Eve's Wine 101

Local Winemakers Star In A New Film Premiere

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San Luis Obispo, Calif. – November 2022: Local San Luis Obispo County winemakers incorporating ancient winemaking techniques are featured in a new film, “The Amphora Project – Past Forward” by The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County. The community is invited to the film’s exclusive, one-night-only premiere on December 1 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Park Cinemas in downtown Paso Robles. After the show, attendees can meet the winemakers and taste their wine. Tickets are $30; proceeds go to support the preservation of local history at the Paso Robles History Museum.

One of the top wine professionals in the United States, wine educator, and author of the acclaimed THE WINE BIBLE, Karen MacNeil, hosts the film “The Amphora Project – Past Forward.” It stars the following local winemakers: John Alban, Daniel Callan, Vailia From, Gelert Hart, Sherman Thacher, Brian Terrizzi, and Stephanie Terrizzi. Dr. Patrick McGovern and Manu Fiorentini are also featured. Production was thanks to Partners 2 Media and The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County.

Libbie Agran, Director of The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County, shares more on why she’s looking forward to the film’s premiere. “Our organization has been researching the use of amphorae in local winemaking for years. We’ve interviewed a lot of local winemakers to understand why they’ve taken to incorporating such an ancient winemaking practice into their modern wine operations. Their stories are intriguing and marvelous! Our team can’t wait to share these passionate tales with our community on the big screen.”

Tickets are expected to sell out for this exclusive one-night-only premiere paired with complimentary wine tasting. The community is encouraged to purchase tickets early at winehistoryproject.org/film-premier. For more information or questions, email Libbie@WineHistoryProject.org or call (805) 439-4647.

### About Us

The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County preserves and presents two centuries of viticulture through research, interviews, exhibitions, films, and publications and work with local vintners and growers to bring to life the wine history of San Luis Obispo County. By working together with our community, we can preserve the story of Central Coast winemaking.

Wine Expert and Importer Sandra Guibord Launches First Book and Begins Northeast Book Tour

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NEW YORK, NY  – Sandra Guibord, CEO and Founder of Sandra’s Wine Life, has published her first book, Find Your Wine Identity, that serves as a consummate guide to the world of wine.

A prominent figure within the wine and spirits community, Guibord is known for leading Fortune 500 companies including Wells Fargo, Citi Corp, News Corp, ABC, and the United Nations in entertaining top clients and senior executives and hosting wine tastings for esteemed guests, charitable organizations, and on live television. Find Your Wine Identity encourages readers to feel more confident about buying and sharing wine and to expand their knowledge on wine varietals, regions, and wine-making methods.

Published by White River Press, the new book offers “sip-worthy” suggestions to beginners and wine connoisseurs by season, sharing unique wine choices, recipes for the perfect wine-pairings, and notable entertaining tips. Guibord even shares the fascinating history of each wine for potential party conversation and tests readers’ knowledge with Sandra’s Sipping Quiz.

“I‘ve spent years in the wine industry and absolutely love sharing my knowledge and expertise to help everyone learn about wine,” said Guibord. “Wine can be very personal, enjoying a bottle is as much about the wine itself as it is about having a comfortable experience. I wrote Find Your Wine Identity to help anyone – from beginners to enthusiasts, experts and beyond – to break out of their “wine rut” to discover new wines to enjoy and savor, and to create wonderful memories and experiences in the process.” 

Guibord will embark on a Northeast book tour where she will host intimate wine tastings featuring pairings from her book. The locations of the book tour include various Barnes & Noble locations, all of which can be found here.

Find Your Wine Identity is available for purchase on Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and select Barnes & Noble locations in hardcover and paperback.

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About Sandra Guibord, Sandra’s Wine Life 

Sandra Guibord, CEO and Founder of Sandra’s Wine Life has over two decades of experience in entertainment and business. A former Wilhelmina model and actress, in soap operas, network television series, films and corporate spokesperson roles, Sandra is now a preeminent guide within the wine and spirits community.

Sandra assists Financial institutions, Law firms, Tech Corporations and nonprofits with entertaining their top clientele and senior executives. Sandra Guibord has made the often-vexing world of wine enjoyable through her fun, festive and informative approach that has been well received by wine enthusiasts from novices to connoisseurs. She offers practical wine advice, in person and virtually, that are addictive to business dinners, romantic dates, and family gatherings over meatballs and spaghetti.

Learn more about Sandra’s Wine Life at www.sandraswinelife.com.

About White River Press

Founded in 2006, White River Press is a collaborative publishing house that works with experienced authors to publish new material and also bring their work back into print.

For more information, head to www.WhiteRiverPress.com.

