Bledsoe McDaniels Winery Acquires 80 acre estate vineyard

October 19, 2021 by evebushman

(WALLA WALLA, Wash.) — Bledsoe|McDaniels Winery, a unique collaboration between proprietors Drew Bledsoe and Josh McDaniels venturing into Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, has announced the purchase of an 80-acre estate vineyard property in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. This is the first Willamette Valley estate vineyard for Bledsoe Wine Estates, which includes the Bledsoe|McDaniels, Doubleback, and Bledsoe Family Winery labels, and a potential home for future Bledsoe|McDaniels production and hospitality facilities. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

Located in the coveted Eola-Amity Hills AVA, the vineyard features volcanic and sedimentary soils and is currently planted with 29 acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a small amount of Chenin Blanc. The land is formerly owned by Mimi Casteel of Hope Well Winery, whose parents Ted Casteel and Pat Dudley, founders of Bethel Heights Vineyards, helped pioneer wine production in the region during the 1970s.

“Finding and acquiring truly unique sites has been a key component of our long-term strategy from day one, and opportunities to own such an esteemed property don’t come along every day,” said Josh McDaniels, CEO and Director of Winemaking for Bledsoe Wine Estates. “Being able to build upon the legacy that Mimi established on this land is exciting. She is a tremendous individual whose values aligned with ours, and I am ecstatic to have this as an estate site for Bledsoe|McDaniels. We will continue to be organically farmed and implement the regenerative practices she is so well known for.”

Bledsoe|McDaniels Winery focuses on sustainably and organically farmed, small production, high-quality wines, with an emphasis on Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Walla Walla Valley Syrah. The purchase of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA vineyard provides a potential opportunity for the Bledsoe|McDaniels label to construct production and hospitality facilities in the Willamette Valley, as well as have tighter control over the quality of the fruit in the area.

“We are 100 percent committed to Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, and this investment in the future of Bledsoe|McDaniels is another big step in our plans for a greater presence in the Willamette Valley,” said Drew Bledsoe, founder and proprietor of Bledsoe Wine Estates. “Beyond premium Pinot, the property holds enormous potential for the winery. I am excited for our team to continue with and build upon the reputation that Mimi has established on the property, and to see that play a unique role in our wine quality and experiences over the coming years.”

For more information about Bledsoe|McDaniels Winery and to subscribe to the list, visit BledsoeMcDaniels.com.

About Bledsoe|McDaniels Winery:

Established in 2019, Bledsoe|McDaniels is a collaboration between proprietors Drew Bledsoe and Josh McDaniels focused on producing ultra-premium wines that compare and contrast the popular Burgundian and Rhone varietals of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Walla Walla Valley Syrah. Highlighting the obvious differences of varietal and site terroir, while indulging in their lesser-known similarities, Bledsoe|McDaniels wines are produced in the same state-of-the-art Walla Walla winery as Doubleback and Bledsoe Family Winery wines. For more information, or to sign up for the Bledsoe|McDaniels list, visit BledsoeMcDaniels.com.

About Bledsoe Wine Estates:

Founded in 2007, Bledsoe Wine Estates exists to celebrate the pursuit of an American success story. After retiring from the NFL, football superstar Drew Bledsoe felt a pull back to his small, Pacific-Northwest hometown where he found a new passion in applying his winning work ethic into a love of land and wine. Together, with his wife Maura, a new dream was drafted. It was by no accident that Drew selected renowned CEO & Director of Winemaking, Josh McDaniels, someone not only with the unwavering drive and talent to make this dream happen, but someone who also was born and raised in the same hometown of Walla Walla, Washington. The individual Bledsoe Wine Estates projects – Doubleback, Bledsoe|McDaniels, and Bledsoe Family Winery – all play important parts in this new American dream and offer its customers the perfect glass of wine no matter where they are in their own journey to glory. For more information visit www.bledsoewineestates.com, email info@doubleback.com, or call 509-525-3334.

Sokol Blosser Adds Two New Box Wines to Evolution Line

October 4, 2021 by evebushman

DUNDEE HILLS, Ore. /PRNewswire/ — Sokol Blosser Winery, one of the Willamette Valley’s pioneering wineries celebrating 50 years in 2021, is adding to its breakthrough line box wines with two new 1.5-liter boxes of Evolution Chardonnay and Evolution Big Time Red.

