Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration RETURNS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

September 2, 2023 by evebushman

ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA –HALL Napa Valley, one of the leading, family-owned Cabernet Sauvignon producers in the country, has announced the date for its annual Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration. The annual event will be taking place at HALL St. Helena on September 9, 2023. The harvest event, which includes a new, fun theme each year, features the 2020 vintage of HALL’s flagship wine, Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon.

HALL’S ANNUAL EVENT RETURNS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

“Each year, we love celebrating each new Harvest with our flagship wine” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “With its rich and complex flavors, velvety texture, and elegant structure, this wine represents the culmination of our passion and dedication to producing the finest expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon.”

The Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration will allow guests to sample the 2020 vintage of Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. This year’s theme is Camp Kathryn, where guests will get to experience a favorite summer pastime – summer camp with wine country style. There will be a bevy of camp-inspired activities for guests to take part in, live entertainment and California cuisine stations, including a camp must-have, smores.

The event includes three ticket options for guests to purchase:

General Admission Ticket – $150
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Guests are invited to celebrate CAMP KATHRYN as HALL releases the 2020 vintage of its flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. This ticket includes admission to all the Camp-inspired fun at the main event.
Kathryn Hall Vertical Ticket – $350 (SOLD OUT)
11:00am – 12:00pm
The Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical Tasting will be hosted by Vintner Kathryn Hall, HALL President, Mike Reynolds and HALL Winemaker, Megan Gunderson. The vertical tasting includes five vintages of Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon from 2016 – 2020 vintages. This Ticket also includes General Admission access to the main event.

The celebration allows guests to learn more about HALL’s flagship wine, the Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is defined by its core of dark, succulent Sacrashe Vineyard fruit located just above the Rutherford Appellation at the top eastern ridge of the Vaca Mountain range in Napa Valley.

Since the first vintage was produced in 1996, the Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon wine has been one of the highest rated in HALL’s portfolio, earning over 100 scores rated 90 points and above from the industry’s top critics including The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous. Additionally, Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” list in 2011.

WHAT: Kathryn Hall “Camp Kathryn” Harvest Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, September 9, 2023

WHERE: HALL St. Helena
401 St. Helena Hwy S.

St. Helena, CA 94574
TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased HERE.

For more information, please visit Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration, follow on social @hallwines, or by calling 707-967-2626. # # #

HALL produces award-winning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at two properties in Napa Valley in St. Helena and Rutherford. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, the winery crafts artisan wines that express the unique and diverse character of the wine country’s soils and climates through meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards and the winemaking process. Led by Vice President of Winemaking, Megan Gunderson, HALL focuses on producing distinctive Cabernet

ABOUT HALL Wines:

Sauvignon bottlings highlighting the finest vineyards and sub-appellations of the Napa Valley. The HALL St. Helena Winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high-tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014, making HALL a leader in green efficiencies. For more information about HALL, please visit www.hallwines.com or by calling 707.967.2626. @hallwines #artofcabernet.

Alamitos Vineyards in San Jose Recognized as Top Winery in the Nation

August 28, 2023 by evebushman

The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is proud to share that one of our member wineries, Alamitos Vineyards in San Jose, CA, has been voted the #1 Best New Winery Experience in the nation by USA Today! Despite being open less than three years, Alamitos Vineyards has quickly become known for their award-winning wines and stunning vineyard scenery offering visitors breathtaking views of Quicksilver Park and the Almaden Reservoir.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of owners Shaun Coleman and Chris Maune. From their experienced winemaker George Troquato to their diligent vineyard crew and staff, each member plays an integral role in producing the best possible wines and experience. Alamitos Vineyards is committed to sustainable practices, ensuring their impact on the environment is minimal.

“We are thrilled to see one of our newer, up and coming wineries recognized at a national level,” says Kim Engelhardt, president of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley association. “Shaun, Chris, and their team have put in the work creating their amazing place and fully deserve this honor! We raise a glass to this acknowledgment and all their future successes.”

Alamitos Vineyards produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Touriga, Pinot Noir and Rosé. They are open for reservation only tastings, where visitors will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the beautiful scenery and quality wines that have earned them national recognition. To learn more view https://www.AlamitosVineyards.com

About the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley An association representing 30 member wineries that grow and produce wines in one of the oldest wine producing regions of California. With the first plantings at the Santa Clara Mission in 1798, the region of Santa Clara Valley represents one of the oldest growing traditions in the country. The Santa Clara Valley is home to 100-year-old wineries to long-established family operations and those that are in relatively smaller tasting rooms. On March 28, 1989, the Santa Clara Valley received AVA status; prior to this, the region’s wines were typically labeled Central Coast or Santa Clara County.

