It is a testament to Anthony V. Ferraro's kindness and character that the wholesale slaughter of starlings did not come up in conversation Sunday. European starlings, also known as common starlings, have eaten roughly three quarters of his red-grape crop this year, erasing profits for his fledgling winery here."They do quite a job," Ferraro, 65, said of the starling hordes that have overtaken the state. Starlings are one of two species that can be killed with impunity in Connecticut. "You can hardly defend against them," Ferraro said.
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A new, massively extended version of controversial wine documentary Mondovino is failing to re-ignite the global wine debate – because it's only available in Africa.Mondovino: the Series is a ten-parter which promises a deeper investigation into the wine world, and more “intimate and detailed” portraits of wine families such as the Mondavis and the Frescobaldis than in the original film, released in 2004. The series has been taken on by the BBC but only for its Africa service. The film's distributors Celluloid Dreams said, “BBC Prime is showing it in Africa. We are looking for a UK TV channel at the moment.” Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Bordeaux producers fear recent rains will dash hopes for the 'great' vintage that has looked almost possible during the growing season.On the Left Bank this weekend, they donned the decorative robes of the Commanderie du Bontemps, to formally announce the start of the 2006 red wine harvest. But, clutching umbrellas under a grey sky, some couldn't hide their disappointment as rain fell on their vines. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Canadians bought more wine than spirits for the first time last year, according to a report from national data agency Statistics Canada.National wine sales reached C$4.2bn (US$3.8bn) last year compared with C$4bn of spirits sales, the report said.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
A biodynamic Californian winemaker is spraying his crop with a sunblock concoction to relieve his over-tanned grapes.Aaron Pott, who makes wine for Quintessa in the Napa Valley, is spraying his Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot with a dilute organic 'tea' which includes aloe vera, known for its skin-soothing properties, and yucca, a perennial shrub used in alternative medicines. Pott also adds marine algae to the mix because of its apparent UV-absorbing qualities, effectively making the spray part-sunscreen, part-after-sun lotion. "The grapes face the same summer sun exposure dangers that concern bikini-clad sun bathers,' Pott told Business Wire. 'We're all aware of the benefits of algae and aloe vera in protecting ourselves from sun damage. We simply took that evidence into the vineyard."
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Campo de Justicia - Forty years ago, Cesar Chavez and a dedicated troop of organizers changed the way Americans think about food. For the first time since the end of the Ag Age, we were forced to consider the human costs of bringing cheap grapes to our tables. The Grape Boycott may have made history, but it didn’t change the economic harvest corporate growers reaped. Forty years later, the struggle continues. In an homage to Chavez, the United Farm Workers have embarked on an ambitious campaign called “Otra Vez” (“Once Again”) to organize farmworkers in California’s Central Valley. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
On the anniversary of an historic international tasting, a Cape Town group had some fun when Cape wines took on Bordeaux... In the world of wine anoraks, rare or unusual wine tastings are welcomed as enthusiastically as fiery debates about favourite labels or preferred brands of glassware. To appeal to a few of Cape Town’s ‘raks’, David Brice and Roland Peens of Wine Cellar decided to pit Cape Town against Paris – wines from the Cape against Bordeaux, to be exact. The company is best known for importing French wines, so supply was no problem. Less recognized is that they store a variety of wines - imports and top local labels - for clients in their temperature-controlled storage warehouse.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
It's not uncommon to hear or read about some wines as being “oaky” or “woody” and when you first start learning about wine you can get confused about what that means. Well, many wines are aged in oak barrels so it’s pretty logical that some of the taste or flavor from that barrel can become part of the wine. The key is just how much of the woody taste is the right amount. It’s the winemaker’s art to make sure all of the taste and flavor components are in the right balance. Too much can overwhelm the fruitiness; too little and the structure may seem flat or flabby. Then there’s your taste to consider…some people like woodier styled wines more than others. You can identify the oakiness generally with the taste of vanilla or nutmeg from French oak and if you notice dill, then the barrels are likely American oak.The beauty and wonders of wine is in its many variations! Continue Reading Article Click Here...
TOMORROW: Harvest Kick Off Party – Sunday, September 17, 2PM – 5PMTo celebrate harvest 2006, we’re having a kick off party. We’ll be celebrating our third harvest with some recently bottled wines from our first harvests, demonstrations of winemaking and some cool promotions around Crushnet. This is sort of like our Open House, but done in the thick of harvest. Wise? Not sure. Fun? No doubt. Go here to RSVP–(here)...Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Recent comments about the growing number of Chardonnay made without oak brought several Chardonnay enthusiasts out of the, well, woodwork.Many are irked that anyone would suggest that Chardonnay could be interesting if it wasn't fermented or aged in oak barrels. One was peeved enough to say she hoped that a winery that just had released a Chardonnay made without wood would fail. Another said she was fed up with wine columnists trying to dictate what she should drink.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
There's high anxiety in Wine Country as the harvest slowly gets under way.The grape crop is late, yields are down, birds are a terrible problem and there are looming fears there won't be enough laborers to pick the crop."The 900-pound gorilla in the room is labor," said Fred Buonanno of Brutocao Vineyards & Cellars in Hopland and chairman of the Mendocino Winegrape and Wine Commission. "In the weeks ahead we will be tested."
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Normally, Wine Country is bustling in mid-September, as truckloads of ripe grapes race into waiting wineries. But this year, "there's not too much we can do right now," says vintner Adam Lee. For growers in the premium wine grape-growing parts of California, this year's grape harvest is as much as three weeks behind schedule. Sparkling winemakers are very busy, and white wine grapes -- particularly Sauvignon Blanc -- are rolling in. So far, though, only a small amount of premium red wine grapes has been picked.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
French wine authorities have been criticised for creating three more appellation contrôlée wine areas at a time when France is trying to simplify its wine offering to consumers.(See: "St Emilion’s New 2006 Classification")Authorities have granted Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status to the wine areas of Orléans, Orléans Cléry and Chaume. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
It's been an unusual crush at Langtry Estate & Vineyards in Middletown (Lake County). No sooner was the Sauvignon Blanc pressed and the Viognier in the hopper at Lake County's largest winery than the winemaker and assistant winemaker were let go, as was most of the management team. So who's making the wine? "We all are," enologist Steve Miles said. "It's a group effort."
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Around 35 people have died in Nicaragua from drinking illicit alcohol.Health officials have warned that the death toll is expected to rise, with almost 600 others falling ill in the country’s worst health crisis in recent times.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Appellation Winemaker Dinner and Autumn Tasting Festival:Winemaker Dinner: Friday, September 15th at 6:00 p.m.Autumn Tasting Festival: Saturday, September 16th from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mount Veeder's vintners share a commitment to quality. Though appellation wines are as diverse as their winemakers and the mountain’s microclimates, they share some special qualities. For red wines, it’s the briary, brambly flavors of wild berries; the hint of spice, pepper and herbs like lavender, anise and sage; and more structure than the average wine. The region's Chardonnays display reserved tropical and stone fruit flavors with a touch of citrus, and are often longer lived than their valley counterparts. right click image to enlarge:Continue Reading Article Click Here...
After a hot early summer and a cooler August, some regions show promise, others cause for concern.. 
No matter what Mother Nature delivers to Europe's wine producers this year, 2005 is going to be a hard act to follow. Nevertheless, the 2006 vintage is already upon us. Although European growers haven't experienced quite the roller-coaster ride their counterparts in California have this year, they did get a bit of a scare in July, when Europe was hit with a heat wave reminiscent of 2003. But the month of August was generally cooler, and led to a much more favorable fall. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The California wine industry sometimes seems to exist in two parallel universes. In one, the air is heavy with a smug sense of self-congratulation. Billionaires buy pieces of Napa Valley, charge $150 a bottle for the first vintage and want you to understand, by the way, that they do it all for charity. Earnest ideologues natter on about the terroir in their 16 cuvées of pinot noir, but the wines all taste the same. Hot young consultants notch more 95-point wines than Paris Hilton has boyfriends. It’s the gospel written by publicists.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The Foster's Group says it will sell South African and Chilean wine under its Lindemans brand, which has traditionally been exclusively Australian.
The beverage giant says it is a result of research in key export markets, which shows shoppers buy wine because it is good value for money, rather than its origin.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Legacy Estate Group LLC ("Legacy") today completed the sale of substantially all of its assets to Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates, Ltd. and/or its assignees ("Kendall-Jackson"). Legacy was the owner of three highly-acclaimed luxury and ultra-premium wineries: Arrowood Vineyards & Winery, a Sonoma Valley, California winery founded by Alis and Richard Arrowood and previously owned by Robert Mondavi; Byron Vineyard & Winery, a Central Coast of California producer founded by Ken Brown and previously owned by Robert Mondavi; and Freemark Abbey Winery, an historic Napa Valley, California producer whose wines were chosen to be part of the famous Paris Wine Tasting of 1976. Chanin Capital Partners, a specialty investment bank, served as exclusive financial adviser and structured and negotiated the transaction on behalf of Legacy.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
California wine icon Don Sebastiani will be the guest speaker at the 33rd Annual Meeting of the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) on Tuesday, January 23, 2007, in Sacramento, California. CEO of Don Sebastiani & Sons, former member of the California State Assembly, niche buyer-blender of California wines and “2005 American Winery of the Year” are just a few of the labels connected to Sebastiani. With keen insight of the American wine consumer, as well as those in the world wine marketplace, Sebastiani is never short of words and will be speaking frankly to CAWG members on a range of topics. “I’m honored to be speaking at the CAWG Annual Meeting,” said Sebastiani. “Only one problem… I was raised to always tell the truth, so CAWG members better have their seatbelts fastened.” Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Enjoy wine from Rioja, Spain while contributing to City Meals-on-Wheels!Join the Vibrant Rioja team at the Great Match in New York on September 21, 2006, from 6 – 8:30 PM. You’ll have an opportunity to taste over 90 different wines from Rioja, along with food from magnificent New York restaurants!This fabulous event will be held at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, New York City.The donation for entrance is $60 per person in advance. 100% of the proceeds will go to help support CITYMEALS-ON-WHEELS. Tickets may be purchased online until 3:00 p.m. the day of the event. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
A five-year employee of Wente Vineyards, Livermore, CA, died yesterday morning after being crushed by equipment he and another employee were moving, authorities said.Alameda County Sheriff's deputies were called about 10 a.m. Thursday to the winery off Arroyo Road and concluded the death was not the result of a criminal act."It's absolutely a tragic accident," said Sheriff's Sgt. Scott Dudek.
