Mary Rocca Interview at the Rhone Rangers Tasting in San Francisco
In assoicaition with Life in France
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Wine Week 169: Something other than the norm.
Generally when we've talked about wines from the Mornington Peninsula we've looked at Pinot Noir. But in doing so we've missed on the other great variety from the region: Chardonnay. So we start this week with a look at the classic white grape offering from Red Hill Estate. We also check out a McLaren Vale Shiraz from Shingleback's second label, Red Knot. And ahead of Danny shooting off to the Coonawarra this weekend he looks at a bargain red blend from Balnaves called, aptly, The Blend.
In assoicaition with Life in France
In assoicaition with Life in France
Monday, 19 April 2010
Preview of English Wine Producers Trade tasting
The EWP Trade and Press tasting takes place on Friday 23rd April at Chelsea Football Club. Some new faces, new wines and latest vintages will be on show from England’s leading producers and regional vineyards from around the UK.
The last few years have presented some interesting challenges to The UK wine industry. “It’s been a case of demand challenging - if not exceeding - supply,” comments Julia Trustram Eve of English Wine Producers, organisers of the tasting.
One key factor in the rise in consumer and trade interest are the regular competition wins for English wines both here and abroad, and the resulting publicity. Trophy wins in last year’s International Wine Challenge (Camel Valley Bacchus 2008), Decanter World Wine Awards (Hush Heath Balfour Brut 2005) and notable achievements in overseas competitions have also created significant positive media interest.
Happily, 2009 has produced what is likely to be one of the largest vintages on record, due in part to the number of the more recently planted vineyards coming in to full production. As many of these new vineyards will be releasing sparkling wines it will be a while yet before the first wines are on the market. However there will be some new faces and wines at the trade tasting this year, introducing some of the new generation traditional variety sparkling wines estates such as Gusbourne in Kent (see below).
The main part of the tasting is the EWP membership showcase of their wines, both displayed in style order on a central tasting area and on their own stands. EWP represents the commercial sector of the industry and comprises many of the ‘household names’ in English wines. In addition there will be a selection of wines on tasting from smaller regional vineyards, represented on regional vineyard association stands.
The St George’s Day tasting also launches English Wine Week, a celebration of English wines which takes place this year 29th May – 6th June. English Wine Week provides the trade with a great opportunity to fly the flag for English wines and to collaborate with vineyards to highlight these wines to customers. In turn it encourages vineyards to work more closely with the on and off trade, from locally to nationally. English Wine Week falls at an ideal time for English wines – it is the beginning of the summer which is seasonally appealing and carries all the anticipation of the summer months ahead. Further information on English Wine Week will be available at the tasting.
Below are some snippets of news from some of the producers that are exhibiting:
NEW FACE TO EWP: GUSBOURNE ESTATE
New EWP member this year and first time on the market is sparkling wine estate Gusbourne. Just outside Appledore in Kent, Gusbourne Estate currently only grows the classic Champagne varieties on Weald Clay, Tunbridge Wells sand and a very light sandy loam on a south-facing ancient coastal escarpment. The estate is owned by Andrew Weeber, whose passion for wine extends back to his South African (Stellenbosch University) roots, Gusbourne is run on a day-to-day basis by manager Jon Pollard.
The first vintage releases, to be presented at the EWP Trade Tasting will be from 2006, their two styles Brut (Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay) and Blanc (100% Chardonnay). Production has increased for subsequent vintages, and a groundbreaking new winery is planned for the near future. Andrew Weeber will be at the tasting, on the SE Vineyards Association stand.
RIDGEVIEW WINNERS
The Ridgeview range of 5 different sparkling wines styles and blends will be on show, including newly released 2007 vintages and the currently available 2006 vintage of some of the styles. This includes Ridgeview's Blanc de Blanc Grosvenor 2006 which was recently awarded Silver in Chardonnay du Monde 2010, a French-based competition which honours the best chardonnays of the world, selected from 880 wines entered from 37 countries. Additionally the current Wine of the Year in the UK’s own English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition – Ridgeview’s Blanc de Noirs Knightsbridge 2006 - will be on tasting. Mike Roberts, the current holder of Winemaker of the Year in the same competition, will be at the Ridgeview stand.
NYETIMBER LAUNCHING 2005 VINTAGE CLASSIC CUVÉE
The Nyetimber team will be out in force, and launching their latest release – 2005 vintage Classic Cuvée.
This signature style from Nyetimber succeeds the multi award-winning 2003 Classic Cuvée and is a blend of 62% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Noir and 19% Pinot Meunier, with an alcohol level of 12.3% and residual sugar of 14.0. Nyetimber’s CEO, Eric Hereema will be on the Nyetimber stand, along with winemaker Cherie Spriggs and Sales Managers Francis Brackley and Charlie Mount.
NEW VINTAGE LAUNCH FOR HUSH HEATH
The third vintage for Hush Heath’s rosé sparkling Balfour Brut – 2006 - has just been launched. It follows a prestigious run of award-winners, with their 2004 scooping a Gold medal in the International Wine Challenge in 2008 and last year’s Decanter English Wine Trophy winner for their 2005 vintage. Plans at Hush Heath continue to develop, with a winery being built on site, and the introduction of a limited edition still wine.
HIGHER PROFILE FOR STANLAKE PARK
Stanlake Park Wine Estate, based just outside Twyford, Reading, is no stranger to EWP nor to the tasting. This year however they will have their own stand at the tasting, showing their range of sparkling and still wines, and launching their new sparkling wine branding. Winemaker Vince Gower will be on hand to take you through the range. Stanlake has become a popular tourist destination within the Thames Valley, having opened a wine showroom and shop, selling their full range of some 14 different wines plus liqueurs from fruit grown on the estate and other world wines to complement the selection. Owner Peter Dart will be on the Stanlake stand, along with Winemaker Vince Gower.
NEW SPARKLING WINE AT CHAPEL DOWN WINES
Chapel Down Wines are introducing a new addition to their extensive and award-winning range of sparkling wines – a Pinot Noir-Chardonnay blend from the high quality 2006 vintage. In addition there will be some new 2009 vintages available to taste, including their signature Bacchus still wine and English Rose still rosé. Also to be found only at the Chapel Down table, a wonderful Chablis style Chardonnay also from the 2009 harvest which is due to be release in May this year. Sales & Marketing Director Guy Tresnan will be at the tasting.
LATEST VINTAGE RELEASES FOR CAMEL VALLEY
Following the success of their 2008 varietal Bacchus still wine, some of their follow on vintage from the successful 2009 harvest has already sold ‘en primeur’ prior to release - and will be in the line up of Bacchus wines on tasting. Camel Valley’s Gold Medal winning Pinot Noir Brut 2007 will also be available to alongside their latest sparkling release, a 2008 Pinot Noir Rosé. Bob Lindo of Camel Valley will be at the tasting on the South West Vineyards Association Stand.
Contact
Name: Julia Trustram Eve
Web: http://www.englishwineproducers.com
Company: English Wine Producers
Address: -
Country: UNITED KINGDOM
Phone: +44 01536 772264
In assoicaition with Life in France
The last few years have presented some interesting challenges to The UK wine industry. “It’s been a case of demand challenging - if not exceeding - supply,” comments Julia Trustram Eve of English Wine Producers, organisers of the tasting.
One key factor in the rise in consumer and trade interest are the regular competition wins for English wines both here and abroad, and the resulting publicity. Trophy wins in last year’s International Wine Challenge (Camel Valley Bacchus 2008), Decanter World Wine Awards (Hush Heath Balfour Brut 2005) and notable achievements in overseas competitions have also created significant positive media interest.
Happily, 2009 has produced what is likely to be one of the largest vintages on record, due in part to the number of the more recently planted vineyards coming in to full production. As many of these new vineyards will be releasing sparkling wines it will be a while yet before the first wines are on the market. However there will be some new faces and wines at the trade tasting this year, introducing some of the new generation traditional variety sparkling wines estates such as Gusbourne in Kent (see below).
The main part of the tasting is the EWP membership showcase of their wines, both displayed in style order on a central tasting area and on their own stands. EWP represents the commercial sector of the industry and comprises many of the ‘household names’ in English wines. In addition there will be a selection of wines on tasting from smaller regional vineyards, represented on regional vineyard association stands.
The St George’s Day tasting also launches English Wine Week, a celebration of English wines which takes place this year 29th May – 6th June. English Wine Week provides the trade with a great opportunity to fly the flag for English wines and to collaborate with vineyards to highlight these wines to customers. In turn it encourages vineyards to work more closely with the on and off trade, from locally to nationally. English Wine Week falls at an ideal time for English wines – it is the beginning of the summer which is seasonally appealing and carries all the anticipation of the summer months ahead. Further information on English Wine Week will be available at the tasting.
Below are some snippets of news from some of the producers that are exhibiting:
NEW FACE TO EWP: GUSBOURNE ESTATE
New EWP member this year and first time on the market is sparkling wine estate Gusbourne. Just outside Appledore in Kent, Gusbourne Estate currently only grows the classic Champagne varieties on Weald Clay, Tunbridge Wells sand and a very light sandy loam on a south-facing ancient coastal escarpment. The estate is owned by Andrew Weeber, whose passion for wine extends back to his South African (Stellenbosch University) roots, Gusbourne is run on a day-to-day basis by manager Jon Pollard.
The first vintage releases, to be presented at the EWP Trade Tasting will be from 2006, their two styles Brut (Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay) and Blanc (100% Chardonnay). Production has increased for subsequent vintages, and a groundbreaking new winery is planned for the near future. Andrew Weeber will be at the tasting, on the SE Vineyards Association stand.
RIDGEVIEW WINNERS
The Ridgeview range of 5 different sparkling wines styles and blends will be on show, including newly released 2007 vintages and the currently available 2006 vintage of some of the styles. This includes Ridgeview's Blanc de Blanc Grosvenor 2006 which was recently awarded Silver in Chardonnay du Monde 2010, a French-based competition which honours the best chardonnays of the world, selected from 880 wines entered from 37 countries. Additionally the current Wine of the Year in the UK’s own English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition – Ridgeview’s Blanc de Noirs Knightsbridge 2006 - will be on tasting. Mike Roberts, the current holder of Winemaker of the Year in the same competition, will be at the Ridgeview stand.
NYETIMBER LAUNCHING 2005 VINTAGE CLASSIC CUVÉE
The Nyetimber team will be out in force, and launching their latest release – 2005 vintage Classic Cuvée.
This signature style from Nyetimber succeeds the multi award-winning 2003 Classic Cuvée and is a blend of 62% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Noir and 19% Pinot Meunier, with an alcohol level of 12.3% and residual sugar of 14.0. Nyetimber’s CEO, Eric Hereema will be on the Nyetimber stand, along with winemaker Cherie Spriggs and Sales Managers Francis Brackley and Charlie Mount.
NEW VINTAGE LAUNCH FOR HUSH HEATH
The third vintage for Hush Heath’s rosé sparkling Balfour Brut – 2006 - has just been launched. It follows a prestigious run of award-winners, with their 2004 scooping a Gold medal in the International Wine Challenge in 2008 and last year’s Decanter English Wine Trophy winner for their 2005 vintage. Plans at Hush Heath continue to develop, with a winery being built on site, and the introduction of a limited edition still wine.
HIGHER PROFILE FOR STANLAKE PARK
Stanlake Park Wine Estate, based just outside Twyford, Reading, is no stranger to EWP nor to the tasting. This year however they will have their own stand at the tasting, showing their range of sparkling and still wines, and launching their new sparkling wine branding. Winemaker Vince Gower will be on hand to take you through the range. Stanlake has become a popular tourist destination within the Thames Valley, having opened a wine showroom and shop, selling their full range of some 14 different wines plus liqueurs from fruit grown on the estate and other world wines to complement the selection. Owner Peter Dart will be on the Stanlake stand, along with Winemaker Vince Gower.
NEW SPARKLING WINE AT CHAPEL DOWN WINES
Chapel Down Wines are introducing a new addition to their extensive and award-winning range of sparkling wines – a Pinot Noir-Chardonnay blend from the high quality 2006 vintage. In addition there will be some new 2009 vintages available to taste, including their signature Bacchus still wine and English Rose still rosé. Also to be found only at the Chapel Down table, a wonderful Chablis style Chardonnay also from the 2009 harvest which is due to be release in May this year. Sales & Marketing Director Guy Tresnan will be at the tasting.
LATEST VINTAGE RELEASES FOR CAMEL VALLEY
Following the success of their 2008 varietal Bacchus still wine, some of their follow on vintage from the successful 2009 harvest has already sold ‘en primeur’ prior to release - and will be in the line up of Bacchus wines on tasting. Camel Valley’s Gold Medal winning Pinot Noir Brut 2007 will also be available to alongside their latest sparkling release, a 2008 Pinot Noir Rosé. Bob Lindo of Camel Valley will be at the tasting on the South West Vineyards Association Stand.
Contact
Name: Julia Trustram Eve
Web: http://www.englishwineproducers.com
Company: English Wine Producers
Address: -
Country: UNITED KINGDOM
Phone: +44 01536 772264
In assoicaition with Life in France
Friday, 16 April 2010
David Bajar Henry Ranch Suckering
Nicole Marino Social Media Manager talks with David Bajar about Bud-Break and Suckering in the vineyards. April 2010
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Two times three equals yum.