Kentucky Bourbon Festival September 15 to 17 – Meet Eve and Eddie There @KYBourbonFest

August 11, 2023 by evebushman

Bardstown, Ky. – The 2023 Kentucky Bourbon Festival is Sept. 15-17 in Bardstown, Ky., the Bourbon Capital of the World. The festival brings bourbon enthusiasts from all over the globe to Bardstown, Kentucky, to celebrate the spirited history and craft of bourbon during National Bourbon Heritage Month. Kentucky Bourbon Festival offers three levels of VIP packages this year, along with weekend general admission tickets and Sunday-only access. For more information, visit www.kybourbonfestival.com.

“Our goal is to create a truly exceptional experience for bourbon enthusiasts,” said David Mandell, board chair of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. “We’re looking forward to welcoming guests back to Bardstown. We listened to our guests from 2022 and as a result we have some exciting upgrades planned to make the festival even better this year.”

The popular Flask Force and Enthusiast VIP packages return and include early entry, premium branded Glencairn glassware and access to the VIP Penthouse with catering and bar service throughout the festival. Flask Force ticket holders will once again receive a Jacob Bromwell flask, exclusive tee shirt, commemorative KBF credential and a bottle of the 2023 KBF single barrel pick, featuring Bardstown Bourbon Company and signed by master distiller Steve Nally.

New this year, all VIP packages include early admission to the festival — those guests can arrive an hour early, ensuring speedy entry and first access to bottles being offered by participating distilleries throughout the festival. A new Decanter Club ultra-VIP package has also been added, with just 50 packages available, and with four premium add-on events included. Decanter Club members will receive many of the popular package items included in the other VIP packages but will add a branded Glencairn crystal decanter.

All KBF tickets include unlimited re-entry to the festival, sampling from more than 50 Kentucky distilleries, access to exclusive barrel picks, engaging programs with industry experts, expanded dining options and the Bourbon Marketplace with more than 30 vendors.

“Our number one area for improvement with the 2023 festival is expanding the dining options for our guests,” said Randy Prasse, COO and president of the festival. “To accomplish this, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is partnering with the Louisville Food Truck Association to offer additional and improved dining options, along with a new adjacent tented area with tables and chairs for guests to enjoy their meals and take a break.”

KBF Insiders — those who subscribe to the festival’s e-newsletter — will be able to purchase tickets beginning May 10, with sales open to the public on May 11. Premium add-on event tickets will also go on sale during those dates, earlier than in past years. VIP packages are expected to sell out quickly.

About the Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Bardstown, Ky.):

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Sept. 15-17, 2023) is a celebration of Kentucky Bourbon and the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky. What began as a Bourbon tasting dinner has grown into a truly authentic experience that brings together bourbon enthusiasts from all over the world. In its 32^nd year, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is one of the Commonwealth’s leading cultural festivals. For more information, visit kybourbonfestival.com.

Cheers! Princess Cruises Earns 15 Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence, Sweeping the Cruise Category for 2023

August 7, 2023 by evebushman

Main Dining Rooms Across the Fleet of 15 Cruise Ships Recognized Among Select Restaurants for Well-Curated Wine Lists

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Raise a glass with Princess Cruises for its wine program! All main dining rooms across the fleet of 15 ships have once again been honored with an Award of Excellence in Wine Spectator’s 2023 Restaurant Awards, more than any other cruise line. Each Princess ship is recognized for its wine lists that pair well with the menu, offering a well-rounded culinary experience.

Wine Spectator, the world’s leading authority on wine, began its awards program in 1981 to recognize the world’s best wine lists. There are three levels: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Award. This year, 2,001 restaurants achieved the Award of Excellence, given to restaurants with 90 wine selections or more that also match the cuisine in both style and pricing.

Princess’ carefully curated wine list includes more than 250 labels. Each major varietal and wine-growing region is represented, letting guests taste the best from around the world. The Princess beverage team designed a wine philosophy that centers on exploration, discovery and enrichment.