“When we launched our first two Evolution box wines in mid-2020, they were met with huge enthusiasm,” says Sokol Blosser CEO Alison Sokol Blosser. “Consumers are loving box wines because of the ease of drinkability and quality has gone up in recent years. So far, we’re still the only winery in Oregon producing super-premium wine in boxes and distributing nationally. We’re excited about adding Chardonnay and Big Time Red to the mix!”

Evolution 2020 Chardonnay is 100 percent Chardonnay from the Willamette Valley. Each 1.5-liter box – the equivalent of two 750-ml bottles – has an SRP of $28. Evolution 2020 Big Time Red is a blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and the secret ingredient: a touch of Evolution Lucky No. 9 White! Big Time Red is American-appellated, with grapes coming from Oregon and Washington and an SRP of $21.

A New Look for the New Boxes
The two new box wines also mark an updated package design for all four Evolution box wines. The boxes feature a “by Sokol Blosser” tagline beneath the bold Evolution brand name, as well as an “Oregon” icon and reference to Sokol Blosser’s B Corp status. There also is a “gluten-free” indication on each box.

“We acted fast last year with the first two boxes and this time around, we were able to add some great new design elements to the boxes,” added Alison Sokol Blosser. “The Evolution brand is all about enjoying great wine with friends and having fun, so the box design and labeling gives customers the information they want with a lot of visual appeal. We can’t wait for people to see these beauties on store shelves this fall!”

All of the Evolution 1.5L box wines fill a growing consumer demand for great quality wines in convenient and accessible formats. “These are the same high-quality wines that consumers know and love in glass bottles,” says Sokol Blosser Winemaker Alex Sokol Blosser. “Putting them in the bag-in-box package helps them stay fresh for up to 30 days – if people don’t polish them off before then,” added Sokol Blosser.

Evolution Box Wines Now Packaged in Oregon
Sokol Blosser worked with their bottling partner in Oregon to make it possible to package the wines locally. This marks the first bag-in-box packaging capability in Oregon and Sokol Blosser invites other wineries to join in!

“Sustainability has been a priority for us for 50 years,” commented Alison Sokol Blosser. “Box wines have a smaller carbon footprint than bottles, making them a very sustainable option for eco-conscious consumers. We hope other Oregon wineries are inspired to jump on the box wine train with us now that bag-in-box packaging is available locally.”

The new Evolution Chardonnay and Big Time Red box wines are expected to reach store shelves across the country by November, in time for the holiday season. The new box wines joined Evolution Lucky No. 9 White (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Chardonnay and Gewürtztraminer), with an SRP of $21 and Evolution 2020 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with an SRP of $28. All four Evolution box wines will be in the newly designed boxes.

About Evolution & Sokol Blosser Winery
Evolution, one of the Willamette Valley’s most evolutionary wine brands, was created by Susan Sokol Blosser in 1998, as she searched for a white wine that was light and bright and right for the spicy, savory flavors of the Asian Fusion food trend of the day. That wine was Evolution Lucky No 9 White Blend, a magical mix of nine varietals which is still a fan favorite. Since then, Evolution has evolved (pun intended!) to include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, a red blend and several sparkling wines. Evolution is part of the Sokol Blosser family of wines, based in Dundee, Oregon. Sokol Blosser is a certified B Corp (since 2015) and is the only winery in the U.S. to have received three “Best for the World” awards from B Corp in 2019 and 2021. A multi-generational family business and now under the stewardship of siblings Alison Sokol Blosser (CEO) and Alex Sokol Blosser (Winemaker)), Sokol Blosser marks its 50^th anniversary in 2021. For more information, please visit EvolutionWine.com or SokolBlosser.com.

South Coast Winery Celebrates 20th Anniversary

September 11, 2021 by evebushman

20^th Anniversary Happenings: New Sustainable Red Wine Blend, Rhythm on the Vine® Country Series, Grape Stomps, Winemaker Dinners and Anniversary Package

TEMECULA, Calif. – Pioneering Temecula winery and resort South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has much to celebrate on its 20^th anniversary. Commemorative events include a special anniversary red blend, live country music series, grape stomps, special dinners and a luxury anniversary resort package. Since its inception in 2001, the Carter family-owned winery put Temecula Valley on the map as a premier wine destination and also set the bar for the Southern California wine industry by breaking records in both domestic and international competitions – all while accumulating over 3,000 accolades. South Coast offers approximately 45 wine labels and proudly introduces its most recent addition – a special 20^th Anniversary Blend. In many ways this blend has been “20 years in the making” proving what can be created in the Temecula region – certified sustainable production of 49% Syrah, 22% Mourvèdre, 19% Grenache and 10% Petite Sirah – delivering a rich, complex Rhône-style that highlights the best of the Temecula Valley.

