Just Around the Corner From Barcelona, Welcome to Penedès Wine Region

October 27, 2021 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – An hour drive west of kaleidoscopic Barcelona, the Penedès region has recently come under the radar of wine lovers looking for a quiet off-the-beaten-path place where to taste some graceful wine while still benefiting from Barcelona’s flight and train connections.

Located halfway between Barcelona and Tarragona, Pedenès Protected Denomination of Origin extends over 6178 acres, with vines covering ten different micro-regions scattered all the way from the sea up to steep hills of about 800 metres. Xarello, the flagship variety of Penedès, gives life to refreshing and vibrant whites, which gain in complexity and texture when aged in oak. Reds, which make up for 35% of the local production, represent the undiscovered jewel of the region, a repertoire ranging from native Samsò rich in anthocyanins to fruity Ull de Llebre, from juicy Garnatxa to Monastrell suitable for ageing and international varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense rosé wines are also produced in the region, mainly from Garnatxa.

The region, whose wine production dates back to the Phoenicians as witnessed by archaeological sites such as Font de la Canya in Avinyonet del Penedès, has been able to preserve its traditions while keeping up with technical innovation and featuring a fresh and attractive quality wine offering which resonates with the nearby city of Barcelona and its vibrant cultural life. Daily wine tours to Penedès country as well as weekend retreats among the vineyards are easy to arrange, allowing those that want to escape the city to explore a rich vinous inheritance, a tasty cuisine and historical attractions.

Penedès is one of the many PDOs featured in Taste The Difference campaign which focuses on promoting quality wines made in Spain and Italy with activities running from October to December 2021 all over the US.

About TASTE THE DIFFERENCE PROGRAM
The program: European quality wines: taste the difference is a project financed by the European Union and managed by Unione Italiana Vini and PRODECA for the promotion of PDO and PGI European wines abroad in China and US. In order to achieve this objective, the TTD.EU program will organize wine seminars, workshops and b2b meetings both in these countries and in Spain and Italy, inviting wine professionals to join study trips to Europe. The program, realized in the span of three years (2021-2023) aims at creating awareness about European quality wines, in particular Italian and Spanish, which share a long tradition and a high standard of quality.

The beneficiaries: Unione Italiana Vini is the oldest and most commissioned Association of the Italian wine market. It represents cooperative, private and agricultural wine-companies, bottlers, consortia, associations and wine-making machines or wine cellars / laboratory manufacturers, located throughout the Italian territory. Promotora de Exportaciones Catalanas (PRODECA) is a public company established in 1986 and added to the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Government of the “Generalitat de Catalunya.

THESE EIGHT ICONIC WINERY EXPERIENCES AIM TO SPARK WINE WANDERLUST

September 6, 2021 by evebushman

From Napa Valley to the Central Coast, these Eight Wineries from Foley Family Wines Offer Exciting Tasting Experiences Throughout California

SANTA ROSA, Calif. -With travel back on the agenda for 2021, wineries are welcoming visitors with open arms and a slew of entertaining and engaging experiences that go beyond the usual swirl-and-sip tasting. These eight California wineries, all part of the Foley Family Wines portfolio, beckon travelers up and down the state with activities ranging from weekend brunch to strolls among horse stables to cave tours and more. Reservations are available online at each winery’s website; all winery information is available at https://foleyfamilywines.com.

Ferrari-Carano, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County – Sycamore Grove Wine & Brunch by @allisonuncorked

Ferrari-Carano, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County – Sycamore Grove Wine & Brunch

Long known for its unparalleled hospitality, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery recently unveiled new tasting experiences that showcase this Sonoma County winery’s stunning gardens, vineyards and outdoor enclaves. Enhanced appointment-only tastings held in the Sycamore Grove or outdoor Terrace invite guests to sit amongst shady trees and experience the winemaker’s favorite wines paired with Italian-inspired bites prepared by the Estate Chef. On Sundays, visitors can enjoy La Colazione Italiana (Breakfast Italian Style) at the signature Sycamore Grove Wine & Brunch. $30 per person, Il Terrazzo Tasting; $85 per person, Brunch. Reservations available daily from 11 AM to 5 PM; Sunday Brunch, 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM only. Book online at www.ferrari-carano.com. 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Chalk Hill Estate, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County – Vineyard Overlook Experience