“Receiving this highly regarded recognition from Wine Spectator once again reaffirms our commitment to curate a collection of wines that encompass noteworthy, exceptional and familiar varietals to explore,” said Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage for Princess Cruises. “We believe we offer the most extensive wine list in the industry that reflects our guests’ shared passion for travel and celebrating with wines from many of the destinations we visit.”

Available in the main dining rooms fleetwide, the wine menu is approachable with various price points and descriptions to make it easy for occasional wine drinkers and aficionados alike to sip. Wines from around the world including from New Zealand, Argentina, Italy and even China are featured. In addition, Princess celebrates women winemakers with a special list, identifies biodynamic, organic, vegan and sustainable wines, and offers many selections by the glass. Descriptions call out wines as “refreshing,” “light and mild,” “fruity and vibrant,” and “rich and textured” for easy selections.

Most recently, Princess partnered with renowned Caymus Vineyards to offer the exclusive Caymus Vineyards Winemaker Dinner. Available for $140 per person, the new Winemaker Dinner leverages the expansive expertise of Chuck Wagner, owner and winemaker of the renowned Napa Valley’s Caymus Vineyards, to deliver a five-course menu crafted to complement the tasting notes of his wines. The dinner, available for 12 guests per seating, is offered two to three times per cruise, based on voyage length, and interested guests can reserve their spot once on board.

The complete list of award winners is available in the August 21, 2023 issue of Wine Spectator, available at newsstands July 11, and at www.winespectator.com.

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world – the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Gordon And MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice 31 Year Old from Mortlach Distillery, distilled in 1989, awarded Whisky of the Year

July 22, 2023 by evebushman

Golden Barrel Trophy: Gordon & MacPhail to receive the coveted Golden Barrel Trophy for the 1st time for winning ‘Whisky of the Year’ at the 2023 International Whisky Competition.

LAS VEGAS /PRNewswire/ — The International Whisky Competition Committee is pleased to announce that Gordon & MacPhail, one of the world’s leading independent whisky bottlers, has won Whisky of the Year at this year’s competition. The Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice 31 Year Old from Mortlach Distillery, which was distilled in 1989, has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Whisky of the Year’ at the 2023 International Whisky Competition, which was held this year in Bardstown, Kentucky. This is a remarkable achievement that underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation in the art of combining oak, spirit and time to create single malts using their own casks.

New make spirit from Mortlach Distillery was filled into cask 4303 a refill sherry hogshead in 1989 and selected for bottling by Stuart Urquhart, Operations Director at Gordon & MacPhail 31 years later. This exquisite whisky, matured in hand-selected casks and finished in a refill Sherry Hogshead exhibits the true essence of the Mortlach character, and the savoir-faire of the Gordon & MacPhail’s expertise, offering a complex array of rich fruit, chocolate, and subtle spice flavours that culminate in a stunningly long and warming finish.

“We are incredibly proud to see our Connoisseurs Choice Mortlach 1989 (31 Year Old) recognised as the Whisky of the Year,” said Richard Urquhart, Head of Sales (Americas) at Gordon & MacPhail. “This accolade is a testament not only to the exceptional quality of the Mortlach spirit but also to our expert team in selecting the ideal cask and maturing it for just the right amount of time. Every bottle we produce is the result of a careful process followed since 1895, embracing innovative methods to push boundaries in whisky maturation.”

“We warmly congratulate the entire team at Gordon & MacPhail for creating such a complex, rich, and perfectly balanced whisky” said Sébastien Gavillet, Head of Tasting Panel.

Gordon MacPhail will receive the Golden Barrel Trophy for winning the Whisky of the Year during a ceremony to be held this fall in Elgin, Scotland.

Official results: www.whiskycompetition.com/2023-results

The International Whisky Competition, held annually, is widely recognized as one of the most influential whisky awards globally. A panel of whisky experts (Masters of Scotch, Masters of Bourbon, Certified Spirits Judges, Master Blenders, Distillers, and Whiskey Experts) rigorously double blind-taste each entry to identify the very best expressions across a range of categories from whiskies sent from all over the world. The International Whisky Competition tasting panel uses the most comprehensive tasting method available. 15 criteria are required to produce the tasting notes as well as aroma and flavor profiles of each whisky entered. Unlike other competitions, the judges are presented with one whisky at a time, to ensure each whisky gets the proper attention. It’s possibly the only competition in the whisky world to deliver unique medals designed to promote each of the winning whiskies. Only 3 medals (Gold, Silver & Bronze) are awarded per category. The Whisky of the Year (highest score during the competition) gets rewarded with the Golden Barrel Trophy.