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The munch: dense organic carrot reason bread, fresh chevre (goat cheese), brandy XO sherry fig compote–drizzled with thick old balsamic vinegar.. This, and the wine that follows, simple soared across my mind and palate--a churning bubbly, tart, sweet, supple, sensuous dance of oral delights...right click image to enlarge:Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Sam Breach over at “Becks & Posh” is the host for this one! Choose a bottle of Champagne within your budget. That's Champagne from the Champagne region of France.Open, taste, drink your Champagne. Take notes, reflecting upon the color, the type of bubbles, the nose the taste, etc. If you are extra adventurous, try pairing your champagne with some food and see how that works too. By no means is this a requirement just a suggestion if you’re so inclined.So fill up your Flutes and we’ll hear from you on September 13, 2006!How it Works:...Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Biotechnology is the basis for wine microbiology. Aa recent meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Francisco CA, USA. The character of a wine/fruit wine was revealed as determined by a multi-factorial interaction of grape type, fruit, climate, location, microbiology and winemaking technology. The development of a wine/beverage type can be controlled through the application of biotechnological products such as - dried pure yeasts - lactic acid bacteria (Oenococcus oeni) and - enzymes (bio-catalysts). And much, much more...Continue Reading Article Click Here...
As the summer days grow shorter and the weather begins to cool, Washington state's wine grape harvest kicks into high-gear. Vineyard workers throughout the state have begun picking select white grape varietals, with harvest activity ramping up in the coming weeks. The Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers (WAWGG) estimates the state's 2006 wine grape crop will weigh in at more than 123,564 tons. Washington state is the second-largest producer of wine in the nation, with more than 400 wineries, 350 wine grape growers and 30,000 vineyard acres. right click image to enlarge:Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association has been selected as the wine region of California to host a cross-cultural wine exchange program with the South African Wine Industry Trust (SAWIT) and the United States South Africa Wine Foundation. Five wine apprentices from South Africa will be working alongside vintners throughout the region for a unique six-week program. The group, all with winemaking experience in their own country, will be placed in the vineyards, wine cellars, and business offices of Monterey County wineries. Blackstone Winery, Cima Collina, Hahn Estates, Scheid Vineyards, and the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association will be the hosts for the program. right click image to enlarge:Continue Reading Article Click Here...
One of the world's most distinguished wine experts has declared war on the fashion for ever-greater alcohol content, branding the new super-strength vintages as "boring" and without "useful purpose".Hugh Johnson, who has won a string of awards in a career spanning four decades, compares today's new higher-strength wines to steroid-packed bodybuilders. His attack is echoed by other critics, who say new wine-making techniques and the tastes of US judges have combined to make "dull-tasting rocket fuel", at the expense of more enjoyable tipples. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Chateau Millaud-Montlabert, St Emilion, AQ31The new, 2006 classification of wines of St-Emilion has just been announced with Chx Pavie-Macquin and Troplong Mondot being promoted to the select group of Premier Grand Cru Classés. There had been rumours that Valandraud would feature in this new classification, updated every 10 years, but there is no sign of Jean-Luc Thunevin’s wine, nor of any other obvious garagiste wines.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Tasting rooms are a crucial source of income for California wineries. California seems to have a new national pastime. In 2003, the combined attendance for California's five Major League Baseball teams was 13.7 million. That same year, according to St. Helena's MKF Research, 14.8 million people visited California wineries. That's despite the fact that wine tasting isn't exactly cheap. While it's still possible to taste wines for free -- particularly outside Napa and Sonoma counties -- few visitors leave without reaching for their wallet. MKF reports that the average tasting room visitor spent $42.54 in 2004, up from $39 in 2003. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The thing about blind tastings is you never know for sure. You’re tasting one wine among umpteen, a quick sniff and a swig. You concentrate, compare, apply what you know and what you think you know. You 
extrapolate, which is a fancy word for informed guesswork, and you move on. With extra time you can come back to that wine and re-assess. Mostly, let’s say 80 percent of the time, a wine’s character and potential are clear. But the other 20 percent are tricky, because the setting is artificial. Wine changes and evolves, and context of course is crucial. What will that bottle taste like with dinner? Will it be better than you imagine, or worse? Tonight? A year from now?Continue Reading Article Click Here...
As French winemakers prepare for the annual rush to pull in this year’s grape harvest, anyone who does not own a Chateau is looking cautiously ahead at another year of problems.New export figures for French wine look rather promising for the industry. Sales of French wine and spirits abroad rose 18 per cent in value for the first five months of 2006, with notable gains in Bordeaux and Côtes du Rhône. This rise in exports has been greeted with cheer in an industry that has faced dire problems, due to falling consumption in France, overproduction and greater competition from New World wineries. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Ground Zero Lights, New York City, 9.11.2006
Has it been five years? It seams like yesterday but a moment ago...“Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind; Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave. I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned.’’
Edna St. Vincent MillayContinue Reading Article Click Here...
Consider a painting. Do you spend more on the frame than on the art? Similarly, do you spend more on wine than on food? Or vice versa? That, in a nutshell, is the challenge posed by cheap wine. A touch of elegance on the plate just might be what’s needed...
Lobster Spaghetti
I know people who open Château Lafite with hamburgers. I’ll take the opposite position with this particular collection of wines costing less than $10. Several of them were extremely good, and, white or red, were worthy of my lobster spaghetti made with ripe fresh tomatoes.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
A Mature HILLSIDE vines with 17 year leafings, some 38 year and recent 4 year vines. Clone 7 and 8 on St. George and 110R roots. Spacing is 6x11 ft. with 4 year vines 3x11 ft. Cordon on 6-8 wire trellis. Sonoma Volcanics soil. Drip irrigated. Frost is rare. Leaf and shoots thinned. Vines cultured to standards in the Wine Institute Code of Sustainable Wine growing Practices. South Eeast slope at 834-758 ft. elevation The vineyards are mostly above the fog line with a cool summer Pacific Ocean breeze late in the day. Weather is cooler in summer and warmer in winter than the valley floor. 3.57 tons per acre. Statistics are available...Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The spread of passes this year once again demonstrates the growing internationalisation of the Institute, with success not only from the UK, the USA and Australia, but also from Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Finland, France, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The Amador 'crush' is just beginning. The weather for the past month has been ideal and the grape clusters look healthy, so they're expecting a successful harvest. The intense heat that affected California in July did have some impact on the vines, as roughly 5% experienced some sunburn damage, less than might be expected given our 12 consecutive days of 100 degree-plus temperatures. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
SIP: Paso Robles Wine CountryPlease join the winemakers of Paso Robles for a new interactive educational event, October 20, 21 and 22, 2006.More than 85 Paso Robles Wine Country Wineries are Participating in this Weekend Extravaganza! Study the place of Paso Robles and experience how soil, climate, viticultural practices and winemaking expertise influence the premium wines of the region during SIP: Paso Robles. SIP stands for studies in place and this new interactive seminar and tasting will help you learn about the distinct, different characteristics of Paso Robles wines.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
After an emotional win in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Michael Schumacher has announced he will retire from race driving at the end of this season.“It’s been a very special day,” said Schumacher in the post-race press conference. “There has been a lot of discussion for a lot of time and the fans have a right to be explained what will happen..."
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Harvick Edges Kyle Busch for Richmond Victory--And Junior’s in the “Chase for the Cup!”Kevin Harvick ran down Kyle Busch coming to the white flag and won Saturday night's Chevy 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Harvick, gaining momentum entering the championship playoff, notched his third win of the year and secured third place in the chase.Busch appeared to have it all wrapped up, leading 248 of the 400 laps, including 126 of the final 135. The 21-year-old from Las Vegas had his eyes on his second win of the season; he finished out of the top 10 only twice since Sonoma in June.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Fans who came to AT&T Park on Saturday afternoon received quite the baseball treat, as their eyes were transfixed on a game that came down to an intense chess match.Not only did they see a little free baseball, but they also saw a Barry Bonds home run, another decent outing by Jason Schmidt and a fantastic finish as the Giants beat the Padres, 5-4, in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the 11th inning. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Growers fear shortage of seasonal field hands will threaten $1 billion grape crop...In the weeks before harvest, vineyard manager Victor Trentadue of Geyserville is accustomed to a stream of Latino laborers stopping by his office asking for a job picking grapes.But not this year.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Raikkonen beats Michael to pole, Alonso only fifth! Just two thousandths of a second separated the men that many perceive to be the present and the future for Ferrari at Monza on Saturday afternoon, as they fought for pole position. right click image to enlarge:Continue Reading Article Click Here...