Rhythm on the Vine® Country Series

South Coast Winery’s Rhythm on the Vine® Country Series kicks off the 20^th anniversary festivities on September 2 with Coffey Anderson performing with Kanan Road as opener. This concert will benefit the American Cancer Society with $10 from each ticket sold donated. On September 22 country hit singer Dylan Scott performs, and the series ends with a September 23 performance by award-winning Cassadee Pope with opening set by Leaving Austin. Concerts held outdoors in the Courtyard; doors open at 5 p.m. and concerts begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets and more information available at www.southcoastwinery.com/concerts.

Grape Stomps

South Coast Winery Grape Stomps are composed of two-person teams. The winner of each of these friendly competitions receives a bottle of the special 20^th Anniversary Blend.

The competition Grape Stomps schedule:

Friday, September 10; 2 and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 12; 12 and 3 p.m.
Friday, September 17; 2 and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 19; 12 and 3 p.m.
Friday, September 24; 2 and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 26; 12 and 3 p.m.

Tickets start at $168 and include a wine flight for each person that matches his/her preferences (choice of three flights) and a case of wine per two participants as part of the ticket price. Cases can be mixed and matched. Guests reserve their spot by purchasing a timeslot on the online store. The non-refundable deposit is $50 and counts for a team of two people.

Tickets are available at www.southcoastwinery.com/stomp.

Wine Dinners

To celebrate 20 years of thousands of prestigious wine industry recognitions, South Coast Winery is throwing three exquisite wine dinners at the lovely The Vineyard Rose Restaurant. Executive Chef José Esparza teams up with Master Winemaker Jon McPherson to put together the perfectly paired dining experience. Each dinner will feature the winery’s special 20th Anniversary Blend. These exceptional dinners will be held on Thursday, October 14; Thursday, November 18; and Thursday, December 9. Seating is limited to ensure a very intimate dining experience.

For reservations, please call (877) 662-5062.

Luxury in the Vines Anniversary Package

Available through December 15

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa invites guests to celebrate and fully experience all this unique Temecula property has to offer during the special occasion of its 20^th Anniversary by presenting its Luxury in the Vines anniversary package, including accommodations and memorable perks and amenities:

Two-night Stay in Suite or Private Villa
Welcome Wine Amenity
Mixed Case of South Coast’s Award-Winning Wines
Sunrise Balloon Ride for Two
Couples Massage at GrapeSeed Spa
$100 Dining Credit to The Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Option of Early Check-in (2:20 p.m.) or Late Check-out (2:20 p.m.)

Package starts at $1,498. Reservations by phone: (866) 504-6007

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

34843 Rancho California Road

Temecula, California 92591

844.428.6292

www.southcoastwinery.com

Tasting Le Grand Verre

September 3, 2021 by evebushman

How cute are these little cylinders of French wine? Too cute! But how do they taste? Let’s rip them open to see. And let’s get some information too. Excerpts from their news release are below in italics, my notes follow each of their wine descriptions:

Inès Andrieu of Domaine de Caylus produces Le Grand Verre Domaine Caylus, a rosé blend of Syrah and Grenache from the Languedoc- Roussillon winemaking region. Andrieu inherited the vineyard from her grandfather and quickly became a champion for the importance of preserving the region’s biodiversity, converting the estate to organic farming in 1999.

Notes on the 2020 vintage: Reminded me of watermelon hard candy, fresh cut strawberry, lemon-lime fizzy soda and wet stones when I took a sniff. Then for the taste I noted those same fresh berry notes, as well as Meyer lemon, orange zest, a medium acidity and a long, lasting finish.

Another cult classic is Le Grand Verre Château Val D’Arenc, an organically certified Bandol rosé blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault produced by the young and innovative male winemaker, Gérald Damidot, in Provence. Under Damidot’s leadership the estate converted to organic farming practices in 2015 significantly enhancing the quality of the win.

Notes on the 2020 vintage: Ooh, nice nose that called up memories of silky rose petals, waterfalls, fruit cocktail and the ripest of red berries. When I had a taste some of those same notes came through as well as pears in light syrup, orange marmalade and a welcoming low acidity.

Laurence Dupuch of Château Peyredon Lagravette works in tandem with her husband Stephane to produce Le Grand Verre Château Peyredon, one of the prized wines of the LGV collection. This quintessential Haut-Medoc Crus Bourgeois blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with fruit picked from vines over 100 years old is crafted with world famous oenologist Hubert de Bouard, the winemaker and owner of Château Angelus, one of the four most prestigious Saint-Émilion estates.

