Eve's Wine 101

DeLille Cellars Receives Sixth “Top 100” Wineries of the World Recognition

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(Woodinville, WA)- DeLille Cellars, an acclaimed Washington winery, is proud to announce its receipt of the prestigious Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries award for the sixth time in the last seven years. This remarkable achievement underscores the winery’s unwavering commitment to producing world-class wines. DeLille Cellars is the only producing winery in Woodinville, and one of five from Washington State, to receive this international recognition.

“We are incredibly honored and humbled to receive the Wine & Spirits Top 100 Winery award for the sixth time. This means a great deal to our entire company and all of our employees,” said Tom Dugan, DeLille’s CEO.

“This recognition is a tribute to the hard work and steadfast dedication of many. For over 30 years, our entire winery has been committed to excellence, partnering with amazing growers, and benefitting from the focused determination and effort of our winemaking team. I am very grateful for my team and their tireless pursuit of quality and constant improvement,” added Jason Gorski, Director of Winemaking and Viticulture.

DeLille earned this award based on wine performance through tasting and assessment of more than 9,000 wines by Wine & Spirits Magazine. DeLille Cellars will be attending the Top 100 tasting in San Francisco on October 11th, as well as a tasting in New York in early 2024. The full list of all 100 wineries can be found here.

D2, one of DeLille’s most popular wines, received 94 points from Wine & Spirits Magazine

About DeLille Cellars

Bordeaux Inspired – Distinctly Washington – Uniquely DeLille

Founded in 1992, DeLille is the oldest operating winery in Woodinville, WA, with winemaking and hospitality operations, including its award-winning tasting room and restaurant, located at the Old Redhook Brewery. Known for pioneering Bordeaux-style blends from Washington State, the winery has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence with over 950 individual 90+ ratings from leading publications and critics. DeLille Cellars focuses on the Red Mountain AVA and sources grapes from Washington’s most acclaimed vineyards. The winery is recognized by notable wine critics and influencers as one of the top producers in the state. DeLille has received six Wine & Spirits Top 100 Winery awards (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023) and four Wine Spectator Top 100 Wine awards (2007, 2018, 2020, 2022). To learn more about DeLille Cellars, visit www.delillecellars.com.

Republic of Georgia Wine Tours

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Did you know that Georgia (the country) is home to the oldest wine producing region in the world? Locals have been cultivating grapes and producing neolithic wine in the South Caucasus for at least 8,000 years! That’s why Georgia proudly claims the title of “birthplace of wine.” Below are some high points of the new trip we offer there, and you can see the full itinerary here.

Republic of Georgia: Tbilisi, Winelands & Highlands
During this 12-night learning adventure in the Republic of Georgia, spend three nights in the Kakheti Region— Georgia’s wine country— visiting vineyards and villages to learn about agriculture, sustainability, winemaking, bread baking, and community.

  • Visit Tibaani Vineyards, owned by the Pheasant’s Tears Winery, one of the country’s rising stars in the natural wine industry. Walk through the vineyard and cellars with a local winegrower to learn about Georgia’s natural methods of winemaking. Find out how the grapes are grown, macerated, and aged in huge ceramic vessels lined with beeswax, according to ancient Georgian traditions.
  • Enjoy a wine tasting at Togonidze Winery, where beloved founder Gia Togonidze and her family have earned worldwide recognition both for their warm hospitality and for their natural wines crafted with methodologies passed down through over 8,000 years.
  • Take a day trip to Ikalto and Shalauri villages to learn more about the history of winemaking in Georgia at Ikalto Monastery, where an academy was established in the 12th century by David IV of Georgia, which included a wine-making school. Ikalto is also the site of some of the oldest found qvevris (clay jugs used for winemaking) in Georgia. In 2013, the traditional Qvevri method of wine-making was honored by UNESCO when it was inducted into their prestigious Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
  • Visit Chavchavadze House Museum, located in the historic estate of Georgian aristocrat, poet, and winemaker Alexander Chavchavadze. This estate was a center of the intellectual life during the 19th century. Here, Alexander and his father founded the first and foremost winery in the country, which still produces the dry white Tsinandali wine.
  • Take part in a craft beer tasting at Lost Ridge Craft Brewery & Inn in the village of Qedeli, where they specialize in farmhouse ales like Saison and Tripel with a Georgian twist. Brewed on-site and aged in the beer cave, the brewery pairs classic Belgian (and other) styles with local Kakhetian fruits and spices in some of their recipes. You’ll also have the chance to walk around the Lost Ridge greenhouse and organic orchards, where a “food forest” is in the making, to hear from a local expert how fruits, nuts, and vegetables are grown sustainably on-site for their cuisine and beermaking.
  • Visit the village of Zinobiani to learn about the Orthodox Udi refugees who settled here in the 1920, escaping the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. Today, a group of young Udis descendants are dedicated to sharing their rich cultural and gastrnomoic heritage. You’ll sample Udi cuisine, which incorporates flavors from the Muslim culture, including “fakhlinhooft”– a savory combination of beans and rice flavored with basil served alongside matsoni, an authentic Georgian sour cream.
  • Visit a local family in the tiny village of Tsdo, where you’ll participate in a master class in the art of making Khinkali– savory Georgian dumplings. In Georgia’s mountainous areas, cooks often mix in special signature spices that set their regional khinkali apart. You’ll feast on your creations together with the family, while sipping fiery Georgian chacha– a strong traditional liquor made from grapes.
  • Stay at the Kabadoni boutique hotel, set on the hilly slopes of the historic wine region village of Sighnaghi, with views of Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains.