Bucket List: Chateauneuf du Pape, Part One Domaine Pegau

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What’s on your Bucket List? While a normal person wants to check off going to Mars, driving a racecar or meeting a president, wine writers have lists that almost always include visiting wineries in far off places. Having Shiraz in Australia, Tempranillo in Spain, Chianti Classico in Italy and Malbec in Argentina are on our lists, but top of the list for me has always been France. I had two days in Bordeaux years ago and a week in the Garda DOC in Italy that just wet my whistle for more, so when a small group of wine writers was being put together, to visit Chateauneuf du Pape for arguably the best Rhone wines in the world, I poised my pencil over my list and made a huge mark – YES, please, take me!

Quick travel tips: Bottles are priced much less at the source, even with shipping costs; we saved in buying a case to have sent home. If you can’t get winery appointments, or don’t have the time, we found several tasting rooms in town – as well as several places for meals. None of us in our party spoke fluent French, and though it would have helped, we were fine communicating in English. You can drive your own car, on the right side of the street, but there are many roundabouts, toll roads and narrow roadways.

Domaine Pegau

Our first day in France began with a sunrise at our friend’s Villa in Monoblet. From there we traveled 90 minutes for a tour and tasting at Chateau (wines from the Cote du Rhone area) and Domaine (Chateauneuf du Pape area in Rhone) from Pegau. We have a few Domaine Pegau wines in our cellar and really looked forward to visiting the real deal.

From our host we learned that there are five towns in Chateauneuf du Pape that produced 95% red and 5% white wine grapes. They use 13 grape varieties and any given bottle only has to use one grape. Pegau – properly pronounced as “Pay-Go” – uses all 13, including blending white with red grapes. For their Cote du Rhone property Pegau makes 44% red wine and one Rose wine.

We learned that they are an old school winery, as far as winemaking techniques. When finished wine is ordered only then is a bottling truck ordered and labels created. (There are different laws for different labeling around the world, so that is the reason they have to wait to print the labels.)

Only old oak is used for aging and some barrels are 90 years old. Stainless steel tanks are only used for their white wines; some high-end whites also spend time in wood barrels and concrete eggs. They do no de-stem any of the wines, which for me meant that the terroir would show earthiness and tannins.

Now, onto the tasting! We sampled two Chateau Pegau Vallee du Rhone and two Domaine Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape, a white and red in each category, aged between 2019 and 2021. My personal preference on these leaned more toward the Chateauneuf du Pape wines and of particular note was the 2019 Cuvee Reservee that used all 13 Rhone grapes and 80% of that was Grenache. These wines were priced between 10 and 45 euros – which is pretty close to the same in American dollars.

Instagram: @Domaine_Du_Pegau

Website: https://pegau.com/

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 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Redemption Launches Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey, a First-of-Its-Kind Innovation

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Old world French winemaking meets 95% rye whiskey to deliver an unparalleled bold, rich and smooth whiskey experience.

STAMFORD, Conn., /PRNewswire/ — Continuing the brand’s commitment to deliver rare and unique rye-forward offerings, Redemption Whiskey announces the release of the latest addition to the brand’s highly sought after award-winning Specialty Series: Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey. Redemption Sur Lee was created utilizing a first-of-its-kind whiskey-making technique inspired by the French sur lie winemaking process and designed to add layers of complexity and roundness.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9090551-redemption-launches-sur-lee-straight-rye-whiskey/ 

The resulting whiskey is an entirely unique expression of rye, with rich taste, buttery notes, a silky finish and a hint of rye spice.

This whiskey innovation begins with Redemption’s award-winning classic pre-Prohibition rye mash bill, which boasts a rye content of 95%. Redemption then broke conventional whiskey-making norms by adding the flavorful backset that comes off the still during distillation, called the “whiskey lees,” into the barrels before aging. By periodically rotating the barrels during the aging process, the “lees” and whiskey continually interact and naturally infuse the whiskey with even more flavor. The “sur lee” method invigorates the rye’s complexity to further enhance and develop the whiskey. Before bottling, Sur Lee is non-chill filtered to maintain optimal flavors and aromas. The end result is a whiskey that’s deep and complex with a floral upfront, nutty backdrop and decadent, buttery notes of toasted marshmallow, maple and nutmeg, balanced with a lingering spicy finish.

Said Tom Steffanci, President of Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, which produces Redemption: “At the beginning of our creation process, we were curious to see what flavors would be imparted if we applied a technique similar to the French winemaking sur lie process to our amazing classic rye mash bill. We spent a lot of time adjusting the approach to get it just right and we are delighted with the delicious outcome. I can’t wait to hear from consumers once they have the opportunity to taste it.” 

Redemption Sur Lee is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. The striking bottle design, featuring a silkscreen label and metallic accents, artistically explains Sur Lee’s ground-breaking process, beautifully showcasing how the old-world winemaking process was applied to transform the whiskey.

Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey, a very limited release, is available in NY, DE, FL, CA, TX, and MA, from October 1st and while supplies last with a suggested retail price of $59.99/750 ML.