The 14th edition of the International Whisky Competition took place in Bardstown, Kentucky over four days, from May 20th to 23rd, and received hundreds of whiskies from all around the world.

For more information about the International Whisky Competition, please visit whiskycompetition.com

Bien Nacido Vineyards Marks 50th Anniversary With Opening of Estate Tasting Room

June 28, 2023 by evebushman

SANTA MARIA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — The Miller family, a multi-generational farming family who has been farming California’s Central Coast for over 150 years, is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bien Nacido Vineyards — widely known as one of the most respected vineyards in the United States. Commemorating this milestone, the family is thrilled to debut a brand-new hospitality center, The Gatehouse at Bien Nacido, allowing guests to experience this historic estate and its wines like never before.

Situated on the land of a Spanish Land Grant from the early 1800s, formerly known as Rancho Tepusquet, Bien Nacido was planted by brothers Bob and Steve Miller in 1973, who set out to develop a vineyard that would be acknowledged as one of the highest quality vineyards in the world. They named it Bien Nacido, which means “well born” in Spanish, signifying the passion and commitment they shared in bringing this vineyard to life.

Home to the first cool-climate Syrah grapes on the Central Coast, Bien Nacido has a long history of producing distinctive Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah wines from the Santa Maria Valley AVA, where its high elevation, shale and rocky soils, cooling ocean influences and meticulous farming work together to make Bien Nacido the exceptional site that it is.

Today, the 650-acre vineyard — named one of the Top 5 California Vineyards by the Wall Street Journal, one of 10 Vineyards Behind the World’s Most Famous Wines by Wine Enthusiast, and #1 on the list of the 10 Best Vineyards in California by Food & Wine — continues to be one of the most highly sought-after sources for cool-climate Burgundian and Rhone grapes by some of California’s most esteemed producers. Wines designated with Bien Nacido Vineyard regularly receive exceptional 95+ scores and accolades, including most recently from the prestigious critic, Jeb Dunnuck, who gave Paul Lato’s 2018 il Padrino Syrah from Bien Nacido Vineyard the highest honor of 100 points.

“When my father and uncle planted the vineyard in 1973, they recognized its potential for greatness,” says Nicholas Miller, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President. “During a time when many vintners focused on quantity over quality, they led with their shared belief that Santa Maria’s distinctive terroir would impart unique characteristics into the wines, and put quality at the forefront of their efforts. Throughout those early years, years pointed by hard work, passion and farming with intention, they helped this vineyard become one of the strongest vineyard sites in California, and today, 50 years later, we are continually impressed by the vitality of this site. We’re proud to look back on the rich history of Bien Nacido, yet we look forward to the years ahead, as we firmly believe the best is yet to come from this distinctive estate.”

In celebration of Bien Nacido’s 50th anniversary, the Miller family is excited to reveal The Gatehouse at Bien Nacido, the new tasting room for its official estate program, Bien Nacido Estate, which features wines from both Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Vineyards. Opening Memorial Day weekend, guests are invited to experience the magic of this exclusive property through The Gatehouse’s thoughtful collection of tasting experiences and tours, which allow visitors the rare opportunity to explore Bien Nacido Estate’s acclaimed wines just steps from where the grapes are grown.

“In celebration of our vineyard’s Golden Anniversary, the opening of The Gatehouse at Bien Nacido marks a new chapter in Bien Nacidos’ history of excellence,” shares Nicholas Miller, “and commemorates the strength and quality of this special place for the next fifty years to come. We can’t wait to welcome guests to experience it all in person very soon.”

The Gatehouse at Bien Nacido opened its doors on May 25, 2023, and will be open for tastings Thursday through Monday from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm. Reservations are not required but are encouraged.

To learn more, please visit www.biennacidoestate.com.

About Bien Nacido Vineyards

Bien Nacido Vineyards is owned and operated by the Miller family, a multi-generational farming family and owners of the industry-leading The Thornhill Companies. The Thornhill Companies includes the prestigious Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Estates, Miller Family Wine Company and Thornhill Ranches. Miller Family Wine Company manages national branded wine labels, including Butternut, J. Wilkes, optik, Ballard Lane, Smashberry, Barrel Burner, Volunteer, Hand on Heart and Reciprocity wines, in addition to control label brands for prominent retailers across the U.S. and the French Camp vineyard in Paso Robles.