We're looking at three wines that we've already looked at on the show in the past. It's the second time round for all these wines, but that only proves what great drops they are! Tar & Roses have been impressing people for a while now, and we can see why with their Heathcote Shiraz. Tahbilk own some of the oldest Shiraz and Marsanne vines on earth, and we help them celebrate their 150th birthday with a look at their best known white. Ben Glaetzer has had more than one wine on our show. His Wallace is a classic Barossa blend that is worth revisiting again and again!
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Rustenberg 2010 - The Pumpover Challenge
Production Manager Randolph Christians talks to us about the 2010 pumpover schedule and how what happens to the yeast, grapes and juice during the different phases of fermentation.
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Friday, 2 April 2010
Caves Saint Pierre Gigondas 2007 review
Tom Cannavan of wine-pages.com chooses the 2007 Gigondas from Caves Saint Pierre as his wine of the week for April 4th 2010
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Thursday, 1 April 2010
Edgebaston - Pepper Pot 2009
David Finlayson talks to us about the Pepper Pot, his extremely popular Rhone-style Shiraz blend.
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Bellingham - Harvest 2010
Niël Groenewald talks to us at the end of the 2010 harvest about their very special Rhone-style blend, The Bernard Series, Small Barrel S.M.V.
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Sierra Vista Winery
Sierra Vista WineryInterview at Rhone Rangers 2010 in San Francisco
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Gustafson Family Vineyards
Gustafson Family Vineyards Interview at Rhone Rangers 2010 in San Francisco
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Edgebaston 2010 Harvest - Red Wines
An exhausted David Finlayson talks to us at the tail-end of the 2010 harvest and comments on how difficult it has been. Heat, rain, wind, the harvest had it all and pressed winemakers in the Stellenbosch region to their limits.
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
WSWA 67th Annual Convention & Exposition Gathers Top Professionals in the Wine and Spirits Industry
Prominent leaders from the wine and spirits industry will come together in Las Vegas at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) 67th Annual Convention & Exposition to build business alliances, foster new partnerships and reconnect with industry colleagues. The event will take place at Caesars Palace April 5-8, 2010, and is expected to attract close to 2,000 attendees.
This year, WSWA will introduce enhanced educational programming, increased opportunities for supplier participation and new wine and spirits tasting and mixology competitions. Top executives and board members from WSWA and leading wine and spirits suppliers will be in attendance, creating an array of networking opportunities. Sarah Palin, 2008 Republican Vice-Presidential Nominee and former Governor of Alaska (2006-2009), is the convention's opening keynote speaker. Author and social media guru Erik Qualman will speak on how social media affects economic trends in business. The event also features Constellation Brands President & CEO Robert Sands as the keynote supplier speaker.
"We are very excited about the improved programming and events at this year's convention," WSWA President and CEO Craig Wolf said. "This is the perfect time to bring together our industry peers to discuss economic and social trends and how they affect our industry."
Other highlights of the event include: the Sidney Frank Award presentation, the Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition and the Mixology Competition. The Sidney Frank Award will be presented by WSWA to Jim Bareuther of Brown-Forman for his leadership within the wine and spirits industry and his unwavering commitment to philanthropic causes large and small. The ceremony will take place during the opening General Session Tuesday, April 6. A $10,000 contribution will be made in Bareuther's name to "Share Our Strength," an organization dedicated to the elimination of childhood hunger.
The Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition will run 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April 6 and will feature a blind tasting of over 150 products judged by acclaimed sommeliers and spirits professionals. The Mixology Competition will take place Wednesday, April 7, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and will serve as an opportunity for exhibiting spirits companies to submit new cocktail creations to be judged by a panel of mixologists from restaurants and bars around the country. This competition will be hosted and emceed by author and legendary mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim.
In addition, the Taste of the Industry reception will feature the winning cocktails and spirits from both competitions as well as new products from exhibitors. Also taking place on April 7 is the Impact Hot Brand Awards, an awards ceremony hosted by M. Shanken Communications, the leading publishing and research firm of the beverage industry. This year, 62 spirits and wine labels earned a spot on the illustrious "Hot Brands" list, with a total of 20 winners to be announced.
WSWA's Annual Convention & Exposition is open to all WSWA member wholesalers and associate members as well as employees of any supplier company, whether alcohol beverage related or otherwise and includes brokers, vintners, distillers, importers and all other services and product related firms. For more information about the WSWA Annual Convention & Exposition, visit www.wswa2010.org.
The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is the national trade organization representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry. It is dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesale distributors and/or brokers of wine and/or spirits.
Source: Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America
CONTACT: Stephanie Pagan of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America,
+1-202-371-9792 ext. 301, stephanie.pagan@wswa.org
Web Site: http://www.wswa2010.org/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
This year, WSWA will introduce enhanced educational programming, increased opportunities for supplier participation and new wine and spirits tasting and mixology competitions. Top executives and board members from WSWA and leading wine and spirits suppliers will be in attendance, creating an array of networking opportunities. Sarah Palin, 2008 Republican Vice-Presidential Nominee and former Governor of Alaska (2006-2009), is the convention's opening keynote speaker. Author and social media guru Erik Qualman will speak on how social media affects economic trends in business. The event also features Constellation Brands President & CEO Robert Sands as the keynote supplier speaker.
"We are very excited about the improved programming and events at this year's convention," WSWA President and CEO Craig Wolf said. "This is the perfect time to bring together our industry peers to discuss economic and social trends and how they affect our industry."
Other highlights of the event include: the Sidney Frank Award presentation, the Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition and the Mixology Competition. The Sidney Frank Award will be presented by WSWA to Jim Bareuther of Brown-Forman for his leadership within the wine and spirits industry and his unwavering commitment to philanthropic causes large and small. The ceremony will take place during the opening General Session Tuesday, April 6. A $10,000 contribution will be made in Bareuther's name to "Share Our Strength," an organization dedicated to the elimination of childhood hunger.
The Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition will run 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April 6 and will feature a blind tasting of over 150 products judged by acclaimed sommeliers and spirits professionals. The Mixology Competition will take place Wednesday, April 7, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and will serve as an opportunity for exhibiting spirits companies to submit new cocktail creations to be judged by a panel of mixologists from restaurants and bars around the country. This competition will be hosted and emceed by author and legendary mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim.
In addition, the Taste of the Industry reception will feature the winning cocktails and spirits from both competitions as well as new products from exhibitors. Also taking place on April 7 is the Impact Hot Brand Awards, an awards ceremony hosted by M. Shanken Communications, the leading publishing and research firm of the beverage industry. This year, 62 spirits and wine labels earned a spot on the illustrious "Hot Brands" list, with a total of 20 winners to be announced.
WSWA's Annual Convention & Exposition is open to all WSWA member wholesalers and associate members as well as employees of any supplier company, whether alcohol beverage related or otherwise and includes brokers, vintners, distillers, importers and all other services and product related firms. For more information about the WSWA Annual Convention & Exposition, visit www.wswa2010.org.
The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is the national trade organization representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry. It is dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesale distributors and/or brokers of wine and/or spirits.
Source: Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America
CONTACT: Stephanie Pagan of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America,
+1-202-371-9792 ext. 301, stephanie.pagan@wswa.org
Web Site: http://www.wswa2010.org/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Willamette Valley Vineyards Posts Improved Profit for 2009
Willamette Valley Vineyards (NASDAQ:WVVI) produced a profit for 2009 which was higher than the prior year. Revenues increased 3% to $16,563,712, net earnings increased by 3% to $731,470 and diluted earnings per share increased to 15 cents - up from 14 cents in the prior year.
The increase in total revenue is mainly due to increased sales to out-of-state distributors which improved over 7% as compared to 2008. This income contribution from sales to out-of-state distributors suffered from a small amount of reduced gross margin due to higher wine production costs and promotional allowances.
Oregon wholesale sales and logistics expenses were significantly higher in 2009, in part due to one-time expenses for implementation of stronger inventory management and controls. These wholesale organizational and sales costs were the single largest cause of the Company's reduced operating income.
Retail operation's income contribution also suffered from a small amount of reduced gross margin due to higher wine production costs and the expenses of the winery's new outlet in downtown McMinnville called the Willamette Valley Vineyards Wine Center. This small retail start-up loss was expected.
Changes in the accounting treatment for farming costs contributed approximately $200,000 in reduced income tax expenses versus the prior year's tax burden.
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc. is a leading producer of Pinot Noir in Oregon and is headquartered at its Estate Vineyard near Salem, Oregon. The Company's common stock is traded on NASDAQ. (Symbol: WVVI).
Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are identified by such words and phrases as "expects,", "thinks," "believes," "anticipates" and words of similar import. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: availability of financing for growth, availability of adequate supply of high quality grapes, successful performance of internal operations, impact of competition, changes in wine broker or distributor relations or performance, impact of possible adverse weather conditions, impact of reduction in grape quality or supply due to disease, impact of governmental regulatory decisions and other risks.
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc.
Statements of Operations
For the Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
2009 2008
Net revenues $16,563,712 $16,048,238
Cost of goods sold 8,849,800 8,229,877
--------- ---------
Gross margin 7,713,912 7,818,361
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 6,596,513 6,455,203
--------- ---------
Income from operations 1,117,399 1,363,158
--------- ---------
Other income (expenses):
Interest income 17,042 36,746
Interest expense (162,113) (116,383)
Other income/(expense) 3,143 (20,386)
----- -------
(141,928) (100,023)
-------- --------
Income before income taxes 975,471 1,263,135
Income tax provision 244,001 554,541
------- -------
Net income $731,470 $708,594
======== ========
Basic net income per common share $0.15 $0.15
===== =====
Diluted net income per common
share $0.15 $0.14
===== =====
Source: Willamette Valley Vineyards
CONTACT: Jim Bernau, 1-800-344-9463, for Willamette Valley Vineyards
Web Site: http://www.wvv.com/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
The increase in total revenue is mainly due to increased sales to out-of-state distributors which improved over 7% as compared to 2008. This income contribution from sales to out-of-state distributors suffered from a small amount of reduced gross margin due to higher wine production costs and promotional allowances.
Oregon wholesale sales and logistics expenses were significantly higher in 2009, in part due to one-time expenses for implementation of stronger inventory management and controls. These wholesale organizational and sales costs were the single largest cause of the Company's reduced operating income.
Retail operation's income contribution also suffered from a small amount of reduced gross margin due to higher wine production costs and the expenses of the winery's new outlet in downtown McMinnville called the Willamette Valley Vineyards Wine Center. This small retail start-up loss was expected.
Changes in the accounting treatment for farming costs contributed approximately $200,000 in reduced income tax expenses versus the prior year's tax burden.
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc. is a leading producer of Pinot Noir in Oregon and is headquartered at its Estate Vineyard near Salem, Oregon. The Company's common stock is traded on NASDAQ. (Symbol: WVVI).
Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are identified by such words and phrases as "expects,", "thinks," "believes," "anticipates" and words of similar import. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: availability of financing for growth, availability of adequate supply of high quality grapes, successful performance of internal operations, impact of competition, changes in wine broker or distributor relations or performance, impact of possible adverse weather conditions, impact of reduction in grape quality or supply due to disease, impact of governmental regulatory decisions and other risks.
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc.
Statements of Operations
For the Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
2009 2008
Net revenues $16,563,712 $16,048,238
Cost of goods sold 8,849,800 8,229,877
--------- ---------
Gross margin 7,713,912 7,818,361
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 6,596,513 6,455,203
--------- ---------
Income from operations 1,117,399 1,363,158
--------- ---------
Other income (expenses):
Interest income 17,042 36,746
Interest expense (162,113) (116,383)
Other income/(expense) 3,143 (20,386)
----- -------
(141,928) (100,023)
-------- --------
Income before income taxes 975,471 1,263,135
Income tax provision 244,001 554,541
------- -------
Net income $731,470 $708,594
======== ========
Basic net income per common share $0.15 $0.15
===== =====
Diluted net income per common
share $0.15 $0.14
===== =====
Source: Willamette Valley Vineyards
CONTACT: Jim Bernau, 1-800-344-9463, for Willamette Valley Vineyards
Web Site: http://www.wvv.com/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Winelands Economics 101 - Simon and Dave
Simon and David get together in the vineyard and have a chat about the economics of running a wine farm and how most accountants will tell you to run a mile rather than start a winery. But for Simon the excitement of delivering the finished bottles of wine to consumers around the world is an attractive incentive....
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Friday, 26 March 2010
Clavo Cellars Neil Roberts
Clavo Cellars Interview with Neil Roberts at Paso Zinfandel Festival 2010
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Mitchella Vineyard & Winery Interview
Mitchella Vineyard & Winery Interview at Paso Zinfandel Festival 2010
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Meritage (Like Heritage)
Author: Mark V. Fusco San Antonio, TX In this video wine review, Mark reviews the World Market House Brand 2005 Crandall-Brooks Meritage. Distributed by Tubemogul.
