Eve's Wine 101

New AVA Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon becomes the 11th nested AVA in the Willamette Valley

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PORTLAND, ORE. (PRWEB) – Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon, the newest appellation in Oregon and nested American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the Willamette Valley, has received federal recognition as an official AVA. Drawn to reflect distinct soil, topography and climate attributes, Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon AVA becomes the 23rd federally recognized winegrowing region in Oregon and the 11th nested AVA within the Willamette Valley. The new nested AVA was granted approval by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) on June 3, 2022 and took effect on July 5, 2022.

Located in Polk County, the Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon AVA is characterized by the warmth of the nearby Willamette River, the mild influence of the Van Duzer winds, and the rain shadow of Laurel Mountain to the west. It is the Valley’s second smallest AVA at 584 planted acres but one of its most densely planted. Mount Pisgah was formed 65 million years ago as a sea floor volcano, and has since been covered by marine sediment which pushed up out of the ocean. This unique geology allows the grapes to develop a deep complexity in the region’s shallow soils.

Five years ago, Brad Ford of Illahe Vineyards petitioned the TTB for the addition of the AVA to the wine country map. Ten vineyards and three wineries join the new Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon AVA. A full list of wineries and vineyards can be found below.

“Thanks to an excellent group of growers who helped identify the most important aspects of our little mountain, I have no doubt we will continue to work together to build a beautiful destination for people willing to go the extra mile,” said Ford.

The most common grape varieties in the AVA are Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Chardonnay and Tempranillo. Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon AVA is located 15 miles west of Salem, Oregon, and is the second most southern nested AVA within the Willamette Valley AVA, next to Lower Long Tom, which was newly established in November 2021.

“Recognition of Mount Pisgah, Polk County, shows again how we continue to learn about, and appreciate, new areas of viticultural distinction in Oregon. Each one adds its own chapter to Oregon’s story of unique soils, unmatched geology, topography and globally recognized wine quality” said Oregon Wine Board President Tom Danowski. “These federal AVA designations take years to achieve as the standards are rigorous for establishing a region as clearly differentiated.”

“We’re so excited to see Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon AVA recognized in the larger story of the Willamette Valley,” said Morgen McLaughlin, executive director of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. “The region’s kingpin varietal, Pinot noir, is such an expressive grape: it insists on telling you where it’s from. Both the industry and consumers who look to Oregon for its one-of-a-kind appellations and the sense of place in Oregon’s wines can celebrate the addition of Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon.”

To differentiate from another “Mount Pisgah” in Oregon’s Lane County, it was necessary for the AVA to be named Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon––now the second longest named AVA in Oregon after The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA, approved in 2015 and nested in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. Oregon is home to 995 wineries and 1,370 vineyards planted, generating an annual economic impact of $7.2 billion for the state.

Images of the new AVA can be found in the folder here

Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon AVA:
Details
Official date of recognition: June 3, 2022
Final rule is effective: July 5, 2022
Total acreage: 5,530
Planted acreage: 584
Number of wineries: 3
Number of vineyards: 10
Varieties: Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Pinot gris, Tempranillo and Pinot blanc
Soil: Marine Sedimentary

Wineries
Illahe Vineyards
Open Claim Vineyards
Amelie Robert Estate

Vineyards*
Illahe Vineyards
Ash Creek Vineyards
Open Claim Vineyards
Erratic Oaks Vineyard
Freedom Hill Vineyard
Croft Vineyards
Fern Creek
Amelie Robert Estate
Mistletoe Vineyards
Cooper Hollow

*The wineries above are located on an estate vineyard.

About the Oregon Wine Board
The Oregon Wine Board is a semi-independent Oregon state agency managing marketing, research, communications, and education initiatives that support and advance the Oregon wine and wine grape industry. The Board works on behalf of all Oregon wineries and independent growers throughout the state’s diverse winegrowing regions. Visit oregonwine.org

About the Willamette Valley Wineries Association
The WVWA is a nonprofit industry association dedicated to achieving recognition for Oregon’s acclaimed Willamette Valley as a premium Pinot noir-producing region. The WVWA has more than 230 members representing wineries, tasting rooms and vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley. The organization also hosts Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction, Oregon Pinot Camp, Pinot in the City, May in Wine Country, The Giving Season and the Cellar Season. Visit http://www.willamettewines.com for more info.