As I follow Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's reasoning, the golden poppy wouldn't be the state flower because roses also grow in California, the desert tortoise wouldn't be the state reptile because the rattlesnake also thrives here, and the West Coast swing wouldn't be the state dance because someone, maybe the governor himself, has been seen doing the macarena in Santa Monica.Thus, California doesn't have a state wine or even a state "historic wine," which is what the governor rejected last week on the grounds that singling out one wine for the designation -- zinfandel was the nominee -- would be "inappropriate."Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Featuring Sacramento Area Restaurants, Wineries, Breweries and Caterers! This premier tasting event will be held on September 8, 2006 at the Sacramento Convention Center and will feature more than 70 of Sacramento's greatest breweries, wineries and restaurants as well as a silent auction with more than 100 items!I haven’t been to this event yet, but it sounds like a lot of fun–food, wine and beer–all for a good cause and a good time, too...Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Ukraine’s Soyuz-Victan (SV), one of the world’s top five vodka marketers, has announced the launch of its SV Supreme vodka brand into selected U.S. markets this month. The U.S. launch of SV Supreme, which bills itself as “the naturally smooth vodka,” is the first in a series of international launches scheduled for the brand. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Dale Stratton, who joins Constellation Wines US after 16 years with E&J Gallo
view image Constellation Wines US has appointed a vice president of strategic insights.The company said yesterday (September6, 2006) that Dale Stratton, formerly with E&J Gallo, will assume the position. Stratton will represent Constellation’s portfolio of wine brands to major national on- and off-trade accounts.“Dale Stratton will provide great leadership and insight in his role as a vice president on strategic insights team,” said Constellation’s senior vice president of channel management, Ed LeMay. “He brings more than 22 years of beverage alcohol experience to his role and will be a valuable asset to our organisation in helping identify and take advantage of wine industry trends, evaluate our current business, and help direct our strategic and market resources.”
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A solid performance from its wine and spirits business has boosted first-half earnings at LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton.The French luxury goods powerhouse said yesterday (6 September) that profits from the division had risen 11% to EUR355m (US$453.1m), contributing to a 35% climb in group operating profit to EUR1.3bn.LVMH said sales growth in China and Russia had “accelerated” thanks to “sustained marketing” during the period.The company’s Champagne stable was a key driver with Moet & Chandon and Dom Perignon enjoying “significant growth” in Japan and Veuve Clicquot seeing sales rise in Europe and the US.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The world’s largest winery, E&J Gallo of Modesto, Calif., has tossed out the first price pitch of the California wine grape pricing season. It was low and away. It may even be a wild pitch.A price of $125 per ton for open market Thompson seedless grapes and other low value white grapes has San Joaquin Valley grape growers taking for a ball and looking for the next pitch.However, some industry experts say Gallo will get some to take the price, even though this year’s short is crop and $125 per ton is definitely a money loser. If anyone takes it, it likely will be the grower without debt who does not want the hassle of finding labor to make raisins or chance a weather wipeout making raisins. Take the money and run and hope for a better day or pull out the Thompsons and plant almonds. Some are predicting more vineyard removals after this harvest.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
LVMH has relaunched Moët & Chandon, in an attempt to attract younger consumers to the world’s top-selling Champagne brand. While retaining Moët & Chandon’s trademark foil and black necktie, LVMH has added eye-catching elements to the label (including a more prominent crown and stars) to set it apart from the competition in the ultracompetitive global Champagne market. LVMH claims that Moët & Chandon is the favored Champagne brand among entry-level drinkers, and the new look is designed to ensure that this trend continues. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Researchers in the Far East have invented a robot that can check the chemical composition of wine and advise its owner of the best vino for their palate. The robot, devised by NEC System Technologies and Mie University, works by pointing an infrared sensor at the tip of its left arm at a bottle. When it has identified the grape, the robot comments on the taste - for instance stating whether the chardonnay is buttery or the shiraz full-bodied.The machine can perform the same task for food, assessing the saltiness of cheese or distinguishing between bitter and sweet apples. But it is the electro-mechanical sommelier's wine-tasting prowess that has most excited its creators.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Wine Enthusiast Magazine announces 50 nominees for its annual Wine Star industry awards for 2006, listed below in alphabetical order. These awards honor outstanding achievement for this year. These nominees will appear in the October issue of the magazine, and the winners in each category will be announced in the December 15 issue, which will be published on November 6 and will feature profiles of all the winners.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The little-known Sylvaner grape can join the Pinot Gris and Riesling varietals as a grand cru, the French appellation authority INAO has ruled.Though the designation only applies to one grand cru plot, the 14ha Zotzenberg vineyard, it is considered a major victory for winemakers in northern Alsace who have been fighting for some 15 years for the recognition of Sylvaner. “The Zotzenberg terroir best allows Sylvaner to express its exceptional complexity and finally enter the closed circle of grands crus,” said Stéphane Wantz of the Domaine Alfred Wantz in Mittelbergheim.
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A billionaire Florida wine collector is suing German collector and dealer Hardy Rodenstock for fraud.William Koch, an American industrialist, alleges that four bottles of Bordeaux he bought after Rodenstock attributed them to Thomas Jefferson are fakes. Koch's suit, filed in New York federal court last Thursday, stems from his purchase of a 1784 and 1787 Château Lafite, and a 1784 and 1787 Château Branne-Mouton – Mouton-Rothschild's predecessor – which originated from Rodenstock. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Champion of New York Wines Recognized by Industry--Jim Trezise...The Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission announced today that James Trezise of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation has been named the Wine Industry Integrity Award honoree for 2006. Created in 1998, the award honors individuals who have conducted their careers with integrity while making significant contributions to the wine industry. The award will be presented at a dinner in honor of Trezise at the Wine and Roses Hotel in Lodi, California, on Friday, November 3, 2006. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
In a pivotal game where the Giants beat the Reds 5 - 4 in ten innings of play: Barry Bonds hit his 730th career homer Monday, a tying two-run shot in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati.The homer was Bonds' fifth in his last six games, extending his hitting streak to eight games overall--pulling the San Francisco Giants into a 4-all tie.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Image: Predicted Surface Air Temperature Increase 1960-2060Stories are making the rounds on the Internet involving global warming and the possibility that current wine regions won't be able to continue producing fine wines, and that premium grapes will be found in locations farther north.right click image to enlarge:Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Constellation Brands has converted a type of its shares.Late last week Constellation said that its outstanding depositary shares have been automatically changed into shares of Constellation’s 5.75% Class A Common Stock.The depositary shares had each represented 1/40th of the company’s 5.75% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock. Each depositary share was converted at a rate of 1.4638 shares of common stock, the company said.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The latest figures for Chinese beer consumption have been released.The country’s alcoholic drinks industry association said late last week that, in 2005, beer consumption in China broke 30m tons. No previous figures were released.Per capita beer consumption stood at 24.2m litres in 2005, the association noted.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed Sen. Carole Migden's bill to declare zinfandel as California's Historic Wine, thus settling one of the more pressing policy issues of this year's session.In his 275-word veto message, the governor acknowledged the Gold Rush history of zinfandel, but noted there are several world-class varietals in our great state.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Grape harvesting season is just around the corner and the Finger Lakes are having one of the best years since 1999. Wine makers are expecting nothing but a bountiful harvest in the next three weeks, which means businesses in the Finger Lakes region are going to reap the benefits of this good grape season.You've probably heard it through the grapevine. Finger Lakes wineries are expecting to harvest some of the best grapes in the region.QuickTime Vide–(click here)Continue Reading Article Click Here...
A rare jewel of the sea, abalone is available for customers year round at A. Sabella's Restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf. The restaurant's 175-gallon fresh tank holds approximately 100 of these mollusks, which have been cultured for five years by the Monterey Abalone Company, noted for its high-quality and high-technology breeding techniques. The abalone is carefully sealed with kelp and oxygen in a Styrofoam container and set on a Greyhound bus for delivery within seven hours of harvesting. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
If government wants a Football World Cup with a social legacy, wine producers should incorporate that component creatively to showcase our wine and social diversity, says Kim Maxwell Thirty-two teams competing in 64 matches in 10 stadiums. A timeframe of 28 – 43 days, with 200 viewing hours and an estimated 40 billion television audiences.A lot of thirsty people!Continue Reading Article Click Here...
United Kingdom brewer Greene King has today (September 1, 2006) said trading remains “in line with expectations” after the football World Cup boosted sales from its pub division.Sales in Greene King’s managed pubs rose 5% during the 13 weeks to July 30, 2006, the company said. Sales from its tenanted and leased pubs were up 1%.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
This graphic report shows the trends of recent activity on the AvenueVine website in terms of Successful Hits* over time, i.e.: Months--(May 01, 2006 through August 31, 2006).Continue Reading Article Click Here...
