Posts tagged with "grapes"

California Wines × Down to Earth

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California Wines Livestream & Video Series Celebrates Down to Earth Month in April

Facebook Live & Instagram Events Share Tips on Enjoying Sustainably Grown & Produced Wines

For “Down to Earth Month” in April, California Wines is celebrating the state’s global leadership in sustainable winegrowing with a series of fun and informative virtual events and videos on Facebook Live and Instagram. Throughout April, the free livestream events and videos will present a variety of discussions, cooking demonstrations, and virtual wine tastings focused on sustainability.

Hosts for the Facebook Live events include Napa Valley sommelier Amanda McCrossin of SommVivant and Aida Mollenkamp, Food Network personality and founder of Salt & Wind Travel.

Videos shared on the California Wines Instagram channel will demonstrate recipes, how to pair and enjoy California wines, and what makes a wine sustainable. Programs will feature food and beverage influencers, including Meg van der Kruik of This Mess Is Ours, Jerry James Stone of the Jerry James Stone blog, Britney Brown Chamberlain of Britney Breaks Bread, and Sarah Gim of The Delicious Life.

To view details on all Down to Earth Month events, visit California Wine’s website.

Facebook Live: Thursdays, 10 am PST

Livestream hosts Amanda McCrossin of SommVivant and Aida Mollenkamp of Salt & Wind taste and discuss sustainably grown and produced California wines. Event replays will be available on the site for later viewing.

April 1 – What Is Sustainable Wine?
It’s time to clear up the confusion around what defines sustainability! Participants will learn what sustainable winegrowing and winemaking practices are and get the inside story on California’s sustainable certification programs, including the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) program.

April 8 – What Are Biodynamic and Organic Wines, and How Are They Sustainable?
Explore the differences between organic and biodynamic practices and learn how they fit into the sustainability equation.

April 15 – Why Is There a Chicken in the Vineyard?
Chickens, sheep, and goats don’t just look adorable in California vineyards—each has an important job to do. Learn how animals are helping California vintners in their sustainable farming efforts.

April 22 – How to Look for Sustainable Wines
Finding sustainable wines is easy—if you know what to look for. Participants will learn about the sustainable certifications, logos, and terms to look for on wine labels.

April 29 – How California Is a Leader in Sustainable Wines & Sustainable Farming
California is not only a world leader in sustainable winemaking and winegrowing practices, but producers also embrace sustainability in dairy and other agricultural areas. Learn about California’s innovative farming practices and how the state leads in sustainable wine and food.

IGTV Videos: Tuesdays 10 am PST

Every Tuesday in April, videos from well-known food and beverage influencers will be shared on the California Wines Instagram channel, each demonstrating a recipe inspired by the Wine Country Table cookbook paired with sustainably made wines from California. Recipes and information about sustainability will be shared on each influencer’s website and social media platforms.

April 6 – Meg van der Kruik of This Mess Is Ours

April 13: – Jerry James Stone of the Jerry James Stone blog

April 20 – Britney Brown Chamberlain of Britney Breaks Bread

April 27 – Sarah Gim of The Delicious Life

Israel Tourism × Wine

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On August 19, the Israel Wine Producers Association (IWPA) will host “A Sip of Israel in North America” in partnership with the Israel Ministry of Tourism in North America (IMOT) for a virtual wine tour of Israel. Believed to be the first such event of its kind for travel advisers, this virtual tour will illustrate how extensive and deep-rooted winemaking is in Israel.

The tour will feature wines from each region of Israel – Tel Aviv, Galilee, Golan, Jerusalem and the Negev – with commentary from the director of each corresponding region in North America (Western, Midwest, Canada, Northeast and Southern respectively). Each will share highlights of activities and attractions tourists can discover in these regions. In addition, the directors will be joined by the winemaker of each of the five wines as well as host, Joshua Greenstein, Executive Vice President of the IWPA.

“We have done a number of collaborations with the IWPA on a regional basis, but with webinars and virtual tours on the rise, Josh and I saw an opportunity to do something much bigger,” said Chad Martin, IMOT Director of the Northeast Region. “The Ministry of Tourism has long wanted to get the point across that not only is Israel a wine destination, but with the convenience of Israel’s small size, a wine experience can easily be added to almost any day of touring.”