HALL ST. HELENA INTRODUCES NEW WINE TASTING EXPERIENCES IN ITS HISTORIC BERGFELD WINERY

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ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA – HALL, a family-owned Napa Valley winery focused on premier Cabernet Sauvignon, has announced new wine tasting experiences in its historic Bergfeld winery to enhance the way people are educated, taste, and socialize with wine.

The historic Bergfeld winery, originally constructed in 1885 out of stone and wood, was one of the first winemaking facilities in Napa. The winery, located in the center of the HALL St. Helena location, was restored and updated in 2013 and retains key elements of the production facility from the 1800’s. Visitors to this iconic space will experience the stunning views and historic architecture, while enjoying singular Cabernet Sauvignon wines served in the original, gravity flow fermentation cellar.

“Our team of talented wine educators will guide guests through a thoughtfully curated selection of our finest wines, sharing stories behind each bottle and we hope, deepening their appreciation for the art of winemaking,” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “We want every guest that gets the chance to be inside the Bergfeld winery to feel a profound connection to our wines, our rich heritage, and the natural beauty of Napa Valley.”

HALL’s wine tasting experiences offered in the Bergfeld building include:

Guests are invited to taste through a range of current wine releases sourced from various Napa Valley Appellations, and will learn about terroir, flavor profiles, decanting tips, and more. Guests will also receive a copy of A Perfect Score, a New York Times bestselling book penned by Craig & Kathryn Hall, detailing their commitment to creating a modern winery with a focus on high-quality winemaking. The wines are paired with an assortment of specialty cheeses from Napa Valley. Daily 11am, 1pm & 3pm

CABERNET COLLECTOR’S EXPERIENCE

By Appointment Only, $150 per guest/$100 Wine Club Members, 90 minutes 1

Since the first vintage was produced in 1996, the Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon wine has been one of the highest rated in HALL’s portfolio, earning 99 scores rated 90 points and above from the industry’s top critics including The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous. Additionally, Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” list in 2011. Guests booking the Kathryn Hall Vertical experience will get to taste this wine from different vintages including library wines unavailable to the public. Guests will explore vintage variations and how the aromas and flavor profiles of HALL’s flagship wine evolves with each vintage. The wines are paired with seasonal bites that include an assortment of local cheeses, seasonal jams and artisanal crackers by Napa-based chef, Ally Schultz.

KATHRYN HALL VERTICAL EXPERIENCE (Current Seasonal Experience)

By Appointment Only, $195 per guest, 120 minutes.

This exclusive experience showcases our highest rated Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon wines. HALL produces wines from 13 of the 16 Napa Valley Appellations including some of the Valley’s most sought-after regions such as Stags Leap, Rutherford, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Diamond Mountain and more. This experience is designed for Mountain Cabernet collectors and enthusiasts. The wines are paired with seasonal bites that include an assortment of local cheeses, seasonal jams and artisanal crackers by Napa-based chef, Ally Schultz.

MOUNTAIN CABERNET EXPERIENCE

By Appointment Only, $195 per guest, 120 minutes.