Oregon Welcomes its 22nd American Viticultural Area (AVA): Lower Long Tom

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PORTLAND, ORE. (PRWEB) – Lower Long Tom, the newest appellation in Oregon and the southernmost in the Willamette Valley, has received federal recognition as an American Viticultural Area (AVA). Drawn to reflect distinct soil, topography, and climate attributes, Lower Long Tom becomes the 22nd federally recognized winegrowing region in Oregon, the tenth nested AVA within the Willamette Valley, and the first in the Southern Willamette Valley. The new AVA was granted approval by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) on November 10 and took effect on December 10, 2021.

Located in Lane and Benton counties, Lower Long Tom is characterized by a chain of rolling hills separated by east-to-west valleys, cut by the tributaries of the region’s namesake, the Long Tom River. The AVA sits within the Lower Long Tom watershed and the Long Tom River, a tributary of the Willamette River, serves as the AVA’s eastern boundary.

Vineyards in the appellation are located on stream-cut ridge lines, with Bellpine as the predominate soil type. These shallow, clay-loam soils are formed from up-lifted ancient marine sediments, primarily sandstone.

To the west, the region is flanked by a stretch of significant peaks within the Coast Range, which serve as a weather shield. The rain shadow contributes to consistent grape maturity in the region.

Long Tom is a regional name associated with the Kalapuyan people who have lived in the area for more than 10,000 years. The name is used in recognition of the ongoing contributions of the Kalapuyan people in the local community and across Oregon.

Four years ago, Dieter Boehm of High Pass Winery petitioned the TTB for the addition of the AVA to the wine country map. 12 wineries and 24 vineyards join the new Lower Long Tom AVA. A full list of wineries and vineyards can be found below.

“This neighborhood is warm, genuine, authentic, and down-to-earth, with passionate owners and farmers connected to the land,” said Matt Shown, second-generation winemaker at Brigadoon Wine Co. “That love for this place goes beyond wine and permeates our daily lives.”

“Oregon’s newest viticultural area acknowledges the increasing appreciation our grape growers and winemakers are developing for site-specific growing conditions and flavor complexity,” said Oregon Wine Board Executive Director Tom Danowski. “In the shadow of Prairie Mountain and the Coast Range, Lower Long Tom will add a unique dimension to the Willamette Valley’s esteemed reputation for extraordinarily elegant and expressive fruit.”

Both the industry and consumers who look to Oregon for its one-of-a-kind appellations and the sense of place in Oregon’s wines can celebrate the addition of Lower Long Tom as a nested AVA of the Willamette Valley. Pinot Noir is the predominant grape of the region, with wines leaning toward blue and black fruits and plush tannins for graceful aging. Around a dozen white grape varieties are grown as well, most notably Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot gris, and Sauvignon blanc.

“Pinot noir is still the kingpin variety in the Willamette Valley,” said Morgen McLaughlin, executive director of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. “Winemakers love Pinot noir because it’s such an expressive grape: it insists on telling you where it’s from. We’re so excited to see Pinot noir and other wines from Lower Long Tom AVA recognized in the larger story of the Willamette Valley.”

Lower Long Tom AVA:

Details:
Official date of recognition: December 10, 2021
Total acreage: 25,000
Planted acreage: 575
Number of wineries: 12
Number of vineyards: 24
Varieties: Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot gris, and Sauvignon blanc
Soil: Bellpine

Wineries:
Antiquum Farm
Bennett Vineyards and Wine Company
Bradshaw Vineyard
Brigadoon Wine Co.
Benton Lane Winery
Five Fourteen Vineyard
High Pass Winery
Pfeiffer Vineyards and Winery
Poco Collina
Rainsong Winery
Territorial Vineyards and Wine Company
Walnut Ridge Vineyard

Vineyards*:
Bellpine Vineyard
Chardonnay Way
Davis Reid Vineyard
Evans Vineyard
Fitzpatrick Vineyard
Gelardi Vineyard
Grace Hill Vineyard
Hildebrand Ranch
Kliewers Weinberg
Kokkeler Vineyard
Moriah Vineyard
Priddy Vineyard
Stroda Vineyard
Sunny Mountain
Union School
*Many of the wineries above are located on an estate vineyard.