In addition to this newest release, the Redemption Specialty Series portfolio includes the award-winning Redemption Cognac Cask Finish, Redemption Wheated Bourbon, Redemption Rum Cask Finish, and Redemption High Rye Bourbon Single Barrel Select. Whiskey lovers are also invited to enjoy the award-winning Redemption Rye, Redemption High Rye Bourbon, and Redemption Bourbon classic whiskeys, and coveted Limited Edition Barrel Proof offerings.


To learn more, click here.About Redemption Whiskey

Redemption is leading the rye revival, with a full range of bold and spicy super-premium award-winning whiskeys that are masterfully aged and blended. Nearly lost for a century, modern drinkers are rediscovering rye’s spicy, rebellious nature, complex enough to be enjoyed neat, with a strong enough backbone to stand up in cocktails. It is a classic American comeback story, one that is only just beginning as Redemption continually pushes boundaries – and expectations – in whiskey innovation. Redemption Whiskey has been named a Hot Prospect Brand by Shanken’s IMPACT three consecutive years (2018-2020), the 2022 World’s Best Bourbon (2022 San Francisco Spirits Awards) and is the 2021 Rye Whiskey Brand of the Year according to the NY International Spirits Competition. www.redemptionwhiskey.com

About Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits

Initially called W.J. Deutsch & Sons Ltd., the company was founded in 1981 by Chairman Bill Deutsch to market quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. In 2009, it announced the expansion of the award-winning company to include a spirits portfolio. Today the company is renowned for its brand-building prowess and its ability to meet the needs of the modern consumer. Bill’s son Peter Deutsch is CEO; thus, two generations of the Deutsch family work side by side in their continuous quest to build strong brands and relationships throughout the wine and spirits industry.

The portfolio includes award-winning wines from Australia: [ yellow tail ]; [ yellow tail ] Pure Bright; California: Bellacosa; Girard Winery, Joseph Carr, Josh Cellars, Josh Cellars Reserve, Layer Cake; The Calling; France: Beau Joie Champagne, Cave de Lugny, Fleurs de Prairie, Hob Nob Vineyards, Sauvion et Fils; Italy: Barone Fini, Villa Pozzi; New Zealand: The Crossings; Portugal: Quinta Do Vale Meao; Argentina: Clos de los Siete; and award-winning spirits: Redemption Whiskey, Bib & Tucker Bourbon, Masterson’s Rye, Luksusowa Vodka and Gray Whale Gin. www.deutschfamily.com

©2022 Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, Stamford, CT. Straight Rye Whiskey. 47% Alc./Vol. 94 Proof. Please drink responsibly. 

Eve Reviews the Aromatic and Flavorful Jetway Hard Seltzer

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Apparently I’ve opened the floodgates to review canned beverages, lol, it only seems that way. The truth is I’ve only reviewed two canned alcoholic beverages this summer and it’s probably because I can’t accept any wine delivered for review until mid-October due to the heat. Moving on, today it’s Jetway Hard Seltzers up for review because this information titillated my taste buds:

About Jetway

This is JETWAY, a newly launched wine brand founded by Albert Hammond Jr (The Strokes lead guitarist) and veteran winemaker Ben Parsons (Infinite Monkey Theorem founder). They partnered to create JETWAY, an ultra-premium canned wine seltzer. Jetway flavors are inspired by Albert’s global travels as a musician and the quality reflects canned wine pioneer Ben Parson’s winemaking expertise. McNary Vineyard, overlooking the Columbia River, in Washington state provides the wine varietals.

Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Robert Schwartzman, Nick Hoult, Owen Wilson and Zoey Grossman are among the investors.

Available in cans and on tap, JETWAY is now being served by the key at Coachella and Disneyland – the first time a wine seltzer is being served this way! Wine is sold in a 250-ml 4-pack for $20.

Eve’s Review

Rose Wine Seltzer

“Syrah and Cab blend Rosé wine infused with white peach, Fijian ginger, yerba mate, and orange peel.” Back label also states that it’s made with Rose wine and sparkling water, and other ingredients include lemon peel and grapefruit. They come in 8.4-ounce cans, with a 5% alcohol percentage and the calories are 110 per can.

Chilled in an ice bath and poured over a small amount of ice, the aromas reminded me of hard peach candy (think Jolly Roger’s brand), as well as the ginger, lemon and grapefruit mentioned in the ingredient’s list, very mild. The flavor was refreshing, not as sweet as I expected, and went well with a hot summer day spent in the pool just before dinner. A bit of a palate cleanser and aperitif in one.

White Wine Seltzer

“Sauvignon Blanc infused with yuzu, Fijian ginger, elderflower and yerba mate.” Back label also states that it’s made with white wine and sparkling water, and other ingredients include lemon peel, Burdock root, wormwood and grapefruit.  Same alcohol as the white seltzer and 100 calories per can.

I’m a fan of elderflower liqueur (St. Germain is the brand I like) and the wormwood flavor in Absinthe so I was looking forward to trying this one. On the nose I did notice both so I dove right in for a taste! Yummy! Not sweet, very refreshing, and the flavors I was looking for were there along with the lemon and grapefruit. Of the two, I expected the Rose to be my favorite but it was this one for its uniqueness.