Founded in 1972, Chalk Hill Estate Vineyard and Winery is a premier Sonoma County wine estate best known for its iconic Chardonnay, as well as its limited-production, estate-grown wines. The spectacular 1,300-acre estate is home to multiple venues hosting elevated experiences, organic culinary gardens and largely uncultivated wilderness in an effort to preserve the land. Its signature wine tasting, The Vineyard Overlook Experience, offers guests an elegant and immersive guided-tasting experience with picturesque vineyard views of the Russian River Valley alongside an array of estate-grown wines. $40 per person. Reservations available daily from 11 AM to 3 PM at www.chalkhill.com. 10300 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448.

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, Sonoma – Historic Cherryblock Vineyard Tour and Tasting

Sebastiani’s historic Cherryblock Vineyard Tour and Tasting takes guests on a private 90-minute excursion with a Senior Wine Educator to learn about the winery’s rich history, unique viticulture and the winemaking philosophy behind their world-famous estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Cherryblock. Tasting includes five signature wines, including two vintages of Cherryblock. $110 per person. Reservations available daily from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM at www.sebastiani.com. 389 4th St E, Sonoma, CA 95476.

Chalone Vineyard, Soledad, Central Coast – Signature Tasting

Monterey County’s oldest winery, Chalone Vineyard, is perched in the ruggedly beautiful terrain of the Gavilan Bench with a storied past as remarkable as its acclaimed wines. Located 1,800 feet above the Salinas Valley and bordering Pinnacles National Park, the estate’s rolling vineyards benefit from a unique combination of limestone and granite soils that create wines with distinctive minerality. Visitors will enjoy an intimate wine tasting of five estate wines while learning about a winery whose Chardonnay brought California wines to the world stage during the landmark Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976. $25 per person. Reservations available Friday through Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM at www.chalonevineyard.com. 32020 Stonewall Canyon Road, Soledad, CA 93960.

Lincourt Vineyards, Central Coast

Lincourt Vineyards is nestled in Santa Barbara County outside of the Dutch-inspired town of Solvang in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, one of the most coveted cool-climate AVAs in California. Lincourt’s tasting room is located in an original 1926 Sears Craftsman Kit Home that has served as the farmhouse of what was once a dairy farm. The property has retained the rustic, rural charm and simplicity of an earlier era. Named for Bill and Carol Foley’s daughters, Lindsay and Courtney, Lincourt produces small-lot bottlings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Guests can enjoy views of the beautiful estate vineyard for their seated tastings on the patio, with the option of an accompanying cheese and charcuterie plate. $30 per person; additional $30 for charcuterie plate. Reservations available daily from 11 AM to 5 PM at www.lincourtwines.com. 1711 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang, CA 93463.

Firestone Winery, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County – Friday Night Wine Experiences

Firestone is located in a unique cusp region with a “Goldilocks” climate that is neither too hot nor too cold. Visitors can enjoy seating tastings in the tasting room, on the lawn or in the courtyard, with flights including wines ranging from crisp white to intense red blends. Throughout the summer, Firestone offers a coveted Friday Night Summer Concert Series, featuring live music from 6 PM to 9 PM and wines by the bottle. Food is available for purchase from either Filthy Filly’s Steakhouse Food Truck or Tom’s BBQ for tri-tip sandwiches. Friday concerts are free; reservations are required and available at www.firestonewine.com. 5017 Zaca Station Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441.

Lancaster Estate, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County – Hillside Cave Tour & Tasting

An exceptional cave tour experience, highlighting our unique wine library & our detailed barrel aging process. Based on County restrictions, you may experience limited access during your visit. Join us in our Garden Grove for an intimate tasting of four estate wines in a relaxed outdoor setting, overlooking our premier Bordeaux varietals grown exclusively in Alexander Valley. Allow our wines to reveal the unique character of our hillside estate. $75 per person. Reservations available daily from 10 AM to 4 PM at www.lancaster-estate.com. 15001 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448.