As HALL’s most elevated and exclusive offering, the Platinum Collection tasting is a private, seated tasting that includes three Platinum Collection Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The Platinum Collection launched in 2012 when the winemaking team began separating a few select barrels of wines from distinct lots to bottle them individually. HALL discovered that each year there are tiny batches of superlative wine from extraordinary vineyard locations that stand above the rest and thus, the Platinum Collection was born. HALL’s Platinum Collection wines have each received exceptional reviews from the most respected critics in the wine industry, including six 100-point scores for the 2019, 2018, 2016 twice, 2014, and 2013 vintages of the Rainin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are paired with seasonal bites that include an assortment of local cheeses, seasonal jams and artisanal crackers by Napa-based chef, Ally Schultz.

THE PLATINUM COLLECTION EXPERIENCE

By Appointment Only, $250 per guest, 120 minutes.

The Bergfeld winery is an integral part of HALL St. Helena, which is renowned for its world-class wines and commitment to sustainable practices. The winery was built in 1885 by William Petersen and listed as one of the first wineries of record in Napa Valley. Robert Bergfeld purchased and then rebranded the winery when he took it over in 1896 and established what might is known as the first custom crush and production business in Napa Valley when he advertised the winery and its 50,000 gallons of cooperage in 1897. After transferring ownership to a number of additional parties, the property sold to the Napa Valley Co-Op in 1934, and then again to Craig and Kathryn Hall in 2003.

The Bergfeld winery was diligently restored by Craig and Kathryn Hall who sought to preserve its rich heritage while infusing it with modern elements. One of the most unique features of the winery and its architectural design, combining classic Victorian architecture with contemporary touches. The winery showcases intricate stone masonry walls and arched doorways, while retaining the original flooring and design of the fermentation room from the 1800’s. Today, the Bergfeld winery is surrounded by two LEED Gold production and tasting room facilities that the Hall family has helped enable as modern and sustainable achievements.

“With a focus on high-quality seasonal tastings, our guests will immerse themselves within an environment that is modern, classy, and cool,” says HALL Vice President of Hospitality, David Eriksen. “We are excited to be able to treat our guests with an elevated range of tastings and be immersed in Napa Valley culture.”

For more information about HALL’s new Bergfeld winery tasting experiences, please visit:

https://www.hallwines.com/hall-bergfeld.

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HALL produces award-winning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at two properties in Napa Valley in St. Helena and Rutherford. Family-owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, the winery produces artisan wines that express the unique and diverse character of the wine country’s soils and climates through meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards and the winemaking process. Led by Vice President of Winemaking, Megan Gunderson, HALL focuses on producing distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings highlighting the finest vineyards and sub-appellations of the Napa Valley. The HALL St. Helena Winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high-tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014, making HALL a leader in green efficiencies. For more information about HALL, please visit www.hallwines.com or by calling 707.967.2626. @hallwines #artofcabernet.

FROM VINE TO GLASS: DISCOVERING THE ESSENCE OF STA. RITA HILLS WINERIES

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Lompoc, CA –  The enchanting world of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, a picturesque wine region along California’s Central Coast welcomes wine lovers from near and far. Embark on a delightful journey uncovering the trifecta of wine areas that make this region truly special: the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, the Midtown Wineries, and the Sta. Rita Hills Wineries. Diverse, exquisite flavors await as we delve into the thriving wine scene of this unique and esteemed appellation. So, grab a glass and join us as we unravel the vinicultural treasures of Sta. Rita Hills.


THE LOMPOC WINE GHETTO

Located off Pacific Coast Highway 1 and 12th Street, the Lompoc Wine Ghetto stands as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Sta. Rita Hills winemakers. This unassuming industrial complex, once a collection of dilapidated warehouses, has been transformed into a hub of winemaking excellence. Step inside the Wine Ghetto, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a labyrinth of tasting rooms and production facilities, each housing a different winery eager to share its unique creations. From boutique family-owned operations to renowned industry vintages, the Lompoc Wine Ghetto offers a treasure trove of diverse wines to tantalize every palate.

Notable Wine Ghetto tasting rooms include the organic and sustainably farmed Chanin Wine, the women-owned Fiddlehead Cellars, and Ampelos Cellars which was the first vineyard in the US to be certified as 100% sustainable, certified organic and biodynamic. Montemar is a particularly fun stop with small lot, hand-crafted Rhone and Burgundy varietals and a large outdoor patio with games.

The collection of boutique tasting rooms is open Fridays – Sundays, with some open Thursdays and Mondays.