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Vintage 2009: Château Malescasse launches its new wine « Petit Verdot de Malescasse
Château Malescasse has just announced the date for the presentation of the “Petit Verdot de Malescasse 2009”. It will be on March 29, first day of the Primeur’s professional tasting in Bordeaux. With particularly flattering black fruits and a deep ruby color, this Petit Verdot de Malescasse 2009 will charm Bordeaux wines’ lovers. This exceptional year made it possible for Château Malescasse to make a wine of great complexity with the Petit Verdot grape variety whose blackberries and violet aromas prevail in 2009.
Vigorous and spicy, with deliciously ripened and elegant tannins, the Petit Verdot grape variety always had a very strong personality at Château Malescasse. In 2009, the exceptional result of the vines planted with Petit Verdot on one of the best gravelly hilltops encouraged Antonio Flores and Bertrand Chemin, respectively Head of the Vineyard and Cellar Master at Château Malescasse, to present this new wine. “The idea of this 100% Petit Verdot wine is very simple. Very early in the season, we noticed that the wines at Château Malescasse were remarkable. The exceptional quality obtained in 2009 allowed us to make this wine which will give everyone the pleasure to discover the beauty of this vintage and the unique expression of Petit Verdot planted on a beautiful terroir. Each year, this grape variety surprises us with its generosity and its aromatic complexity. Here at Malescasse, we are convinced we have a unique adequacy between Petit Verdot and our terroir.”
About Château Malescasse
The vineyard surrounding the château is situated on one of the best gravelly hilltops to be found between Margaux and St Julien Beychevelle, near the river, which makes it an exceptional quality growing area with deep, well drained soil. All the necessary elements are there: climate tempered by the proximity of the river, a noble "terroir", proven technical input and, most important, the respect and savoir-faire of the men who work under Georges Pauli. Without the necessary intimacy between man and nature, it is impossible to make a great wine.
Contact: VitaBella - Guillaume Jourdan, +331.45.65.39.72 (guillaumejourdan@vitabella.fr)
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Vigorous and spicy, with deliciously ripened and elegant tannins, the Petit Verdot grape variety always had a very strong personality at Château Malescasse. In 2009, the exceptional result of the vines planted with Petit Verdot on one of the best gravelly hilltops encouraged Antonio Flores and Bertrand Chemin, respectively Head of the Vineyard and Cellar Master at Château Malescasse, to present this new wine. “The idea of this 100% Petit Verdot wine is very simple. Very early in the season, we noticed that the wines at Château Malescasse were remarkable. The exceptional quality obtained in 2009 allowed us to make this wine which will give everyone the pleasure to discover the beauty of this vintage and the unique expression of Petit Verdot planted on a beautiful terroir. Each year, this grape variety surprises us with its generosity and its aromatic complexity. Here at Malescasse, we are convinced we have a unique adequacy between Petit Verdot and our terroir.”
About Château Malescasse
The vineyard surrounding the château is situated on one of the best gravelly hilltops to be found between Margaux and St Julien Beychevelle, near the river, which makes it an exceptional quality growing area with deep, well drained soil. All the necessary elements are there: climate tempered by the proximity of the river, a noble "terroir", proven technical input and, most important, the respect and savoir-faire of the men who work under Georges Pauli. Without the necessary intimacy between man and nature, it is impossible to make a great wine.
Contact: VitaBella - Guillaume Jourdan, +331.45.65.39.72 (guillaumejourdan@vitabella.fr)
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Wine Week 165: Australian rules.
We're ready for the start of the 2010 Australia Football League (AFL) season, but before we head off to the MCG to watch Essendon take on Geelong we thought we might check out a couple of wines.
We bounce the ball by looking at a wine that impressed at our recent tasting: The Clonakilla Riesling. A lovely drop that reminds Danny of sherbet. Brad looks a performer that's proven itself on the big stage: The Cape Mentelle Zinfandel. Big, bold and brash but with a legion of supporters. Before the final siren Danny checks out a Durif from Rutherglen producer Scion. It might have been a while since the grape was at the top of the ladder, but this might be a breakout season that sees fans jumping on the bandwagon.
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
We bounce the ball by looking at a wine that impressed at our recent tasting: The Clonakilla Riesling. A lovely drop that reminds Danny of sherbet. Brad looks a performer that's proven itself on the big stage: The Cape Mentelle Zinfandel. Big, bold and brash but with a legion of supporters. Before the final siren Danny checks out a Durif from Rutherglen producer Scion. It might have been a while since the grape was at the top of the ladder, but this might be a breakout season that sees fans jumping on the bandwagon.
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Conscious Bite Out visits Schnebly Winery
This Thursday, March 25th, Conscious Bite Out invites you to experience healthy, nutritious, seasonal and sustainable food as Chef Gustavo Zapata, formerly Sous Chef at Cafe Sambal in the Mandarin Oriental and Chef de Cuisine at La Cote at The Fontainbleau, explores South Florida Farms and Fisheries to bring you his creative interpretations of the freshest local cuisine directly from the farms to your table.
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Wine 101 TV SLTV Fingerlakes Show 135 Molesworth must GO !!!
Wine 101 TV SLTV Fingerlakes Show 135 Molesworth must GO !!!...wine spectator must fire him ....he is criminal and premeditated in his nefarious wine scores...
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Guarachi Family Wines are being released....
Alex Guarachi was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. The Guarachi family, like most Chilean families, felt wine was an important part of any meal as well as a way of life. In 1976, Alex went off to California to attend college and to follow his first passion in life - soccer. After a successful collegiate soccer career, Alex would find a second passion in fine wines.
This passion led Alex to create TGIC Importers, Inc., where he began importing Chilean wine into the United States over 25 years ago. What began as a one-man show operating out of his garage has since grown into a globally recognized company boasting a portfolio of some of the finest wines from not only Chile, but also Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and California.
Today, TGIC Importers is recognized as the leading importer of South American wines in the United States. Now after a quarter century of tasting, judging and assisting in the production and marketing of wines for other wineries, Alex's dream of producing his own wines has been realized with the inaugural bottling of three Guarachi Family wines: Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Napa Valley), Pinot Noir 2008 (Sonoma Coast) and Chardonnay 2008 (Sonoma Mountain). These bold, rich and stylish wines come from some of the most prominent vineyards and appellations in Napa and Sonoma counties. The wines were hand-crafted with the help of one of Alex's closest friends, the internationally-renowned winemaker, Paul Hobbs.
Now, after five years in the making, Alex is proud to share with you his vision and passion for fine California wine with the highly anticipated Guarachi Family Wines.
Source: TGIC Importers, Inc.
CONTACT: Alex Guarachi of TGIC Importers, Inc., +1-818-225-5100,
aguarachi@tgicimporters.com
Web Site: http://www.tgicimporters.com/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
This passion led Alex to create TGIC Importers, Inc., where he began importing Chilean wine into the United States over 25 years ago. What began as a one-man show operating out of his garage has since grown into a globally recognized company boasting a portfolio of some of the finest wines from not only Chile, but also Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and California.
Today, TGIC Importers is recognized as the leading importer of South American wines in the United States. Now after a quarter century of tasting, judging and assisting in the production and marketing of wines for other wineries, Alex's dream of producing his own wines has been realized with the inaugural bottling of three Guarachi Family wines: Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Napa Valley), Pinot Noir 2008 (Sonoma Coast) and Chardonnay 2008 (Sonoma Mountain). These bold, rich and stylish wines come from some of the most prominent vineyards and appellations in Napa and Sonoma counties. The wines were hand-crafted with the help of one of Alex's closest friends, the internationally-renowned winemaker, Paul Hobbs.
Now, after five years in the making, Alex is proud to share with you his vision and passion for fine California wine with the highly anticipated Guarachi Family Wines.
Source: TGIC Importers, Inc.
CONTACT: Alex Guarachi of TGIC Importers, Inc., +1-818-225-5100,
aguarachi@tgicimporters.com
Web Site: http://www.tgicimporters.com/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
New Collection of Artisan Wines in a Break-Through 3L Premium Wine Cask Launched Today by Underdog Wine Merchants
A new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package was announced today by Adam Richardson, Director of International Winemaking for Underdog Wine Merchants. The international wine collection is being launched with six brands and ten items packaged in a new exciting premium 3L wine cask format, the Octavin Home Wine Bar (TM).
"This is the first time a collection of super-premium, artisan wines, representing some of the world's best wine regions, has ever been offered in a premium wine cask format," notes Adam. "The wines are sourced from preeminent and emerging wine growing regions including Monterey County; California Central Coast; Marlborough, New Zealand; Spain and Hungary. I am very proud of these wines; each has been crafted by an artisan winemaker to be true to their varietal character, country of origin and unique terroir. Naturally, we start with the best grapes but then, depending on the wine, we will use oak barrel aging, or in the case of our 'racy' whites, barrel and temperature-controlled fermentation. You just do not see this kind of artisan approach to winemaking at this price point, and all of us at Underdog Wine Merchants are very pleased to be able to offer consumers distinctive wines at a very affordable price."
Each Octavin Home Wine Bar holds 20 five-ounce glasses and keeps the wine fresh for up to six weeks after opening, so it can be easily enjoyed in under a month in adult households with daily wine drinkers. "It truly delivers artisan wine, a glass at a time," says Richardson.
The wines in the new artisan collection are Monthaven Central Coast Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; Silver Birch New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; Boho Vineyards California Old Vine Zinfandel; Pinot Evil Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio; Big House Red and White; and Seven, produced from seven Spanish red varietals. Wines are distributed nationally with a SRP of $22-24.
The first wine to be released in the new Octavin Home Wine Bar is Monthaven Winery Monterey County Central Coast Chardonnay. Named for its home in Monterey County, California, this wine benefits from one of the world's longest growing seasons, resulting in a "distinctive full-bodied wine with balanced acidity," says Monthaven Winery winemaker Jeff Yamamoto, who works closely with Adam Richardson. " Monthaven Chardonnay is made in California's largest small-lot winery," notes Jeff. "This allows us to keep grapes from different micro-climates and vineyard blocks separate. The wine is carefully crafted in small lots and then barrel-aged. Adam and I selected American Oak for our Monthaven Chardonnay to assure that the fruit flavors shine through, accented by balanced oak notes and agreeable tannins."
Octavin Home Wine Bar bridges the wine world's interests in value, environmental positives and creative packaging. "By choosing an Octavin Home Wine Bar instead of glass bottles, consumers reduce packaging waste by 92% and carbon emissions by 55%; and it offers great value by providing the equivalent of four bottles of wine for the price of three," says Richardson. "This allows us to invest in making great wines rather than traditional expensive packaging. By eliminating glass bottle expense, we reduce packaging and shipping cost, and then pass the savings along to customers. These are wines without compromise, the same wines that would go into a bottle, but with the stylish Octavin Home Wine Bar, we can deliver these wines at an amazing price and with sustainable business practices."
Roger Boulton, Stephen Sinclair Scott Professor of Enology and chemical Engineering, Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California recognizes the need for the wine industry to improve business practices in regard to sustainability. "One of the future challenges for the management of all wine businesses is the reduction of their carbon footprint. This number is made up of several contributions and a series of changes will need to be made probably requiring ongoing adaptation. There are questions of the ownership of these emissions - such as bottles and packaging - anything a wine company can do to reduce their carbon footprint will probably be viewed positively by consumers and the larger community. Any wine delivered to market that has resulted in one-third less carbon emissions is a significant and consequential improvement in business practices."
"We've been watching the industry as it adopts innovative packaging, e.g., Stelvin caps. Now, the logical progression is for the package itself used for everyday drinking. The Underdog Wine group has increasingly staked a claim on the premium 3L segment; the unique shape of Underdog's new package will further make their wines stand out from the crowd, "stated Eileen Fredrikson, Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates.
Underdog Wine Merchants are champions of "hidden treasure" or under-appreciated wines-ones that are truly unique, of great value and the true "underdogs" of the wine world. For information about Underdog Wine Merchants, visit www.underdogwinemerchants.com.
For more information, visit www.OctavinHomeWineBar.com.
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
"This is the first time a collection of super-premium, artisan wines, representing some of the world's best wine regions, has ever been offered in a premium wine cask format," notes Adam. "The wines are sourced from preeminent and emerging wine growing regions including Monterey County; California Central Coast; Marlborough, New Zealand; Spain and Hungary. I am very proud of these wines; each has been crafted by an artisan winemaker to be true to their varietal character, country of origin and unique terroir. Naturally, we start with the best grapes but then, depending on the wine, we will use oak barrel aging, or in the case of our 'racy' whites, barrel and temperature-controlled fermentation. You just do not see this kind of artisan approach to winemaking at this price point, and all of us at Underdog Wine Merchants are very pleased to be able to offer consumers distinctive wines at a very affordable price."
Each Octavin Home Wine Bar holds 20 five-ounce glasses and keeps the wine fresh for up to six weeks after opening, so it can be easily enjoyed in under a month in adult households with daily wine drinkers. "It truly delivers artisan wine, a glass at a time," says Richardson.
The wines in the new artisan collection are Monthaven Central Coast Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; Silver Birch New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; Boho Vineyards California Old Vine Zinfandel; Pinot Evil Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio; Big House Red and White; and Seven, produced from seven Spanish red varietals. Wines are distributed nationally with a SRP of $22-24.