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ABOUT THE OREGON WINE BOARD
Oregon is home to 995 wineries and 1,370 vineyards planted, generating annual economic impact of $7.2 billion for the state. The Oregon Wine Board is a semi-independent Oregon state agency managing marketing, research, communications, and education initiatives that support and advance the Oregon wine and wine grape industry. The Board works on behalf of all Oregon wineries and independent growers throughout the state’s diverse winegrowing regions. Visit oregonwine.org for more info.

ABOUT THE WVWA
The WVWA is a nonprofit industry association dedicated to achieving recognition for Oregon’s acclaimed Willamette Valley as a premium Pinot noir-producing region. The WVWA has more than 230 members representing wineries, tasting rooms and vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley. The organization also hosts Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction, Oregon Pinot Camp, Pinot in the City, May in Wine Country, The Giving Season and the Cellar Season. Visit willamettewines.com for more info.

New Deal Distillery’s Driftwood Libations offer premium ready-to-drink cocktails

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PORTLAND, ORE. (PRWEB) – After a long day at work, not everyone has the time, patience, or know-how to make a balanced cocktail – but thankfully, New Deal Distillery does. So, let them fix you a drink! New Deal Distillery’s Driftwood Libations line https://newdealdistillery.com/driftwood-libations offers pre-mixed cocktails that only need to be poured, stirred, and garnished – truly bringing bar quality cocktails to your kitchen.

It is no secret that COVID-19 has changed the way that the general population imbibes. The RTD category has exploded in popularity and as consumers’ interest has grown, so has that of beverage producers. This boom led to some truly amazing canned cocktails but there was still something missing from the market. As New Deal’s owner and head distiller Tom Burkleaux explained, “the goal of the Driftwood Libations project was to craft an elevated RTD cocktail, something you might serve up to impress a guest, to celebrate a special occasion, or to truly treat yourself”.

Cue the Driftwood Libations flagship – The Driftwood Manhattan. This cocktail classic is crafted with three-year straight rye whiskey along with house-made vermouth and bitters. All that’s needed is a glass and some ice to enjoy. The success of this ready-to-pour and easy-to-drink cocktail inspired yet another classic, a Brandy Old Fashioned crafted with New Deal distilled Willamette Valley wines. This was soon followed by an Espresso Cocktail that infused house distilled vodka with cacao nibs and Portland-roasted Marigold Coffee, Burkleaux maintaining that “if wide-leg jeans get to come back, so do Espresso Martinis”.

This trio will soon be joined by a Negroni Blanc and Vesper Martini, with more expressions in the works. Looking to buy your friend a round? New Deal Distillery’s Driftwood Libations are now available for shipping to 40+ states: https://shop.newdealdistillery.com/

More about New Deal Distillery:

New Deal Distillery has been making high quality, craft-distilled spirits, inspired by the DIY culture of Portland, Oregon since 2004. All of their artisan spirits are made in small batches with Bull Run water and natural and organic ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible. For more information visit newdealdistillery.com or email info@newdealdistillery.com.

Wine.com Partners with 100% Cork to Promote the Environmental Benefits of Wine Stopper Recycling

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – 100% Cork and Wine.com, the nation’s leading online wine retailer, are proud to announce an environmentally friendly partnership to raise awareness of the sustainability and natural benefits of cork closures. In November, Wine.com will launch a national cork promotion that will feature a groundbreaking cork recycling initiative. The sustainability push will coincide with National Recycling Day on November 15, and feature a curated list of cork-sealed wines from some of America’s leading sustainable wine producers who are partnering with 100% Cork. The list of eco-friendly wines is available at wine.com/choosecork.

