Film and Wine: A Genius Pairing Showcasing Southern Oregon

October 20, 2021 by evebushman

ASHLAND, OR. –Biannually, the Ashland Independent Film Festival (AIFF) hosts their most delectable and decidedly nerdy event that features local winemakers to an audience of avid art film supporters and wine-lovers. This year, Vinos Veritas: A Sparkling Garden Party, follows this 8-year tradition.

Held at the end of July under a blue bird sky in the stunning, private garden of Tika Squires, the exclusive gathering focused on the best of the best sparkling wines and champagnes, locally and internationally including Maison Jussiaume’s 2019 Oeil de Perdrix, a brut Méthode Champenoise cuvée of 50-50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and winner of the prestigious 2021 Sunset International Wine Competition for Best Sparkling.

Guests were joined by AIFF Artistic Director Richard Herskowitz, AIFF Executive Director Phil Busse, wine maker Jean-Michel Jussiaume, of Del Rio Vineyards and his own label Maison Jussiaume, Corrie Reimer, owner of Hither Market, wine buyer Bruce Crowell of the local iconic market the Ashland Food Coop, and wine-maker Steve Grande of Wooldridge Creek Winery. Served alongside local wines from Maison Jussiaume and Wooldridge Creek Winery were Le Vigne di Alice Tajad Frizzante, Avinyó 2018 Brut Reserva Cava, Olivier Morin Tentation Brut Crémant and Marc Hebrart Premier Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne. These were paired with fromage blanc, gouda, watermelon and feta salad, herbed potatoes, pickled shrimp with fennel, homemade rye bread, and poached king salmon hand-carried in from the coast. Music was provided by Son Ravello with Paul Hume on Keyboard and Vocals.

The patron-hosted event brought in $4,000 in support of the ongoing work of Southern Oregon’s award-winning independent film festival.

With 170 microclimates and five AVAs defined by four rivers, Southern Oregon is ideal for growing a large variety of grapes. Lesser known than their Californian neighbors to the south and their Willamette Valley neighbors to the north, they produce exceptional yet accessible wine, that focus on terroir and with bottle prices at a fraction of the cost. Past AIFF wine events have dived into tempranillo, cabernet franc and pinot noir—all grown in the region.

Much like the Rogue Valley wines that Ashland Independent Film Festival showcases at their wine events, discovery and experimentation and engagement is a theme. Set in the picturesque town of Ashland, the festival offers to audience members, filmmakers, and industry representatives the rare opportunity to interact after films, at symposiums, talk backs, parties, lounges and after hours. They are beloved by movie-goers and film-makers alike for their warmth and quality, with a fiercely devoted following.

If you’re not familiar with AIFF, check out this regional gem. They are currently holding their #WorldFilmWeek of international films with online and local screenings.

Piper-Heidsieck Unveils Its 50-Year-Old Vintage Champagne

October 12, 2021 by evebushman

NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Piper-Heidsieck, the revered Champagne House known worldwide for its red label, is excited to announce today the release of its first limited edition, Piper-Heidsieck HORS-SÉRIE 1971 Champagne, marking a new chapter in the House’s history.

Piper-Heidsieck’s commitment to excellence and innovation is at the heart of the creative vision of Chief Winemaker of the House, Émilien Boutillat. The HORS-SÉRIE collection is a way for Boutillat to express the creativity of the House by revisiting library wines and crafting unexpected gems.

Named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year 2021 by the International Wine Challenge, Émilien Boutillat is the youngest Chief Winemaker to lead Piper-Heidsieck, since taking over from the renowned Chef de Cave, Régis Camus, in October 2018. Émilien’s dynamic approach to winemaking has maintained the excellence and success of the House, enabled by his philosophy to balance tradition with trailblazing distinction.

The cuvée HORS-SÉRIE 1971 uncorks the past by creating a connection between Boutillat and the previous generation of Chief Winemakers: “Releasing it today with a fresh disgorgement is a tribute to the cellar masters who preceded me, those who blended it fifty years ago, but also to those who allowed the wine to continue its evolution so that it could be ready to be revealed today,” says Boutillat.