The first wine to be released in the new Octavin Home Wine Bar is Monthaven Winery Monterey County Central Coast Chardonnay. Named for its home in Monterey County, California, this wine benefits from one of the world's longest growing seasons, resulting in a "distinctive full-bodied wine with balanced acidity," says Monthaven Winery winemaker Jeff Yamamoto, who works closely with Adam Richardson. " Monthaven Chardonnay is made in California's largest small-lot winery," notes Jeff. "This allows us to keep grapes from different micro-climates and vineyard blocks separate. The wine is carefully crafted in small lots and then barrel-aged. Adam and I selected American Oak for our Monthaven Chardonnay to assure that the fruit flavors shine through, accented by balanced oak notes and agreeable tannins."
Octavin Home Wine Bar bridges the wine world's interests in value, environmental positives and creative packaging. "By choosing an Octavin Home Wine Bar instead of glass bottles, consumers reduce packaging waste by 92% and carbon emissions by 55%; and it offers great value by providing the equivalent of four bottles of wine for the price of three," says Richardson. "This allows us to invest in making great wines rather than traditional expensive packaging. By eliminating glass bottle expense, we reduce packaging and shipping cost, and then pass the savings along to customers. These are wines without compromise, the same wines that would go into a bottle, but with the stylish Octavin Home Wine Bar, we can deliver these wines at an amazing price and with sustainable business practices."
Roger Boulton, Stephen Sinclair Scott Professor of Enology and chemical Engineering, Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California recognizes the need for the wine industry to improve business practices in regard to sustainability. "One of the future challenges for the management of all wine businesses is the reduction of their carbon footprint. This number is made up of several contributions and a series of changes will need to be made probably requiring ongoing adaptation. There are questions of the ownership of these emissions - such as bottles and packaging - anything a wine company can do to reduce their carbon footprint will probably be viewed positively by consumers and the larger community. Any wine delivered to market that has resulted in one-third less carbon emissions is a significant and consequential improvement in business practices."
"We've been watching the industry as it adopts innovative packaging, e.g., Stelvin caps. Now, the logical progression is for the package itself used for everyday drinking. The Underdog Wine group has increasingly staked a claim on the premium 3L segment; the unique shape of Underdog's new package will further make their wines stand out from the crowd, "stated Eileen Fredrikson, Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates.
Underdog Wine Merchants are champions of "hidden treasure" or under-appreciated wines-ones that are truly unique, of great value and the true "underdogs" of the wine world. For information about Underdog Wine Merchants, visit www.underdogwinemerchants.com.
For more information, visit www.OctavinHomeWineBar.com.
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
DFV Wines Continues Hot Streak: Third Generation California Winery Brings Home Three Impact Hot Brand Awards
DFV Wines, a family-owned California winery, is proud to announce that leading industry publication Impact Databank has named three of its wine brands, Gnarly Head, Bota Box and Twisted as 2009 Hot Brands. This is the third consecutive Hot Brand Award for Gnarly Head, the second for premium bag-in-box wine brand, Bota Box, and represents Twisted's first showing.
Domestic wine brands must meet the following criteria to qualify as Impact Hot Brands: established brands with double-digit growth each year in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and a minimum volume requirement of 200,000 cases.
"Even though 2009 will be remembered as a tough year for the wine industry as a whole, DFV Wines maintained its momentum by continuing to craft high quality wines that consistently over-deliver," said Chris Indelicato, CEO and President, DFV Wines. "As a family owned and operated company, we're proud that consumers, retailers, restaurateurs and wholesalers look to DFV Wines for quality wines and we're grateful for their continued support."
Marvin Shanken, editor of Impact, Wine Spectator, Market Watch, Food Arts and Cigar Aficionado, will present DFV Wines' CEO Chris Indelicato with the Hot Brand awards at the upcoming Wine & Spirits Wholesalers Association convention in Las Vegas on April 7, 2010.
ABOUT DFV WINES
DFV Wines is a family-owned winery with 86 years of experience in California winemaking and winegrowing. Three generations of the Indelicato family have overseen vineyard operations and winemaking at their California properties and today the company is led by CEO and President, Chris Indelicato. DFV Wines is steadfastly committed to crafting and representing wines of the highest quality produced in accordance with sustainable winegrowing practices. The DFV Wines' brand portfolio includes Gnarly Head, 337/181, Bota Box, Brazin, Irony, Loredona, Twisted and Delicato. In addition, DFV Wines is the exclusive U.S. importer of Bodegas Baigorri of Rioja, Spain.
Source: DFV Wines
CONTACT: Holly Evans, Director of Public Relations of DFV Wines,
+1-707-265-1715, hevans@dfvwines.com
Web Site: http://www.dfvwines.com/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Domestic wine brands must meet the following criteria to qualify as Impact Hot Brands: established brands with double-digit growth each year in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and a minimum volume requirement of 200,000 cases.
"Even though 2009 will be remembered as a tough year for the wine industry as a whole, DFV Wines maintained its momentum by continuing to craft high quality wines that consistently over-deliver," said Chris Indelicato, CEO and President, DFV Wines. "As a family owned and operated company, we're proud that consumers, retailers, restaurateurs and wholesalers look to DFV Wines for quality wines and we're grateful for their continued support."
Marvin Shanken, editor of Impact, Wine Spectator, Market Watch, Food Arts and Cigar Aficionado, will present DFV Wines' CEO Chris Indelicato with the Hot Brand awards at the upcoming Wine & Spirits Wholesalers Association convention in Las Vegas on April 7, 2010.
ABOUT DFV WINES
DFV Wines is a family-owned winery with 86 years of experience in California winemaking and winegrowing. Three generations of the Indelicato family have overseen vineyard operations and winemaking at their California properties and today the company is led by CEO and President, Chris Indelicato. DFV Wines is steadfastly committed to crafting and representing wines of the highest quality produced in accordance with sustainable winegrowing practices. The DFV Wines' brand portfolio includes Gnarly Head, 337/181, Bota Box, Brazin, Irony, Loredona, Twisted and Delicato. In addition, DFV Wines is the exclusive U.S. importer of Bodegas Baigorri of Rioja, Spain.
Source: DFV Wines
CONTACT: Holly Evans, Director of Public Relations of DFV Wines,
+1-707-265-1715, hevans@dfvwines.com
Web Site: http://www.dfvwines.com/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
The Easter Wine Guide
KENWOOD, Calif., March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Like Thanksgiving and Christmas, Easter is a special day for families and friends to come together to share a celebratory meal. Good company and good food deserve to be enjoyed with fine wine, and - with a bit of forethought - choosing a wine that pairs well with your Easter meal can be a snap.
The first thing to consider in choosing a wine - or wines - for Easter is the kind of Easter meal it will be. Unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, when dinner - though sometimes enjoyed early - is the norm, the Easter meal can be brunch, lunch or dinner, each with its own mix of courses.
As with all wine pairings, the goal at Easter is to select a wine that has similar flavor intensity as the dishes it will accompany (so the wine doesn't overwhelm the food, or vice versa) and also has a character that complements those dishes. The two traditional main courses for an Easter lunch or dinner - lamb and glazed ham - illustrate perfectly how a good wine match is made.
Rich and robust in flavor, Easter lamb - whether rack of lamb, leg of lamb or lamb roast - may overwhelm all white wines and a fair number of reds. To complement its bold flavor, it needs to be paired with a full-bodied, deeply fruited red wine with ample structure, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah. Some fine choices would be Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Merlot, Valley of the Moon Winery Sonoma County Syrah and Lake Sonoma Winery Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
In contrast, traditional Easter glazed ham combines the medium flavor of the ham itself, saltiness from its preparation, and sweetness from the glaze. With glazed ham, the situation is the opposite of lamb; a full-bodied red wine would overwhelm it. Glazed ham pairs best with a wine that displays light-to-medium body, fresh, fruity flavors, and good balancing acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling or unoaked Chardonnay. Some to consider include Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc, Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Pinot Gris and Valley of the Moon Winery Unoaked Chardonnay. Glazed ham also pairs beautifully with dry roses like Kenwood Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Rose and Valley of the Moon Winery Rosato di Sangiovese. For those who must have a red wine with their glazed ham, a Zinfandel - like those from Valley of the Moon Winery and Lake Sonoma Winery - would be a good choice.
All of these wines also should work well with traditional Easter side dishes like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole and asparagus. However, there is no rule that says you can't serve two wines with your Easter meal and your guests will enjoy having a choice.
Easter brunch typically features different fare than an Easter lunch or dinner, with an emphasis on dishes like quiche, French toast, frittata, hash browns, scrambled eggs, waffles, muffins, light salads and fresh fruit. Rather than attempt to select a wine to complement this range of dishes, take the easy way out and serve champagne. A premium California champagne like Korbel Brut or Korbel Blanc de Noirs is surprisingly versatile and is sure to be a hit.
Happy Easter!
Drink responsibly.
Source: Kenwood Vineyards
CONTACT: Margie Healy, +1-707-824-7715, mhealy@Korbel.com, for Kenwood
Vineyards
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
The first thing to consider in choosing a wine - or wines - for Easter is the kind of Easter meal it will be. Unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, when dinner - though sometimes enjoyed early - is the norm, the Easter meal can be brunch, lunch or dinner, each with its own mix of courses.
As with all wine pairings, the goal at Easter is to select a wine that has similar flavor intensity as the dishes it will accompany (so the wine doesn't overwhelm the food, or vice versa) and also has a character that complements those dishes. The two traditional main courses for an Easter lunch or dinner - lamb and glazed ham - illustrate perfectly how a good wine match is made.
Rich and robust in flavor, Easter lamb - whether rack of lamb, leg of lamb or lamb roast - may overwhelm all white wines and a fair number of reds. To complement its bold flavor, it needs to be paired with a full-bodied, deeply fruited red wine with ample structure, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah. Some fine choices would be Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Merlot, Valley of the Moon Winery Sonoma County Syrah and Lake Sonoma Winery Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
In contrast, traditional Easter glazed ham combines the medium flavor of the ham itself, saltiness from its preparation, and sweetness from the glaze. With glazed ham, the situation is the opposite of lamb; a full-bodied red wine would overwhelm it. Glazed ham pairs best with a wine that displays light-to-medium body, fresh, fruity flavors, and good balancing acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling or unoaked Chardonnay. Some to consider include Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc, Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Pinot Gris and Valley of the Moon Winery Unoaked Chardonnay. Glazed ham also pairs beautifully with dry roses like Kenwood Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Rose and Valley of the Moon Winery Rosato di Sangiovese. For those who must have a red wine with their glazed ham, a Zinfandel - like those from Valley of the Moon Winery and Lake Sonoma Winery - would be a good choice.
All of these wines also should work well with traditional Easter side dishes like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole and asparagus. However, there is no rule that says you can't serve two wines with your Easter meal and your guests will enjoy having a choice.
Easter brunch typically features different fare than an Easter lunch or dinner, with an emphasis on dishes like quiche, French toast, frittata, hash browns, scrambled eggs, waffles, muffins, light salads and fresh fruit. Rather than attempt to select a wine to complement this range of dishes, take the easy way out and serve champagne. A premium California champagne like Korbel Brut or Korbel Blanc de Noirs is surprisingly versatile and is sure to be a hit.
Happy Easter!
Drink responsibly.
Source: Kenwood Vineyards
CONTACT: Margie Healy, +1-707-824-7715, mhealy@Korbel.com, for Kenwood
Vineyards
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Award-Winning Black Box Wines Adds Argentine Malbec to Portfolio
New varietal expands product offering to another world-class wine appellation
SAN FRANCISCO, March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Box Wines (www.blackboxwines.com), America's first premium and now best-selling 3L box wine, is excited to announce the addition of the 2008 Mendoza Argentina Malbec to its portfolio. Malbec has seen tremendous growth in the U.S. and this new offering continues the Black Box mission of bringing consumers the best quality wines from leading appellations at affordable prices. The wine is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $24.99.
Argentina is now the fifth leading producer of imported wine, with Malbec being one of its best-known varietals claiming a 61 percent dollar share (Source: IRI Scan Data, Total U.S. Food & Drug, ending Feb. 21, 2010). Over the past year, Malbec wines have won the enthusiasm of many consumers who are seeking opportunities to sample and purchase these delicious wines. According to customer insights provided by dunnhumby, 87 percent more households are purchasing Malbec wines compared to a year ago, with both new and existing Malbec consumers spending and visiting more per household.
Premium 3L box wines continue to transform the table wine business as consumers look for quality wines at affordable prices. According to IRI Scan Data, the total premium 3L box wine category saw 22 percent growth in 2010, measured by dollar sales, with Black Box outpacing the category with growth at 30 percent during the same period. (Source: IRI Scan data, Total U.S. Food & Drug, ending Feb 21, 2010)
"As the category leader, Black Box continually seeks out opportunities to bring consumers high quality, exciting wines," said Kim Moore, Black Box Marketing Director. "We have always been about putting the best wine in the box and our new Malbec is another example of a wine from a premier growing region with the quality that our customers have come to expect at half the price of bottled wine."