Best Vodka and Vodka-Based Spirits We Discovered at the Bar And Restaurant Expo 2023

May 19, 2023 by evebushman

This past March I attended the Bar and Restaurant Expo in Las Vegas. As I have in the past, I wrote an article on all of our findings, and you can read that here on Eve’s Wine 101. As an addition to the article, I was given a few bottles of spirits for review, and this is the article on those: one vodka from New Zealand and distilled from whey, two bottles of different American vodkas that are distilled from corn and a final dessert vodka. I tasted them on my own, and again with friends. These are our collective notes:

VDKA 6100 Vodka

Distilled from Whey – promising no hangover – and made in New Zealand, this was new to me and I will be buying my next bottle. My gal pal said it was “totally freakin’ different” compared to a harsh vodka, with Mandarin orange notes and no burn on the palate. I also noted the citrus fruit and a sweet finish. This was one I went back to later and sipped on its own when the tasting was complete.

@VKDAVodka on Instagram

From their Facebook page:

Made with fresh seasonal whey and natural spring water from Reporoa, New Zealand, one of the most pristine places in the world. VDKA 6100 is finely distilled and filtered through a bed of carbon to eliminate all impurities. The result is a clean, light exceptionally smooth taste with hints of floral and citrus notes. VDKA 6100 is remarkably pure vodka that is gluten-free, sugar-free and lactose-free. 40% Alc/Vol. Imported by VDKA 6100, Manhasset, NY

https://www.facebook.com/VDKA6100

White Claw Vodka

Building on some undeniable brand awareness, White Claw, of hard seltzer fame, has distilled a very creamy vodka from corn. We found the nose to be light, the palate sweet, with a slight flavor of yellow corn and very balanced. This one surprised me. It was smooth enough that I could enjoy this alone, or in a cocktail.

@WhiteClaw on Instagram

From their website:

White ClawTM Spirits Premium Vodka. The world’s first Triple Wave Filtered™ vodka. Filtered three times using the pressure equal to a 30-foot wave, it’s vodka reimagined for a superior, smoother finish. Best served crashing over ice with soda at sunset.

https://www.whiteclaw.com/products/premium-vodka

Ringside Vodka

Distilled from corn this vodka was creamy, warming, with notes of white pepper, creamed corn and a long finish. I would like this in a cocktail or just a refreshing Vodka Tonic.

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076182191159

https://www.ringsidevodka.com/

XXI Martinis Chocolate Peppermint (seasonal flavor)

So yummy, I wondered, could I put in my coffee? The ABV is low, but the flavor is high – full of yummy chocolate and peppermint. Perfect by itself, on the rocks, or with a little espresso for one of those popular Espresso Martinis we all know and love! At the last expo I fell in love with their Chocolate Martini!

https://www.facebook.com/xximartinis

From the website:

This is no simple confection. Decadent, dark, bittersweet chocolate and fresh, cool peppermint meet the pristine smoothness of premium vodka, transforming the simple martini into a masterpiece. Let the indulgence begin.

Chocolate Peppermint

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the 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 17k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Las Vegas Proof Awards, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Cheers to the High Country: Vail Wine Classic Returns on August 10-12

April 26, 2023 by evebushman

GOLDEN, Colo.- The Vail Wine Classic, the high country’s premier food and wine festival that brings wine and adventure enthusiasts together at the foot of Vail Mountain, returns August 10-12. Presented by Team Player Productions, this three-day wine event of the year includes mountainside tastings of hundreds of high-end wine, spirits, and tasty bites amid Vail’s fresh air and rugged beauty. Tickets for the Grand Tastings are on sale now via Eventbrite; Best of Fest tickets will go on sale in May. A portion of proceeds of all ticket sales will go to Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance (VVMTA) and its mission to build trails and conserve the natural environment of Eagle County and public lands.

“With multiple wine tastings in the heart of the Rockies and add-on experiences such as scenic hikes, paired lunches and wine dinners, the Vail Wine Classic is the ultimate food and wine destination,” says Vail Wine Classic Event Director Kristen Slater. “Set against scenic mountain views in Vail Valley, this multi-day event is an elevated wine experience without pretension.”