Photo: 100% Cork Facebook page.

The promotion will include a virtual wine tasting on November 4, with industry leaders in sustainability: Ridge Vineyards (represented by Head Winemaker and COO John Olney), Groth Vineyards & Winery (represented by President and CEO Suzanne Groth), and Willamette Valley Vineyards (represented by CEO and President Jim Bernau). Wine lovers wishing to taste along and learn from these sustainability leaders can register to attend at https://www.wine.com/content/landing/virtual-tastings.

“Sustainability is at the forefront of our minds, as it is for our suppliers and customers,” said Michael Osborn, Wine.com founder and executive vice president. “We are pleased to partner with 100% Cork to educate our customers about the benefits of cork while also offering them an easy way to take action and start recycling immediately.”

The sustainability partnership was born out of a shared goal of addressing some of the most pressing ecological issues facing the wine industry today, and to help build awareness of corks’ intrinsic benefits as a natural and renewable closure. “We are delighted to partner with Wine.com on this groundbreaking cork promotion that will increase accessibility to cork recycling for households across the country,” said João Rui Ferreira, vice-president of The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR). “By partnering with Wine.com, 100% Cork will be able to inform wine lovers about the many benefits of cork as a natural, renewable and sustainable product. Cork is the highest quality wine closure on the wine market and remains the gold standard for premium wineries around the world.”

At the heart of the 100% Cork and Wine.com partnership will be a first-of-its-kind e-commerce cork recycling initiative. Utilizing the services of ReCORK, Wine.com will provide envelopes made from durable recycled paper for shipping and recycling used cork closures. Each envelope holds up to 55 natural corks and features a QR code that wine lovers can scan to create shipping labels allowing for easy drop off at USPS locations. The QR codes will also provide additional discounts on select premium wines bottled under natural cork on Wine.com, as well as special offers on high-end products made from recycled corks, including yoga blocks, performance footbeds, and footwear at ReCORK and SOLE.

Natural cork closures have a negative carbon footprint when used to seal wines bottled in glass containers, according to recent studies conducted by three of the world’s largest auditing companies. A single stopper has a balance of up to – 309 grams of CO2; numbers for sparkling wine stoppers go even higher at up to – 589 grams.

Working with ReCORK, 100% Cork will help educate wine lovers around the country about the full life cycle of cork closures once they are pulled from a bottle, highlighting the small but highly impactful ways that wine drinkers can become climate activists through the simple process of recycling cork, through its initiative with Wine.com.

About 100% Cork
100% Cork is an educational communications campaign about wine cork stoppers. The mission of the campaign is to provide the wine industry and consumers with the latest information and research on the benefits of natural cork. The campaign was established by the Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) with support from the Cork Quality Council to increase awareness of the unique qualities and sustainability of natural cork.

About APCOR
Associação Portuguesa da Cortiça (APCOR) represents and promotes the Portuguese cork industry and its products. APCOR is the employers’ association of national scope, created in 1956 and is based in Santa Maria de Lamas, at the heart of the cork industry around 30 kilometers from Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. Membership of the association is open to all companies operating in the fields of production, marketing or export of cork products. The organization advocates on behalf of the Portuguese cork industry worldwide and is the driving force of an industry based on tradition, innovation and sustainability.

About Wine.com
Wine.com offers selection, guidance, personalization and convenience not found in stores – helping customers discover the incredible world of wine with confidence. Live chat sommeliers provide friendly advice and customers receive unlimited shipping all year by joining StewardShip. For more information, visit the company’s website at wine.com or download its app in the Apple Store or Google Play.

About ReCORK
ReCORK™ creates high-performance, carbon-negative composite materials and components using natural recycled cork. ReCORK™ was launched as a natural wine cork recycling program in 2008 by Canadian footwear company SOLE™. It has since become the largest program of its kind in North America, with an R&D team dedicated to innovation around the cork recycling process. ReCORK’s proprietary material, ReCORK™ Recycled Cork, redefines what’s possible using cork, offering a natural, sustainable, versatile alternative to foams and plastics derived from fossil fuels. ReCORK’s mission is to make petroleum-based foams and plastics obsolete. Learn more at recork.com.