Malbec has discovered its true home in Argentina and has become the country's undisputed contribution to the great wines of the world. The fruit is sourced from Mendoza, located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, where it thrives in the high altitudes and soils rich from mineral deposits that flow from glaciers in the Andes. Such dramatic conditions result in bold, beautiful wines with lots of intense, supple fruit. Possessing a deep purple color with a crimson hue, Black Box Malbec is a medium bodied wine with an inviting bouquet of lilac and cherry blossom. A hint of tobacco complements the earthy blueberry and chocolate flavors.
Black Box Wines repeatedly earn praise from both consumers and wine experts. The wines have earned 15 Gold medals over the years at national wine competitions, and garnered 14 "Best Buy" designations from Wine Enthusiast magazine since 2004. Recently, Black Box Wines was also awarded the IRI "Momentum" brand award. Each box of wine is the equivalent of four 750ml bottles and stays fresh for four weeks after opening, allowing wine drinkers to enjoy a glass of wine anytime without worrying about waste.
Black Box led the premium 3L box wine revolution in 2003 by introducing a Napa Valley Chardonnay to much acclaim. Today, the Black Box portfolio includes Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Malbec, all sourced from a variety of the world's premier appellations including Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Central Coast, California, New Zealand and now Argentina. Most wines have a suggested retail price of $24.99 (or the equivalent of $6.25 per bottle). Black Box Wines are distributed in the U.S. by Constellation Wines U.S.
About Black Box Wines
Black Box Wines produces a variety of high-quality, premium 3L box wines from some of the world's leading appellations. The philosophy at Black Box is to seek the best value in wine, regardless of region, in order to provide the best possible quality and price to our customers. These food-friendly wines are meant to be consumed right away and stay fresh for four weeks after opening. www.blackboxwines.com
About Constellation Wine U.S.
Constellation Wines U.S. (CWUS) is the largest wine company in the U.S. based upon sales dollar value. The portfolio includes such brands as Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Blackstone, Ravenswood, Robert Mondavi Winery, Simi, Estancia, Wild Horse, Arbor Mist and Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy. CWUS and Vincor Canada comprise Constellation Wines North America, a division of Constellation Brands, Inc., a leading international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol in the wine, spirits and imported beer categories.
Source: Black Box Wines
CONTACT: Bridget Starkey of Current, +1-415-262-5987,
bstarkey@talktocurrent.com; or Alicia Laury of Constellation Wines U.S.,
+1-415-912-3851, alicia.laury@cwine.com
Web Site: http://www.blackboxwines.com/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
SAN FRANCISCO, March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Box Wines (www.blackboxwines.com), America's first premium and now best-selling 3L box wine, is excited to announce the addition of the 2008 Mendoza Argentina Malbec to its portfolio. Malbec has seen tremendous growth in the U.S. and this new offering continues the Black Box mission of bringing consumers the best quality wines from leading appellations at affordable prices. The wine is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $24.99.
Argentina is now the fifth leading producer of imported wine, with Malbec being one of its best-known varietals claiming a 61 percent dollar share (Source: IRI Scan Data, Total U.S. Food & Drug, ending Feb. 21, 2010). Over the past year, Malbec wines have won the enthusiasm of many consumers who are seeking opportunities to sample and purchase these delicious wines. According to customer insights provided by dunnhumby, 87 percent more households are purchasing Malbec wines compared to a year ago, with both new and existing Malbec consumers spending and visiting more per household.
Premium 3L box wines continue to transform the table wine business as consumers look for quality wines at affordable prices. According to IRI Scan Data, the total premium 3L box wine category saw 22 percent growth in 2010, measured by dollar sales, with Black Box outpacing the category with growth at 30 percent during the same period. (Source: IRI Scan data, Total U.S. Food & Drug, ending Feb 21, 2010)
"As the category leader, Black Box continually seeks out opportunities to bring consumers high quality, exciting wines," said Kim Moore, Black Box Marketing Director. "We have always been about putting the best wine in the box and our new Malbec is another example of a wine from a premier growing region with the quality that our customers have come to expect at half the price of bottled wine."
Malbec has discovered its true home in Argentina and has become the country's undisputed contribution to the great wines of the world. The fruit is sourced from Mendoza, located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, where it thrives in the high altitudes and soils rich from mineral deposits that flow from glaciers in the Andes. Such dramatic conditions result in bold, beautiful wines with lots of intense, supple fruit. Possessing a deep purple color with a crimson hue, Black Box Malbec is a medium bodied wine with an inviting bouquet of lilac and cherry blossom. A hint of tobacco complements the earthy blueberry and chocolate flavors.
Black Box Wines repeatedly earn praise from both consumers and wine experts. The wines have earned 15 Gold medals over the years at national wine competitions, and garnered 14 "Best Buy" designations from Wine Enthusiast magazine since 2004. Recently, Black Box Wines was also awarded the IRI "Momentum" brand award. Each box of wine is the equivalent of four 750ml bottles and stays fresh for four weeks after opening, allowing wine drinkers to enjoy a glass of wine anytime without worrying about waste.
Black Box led the premium 3L box wine revolution in 2003 by introducing a Napa Valley Chardonnay to much acclaim. Today, the Black Box portfolio includes Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Malbec, all sourced from a variety of the world's premier appellations including Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Central Coast, California, New Zealand and now Argentina. Most wines have a suggested retail price of $24.99 (or the equivalent of $6.25 per bottle). Black Box Wines are distributed in the U.S. by Constellation Wines U.S.
About Black Box Wines
Black Box Wines produces a variety of high-quality, premium 3L box wines from some of the world's leading appellations. The philosophy at Black Box is to seek the best value in wine, regardless of region, in order to provide the best possible quality and price to our customers. These food-friendly wines are meant to be consumed right away and stay fresh for four weeks after opening. www.blackboxwines.com
About Constellation Wine U.S.
Constellation Wines U.S. (CWUS) is the largest wine company in the U.S. based upon sales dollar value. The portfolio includes such brands as Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Blackstone, Ravenswood, Robert Mondavi Winery, Simi, Estancia, Wild Horse, Arbor Mist and Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy. CWUS and Vincor Canada comprise Constellation Wines North America, a division of Constellation Brands, Inc., a leading international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol in the wine, spirits and imported beer categories.
Source: Black Box Wines
CONTACT: Bridget Starkey of Current, +1-415-262-5987,
bstarkey@talktocurrent.com; or Alicia Laury of Constellation Wines U.S.,
+1-415-912-3851, alicia.laury@cwine.com
Web Site: http://www.blackboxwines.com/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Constellation Wines U.S. and Greenlight Media & Marketing Present Pairings: Food + Wine + Music
New, Fine-Living Brand Pairs Top Musicians, Chefs and Wines
LOS ANGELES, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Constellation Wines U.S. and Greenlight Media & Marketing, LLC today announced the return of Pairings: Food + Wine + Music - a media brand dedicated to creating fine living products, services and experiences. Bringing together top chefs, musicians and winemakers, each experience will pair menus, song lists and wine from participating artists, and content from past and future events can be seen at www.pairings.com.
To launch Pairings: Food + Wine + Music last Fall, exclusive events were hosted for American Express® Cardmembers, beginning at Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, Napa Valley, where renowned artist Dave Matthews joined New Orleans chef John Besh and Winemaker Genevieve Jannsens. The next event featured superstar chef and restaurateur Tom Colicchio and music sensation John Legend, along with Simi winemaker Susan Lueker, for an experience at Colicchio's Craftsteak restaurant in New York City.
The inspiration of Greenlight Media & Marketing CEO, Dominic Sandifer, Pairings: Food + Wine + Music presents an interactive new way of engaging consumers and exposing them to new food, wine and music experiences. "Pairings is an experiential brand that will connect people to great new food, wine and music through both live and digital experiences, which are the hallmark of social networking. We are thrilled to be collaborating with Constellation Wines U.S. to deliver this unique program to consumers in a variety of media formats, as well as through specialty products and services."
"This is a huge step forward as we think about how consumers interact with wine," said Constellation Wines U.S. Chief Marketing Officer, Chris Fehrnstrom. "We have a portfolio of distinctive brands from the world's finest wine regions, and to bring them to life in such an interactive environment is an exciting step for us. Whether it's attending an exclusive concert at one of our vineyards, creating a playlist at home to pair with your next dinner party, or enjoying a glass of wine while streaming your favorite artist on-line, Pairings offers a dedicated resource to wine, food, and music in one, turn-key package."
The artistic collaborations between these food, wine and music masters, as well as unique behind-the-scenes insights, are now featured at www.pairings.com.
Web site content also includes:
-- Channels highlighting premiere Pairings events with:
-- exclusive digital videos
-- exclusive event photos on Flikr stream
-- Food page featuring chef bio, menus, recipes and images, merchandise
links
-- Wine page featuring winemaker/winery bio, event wine list, photos, and
relevant links
-- Music page featuring musician bio, playlist, set list, photos, links
to purchase music and merchandise
-- Live performances by the artists, a peek into the kitchen of each
chef, and a taste of the winemaker's skill in each wine selected for
these special events.
The 2010 Pairings event schedule is currently under development and experiences featuring new artists, chefs and locations/wineries will be announced soon. For more information, please visit www.pairings.com.
About Constellation Wines U.S.
Constellation Wines U.S. is a division of Constellation Brands Inc., the world's leading wine company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of wine consumers paired with storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes. With a broad portfolio of widely admired premium products across the wine and spirits categories, Constellation's brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Estancia, Franciscan Estate, Mount Veeder, Ravenswood, Jackson-Triggs, Kim Crawford, Simi and SVEDKA Vodka.
About Greenlight Media & Marketing LLC
Formed in January of 2008 by music industry and brand marketing leaders Coran Capshaw, Dominic Sandifer and Bruce Flohr, Greenlight Media & Marketing, LLC creates original music driven content and intellectual properties, as well as provides music and lifestyle marketing strategy and production for Fortune 500 companies. Greenlight is the model for a modern day music marketing and content company, supporting and developing the union between artists, music and brands in popular culture through highly targeted media programs. Greenlight's clients and partners include Gillette, Whole Foods, Converse, Target, Verizon, American Express, and Constellation Brands. Its original developed and owned media properties include "Pairings: Food, Wine, Music"; "Music and Words with Tom Ressa" ( Spin); and "Get in the Van." Greenlight also works closely with Coran Capshaw's other companies on overall brand development, programming and alignment for his RedLight Management artist roster including Dave Matthews Band, Tim McGraw, Good Charlotte, Alanis Morrisette, Ben Harper, etc, as well as ATO/TBD Records and Starr Hill Present's music festival partnerships inclusive of Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, etc.
About American Express
American Express Company is a leading global payments and travel company founded in 1850. For more information, visit www.americanexpress.com.
Source: Constellation Wines U.S.; Greenlight Media & Marketing
CONTACT: Dominic Sandifer, Pairings, +1-424-653-1706,
dominic@greenlightmm.com
Web Site: http://www.pairings.com/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
LOS ANGELES, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Constellation Wines U.S. and Greenlight Media & Marketing, LLC today announced the return of Pairings: Food + Wine + Music - a media brand dedicated to creating fine living products, services and experiences. Bringing together top chefs, musicians and winemakers, each experience will pair menus, song lists and wine from participating artists, and content from past and future events can be seen at www.pairings.com.
To launch Pairings: Food + Wine + Music last Fall, exclusive events were hosted for American Express® Cardmembers, beginning at Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, Napa Valley, where renowned artist Dave Matthews joined New Orleans chef John Besh and Winemaker Genevieve Jannsens. The next event featured superstar chef and restaurateur Tom Colicchio and music sensation John Legend, along with Simi winemaker Susan Lueker, for an experience at Colicchio's Craftsteak restaurant in New York City.
The inspiration of Greenlight Media & Marketing CEO, Dominic Sandifer, Pairings: Food + Wine + Music presents an interactive new way of engaging consumers and exposing them to new food, wine and music experiences. "Pairings is an experiential brand that will connect people to great new food, wine and music through both live and digital experiences, which are the hallmark of social networking. We are thrilled to be collaborating with Constellation Wines U.S. to deliver this unique program to consumers in a variety of media formats, as well as through specialty products and services."
"This is a huge step forward as we think about how consumers interact with wine," said Constellation Wines U.S. Chief Marketing Officer, Chris Fehrnstrom. "We have a portfolio of distinctive brands from the world's finest wine regions, and to bring them to life in such an interactive environment is an exciting step for us. Whether it's attending an exclusive concert at one of our vineyards, creating a playlist at home to pair with your next dinner party, or enjoying a glass of wine while streaming your favorite artist on-line, Pairings offers a dedicated resource to wine, food, and music in one, turn-key package."
The artistic collaborations between these food, wine and music masters, as well as unique behind-the-scenes insights, are now featured at www.pairings.com.
Web site content also includes:
-- Channels highlighting premiere Pairings events with:
-- exclusive digital videos
-- exclusive event photos on Flikr stream
-- Food page featuring chef bio, menus, recipes and images, merchandise
links
-- Wine page featuring winemaker/winery bio, event wine list, photos, and
relevant links
-- Music page featuring musician bio, playlist, set list, photos, links
to purchase music and merchandise
-- Live performances by the artists, a peek into the kitchen of each
chef, and a taste of the winemaker's skill in each wine selected for
these special events.