This is their latest monthly update yet (technically it’s September in New York). But as you’ll see, we’ve got excuses. We’ve been very lucky that this is such a late year because it’s given us time to really prepare for what is going to be their biggest and best harvest yet. Their first fruit is Sauvignon Blanc from Napa and that will be arriving right after Labor Day. We’ll have a couple week reprieve and then we’re in the thick of it. OK, let’s get down to business… Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The new writers for Robert Parker's Wine Advocate were announced today, following last week's departure of Pierre Rovani and Daniel Thomases.Aside from Parker, four new or expanded roles at the publication have been created. Parker himself will now cover only four regions. David Schildknecht, who has written for the Advocate part-time since 2005, will leave his job in the wine business to become full-time in the New Year. He will bear much of the work left by Rovani as well as covering other areas not regularly touched on by the publication. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Novato-based SolarCraft Services announced today that it has begun installation of a 277 Kilo-Watt solar electric system for Starmont Winery by Merryvale's new production facility at Stanly Ranch in Napa, CA. The new system will enable Merryvale Vineyards to generate enough clean electricity each day to power 78 average homes. The new system will spare the air nearly 473 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually. Over the next 30 years, the air pollution saved will be equivalent to driving over 32 million miles. The system will pay for itself in approximately 6 years. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The first Bordeaux grapes came off the vines in Pessac-Leognan this week with Chateau Carbonnieux kicking off the 2006 harvest on August 28, 2006.The white Sauvignon Blanc grapes were the first to be harvested although chateau owner Philibert Perrin said he could have started earlier.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Pizza Hut # 1 food brand in India! How many of you buy soap, milk, cheese, wine? The same brands that you used to pick up at the store while shopping with your parents or grandparents?Pizza Hut Named Most Trusted Food Brand in India; Pizza Hut Ranked #1 Most Trusted by the Economic Times' Consumer Poll, Ahead of All Other Global Brands... Pizza Hut has been named the most trusted food brand in India, ahead of all other global brands. Pizza Hut India's number one ranking adds to the company's honor of being named the most trusted quick-service restaurant company in India by The Economic Times' (India) Most Trusted Brands survey for the past three years. Pizza Hut India is part of Yum! Restaurants International (YRI), a division of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), the world's largest restaurant company in terms of system units. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Free Tour Starts Things Up for Summer with The Roots, Mudhoney!Southern Comfort is starting things up in San Diego with the Southern Comfort Music Experience, a free outdoor concert event, September 9-10th. Southern Comfort (SoCo) has invited some friends, including several New Orleans musicians, to perform in the Gaslamp Quarter at 7th and Market (in the Central Parking lot). Admission is free and you must be at least 21 years old to enter. The event will run from 3pm until midnight on Saturday and 1pm until 10pm on Sunday. Invite your friends and join us for a free summer celebration!The SoCo Music Experience is a new four city music festival. In San Diego, Southern Comfort will transform the Gaslamp Quarter site into a festival setting with food vendors, SoCo frozen drinks, and a SoCo Lime Lounge featuring local talent. While in the SoCo Lime Lounge, attendees may make a voluntary donation to the SoCo Music Fund benefiting the musicians of New Orleans. Visit www.socomusicfund.org to learn more about the SoCo Music Fund and view films about the lives of eight New Orleans musicians.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Twenty grape farm workers fell ill Thursday when fungicide from a neighboring vineyard drifted over them south of Bakersfield. County agriculture officials say Giumarra Vineyards employees were working next to a field owned by Hall Farming where a sulfur-based chemical was being applied to grapevines to prevent mildew. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Demand for Merlot has dropped so precipitously that growers in the Alexander Valley essentially can’t give their grapes away. One grower is having trouble selling merlot for $350 a ton. According to the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association, Sonoma merlot averaged $2,202 a ton in 2002. Tom quotes a friend as saying, “You’re going to be seeing lots of merlot in your 2006 zinfandel, in you 2006 cabernet, in your 2006 white zinfandel, in your syrah and in just about any other red wine.”You follow that logic, right? Because demand has fallen for merlot wines – moderately priced wines, especially – winemakers are going to produce fewer bottles labeled merlot. But they’ve still got all those grapes.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
If the god of wine exists, he must have moved to Korea. If he hasn't, he's probably smiling at a country whose market for imported wine jumped more than 20 percent in the first half of this year. That marks the third consecutive year of double-digit growth. So just what is driving the insatiable appetite for wine? The marketing director of major wine importer Samkoo says a lot of it has to do with improved living standards and tastes as the economy has grown into the world's 10th largest in just a few decades. More growth in wine sales is expected over the next decade. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Winegrape Growers Take the Spotlight During Wine Month on CAWG Web SiteCelebrating September as “Wine Month” has a very special meaning to a select group of Californians – the winegrape growers who for generations have been the heart of California’s wine industry. During Wine Month, visitors to the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Web site, www.cawg.org, will have the opportunity to have a virtual visit with many different California winegrape growers and learn more about what makes California wine so great.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
As of August 25th, 2006, the final casting selection of twenty-four semi-finalists candidates has been made. Those twenty-four candidates have been contacted and availability for shooting schedule are being made.Next the selected twenty-four candidates will head for Hollywood to attend a final casting call.From those twenty-four candidates the remaining cast of twelve candidates will be chosen for the first filming. After that only six candidates will stay with the series for the entire eight episodes.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The Giants were in Los Angeles to play the Dodgers so Liz, Barry's wife, and "Team Bonds" planned a 40th surprise birthday party at Lucky Strike Lanes Hollywood. "Bonds still bowling 'em over at 40!" Over 300 friends, family as well as San Francisco Giants teammates & coaches celebrated.Guest Mary Hart, from Entertainment Tonight, covering the birthday party June 28, 2006–which aired the day Bonds Hit Homers #726 & #727: Tuesday, June 29, 2006.*Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Tequila Herradura sweepstakes winner determined, reportedly beating out Pernod Ricard and Bacardi to purchase the 136-year-old Mexican distiller for $876 million. Under the deal struck with Herradura’s current owners, Pablo and Jose Guillermo Romo de la Pena, Louisville’s Brown-Forman Corp. will acquire the distiller’s superpremium name brand, its premium El Jimador and its New Mix tequila-based RTD.The transaction is slated to close before the end of the year. “These brands will help us advance our business with the growing Hispanic population of the U.S. and increase our participation in the cocktail culture, as the margarita is the most called-for drink in the country,” said Brown-Forman CEO Paul Varga.
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According to the South African Black Vintners Alliance transformation in the wine industry has been slow, with only 1,5% of the industry vested in the hands of black owners. The establishment of the South African Black Vintners Alliance (SABVA) aims to fast track transformation by representing the interests of the emerging black-owned wine companies and creating an enabling environment in which black-owned wineries can operate and thrive.South Africa produces just 3.1% of the world’s wine, although wine remains one of the country's most important exports, particularly into European markets. Price competition, fluctuations in exchange rates and targeted marketing campaigns from European, Australian and American competitors means that many South African wine producers have to fight their way through an educated global market which already has access to many different wine channels and are therefore less loyal to a specific brand or wine region.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Foster’s Group's $3.2 billion acquisition of Southcorp and the global wine glut could ultimately prove to be the beverage group's Achilles heel, with several foreign takeover suitors understood to be sizing up the company for a potential takeover.The world's largest brewer, InBev, is believed to be running the rule over Foster's, with its next largest competitor, SABMiller, rumoured to be also be mulling over whether to make a $11 billion-plus play for Australia's largest wine and beer group.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
On Monday, Govenor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed her bill that would have designated zinfandel as the official "historic wine of California.""It would be a shame," the governor wrote, to effectively snub syrah and spite chardonnay."Whether it is a Cabernet from Napa or Sonoma, a delicate Pinot Noir from the Central Coast, a Zinfandel from the San Joaquin Valley or Sierra Foothills, California produces some of the finest wines in the world," Schwarzenegger wrote in his veto message for SB 1235. "California wines have inspired authors, artists and Oscar-winning motion pictures."
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Shares of Foster's Group Ltd., Australia's biggest brewer, rose the most in eight years after the Sydney Morning Herald reported InBev NV and SABMiller Plc may be considering separate takeover bids. Foster's Chief Executive Officer Trevor O'Hoy declined to confirm or deny details of the report, which didn't say where the information came from, during a conference call on the Melbourne- based company's earnings today. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
A rare $550,000.00+ collection of top Bordeaux wines stolen by professional thieves from a Swedish restaurant is “undrinkable” say the owners.Ulriksdals Wärdshus, the restaurant whose collection of 600 bottles of First Growth Bordeaux was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the most complete, was raided on the night of 22-23 July. News of the heist was not made public until this month. The collection (pictured next page) consisted of one bottle from each of the five First Growths (Chateaux Lafite, Latour, Haut-Brion, Margaux and Mouton-Rothschild) and the top Sauternes Chateau d'Yquem for every vintage from 1900 to 2000. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The John Platter South Africa Wine Guide has announced 25 five-star wines to be featured in the upcoming 2007 edition, the highest number since the reference book was first published in 1980. The announcement is the culmination of several months of intensive tasting, by an internationally experienced team, of nearly 6 000 individual wines. These were sampled and ranked according to the guide's five-point scale, which ranges from 0 stars ('Somewhat less than ordinary') up to 5 stars ('Superlative. A Cape classic'). Continue Reading Article Click Here...
A unit of India’s UB Group is poised to buy a South African wine company, according to local reports.Indian paper Business Standard said today that United Spirits is in advanced talks with a wine company, but was unable to name which one. The move follows UB’s purchase of French wine producer Bouvet-Ladubay from Taittinger for what was thought to be US$20m last month.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Influential winemaker Stewards of wine land led drive to use sustainable practices....A decade ago, a vineyard boom sprawled into the forested Mendocino hills, and winemaker Paul Dolan didn't like what he saw."We were clearing all those properties, dropping in vineyards everywhere, probably violating erosion control issues," Dolan said.In the 1980s and '90s, as the wine industry expanded, it often seemed in danger of soiling its nest: Local communities grew alienated, and government environmental agencies threatened penalties.right click image to enlarge:Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Connoisseurs who have dreamed about sampling Scotch from a cask will no longer have to make plans to travel across the Atlantic.