The idea came about while Boutillat and his team were tasting library wines: “We were astonished by the taste, the quality, and the freshness of the 1971 vintage. Slowly aged for fifty years in our cellar, the wine was ready to be shared. The aromas were at their full potential, so we decided to disgorge the bottles and launch this one-of-a-kind Piper-Heidsieck Champagne HORS-SÉRIE 1971.”

Only 2021 numbered bottles of Piper-Heidsieck’s HORS-SÉRIE 1971 were produced: “I am particularly proud of this cuvée because it testifies to the excellence of Piper-Heidsieck wines through several generations of cellar masters. It is a true honor to elaborate the final dosage to magnify the potential of this 1971 cuvée. It is quite unexpected for a Champagne House to release such quantity of a 50-year-old vintage, and I am proud to be part of this launch for Piper-Heidsieck,” says Boutillat.

Piper-Heidsieck’s HORS-SÉRIE 1971 is imported by Folio Fine Wine Partners and is available for $499 per bottle.

For more information, please visit: http://www.Piper-Heidsieck.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. High-resolution press photos are available here.

###

ABOUT Piper-Heidsieck
The most awarded Champagne House of the century*, Piper-Heidsieck is celebrated for its audacity and excellence. Steeped in history, Piper-Heidsieck was born out of a love story that began in 1785 with German-born founder, Florens-Louis Heidsieck, crafting a wine to seduce his lover. Today, Piper-Heidsieck prides itself on holding dual certification of Viticulture Durable en Champagne and Haute Valeur Environnementale**.

**Predecessor of Émilien Boutillat, Régis Camus awarded the title of “Sparkling Winemaker of the Year” eight times by the International Wine Challenge jury since the beginning of the century.
**VDC: Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne / HVE: High Environmental Value

Laurent Gruet Celebrates 40th Crush with Vara Winery and Distillery

October 11, 2021 by evebushman

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.,/PRNewswire/ — Award-winning winemaker Laurent Gruet marks his 40th year of harvesting and pressing grapes for making Méthode Champenoise sparkling wine – collectively pressing over 40,000 tons of grapes and making over 36,000,000 bottles of sparkling wine!

“This my first harvest here at Vara has a very special feeling,” says Laurent Gruet, now partner and sparkling winemaker at Vara Winery & Distillery in New Mexico. “It is truly a rebirth. It’s joyous, exciting and fun! I get to do it with all of my previous experience, and with great friends and peers who hold the same high standards for quality as I do.”

Laurent Gruet comes from generations of Méthode Champenoise winemaking. Like his father Gilbert Gruet, quality is Laurent’s top priority and it underscores his winemaking passion. After coming to the United States at 18 from France, not speaking a word of English, Laurent introduced Méthode Champenoise to New Mexico receiving the highest accolades.

“I have to admit, it’s tremendously gratifying to have the 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition recognize me as their winner of the Sparkling Sweepstake Winemaker Award,” continues Laurent. “It is certainly no coincidence that the wine entered, 2012 Gruet Blanc de Blancs, happens to be my favorite of the 12 vintages I have declared so far. It has me inspired to do even better with my new brand.”

From Laurent’s first 6 harvests in Bethon, France where the foundations of his experience were developed, to the 33 harvests he presided over at Gruet Winery with great success — he now joins the winemaking team at Vara, bringing his decades of experience to set the standard for their sparkling wine program. Laurent joins Bob and Louisa Lindquist, Drake McCarthy, Scott Feuille, and co-owners Doug Diefenthaler and Xavier Zamarripa in Vara’s circle of artisans.

“In joining the Vara team as the sparkling winemaker and partner, it is a unique opportunity to fuse our collective passion for making wine,” said Laurent Gruet. “Working with such a dynamic team allows us all to better ourselves and make the most exceptional wines. You have to believe you can do it – and we have the energy behind us. Stay tuned for what’s coming next as we go back to basics and craft brand new wines.”