Foley Johnson, Rutherford, Napa Valley – Three Wineries in One Stop

Housed in a converted 1920s redwood barn, Foley Johnson’s tasting room offers three iconic Napa Valley winery tastings in one location. Guests can reserve an indoor or patio tasting of wines from Foley Johnson, Kuleto Estate and Merus wineries — three distinctive Napa Valley wineries brought together under one roof by Bill Foley and his wife, Carol Johnson. $85 per person for Luxury Cabernet Vertical; $50-55 per person for Foley Johnson or Kuleto Estate patio tasting. Reservations available daily from 10 AM to 5 PM at www.foleyjohnsonwines.com. 8350 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573.

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About Foley Family Wines

Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines is a portfolio of highly-acclaimed wines from some of the world’s greatest vineyards. Every brand in the company’s portfolio has a distinct style and legacy. Encompassing more than two dozen wineries across the globe, Foley Family Wines is the proud steward of some of the wine world’s iconic brands and winery experiences. The Foley Food & Wine Society, the world’s leading luxury lifestyle community, provides members with a gateway to an unmatched variety of culinary, travel, and entertainment experiences around the globe, including the US, New Zealand, Italy, France, Argentina, and Chile. 200 Concourse Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95403; (707) 542-4565; https://foleyfamilywines.com.

Trivento® Ascends to #1 Argentine Wine Brand in the World

September 4, 2021 by evebushman

MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Bodega Trivento announced it is now the world’s top-selling Argentine wine brand following a 2020 report from global consulting firm IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. Achieving combined global retail and e-commerce sales of more than US$250 million, the Malbec powerhouse known as the House of Wind doubled sales performance over the past five years to obtain the top spot in the global ranking.

Contributing to the brand’s momentum are enhanced sustainability initiatives such as Trivento’s new B Corp Certification

Founded in 1996, Trivento specializes in acclaimed Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from some of the most sought-after high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza. Contributing to the brand’s global momentum are ongoing strategic investments in infrastructure, vineyards and people to drive recognized quality in the glass; a focus on expanding distribution in key markets; the development of highly visible, brand-relevant partnerships in regional markets; and enhanced sustainability initiatives and consumer-relevant green credentials such as Trivento’s recent B Corp Certification.

Trivento CEO Marcos Jofré credits this worldwide milestone to the extended Trivento team, noting that “we are very proud of this achievement, and it is the result of the efforts of so many people, from our workers in the vineyards to those who represent our wines in international markets.”

Trivento U.S. – Leveraging Excellence, Tech and Partnerships in Equal Measure
Imported to the U.S. by Fetzer Vineyards, Trivento Reserve Malbec (SRP $11) is an 11-time Wine Enthusiast Best Buy and the #3-selling Malbec, while the brand overall is a Top-5 premium Argentine import. The collection continues to grow mindshare and momentum stateside through enhanced availability including traditional, online and delivery-focused retail channels, tech-forward marketing, and as the official partner of Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami CF.

“It’s exciting to see Trivento take its place as the leading Argentine wine brand in the world,” noted Rodrigo Maturana, senior vice president of marketing and international business for Fetzer Vineyards. “A focus on ensuring our wines are available wherever U.S. consumers are, along with technology plays that elevate our marketing—from augmented reality soccer experiences to virtual winery tours—gave us a boost in recent years and continues to create tailwinds for Trivento, now even more broadly available thanks to enhanced distribution.”

Global Growth Credited to Sustainable, Long-Term Market Development
In addition to successes in the U.S., key markets fueling Trivento’s growth include the UK, where Trivento Reserve Malbec is the number one-selling red wine, while Trivento as a brand counts among the top 10-selling wine brands overall; Brazil, which notched sales growth of 88%; and South Korea, where 2020 saw a remarkable 935% increase in sales. Partnerships in key markets with the likes of Discovery Channel (UK and Mexico), and Major League Soccer (the U.S., where Trivento was the official wine of MLS through 2020) further boosted visibility and engagement with the brand.

In Argentina, Trivento continues to enhance its foundation for future growth, strengthening sustainability commitments with—among other initiatives—completion of the largest winery solar array in the nation, and investing in winemaking infrastructure and vineyards. The recent purchase and ongoing revitalization of a winery and circa-1940 villa in iconic Luján du Cuyo expands Trivento’s winemaking footprint in a prime terroir and complements ongoing excellence at Trivento’s celebrated winery and visitor center in Maipú. With a venerable collection of critically lauded wines at every price point now topping sales rosters worldwide, Trivento is poised to deliver further momentum on its latest significant accolade.