Notes on the 2019 vintage: Sweet black cherry, plum, mushroom, dark chocolate, blueberry jam, green peppercorns, bark on the nose followed by flavors of dried dark berries, spaghetti sauce, lively spice, with firm tannins and a very rich mouthfeel. Felt older than a 2019, very balanced with a nice long dry finish.

Le Grand Verre Domaine Nadal Hainaut of Domaine Nadal Hainaut is Cabernet Sauvignon from the hands of husband-and-wife team Martine and Jean-Marie Nadal. The château has belonged to the family since 1900 and was fully converted to organic growing in 2010 making it a home to many new insects and birds. The Nadal’s plan to leave the estate with their three daughters Julie, Pauline, Marie and Luce.

Notes on the 2019 vintage: Red berries, dried dark fruit, powdery, perfumy, rich milk chocolate candy, and tea all on the aromas; then came the taste, which was all balanced spice and very dark fruit, smoke, some sweet prunes and very dry.

My conclusion: I would welcome having any of these wines again.

From the Press Release

LE GRAND VERRE, CURATED SINGLE SERVE ETHICALLY MADE FRENCH WINES,

LAUNCHES IN THE US

The Predominantly Female Handcrafted and Award-Winning Proprietary Bottles Showcase French Wine

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – LE GRAND VERRE, the award-winning, single serve, ethical, proprietarily designed, and predominantly female produced boutique wine collection of France, has officially arrived on American shores. Envisioned by three French wine-loving friends, Nicolas Deffrennes, Founder, Régis Fanget, Brand and Artistic Director, and Valérian Déjours, Chief Operating Officer, the trio dreamt up LGV with one mission: to embody the culture and experience of tasting premium French wines – without the need to open an entire bottle.

The initial concept, a brainchild of Deffrennes inspired by his days as part of the wine club at Harvard University, quickly grew into an endeavor to feature solely boutique winemakers in lieu of commercial wineries. Those that use organic, ethical, or sustainable farming practices with the majority of them certified by France’s overseeing body Ecocert and Terra Vitis. Deffrennes and his counterparts aimed to make French wines more approachable by providing highly curated selections, thereby taking the onus off consumers to navigate the vast breadth of options available to them. The exclusive LGV collection represents France’s best styles, varieties and terroir from esteemed regions such as Bordeaux, Languedoc, and Provence.

Under a highly meticulous process the LGV trio tasted hundreds of wines from across France, primarily dedicating efforts toward wines crafted by almost entirely female winemakers, female-led, or female-owned estates, as well as those with distinct and long family histories of French winemaking tradition. Vetted by a panel of consumers state-side, the team oversees every step of the process from vine to bottle offering the most authentic, affordable and sustainable wines possible for oenophiles and wine newbies alike.

“We care about what goes into our wine and believe that you don’t ever have to compromise when it comes to offering the authentic experience of French wine and culture to consumers,” notes Deffrennes, Founder of LGV. “While touring vineyards we were struck by each winemaker’s powerful story; they were so devoted to their vines and removing all use of pesticides, additive and other chemicals, that we in turn became their advocates, dedicating LGV to their unique backgrounds with every sip. The importance of family, legacy, powerful female-led wineries, and a tradition of ethical farming techniques, rapidly became intrinsic to who we are and what makes us passionate about what we do. It’s single-serve packaging, but with a twist: very good wine with a very rich and versatile French history to be discovered inside.”

Funded by the Burgundy region the award-winning LGV bottles are proprietarily designed and packaged in a modern way to be enjoyed anywhere, anytime – without breaking the bank. Purchased in sets of 4 ranging from $20-$30, the 6.3 oz. design of each bottle is larger than your typical pour at 6 oz., as the name Le Grand Verre suggests. The wines are also made from recyclable materials and double-coated to preserve aromas.

“From the beginning we knew we needed to maintain the high standards set forth by the incredible winemakers who joined us in our mission. Developing an elevated and vastly unique single serve bottle to showcase their incredible wines was a challenging, exciting project,” explained Régis Fanget, Brand and Artistic Director of LGV. “The final product is a tall sleek bottle and an elegant departure from the canned wine masses we’ve seen over the past few years. Partnering on this endeavor with one of my oldest and dearest friends Nick has been a pleasure, to say the least. We’re thrilled to share our French wines with American palates…”

Powerhouse female producers include Elisabeth Prataviera of Domaine de Ménard & Haut-Marin the creator of Le Grand Verre Domaine Prataviera, a Sauvignon Blanc from Côtes de Gascogne known for stellar white wines. Prataviera took over the vineyards from her mother who has helmed the estate since 1960, both following in her family legacy while allowing for innovation such as the of use organic fertilizer to preserve soil.