Best of Fest (Friday, August 11)

Time and location to be announced. Tickets will go on sale in May

Only 90+ point ratings, reserve bottles, and higher priced wines make the cut for this idyllic sunset tasting that features meticulously curated wines from the most exclusive portfolios. This all-inclusive tasting ($215 plus fees) features culinary-inspired small plates with suggested wine pairings, and incredible views of Vail Valley.

The Grand Tasting (Friday and Saturday, August 11 and 12)

Vail Athletic Field (646 Vail Valley Drive, Vail, CO 81657)

The Grand Tasting is the crown jewel of the Vail Wine Classic, featuring a diverse and distinctive showcase of wines from 100+ wineries around the world. Immerse yourself in the extravagant mountainside tasting while exploring everything from fruit-forward sauvignon blancs and pinots, to rich cabernets and zinfandels. In addition to an impressive selection of domestic and international wines, the Grand Tasting has hand crafted cocktails and local beer. Your all-inclusive ticket includes a full-sized wine glass for you to take home, small bites and live music at the event.

The Grand Tasting sessions and ticket types include:

Premier Access ($179 plus fees) from 2-5:30 p.m. Enjoy the first sips of wine and an extra hour at the Classic. Premier Access tickets allow you to be the first to enter the event and imbibe with a limited number of other wine lovers.
Early Access ($149 plus fees) from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Select the perfect table by the band with this limited capacity ticket. Early Access tickets allow you to get a head start on the tasting and enter the Classic before the crowd.
General Admission ($119 plus fees) from 3-5:30 p.m. This all-inclusive ticket allows you to imbibe in two and half hours of mountainside wine sampling during the Grand Tasting event.

“This year we’re working with incredible restaurant partners such as Root & Flower, Slope Room at Gravity Haus, and Ludwigs at Sonnenalp, to up the ante for our add-on experiences at the Classic,” says Slater. “Make sure to mark your calendars for the Vail Wine Classic and stay tuned for more information!”

Paired wine lunches and dinners, hikes, and other add-on experiences will be announced in May. Sign up for the Vail Wine Classic newsletter to be kept in the loop!

For more information about the Vail Wine Classic, visit VailWineClassic.com

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About Vail Wine Classic

Vail Wine Classic brings wine and adventure enthusiasts together for an unparalleled weekend of outdoor wine tasting and live music. The event showcases wine from around the world during the Grand Tastings, educational seminars, wine dinners led by master sommeliers, and unique lifestyle wine events, such as scenic hikes followed by a paired lunch at Vail’s finest restaurants, and much more! Vail Wine Classic is produced by Team Player Productions, the architects of Breckenridge Wine Classic, Vail Craft Beer Classic and Denver Burger Battle, among others. For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit www.vailwineclassic.com, or follow @vailwineclassic on Instagram and Facebook.

About Town of Vail

Vail, Colorado, is a small town at the base of Vail Mountain, home of the massive Vail Ski Resort. Set within White River National Forest, the town is a gateway for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. It’s also a summertime destination for golfing, hiking and cultural festivals. Gore Creek, popular for fly fishing, runs directly through the town center. To learn more about the Town of Vail, visit their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

The Moon Mountain District Winegrowers Association will hold Reach for the Moon On June 3

March 8, 2023 by evebushman

SONOMA, CA – The Moon Mountain District Winegrowers Association will hold Reach for the Moon!, the inaugural Moon Mountain District Master Class and Grand Tasting on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Gallo Family’s historic Monte Rosso Vineyard.

Renowned wine authority and Vinous critic Antonio Galloni will host the Master Class, featuring a curated selection of wines made from celebrated Moon Mountain District sites, which are illustrated on Vinous’ groundbreaking new map of the region. A private tour of the Monte Rosso Vineyard, hosted by Ranch Manager Brenae Royal, follows. The Grand Tasting will include a wider offering of small-production wines from 30 of the Association’s members wineries, presented with a special menu developed by Executive Chef Joseph Paire of Berkeley’s Claremont Club and Spa Hotel.

Wineries confirmed to present their Moon Mountain District wines at Reach for the Moon! include Kamen Estate, Louis M. Martini, Lasseter Family Winery, Repris Wines, Pangloss Cellars, B. Wise Vineyards, Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery, Bedrock Wine Company, Hanzell Vineyards and many more.

