Avenue Vine

WBW-#25 Round-Up is Up!

2006-09-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

A Global Guide to French Fizz:

Sam over at becks & posh has finished up the WBW-#25 write-up, done in record time... She’s pasted up some fine Pics of a few of the wine for this round and artfully leads us through each of the contributes entries, too!

“Dave Fortna of AvenueVine.com in Sacramento cooked up a storm, creating a dense organic carrot reason bread, fresh chevre and brandy XO sherry fig compote–drizzled with thick old balsamic vinegar to pair with his 2003 Billecart-Salmon, Blanc de Blancs Champagne.”

The best and the rest can be found over at becks & posh–give ‘em ‘ah read–looks like 40 'er so folks participated in this one!

Thanks Sam for all your much appreciated work on this Bubble Fun Wine Blooger Wednesday-25...

See yah’ fer’ WBW-#26–just do it!

Starlings: Grape Gluttons of the Vineyard

2006-09-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

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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Mondovino: Series Released

2006-09-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

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.”

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Rain Plagued 2006 Harvest In Bordeaux

2006-09-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

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.

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Wine Overtakes Spirits for First Time In Canada

2006-09-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

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.

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Aloe Sun Screen for Californian Grapes

2006-09-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

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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Farm Workers Championed Volunteer Santa Monica Woman

2006-09-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

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.

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Cape Town South Africa Versus Pseudo Paris Tasting

2006-09-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

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.

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Wine Defined: Oaky

2006-09-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

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!

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CRUSHPAD HARVEST KICK OFF PARTY

2006-09-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

TOMORROW: Harvest Kick Off Party – Sunday, September 17, 2PM – 5PM

To 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)...

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Okay Chardonnay Keeps Fans Happy

2006-09-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

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.

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State of High-anxiety-The Grape Harvest

2006-09-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

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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BENEFIT FOR INDIAN CHILDREN

2006-09-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

TODAY!: BENEFIT FOR INDIAN CHILDREN AT ALPHA OMEGA WINERY SEPTEMBER 17, 2006

Napa Valley, California, Attend an unusual fund-raiser for medical care for children in the slums of Delhi, India.

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Wineries On Hold While Red Wine Grapes Ripen

2006-09-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

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.

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New French Wine Appellations Not Good, Say Critics

2006-09-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

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.

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Winemakers Pink-slipped During Height of Season

2006-09-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

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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Moonshine Kills 35 In Nicaragua

2006-09-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

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.

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Mount Veeder Appellation Winemaker Dinner and Autumn Tasting

2006-09-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

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.
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Much of European Grape Harvest Now Under Way

2006-09-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

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.

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A New York Perspective On California Wine

2006-09-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

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.

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Lindemans Label to Cover Whole of Southern Hemisphere

2006-09-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

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.

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SOLD! Arrowood, Byron and Freemark Abbey Wineries

2006-09-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

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.

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Don Sebastiani to Address CAWG 2007 Annual Meeting

2006-09-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

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.”

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Great Match Wine & Tapas 06 In New York City

2006-09-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

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.

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Winery Worker for Wente Vineyards Killed In Machinery Accident

2006-09-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

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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AV's WBW #25 --Billecart-Salmon 2003, Blanc de Blancs Champagne

2006-09-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

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...

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AVENUEVINE On Topix.net!

2006-09-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

Much to my pleasant surprise, while I was cruzin’ the various news sites, I found some of Avenue Vine’s articles pasted up on Topix.com–way cool!

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Wine Blogging Wednesday (WBW) #25 Announced: "CHAMPAGNE, Hic!"

2006-09-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

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:...

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Biotechnology Makes Better Wine Through Chemistry

2006-09-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

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...

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Washington State 2006 Wine Harvest; Optimal Weather, Stellar Vintage

2006-09-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

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.

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Monterey County Vintners & U.S. South Africa Wine Foundation Work Together

2006-09-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

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.

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Hugh Gets Down On Upped Alcohol

2006-09-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

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.

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St Emilion’s New 2006 Classification

2006-09-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

Chateau Millaud-Montlabert, St Emilion, AQ31

The 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.

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Tiny Pours Equals BIG BUCKS In Napa!

2006-09-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

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.

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Taste Isn’t Always Logically or Correct

2006-09-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

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?

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A Nervous 2006 France Wine Harvest

2006-09-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

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.

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Good Night Ground Zero, Good Night America

2006-09-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

Ground Zero Lights, New York City, 9.11.2006

9/11

2006-09-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

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 Millay

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Thoughts On Pairing Budget Wines

2006-09-18T16:27:00.000-07:00

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.

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Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Priced

2006-09-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

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...

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More On The Seven New Masters of Wine:

2006-09-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

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.

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Harvest 2006 Amador County

2006-09-18T16:21:00.000-07:00

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.

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Paso Robles New Interactive Educational Event...

2006-09-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

SIP: Paso Robles Wine Country
Please 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.

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Schumacher’s Nudged Retirement & Win of Grand Premo Monza Italy

2006-09-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

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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NASCAR NEXTEL CUP Richmond Harvick Beats Busch

2006-09-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

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.

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Bonds 731 Extra-inning Giants' Win

2006-09-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

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.

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Will There be Workers for Harvest?

2006-09-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

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.