ABOUT VARA WINES

Vara is an international family of Spanish and American wines and spirits celebrating the origins of the American wine experience thanks to the historical connection of Spain and New Mexico. Some wines have a story, we have a history. Visit www.varawines.com

Sippd Introduces Hispanic and LatinX Wine Collection Featuring Traditional Food and Wine Pairings

October 2, 2021 by evebushman

WASHINGTON (PRWEB) – Sippd, the personal wine recommender and online marketplace, has released its “Celebrating Hispanic and LatinX Wines” curation, providing users with hyper-personalized wine pairing recommendations to traditional, cultural dishes.

In collaboration with Hispanics in Wine, an organization dedicated to showcasing Hispanic and Latinx roots in the beverage and hospitality industries, the “Celebrating Hispanic and LatinX Wines” curation allows users to browse through a list of 10 popular dishes and select the best wines for their palate with Sippd’s Taste Match technology. Featuring main plates and desserts like Choripan, Sancocho, and Churros, Sippd provides consumers with their individualized Taste Match scores to wines from countries like Chile, Argentina, and Spain.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate history, culture, and progress toward a more equitable and inclusive society, and I’m proud to lead a diverse team of employees who believe representation matters,” says Blake Hershey, Co-Founder and CEO of Sippd. “As a permanent curated wine list on Sippd, users will be able to shop for wines that support Hispanic and Latinx wine professionals.”

Added as an expansion of its nationwide “Shop What Matters To You” collection that aims to elevate visibility for wineries and brands cultivating diversity, inclusion and sustainability, Sippd is making it easy for consumers to support and shop based on their palate and social values. Other shoppable social causes featured on Sippd’s “Shop What Matters To You” collection include Wineries For Animal Welfare, Black-Owned Wineries, Planet-Friendly Wines and COVID-19 Relief Wineries, which consumers can explore by downloading the free app here.

Along with the addition of the “Celebrating Hispanic and LatinX Culture curation,” Sippd has also updated its seasonal curation deck, aimed toward further simplifying consumer wine purchase decisions. The “I Just Love the Seasons: Fall Edition” deck features themes like “Tailgate Wines” to help users find a light red, white, or sparkling perfect for football season and “Beyond Napa Valley” to browse wines from cooler climate wine regions like Finger Lakes and Columbia Valley, ultimately making it even easier to find the best wines at any price point for the occasion.

To support and shop the featured causes, consumers can download the Sippd app, available for free on the Apple and Google Play stores, and scroll down to “Shop By What Matters to You” on the Home page.

About Sippd
Sippd empowers people to focus on enjoying their wine, not ordering it. Combining artificial intelligence and wine, Sippd helps wine lovers find and order wines that match their tastes. With our Taste Match capabilities, we’re able to provide you with personalized wine recommendations that continually evolves with your preferences, so you can effortlessly order the perfect bottle every time. Stop wasting your money on bottles you don’t like and instead, simplify and transform your online wine experience with Sippd, the AI-powered personal sommelier that knows your palate. Sippd’s free mobile app is available for download on the Apple store here and Google Play store here. For more information, visit sippd.com.

You can find us on:
» Instagram
» Facebook
» YouTube

Martha Stewart Wine Co. Announces Brand Expansion

September 22, 2021 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES /PRNewswire/ — Marquee Brands, DRINKS, and Martha Stewart Wine Co., the online wine collection featuring a selection of wines hand-picked by America’s lifestyle expert Martha Stewart, celebrates a year of landmark partnerships, including new collections with Kroger, The Wine Shop on the Instacart Marketplace and Macy’s Wine Shop, and unprecedented growth in customer demand as online wine continues to surge in popularity.

“Over the past four years, I have sampled thousands of wines for our Martha Stewart Wine Co. customers. Only the best bottles make the cut,” said Martha Stewart. “As we approach the holiday season, I am excited to share these delicious and affordable wines with the millions of Instacart and Macy’s Wine Shop customers across the nation. Now, it’s easier than ever to pour the right wine, and enjoy the best wine, at every occasion.”