More information is available at https://drinkjetway.com/

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 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Chef to the Stars joins Paso winery for an enchanted evening amidst the Vines

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Paso Robles, California. – What makes ONX Wines, Dine in the Vines winemaker dinner the event not to miss this Summer? A celebrated Italian Chef, boutique wines, a soulful guitarist and an eclectic group of people gathered together for a magical night under the stars.

The sustainable westside winery is thrilled to host their annual Dine in the Vines event with Chef Fabrizio Giorgi this September 17th. Fabrizio hails from Northern Italy and is honored to share his love for large family meals that he learned from his Nonna. “I have had the privilege to cook for celebrities in the past like Barbra Streisand, Eddie Murphy, Randy Newman and more.”

The winery will be setting a long table amidst the vines sparking conversation and camaraderie with Winemaker, Drew Nenow and the ONX team. It will be a true farm-to-fork experience with guitarist Kenny Taylor and courses presented by the winery’s winemaking and farmstead team.

The evening’s focus will highlight local organics. It will begin a refreshing grilled peach and Ricotta bed of greens paired with ONX’s hallmark Grenache blend, Mad Crush. The second course will encompass a wild mushroom risotto with Pecorino truffle fondue and their 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Caliber. Rounding out the night will be the Chef’s succulent Petite Filet Mignon with heirloom carrots paired with Noble Intrigue, which received 95 points from Jeb Dunnuck. The finale will begin with a chocolate, coffee and raspberry coulis mousse with sea salt and almond brittle. With the closing course, the wine club exclusive, Black Orchid Petite Syrah will be shared as their special reserve library wine for the evening.

Chef Fabrizio comes from hosting tables of abundance and is at his happiest when he can serve large family meals sourced from local farms. To secure a ticket to this year’s Dine in the Vines please visit onxwines.com.

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

onxwines.com @onxwines

Abadía Retuerta now holds the maximum distinction in Spanish Wine Law: the Protected Designation of Origin of Vino de Pago

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The new classification, Vino de Pago Abadía Retuerta (PDO), is a further endorsement of the winery’s outstanding achievements, following over eight centuries of winemaking on the estate

·       This recognition is a credit to the forward thinking, excellence and profound knowledge of this pioneering winery in the Duero Valley

·       Enrique Valero, CEO at Abadía Retuerta: “We are incredibly proud of this achievement, because it is a testament to our working philosophy, our know-how and determination. We have a unique approach to winemaking: our wine enhances and reflects all the personality of the surrounding lands, right here at the heart of the Duero Valley”

Sardón de Duero – Abadía Retuerta has been awarded the maximum distinction in Spanish Wine Law: it now holds the Denominación de Origen Protegida (Protected Designation of Origin, or PDO) of Vino de Pago. Following a very long registration process, this classification has now been ratified in the European Union’s Official Journal.

In the term Vino de Pago, a “pago” refers to a plot of land with its own particular soil and microclimate characteristics, setting it apart from other neighbouring plots. This prestigious recognition is therefore an endorsement of the estate’s soils: Abadía Retuerta’s wine is an authentic expression of the terroir, i.e. the local climatic and geographical traits that give rise to vines and grapes with truly unique qualities. In Spain, this label is at the very top of the wine classification scale, which goes up from Table Wine, Regional Wine, Quality Wine with Geographic Indication, Protected Designation of Origin, Qualified Designation of Origin, and finally Vino de Pago as the uppermost category.

Enrique Valero, CEO of Abadía Retuerta, notes that “we are incredibly proud of this achievement, because it is a testament to our working philosophy, our know-how and our determination. We do not mindlessly follow the latest trends: our sole aim has always been to revive this noble and historic winery, while maintaining a unique approach to winemaking that really does enhance and reflect all the personality of the Duero Valley”. This leading winery, in the municipality of Sardón de Duero (in Spain’s Golden Mile of Wine), is defined by excellence and a devotion to the craft: “It was Saint Norbert of Xanten, founder of the Premonstratensian order of canons regular, who said ‘Seek peace and pursue it’. This phrase has been a great inspiration to us, encouraging us to respect the rhythms of nature and history, and to adhere to this age-old philosophy. Our priority is to uphold the legacy passed down to us: we strive to maintain the estate’s unique winemaking tradition”, adds Valero.

A unique winemaking tradition

This recognition is an endorsement of Abadía Retuerta and its long history of winemaking, right at the heart of the Duero Valley. As historians have established, this is a deeply-rooted tradition that dates back to the early Christian era. The grapevine was brought to Spain by the Romans, and they planted it all over the north of the peninsula, including the lands around the Duero and what would become Abadía Retuerta. Ten centuries later, the Christians founded their monasteries, including the Monastery of Santa María de Retuerta, which was established in 1146 following a substantial donation of lands and vineyards. In the Duero region, the monks persisted with their cultivation of grapevines and, gradually, they mastered the art of winemaking. They learnt how to get the most out of the region’s lands, which were sunny yet cold in winter, and hot and dry in summer. Thanks to the vines’ adaptability and strength, the resulting wine would become one of the region’s best products.