About Bodega Trivento
Rooted in the energy of Argentina’s passion for wine, Trivento—meaning three winds in Spanish—is synonymous with expressive, terroir-driven Malbec that paints a vivid portrait of Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The character and quality of each wine is guided by the spirited vision of Chief Winemaker Germán Di Cesare, who honors the varied soils, mountain snowmelt and powerful winds that shape Mendoza’s vines.

Four distinct Trivento collections highlight the unique characteristics of two coveted sub-regions in Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley: Eolo, a single-vineyard luxury Malbec from century-old vines; Golden Reserve, a passionate expression of treasured and historic Malbec vines; and Reserve, a beloved collection crafted predominantly from estate vines that includes the ascendant Maximum Red Blend and the #3 best-selling Malbec in the U.S. Founded in 1996 and today a Certified B Corporation, Trivento welcomes visitors to experience the wine and culture of Mendoza at Bodega Trivento in Maipú or through a virtual tour of the winery’s modern art space, vineyards and barrel room. Learn more at trivento.com.

SOURCE Trivento US

The New Masters of Wine Virtually Explore Tuscany

July 19, 2021 by evebushman

TUSCANY, ITALY (PRWEB) – Lamberto Frescobaldi, president of Marchesi Frescobaldi, and Gabriele Gorelli, Montalcino native and the first Italian Master of Wine, hosted this year’s newly appointed Masters of Wine, in a guided virtual tasting on the terroir and flavors of Tuscany’s most important denominations, across the 7 iconic estates of the historic Frescobaldi winery. The annual event is intended to support the Masters of Wine as they continue their careers as Italian ambassadors of wine and provide ongoing education, insights and dialogue.

The virtual tasting and tour explored the hills of Castello Pomino, the maritime climate of Tenuta Ammiraglia’s Maremma, the island of Gorgona, quintessential Chianti Classico in Tenuta Perano, the family’s history in Tenuta Castiglioni, the surprising international blend in the Chianti Rufina of Castello Nipozzano, and finally timeless elegance of Brunello di Montalcino from Tenuta CastelGiocondo.

“We like to think of Frescobaldi as an authentic agricultural reality that has allowed us to truly represent Tuscany through the different estates,” says Lamberto Frescobaldi, “This fortune has always reminded us of the importance of sharing our experience and the beauty of the land we have lived in and cultivated for generations. This is why we decided to organize this virtual trip dedicated to people that we consider as important ambassadors of wine culture in the world. A moment of togetherness and an encounter that has been more special thanks to the presence of Gabriele Gorelli, the first Italian Master of Wine, who shares our origins and love for Tuscany.”

“It was an honor and pleasure for me to be able to share the story of my native land through an ideal motorcycle trip across the Frescobaldi estates,” adds Gabriele Gorelli MW, “Most importantly, it was my great joy to have accompanied my fellow Masters of Wine who have travelled a tough and challenging road. It is surprising how great ideas can arise from an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. I wish that welcoming the new MW can become a new tradition for Frescobaldi.”

The event was well received by the attending Masters of Wine and is planned to take place annually for the new class of MWs to fully discover the richness of Tuscan territory and its wine production.

Chianti Classico Finds the Silver Lining of the 2020 Vintage

October 10, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – As the Covid-19 crisis forced tasting room, tourism, and restaurant closures across Italy and Europe, the winemakers of the Chianti Classico Consortium (Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico) have been able to spend more time than ever in their vineyards and cellars. The result is that in such a challenging and altogether unheralded year, Chianti Classico producers have had a chance to focus on the 2020 vintage with a never-before-possible commitment to detail and singular attention to every aspect of cultivation, vineyard management, and production.

While 2020 has not been an easy year, the quality of this Black Rooster vintage may well turn out to be legendary, according to Chianti Classico Consortium President GIovani Manetti—and perhaps one of the greatest in living memory.

“The pandemic has in fact given us a unique opportunity: that of being able to concentrate all our efforts on the care of the vineyard for a few months,” says Manetti. “The goal that we, Chianti Classico winemakers, have today is to produce the best wine of our career and that this is the memory that we will bring with us in a few years, when we will open some exceptional bottles of Gallo Nero 2020.”