Bledsoe McDaniels Winery Acquires 80 acre estate vineyard

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(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

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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 50th anniversary in 2021. For more information, please visit EvolutionWine.com or SokolBlosser.com.

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

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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.

Grand Reserve World Mastercard® Expands its Partner Network of Boutique Wineries, Merchants and Gourmet Food Companies to Benefit Oenophiles

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Ridge Vineyards, The Debate Wine, Pyramid Valley Vineyards, B. Stuyvesant Champagne, Hoopes Vineyard, Dusty Nabor, Benchmark Wine Group, JJ Buckley Fine Wines, Flannery Beef, Grassl Glass and more join over 450 partners in the Grand Reserve rewards program network.

PASADENA, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Vertical Finance has announced that they have welcomed 29 new boutique wineries, merchants, and gourmet food companies, to the Grand Reserve™ World Mastercard® partner network, further broadening the program designed to reward cardmembers as they pursue their passion for wine. Cardmembers earn significant bonus points on purchases made directly from Grand Reserve partners and receive unique benefits and exclusive invitations.

Grand Reserve is delighted to welcome (in alphabetical order): B. Stuyvesant Champagne, Benchmark Wine Group, Briceland Vineyards, Chiron Wines, Dusty Nabor Wines, DV8 Cellars, EMH Vineyards, Flannery Beef, Gourmets of Spain, Grassl Glass, Hoopes Vineyard, JJ Buckley Fine Wines, Just Enough Wines, Liquid Assets Cellars, Loring Wine Company, Meadowcroft wines, Oestermann Family Winery, Pyramid Valley Vineyards, Ridge Vineyard, Riverain Vineyard, Sabeli-Frisch Wines, Sandler Wine co, Scherrer Winery, Smith & Sheth, The Debate Wine, Vincent Wine Company, Woodhouse Wine Estates, Zeka Vineyards and Zoetic Wines.

Launched in August of last year, Grand Reserve World Mastercard was designed with a cardmember-first approach and focuses on truly rewarding the passion that members have for discovering, enjoying, and collecting fine wine. Grand Reserve connects members with the finest boutique wineries and other partners that pair with their passion, offering significant bonus points on purchases made directly from partners and exclusive benefits through its rewards and loyalty program. Grand Reserve points can be redeemed for wine, sommelier-curated reward catalog items, exclusive experiences, and more.

“We’re excited to continue growing our portfolio of Grand Reserve partners and give our members access to even more partner benefits and experiences. Additionally, we aim to provide a unique marketing channel to boutique fine wineries and other partners,” said Matthew Goldman, Vertical Finance founder and CEO. “Our goal is to connect members with the finest producers of wine, support our partners, and provide exceptional rewards for wine enthusiasts.”

Other partners in the network include (in alphabetical order): Beckmen Vineyards, Charles Krug Winery, Flanagan Wines, Freeman Winery, Joseph Jewell Wines, Laetitia Vineyard & Winery, Long Meadow Ranch, Moseley Family Estate, Myriad Cellars, Patz & Hall, Relic Wine Cellars, Senses Wine, Switchback Ridge, and Willamette Valley Vineyards among many others. The full list of over 450 Grand Reserve partners may be viewed at https://grandreserverewards.com/partner-network

“We’re excited to be a partner in this unique rewards program for wine lovers,” said Christopher Lloyd Strieter, Founder of Senses Wines. “Great wine is best enjoyed as part of a community and Grand Reserve promises to bring wine lovers and wineries like ours together in a new way.”

Full details about the Grand Reserve World Mastercard can be found at grandreserverewards.com.