“…We began working with Le Grand Verre only a year ago and already feel like part of the family,” said Inès Andrieu, creator of Le Grand Verre Domaine Caylus. “We’ve worked very closely with the team; Régis Fanget was invited to visit the estate during the last harvest season. We were proud to craft our organic rosé for LGV and are currently expanding the partnership with Chardonnay, also made with organic grapes.”

Officially partnering with Baron Francois, a premier wine distributor based in New York City, LGV wines are already making waves across the East Coast including NYC, Washington, D.C., and select airports such as Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia, where assorted LGV wines are available in premium dining locations and retail outlets.

“Le Grand Verre has been one of the most successful launches of Baron Francois to date,” said Alexandre Thevenet, Director of Sales of Baron Francois. “The wines are moving much faster than anticipated for a new brand in such a unique format. With plans to expand nationwide upcoming, LGV is in a great position to become the go-to single serve wine of choice for American wine lovers across the country.”

As Deffrennes and Fanget continue to tour the vineyards, new wines will be offered and available to the US throughout the year. “What do they all have in common? Delicious French wine from the meticulous work of emerging and female vintners, crafted under organic or sustainable farming, tested and vetted with both friends and consumers across the Atlantic!” adds Deffrennes.

Explore Le Grand Verre’s Collection: https://lgvwines.com/ @legrandverre_wines #LeGrandVerre

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

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

Industrial Eats and ONX Wines Collaborate in the Vineyard

August 19, 2021 by evebushman

Paso Robles, California – The library wines are out of the cellar and in celebration ONX Wines is hosting Dine in the Vines with sustainable Santa Ynez based, Industrial Eats. The open-air feast will take place in the middle of their estate vineyard located at 1200 Paseo Excelsus in Templeton, Ca. on Saturday, September 18th.

Presented in an intimate vineyard setting, the event will feature a meticulously crafted five-course dinner. Each dish will be paired with a selection of ONX Wines library and newly released estate grown blends. The affair will connect guests with the origins of the wines while celebrating the culinary creations of Chef Olsson.

The evening will open with pancetta wrapped white shrimp & wild mushroom-parmesan sausage hors d’oeuvres paired with a refreshing Tempranillo rosé under the vineyard’s “Wedding Tree”. Guests will then be seated amongst the vines while Chef Olsson & Winemaker Drew Nenow walk them through each carefully curated course beginning with a locally sourced Santa Barbara Uni with avocado & orange & its accompanied Roussanne blend. As the evening progresses, attendees will delight in an array of sustainable dishes including abalone with wild mushrooms, confit duck with fava beans, braised beef short rib with mascarpone whipped potatoes & warm chocolate soufflé cake with bourbon crème anglaise. Each with their meticulously paired Syrah, Tempranillo and Grenache based estate blends.

Tickets are now available for sale for $190 pp at Dine in the Vines.

ONX Wines is a Paso Robles winery & farmstead with a 130-acre vineyard located in the dynamic Templeton Gap AVA. It is planted with 18 distinct varieties & numerous clones. Our wines are expressive yet balanced blends that reflect the vineyard estate and its complex alluvium soils.

“We are excited to join forces with Chef Olsson, who has been a powerhouse in Central Coast cuisine for some time now. This is going to be an exciting opportunity to blend Chef’s artistic curiosities with our own and explore the depth in which wine and food can accommodate one another. You really can’t go wrong when pairing great wine with great food, but to do so on the eve of the Fall season at the ONX Estate is bound to provide the backdrop for an electric evening. “ Drew Nenow, Winemaker

onxwines.com

@onxwines

Perlises Pick: What Wines We Are Drinking At Home – Part 5

June 26, 2021 by Michael Perlis

We were initially planning to continue this series on lighter wines that we are enjoying at home with some more Northern California wineries, but the recent collaboration with Eve reviewing some rosés pointed Karen and me in another direction.

Ted Plemons of Cass

We drink rosés all year long but I realize that some wine drinkers especially fancy them in warmer months so it seemed like a good time to report specifically on a few of those that we have been pleased with recently.