To help round out the experience for the travel advisers, IWPA is offering a special wine package so that participants wanting to taste the wines and really have a “A Sip of Israel in North America,” can get the full virtual experience.

The event is on August 19th and begins at 4:30 p.m. EST, 3:30 p.m. CST, 1:30 p.m. PST, and 9:30 p.m. BST. The five-bottle wine package is $99 with free shipping and is available across the continental US, Canada, and the UK.

To stay up-to-date with future travel to Israel or to plan your trip when the country reopens to international travel, visit https://israel.travel/. To stay inspired, follow IMOT on Facebook,Instagram and Twitter.

TIN CITY

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WATCH BRILLIANCE COME TO LIFE FOR REVOLUTIONARY WINE, BEER & SPIRIT MAKERSIN THE PASO ROBLES, CA FILM “TIN CITY” – AVAILABLE ON VIDEO FOR THE HOLIDAYS

This full-length documentary film that follows artisan makers who’ve changed their lives and risked it all to create their own brandsis currently open for pre-order and available on demand November 26, 2019

Calling all foodies, oenophiles and travel junkies, this inspirational film is a must for your holiday bucket list, not to mention your friends and family gift list. Alluring and heartfelt, Tin City tells the story of passionate wine country craft makers whose permanently stained hands, aching backs, and barrels of dreams weigh heavy on the mind. These are the proud battle scars of Paso Robles’ small lot wine, beer, spirit, and cider makers making a name for themselves, and a home for their barrels, in Tin City, USA. Watch the trailer here.

The film takes place inside the concentrated industrial village of Tin City hidden away in the heart of Paso Robles Wine Country—a wine region within a wine region. Over the past five years, this industrial epicurean playground has grown into a mecca for food and wine travelers from around the world. Ever watchful, director Dina Mande of Juice Media has caught it all over the last couple of years. Anyone who yearns to quit their job, risk it all, strike out on their own, and live the dream will appreciate the stories of these passionate entrepreneurs.

“The documentary pulls back the curtain and allows viewers to dive past the average wine tasting room banter,” Mande said. “You actually get to meet these creative souls and understand the vision behind true boutique wine, cider, and craft beer. This is the unmistakably human element within the bottle. Once you know their stories, it only deepens what’s in your glass.”

Roll up your sleeves and lean in. A through-line of rebellion connect this motley crew of artisans, and their stories, and sips, are born of grit, risk, and irreverence. Fierce in their passion and prolific in their execution, these oft misunderstood masterminds are the beating heart of this film.

“There is an allure; putting a vine in the ground and, many years later, having that thing be so much bigger. There is a linear component to the moment of consumption, going all the way back to the field,” says Aaron Jackson, winemaker and proprietor at Aaron Wines, in the opening scene. “There are very few things we consume in this world that give people that much joy and connect those two processes.”

Recently celebrated at San Luis Obispo Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival and LA’s LaFemme Film Festival, Tin City was acquired for North American distribution by Gravitas Ventures, is currently available for pre-order on iTunes, and will be available through VOD on Amazon.com November 26^th, 2019, the perfect film to inspire holiday wine and food pairing!
More than “spirited,” these artists are pushing the bounds of the status quo. From small lot wine to dry hopped cider, each workspace is a universe unto itself. Craft producers interviewed and featured within the film include Aaron, Benom Wines, Brian Benson Cellars, Clos Solene, Desparada, Field Recordings, Giornata, Jacob Toft, Lefondusac, Levo, Nicora, ONX Wines and Turtle Rock Vineyards. Tin City is also home to a clutch of unique cidermakers (Tin City Cider), brewers (BarrelHouse Brewing Company), distillers (Wine Shine), and foodie artisans (Negranti Creamery and Etto Pasta).