While rooted in centuries of tradition and history, the Chianti Classico Consortium is a thoroughly modern organization making use of all new resources and support mechanisms available to assist innovation, cooperation, and production among stakeholders as member producers continue to maintain growth under challenging circumstances.

As winemakers spend more time than ever tending to their vineyards, the Consortium has approved an extraordinary plan of interventions to support the appellation in the post-Covid emergency period, with strategic planning designed so as to not to interrupt the path—undertaken for years—of valorization and development that has defined the denomination. The emergency actions taken by the Consortium have also provided for a January 1, 2021 release, instead of October 1, for the 2019 vintage, which is itself shaping up to praiseworthy.

Extraordinary times produce extraordinary wines, and the upcoming releases and vintage reports from Chianti Classico will undoubtedly show that this historical denomination’s future is just as bright as ever.

For more information, please contact Silvia Fiorentini of the Chianti Classico Consortium or Andrew Lohse of Colangelo & Partners.

About the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico:
The Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico exists to protect, oversee, and valorize the Chianti Classico denomination. Since the Consortium’s founding in 1924, the organization has changed its name and the design of its logo, the Black Rooster, which since 2005 has been the trademark of the whole denomination. As one of the premier institutional organizations in the European Union in the grape-growing and winemaking sector, the Consortium represents 96 percent of the DOCG production. The entire production chain is supervised by a public tracking system, which enables consumers all over the world to check the bottle they’ve purchased via the Consortium’s website. The Consortium also conducts research and development in the agronomic and enological fields, in collaboration with prestigious educational and research institutes. For more information, please visit http://www.chianticlassico.com.

Chilean Wine Sales Are Up, Reversing 10-Year Trend

October 3, 2020 by evebushman

On Friday, September 18, Chile celebrated its national Independence Day. The country’s wine exporters can also raise a glass to a recent sales turnaround: Reversing a ten-year downward trend, Chilean wines sales are up in the U.S. According to the latest import data, Chile is the seventh largest source of imported wine in the U.S., and the only one of the top seven to experience an increase in U.S. sales during the first quarter of 2020.

Wines of Chile, Year to Date

In a comparison of year-to-year sales, Chile saw a 40.68% increase in volume, translating into a 36.57% uptick in dollars in the 12-month period concluding June 30, 2020. While bulk wines account for roughly two-thirds of that volume, bottle sales have risen by 2% in volume, and 13% in value.
Red wines continue to drive Chilean wine sales, led by red blends and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chile is riding high on three “on-trend” categories: rosés, bag-in-box, and Mediterranean wines here in the 12-month period ending June 30, 2020

- The country’s rosé sales have more than doubled — up 114%
- Bag-in-box exports have grown by over 19% in volume
- Mediterranean varieties like País and Carignan are not only catching the attraction of the trade and wine experts, including off-premise channels such as supermarkets

The leading driver for Chile’s wine sales in the U.S. continues to be the country’s larger, well-established players with broad nationwide U.S. distribution, who are benefitting from consumer reliance on “tried-and-trusted,” familiar and reliable brands during the pandemic.

– The current pricing sweet spot for Chile in the U.S. is $10-$20, with the biggest growth in the $11-$15 category. According to Alonso “This is where Chile excels and demonstrates outstanding value-to-quality performance.” The Chilean category has also been able to absorb with relative ease the average 1% pricing decrease affecting domestic and imported wines in the first semester of this year.

Also of Note

– Eighty percent of Chilean wines exported are sustainable and verified as such. Notes Alonso: “Chile is a world leader in sustainability from vineyard to table and Wines of Chile has been instrumental in settings standards in this area.” The Wines of Chile Responsibility Code covers: (1) sustainable technical management of vineyards, (2) winery and bottling practices, (3) safety and social responsibility covering workers, nearby communities and even customers, and (4) Sustainable Wine Tourism, a recently launched initiative.

– 70% of Chilean wines exported to the U.S. are sold in off-premise accounts.

– In a new Wine Opinions survey, 48% of consumers who regularly spend over $20 a bottle reported an increase in their average weekly wine consumption. With great values at the $20-plus end of the spectrum, Chile looks to attract new converts.