One rosé that we really have been fond of is called “And Why Am I Mr. Pink?” – interesting name, no? The wine is produced by the Underground Wine Project, which is an intriguing name in its own right. I contacted them for more info, and they suggested I reach out to Trey Busch, Winemaker/Partner of the well-known and highly regarded Washington state winery Sleight of Hands Cellars. His response:

“Thanks for writing, and hope your liver has been holding up this past year :).

The Underground Wine Project is a collaboration between Sleight of Hand Cellars and Mark Ryan Winery. Mark and I have been friends for a long time, and we started the brand in 2007 with 100 cases of Syrah. That has transformed into adding And Why Am I Mr. Pink? to the lineup, as well as our 2 red wines, Idle Hands and Devils Playground.

We wanted an edgier brand than either of us have now, and the UWP allows for us to play in that area. Our Mr. Pink Rosé is mostly Sangio with some Syrah as well. All stainless steel (no barrel aging). We wanted to make a porch pounder rosé and this fits the bill. Juicy, terrific fruit, but then awesome acidity to hold it all together. We are making about 14,000 cases a year with the goal to increase production moving forward. National exposure with Whole Foods has helped.”

From Karen for the 2018 vintage: White/pink floral nose, light to medium finish, clean mouthfeel, moderate pear fruit, definitely a porch pounder as we were relishing it on our backyard patio on a warm Saturday evening with light nibbles for dinner.

Another winery that I’ve been a big fan of over the years Cass Winery in Paso Robles. [Yep, Paso again. I make no excuses, Paso wines are some of our favorites.] And I couldn’t pass up their special offer for Valentine’s Day of a dozen rosés. [Get it? Of course you do.]

From Karen for the 2019 vintage of the Cass Oasis Rosé: White flower floral note, dry medium body, red ripe berry fruit from the 63% Mourvedre, fresh, soft and hint of sweetness from the 37% Grenache.

Finally, an article about rosés wouldn’t be complete without the one that Karen has pronounced as her favorite for the last few years from Hoi Polloi winery right here in the Santa Clarita Valley. Doug Minnick [one of the founders of the Garagiste Festivals – I am so looking forward to these returning!] and his partners produce an assortment of terrific wines.

From Karen for the 2018 vintage of the Hoi Polloi Rosé from the Colburn Vineyard, Paso Robles: Fresh, crisp, true strawberry nose, medium to long clean finish, elegant, well-rounded body, silky soft tannins, this rosé of Grenache never fails to deliver!

Underground Wine Project

www.theundergroundwineproject.com

Cass Winery

www.casswines.com

Hoi Polloi

www.hoipolloiwinery.com

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 30 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Miller Family Wine Company Collaborates With Joey Tensley to Launch optik Wines

June 7, 2021 by evebushman

SANTA MARIA, Calif./PRNewswire/ — Miller Family Wine Company, a division of the industry-leading Thornhill Companies, is excited to announce the launch of optik, a new brand featuring a collection of vineyard designated wines from Bien Nacido Vineyard, crafted by acclaimed Santa Barbara winemaker Joey Tensley.

Bien Nacido Vineyard, planted in 1973 by brothers Bob and Steve Miller, is widely recognized as one of California’s most iconic vineyard sites, long revered for producing exceptional wines that epitomize the distinct characteristics of the Santa Maria Valley AVA. Looking to honor this heritage while revealing the vineyard’s special qualities through a new and unique lens, the Miller family teamed up with Tensley to create optik, a brand designed to showcase a fresh take on Bien Nacido Vineyard.

Throughout his career, esteemed winemaker Tensley has established a reputation for preserving the best characteristics of vineyards by minimizing winemaker manipulation and oak treatment – a signature style that has earned him over 200 90+ ratings from the wine industry’s most esteemed publications, including six wines on Wine Spectator‘s prestigious Top 100 lists. By intersecting Tensley’s masterful approach with the elegant strength of Bien Nacido fruit, optik aims to open eyes to the new possibilities of this long-established vineyard.

“For nearly 50 years, our family has continued Bien Nacido’s legacy as one of the most well-respected vineyards in California, and we are incredibly proud to be stewards of this land,” says Nicholas Miller, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “That said, we are always looking for ways to showcase the diversity and complexity of Bien Nacido, and introduce it to new consumers in new ways. By collaborating with Joey – a talented winemaker whom we’ve always held in very high regard – we knew we could present a different slice of Bien Nacido in an unexpected way.”