Origins + Early Brand Expansion

Martha Stewart Wine Co. offers customers the option to purchase individual bottles, curated packs, or a no-obligation quarterly wine club, as well as special occasion gift memberships all with the convenience and safety of home delivery. Since its founding in 2017, the brand has developed a loyal following and has methodically expanded its reach through various strategic partnerships:

In 2018, Martha began showcasing her namesake wines during on-air appearances on QVC, resulting in numerous sold-out promotions
In 2019, the brand partnered with DRINKS Wine as a Service (WaaS) client Boxed to offer exclusive sets of wines to its customers
That same year, Martha Stewart introduced her flagship capsule collection with Wine Insiders, the Internet’s preeminent destination for premium wine at everyday low prices; wines from the Martha Stewart Wine Co. collection are now in more than 20% of Wine Insiders orders

Surging Growth of Online Wine + New Partnerships

Martha Stewart Wine Co. has been steadily growing since its inception and the last year was the most pivotal in the brand’s history in which it tripled sales.

During the same period, DRINKS expanded the network of high-profile storefronts for Martha Stewart Wine Co.:

Kroger: Last month, the brand introduced a collection on Kroger Wine bringing Martha’s unique collection of affordable premium wine to Kroger’s ship-to-home program reaching customers in 19 states, plus Washington D.C.
Macy’s: In May, the brand debuted a collection on Macy’s Wine Shop, the retailer’s new online wine store
Instacart: In late 2020, the brand curated a collection of wines for The Wine Shop on the Instacart marketplace, a ship-to-home wine offering available exclusively on Instacart — representing Martha Stewart Wine Co.’s first foray into reaching the massively growing audience of online delivery platforms

“Martha Stewart is undoubtedly the queen of entertaining, with one of the most expansive and enduring lifestyle brands in the world. Four years ago — before the world was paying attention — Martha recognized the unmet opportunity in online wine,” said Zac Brandenberg, Co-founder & CEO of DRINKS. “We were honored to partner with her and bring Martha Stewart Wine Co. to life. Today, we’re thrilled to see how the brand has grown and evolved to span not only its DTC online shop, but also to other retailers, brands, and marketplaces.”

About Martha Stewart Wine Co.
Martha Stewart Wine Co., powered by online adult beverage leader DRINKS, is a curated wine collection and online wine shop featuring a selection of wines hand-picked by America’s lifestyle expert Martha Stewart. Martha Stewart Wine Co. offers a selection of delicious, affordable, and Martha-approved wines to customers in 41 states plus D.C., with fast, no-cost shipping on orders of more than six bottles. Martha Stewart Wine Co. offerings include red, white, sparkling, and rosé varietals, available by individual bottles and in packs of six or twelve. Customers can also choose to join an effortless wine club, receiving a 12-pack of hand-picked wine every 12 weeks.

About DRINKS
DRINKS (http://www.drinks.com) connects retailers, brands, and marketplaces to the $250 billion alcohol market. The company’s innovative Wine as a Service (WaaS) platform enables its partners to bring adult beverages safely and conveniently to their customers across the United States in 1-2 days. DRINKS optimizes alcohol e-commerce with its patented DRINKS IQ technology, which empowers retailers to leverage AI-based predictive merchandising and marketing to personalize customer experiences. DRINKS was named a top place to work by Built In LA for the last three years, one of America’s Best Startup Employers by Forbes for the past two years, and was recognized as the Most Innovative Retail Model by Modern Retail in 2020.

About Marquee Brands
Marquee Brands is a leading global brand owner and marketer. Owned by investor funds managed by Neuberger Berman, one of the world’s leading employee-owned investment managers, Marquee Brands targets high-quality brands with strong consumer awareness and long-term growth potential. Marquee Brands seeks to identify brands in various consumer product segments with the goal of expanding their reach across retail channels, geography, and product categories while preserving the brand heritage and enhancing the ultimate consumer experience. Through its global team of professionals and partners, Marquee Brands monitors trends and markets in order to grow and manage brands in partnership with retailers, licensees, and manufacturers through engaging, impactful, strategic planning, marketing, and e-commerce. www.marqueebrands.com. In 2019, Marquee Brands acquired the Martha Stewart brand, which reaches approximately 100 million consumers across all media and merchandising platforms each month. Martha Stewart is the Founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and America’s most trusted lifestyle expert and teacher. Her branded products can be found in more than 70 million households and have a growing retail presence in thousands of locations.