The full-bodied Scotch was aged for 16 years in first-fill bourbon casks and then bottled at natural cask strength to create a 57.2-percent alcohol-by-volume spirit that’s more concentrated than most whiskies. To preserve its malt flavor, Nàdurra is not chill filtered, which causes it to become slightly hazy with the addition of water.right click images to enlarge:Continue Reading Article Click Here...
''Chateau Cabaret'' Raises Big Numbers in Three Acts of Weekend Events!The 19th annual Auction of Washington Wines shined the spotlight on philanthropy last weekend, raising $1.9 million for uncompensated care at Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center and the Washington Wine Education Foundation. Themed "Chateau Cabaret," the weekend celebration of Washington wines featured Picnic with the Winemakers, winemaker dinners and a spectacular black tie Gala Auction on the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Wash.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The Imagine 2006 benefit, one of the country's top charity wine auctions raised approximately $2.5 million dollars on Saturday, July 29. Held at Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke's Jackson Park Vineyard in Bennett Valley, Sonoma County, the exciting auction afternoon included musical entertainment, a gourmet luncheon and the opportunity to rub shoulders with sports, screen and TV stars. Imagine 2006 Charity Wine Auction Raises Millions for Children's CharitiesContinue Reading Article Click Here...
Wow–what a race! Some of the best battling seen on a formula one track in a long time. Schumacher and Alonso fought right to the end. Schumacher just couldn’t make the ferrari stick through turn #8. Trouble there during qualifying and off there today, too.Massa wins his first formula one race after taking his first pool–first Brazilian since Barrichello
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D'Arry Osborn, founder of d'Arenberg winery in Australia's McLaren Vale, is a tough old guy. The day before a scheduled 21-hour trip to Houston, the 79-year-old gashed his leg open in the winery woodshed. But after more than six decades in the wine business, a lot of blood and eight stitches weren't about to stop him. He made his flights: Adelaide to Sydney to San Francisco to Houston, thank you very much.Father and son vintners keep value in sight as d'Arenberg winery offers some of Australia's finestContinue Reading Article Click Here...
Massa Gets First Career Pole in TurkeyBrazilian, Felipe Massa delighted after scores maiden pole position besting team mate Schumacher... Two weeks away from Ferrari's official driver lineup announcement for '07, scheduled for the Italian Grand Prix weekend in Monza, Felipe Massa boosted his cause of staying on with the Scuderia next season by clinching his first-ever Formula 1 pole position in qualifying for the Turkish Grand Prix.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Workers prepare for harvest of grapes flooding hundreds of wineries across North Coast...Winery workers Ignacio Trujillo and Juan Rodriguez on Wednesday dumped the season's first grapes into the press at Mumm Napa, uncorking Wine Country's long and hectic harvest.It was the first day on the job for Trujillo and Rodriguez, seasonal workers who have returned to Mumm Napa for the crush. As they deftly tossed yellow crates filled with pinot noir grapes, the men stretched their long-dormant muscles and prepared for the two-month onslaught of grapes."I'm happy to be back," said Trujillo. "I'll work the hours necessary to handle the grapes."
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Wine Institute held a tasting event, "California Wine Rush 2006," at San Francisco's Hotel Vitale on August 23 and featured wines from diverse regions all over the state.To kick off the newly proclaimed "California Wine Month," Wine Institute held a media and trade only tasting event, "California Wine Rush 2006" at San Francisco's Hotel Vitale on August 23. The walk-around tasting at the hotel's outside patio featured wines from regions all over the state. Top varietals from more than 15 regions and 100 American Viticultural Areas were paired with California cuisine at the three-hour tasting. Each wine region presented their top varietals along with brochures and information about their wines and region. The well-attended event gave attendees the chance to connect with other regional associations and winemakers, and wine buyers. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Emilio comes in a consumer friendly and eye-catching package.Union De Producteurs De Saint-Emilion Launches EMILIO -- A New World Style Wine from the Old World Chateau St. Martin LLC (CSM) today announced the arrival of EMILIO, a Saint-Emilion Merlot, developed in cooperation with Union de Producteurs de Saint-Emilion (UDPSE) with a blend tailored to please the American palate and targeting the growing number of American wine consumers. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Senate Approves Rep. Thompson's Resolution Recognizing the Historic Victory of Napa Wines at the 1976 Paris Tasting Earlier this month, the U.S. Senate unanimously agreed to the House resolution introduced by Congressman Mike Thompson (D-Napa Valley) recognizing the significance of the Napa Valley victory at the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting. House Concurrent Resolution 399 recognizes both the outstanding accomplishments of those responsible for the winning wines and also the many successes of the California wine industry in the thirty years since this event. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Bennett Lane bottles feature images from the 2,000-year-old Italian coins on display in the Bennett Lane tasting room.Randy and Lisa Lynch, who purchased a second home with a dozen or so acres of vineyards in Calistoga at the northern end of Napa Valley. A former race-car driver, Lynch also owns a NASCAR West division team and an ad agency. Rob Hunter, formerly of Sterling and Markham, signed on as consulting winemaker in 2005.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
“Rovani and Thomases set to leave Parker's Wine Advocate”There is widespread speculation that Robert Parker is on the verge of parting company with Pierre Rovani and Daniel Thomases, both contributors to The Wine Advocate.An informed source in the wine industry says that Parker is preparing to announce their departures and the hiring of two replacements.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
While Europe had another hot summer in 2006, it also had the biggest cork harvest in the last nine years, bringing in a total of 140,000 tons of raw cork, according to Jochen Michalski, president of Cork Supply Group, the nation’s largest provider of premium natural cork wine stoppers. “The 2006 harvest is well over 50-percent larger than last year,” says Michalski. “This huge increase is welcomed since last year’s harvest was so low.”
This year Portugal, the largest producer of raw cork, will see 110,000 tons, while the number two producer, Spain, will see 30,000 tons.“At the beginning of the harvest, we saw some price jumps, probably because of last year’s shortages,” said Michalski. “Fortunately, thanks in large part to our five foresters who work directly with growers in the cork forests, we knew prices would be falling later in the season and we’ve been able to take advantage of that fact by getting better quality cork at lower prices.”
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Crush Celebration Weekend, Clarksburg, California
September 28, 2006 - October 1, 2006For over 100 years, starting in the villages and vineyards of Portugal, winemaking has been a Carvalho family tradition. Today, Carvalho Family Wines continues that tradition as an ultra-premium winery, dedicated to the production of small-lot, hand-crafted California wines using grapes from the Clarksburg appellation and other high-quality vineyards throughout California. We take an old world approach to winemaking paired with the best viticulture and enological tools available in the world today. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2006, 11:00 am until 7:00 pm Dickson Road is the place to be on Saturday August 26th. Join Vino Noceto and Terre Rouge & Easton Wines as we celebrate our 3rd Annual Mediterranean Madness Sale. With harvest right around the corner, this is our chance to clear out our cellars and a great way for you to stock yours. Bargains are bountiful on this one day event. We will serve light hors d'oeuvres along with tastes of a stellar line up of wines. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Wine consumption in Spain registered a slight fall in the first six months of this year, according to recent figures.Trade body Federaçion Espanola del Vino (FEV) said yesterday (August 22, 2006) that the country’s total wine consumption in the period slid by 3.5% year-on-year to 531m litres. The fall was due primarily to a 7.3% dip in wine consumption in the catering and hotel sector, FEV claimed.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The Winkler Vine, a majestic testament to the California Mission Grape resides in the Department of Viticulture and Enology vineyards near the UCD airport. The Department Vineyards are used for teaching future enologists and viticulturists how to grow grapes, and is used to house grape breeding and research projects. The Winkler Vine was planted in 1979 on St. George rootstock, and was named in honor of the late Albert J. Winkler, Chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology from 1935-1957. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
A state legislature bill passed this month qualifying Zinfandel as California's “historic wine” looks set to become law.Zinfandel awaits Schwarzenegger nod to become California's flagship grapeKnown as Primitivo in Italy with origins in Croatia, Zinfandel was brought to California in the mid 19 Century. “We recognize it for what it is, unique to California and with the oldest wines anywhere in the state,” Carlos Machado, an assistant to Midgen, told decanter.com. “Some may have opposed the bill because it is perceived to give preferential commercial advantage to Zinfandel, but what could be more Californian than that?”
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Brown-Forman has introduced two new wine brands to the U.S. market—California’s Little Black Dress and Australia’s Wakefield Wines. The Louisville, Kentucky-based Brown-Forman began rolling out Little Black Dress earlier this month. The new brand was launched in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the iconic “little black dress,” that was created by Coco Chanel in 1926. The line, which includes a Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio from California, targets female wine drinkers. Retailing for $9.99, Little Black Dress Wines are available nationwide in 750-ml. bottles and plastic 187-ml. four-packsContinue Reading Article Click Here...
Over 460 wineries exhibited at the annual Family Winemakers tasting in San Francisco
The event has evolved from its beginnings as a celebration of the Family Winemakers organization's first year to become an important outlet for small, family-owned wineries to gain access and exposure to the wine market. "These are mostly small wineries with limited marketing and sales budgets," said Paul Kronenberg, president of Family Winemakers. "This event is a very cost-effective way to put their products and themselves in front of a wide array of wine buyers as well as consumers in Northern California." "Though, that the event has expanded along the lines the business has expanded. As Family Winemakers and others have been successful in opening up direct sales, this tasting has taken on more importance. It's a way of reaching out to restaurants, retailers and distributors across the country and has become the principal wine selling and brand building event in California," Kronenberg said.