The 2010 Pairings event schedule is currently under development and experiences featuring new artists, chefs and locations/wineries will be announced soon. For more information, please visit www.pairings.com.
About Constellation Wines U.S.
Constellation Wines U.S. is a division of Constellation Brands Inc., the world's leading wine company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of wine consumers paired with storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes. With a broad portfolio of widely admired premium products across the wine and spirits categories, Constellation's brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Estancia, Franciscan Estate, Mount Veeder, Ravenswood, Jackson-Triggs, Kim Crawford, Simi and SVEDKA Vodka.
About Greenlight Media & Marketing LLC
Formed in January of 2008 by music industry and brand marketing leaders Coran Capshaw, Dominic Sandifer and Bruce Flohr, Greenlight Media & Marketing, LLC creates original music driven content and intellectual properties, as well as provides music and lifestyle marketing strategy and production for Fortune 500 companies. Greenlight is the model for a modern day music marketing and content company, supporting and developing the union between artists, music and brands in popular culture through highly targeted media programs. Greenlight's clients and partners include Gillette, Whole Foods, Converse, Target, Verizon, American Express, and Constellation Brands. Its original developed and owned media properties include "Pairings: Food, Wine, Music"; "Music and Words with Tom Ressa" ( Spin); and "Get in the Van." Greenlight also works closely with Coran Capshaw's other companies on overall brand development, programming and alignment for his RedLight Management artist roster including Dave Matthews Band, Tim McGraw, Good Charlotte, Alanis Morrisette, Ben Harper, etc, as well as ATO/TBD Records and Starr Hill Present's music festival partnerships inclusive of Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, etc.
About American Express
American Express Company is a leading global payments and travel company founded in 1850. For more information, visit www.americanexpress.com.
Source: Constellation Wines U.S.; Greenlight Media & Marketing
CONTACT: Dominic Sandifer, Pairings, +1-424-653-1706,
dominic@greenlightmm.com
Web Site: http://www.pairings.com/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Coachella Wine Festival April 9 - 11 Tickets Now on Sale: Olympic Great Peggy Fleming Hosts Winemaker Dinner and MORE!
INDIAN WELLS, Calif., March 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Tickets now on sale for the Coachella Wine Festival's debut three-day event at Miramonte Resort & Spa featuring California's boutique wineries, celebrity winemakers, culinary delights from top local restaurants and chefs, and smooth jazz April 9 - 11, 2010. The wine dinner with Olympic great, Peggy Fleming, and multi-day passes are advance purchase only and can be bought online at www.coachellawinefestival.com or by calling 760.799.7076.
Just Dessert Soiree April 9
Friday April 9th features a Just Desserts Soiree from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. A decadent dessert array from the desert's finest restaurants and chefs along with a selection of still and sparkling wines and jazz under the stars.
Olympic Legend Peggy Fleming Winemaker Dinner April 9
An intimate Winemaker's Dinner with Olympic legend Peggy Fleming Jenkins and husband/winemaker Greg Jenkins at 6:30 p.m. Share their acclaimed Fleming Jenkins wines and journey at an intimate dinner in Miramonte's citrus and herb gardens with Executive Chef Nyerick's menu fit for a champion.
Grand Tastings
Coachella Wine Festival's Grand Tasting Saturday/Sunday April 10 and 11, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Twenty-plus wineries include Ahnfeldt, Fleming Jenkins, Laird, Roessler, B Cellars and Truchard offer tastings of vintages as they share their history. Sample cuisine by the Valley's hottest restaurants and chefs as the air fills with cool jazz.
Charity
Festival organizers, Kajon Media, will donate a portion of proceeds to Habitat For Humanity of the Coachella Valley.
Ticket Prices
Friday April 9
Peggy Fleming Dinner: $195 Advance Purchase Only
Just Desserts Soiree: $35 Advance/$45 Door
Saturday April 10th
Grand Tasting: $45 Advance/$55 Door
Sunday April 11th
Grand Tasting: $45 Advance/$55 Door
Multi-Event Passes
Two-Day Friday Just Desserts Soiree/Saturday Grand Tasting Pass: $70
Advance Purchase Only
Two-Day Friday Just Desserts Soiree/Sunday Grand Tasting Pass: $70
Advance Purchase Only
Two-Day Saturday & Sunday Grand Tasting Pass: $80 Advance Purchase Only
Three-Day Friday Just Desserts Soiree/Saturday/Sunday Grand Tasting
Pass: $110 Advance
Purchase Only
About Coachella Wine Festival
Coachella Wine Festival's three-day celebration of wine, food and music. For tickets/information visit www.coachellawinefestival.com or call 760.799.7076.
Source: Kajon Media
CONTACT: Kathleen von Dehn of Kajon Media, +1-760-799-7076,
Kathleen@kajonmedia.com, info@coachellawinefestival.com
Web Site: http://www.coachellawinefestival.com/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Just Dessert Soiree April 9
Friday April 9th features a Just Desserts Soiree from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. A decadent dessert array from the desert's finest restaurants and chefs along with a selection of still and sparkling wines and jazz under the stars.
Olympic Legend Peggy Fleming Winemaker Dinner April 9
An intimate Winemaker's Dinner with Olympic legend Peggy Fleming Jenkins and husband/winemaker Greg Jenkins at 6:30 p.m. Share their acclaimed Fleming Jenkins wines and journey at an intimate dinner in Miramonte's citrus and herb gardens with Executive Chef Nyerick's menu fit for a champion.
Grand Tastings
Coachella Wine Festival's Grand Tasting Saturday/Sunday April 10 and 11, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Twenty-plus wineries include Ahnfeldt, Fleming Jenkins, Laird, Roessler, B Cellars and Truchard offer tastings of vintages as they share their history. Sample cuisine by the Valley's hottest restaurants and chefs as the air fills with cool jazz.
Charity
Festival organizers, Kajon Media, will donate a portion of proceeds to Habitat For Humanity of the Coachella Valley.
Ticket Prices
Friday April 9
Peggy Fleming Dinner: $195 Advance Purchase Only
Just Desserts Soiree: $35 Advance/$45 Door
Saturday April 10th
Grand Tasting: $45 Advance/$55 Door
Sunday April 11th
Grand Tasting: $45 Advance/$55 Door
Multi-Event Passes
Two-Day Friday Just Desserts Soiree/Saturday Grand Tasting Pass: $70
Advance Purchase Only
Two-Day Friday Just Desserts Soiree/Sunday Grand Tasting Pass: $70
Advance Purchase Only
Two-Day Saturday & Sunday Grand Tasting Pass: $80 Advance Purchase Only
Three-Day Friday Just Desserts Soiree/Saturday/Sunday Grand Tasting
Pass: $110 Advance
Purchase Only
About Coachella Wine Festival
Coachella Wine Festival's three-day celebration of wine, food and music. For tickets/information visit www.coachellawinefestival.com or call 760.799.7076.
Source: Kajon Media
CONTACT: Kathleen von Dehn of Kajon Media, +1-760-799-7076,
Kathleen@kajonmedia.com, info@coachellawinefestival.com
Web Site: http://www.coachellawinefestival.com/
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Friday, 19 March 2010
Costero Rose Pinot Noir wine review
Tom Cannavan of wine-pages.com chooses the Costero Rose Pinot Noir from Vina Leyda in Chile's Leyda Valley as his wine of the week for March 7th 2010
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz wine review
Tom Cannavan of wine-pages.com chooses the Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz 2007 from Barossa, Australia, as his wine of the week for March 14th 2010
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Saronsberg 2010 Harvest Report - Viognier
Dewaldt Heyns talks to us from one of Saronsbergs younger vineyards as he and his team bring in the Viognier. The picking is done very early in the morning to get the grapes to the cellar as cool as possible, before they are placed in the force cooler and cooled to 4 degrees C.
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
Wine Week 164: Funky Funky Fun
After last weekend's tasting at the Seddon Wine Store we look back at what was a great fun afternoon meeting lots of our new wine friends. We check out one of the crowd favourites, the Plunkett & Fowles Stone Dwellers Riesling. This "just right" wine was a big winner last weekend with you all. Brad also looks at another of Colin McBryde's funky Some Young Punks wines. This time it's the Passion Has Red Lips Cabernet / Shiraz blend, yet another of his ripping wines with an ultra-cool label.
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Kim Crawford Wines Reveals the Artists' Lounge Winners, Unveiling the 'Vintage 2009' Virtual Gallery Collection
SAN FRANCISCO, March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Kim Crawford Wines, a brand that views winemaking as an art and believes in forging your own path, today unveiled The Artists' Lounge "Vintage 2009" virtual gallery, displaying a full collection of original artwork inspired by musings and ideas shared by the community's members.
Within the "Vintage 2009" gallery, The Artists' Lounge's four Artists in Residence have created seven original works of art reflective of the times and that represent the artistic genres of music, photography, print making and poetry. Of the seven community members that inspired the art, Briane Smith-Perez was chosen as the grand prize winner and will receive a trip for two to New Zealand to share in the spirit behind Kim Crawford's winemaking.
"At Kim Crawford, we strive to capture the true aromas and flavors of New Zealand in each bottle, allowing the flavors of the wines to captivate the senses," says Matt Large, winemaker. "We expanded this spirit beyond the wine bottle and aimed to captivate, inspire, engage and discover an emerging art community with The Artists' Lounge."
Like Kim Crawford Wines, the Artists in Residence combine a passion for excellence with a vision for exploring new boundaries. The emerging artists whose original artwork appears in the "Vintage 2009" collection are:
-- Mateo Messina, award-winning film, television and symphony composer
-- Gary Heller, expressive photographer
-- Dan Grzeca, painter and printmaker
-- Emily Kagan Trenchard, performance poet specializing in slam poetry
In October 2009, Kim Crawford Wines launched The Artists' Lounge, a virtual community designed to celebrate emerging artists - to uncork creativity and let the community start something together. Consumers were invited to join the conversation by sharing their thoughts, ideas and musings at ExperienceKimCrawford.com/TheArtistsLounge and earned the chance to see their inspirations turned into original works of art, now located in the "Vintage 2009" collection.
To join the community and receive a private viewing of the "Vintage 2009" gallery, visit ExperienceKimCrawford.com/TheArtistsLounge. You can also follow Kim Crawford Wines on Twitter @kimcrawfordwine and on Facebook to receive news about wine, events and programs.
Source: Kim Crawford Wines
CONTACT: Bridget Starkey, +1-415-262-5987, for Kim Crawford Wines
Web Site: http://www.experiencekimcrawford.com/
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
Within the "Vintage 2009" gallery, The Artists' Lounge's four Artists in Residence have created seven original works of art reflective of the times and that represent the artistic genres of music, photography, print making and poetry. Of the seven community members that inspired the art, Briane Smith-Perez was chosen as the grand prize winner and will receive a trip for two to New Zealand to share in the spirit behind Kim Crawford's winemaking.
"At Kim Crawford, we strive to capture the true aromas and flavors of New Zealand in each bottle, allowing the flavors of the wines to captivate the senses," says Matt Large, winemaker. "We expanded this spirit beyond the wine bottle and aimed to captivate, inspire, engage and discover an emerging art community with The Artists' Lounge."
Like Kim Crawford Wines, the Artists in Residence combine a passion for excellence with a vision for exploring new boundaries. The emerging artists whose original artwork appears in the "Vintage 2009" collection are:
-- Mateo Messina, award-winning film, television and symphony composer
-- Gary Heller, expressive photographer
-- Dan Grzeca, painter and printmaker
-- Emily Kagan Trenchard, performance poet specializing in slam poetry
In October 2009, Kim Crawford Wines launched The Artists' Lounge, a virtual community designed to celebrate emerging artists - to uncork creativity and let the community start something together. Consumers were invited to join the conversation by sharing their thoughts, ideas and musings at ExperienceKimCrawford.com/TheArtistsLounge and earned the chance to see their inspirations turned into original works of art, now located in the "Vintage 2009" collection.
To join the community and receive a private viewing of the "Vintage 2009" gallery, visit ExperienceKimCrawford.com/TheArtistsLounge. You can also follow Kim Crawford Wines on Twitter @kimcrawfordwine and on Facebook to receive news about wine, events and programs.
Source: Kim Crawford Wines
CONTACT: Bridget Starkey, +1-415-262-5987, for Kim Crawford Wines
Web Site: http://www.experiencekimcrawford.com/
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
18 Days Ago the Lives of all Chileans Changed, TGIC Importers Wants to do Their Part
LOS ANGELES, March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Alex Guarachi sits at the helm of TGIC Importers, Inc. As President and CEO, Alex has vowed to help his native country in their time of need by pledging an immediate $50,000 donation toward relief efforts. In addition, TGIC Importers has already launched a consumer awareness program in which the company will donate a portion of their proceeds from every bottle sold of Montes and Santa Ema wines in the months of March, April, and May to help rebuild Chile; TGIC expects this effort to raise another $50,000. These funds will go directly to a Chilean Earthquake Relief Fund. To learn more, please visit www.tgicimporters.com
On February 27, 2010, the earth shook, killing more than 800 people and leaving an estimated two-million people in Chile homeless. The destruction will continue to be felt for many years to come. With repair estimates hovering in the billions of dollars, then (Chilean) President Michelle Bachelet called the devastation, "an emergency unparalleled in the history of Chile."