LOMPOC MIDTOWN WINERIES

Sprinkled throughout midtown in Lompoc, the Midtown Wineries offer a delightful blend of history, character, and exceptional wine. You’ll discover a collection of quaint tasting rooms and wineries, each with its own unique story to tell.

Within Lompoc’s midtown wineries, several notable names shine brightly, showcasing their prowess and distinct styles. One such winery is the acclaimed, artisanal winery, Longoria Wines, which has produced wine from some of the finest vineyards in Santa Barbara County since 1982. The family-owned Civilization Wine Company winery stands out for its rich history and multi-generational winemaking tradition, imparting a sense of heritage and authenticity to every bottle. Brewer-Clifton is another standout, consistently earning the highest praise for producing outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Each notable midtown winery offers a unique perspective, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the craftsmanship, passion, and unwavering commitment to quality that defines Sta. Rita Hills winemaking.

STA. RITA HILLS WINERIES

Just minutes from Lompoc, a spectacular collection of award-winning vineyards and estate wineries awaits! The Sta. Rita Hills vineyards stretch along the Lompoc valley and include many prestigious vineyards whose varietals consistently receive 91+ or higher ratings from Wine Spectator Magazine.

One such vineyard, the Hilt Estate is known for its pinot noirs, chardonnays, cabernet sauvignon and syrahs as well as its breathtaking location, beautifully restored “Barn” tasting room and stunning valley views. Another noteworthy vineyard is the small-lot Spear Vineyards & Winery with a new tasting room in the property’s 1920s historic remodeled dairy barn and panoramic vineyard views from the seated outdoor patio. Other popular wineries include Dierberg-Starlane Vineyard, which has been consistently ranked amongst the highest quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California, Sanford Winery & Vineyards where you can enjoy an ATV tour of the vineyards, and Foley Estates with a 3,500 square-foot tasting room, tasting terraces and private event center.

These notable Sta. Rita Hills vineyards are not only cherished by winemakers but are also beloved by wine enthusiasts who seek wines that capture the unique spirit of this remarkable wine-growing region. Whether you’re drawn to the innovative techniques, the breathtaking settings, or the captivating stories behind these wineries, they all share a common thread: a commitment to producing exceptional wines that embody the essence of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation.

Plan your visit to soak in the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of the Lompoc Valley and create lasting memories in our charming wine destination.

Readers looking for more information go to ExploreLompoc.com

Bella Union to Open New Dedicated Winery in 2024 to Showcase Far Niente

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OAKVILLE, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Far Niente Wine Estates (FNWE) is excited to announce that Bella Union’s new winery in Rutherford has been approved by the Napa County Planning Commission and will be opening its doors to guests in early summer of 2024. Known-for its renowned Cabernet Sauvignon-blends from top vineyards in the Napa Valley, Bella Union’s new property will continue to build on Far Niente’s legacy of hospitality and winemaking excellence with Estate Director for Bella Union, Alysha Lee, overseeing the winery’s opening.

“We are excited to build a new home for Bella Union to showcase our mastery of crafting Cabernet Sauvignon-blends, drawing upon Far Niente Wine Estates’ more than 40 years of experience producing renowned wines in the Napa Valley,” said Steve Spadarotto, CEO at FNWE. “Bella Union honors the legacy of our winemaking and farming expertise while celebrating the creativity and artistry of the winemaker in crafting signature blends that showcase the range of expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon.”

Founded in 2012, Bella Union exemplifies the creative vision of the winemaker, elevating the art of blending by meticulous sourcing of grapes from Napa Valley’s top appellations. Guided by the vinous expertise of Far Niente Winery, Bella Union has been working with the pedigreed DeCarle Vineyard in Rutherford for over a decade, producing the wines nearby on Bella Oaks Lane. Building on the foundation of FNWE’s expertise with Cabernet Sauvignon, Winemaker Brooke Bobyak Price will introduce new wines to Bella Union’s portfolio sourcing varietals from top vineyards across the Napa Valley to craft distinctive and exceptional wines that showcase the mastery and creativity of the blending process.    