About Vertical Finance

Vertical Finance is a fintech and challenger credit card startup. The company’s modern credit card platform matches consumers with high-quality boutique merchants and authentic rewards that enhance their lifestyle pursuits. The company’s flagship program, Grand Reserve, rewards consumers when they shop at wineries, wine clubs, and wine shops. Vertical Finance is a 1% for the Planet company, a global network of businesses, nonprofits, and individuals working together for a healthy planet, committed to giving 1% of gross sales each year to approved nonprofit partners. Visit verticalfinance.com and grandreserverewards.com to learn more. Consumers can connect with Grand Reserve on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

Sokol Blosser Winery Marks 50 Years as a Family-Owned Willamette Valley Original – with a flash sale + more!

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DUNDEE HILLS, Ore. /PRNewswire/ — Sokol Blosser Winery, founded in 1971 by Bill and Susan Sokol Blosser and now under second-generation leadership, will mark 50 years of growing and making signature Willamette Valley wines in 2021 with a year-long celebration.

As part of the celebration, Sokol Blosser will revisit its first vintage with a 1970s Flash Sale on Tue., Feb. 2. For one day only, its 2018 Redland Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir will be available on its website for $6.75 per 750 ml bottle – the very same price of the winery’s first vintage of Pinot Noir in 1977. (Limit of 12 bottles per person, while supplies last).

“This is a major milestone for us,” said Alison Sokol Blosser, CEO of Sokol Blosser Winery. “We are one of the few founding wineries in the Willamette Valley that has not only remained family-owned and operated, but has continued to grow. My brother Alex and I learned the business from working alongside our parents, and we’re so grateful for the strength and wisdom that’s enabled us to not just survive but thrive for 50 years. We’re excited to celebrate all year long with our customers, trade and industry partners!”

On top of its 1970s Flash Sale, Sokol Blosser will mark the occasion with a series of special bottlings, tasting room activities (when it’s safe) and wine club offerings including:

  • Exclusive anniversary bottling of 2018 Old Vineyard Block Dundee Hills Pinot Noir with a retro label that evokes the brand’s original 1970’s label design and shape (SRP $60; available direct from the winery only).
  • A special Instagram and Facebook Live tasting with wine expert Leslie Sbrocco on Feb. 10 featuring Susan Sokol Blosser and Alison Sokol Blosser.
  • Fireside chats and online tastings (via Zoom) with Bill and Susan Sokol Blosser for media, trade and consumers.
  • When the tasting room reopens, guests will step back to the 70s with 50th
    Anniversary flights featuring family favorites and library wines, a 1970s Spotify playlist (free to download!) with a groovy soundtrack, and special surprises for guests who arrive in ’70s cars or are celebrating 50th milestones of their own.

“It’s a privilege to farm these vineyards and create wines that reflect the exact hillsides where our parents started 50 years ago,” said head winemaker Alex Sokol Blosser. “Our wines have improved year after year, and it’s a testament to our parents’ original belief that the Dundee Hills and Willamette Valley would indeed be a fine place to grow grapes and make wine.”

A Half Century of Accomplishments
In December 1970, Bill and Susan Sokol Blosser purchased five acres of land in the Dundee Hills (a former prune orchard), and soon thereafter planted it to Pinot Noir and other varietals. By 1980, the Sokol Blossers had expanded their holdings to 72 acres and today the winery farms 105 acres of estate vineyards under vine. Over its 50 years, Sokol Blosser has made history with a number of accomplishments:

  • Sokol Blosser opened the first purpose-built winery tasting room in Oregon in 1978.
  • Sokol Blosser was first recognized for its environmental stewardship in 1983 by the U.S. Soil & Water Conservation District.
  • Evolution Lucky No. 9 White Blend was introduced in 1998, paving the way for a whole new category of white blends in the marketplace.
  • Sokol Blosser was the first winery in the world to have a LEED-certified winery building in 2002 for its underground barrel cellar.
  • Sokol Blosser’s Estate Vineyard received full USDA organic certification in 2005.
  • The second generation took the reins in 2008 as co-presidents. Today, Alison Sokol Blosser is CEO and Alex Sokol Blosser is Winemaker.
  • In 2013, Sokol Blosser opened a stunning new tasting room designed by Brad Cloepfil from Allied Works Architecture which raised the bar for hospitality and wine country experiences in the Willamette Valley.
  • In 2015, the winery received coveted B Corp Certification for its high standards of social and environmental performance and accountability.
  • Sokol Blosser introduced Oregon’s only nationally distributed box wines in 2020, with Evolution Pinot Noir and Lucky No. 9 White now available in 1.5- liter boxes.