South Coast Winery Garners Awards at Wine Competition

September 19, 2021 by evebushman

TEMECULA, Calif. – South Coast Winery, owned by the Carter family, received three prestigious awards at the 2021 Toast of the Coast Wine Competition produced by the San Diego County Fair. Eighteen wine industry experts – sommeliers, wine journalists, consultants and wine business managers – participated in the judging, which took place late May at the festival held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, Calif. The competition celebrates wineries from around the world producing the finest quality wines.

“This year as we celebrate our 20^th anniversary, we are once again proud to have winning wines designated by The Toast of the Coast Competition adding to our impressive collection of over 3,000 wine accolades garnered throughout the years,” said Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality, which owns South Coast Winery. “Our mission has always been to use expert knowledge and craft to produce the very best wines, retaining a sense of each varietal’s personality and terroir of origin.”

The 2017 South Coast Winery Meritage won the highest-level Double Gold reserved for the finest wines as agreed on unanimously by an assigned three judge panel and scoring 94 points or higher on a 100-point scale. Dark purple red in color, the aromas of blackberry and currants are the first thing noticed, while subtle herbal notes and warm, toasty oak aromas bring depth and structure to this complex wine. It is a classic quintet of Bordeaux varietals – cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, malbec and carménère – blended to create a wine that is finely textured and nuanced from start to finish.

Silver award winner, South Coast Winery Grenache Noir Rosé, is light in body, crisp in acidity and very dry, delivering an elegant rosé and the perfect wine for any cuisine and festivity. It is nuanced with a hint of rosy color carrying delicate strawberry, raspberry and cotton candy aromas, married with refined citrus and floral notes. The winery’s NV South Coast Winery Sparkling Pinot Grigio also won a Silver award. Light and refreshing, this sparkler has notes of fresh Meyer lemon and key lime, crisp green apple and white nectarines. It is slightly effervescent and great for everyday celebrations.

A list of all winners and additional information is available at thetoastofthecoast.com.

About South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

The only winery among the state’s top wineries to claim the title of California Winery of the Year four times at the California State Fair Wine Competition, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa sets the gold standard for excellence amongst California wineries, earning more than 3,000 awards since its inception in 2003. Situated on 63 lush acres, the resort offers a breathtaking retreat for wine tours, romantic getaways and group events with 132 rooms and villas, a working winery and tasting room, gift shop, full-service spa and restaurant.

South Coast Winery offers a broad portfolio of 45 wine labels, the majority of which are available for sampling in its main tasting room – from robust reds such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir to whites including Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Riesling. Also available are sparkling wines, dessert wines and other specialty offerings. The winery employs a staff of skilled winemakers, including master winemaker Jon McPherson and winemaker Javier Flores, both with decades of experience in the wine industry.

For more information, visit www.southcoastwinery.com.

About Carter Hospitality Group

Established in 2011, Carter Hospitality Group, LLC. is a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts as well as three wineries across the United States. Based in Orange County, California, the company manages and owns a portfolio of luxury properties including South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula, California; Carter Estate Winery and Resort, Temecula California; and Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Texas Hill Country. Carter Hospitality Group additionally serves as the owner-franchisee for Red Lion Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Orlando Florida. For more information, visit www.carterhospitality.com.

New Wines for the Jewish New Year

September 2, 2021 by evebushman

Bayonne, NJ – There’s little time to catch your breath between summer and the High Holiday season this year. With Labor Day and Rosh Hashana sharing the same date on the calendar, it’s not too soon to start thinking about festive meals, gatherings with loved ones, and other traditions that go hand-in-hand with the fall Jewish holidays.

Fortunately, we’ve had another exceptional year for kosher wine production. That means there’s an excellent selection of exciting releases to choose from – and one less thing to worry about. They’re ready to serve now, so whether you’re planning to host a crowd or be a guest, you’re sure to find something deliciously suitable for the holiday table.

Wine expert Gabriel Geller, Director of PR and Manager of Wine Education for Kedem/Royal Wine, has recommendations for wines that offer quality and value across all price points.