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Grand Pre of Monza Italian-Qualifying Results

2006-09-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

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.
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Schwarzenegger Stays Clear of Grape Controversy

2006-09-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

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."

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A Taste of Sacramento

2006-09-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

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...

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Ukraine's SV Supreme vodka Now In USA

2006-09-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

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.

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Seven New Masters of Wine

2006-09-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Institute of Masters of Wine announced that they have seven new members:

Essi Avellan (Finland)
Sarah Jane Evans (UK)
Lisa Granik (USA)
Geoff Labitzke (USA)
Kenneth Mackay (UK)
Rod Smith (UK)
Paul Tudor (New Zealand)

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Former Gallo Employee to Represent Constellation

2006-09-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

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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Frances Wine and Spirits Growth Continues...

2006-09-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

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.

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Early Low, Low Gallo Grape Prices

2006-09-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

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.

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Moët & Chandon Seeking To Keep Edge

2006-09-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

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.

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Man or Machine–The Days of Wine and Robots?

2006-09-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

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.

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Wine Enthusiast Magazine Announces 2006 Wine Star Nominees

2006-09-18T15:58:00.000-07:00

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.

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Sylvaner Becomes A Grand Cru Grape

2006-09-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

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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World's Most Expensive Bottle Fake

2006-09-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

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.

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Third Annual Heart of Sonoma Spotlight on Zinfandel

2006-09-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

October 14 & 15, 2006, from 11am - 4pm both days. The Third Annual Spotlight on Zinfandel! Twelve Heart of Sonoma Valley Wineries will be showcasing Zinfandel - you don't want to miss this event! The cost is $20 per person for the whole weekend.
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2006 Wine Integrity Award Honoree Named

2006-09-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

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.

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Burgeoning Bourbon Market

2006-09-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

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BONDS Hits #730!

2006-09-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

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.

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The World of Global Warming and Wine

2006-09-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

Image: Predicted Surface Air Temperature Increase 1960-2060

Stories 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.
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Constellation Converts Shares

2006-09-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

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.

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Beer Consumption In China-Some Figures

2006-09-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

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.

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Attempt To Honor One Wine Dies, a Mess Looms

2006-09-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

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.

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Finger Lakes Economy Gets Boosts From Grape Harvest

2006-09-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

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)

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The Millionairess’ Mollusks-Abalone Served Fresh Daily

2006-09-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

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.

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World Cup-Diversity In A Bottle

2006-09-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

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!

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Greene King Pubs Get Boost From World Cup

2006-09-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

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%.

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Avenue Vine September 02, 2006 Performance Report:

2006-09-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

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).

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CRUSHPAD August News Letter

2006-09-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

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…

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New Wine Maker at Viansa Winery

2006-09-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Winemaker Ron Goss has been appointed by 360 Global Wine Company to be director of winemaking at its Viansa Winery and Italian Marketplace business.

Prior to joining Viansa, Goss has served as premium winemaker at Foster’s Wine Estates, and as an associate winemaker at Beringer's.

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New Wine Advocate Staff Announced by Mr.Parker

2006-09-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

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.

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Carneros, Merryvale Vineyards Chose SolarCraft

2006-09-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

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.

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Bordeaux harvest Underway

2006-09-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

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.

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International Branding-The Way to Garner Generational Sales

2006-09-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

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.

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Southern Comfort Music Experience Comes To San Diego

2006-09-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

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.

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Arvin California Vineyard Workers Nauseated by Drifting Fungicide

2006-09-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

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.

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Merlot In Your Pinot or Zin!

2006-09-12T17:50:00.000-07:00

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.

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Korean Wine Market in High Growth!

2006-09-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

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.

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September Wine Grape Growers Take the Spotlight

2006-09-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

Winegrape Growers Take the Spotlight During Wine Month on CAWG Web Site

Celebrating 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.

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Semi-Final 24 Chosen “THE WINE MAKERS” Series on PBS

2006-09-12T17:45:00.000-07:00

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.

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726 & 727 Bonds' 40th Birthday Presents to Himself?

2006-09-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

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.*

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Tequila Herradura Acquired

2006-09-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

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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Black South African Vintners Gain Market Inroads

2006-09-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

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.

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BIG Two: InBev & SABMiller, Eyeing Foster's for Takeover

2006-09-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

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.

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Schwarzenegger Say “NO!” To Zinfandel State Wine

2006-09-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

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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Foster's Shares Soar With Reports InBev, SABMiller Jockeying

2006-09-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

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.

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High Dollar Bordeaux Collection Stolen

2006-09-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

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.

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South Africa Wine Guide’s 25 Star Wines for 2007

2006-09-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

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').

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UB Group Looking for South African Winery?

2006-09-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

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.

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Sustainable Wine Growing Practices: Stewardship

2006-09-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

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.

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Glenlivet Nàdurra Arriving In September

2006-09-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

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.

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Auction of Washington Wines Brings in $1.9 Million

2006-09-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

''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.

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Imagine 2006 Charity Wine Auction Raises Over $2.5 Million

2006-09-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

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 Charities

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Race Day Report-Formula One Grand Prix Istanbul Turkey

2006-09-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

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
back in 2003...

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Australia's McLaren Vale, d'Arenberg winery the Osborns

2006-09-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

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 finest

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