– During COVID-19, the data also shows that the largest consumers of wine have been millennials. While millennials drink less wine than the previous generation, when they do, they are more adventurous, and willing to try new varieties such as País.

About Wines of Chile: The mission of Wines of Chile is to promote the quality and image of Chilean wines throughout the world. With offices in the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and Chile, the organization, working closely with ProChile, develops and offers promotional and educational programs. Its members represent over 75% percent of Chile’s bottled wine exports.

TOR Napa Valley Announces Four New Private Tasting Experiences for Summer and Harvest

July 27, 2020 by evebushman

ST. HELENA, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — TOR Napa Valley looks forward to welcoming guests back to the Napa Valley with a variety of new private experiences and tastings for summer and harvest. All tastings and experiences will be exclusively private and by-appointment-only, allowing guests the chance to visit some of Napa’s Grand Cru vineyards, walk amongst the vines and experience TOR’s famed wines—following the CDC’s extensive health and safe precautions and measures.

WHAT’S NEW FOR SUMMER AND HARVEST 2020

The Pritchard Hill Hike & Flight ($200 per person)

Greg Melanson’s Pritchard Hill vineyard is prime real estate for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Perched approximately 1500 feet above the valley floor. The vineyard shares august neighbors: across from Colgin and adjacent to Continuum and OVID.

After either a heart pumping vineyard walk or leisurely stroll, enjoy a tasting of TOR’s Grand Dames Chardonnays, followed by three vintages of TOR’s spectacular Melanson Cabernets paired with small bites.

The Black Magic Experience ($750 per person)

Only a select few can ever experience Napa Valley like this. The TOR Black Magic Experience is available on a very limited basis by-appointment-only.

Limited to a tiny handful of guests, this is a true behind the curtains peek into the life of a vintner at the top of their game, and what goes into making 100-point wines at TOR.

David Grega, TOR’s Associate Winemaker, will be the host for an exclusive tour of the haloed soils of the legendary Beckstoffer Dr. Crane. Beckstoffer To Kalon and Vine Hill Ranch.

Guests will then then have the rare opportunity to taste barrel samples considered for TOR’s next Black and Pure Magic wines, prior to relaxing over a delicious three-course lunch nestled in gardens beneath Vine Hill Ranch. With lunch, enjoy a selection of highly rated TOR wines.

Al Fresco Wines Experience ($125 per person)

Wheeler Farms’ 12-acre historic estate on Zinfandel Lane in St. Helena plays host to this al fresco tasting.

Guests will enjoy a stroll through Wheeler Farms’ gardens and state-of-the-art winemaking facility. Tastings feature five wines from a selection of Napa Valley’s First Growth vineyards, and the wines are paired with a cheese and charcuterie platter prepared by Chef Sarah Heller.

ABOUT TOR NAPA VALLEY
TOR Napa Valley produces single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in the Napa Valley. Tor Kenward has spent more than 40 years in the wine business and established TOR Wines in 2001 to produce wines from only the best blocks in great vineyard sites he knew and revered. In October 2016, Robert M. Parker Jr. said of TOR: “Tor Kenward is using his vast experience in the wine industry and impressive palate to find exceptional terroirs and produce fascinating wines that merit serious attention.”

New York Wine Events presents Private Day Trip To Wine Country

July 13, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – New York Wine Events is pleased to announce a new take on its popular Day Trip to Wine Country tours, offered Thursdays through Sundays from July 6 to November 15, 2020. The all-new Private Day Trip to Wine Country program offers private groups of 2-12 guests a safe, custom VIP tour experience all their own. All day trips provide private transportation with recommended health precautions in place as well as a completely private experience at the selected wineries. Customizing their day, guests get to select two featured wineries of their choice for tours to Long Island Wine Country or the Hudson Valley, plus have the option to include lunch. Additionally, all roundtrip transportation aboard luxury vans originates and returns to one location of the party’s choice, anywhere in midtown Manhattan from 23rd to 59th Streets. Guests also select their departure time. Arrival back in Manhattan is approximately 9 hours later.