Herzog Wine Cellars celebrates the new Jewish year with its first release of the Herzog Limited Edition Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2020 (MSRP: $60). This rich and complex white wine is the result of careful harvest planning and skillful winemaking, led by Head Winemaker Joe Hurliman. The 2020 harvest in California was marked by some of the worst wildfires the Golden State has ever known. However, thanks to Divine Providence the harvest for the Chalk Hill Chardonnay took place before the fires, and yielded fruit of the highest quality.

Geller is also enthusiastic about Herzog Special Reserve Méthode Champenoise Russian River NV (MSRP $60), Herzog’s first-ever high-end Champagne method sparkling wine, is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown in Sonoma’s Russian River area.

He also points to Château Malartic Lagravière Blanc 2019 (MSRP $100), the first kosher cuvée release by the Bordeaux estate. Malartic received elite Grand Cru Classé status for both its red and white wines in the 1959 Classification of Vins de Graves. Now owned by the Bonnie family, Malartic has produced several kosher cuvées of its red Grand Vin in collaboration with Royal Wine since 2003. Its sister property, Château Gazin Rocquencourt, started making kosher runs in 2015.

Another exciting release is Razi’el Syrah-Carignan 2018 (MSRP $65), says Geller. Razi’el wines scored 97 points by acclaimed wine critic James Suckling – the highest rating ever for Israeli wines. Meanwhile, Europe’s first fully kosher winery, Terra di Seta in Italy, received an unprecedented 97 points and a platinum medal from Decanter magazine for the Terra di Seta Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 (MSRP $35).

While many of this year’s newcomers are produced by classic, old-world methods, some intriguing surprises are in the mix. They include Nana Estate wines (MSRP $30-$50), grown and produced in Israel’s scorching, nutrient-poor Negev Desert. Nana earned widespread buzz even before their wines were available in the U.S.; with their innovative viticulture techniques, they’ve not only beaten the odds, but they’ve crafted a collection of distinctive and popular kosher wines.

Baron Herzog, the entry-level line of value wines from Herzog Wine Cellars retailing between $10-13, are now available with fresh, new labels. Baron Herzog wines were first launched in 1986, following the winery’s establishment in California in 1985. The elegant and classy packaging further emphasizes the care and attention the Herzog family crafts each and every wine they produce from top to bottom. The Baron Herzog line includes an award-winning Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, a Rosé, White Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio, Old Vines Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a red blend called Aleph. Several of the wines are grown in the Herzog’s estate Prince Vineyard in Clarksburg CA, as well as from Paso Robles AVA.

Then there’s Bartenura Froscato cocktail pops (MSRP $25 per package of 12). Bartenura is no stranger to bending the rules. After introducing the wildly popular Moscato in blue cans last year, the Italian kosher producer has now released refreshing Moscato frozen wine cocktail pops. Perfect for the warmer high holiday season.

About Royal Wine/Kedem

Founded in 1848, Royal Wine Corp. is owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots go back eight generations to its origin in Czechoslovakia.

Today, Royal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand and Argentina.

Additionally, Royal Wine Corp.’s spirit and liqueur portfolio offers some of the most sought-after scotches, bourbons, tequilas and vodkas as well as hard to find specialty items such as flavored brandies and liqueurs.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest, Mediterranean-inspired, contemporary Californian Cuisine. Follow Royal Wine Corp at @royalwinecorp and on FB https://www.facebook.com/RoyalWineCorp

Sokol Blosser Recognized with B Corp “Best for the World” Award for Environmental Excellence for Third Year

August 15, 2021 by evebushman

DAYTON, Ore., /PRNewswire/ — Sokol Blosser, a Certified B Corporation and one of Oregon’s original and most iconic wineries celebrating 50 years, has been recognized as a 2021 Best for The World: Environment recipient, for the third time. Ranking in the top 5 percent of all B Corps in its size group globally, Sokol Blosser earned this honor because of its business practices built around People, Planet and Profit.

