof. Portofino Dry Gin is available nationwide via Cask & Barrel.

Prospero Winery & Grapes Celebrates 50 Years of Serving the Pleasantville, NY Community

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PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y., April 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Prospero Winery & Grapes is very proud and honored to announce that 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of our family owned & operated business. Since our initial start in 1972, Prospero Winery & Grapes has established and relished in the rich tradition of home-based, local winemaking; we believe locals, businesses, and visitors to the Mid-Hudson region deserve to have access to the finest, highest-quality wine and grapes available in the industry. Prospero Winery & Grapes and our Pleasantville, NY winery sources continue to supply expertly-grown grapes and juices for home production, commercial use, and local consumption. As our organization celebrates our 50th anniversary, we’re reaffirming our rooted traditions and sharing an inside look at our generational commitment to quality.

Prospero Winery & Grapes’ origins date back to 1972, when our founder, Tony Prospero, started selling California wine grapes from a fruit stand, in order to help home winemakers produce their own hand crafted wine. From there, he quickly moved into supplying winemaking equipment as well, creating multi-generational relationships with clients and establishing his own reputable branding. Over 25 years later, in 1999, Prospero established his own bonded winery operation, growing his platform and continuing to provide affordable wines to local residents. Our commitment to offering well-known California-sourced grapes, combined with our rich family heritage, has allowed us to launch more community-friendly and environment-conscious projects, including:

  • In 2001, we introduced a yearly Home Winemaker Competition for passionate winemakers and enthusiasts in our local area.
  • In 2018, we installed solar panels at our Pleasantville, NY facility and organized a perpetual “Refill Your Own Wine” program, all in an effort to be more environmentally-friendly.
  • In 2020, we launched a Home Winemaker Competition Dinner fundraiser to support the Blythedale & Maria Fareri Children’s Hospitals. Prospero Winery & Grapes is dedicated to helping these hospitals for years to come. More information about this annual competition dinner can be found at https://www.prosperowinery.com/dinner/ .

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2022, we are proud to share our Prospero family hobby, winemaking, with local home winemakers. At Prospero winery, we strive to create new, expressive wines for everyday enjoyment. We’re proud to welcome more individuals, families, and commercial businesses in the Westchester County and Mid-Hudson region into our family legacy and to share our traditions with you!

Learn more about Prospero Winery at https://www.prosperowinery.com.

About Prospero Winery & Grapes:
Prospero Winery & Grapes is a winery and grape supplier for local winemakers and wine enthusiasts in Pleasantville, NY.  With a rich family tradition in winemaking, its world-class winemakers continue to bring the quality and taste of the Gold Coast to the Mid-Hudson region. Prospero is trusted by wineries throughout the U.S. and Canada as a provider of everything needed to make fine wine. From freshly-harvested grapes and juices to commercial winemaking equipment, Prospero has it all.

Contact: Melissa Prospero
(914)769-6252
335055@email4pr.com

SOURCE Prospero Grapes

Wine Collector’s Dinner to Take Place During Wine and Food Festival June 10th at X2O

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y.  – After a successful debut last year, Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival is bringing back the ultimate Wine Collectors’ Dinner. Guests are invited to play a key role by attending — participating — and sharing — their best wine with other wine aficionados as they enjoy a unique one-of-a-kind dinner.    

The Wine Collectors’ Dinner is a unique opportunity for guests to share and taste rare vintages with each other — for the ultimate “immersion” experience! The night begins with a champagne reception as guests meet and mingle with others, followed by a sumptuous four-course dinner prepared by renowned Chef Peter X. Kelly. Throughout the dinner guests will share one bottle per person from their personal wine collection with other guests. The event is a tribute to the late Ralph Martinelli, founder of the Wine & Food Festival and former publisher of Westchester Magazine and is sponsored by Celebrity Cruises.  A special live Wine Auction will be held, with proceeds to go to Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation.  

The event will take place on Friday, June 10 from 6:30-10:00 p.m. at X2O Xaviars on the Hudson, 71 Water Grant Street, Yonkers, NY.  Tickets are $185 per person (includes tax & gratuity.) Guests will also bring one bottle of wine per person, to share with other attendees. 

For additional information or to purchase tickets visit westchestermagazine.com/winefood