Guided by knowledgeable wine connoisseurs adhering to social distancing practices and wearing masks, the private tours visit two award-winning wineries per excursion, sampling 4-5 selections at each. Spending an enjoyable 90 minutes at each winery, guests are hosted by winemakers and key vineyard personnel and gain first-hand insights into how the wine was made during friendly, informative chats and tastings with ample opportunity to ask questions.

Wineries included in this season’s Long Island tours include Jamesport Vineyards, Lenz Winery, Pellegrini Vineyards, Pindar Vineyards, and Sannino Vineyards. Hudson Valley wine tours include Benmarl Winery, Nostrano Vineyards, Robibero Winery, and Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery. An optional lunch (available for purchase at time of booking online) offers finger sandwiches including grilled local vegetables with a balsamic reduction on a baguette; fresh mozzarella with tomatoes, basil, and house-made pesto on semolina, and/or grilled antibiotic-free chicken with local romaine and house-made honey mustard on a rosemary roll.

“We understand that typically outgoing New Yorkers are in need of something fun to do after being homebound for so long. New York Wine Events created Private Day Trip to Wine Country tours to meet this need, with a fully private, safety-conscious VIP experience offering a relaxing, educational day amidst the vines, tasting the best regional wines,” explains New York Wine Event founder Sam Kimball, curator of the personalized tour series. “What better way to get out in the open, taking in stunning scenery and enjoying some of New York State’s finest wineries in a private group setting, just a short trip from Manhattan.”

All tours include a local farm stand stop where freshly baked pies, fresh produce, and other treats are available for purchase. Additionally, the wineries will be offering bottles for purchase, discount packs, and wine club memberships so guests can continue to enjoy their favorite wines at home.

Tours take place rain or shine. Guests can savor their VIP experience in comfort, in a private area designated for the group, safely distanced from other patrons. All guests must be 21 or older, no exceptions.

Private Day Trip to Wine Country bookings are available now, ranging $149-$249 per person, depending on the number of people in the private party. Check web site for special weekday discounts. Accommodations can also be made for larger groups of 13 or more; inquiries welcome at info@newyorkwineevents.com. All tours must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

For complete details and to book a one-of-a-kind Private Day Trip to Wine Country, visit NewYorkWineEvents.com.

About New York Wine Events
New York Wine Events cultivates memories that last a lifetime through the unifying art of food and drink. We believe in the magic of treating yourself to the luxury and leisure you deserve, and we strive to provide you with valuable information and education, so you can discover your new favorite wine, craft food or beverage. Whether it’s at one of our virtual wine tastings, wine fests, on a private day trip to wine country, while browsing other area food and drink events, or reading our in-depth articles online about the area food and drink scene, however you indulge — be it through adventure, celebration, or curiosity — we’re here to make it easy, affordable, and most importantly, fun. Learn more at: NewYorkWineEvents.com.

Rocky Pond Estate Winery Adds Talented New Executive Chef

June 18, 2020 by evebushman

ORONDO, Wash., PRNewswire/ — Rocky Pond Estate Winery, the up-and-coming Washington producer crafting wines from their beautiful riverside and lakeside estate vineyards, is announcing a major advancement by adding an experienced Chef to develop a cutting-edge culinary program to further elevate and expand their highly regarded wine experiences.

Double D Vineyards

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Chef Austin to our growing team,” state Owners and Founders David and Michelle Dufenhorst. “This is yet another way that we are elevating Rocky Pond as the Eastern Washington wine destination. The culinary program will be another shining piece of the puzzle and will accentuate the majestic setting, excellent terroir, sustainably farmed vineyards, and distinct wines. Chef Austin’s creativity and experience in fine dining will assist us in fulfilling our mission to create the most memorable wine experiences in the Pacific Northwest.”

By adding Chef Austin to develop and lead the culinary program, the ownership team is looking to take another big step in taking their young wine brand to the next level through a variety of wine and food pairing experiences, wine dinners, and so much more.

Chef Austin is no stranger to the region. He grew up in the picturesque Lake Chelan area and graduated from Chelan High School before bouncing between California and Seattle to chase his culinary dreams. Ultimately, he would land starring roles in some of the top fine dining destinations on the West Coast, including Executive Sous Chef at the Craftsman in Encinitas California, Chef Tournant in Seattle Met’s Restaurant of the Year, Altura Restaurant, and most recently at the Campfire Restaurant in Carlsbad California. He is also no stranger to the world of wine, working at Carruth Cellars in Solana Beach California as the assistant winemaker over multiple vintages.