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The Michael Mondavi family has agreed to purchase the Mahoney Vineyards production facility in Carneros, according to Francis and Kathleen Mahoney, winery owners. Purchase does not include Fleur or Mahoney brands, vineyards or affect sales, distribution...The purchase includes the winemaking facility and a tasting room and administration building on approximately 3-1/2 developed acres plus an adjacent 4-1/2-acre vineyard. Not included in the sale are the Mahoney Vineyards and Fleur de California brands, which the Mahoneys and their staff will continue to produce, sell and market. The Mahoney family also retains its 160 acres of vineyards in Carneros. Terms were not disclosed.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
New Zealand based Gypsy Dancer--the Central Otago operation of American winemaker Gary Andrus, the owner as well of the Oregon Pinot Noir winery also named Gypsy Dancer -- has been placed in receivership by the BNZ banking group. The receivers plan to sell two vineyards and a winery at Gibbston, and another small Kawarau Gorge vineyard (both located in Central Otago), associated plant equipment and vehicles, 800 cases of finished wine from the 2004 and 2005 vintages and 26,000 litres in barrels from the 2006 vintage.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Some magical corners of the world such as Liguria, the Côte d’Azur and Cape Cod — to name only a few — lend a special luster to their cuisines, making it virtually impossible to exactly duplicate their dishes in any other location. The obvious explanation is the use of local ingredients in the hands of local cooks, but it seems more mystical than that, as though a special aura informs the traveler’s state of mind, thereby providing a unique spice. For me that phenomenon exists in the Napa Valley, amid the rolling, vineyard-etched landscape perfumed with the heady scents of eucalyptus and wine from grape pressings, especially during the September harvest season. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) popped the cork on their predictions for this year's harvest at an August 18 gathering at Hudson Vineyards in Napa Valley.The Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) popped the cork on their predictions for this year's harvest at an August 18 gathering at Hudson Vineyards in Napa Valley. Most grapegrowers agreed that despite the heavy rains in late spring and the heat spell in July that the harvest for 2006 looks promising. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The Michael Mondavi family (wife Isabel, son Rob and daughter Dina) has announced the purchase of the winery previously known as Carneros Creek Winery from Francis & Kathleen Mahoney. This will be the home for I'M, Oberon, and Hangtime wines. Mahoney will retain the Mahoney Vineyards and Fleur de California Brands, which will continue to be produced at the winery. The winery will be the home for Mondavi’s I’M, Oberon, and Hangtime wines, while Mahoney will retain the Mahoney Vineyards and Fleur de California brands and will continue to produce them at the winery.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Trade shows are so much part of the fabric of the wine business that it is hard to imagine life without them. But let’s asks if the industry can support such a large number of international fairs and whether they provide true value for money.If you believe the organizers’ press releases, there has never been a bad drinks trade fair. Visitor numbers are buoyant, exhibitors are happy and everything goes like clockwork. But in a consolidating drinks industry where companies are in almost constant contact with their distributors, is there really a need for three Vinexpos, one London International Wine and Spirits Fair (LIWSF) and a supporting cast of Proweins, Vinitalys and many, many more?Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Tighter border security and heightened political wrangling over immigration reform are taking their toll on the California summer harvest labor supply.California tree fruit and grape growers are moving into the peak harvest labor period with a workforce that has been chronically short 20 percent to 40 percent from last year, according to Barry Bedwell, president of the California Grape and Tree Fruit League.The only thing that has saved growers from leaving fruit on the tree and vines is that the tree fruit and grape crops have been much lighter this season.“We’ve been getting by with a significantly lower labor supply because the crops have been considerable smaller,” said Bedwel,l who heads an organization that represents more than 85 percent of the volume of fresh market table grapes and deciduous tree fruit grown in California. “For example, last year’s table grape crop was 96 million boxes. This year it is projected to be 80 million.”
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Two Cabernet-based blends will debut in 2006 Chile has historically provided fertile ground for outside wine companies to invest in, with big names such as Lafite Rothschild, Mouton-Rothschild and other high-profile vintners involved in ventures there. But now, Viña Montes—one of Chile’s biggest names—is turning the tables with its own project in a high-profile region, becoming the first Chilean winery to set up shop in California. Production of two Cabernet-based wines is slated for the 2006 vintage. “We are in Napa because we love challenges, and we want to prove ourselves against the big names in the valley,” said Viña Montes co-owner and head winemaker Aurelio Montes.
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Two Cabernet-based blends will debut in 2006 Chile has historically provided fertile ground for outside wine companies to invest in, with big names such as Lafite Rothschild, Mouton-Rothschild and other high-profile vintners involved in ventures there. But now, Viña Montes—one of Chile’s biggest names—is turning the tables with its own project in a high-profile region, becoming the first Chilean winery to set up shop in California. Production of two Cabernet-based wines is slated for the 2006 vintage. “We are in Napa because we love challenges, and we want to prove ourselves against the big names in the valley,” said Viña Montes co-owner and head winemaker Aurelio Montes.
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A worker sorts grapes in the Winery in the northern Israeli town of KatzrinThe harvest in the Golan Heights finally got underway on August 16, 2006 -- two days after the guns fell silent following a conflict in which Israeli troops pushed into south Lebanon and Hizbollah rockets rained on northern Israel.Israel's best grapes, all the experts agree, come from the north where the shelling and rocket fire were heaviest.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
In Gallup's annual survey of American's alcohol drinking habits, 41 percent of American drinkers surveyed said they drink beer most often, 33 percent said they drink wine most often, and 23 percent said they drink liquor most often.The current results of the consumption habits poll represent a departure from what Gallup measured in 2005, when wine--for the first time ever--edged out beer by 39 percent to 36 percent as the most popular drink (a statistical tie). Similarly, data released by Wine Market Council earlier this year showed younger consumers in particular drinking either less beer and less spirits (or both) but at the same time drinking more wine.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The Cork Supply Group is expanding into Canada to service the growing Canadian wine industry.While we have been selling our entire line of products to the Canadian wine industry through Cork Supply USA for several years, Cork Supply Canada will give us the physical presence that the Canadian wine industry is asking us for, said Jochen Michalski, president of the Cork Supply Group. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Vintners Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke have scored!Jess Jackson, his family and Wilson Daniels Ltd., a subsidiary of Youngs Market Company, jointly announced the resolution of the Legacy Estates' distribution agreement with Wilson Daniels allowing the Jackson family to proceed with its acquisition of the Legacy assets as part of the bankruptcy proceedings pending in Santa Rosa, California. The removal of the Wilson Daniels contingency makes the Jackson family the successful bidder in the auction conducted and approved last Wednesday in the Santa Rosa Bankruptcy Court. Freemark Abbey, located in St. Helena in the Napa Valley, Arrowood Vineyards & Winery in Sonoma County's Glen Ellen and Byron Vineyard & Winery in the Santa Maria appellation of Santa Barbara County make up the Legacy Estates Group. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Saturday, August 19th - 1pm to 5pm, at the Historic Napa Valley Opera House!Seven years after handcrafting their first Napa Valley wine, Buoncristiani Family Winery is finally throwing their first ever introductory bash! Celebrate with all four Buoncristiani brothers as we offer you a taste of our extremely limited, highly rated, Napa Valley wines. Enjoy tasting through the entire Buoncristiani portfolio of wines as you nosh on sumptuous nibbles from one of Napa Valley’s top caterers all while enjoying the newly restored surroundings of the Napa Valley Opera House. Volunteers will even be on hand to offer guided tours of the restored 1879 landmark. – (see Opera House photo next page!)Continue Reading Article Click Here...
It was Karl Marx who said 'all progress in capitalist agriculture is progress in the art, not only of robbing the workers, but of robbing the soil.' His comments sprang to mind recently over a glass of freshly squeezed carrot juice. If it wasn’t for the lurid orange colour (shades of an South African Airways Boeing tail circa 1966), I’d have battled to tell I was drinking liquidized carrot, the taste was so non-descript and bland. In fact, if it wasn’t for the added ginger root, the beverage would have had no taste at all. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
O'Brien Cellars Named Official Wine Sponsor of Equality California...O'Brien Cellars announced today that it will partner with Equality California (EQCA), the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organization in the state, in fighting to end the ban on same-sex marriage in California. "We believe in romance and the fundamental right to pursue happiness with whomever you love," said Bart O'Brien, proprietor of O'Brien Cellars. "This fight is just too important to be sitting on the sidelines any longer."
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Constellation Brands has completed a public offering and has raised just under US$700m.The drinks company confirmed yesterday (August 15, 2006) that the sale of US$700m worth of senior notes has finished. The notes are due in 2016 and have a 7.25% coupon at a price of 99.02% of the principal amount of the senior notes.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Red, White, and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass...After three years of sipping, spitting, and slogging her way through bushy vine leaves and cellar cobwebs, award-winning writer Natalie MacLean takes readers behind the scenes of the international wine world, exploring its history, visiting its most evocative places, and meeting some of its most charismatic personalities. (right click image to enlarge)Be sure and check out Natalie’s website “Nat Decants”Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Russian River Valley veterans raise the standard for Pinot Noir...With wine, it's natural to seek out the Next Great Thing -- the new boutique brand, the emerging sub-appellation, the rising-star winemaker, the vintner who builds a medieval Italian castle, complete with a dungeon. Yet sometimes an Old Great Thing, long hidden in plain sight, deserves another close look. Three Old Great Things -- wineries located on the same rural road in the Russian River Valley in western Sonoma County -- have produced spectacular Pinot Noir wines and/or grapes that went into those wines, for more than 30 years, showing California winemakers who came after them just how it's done.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Tecate, MexicoNothing about the tan, boulder-strewn hills and the occasional cinder-block dwelling, deserted in the noonday sun, remotely suggests that grapes are growing nearby. (right click image to enlarge)Continue Reading Article Click Here...