Located along Highway 29 in Rutherford, the new Bella Union will be a renovation of the former Provenance winery. Bella Union will be following in the FNWE tradition of renovation and restoration of historic properties. Far Niente Winery (designed and built in the late 1880’s by Hamden W. McIntyre) started the history of renovation with Gil and Beth Nickel fully restoring the building in 1979-1981, and turning it into a working winery with a tasting room. Then, Gil Nickel was joined by nephew Erik Nickel to oversee the development of Nickel & Nickel winery housed on the restored 19th century John C. Sullenger farmstead. This led to the development of The Gleason Barn, which was originally built in 1770. “We are committed to preserving the legacy of Napa Valley through its unique and historic spaces,” comments Erik Nickel. “With our new home for Bella Union, we are eager to bring a more modern approach to the renovation that will create a welcoming and warm atmosphere for all guests.” Architect Mike Niemann, owner of Pacific Design Workshop, will be leading the design and renovation for the new Bella Union Winery.

Based in the heart of Cabernet country, Bella Union’s new winery will offer a variety of indoor and outdoor tasting experiences and serve as a gathering place to discover the artistry at the heart of the winemaking process. FNWE has promoted Alysha Lee to Estate Director for Bella Union to oversee the opening of the winery. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and events industry, Alysha will guide the Bella Union’s tasting program offering educational and entertaining experiences that meet consumers no matter where they are in their wine journey.

“With Bella Union’s new winery, we have set out to design a friendly space in the Napa Valley where people can make new connections and discover the winery’s new unique blends,” said Estate Director for Bella Union Alysha Lee. “I’m thrilled to be taking on a leadership role with such an exciting new project that celebrates the artistry of winemaking while telling the story of Bella Union.”

Updates on the new Bella Union Winery will be shared throughout the renovation process including details on design and architecture, new hospitality experiences and the winemaking program.

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About Bella Union – bellaunionwine.com
Rooted in the famous Rutherford appellation, and driven by curiosity and creative vision, Bella Union is where the artistry of winemaking flourishes. Founded in 2012, the winery was built upon Far Niente Wine Estate’s legacy of winemaking and farming expertise while celebrating the art of blending, and the role of the winemaker in crafting each blend to cultivate a proprietary style. Drawing upon more than 40 years of working with grapes from areas as diverse as Oakville, Howell Mountain, Stags Leap District and St. Helena—Bella Union sources from numerous appellations, vineyards, and varietals to build layers of nuance into distinct wines of unparalleled character and complexity. Working with such varied influences allows us to fully showcase the range and depth of expression of Cabernet Sauvignon—from the Napa Valley appellation, to explorations of Bordeaux-style blends inspired by the right or left bank, to a pinnacle Rutherford Cabernet. Each wine and vintage are masterfully crafted using sustainable practices to reflect Bella Union’s independent spirit.

About Far Niente Wine Estates – farniente.com
Far Niente Wine Estates is a family of California wineries linked by a joint mission: To produce world-class wines representative of their home vineyards and grape varieties. Built around Oakville’s Far Niente Estate, originally established by John Benson in 1885, Far Niente Wine Estates is committed to elevating California’s finest terroirs through precision winemaking and conscientious farming. Abandoned during Prohibition, the original Oakville estate was restored by the Nickel family, and resumed wine production in 1982. Preserving and expanding the Napa legacy that began on this land over 135 years ago inspired Far Niente Wine Estates to gradually expand in the Napa and Russian River Valleys. The family of wineries includes several Cabernet Sauvignon-focused wineries including single-vineyard Cabernet pioneer Nickel & Nickel; the blend-focused Bella Union estate in Rutherford; and Post and Beam, a winery inspired by the America’s iconic post and beam barns, and dedicated to crafting equally long-lived, classic wines. Far Niente Wine Estates also includes En Route, a Russian River Valley estate devoted to world-class Pinot Noir; and Dolce, America’s leading late-harvest dessert wine.

Wines of Georgia Announces the Launch of the Georgian Wine Certification Program in Partnership with the Napa Valley Wine Academy

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Wines of Georgia is proud to announce that the Georgian Wine Certification program, in partnership with the Napa Valley Wine Academy, has officially launched, and is excited to begin enrolling students in a first-of-its-kind free education program to become a Georgian wine expert. Wines of Georgia is the organization that represents and promotes the wines of the country of Georgia and is financed by the National Wine Agency of Georgia, which is a legal entity under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, and the country’s wineries.