“I am so excited to be joining the Rocky Pond team as their new Executive Chef,” states Chef Austin. “They have been building an unparalleled paradise in one of the most underrated corners of the Columbia Valley that I have been lucky enough to call home for many years. I am beyond excited to create a culinary program like no other so we can continue to make this area a top travel destination for wine and food lovers not only from Seattle, but from the Pacific Northwest and the entire West Coast.”

The Dufenhorsts with John Ware and Chef Austin have more exciting plans in the pipeline that will be announced very soon. Soon, interested consumers can enjoy wines and a full culinary offering at both of Rocky Pond’s highly adorned tasting lounges located in Lake Chelan and Woodinville, WA in addition to at their winery in Orondo, WA. More info at: www.RockyPondWinery.com.

About Rocky Pond Estate Winery:

Rocky Pond Estate Winery was established in 2013 by David and Michelle Dufenhorst. The winery itself takes its name from the tumbled granite stones found on their estate vineyards located in one of the most awe-inspiring regions of the Columbia River Valley.

Regionally, Rocky Pond Estate Winery is making a name for itself as a premier Washington winery that is focused on producing Bordeaux and Rhone-style wines that showcase the truly unique terroir of their sustainably farmed riverside estate vineyards deeply rooted in the soils of the geographic wonder that is the Columbia River Valley.

Wine Enthusiast recently awarded multiple offerings 90+ points, and in 2019, Wine Press Northwest named Rocky Pond Estate Winery its 2019 Washington Winery to Watch.

Interested in Wines From Israel? Free, Live-Streamed Wine Events Until July

May 30, 2020 by evebushman

Join Wine Experts, Winemakers, and Celebrity Chefs in a 24-Part Series Celebrating All Things Israeli Wine- Through July 5th

(Israel, MAY 2020) – Have you ever dreamed of a sunset picnic in a historic vineyard? Interested in an exclusive tour of a secret wine cave? Curious about life on a kibbutz winery?

Flam Winery in Israel, photo from Israel Wine Producers Association on Facebook.

Novices and oenophiles alike can explore all this and more with Kosherwine.com’s free Live-Streamed Wine Events, presented in partnership with the Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA), now through July 5. Visit Kosherwine.com (www.kosherwine.com/experiences) for a full schedule, to register, receive notices of every event, and catch up on past episodes.

The 24-part series launched on May 3 with a tour of the internationally renowned boutique winery, Shiloh Winery, featuring winemaker Amichai Lurie. Another on May 14 offered a wine tasting with Illana Ben-Zaken from the famed Castel Winery, the first modern-day vineyard in the ancient Judean Hills. Upcoming highlights include a live cooking class with celebrity chef Avner Guzman, an introduction to the art of blending wines, a cocktail class featuring Morad wines, a walking tour of Jerusalem as it prepares for the Sabbath, and tasting notes with Shiloh winemaker Amichai Lourie.

Each event focuses on a different Israeli wine producer whose notable products are widely distributed across the U.S. and beyond: Yatir, Nadiv, Zion Winery, Binyamina, and others.

Viewers will be able to purchase Sampler Sets from each winery at a discount price to taste along with the experts or enjoy afterwards. They are encouraged to submit questions for the expert prior to these sessions, and one lucky winner will receive a free bottle of wine and a VIP winery tour for each live event.

Kosherwine.com is the largest kosher wine e-commerce retailer and a great resource for information and news about kosher wine. Under President Dovid Riven, the company carries the largest selection of kosher wines as well as the largest selection of wines from Israel. It ships to 46 states in the USA (free shipping with 12 bottle purchase).

The Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA) was established to unify the leading quality Israeli wineries to promote Israel as a fine wine growing region. Under Executive VP Josh Greenstein, IWPA positions these fine Israeli wines as an essential category to be included in all better wine retail outlets and restaurants. Israeli wine blends ancient history with the most modern technology to produce some of the industry’s finest wines, making Israel one of the fastest growing winemaking regions in the world.