“I’ve always felt the most important part of my role as the winemaker is to let the vineyard and the unique qualities of the fruit shine through in the wine,” says Tensley. “In order to emphasize the special characteristics of Bien Nacido, a special place that produces exceptional fruit, I make sure to use a gentler approach in the cellar, trying to let the terroir be the star. And working with individual blocks across the vineyard allows me to showcase diversity of site, which translates into wines with a true sense of identity.”

The optik portfolio includes vineyard designated wines sourced from single blocks on the estate, featuring six small-lot wines across three varietals: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah – priced between $35 – $45. Representing the power of new perspectives, optik’s unique and contemporary packaging symbolizes the empowerment of the winemaker’s hand to convey what his eye sees. “Our label is designed to bring the optik concept to life, visually representing a new interpretation of Bien Nacido Vineyard through the lens of an incredibly accomplished outsider looking in,” says Tommy Gaeta, Director of Marketing. “It offers a deeper level of storytelling perhaps not expected of the wines typically produced from Bien Nacido, while the price points make these wines accessible to a broad audience of both aspiring and established wine enthusiasts.”

optik wines will be available at select fine wine retailers and restaurants in cities across the country and online at www.optikwines.com.

Miller Family Wine Company
Miller Family Wine Company is a division of the Thornhill Companies – the industry-leading umbrella brand of one of California’s premier winegrowing families, the Miller Family, who have been farming California’s Central Coast for five generations. The Thornhill Companies includes the prestigious Bien Nacido Estates and Miller Family Wine Company, which itself includes the management of acclaimed national branded wine labels, including Butternut, optik, J. Wilkes, Ballard Lane, Smashberry, Barrel Burner, and Volunteer wines, control label brands for prominent retailers across the U.S. and the French Camp vineyard in Paso Robles. For more information on Miller Family Wine Company, please visit www.millerfamilywinecompany.com.

PASO ROBLES’ STABLES INN HONORED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST NEW HOTELS IN TRAVEL + LEISURE’S 2021 IT LIST

May 22, 2021 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, CA – Stables Inn Paso Robles, the newest member of the Hotel Cheval LLC family, has been named to the newly released 2021 Travel + Leisure’s It List honoring the best new hotels of the year. The 2021 It List celebrates 73 of the most impressive openings of the past year, including 30 hotels in the United States.

Photo credit: Stables Inn Paso Robles.

Selected by the editors of Travel + Leisure, the hotels on this 16^thannual list provide experiences that are sure to inspire wanderlust, offering travelers more reasons to make plans to get up and go. Stables Inn Paso Robles and the 2021 It List is featured in the May issue of Travel + Leisure, on newsstands now, and online here. Below is the excerpt from Travel + Leisure:

“Reinventing an American roadside inn is hardly a novel concept, but few have the elegance and attention to detail of the Stables Inn, in Paso Robles. Owners Robert and Sherry Gilson (who also own the ivy-clad Hotel Cheval, nearby) gave the midcentury motel an equestrian-themed overhaul with farmhouse furnishings. The 18 guest rooms, including a bunkhouse that sleeps six, feature details like cowhide rugs and colorful Pop art by Anne Laddon. On a visit with my family, I was impressed by the perks and attentive service despite the reasonable price, including a complimentary breakfast of locally roasted coffee and pastries, served each morning in the Tack Room, a shared space with sliding barn doors, decorated with vintage black-and-white photos and an early 1900s galvanized-metal windmill tail vane. A towering magnolia tree anchors another communal area with a firepit and Adirondack chairs, where guests can station themselves for a glass of inky Syrah (from one of the region’s wineries) before or after dinner. stablesinnpaso.com; Doubles from $155. —Casey Hatfield-Chiotti”

Stables Inn is located in the award-winning Paso Robles wine region. The 18-room plus one bunkhouse property has been completely reimagined and renovated, top to bottom, and opened to welcome guests in June of 2020. Inspired by the timeless charm of horses, riders and traditional whitewashed stables, the result is a celebration of the outdoors, located just three short blocks from Paso Robles’ historic downtown park. Featuring modern, stylish and unpretentious accommodations, with touches of Western chic, it is a place unlike any other in Paso Robles.

The Stables Inn offers two room types: California King or Double Rooms with plush, pillow-top mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets and luxury bedding. Each guestroom is outfitted with a private en-suite bathroom with shower, 43” Flat Screen Smart TV, individual air conditioning and heating, mini fridge, original artwork and complimentary high-speed WIFI is available throughout the property.

Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary coffee and tea served in the Tack Room every morning. And in the afternoon and evenings, a central outdoor communal fireplace located beneath a spectacular, mature magnolia tree beckons. Stables Inn is dog-friendly welcoming guests and their K-9 companions. An Electric Vehicle Charging Station; (Level 2 | 240 volt) is also on property.