These are the foundations upon which the pillars of Abadía Retuerta are built. Their team’s guiding philosophy is to revive an ancient winery, uphold a rich local winemaking tradition and help the surrounding lands reach their full potential. This striking estate, in the Duero Valley, is home to eight long centuries of winemaking heritage. Just over thirty years ago, it was revived by an experienced team under the guidance of wine expert Ángel Anocíbar, aided by renowned vigneron and former director of Château Ausone and Château Belair, Pascal Delbeck. Today’s final confirmation of the PDO Vino de Pago is a testament to their many years of effort: they have tirelessly worked to create unique and imitable wines, striving for excellence at each and every step in the winemaking process.

A long line of prestigious awards

This new achievement, the PDO Vino de Pago classification, is the latest in a long line of awards and prizes that certify Abadía Retuerta as one of the world’s greatest winemakers. One such highlight was the Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial 2001 winning the award for the World’s Best Red Wine (Red Wine Trophy) at the 2005 International Wine Challenge in London (Wine Magazine, UK). It was also the first Spanish winery to feature for three consecutive years in the Top 100 Wines in the World, published since 1988 by the accredited American magazine Wine Spectator, with the Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial. In particular, the 2012 vintage reached number 12 on this list.

Year after year, the Pago and Petit Verdot wines have been rated very highly in renowned publications such as the Robert Parker Wine Advocate, the aforementioned Wine Spectator, Guía Peñín and Guía Gourmets. Pago Valdebellón 2014 won the Top Medal Master in the Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters (as awarded by The Drinks Business), and Pago Negralada 2014 was awarded Platinum Best in the Best Northwest Spanish Red Category at the 2017 International Wine Challenge, in addition to the Great Gold Medal in the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Pago Garduña 2013 was considered by Robert Parker’s taster, Luis Gutiérrez, to be the Best Syrah in Spain.

As regards the Blanco LeDomaine, the British wine critic Jancis Robinson has given it a superb review, and its second vintage on sale was chosen as the best white wine in Spain by Verema.com.

The vineyard plots at Abadía Retuerta

Abadía Retuerta is a unique place where the past lives on in the present, and where centuries of tradition and culture remain intact. The River Duero defines the surrounding landscape, creating unique conditions for winemaking. An expert team with great dedication, know-how and patience really get the best out of this terrain: they respect the natural cycles and help the vines adapt to the harsh climate of the region, in order to produce one of the estate’s prized assets: its world-class wine.

Abadía Retuerta creates wines that express all the personality of each individual plot in the vineyard. Only the very best wines are released for sale, as and when the vintage is of a high enough standard. The estate spans 700 hectares, 180 of which are set aside for vine growing. These vineyards are split into 54 small plots, divided according to their soil composition, and each one is planted with a single grape variety. Syrah takes up 10%, Tempranillo 70%, and Cabernet Sauvignon 10%. The remaining 10% is divided between Merlot, Petit Verdot and a number of white varieties.

ABADÍA RETUERTA LEDOMAINE CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

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5th June 2022, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine brought together friends and other esteemed guests for a special dinner to commemorate the hotel’s tenth anniversary.

It was a perfect moment to reflect on some of the highlights of their first decade in business.

RENOWNED HOSPITALITY

From the outset, the aim of Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine was to be able to invite guests to its striking enclave. Today, it is synonymous with unrivalled hospitality, authenticity and excellence in its treatment of guests and visitors, thanks to its butler service.

Amid an estate that spans 700 hectares, with a breathtaking 12th-century monastery, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine has become a must-visit for all those longing to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is ideal for those who wish to reconnect with nature, in a place where they can enjoy local and avant-garde cuisine, unwind in the Santuario Wellness&Spa, and revel in the estate’s exclusive, world-class wines.

This five-star hotel measures 8000 m2, and it has thirty luxurious bedrooms, three of which are suites. The rooms are all exquisitely decorated, and they overlook a rippling sea of vineyards, providing the tranquillity and privacy that guests need.

Since 2020, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine has been included in the exclusive list of Leading Hotels of the World.

IMPECCABLE, PRIZEWINNING GASTRONOMY

The cuisine offered by Abadía Retuerta is a true spectacle for the senses, and is sure to impress all those who visit. Its gastronomy has garnered numerous awards, most notably from the Michelin Guide and the Repsol Guide. The estate has four distinct eateries, each with a unique and surprising menu.

The estate’s flagship restaurant is Refectorio, which has held a Michelin Star since 2014, a Green Star since 2020, as well as two Repsol Suns. Under the guidance of head chef Marc Segarra, its menu is deeply rooted in the surrounding lands: Segarra uses locally sourced produce to capture the essence of the region and pay tribute to its people. He proudly showcases produce from over 50 local suppliers and 30 towns and villages, from all nine provinces of Castilla y León.