At least 3 groups expected to bid on assets in bankruptcy court; judge seeks to raise $90 million...The fate of three premium California wineries could be determined today in a Santa Rosa bankruptcy court as The Legacy Estate Group's assets are slated to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.At least three well-respected winery groups have stepped forward to bid in the auction. FAB Acquisition Co., an investment group led by the family that owns Quintessa winery in Napa, last month made an initial $90 million bid for the company.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Burgundy house Patriarche Père et Fils is launching a range of Vin de Pays wines in the United Kingdom.The company said yesterday (14 August) that the range, created in consultation with United Kingdom subsidiary Patriarche Wine Agencies, has been specifically developed with the UK on-trade in mind.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
California’s and the world’s largest winery, E&J Gallo, has tossed out the first California wine grape price pitch of the season. It was low and away. A price of $125 per ton for open market Thompson seedless grapes and other low value white grapes has San Joaquin Valley grape growers taking for a ball and looking for the next pitch they think may come.The first Gallo price is $25 more than the marketer of 75 million cases of wine per year offered last year. About the only thing growers can say positive about it is that the delivery came earlier than last year. Gallo did not come out with its $100 price in ’05 until October. This year’s price announcement came out around the “normal” time frame for Gallo.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The folks at the Wine Spectator School are set to launch a new course in early September 2006!If you have ever experienced a perfect pairing of wine and food, you know how magical it can be...From something as simple as Cabernet and chocolate truffles to the complexities of matching champaign and lobster in fresh aspic–this is the course for you! Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The wineries of Shenandoah School Road invite you to their first-ever Summer Road Rally. (Designated drivers mandatory!) Pile into your '57 Chevy or '06 Prius and head to Amador to enjoy the hospitality of our School House Road wineries. Spend the afternoon visiting the participating Shenandoah School Road Wineries, enjoying wonderful wines and activities and collecting your all important poker cards. Then bring your poker hand to the evening bar-b-que at the Amador Flower Farm for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Last week, the U.S. Senate unanimously agreed to the House resolution introduced by Congressman Mike Thompson (D-Napa Valley) recognizing the significance of the Napa Valley victory at the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting. House Concurrent Resolution 399 recognizes both the outstanding accomplishments of those responsible for the winning wines and also the many successes of the California wine industry in the thirty years since this event.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
William Edman Massee, one of the first American wine writers in the post-World War II era, died on August. 5, 2006 at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 87. The cause was pancreatic cancer, said his son, John.Massee was a prolific writer, and much of his work in the 1950s, '60s and '70s coincided with the beginning of America's postwar preoccupation with good living. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Biotech yeast banishes migraines, but industry fears a bigger headache.The U.S. wine industry has entered the world of genetic engineering as some vintners experiment with a strain of yeast designed to eliminate chemicals in red wine that are believed to trigger headaches, including migraines, in some people.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Oregon wine producer Willamette Valley Vineyards has seen sales and earnings slide during its second quarter but not enough to weigh on its first-half results.The company said yesterday (14 August) that, during its second-quarter, net income dipped 6% year-on-year to US$259,206. Revenues in the three-month period to 30 June also fell, by 2%, the company said.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
“Drag and Drop,” your way to your favorite wine.The wine industry and web 2.0 technologies converge at BuyersVine.com. Co-founders Mark A. Michael and Daniel L. Rust announced late last week the launch of their dynamic wine web search tool called BuyersVine.com. Since the beta launch, BuyersVine.com has received over 5,000 unique visitors and over 50 wineries have created accounts. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Hawaiian Music In St. Helena on August 27, 2006
(right click image to enlarge)Napa Valley, California, August 2006---Napa Valley’s ukulele-playing winemaker, Judd Finkelstein, and his band The Maikai Gents Featuring The Mysterious Miss Mauna Loa, will perform at The White Barn in St. Helena on Sunday August 27 as part of The White Barn Film Festival. Also appearing will be the comic ukulele virtuoso King Kukulele and a live tiki carving demonstration by Danny Gallardo aka Tiki Diablo (who will also have his wares for sale)...Continue Reading Article Click Here...
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An industry coalition claiming to fight for consumer choice in wine in the US has rubbished last week’s claim that minors are buying alcohol online–A “EUROPEAN" POINT of VIEW...Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Japan’s largest beer maker Kirin Brewery has reportedly posted a 20% leap in profits for the first half of the year.Local reports said today (10 August) that Kirin outperformed domestic rivals Asahi and Sapporo, which earlier this month cut their full-year profit targets.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
right click graphic to enlarge:Due to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's ban on liquids in air travelers' carry-on luggage, Domaine Carneros is now offering a new service to people who visit the winery to taste and buy wine. When visitors purchase wine at Domaine Carneros, the staff will pack it for them so it can be safely checked with the rest of their luggage. The wine bottles will be protected by an insulated foam shipper that slides into a cardboard sleeve, so there's no room for movement. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Sam Breach over at “Becks & Posh” is the host for this one! Choose a bottle of Champagne within your budget. That's Champagne from the Champagne region of France.Open, taste, drink your Champagne. Take notes, reflecting upon the color, the type of bubbles, the nose the taste, etc. If you are extra adventurous, try pairing your champagne with some food and see how that works too. By no means is this a requirement just a suggestion if you’re so inclined.So fill up your Flutes and we’ll hear from you on September 13, 2006!How it Works:...Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Rising bulk wine sales lifted first-half revenues at Scheid Vineyards but the Californian wine producer still failed to trim losses.The wine group posted revenues of $8.5 million for the six months to the end of June, up from $1.8 million a year earlier. Net losses, however, were static on the year before, coming in at $932,000 compared to $944,000 last year.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Rioja pioneer Marqués de Riscal will open its long-anticipated City of Wine cultural center on 1 September.Located at the company's main bodega in the tiny Rioja village of Elciego, the 60ha complex, devoted entirely to wine, is part of a 10-year, US$77m renovation of the winery and its facilities.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Wining and dinning seems to have cast a charm on the growing middle class of India as importing fine wine is deemed as the next best thing to happen to emerging business ventures.With the middle-class sector contributing to the highest section in India?s population, this business idea may not seem too bad for global entrepreneurs as the tastes of the country's fast-growing middle class for a bottle of Chardonnay has found itself a place in one of the '12 best new business opportunities in the world' compiled by a Fortune group magazine.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Sonoma growers are fighting a pitched battle with environmentalists trying to restrict their rights to plant alongside the Russian River.Draft revisions to what is known as the county's 'general plan' also include limits on grazing, fencing and construction within 100 feet of streams and 200 feet of the Russian River. There would also be more general limits on clearing vegetation near streams – a practice which would limit flooding and save endangered habitats, according to the 'GREEN' environmentalists. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
But Wine Wholesalers Continue ''Chicken Little'' Strategy The wine wholesaler cartel today trotted out a tired argument already dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Federal Trade Commission, and state alcohol regulators, according to Free the Grapes!, a national grassroots coalition whose goal is to ensure consumer choice in wine. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Australian scientists have begun looking at smell sensors in worms and insects to help them build an electronic "CYBERNOSE" they hope will one day be capable of measuring aromas and flavours in wine.An electronic nose might also be used to check passengers for traces of explosives at the final ground check before boarding planes or trains.Head researcher Stephen Trowell said on Friday scientists believe they will be able to artificially copy the way worms and insects process smells, allowing detailed measurements of subtle differences in wine and other food and drinks.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Over one thousand lots of Penfolds wines dating back to the early 1950s are up for auction on the internet. Australian wine auctioneers Langton's are holding the sale, which began on August 7, 2006 and closes August 21, 2006. The Classic Penfolds Auction is offering 1,130 lots online, mainly of single bottles, including every vintage of range from the experimental 1951 to 2001, as well as large format bottles from all Penfolds ranges. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Umami,* or Yumm Factor: 10+!Of late I been thinking Russian River Pinot–not just because of the up and coming “Pinot On The River”–more due to wines in review. At any rate I ran across this recipe for Black Bean Spare Ribs, and remember my niese fixing these for me years ago. Heading for the chinese market to gather the necessary fixins’ and pondering which bottles to pull for this experience, and while I’m doing that give this a read–ribs and Pinot!Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Squash-blossom quesadillas were on the menu, and instinctively I thought Sauvignon blanc would be the wine to pour with this. But experiment needed to with a couple of chardonnay, so out came the corks and the experiment commenced to see not only how well they, the Chardonnay, would go with the quesadillas but how well they, the Chardonnay, compared with each other.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Bonny Doon Vineyard expects to lay off about a third of its workers in the wake of winemaker Randall Grahm's decision to sell two of his most popular brands.John Locke, the vineyard's creative director, said the winery had close to 75 full- and part-time employees prior to the July sale, including tasting room staff, cellar staff, vineyard workers, sales and marketing employees and administrative staff. That number does not include seasonal workers.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
I picked this story up over the weekend on, I think it was “Sixty Minutes,” television and now I’ve found this article about same...?The 60 min. went further than wine more so about the latest craze of trying the Absinthe knock offs coming out of the former Soviet Union–glowing neon glasses and bottles of head slamming exotic! Apparently teens are buying the stuff on-line at $150.00 a bottle just to see what the old hype was all about. So let’s see what the Capitol folks in the Mid-West have to say–thank you ‘Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.’Continue Reading Article Click Here...