Stables Inn Paso Robles is located at 730 Spring Street in Paso Robles, California 93446. For more information, visit www.stablesinnpaso.com or call (805) 296-3636. Room rates start at $155 USD per night.

Perlises Pick: What Wines We Are Drinking At Home – Part 4

May 8, 2021 by Michael Perlis

It is finally time to move our focus to Northern California, so now we can write about the Big Three.

Ahhh, the Big Three. These are the three winemakers that have had the biggest influence on our wine drinking over the last 2+ decades. Not only do they make great Zinfandel [kind of a requirement for this Zinfan] along with other wonderful reds that are in our wheelhouse [think Syrah, Petite Sirah, etc.] but they also make wonderful lighter style wines.

In addition, they are all founding members of the Historic Vineyard Society [insert website], an organization dedicated to preserving California’s old vineyards.

Photo provided by Mike Officer of Carlisle

The Big Three are:

Mike Officer of Carlisle Winery and Vineyards

Tegan Passalacqua of Turley Wine Cellars and Sandlands

Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock

Mike and Kendall Officer’s first vintage from their Carlisle Winery www.carlislewinery.com was 1998. They both kept their day jobs for the next few years, but given the immediate accolades they received out of the starting gate for their wines produced from old-vine vineyards, focusing on Zinfandels and Rhones, demand for them to increase production was high. They eventually were able to devote themselves full-time to the winery and their family – both of their children now work at the winery. While we immediately became huge fans of their red wines, they also make three whites that are definitely on our go-to list:

Sonoma Mountain “Steiner Vineyard” Grüner Veltliner: Not too many wineries use this varietal in California.

Sonoma Valley “Compagni Portis” White Wine: a field blend of primarily Gewurztraminer, Trousseau Gris and Riesling from the Compagni Portis Vineyard. Sonoma County “The Derivative” White Wine: The 2018 is a blend of Semillon, Muscadelle, Columbard and Palomino.

While many people consider Turley Wine Cellars www.turleywinecellars.com to be a Paso Robles winery since they purchased the old Pesenti winery in 2000, they also have a facility in Amador County, having acquired the Karly property in 2012. More to the Northern California point, Turley’s headquarters is in St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Under the auspices of Director of Winemaking Tegan Passalacqua, Turley produces an amazing number of delicious Zinfandels from some of California’s best vineyards, along with some Petite Syrahs, Cinsaults and even some Cabernet Sauvignon. If you are looking for lighter wines, they make some great ones as well. For whites, the Sauvignon Blanc is a favorite of ours and The White Coat blend is always outstanding. And yes, Turley also makes a White Zinfandel; but please don’t expect it to be that silly sweet stuff.

Tegan and his wife Olivia also own Sandlands www.sandlandsvineyards.com , where they focus mainly on “forgotten classic California varieties, primarily grown in decomposed granite (sand), from regions and vineyards that have been farmed for many generations but have remained the outliers of California viticulture.” Sure, they do make some outstanding Chardonnay, but don’t miss their Lodi Chenin Blanc or Cinsault, Mataro and Carigane from Contra Costa County, even a Mission from Amador County, among others. The wines have an old-fashioned flair to them, including lower alcohol by modern California standards and are lip-smackingly delicious. Prices are really reasonable too, but you need to try to get on the mailing list!

Last but not least, Morgan Twain-Peterson founded Bedrock www.bedrockwineco.com

in 2007, but winemaking would seem to have always been in his blood. As the son of Joel Peterson who created Ravenswood and now owns Once And Future Wine, Morgan made his first wine when he was 5 years old – I think he made Pinot Noir just to annoy his Zinfandel-loving father. We were first drawn to the Bedrock Syrahs, Zinfandels and Heritage field blends, but we have found the whites to be equally as compelling. Morgan and his now partner-in-wine Chris Cottrell are doing amazing things with Sauvignon Blanc. And if you or anyone you know thinks that Rieslings are not for them, please give Bedrock’s a try; you will change your mind. Finally, the Ode to Lulu is one of our favorite pink wines every year.

Be aware that all of the Big Three reserve the bulk of their production for their mailing lists, so I highly recommend you sign up – or get on their waitlists.

As the weather starts heating up and Karen and I get to being fully vaccinated, we are looking forward to traveling to our favorite wine regions and tasting new varietals and vintages and reporting back. But in the meantime, you’ll probably see another article or two in this series.