The National Wine Agency-endorsed three-hour course will feature seven learning modules on Georgia and its wines, along with a final quiz that gives users access, once passed, to a Georgian wine certificate endorsed by the Georgian National Wine Agency. A foundation in wine (Wine 201 or WSET Level 2) is recommended as a prerequisite before beginning the program. Lessons include the history, culture and unique process of Georgia’s qvevri-aged winemaking; the culinary traditions of the supra and the importance of wine and winemaking to Georgia’s people; education on Georgia’s various regions, terroir and winemaking traditions; the exciting range of indigenous varieties and styles found in Georgia, including Rkatsiteli, Saperavi and the world-renowned amber wines for which the country is known. Students who complete the Georgian wine course will have a thorough understanding of the wines of the country of Georgia and will receive an educational reference guide and presentation on Georgia for use, as well as an intermediate-level certificate from the Napa Valley Wine Academy.

Interested media, wine trade and wine-loving consumers can register to access the course at the Wine Certification Program page on the Wines of Georgia website. Included in all student registration are a course workbook, detailed profiles on all Georgian wine regions and key grape varieties, access to the course for twelve months and a printable PDF certificate with a digital badge.

Georgian wine remains some of the world’s most uniquely identifiable fermented beverages, with winemaking techniques and traditions that date back 8,000 years. Ancient and alluring, Georgia is known for its skin contact and qvevri-aged wines; however, wine is made in both Georgian and European winemaking methods using over 500 indigenous grape varieties as well as international varieties.

With Georgian wine exports to the U.S. achieving 29% year-over-year growth for the last six years, the launch of the Napa Valley Wine Academy Georgian wine certification comes at a time when consumption of key Georgian varieties and styles is at an all-time high, with wine exports to the U.S. totaling more than one million bottles. With sales velocity for Georgian wines continuing to increase significantly, the US now consistently achieves one of the highest average ex-cellar prices for Georgia’s wine anywhere in the world. This course is a necessity for anyone looking to have a complete understanding of the world of wine.

To keep up with the latest news and events from the Wines of Georgia campaign, please follow @winesgeorgia on Instagram/@winesgeorgia on Facebook, or sign up to the Wines of Georgia newsletter at winesgeorgia.com.

About Wines of Georgia – http://www.winesgeorgia.com
Wines of Georgia is a promotional campaign financed by the National Wine Agency of Georgia and wineries to educate the US wine trade and the general public about the history, culture, quality and universal appeal of Georgian wines and the country’s qvevri winemaking tradition.

About the Napa Valley Wine Academy – https://napavalleywineacademy.com
The Napa Valley Wine Academy, America’s Premier Wine School™ and the two-time winner of the WSET Global Wine Educator of the Year, is the most awarded WSET wine school in the world. The Academy is based in Napa Valley, California with locations across the United States and globally online. NVWA is proud to be an approved program provider of the internationally recognized WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) series of wine, spirit, and sake courses (including WSET Levels 1 through 4 in Wine) as well as a full suite of online classes and a host of other specialty classes ideal for enthusiasts and critical for wine and beverage industry professionals.

Slow Wine Launches The 2023 Guide With The Annual Five-City Tour In The Us – Guides Now Available For Purchase

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The acclaimed Italian wine organization, Slow Wine, recently concluded its national wine tour in the United States celebrating the publication of the 2023 Slow Wine Guide, including an Italian and US version. The US guide is now available for sale on the Slow Food USA website.

The 2023 edition of the USA Guide takes on an innovative approach to the wines of California, Oregon, New York, and Washington with in-depth coverage of leading eco-friendly producers. US National Co-editors Deborah Parker Wong and Pam Strayer and their team of dedicated field coordinators personally visit top producers and review their finest bottles on site. The Slow Wine Guide format provides a guide entry for each winery with sections about people, vineyards, and wines that include the way vineyards are farmed and detailed reviews of current-release wines.

Hundreds of trade and press attended Slow Wine’s five-city 2023 USA Tour featuring 156 Italian producers, 24 from the US and 11 from Latin America. More than 450 industry professionals attended the New York City stop on March 14th, while more than 240 consumers participated in a second tasting.

Slow Wine events hosted across the US were also well attended, with 445 wine trade and press in San Francisco on March 6th, 214 in Seattle on March 7th, 153 in Dallas on March 9th, and 236 in Miami on March 13th.

This year marks the third year the English language USA Slow Wine Guide has been published, the only annual guide to American wines. The print book profiles 290 wineries from California, Oregon, Washington, and New York. More than 250 wineries are recognized with Slow Wine awards. Twenty-four of those award-winning wineries joined the five-city tour, showcasing the innovation in sustainability by winemakers as well as the unique terroirs of some of the most recognized wine regions in the US.