One of the country’s newer American Viticultural Areas (AVA), having been officially recognized in 2013, the Moon Mountain District has been home to carefully tended mountainside vineyards and small-production wines for over 130 years. The AVA is noted for its early efforts in organic and biodynamic vineyard practices dating to the 1980s.

“Although the Moon Mountain District AVA is young, the region is steeped in history.” Antonio Galloni continues, “Reach for the Moon! will shine a light on the world-class wines being made in one of the most fascinating and storied viticultural areas in California.”

“As grape growers and winemakers in the Moon Mountain District, we carry on a generational commitment to serve as stewards of the AVA from which our highly regarded, small-production wines are sourced. Most of these wines are only available direct from the wineries or with limited distribution, so it’s a pleasure for us to share our wines at this first-of-its-kind event,” said Jim Momtazee, President of the Moon Mountain District Winegrowers Association and Proprietor of Moon Mountain Vineyard, Repris Wines and Pangloss Cellars.

In recognition of the contributions of the Sonoma community to the success of the AVA, a portion of the proceeds will go to La Luz Center, supporting family services, economic advancement and community engagement.

Reach for the Moon! tickets are available at www.moonmountaindistrict.org/events and include two ticketing options. The Full Pass Ticket is limited in availability and includes the Master Class, Monte Rosso Vineyard Tour and Grand Tasting, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Full Pass Tickets are $400 per person. The Grand Tasting Ticket provides access to the walk-around Grand Tasting where guests will enjoy wines from more than 30 Moon Mountain District wineries along with a substantial menu of food pairings designed to complement the wines. Grand Tasting Tickets are $250 per person.

Located on the Sonoma County side of the Mayacamas Mountains, the Moon Mountain District AVA descends from the tallest ridge peaks at an elevation of 2,200 feet, down the mountain slopes to an elevation of roughly 400 feet. The district’s western boundary rises above the towns of Kenwood and Glen Ellen and continues southeastward just above the city of Sonoma and reaches toward Carneros. Bordeaux varietals comprise the vast majority of plantings on Moon Mountain, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, while Chardonnay is the major white grape varietal. The AVA also produces Zinfandel and Syrah as well as other desirable Bordeaux varieties including Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot, plus Pinot Noir from the southwestern edge of the AVA.

For more information and an overview of the wineries and growers within the Moon Mountain District Winegrowers Association, please visit the website at www.moonmountaindistrict.org.

V. Sattui Winery awarded 2023 “Best Of Wine Tourism”

January 1, 2023 by evebushman

About V. Sattui Winery:
V. Sattui Winery is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, that was founded in 1885 and makes more than 60 different wines with dozens of 90+ point rated wines among its current vintages. V. Sattui wines are only sold direct to consumer and the winery features three beautiful tasting rooms where customers can find and purchase their favorites. It is a stunning, must-see Napa Valley destination for an authentic wine country experience offerings tastings, wine and food pairings, picnics, weddings and events, and an impressively robust Cheese Shop with more than 200 selections and house-made artisan foods prepared daily. V. Sattui also makes house-cured meats from its own Salumeria, and gelato and sorbetto from its own Gelateria. The sprawling estate includes two-dozen picnic tables nestled beneath ancient Valley Oak trees and tri-level terraces that overlook lush manicured gardens and estate vineyards.

V. Sattui Director of Winemaking, Brooks Painter, has been recognized as “Winemaker of the Year” in 2015 by the American Fine Wine Competition. He was previously awarded “Winemaker of the Year” at the San Francisco International Wine Competition in June of 2013. The winery was named “Winery of the Year” at the 2019 Sommelier Challenge and now twice in 2020 at the Monterey Wine Competition and San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge.

V. Sattui wines are sustainably farmed and sourced mostly from their own vineyard estates, yielding a wide range of terroir and varietals that produce a long portfolio of award-winning wines. V. Sattui wines are sold exclusively from the winery, direct to consumer. V. Sattui Winery is located on a 38-acre vineyard in the center of the Napa Valley, along Highway 29 (at White Lane) in St. Helena. The winery normally welcomes visitors daily for wine tastings, as well as barbeque on weekends in the warmer months of the year. Current hours of operation and information for V. Sattui Winery is available on the website www.vsattui.com or 707-963-7774.