About Sokol Blosser Winery As one of the pioneering wineries of the region, 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 Evolution label. Visit http://www.sokolblosser.com/ and follow @sokolblosser and @evolutionwines on Instagram and Facebook.

Oregon Winery Launches Pay-What-You-Can, Donate-the-Proceeds Campaign, Pinot for the People

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RICKREALL, ORE. (PRWEB) – In these uncertain times, the team at Left Coast Estate put their heads together for how they could meaningfully give back. The winery, located in the newly designated Van Duzer Corridor AVA in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, had seen the profound impact of the COVID crisis on the hospitality industry and felt compelled to act. The idea that blossomed from their conversations was a first-of-its-kind venture in the wine industry: pay-what-you-can. Across the country, thousands of restaurants remain boarded up and millions of Americans are unemployed. “We know that our wine is part of a rarified world,” says Creative Director and Family Ownership, Cali Pfaff. “But we also believe wholeheartedly that wine brings people together. We decided as a family to forgo profits for this effort so that we could share our wine more broadly during this challenging time. We hope, in a small and modest way, that our wine will make someone’s day.”

The idea of a charitable component came shortly thereafter in a discussion on how to use any profits. “We are a second-generation, family-run business and that gives us certain freedoms in decision-making,” says CEO and Family Ownership, Taylor Pfaff, “We realized in a pay-what-you-can scenario, we could donate the proceeds after our production costs were covered and help out our community more.” The family selected five nonprofits to support through the effort, including the NAACP, the Oregon Community Foundation, the Sentencing Project, Ducks Unlimited, and Salud. The nonprofit partners align closely with Left Coast’s mission and values, including environmental conservation, an atmosphere of welcoming and inclusion, and dignity and living wages for agricultural workers. Customers are free to choose which of the five nonprofits their proceeds support. The name, Pinot for the People, represents a desire to shake off the pretentiousness and exclusivity often associated with winemaking and Willamette Valley wines. “We are grape-farmers at our core,” says Taylor. “We are really here to build a community and share the fruits of our harvest.”

Through the end of 2020, Left Coast is selling their 2017 Cali’s Cuvee (92 points from Wine Enthusiast) on a pay-what-you-can basis, starting at $12. That is 50% off of the MSR of $24. All revenue over $11 will be donated to one of the five nonprofits. The promotion is online only through the company’s website, https://leftcoastwine.com/pinot-for-the-people. “We are so grateful to the restaurants, somms, retailers, distributors, consumers, and wine club members that have supported us over the past 17 years,” says matriarch and Founder, Suzanne Larson Pfaff. “In the winemaking industry, it truly takes a village and we would not be where we are without the community around us. This is our way of saying thank you.”

About Left Coast:

Left Coast Estate is a family-run winery, vineyard, and working farm. We are guided by two defining principles: a passion for making world-class wine from all-Estate fruit and a deep connection to the land where we live and farm. Each bottle is crafted to represent the unique terroir of our 490-acre estate. Our focus on terroir aligns with sustainable farming practices to preserve the integrity of our land for future generations. Our vineyards and winery are certified sustainable through LIVE, an independent, third-party certification that looks at all of the inputs into the land to ensure that they are in line with the latest university research and internationally accredited standards. We maintain over 200 acres of ecological compensation areas, of which over 100 acres are old growth white oak forests. Our oldest oaks are up to 450 years old and are the most threatened habitat in the Willamette Valley. We’ve partnered with the US Department of Fish & Wildlife to restore these forests by removing invasive species and bringing them under long-term care and conservation. Our visitors and guests have enjoyed the transformation of the Estate as USA Today voted us as Oregon’s Top Tasting Room of 2017 and most recently voted top 100 Best fan-favorite destinations in Oregon 2019.

Connect on social:

@leftcoastwine
#pinotforthepeople