About Slow Wine
The Slow Wine Guides evaluate more than 2,000 Italian wineries, a small selection from Slovenia, and more than 290 American producers. Uniquely, it relies on in-person visits and the human interaction it has with all the producers. This enables the guide to give readers a more comprehensive understanding of the place and the producer. In comparison, many other guides limit their relationship to a blind tasting, and then provide tasting notes and scores, Slow Wine creates a more nuanced and detailed insider’s review of the people, the farming and winemaking practices, and the wines. Each of the selected wineries respects and reflects the local terroir and practices sustainable methods that benefit the environment. The guide awards top wineries that are 100% free of chemical farming with the coveted Snail Award, which is given in recognition of the values Slow Wine Guide continues to passionately support.

About Colangelo & Partners
Colangelo & Partners specializes in premium food, wine and spirits brands, and has long-established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution as well as communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on “closing the loop” between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity and the consumer in order to maximize the efficiency of its communications programs and deliver measurable results. http://www.colangelopr.com/

Perlises Pick: Morgan Winery

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Visiting Monterey County Wine Country can present some challenges. The area is huge and getting to wineries can result in a lot of driving time. Fortunately, many wineries have established tasting rooms in and around Carmel, often several miles away from their winemaking facilities.

Morgan Winery is one of these. While the winery itself is in Salinas, in 2007 their tasting room called Taste Morgan was opened in the Crossroads Shopping Center just south of downtown Carmel and at the gateway to Carmel Valley.

The winery itself was actually founded a couple of decades earlier in 1982 by Daniel Morgan Lee and his wife Donna. Morgan is not only Daniel’s middle name but also his mother’s maiden name. Prior to founding Morgan, Dan graduated from UC Davis – he had planned on studying veterinary medicine but then discovered their wine program. After stints at Jekel Winery and Durney Vineyard, he and his former banker [now his wife] started their own label.

In 1996, they purchased property in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA that would become the Double L Vineyard, commemorating the Double Luck of having their twin daughters. Planted primarily to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this vineyard is certified organic and is the source of the winery’s estate bottlings. As a result, our tasting focused on these varietals, which is what Monterey County has built much of its reputation on. Morgan does produce some other wines as well and we were fortunate to taste of few of those too:

2021 Sauvignon Blanc – sourced from a few vineyards in the Arroyo Seco appellation: Cedar Lane, Ranch Ten, Riverbank and Zabala. Nice peach notes with a medium to long finish and medium mouth feel. Soft and tasty. 

2021 Metallico Un-Oaked Chardonnay – a combination of Santa Lucia Highlands vineyards, including the Double L along with the Leavens and McIntyre Vineyards. Pleasant citrus nose with Meyer Lemon notes on the palate and a full mouth feel.

2021 Rosé of Grenache from Mission Ranch Vineyard, Arroyo Seco– a light nose with mixed berry and raspberry notes. Very slight hint of saltiness and a medium finish.

2020 Double L Chardonnay (Clone RR – Roger Rose) – from Morgan’s estate vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. White flower and jasmine nose.  Asian pear, buttery notes. Big, ripe, creamy, full mouthfeel, long finish. Stunning example of what chardonnay can be.  

2019 Double L Chardonnay- also from the estate vineyard. Pleasant mixed citrus nose and a fitting little brother to the Double L Chardonnay (Clone RR).

2019 Twelve Clones Pinot Noir – from a few Santa Lucia Highlands vineyards: Double L, Leaven, Boekenoogen, Tondré, and Rosella’s. Light color, classic Pinot Noir.  Ripe, red berry fruit notes.  Light and delicate on palate.

2019 Tondré Pinot Noir – from the Tondré Grapefield Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Red stone fruit notes. Big mouth feel, medium to long finish.

2019 Double L Pinot – from the Estate vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. White pepper notes, a touch of smoke, firm structure, supple and subtle.

2020 Tempranillo – from the Riverbank Vineyard, Arroyo Seco. Raisin notes with a big, smooth mouth feel. Velvety and elegant.

The tasting room is roomy, comfortable and very inviting. There are options of tasting at the bar, or enjoying window seating or at a table.  Outside seating is also available. The tastings were served in individual carafes so you can enjoy at your own pace. 

Taste Morgan is definitely worth a visit next time you are in the Carmel area.  

Taste Morgan  www.morganwinery.com/Visit-Us/Taste-Morgan                                             

204 Crossroads Boulevard
Carmel, California 93923

Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

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.
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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.
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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.