WHO: TGIC Importers, Inc.
23035 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills Ca 91364
Alex Guarachi, President and CEO
WHAT: Proceeds from every bottle sold of Montes and Santa
Ema wines to a Chilean Earthquake Relief Fund
CONTACT: Shawn Loggins
sloggins@tgicimporters.com
(818) 225-5100 x241
About TGIC For starters, TGIC stands for Thank God It's Chilean. What began 25 years ago as a wine import company with only a single Chilean winery in their portfolio, is now one of the largest importers of South American wine. While the company's beginnings were small, their dreams were big and today their portfolio has grown to include the finest wineries and representing the best winemakers, not only from Chile, but Argentina, France, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and California as well.
About Alex Guarachi Alex Guarachi hails from Santiago, Chile and made his way to the United States in the 1970's. Upon arrival, he noticed that the wines from his native South American country were nowhere to be found. The entrepreneur vowed to change that and TGIC was born.
Source: TGIC Importers, Inc.
CONTACT: Shawn Loggins of TGIC Importers, Inc., +1-818-225-5100, ext.
241, sloggins@tgicimporters.com
Web Site: http://www.tgicimporters.com
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
On February 27, 2010, the earth shook, killing more than 800 people and leaving an estimated two-million people in Chile homeless. The destruction will continue to be felt for many years to come. With repair estimates hovering in the billions of dollars, then (Chilean) President Michelle Bachelet called the devastation, "an emergency unparalleled in the history of Chile."
WHO: TGIC Importers, Inc.
23035 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills Ca 91364
Alex Guarachi, President and CEO
WHAT: Proceeds from every bottle sold of Montes and Santa
Ema wines to a Chilean Earthquake Relief Fund
CONTACT: Shawn Loggins
sloggins@tgicimporters.com
(818) 225-5100 x241
About TGIC For starters, TGIC stands for Thank God It's Chilean. What began 25 years ago as a wine import company with only a single Chilean winery in their portfolio, is now one of the largest importers of South American wine. While the company's beginnings were small, their dreams were big and today their portfolio has grown to include the finest wineries and representing the best winemakers, not only from Chile, but Argentina, France, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and California as well.
About Alex Guarachi Alex Guarachi hails from Santiago, Chile and made his way to the United States in the 1970's. Upon arrival, he noticed that the wines from his native South American country were nowhere to be found. The entrepreneur vowed to change that and TGIC was born.
Source: TGIC Importers, Inc.
CONTACT: Shawn Loggins of TGIC Importers, Inc., +1-818-225-5100, ext.
241, sloggins@tgicimporters.com
Web Site: http://www.tgicimporters.com
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
Culinary Enthusiasts & Wine Aficionados Gather for Third Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2010
evered Chefs Including Thomas Keller, Jacques Pepin, Charlie Trotter And Wolfgang Puck Join Distinguished Winemakers from Around The World
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Third Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine (April 8-11, 2010) is positioned to continue its reign as the signature West Coast culinary event with such celebrity chefs as Thomas Keller, Wolfgang Puck, Michel Richard, Gary Danko, Hubert Keller, Tyler Florence, Iron Chef Morimoto, Charlie Trotter, Jacques Pepin, Iron Chef Michael Symon, Rick Tramonto, Jonathan Waxman, Ming Tsai, and Michael Chiarello to name a few. This four-day celebration will bring together more than 60 prominent chefs and over 250 acclaimed wineries from around the world to the iconic Pebble Beach Resorts for a first-class display of epicurean splendor and unrivaled access, all at incredible values. In addition to cooking demonstrations led by the world's most talented chefs from across the country and vertical tastings from some of the world's top wine producers, unique experiences added each year make this a not-to-be-missed annual event.
Upcoming highlights include:
-- Tribute to a Legend: Jacques Pepin: Michel Richard of Citronelle, Ken
Frank of La Toque, Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger, Charlie Trotter of
Charlie Trotter's, and Gina DePalma of Babbo Ristorante and Enoteca
make up the "dream team" paying tribute to this legend who introduced
the finer points of French cuisine techniques to the masses for what
is sure to be a poignant evening.
-- A Study in Classic Compositions with Thomas Keller and Charlie
Trotter: Join culinary legends Thomas Keller and Charlie Trotter with
pastry star Angela Pinkerton from Eleven Madison Park for an evening
of culinary decadence. Olivier Krug will preside over the champagne
reception while wine icons Pio Boffa of Pio Cesare, Paul Roberts from
Bond, and others match wines with the chefs' masterful creations.
-- Dining with the "Top Chef Masters": Culinary heavyweights from the
first season of the famed Bravo competition series, Michael Chiarello,
Hubert Keller, Roy Yamaguchi, Tim Love and Johnathan Waxman join
forces in the kitchen once again to create a night of memorable
dining.
-- An Evening of Decadence with Sir Peter Michael: Hubert Keller of San
Francisco's Fleur de Lys, Richard Reddington of REDD in Napa Valley,
Adam Cooke of Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, Mark Gaier and Clark
Frasier of Arrow's in Maine and Sherry Yard of Los Angeles' famed
Spago team up to create an unforgettable dinner paired with exclusive
wines from the cellars of Peter Michael Winery, cultivated from the
volcanic ridges of Mount St. Helena.
-- Food & Wine Best New Chefs Alumni Dinner Presented by Beringer:
Christopher Kostow (2009) of The Restaurant at Meadowood, Mark
Sullivan (2002) of Spruce, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (2009) of Animal
Restaurant along with Gale Gand (1998) of TRU, all previous winners of
this coveted award, unite to cook together for the first time.
-- Grand Finale Dinner: In an era of Celebrity Chefs, a few names stand
out as the vanguard of America's culinary revolution. Wolfgang Puck
of Spago, Los Angeles, Gary Danko of Restaurant Gary Danko, San
Francisco, Rick Tramonto of TRU, Chicago and Sherry Yard of Spago, Los
Angeles join forces to present a seven course masterpiece that speaks
of elegance and indulgence in the beautiful setting of Club XIX at The
Lodge at Pebble Beach. As in past years, the wines for this
culminating dinner of the weekend's festivities are hand selected from
very private cellars. When Olivier Krug starts the pre-dinner
reception with Krug Grand Cuvee followed by the Krug Vintage 1998, you
know the rest of the line-up is sure to please.
-- The two Grand Tasting events continue to make most gourmands' annual
"must-do" list for the year -- taking place in the 60,000 square-foot
Lexus Grand Tasting tent on both Saturday and Sunday of the festival
weekend. For the a la carte price of $175, guests are granted
unparalleled access to 25 world-renowned chefs serving samples of
their cuisine and signing their books, along with 200 premium wineries
pouring more than 500 vintages.
-- A Sine Qua Non Tasting with Manfred Krankl: An extremely rare tasting
with one of California's greatest winemakers: Manfred Krankl. The
eclectic, award-winning winemaker will tour guests through seven
unique SQN wines straight from his cellar.
-- Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Echezeaux Retrospective: Perhaps one of
the most revered wineries in the world, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti,
has dazzled Burgundian fanatics for years. Guests will join a panel of
Master Sommeliers for a retrospective of DRC's Echezeaux.
-- The 1990 First Growth Bordeaux's 20 Years Later: Guests will join a
rockstar panel of Master Sommeliers and wine personalities to taste
through the 1990 vintages of Château Lafite Rothschild, Château
Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion and Château Mouton
Rothschild.
-- Krug: A Decadent Retrospective of the Legendary Champagne with Olivier
Krug: Since 1843, with unique single-mindedness and sense of purpose,
the Krug family has proudly cultivated the markedly individual
character of their exceptional champagne. Taste through an amazing
collection of back vintage Krug Champagnes with Olivier Krug himself.
-- Now an anxiously awaited tradition, the Celebrity Chef Golf Tournament
kicks off the festivities with bubbly and lobster rolls (breakfast of
champions). Chefs such as Thomas Keller, Michael Symon, Charles Phan,
Iron Chef Morimoto, Tim Love and Tyler Florence will drive, chip and
putt their way along the most famous golf course in the U.S. - Pebble
Beach Golf Links, host of the U.S. Open in June 2010.
-- Special VIP Package holders have access to exclusive Chef and
Winemaker Afterhours parties where they can mingle with the masters.
-- Additional events of interest include: Farm to Table Lunch, Sommelier
Blind Tasting and a Retrospective Tasting of Veuve Clicquot with
Dominique Demarville, along with "dream teams" featuring such
masterful chef collaborations as: Iron Chefs Morimoto and Symon;
former "Top Chef" contestants Hosea, Jamie, Fabio and Carla; Cheese
and Wine Pairing Seminar with Laura Werlin; Cooking Demos with
culinary icons Thomas Keller, Ming Tsai, Jacques Pepin, Charlie
Trotter, Wolfgang Puck, Michael Chiarello, Michael Symon and Tyler
Florence.
Tickets: Ticket prices per person range from $100 for a single event pass to $4,750 for a VIP four-day pass, with access to all events and exclusive after-hour parties with the chefs and winemakers. To purchase tickets to Pebble Beach Food & Wine, or for more information on ticket packages, visit www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com or call 1-866-907-FOOD (3663).
About Pebble Beach Company: Pebble Beach Company, headquartered in Pebble Beach, California, owns and operates the world-famous Pebble Beach Resorts, including The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay and Casa Palmero. The company also operates four renowned golf courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, The Links at Spanish Bay and Del Monte Golf Course. Its other famed properties include the scenic 17-Mile Drive and The Spa at Pebble Beach, and it annually hosts premier events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, the Callaway Golf Pebble Beach Invitational and the First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. Site of the 2010 U.S. Open, Pebble Beach Golf Links has hosted four U.S. Opens, four U.S. Amateurs, one PGA Championship, and numerous other tournaments.
About Coastal Luxury Management: Coastal Luxury Management, based in Carmel, California, is an event and hospitality management firm specializing in the luxury and lifestyle sector. Coastal Luxury Management's partners, Robert Weakley and David Bernahl, founded Pebble Beach Food & Wine in the early months of 2007. In its first year, Pebble Beach Food & Wine became the largest luxury food and wine event on the West Coast. The company also operates Harvest: Farm-to-Table, a two-day agriculture lifestyle event in Carmel Valley that attracts 4,000 guests, 100 wineries, and 60 regional chefs. Coastal Luxury Management launched its restaurant division in 2010 with its first two projects, 1833 and Cannery Row Brewing Company, opening in the summer of this year.
Source: Pebble Beach Company
CONTACT: Leah Goldstein, +1-310-586-7124, lgoldstein@murphyobrien.com,
or Anna Morris, +1-310-586-7153, amorris@murphyobrien.com, or Laura Millett,
+1-310-586-7142, lmillett@murphyobrien.com, all of of Murphy O'Brien, Inc.,
for Pebble Beach Company; or Aven Wright-McIntosh of The Pebble Beach Company,
+1-831-625-8557, wrightma@pebblebeach.com; or David Alan Bernahl, II of
Coastal Luxury Management, +1-831-622-7770,
dbernahl@coastalluxurymanagement.com
Web Site: http://www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com/
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Third Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine (April 8-11, 2010) is positioned to continue its reign as the signature West Coast culinary event with such celebrity chefs as Thomas Keller, Wolfgang Puck, Michel Richard, Gary Danko, Hubert Keller, Tyler Florence, Iron Chef Morimoto, Charlie Trotter, Jacques Pepin, Iron Chef Michael Symon, Rick Tramonto, Jonathan Waxman, Ming Tsai, and Michael Chiarello to name a few. This four-day celebration will bring together more than 60 prominent chefs and over 250 acclaimed wineries from around the world to the iconic Pebble Beach Resorts for a first-class display of epicurean splendor and unrivaled access, all at incredible values. In addition to cooking demonstrations led by the world's most talented chefs from across the country and vertical tastings from some of the world's top wine producers, unique experiences added each year make this a not-to-be-missed annual event.
Upcoming highlights include:
-- Tribute to a Legend: Jacques Pepin: Michel Richard of Citronelle, Ken
Frank of La Toque, Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger, Charlie Trotter of
Charlie Trotter's, and Gina DePalma of Babbo Ristorante and Enoteca
make up the "dream team" paying tribute to this legend who introduced
the finer points of French cuisine techniques to the masses for what
is sure to be a poignant evening.
-- A Study in Classic Compositions with Thomas Keller and Charlie
Trotter: Join culinary legends Thomas Keller and Charlie Trotter with
pastry star Angela Pinkerton from Eleven Madison Park for an evening
of culinary decadence. Olivier Krug will preside over the champagne
reception while wine icons Pio Boffa of Pio Cesare, Paul Roberts from
Bond, and others match wines with the chefs' masterful creations.
-- Dining with the "Top Chef Masters": Culinary heavyweights from the
first season of the famed Bravo competition series, Michael Chiarello,
Hubert Keller, Roy Yamaguchi, Tim Love and Johnathan Waxman join
forces in the kitchen once again to create a night of memorable
dining.