Vinoteca, Calicata Terroir Bar, Jardín del Claustro (the Cloister Garden) and Pool Bar (the latter two of which only open in summer) round off the resort’s offering for foodies. In all of them, the guiding philosophy is a focus on high-quality local and seasonal food.

AN ETHICAL, SUSTAINABLE ATMOSPHERE

All those who choose Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine can feel safe in the knowledge that they are supporting a business that believes in sustainability, that looks after the environment, makes use of natural resources in an ethical way, and seeks to boost the local economy. This haven of experiences was awarded Green Globe certification in late 2021, proving its credentials as one of the most sustainable resorts in the world. A mere 650 hotels have been granted this endorsement, only four of which are in Spain.

One of its key projects with regards to sustainability is the Monks’ Vegetable Garden. This allotment spans 1200 m2 and sits on the banks of the River Duero, exactly where the monks used to grow their own produce centuries ago. The crops are cultivated with traditional methods, under the philosophy of biodynamics. This garden has become the natural pantry for all of the hotel’s restaurants, providing them with superb seasonal produce. With this project, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine once again proves its commitment to the local, as well as respecting nature and its seasons.

A LONG TRADITION OF WINEMAKING

With over 30 years of history and a winemaking tradition dating back more than eight centuries, Abadía Retuerta finds its true essence and raison d’être in its single-plot Pago wine, which reflects all the personality and uniqueness of the local terroir. The abbey’s monks were the first to grow grapes and make wine on this site, right on the banks of the Duero, with its long tradition of winemaking. Today, the winery is perfectly integrated into the stunning surroundings, and Abadía Retuerta is one of the most renowned wine producers in the area.

The estate spans 700 hectares, and its vineyards are divided into distinct plots or “pagos”: there is the Pago Negralada (100% Tempranillo); Pago Valdebellón (100% Cabernet Sauvingnon); Pago Garduña (100% Syrah) and Petit Verdot (100% Petit Verdot).

Abadía Retuerta is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced wineries in Europe. Designed by French wine expert Pascal Delbeck, its current consultant, and aided by the viticulturist and wine expert Ángel Anocíbar, it was one of the first facilities in Spain to move wine using gravity alone. Its system for lifting tanks with cranes, as well as its own patented system for transferring wine, are particularly noteworthy.

The estate’s unique wines have won numerous prizes and awards. For instance, Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial 2001 won the prize for Best Red Wine in the World – Red Wine Trophy, at the 2005 International Wine Challenge in London (Wine Magazine, UK).

UNWIND AT SANTUARIO WELLNESS & SPA

A true oasis, right at the heart of nature. Santuario Wellness & Spa was opened in 2015, as a haven of wellbeing. It is built into an underground space where the abbey’s stables used to be, while several openings ensure 80% natural light, making a warm and cosy environment. It measures over 1000 m2, and its water is extracted from a well at a depth of 120 metres, before being decalcified and, after undergoing reverse osmosis, stored in a 120,000-litre tank, thereby providing a quality of drinking water similar to natural mineral water.

Santuario Wellness & Spa strives to innovate: it has its own Spa Sommelier, who designs a tailor-made experience that matches guests’ physical and emotional needs and expectations. The philosophy is based on traditional Tibetan medicine and its key elements, namely wind, fire, earth and air.

One of the exclusive holistic experiences, as offered by Santuario LeDomaine Wellness & Spa since 2020, is the session with Tibetan Singing Bowls, as part of the Balancing Ritual VibraHealing®. This rounded experience focuses on relaxation and reaching a state of balance in both body and mind.

A TASTE FOR ART

Fine art is important to Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine. The estate has its own open-air museum, by the German sculptor Ulrich Rückriem, as well as a private collection with over 170 works. These pieces range from the 12th to the 21st century, by artists including Palma il Giovane, Guardi, Panini, Joan Miró and Rückriem. There are also French tapestries, antique Spanish furniture, paintings, sculptures, reliefs and rugs. One of the latest additions to the collection is ‘Rumor de Límites V’ (1959) by Eduardo Chillida, a unique piece sculpted in steel, which is currently on loan to the Museo San Telmo in San Sebastián. In its place, guests can contemplate ‘Lotura’ in the Jardín de Hospedería, also by Chillida. Furthermore, in 2021, a new artists’ residency project was launched, in which national and international artists are invited to live and work at the resort. The first guest artist was Abderrahim Yamou (Casablanca, 1959).

The ancient Abbey of Santa María de Retuerta has become much more than a hotel and winery. It is a project that strives to uphold and enhance a legacy that goes back over nine centuries, with a sense of responsibility and generosity. This commitment to sharing the estate’s heritage with today’s generations, and ensuring that it lives on into the future, is the reason why Abadía Retuerta seeks to add ever more value to its own history. This is done by fostering creativity right now, in the 21st century, and this can be seen in its gastronomy, winemaking and genuine engagement with art. A year ago, a new art project was launched with the aim of getting more out of the existing collection, and further expanding it. A fundamental aspect of this project is to collaborate with other cultural agents, understanding culture here as a vital social driving force that can lead to brighter futures.