United Kingdom pubs are missing out on a potential GBP1.2bn (US$2.3bn) in wine sales, according to research commissioned by Constellation Europe.The wine giant had asked analysts Wine Intelligence to research why UK consumers bought - or stayed away from - wine in a pub. Wine Intelligence interviewed over 700 drinkers and found that pub operators could increase the number of people who drank wine by up to 41%.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Australia is exporting more wine, but prices have dropped precipitously! Australian wine exports grew 9 per cent in the year to the end of July, but average prices fell 8 per cent.The 743 million liters exported in the 12 months to July was valued at $2.79 billion, the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation says.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
ZINFANDEL ADVOCATES & PRODUCERS ANNOUNCES 2007 FESTIVAL DETAILS 16TH ANNUAL!The 16h Annual Zinfandel Advocates & Producers Festival will take place January 24-27, 2007. Tickets are available from www.zinfandel.org or by calling 530-274-4900. The only event where tickets will be available at the door is the Tasting on January 27. Details about the Festival are updated regularly at www.zinfandel.org. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Argentina
Australia
New Zealand
South AfricaArgentina
Verdict
The results already suggest a superior quality in comparison to the very good 2005 vintage. Weather
A cool, snowy winter and warm summer days suggests an improved harvest on 2005 say Familia Zuccardi...Continue Reading Article Click Here...
New duo: Tapeña's initial twosome, Garnacha and Tempranillo, hits US store shelves next month.Freixenet USA, best known for its name Cava brand, is rolling out a new Spanish wine label in markets across the U.S. The new brand, Tapeña, is launching its first two wines, Tempranillo and Garnacha, in September. Tapeña, which fuses the words tapas (small plates made to share) and peña (a gathering of close friends), is owned by the Ferrer family the owners of Freixenet, Spain’s largest Cava producer, and their flagship Freixenet brand, the U.S. market’s second-leading imported sparkling wine (behind Bacardi USA’s Martini & Rossi). Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Building a wine cellar can increase the value of a home by between $10,000 and $15,000.This means an average increase of 7% in the value of the house, according to a report released by Standard Life Bank. Standard Life marketing manager Ashley Ramsay said, “Our research shows that 2m Britons are planning to build a wine cellar, or buy a wine fridge in the next five years. And the people we spoke to anticipated that the investment could add value to their homes.” According to the report, Britons waste $3.5bn a year on wines that sour from improper storage: the equivalent of 87m bottles. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Harveys are making the latest attempt to kick-start the sluggish sherry industry with a new orange-flavored offering.Harveys Orange, a blend of Bristol Cream with 'natural orange aromas' to be served cold or over ice, was launched last Tuesday in Jerez. The drink, designed to appeal to women aged 35 and over, is a version of a recipe that Harveys created for Bristol Cream in the mid-1990s: serve it over ice with a slice of orange. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
October 27, 28 & 29, 2006I went last year and had a great time. The Seminars were greatly informative, the vertical tastings an experience in Pinot noir’s kaleidoscopic sensory complexities, the dinners exquisitely served all paring delightfully with the various Pinot and the “Grand Tasting” a day of fun, people--the finest of wines–a day of wonderment to say the least! Pinot On The River is a full-immersion weekend of Pinot Noir, featuring a full program of in-depth tastings and seminars, vineyard tours and sumptuous food. Sit with the winemakers and other Pinot-loving consumers as we focus on highly-allocated, limited production West Coast Pinot Noirs. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Constellation Brands is to streamline its wine operations in Australia as it looks to cut costs in an “intensely competitive” market.The US drinks giant, which owns Australia’s Hardy Wine Company said that it will buy out grape and processing contracts and offload “certain non-strategic assets” in the country.The company also plans to restructure its bottling and distribution operations in the UK. Constellation said it will consolidate its supply chain in the UK, which includes plans to build a distribution centre and expand bottling operations.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Winemakers hide in bunkers as Israeli and Hezbollah forces shell vineyards, leaving the 2006 harvest in uncertainty.As a winemaker in Israel, Micha Vaadia is used to surrealism. Last year he recalls staring out of the window at Galil Mountain winery in Upper Galilee, about 200 yards from the Lebanese border, and seeing heavily armed Hezbollah fighters sitting in their outpost, staring back."In this part of the world, the unknown is larger than the known," said Vaadia. "The Hezbollah never worried me too much, because there is a good karma about wine."
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The latest in ultra-premium products--JC Cognac VSOP, debuts nationally this month. "They, at JC Cognac, have been working on this product for a number of years now, and they’ve finally come up with the perfect combination of taste and elegance!" So says Lee Einsidler, CEO of Sidney Frank Importing Co.
JC Cognac also boasts two flavored line extensions, JC Apple VSOP and JC Jasmin VSOP. JC Apple contains wine selected for its aromas of pear, apricot and apple and JC Jasmin is made with a distillate imported from India that produces undertones of herbs and tea. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Button Does It After 112 Races: Takes First Win in Wild Hungarian GP!On his 113th career start, Jenson Button finally clinched his maiden Formula 1 victory in a race that could only be described as action-packed this Sunday at the Hungaroring in Budapest. The Briton's victory also marked the first-ever for the Honda team since the return of the Japanese manufacturer as a fully-fledged works effort with BAR back in 2003. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
August 6, 2006Balletto Vineyards and Dutton-Goldfield Winery are delighted to announce their Tasting Room Grand Opening Celebration on Sunday, August 6, 2006. Everyone is invited to join us for the festivities, which will run from 11am to 3pm and feature special new release and pre-release wines paired with delicious appetizers, plus live music, warm hospitality and good friends. The Balletto & Dutton-Goldfield Tasting Room, which is located at 5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa, is a cooperative tasting room that offers tastings and sales of wines from both wineries. The tasting room is open from 10am to 4pm daily. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
A new manufacturing process make Beerhugs(R) look as good as they work while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of glassware. Beerhugs are glass mugs with specially designed, form-fitted, insulated foam handles. Stored in the freezer, the mugs are perfect for people who like to drink beer from a frosty glass but hate holding the cold, wet handle. The permanently adhered grip always stays warm and dry.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Cool August Days - August 12th and 13th, 10am to 5pm each day. No charge. Come cool your palate with a trio of fresh sorbets paired with our best Convergence Vineyard wines. Imagine a Tangerine and Ginger sorbet paired with our Viognier and a Mayan Chocolate Sorbet with a hint of cinnamon and chile. And if you have been to the Convergence Vineyards tasting room, you will know what we will pair with the Port!!! Feel free to wear a crazy hat and your best Hawiian shirt. Cowabunga!!! Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Kevin, I'm disappointed in you. This book could have been so much, but in fact it's so little. It reminds me of nothing so much as a student's term paper based on a quick read of Cliff's Notes plot summaries. Sadly, however, this is not one really good guide. Quick, casual and lightweight, it appears to have been rushed out with minimal effort and limited research–ouch!Dang! And I bought this boo, too... Well after reading this I’ll certainly be going through it thoroughly, hopefully with a not too skeptical eye? It looked like a great concept whose time had come, as interest in American wines is on the rise. Despite angry opposition from distributors, the U.S. Supreme Court's 2005 ruling on wine shipping holds potential to open new markets for small wineries in "non-traditional" wine-producing states (i.e., everything east of California, Oregon and Washington).Continue Reading Article Click Here...
Please Join Them on Sunday, August 6, 2006.TOMORROW!Their tasting room is being officially kicked off with a Grand Opening Celebration on Sunday, August 6, 2006, from 11am to 3pm. The tasting room is shared between Dutton-Goldfield and Balletto Vineyards, so here's a great opportunity to taste not only our current releases, but also get to know the wines of our good friends at Balletto.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
The blessing of the grapes; Small Winery Tradition Continues With a Heartfelt and Holy Ceremony Woodbridge Winery celebrates the 2006 harvest on Wednesday, August 9 at 11:00 a.m. with its annual Blessing of the Grapes ceremony. This 27-year-old tradition marks the start of the harvest with a heartfelt ceremony to sanctify the quality of the wines. It is also a time to honor the vineyards, the grapes and the people that make the annual harvest become a reality. Continue Reading Article Click Here...
FUJI Electric has developed a temperature controller that is suitable for the wine-making industry. Temperature control in the process of wine making is very important. All biological, physical and chemical processes are held in the grape or in the must (the unfermented juice) and determining the final character of the wine depend on the temperature.The cooling or heating system allows the user to intervene in an active way in the processes being held in the vat during the wine making. These systems can modify these processes if necessary and direct them in the desired direction.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
In addition to the usual summer chores of leaf pulling and shoot positioning so the grape clusters get the optimal amount of sunshine and air flow, Dutton Ranch is also busy planting new vineyards.In putting in a new vineyard, the first decision to make is what to plant at the site. What does the site lend itself to? Is it high or low vigor? Is it cool or warmer? What is the exposure and aspect? What's the soil type, fertility, and drainage? And what do you think the future wine market will be looking for—is there a hot new clone all the winemakers are interested in trying? Once you decide the variety best suited to the site, you move on to the actual preparation and planning for planting, and a whole new set of decisions.Continue Reading Article Click Here...
A Global Guide to French Fizz:
Yesterday the 