Sokol Blosser has practiced sustainability since the beginning. Founded in 1971, the winery earned its first recognition for environmental stewardship in 1983 by the U.S. Soil & Water Conservation District. They built the first LEED-certified winery building in 2002 and their Estate vineyard received full USDA organic certification in 2005. In 2015, Sokol Blosser received B Corp Certification. In its April 2021 B Corp recertification, Sokol Blosser increased its score by 22 percent compared to its 2016 recertification.

Each year, Sokol Blosser publishes a Sustainability Report detailing their accomplishments in three key areas: People, Planet and Profit. Through organic farming, participation in the Prescott Western Bluebird Recovery Project, fostering bee colonies, supporting local charities, offering generous employee compensation and benefits and cultivating an inclusive work environment, Sokol Blosser redefines success. Their wines consistently receive top scores while their business practices help protect the planet and support their community and their people. The 2020 Sustainability Report can be found here.

Alison Sokol Blosser, CEO of Sokol Blosser, commented, “Our parents instilled in us a respect for the planet and our people since we were young. From our start 50 years ago, we have worked to do the right thing every day for the environment, our team, our community and the long-term health of our family business. These are habits for us now. We are extremely proud of this recognition.”

Best for The World recognition is administered by B Lab, the global nonprofit that certifies and supports Certified B Corporations, which are for-profit companies dedicated to using business as a force for good. Today there are 4,000 Certified B Corporations across 77 countries and 153 industries, unified by one common goal: transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet.

Using the B Impact Assessment, B Lab evaluates how a company’s operations and business model impact its workers, community, environment, and customers. To achieve the B Corp Certification, a company must achieve a score of at least 80 points on the assessment.

More than 800 B Corps from over 50 countries were named to the 2021 Best for The World lists. The 2021 Best for The World honorees are determined based on the verified B Impact Assessments of Certified B Corporations. The full lists are available at https://bcorporation.net/. Oregon is home to the world’s highest concentration of B Corps, including seven wineries: A to Z, Brooks, Chehalem, Patton Valley, Sokol Blosser, Stoller, and Winderlea.

About Sokol Blosser Winery As one of the Willamette Valley’s pioneering wineries, Sokol Blosser has played a key role in developing and shaping the now-prominent Oregon wine industry. The winery remains family owned and operated, with the second generation now at the helm: siblings Alison and Alex Sokol Blosser. Achieving B Corp certification in 2015, the winery creates wines of world-class quality, produced in a sustainable manner, reflecting the distinctive flavors of the grapes, soil and climate. The winery produces Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, sparkling wines, Riesling and small quantities of single block Pinot Noir under its Sokol Blosser brand, and a white wine, red blend, Pinot Noir, sparkling wine, Riesling, and Chardonnay and Oregon’s first nationally distributed box wines under the Evolution label. Visit http://www.sokolblosser.com/ and follow @sokolblosser and @evolutionwines on Instagram and Facebook.

A Chard and a Brut Cuvee Met…In My Kitchen

August 13, 2021 by evebushman

It’s summertime and the living is easy, that’s how the saying goes and it’s a good time to discover some white wines I haven’t had before. The two we are looking at today come from different California AVAs and are also different varieties. We have a Chard from Santa Barbara County and a sparkling from the Arroyo Grande Valley.

2019 Qupe Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, “Y” Block

Aromas: Freshly sliced lemons, pineapple, mown grass, cheddar cheese, milk, wet concrete. Flavors: Lively fresh citrus and stone fruits, lemon zest, limeade, toasted oak, mild acidity, long finish. Classic chardonnay in style, structure and flavor. Paired with Shrimp Scampi and it served well as a palate cleanser between bites indeed.

An excerpt from the website:

HONORING THE CHUMASH

The name “qupé” was chosen to honor the Chumash, the indigenous people of the Golden State’s Central Coast and Channel Islands.

In Chumash, “qupé” refers to the poppy, a flowering plant traditionally used for food and medicine. In 1903 the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) was officially designated the state flower, and every spring masses of the bright orange blossoms still blanket local hills and back country.

Piper-Heidsieck Chief Winemaker Named 2021 Sparkling Winemaker of the Year

August 3, 2021 by evebushman

REIMS, FRANCE (PRWEB) – At 34 years old, Piper-Heidsieck Chief Winemaker Emilien Boutillat has been named the 2021 Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at this year’s annual International Wine Challenge (IWC) held in London, United Kingdom.