AWARDS

Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine has received multiple accolades in the field of luxury and sustainable experiences. The most recent one is the Green Globe certification, which endorses this resort as one of the most sustainable in the world, thanks to the environmentally-friendly policies brought in over the years. Abadía Retuerta also featured in Travellers’ Choice 2021, by Trip Advisor, based on the exceptional reviews and opinions submitted to the travel platform over the past year. With this honour, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is deemed to be one of the best hotels in the world.

The hotel also won the 2021 “Best Wine Tourism Experience” from the International Wine Challenge, as well as the LHW Membership Award 2021 as “Best Hotel for Remarkable Experiences”, according to Leading Hotels of The World, the exclusive list of over 400 luxury destinations in 80 countries. Other awards include the Trip Advisor certificate of excellence, granted for the fifth year running; the Best Wine Tourism Management Award, presented at the 12th Edition of the Wine Markets and Distribution Business Awards in 2018; and the 2018 CN Traveler Award in the category of Best Hotel for Getaways in Spain. In 2019, the CN Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards voted Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine as Best Hotel #2 in Spain and Portugal. It was also chosen, in 2019, as the Best Luxury Hotel in Spain by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

The New York Times commended Abadía Retuerta as a must-visit destination, naming it one of its 52 places to go in 2018. Furthermore, TripAdvisor users chose it as the Best Hotel in Spain, 2018. In 2017, it was named Hideaway of the Year in the distinguished annual Andrew Harper awards and Best Hotel in Spain and Portugal at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Tatler Travel Guide selected it as one of the 101 best hotels in the world, and The Telegraph 50 as one of the best hotels in Spain for spring and summer.

Another noteworthy recognition was the Equality between Women and Men in the Workplace award by Óptima Castilla y León. Similarly, the Valladolid Provincial Council granted Abadía Retuerta the Equality between Women and Men in the Workplace, business category award.

In late 2019, the Spanish Wine Federation (FEV) awarded Abadía Retuerta the certification of Wineries for Climate Protection (WfCP), which has since been renewed in 2020. This recognises Abadía Retuerta’s commitment to sustainable development and the environment, with only 31 wineries having been awarded this certification in Spain.

ABOUT ABADÍA RETUERTA

Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is located less than a two-hours’ drive from the Spanish capital, Madrid, in the heart of the Duero Valley, on the outskirts of Sardón de Duero (Valladolid). It is home to a 5-star hotel and a world-class winery, set in the grounds of a 12th-century monastery originally founded by the Premonstratensian Order in Spain. The estate spans 700 hectares (including 200 hectares of vineyards), while the hotel itself is 8000 m2, with 30 exclusive rooms (27 double rooms and three suites), eight of which are located in the old stables. It also offers a full butler service.

The resort offers a wide range of experiences, related to wine, gastronomy, nature, art and wellbeing. Its flagship restaurant, Refectorio, holds a Michelin Star, a Green Star and two Repsol Suns, and the estate now also has Green Globe certification, proving its credentials as one of the most sustainable resorts in the world. Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is the ideal destination for unwinding in the name of wellness, or where business and pleasure can come together. The estate’s winery is one of the most innovative in Europe, and its wine has won international accolades, even being featured in Wine Spectator’s list of the “100 Best Wines in the World”.

Was Eve In Lake Garda Studying Wine?

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Did you miss me? My blogs over the past two weeks were “Vintage Eve” articles as I was in Northern Italy, namely Lake Garda where I was immersed in Garda DOC wine and education for four days. (Eddie and I chose to stay another week to explore Lake Garda.) Today, not-so-fresh from jet lag, I’m sharing with you the invitation and the schedule just to get your mouth-watering for the full story – which will be in an upcoming issue of SCV Elite Magazine. If you can’t stand the wait tune into my Instagram or Facebook for some of the story in photos. And if the teaser below is still driving you nuts, and you must know who I killed off to get this all-inclusive invitation, my email is eve@evewine101.com 

Dear Eve,

I’m reaching out on behalf of Garda Wines to invite you on an exclusive press trip to Northern Italy to discover the fresh, fun and stylish sparkling wines of DOC Garda from June 8-11, 2022.

The immersive four-day trip will take you to the hilly vineyards that cover 10 historic appellations around the southern curve of Lake Garda, the largest body of water in Italy, home to one of the world’s most famous winemaking regions boasting over 10,000 growers and 400 wineries. Through this unique experience, you will get the opportunity to deep-dive into the Garda DOC universe, with educative master class sessions, field trips to the vineyard, and mouth-watering tastings with both new and established winemakers. You will get the opportunity to discover for yourself why Garda DOC embodies the values of Lake Garda: fun, conviviality, and the uniqueness of the Italian spirit.