-- An Evening of Decadence with Sir Peter Michael: Hubert Keller of San
Francisco's Fleur de Lys, Richard Reddington of REDD in Napa Valley,
Adam Cooke of Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, Mark Gaier and Clark
Frasier of Arrow's in Maine and Sherry Yard of Los Angeles' famed
Spago team up to create an unforgettable dinner paired with exclusive
wines from the cellars of Peter Michael Winery, cultivated from the
volcanic ridges of Mount St. Helena.
-- Food & Wine Best New Chefs Alumni Dinner Presented by Beringer:
Christopher Kostow (2009) of The Restaurant at Meadowood, Mark
Sullivan (2002) of Spruce, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (2009) of Animal
Restaurant along with Gale Gand (1998) of TRU, all previous winners of
this coveted award, unite to cook together for the first time.
-- Grand Finale Dinner: In an era of Celebrity Chefs, a few names stand
out as the vanguard of America's culinary revolution. Wolfgang Puck
of Spago, Los Angeles, Gary Danko of Restaurant Gary Danko, San
Francisco, Rick Tramonto of TRU, Chicago and Sherry Yard of Spago, Los
Angeles join forces to present a seven course masterpiece that speaks
of elegance and indulgence in the beautiful setting of Club XIX at The
Lodge at Pebble Beach. As in past years, the wines for this
culminating dinner of the weekend's festivities are hand selected from
very private cellars. When Olivier Krug starts the pre-dinner
reception with Krug Grand Cuvee followed by the Krug Vintage 1998, you
know the rest of the line-up is sure to please.
-- The two Grand Tasting events continue to make most gourmands' annual
"must-do" list for the year -- taking place in the 60,000 square-foot
Lexus Grand Tasting tent on both Saturday and Sunday of the festival
weekend. For the a la carte price of $175, guests are granted
unparalleled access to 25 world-renowned chefs serving samples of
their cuisine and signing their books, along with 200 premium wineries
pouring more than 500 vintages.
-- A Sine Qua Non Tasting with Manfred Krankl: An extremely rare tasting
with one of California's greatest winemakers: Manfred Krankl. The
eclectic, award-winning winemaker will tour guests through seven
unique SQN wines straight from his cellar.
-- Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Echezeaux Retrospective: Perhaps one of
the most revered wineries in the world, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti,
has dazzled Burgundian fanatics for years. Guests will join a panel of
Master Sommeliers for a retrospective of DRC's Echezeaux.
-- The 1990 First Growth Bordeaux's 20 Years Later: Guests will join a
rockstar panel of Master Sommeliers and wine personalities to taste
through the 1990 vintages of Château Lafite Rothschild, Château
Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion and Château Mouton
Rothschild.
-- Krug: A Decadent Retrospective of the Legendary Champagne with Olivier
Krug: Since 1843, with unique single-mindedness and sense of purpose,
the Krug family has proudly cultivated the markedly individual
character of their exceptional champagne. Taste through an amazing
collection of back vintage Krug Champagnes with Olivier Krug himself.
-- Now an anxiously awaited tradition, the Celebrity Chef Golf Tournament
kicks off the festivities with bubbly and lobster rolls (breakfast of
champions). Chefs such as Thomas Keller, Michael Symon, Charles Phan,
Iron Chef Morimoto, Tim Love and Tyler Florence will drive, chip and
putt their way along the most famous golf course in the U.S. - Pebble
Beach Golf Links, host of the U.S. Open in June 2010.
-- Special VIP Package holders have access to exclusive Chef and
Winemaker Afterhours parties where they can mingle with the masters.
-- Additional events of interest include: Farm to Table Lunch, Sommelier
Blind Tasting and a Retrospective Tasting of Veuve Clicquot with
Dominique Demarville, along with "dream teams" featuring such
masterful chef collaborations as: Iron Chefs Morimoto and Symon;
former "Top Chef" contestants Hosea, Jamie, Fabio and Carla; Cheese
and Wine Pairing Seminar with Laura Werlin; Cooking Demos with
culinary icons Thomas Keller, Ming Tsai, Jacques Pepin, Charlie
Trotter, Wolfgang Puck, Michael Chiarello, Michael Symon and Tyler
Florence.
Tickets: Ticket prices per person range from $100 for a single event pass to $4,750 for a VIP four-day pass, with access to all events and exclusive after-hour parties with the chefs and winemakers. To purchase tickets to Pebble Beach Food & Wine, or for more information on ticket packages, visit www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com or call 1-866-907-FOOD (3663).
About Pebble Beach Company: Pebble Beach Company, headquartered in Pebble Beach, California, owns and operates the world-famous Pebble Beach Resorts, including The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay and Casa Palmero. The company also operates four renowned golf courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, The Links at Spanish Bay and Del Monte Golf Course. Its other famed properties include the scenic 17-Mile Drive and The Spa at Pebble Beach, and it annually hosts premier events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, the Callaway Golf Pebble Beach Invitational and the First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. Site of the 2010 U.S. Open, Pebble Beach Golf Links has hosted four U.S. Opens, four U.S. Amateurs, one PGA Championship, and numerous other tournaments.
About Coastal Luxury Management: Coastal Luxury Management, based in Carmel, California, is an event and hospitality management firm specializing in the luxury and lifestyle sector. Coastal Luxury Management's partners, Robert Weakley and David Bernahl, founded Pebble Beach Food & Wine in the early months of 2007. In its first year, Pebble Beach Food & Wine became the largest luxury food and wine event on the West Coast. The company also operates Harvest: Farm-to-Table, a two-day agriculture lifestyle event in Carmel Valley that attracts 4,000 guests, 100 wineries, and 60 regional chefs. Coastal Luxury Management launched its restaurant division in 2010 with its first two projects, 1833 and Cannery Row Brewing Company, opening in the summer of this year.
Source: Pebble Beach Company
CONTACT: Leah Goldstein, +1-310-586-7124, lgoldstein@murphyobrien.com,
or Anna Morris, +1-310-586-7153, amorris@murphyobrien.com, or Laura Millett,
+1-310-586-7142, lmillett@murphyobrien.com, all of of Murphy O'Brien, Inc.,
for Pebble Beach Company; or Aven Wright-McIntosh of The Pebble Beach Company,
+1-831-625-8557, wrightma@pebblebeach.com; or David Alan Bernahl, II of
Coastal Luxury Management, +1-831-622-7770,
dbernahl@coastalluxurymanagement.com
Web Site: http://www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com/
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Blind Sauvignon Tasting
In this episode, number 200, jayson tastes 4 sauvignon blancs from both New Zealand and France.http://www.thewinevault.co.nz http://www.winevaulttv.com
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
Monday, 15 March 2010
Emperor Titus of Napa Valley
Author: Mark V. Fusco San Antonio, TX In this video wine review, Mark reviews the 1999 Titus Zinfandel. Distributed by Tubemogul.
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Paso Robles and Central Coast Wineries Unveil New Interactive Websites
San Luis Obispo, CA, United States, 03/03/2010 - Another half dozen local wineries, along with the San Luis Obispo Vintners Association, get innovative with their websites. Wineries include Tolosa Winery, Kynsi Winery, Talley Vineyards, Wild Wood Winery, Bishop’s Peak and Orchid Hill Vineyard.
“With so many new technologies available, wineries are looking to enhance their websites with E-commerce that specializes in their unique needs, and social media strategies that build up their tasting rooms and wine clubs,” explained Jeremy LaDuque, CEO and president of Elements, Inc.
According to LaDuque, wineries face strict guidelines and distinct challenges when it comes to selling online. E-Commerce websites designed by Elements Inc. offer total solutions for wineries, addressing state restrictions, wine club discounting and volume discounting. Furthermore, the designs fully integrate into website management, e-marketing, social media and blogging software, and also provide an integrated POS system for tasting rooms. Customers can now easily receive more information, join wine clubs and purchase their favorite bottles with ease. This is a win-win for everyone.
About Elements, Inc.
Elements, Inc. (elementsinc.net), an interactive web agency founded in 1999, designs and develops online business applications, corporate web sites and Internet marketing strategies that enable clients to harness the power of the Internet to streamline their business.
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
“With so many new technologies available, wineries are looking to enhance their websites with E-commerce that specializes in their unique needs, and social media strategies that build up their tasting rooms and wine clubs,” explained Jeremy LaDuque, CEO and president of Elements, Inc.
According to LaDuque, wineries face strict guidelines and distinct challenges when it comes to selling online. E-Commerce websites designed by Elements Inc. offer total solutions for wineries, addressing state restrictions, wine club discounting and volume discounting. Furthermore, the designs fully integrate into website management, e-marketing, social media and blogging software, and also provide an integrated POS system for tasting rooms. Customers can now easily receive more information, join wine clubs and purchase their favorite bottles with ease. This is a win-win for everyone.
About Elements, Inc.
Elements, Inc. (elementsinc.net), an interactive web agency founded in 1999, designs and develops online business applications, corporate web sites and Internet marketing strategies that enable clients to harness the power of the Internet to streamline their business.
In assoicaition with Fitou Wine
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Prepares for Region's Largest Fundraising Event
"Wine & Dine in Paradise" Event Reaches Record Pre-Event Sales
DESTIN, FL, March 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, one of the most successful non-profit organizations in the Southeast, offers food and wine enthusiasts an experience and pairing like no other, with the group's largest fundraiser of the year, "Wine & Dine in Paradise." This must-attend event will be held along Florida's Emerald Coast at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Florida (http://www.sandestin.com/) this April 23-24.
"Guests will dine with the 'Who's Who' of chefs and vintners from around the world," said Todd Vucovich, Executive Director, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. "Funds raised will be appropriated to specific projects benefiting Emerald Coast's children-based charities. "The 2009 event raised nearly $1 million for local charities and preparations are underway to accommodate a larger response in 2010.
The Foundation has named Bob Cabral, Executive Winemaker at the prestigious Russian River winery, Williams Selyem, as the event's 2010 Honorary Chairman. "Bob Cabral and Williams Selyem epitomize quality and a strong sense of community," adds Vucovich. "Joining Williams Selyem at the event is an A-list of other wineries such as Kosta-Browne, Duckhorn, Staglin, Pride Mountain and Jarvis, to name a few."
With only 20 tickets remaining, sales have outpaced past years based on the growing prestige and popularity of the event. The traditional Patron Package offers an intimate setting inviting guests to dine with acclaimed vintners and celebrity chefs at a private home. The new Restaurant Packages pairs extraordinary chefs with a featured celebrity vintner, at a cost below that of the traditional Patron package. Both packages offer access to Sandestin Wine Festival (http://www.sandestin.com/ExploreSandestin/SpecialEvents/WineFestival.aspx) Grand Tasting and the organization's main event, the Destin Charity Wine Auction.
To purchase tickets to "Wine & Dine in Paradise," and for the full list of Vintners, Chefs and Sponsors, visit www.dcwaf.org.
Since 2005, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has worked to incorporate the best elements of the Emerald Coast's culture with raising money for children in need through superb wine events. After only four years, the organization has raised nearly $3 million impacting the lives of countless children and their families. Visit www.dcwaf.org for completed details.
Source: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
CONTACT: Media Contact: Todd Vucovich, todd@dcwaf.org, (850) 650-3732
DESTIN, FL, March 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, one of the most successful non-profit organizations in the Southeast, offers food and wine enthusiasts an experience and pairing like no other, with the group's largest fundraiser of the year, "Wine & Dine in Paradise." This must-attend event will be held along Florida's Emerald Coast at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Florida (http://www.sandestin.com/) this April 23-24.
"Guests will dine with the 'Who's Who' of chefs and vintners from around the world," said Todd Vucovich, Executive Director, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. "Funds raised will be appropriated to specific projects benefiting Emerald Coast's children-based charities. "The 2009 event raised nearly $1 million for local charities and preparations are underway to accommodate a larger response in 2010.
The Foundation has named Bob Cabral, Executive Winemaker at the prestigious Russian River winery, Williams Selyem, as the event's 2010 Honorary Chairman. "Bob Cabral and Williams Selyem epitomize quality and a strong sense of community," adds Vucovich. "Joining Williams Selyem at the event is an A-list of other wineries such as Kosta-Browne, Duckhorn, Staglin, Pride Mountain and Jarvis, to name a few."
With only 20 tickets remaining, sales have outpaced past years based on the growing prestige and popularity of the event. The traditional Patron Package offers an intimate setting inviting guests to dine with acclaimed vintners and celebrity chefs at a private home. The new Restaurant Packages pairs extraordinary chefs with a featured celebrity vintner, at a cost below that of the traditional Patron package. Both packages offer access to Sandestin Wine Festival (http://www.sandestin.com/ExploreSandestin/SpecialEvents/WineFestival.aspx) Grand Tasting and the organization's main event, the Destin Charity Wine Auction.
To purchase tickets to "Wine & Dine in Paradise," and for the full list of Vintners, Chefs and Sponsors, visit www.dcwaf.org.
Since 2005, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has worked to incorporate the best elements of the Emerald Coast's culture with raising money for children in need through superb wine events. After only four years, the organization has raised nearly $3 million impacting the lives of countless children and their families. Visit www.dcwaf.org for completed details.
Source: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
CONTACT: Media Contact: Todd Vucovich, todd@dcwaf.org, (850) 650-3732
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