Emilien joined the Piper-Heidsieck family in October 2018, taking over from renowned winemaker Regis Camus, and is the youngest chef de cave to lead a major House in the region.

His dynamic approach to winemaking has maintained the excellence and success of the House in recent times, enabled by his philosophy to balance tradition with trailblazing distinction.

As a result, Piper-Heidsieck is the most awarded Champagne House of the century*, achieving eight titles under the leadership of Regis Camus, and now a ninth with Emilien Boutillat’s latest IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year award.

Thrilled with the honor of the Award, Emilien stated:
“This is an important recognition of the work produced by the entire Piper-Heidsieck team and honors the legacy of my predecessors, including Daniel Thibault and Regis Camus, both of whom achieved great success during their time at the helm of Piper-Heidsieck.”

He continued:
“From the winemaking team, some of whom have been with the House more than 30 years, to the winegrowers and partners, and those involved in the production of the bottles, each of our team’s valuable contribution is what has enabled us to receive this award.”

The 2021 Sparkling Winemaker of the Year award affirms the dedication and commitment of Piper-Heidsieck to continue producing the finest blends, while working towards a sustainably conscious future within all its winemaking practices.

In its 37th year, the International Wine Competition brings together a panel of expert judges to blind taste the wide variety of wines and work in unison to discover the highest-quality blends from 52 countries.

The vast range of awards presented by the IWC includes Red, White, Fortified, Sparkling, and Sweet Winemakers of the Year and the Own Label, Varietal, Regional, National, and International shortlists.

Lauded as the most awarded House of the century*, Piper-Heidsieck has been one of the US market’s Top Five Champagne brands for more than a decade and is poured in more than 100 countries worldwide. A House with a storied history, it was the first champagne to appear in film and has long been associated with celebration, cinema and celebrity.

An official sponsor of the iconic Cannes Film Festival for more than 20 years, and the official Champagne of the Academy Awards since 2015, a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck is opened around the world every 8 seconds.

Wines in the Piper-Heidsieck portfolio include: Brut NV ($45 SRP), Extra Dry ($45 SRP), Sublime ($50 SRP), Rosé Sauvage ($60 SRP) and 2012 Vintage Brut ($80 SRP).

Wines are available nationally through fine wine retailers and restaurants. For more information or image requests, please contact Rebecca Hopkins at rhopkins@foliowine.com

###

About Piper-Heidsieck:
The most awarded Champagne House of the century*, Piper-Heidsieck is celebrated for its audacity and excellence. Steeped in history, Piper-Heidsieck was born of a love story that began in 1785 with German-born founder Florens-Louis Heidsieck crafting a wine to seduce his lover. For Piper-Heidsieck, the true meaning of seduction is free from convention to innovate and to convey self-expression. The Maison continued its path of seduction winning over Marie-Antoinette, exciting the palates of speakeasy goers throughout Prohibition and even becoming Marilyn Monroe’s bedfellow with the famous actress claiming she would get up every morning with a glass of Piper. Today, Piper-Heidsieck is poured in over 100 countries and prides itself on holding dual certification of Viticulture Durable en Champagne and Haute Valeur Environnementale**. The progressive Champagne House also enjoys a colourful history of unique encounters and moments of intimacy, none more memorable than the iconic Prohibition-era which this year celebrates 100 years.

** Predecessor of Emilien Boutillat, Régis Camus awarded the title of “Sparkling Winemaker of the Year” eight times by the International Wine Challenge jury since the beginning of the century.
** VDC: Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne / HVE: High Environmental Value

About Folio Fine Wine Partners:
Founded by the Michael Mondavi Family in 2004, Folio Fine Wine Partners is an importer, fine wine agency and producer of quality wines from the world’s premier and emerging wine regions, providing sales, marketing and public relations services to wine brands from California, Italy, France, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Washington State, Austria and South Africa. For more information about Folio Fine Wine Partners, visit http://www.foliowine.com/ or social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.