Please see below the itinerary for consideration. Let me know if you be interested and available. We would be thrilled to have you join the adventure!

Looking forward to hearing from you. 

2022 GARDA WINES PRESS TRIP 

An informative, industry-focused trip consisting of: 

  • A captivating deep dive into Garda’s spectacular wines and terroirs through a technical masterclass, seminar and walk around tasting.
  • Intimate visits to wineries and vineyards to meet with new and established winemakers and experience the conviviality and the uniqueness of the Italian spirit.
  • Mouth-watering tasting sessions that illustrate the uniqueness of Garda wines. 

Itinerary:

  • Tuesday, June 7, 2022: Departure from the US in the late afternoon.
  • Wednesday, June 8, 2022:
    • Arrival at Milano airport. Transfer to Bardolino, a charming village on the shore of Lake Garda in the province of Verona, where art and tradition blend with modernity.
    • Check in at Hotel Caesius Thermae&Spa resort on the lake front. Time off to relax around Lake Garda and enjoy the hot springs of hotel spa.  Welcome cocktail at night.
  • Thursday, June 9, 2022:
    • Event day at Dogana Veneta in Lazise, a famous 14th-century building in a typical Italian village directly overlooking the shores of Lago di Garda.
    • In-depth look at Garda Wines through seminar and guided masterclass focusing on Garda DOC terroirs and varietals and led by Italian Sommelier Costantino Gabardi. Walk around tasting and meeting with local producers and personalities.
    • Exclusive tour around Lake Garda on a sailing ship to get the heart of the “Garda Experience”.
  • Friday, June 10, 2022:
    • Trip to the vineyard surrounding lake Garda. Visit of typical Gardac DOC wineries. Meeting with local winemakers and tasting sessions to experience the conviviality and the uniqueness of the Italian spirit.
    • Visit and institutional Gala Dinner at Rocca Sveva, an ancient medieval borgo famous for its picturesque wine cellar and its experimental vineyard.
  • Saturday, June 11, 2022: Closing day with time to explore further the area and travel back to the US.

More Links

https://www.instagram.com/gardadocvino/

https://www.instagram.com/costantinogabardi/

https://5e10b0d72c.nxcli.net/category/eves-wine-101/

https://www.facebook.com/eve.bushman

https://www.instagram.com/evebushmaneveswine101/

eve@evewine101.com

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

Rtveli Grape Harvest in Kakheti, Georgia, September 2022

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Known as the birthplace of winemaking, Georgia’s oenophilic history dates back more than 8,000 years, all the way to the Stone Age. Kakheti has emerged as one of the most exciting and surprising wine destinations in the world with more than 200 indigenous wine varieties linked to this region, and producing locavore Georgian grape types, including Rkatsiteli, Kakhetian Mtsvane, Khikhvi, Kisi, and Saperavi.


For wine seekers, September is perhaps the most exciting time of year to travel across the country and walk the mineral-rich land to visit wineries during Rtveli, the local term for the grape harvest season. Georgian vineyards and wineries have retained the original, natural-wine making methods that were banned under Soviet rule but revived over the past decades, which involves fermenting the wine in clay vessels called “qvevri” that are buried into the ground.


The Qvevri is an egg-shaped earthenware vessel used for making, aging and storing wine. Knowledge and experience of Qvevri manufacture and wine-making is passed down through families, neighbours, friends and relatives, all of whom join in communal harvesting and wine-making activities. Children learn how to tend the vines, press grapes, ferment wine, collect clay and make and fire through observing their elders. The wine-making process involves pressing the grapes and then pouring the juice, grape skins, stalks and pips into the Qvevri, which is sealed and submerged into the ground so that the wine can ferment for five to six months before being consumed.


The most enticing property for guests to stay while exploring Kakheti and the Rtveli grape harvest is the newly revamped Lopota Lake Resort & Spa. Surrounded by beautiful Caucasus mountains, Lopota Lake & Spa Resort is located in the Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia, and is an ideal destination not only for those seeking a peaceful place to rest, but for active holidaymakers looking for adventures. With its own winery​ named “Château Buera”​, vineyards, a number of exceptional restaurants, two spas (featuring treatments such as vinotherapy wine bath), horse stable yard​, farm ​and a lake, where guests can fish or venture out onto the water in a catamaran, Lopota Lake & Spa Resort is the perfect place to stay for adventurous travellers. 


Château Buera at Lopota Lake Resort & Spa is a hub for wine-lovers, and preserves the ancient traditions of Georgian wine production. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains while sipping authentic Georgian wine, tour the wine cellar where the wine is produced according to traditional Georgian methods, and taste the delicious Georgian-European fusion cuisine in the restaurant and terrace. In addition to its on-site winery, Lopota Lake Resort & Spa offers wine tours throughout the region in local wineries, family wine cellars and chateaus where centuries-old unique Georgian traditions of wine-making are being prolonged in modern times.