About Gravitas Ventures

Gravitas Ventures, a Red Arrow Studios company, is a leading all rights distributor of independent feature films and documentaries. Founded in 2006, Gravitas connects independent filmmakers and producers with distribution opportunities across the globe. Working with talented directors and producers, Gravitas Ventures has distributed thousands of films into over a hundred million homes in North America – over one billion homes worldwide. Recent releases include Armstrong, directed by David Fairhead; Above the Shadows staring Olivia Thirlby, Megan Fox and Jim Gaffigan; The River and the Wall, directed by Ben Masters; Score: A Film Music Documentary; California Typewriter; Legion of Brothers; Katie Holmes’ feature directorial debut; All We Had, Colin Hanks’ All Things Must Pass; and Being Evel from Academy Awardwinning director Daniel Junge and producer Johnny Knoxville.

More about Dina Mande and Juice Media

Dina Mande a multidimensional director, editor and producer who lives to discover energetic visual stories that connect heart and mind. Mande has filmed interesting people, fantastic places, lush vineyards, and spent years working in entertainment and advertising with clients like HBO, Warner Bros, Paramount, Discovery Channel, Lifetime, Disney, Sony and Fox. Having made the move from Hollywood to Paso Robles in 2009, and as founder of Juice Media, Mande has continued to expand her horizons, winning over 20 Addy Awards and 2 Telly awards. She’s the director behind the popular viral web series “Paso Wine Man,” which has become a cult phenomenon within the wine world. She’s also directed over 80 episodes of the hit web series “California Dream Eater” for Visit California out of Mering Carson, garning over 100 million views. With an unwavering love for telling bold, unforgettable stories, Mande continues to chase down inspiration, camera first. For more on Dina Mande and Juice Media, go to www.hellojuice.com.

Travel California Wine Country’s Back Roads This Summer

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California’s northern Central Coast, extending from the San Francisco Bay to Monterey County, is the focus this month as part of Wine Institute’s Wine Country Back Roads series. California is home to dozens of distinct wine regions, including some of the world’s most famous destinations. But hidden among even the high-profile appellations are the wine roads less traveled. These welcoming regions feature stunning rural scenery, delicious wines and, often, fewer visitors. There’s still plenty of time this summer to discover off-the-beaten path wine roads and regions, and the Central Coast is a great place to do it.

The entire Central Coast wine region and Santa Cruz Mountains stretches roughly 250 miles along the California coastline, extending from San Francisco County to Santa Barbara County. Grapes there are among the oldest in the state, planted by Franciscan monks in the late 18th century as they made their way north on El Camino Real (known today as Highway 101). Now hosting thousands of acres of vineyards and hundreds of wineries, California’s Central Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains are home to 14 percent of the state’s winegrapes.

TASTE: Not far from San Francisco, with its famously steep hills and Victorian architecture, you’ll find several hospitable wineries near the East Bay cities of Moraga, Oakland, Berkeley as well as Treasure Island to help you kick off your Central Coast adventure.

Nearby Livermore Valley, 35 miles east of San Francisco, is the one of the state’s oldest wine regions and the genetic source of 80 percent of California’s Chardonnay vines. Along with its iconic Chardonnay, Livermore is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Italian, Rhone and Spanish varieties. Discover the region’s rolling hills and scenic canyons along the Burgundy Wine Trail, or enjoy mountain vistas on the Red Trail.

The Santa Clara Valley, also known today as Silicon Valley, includes more than 30 wineries, many clustered near Gilroy and San Martin. The Santa Cruz Mountains, west of Santa Clara Valley, was among the first American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) to be defined by its steep mountain topography. The area played a pivotal role in California’s winemaking history with viticultural roots going back more than a century. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot predominate on the warmer eastern inland side of the AVA, while Pinot Noir thrives on the coastal side and ridge tops. The region boasts more than 60 wineries. For a scenic overview, try the Silicon Valley Wine Trail in the hillsides above Silicon Valley, or the coastal Corralitos Wine Trail, at the sunny, southern portion of the AVA.

San Benito County, set in an idyllic valley about 75 miles southeast of Santa Cruz, has been growing winegrapes since the mid-1800s, planted by French and German immigrants. The region grows a wide variety of grapes but is best known for Pinot Noir and Syrah. Find wineries near the towns of Hollister and San Juan Bautista.

Heading back to the coast, Monterey County is known or having one of California’s longest growing seasons, thanks to cool marine air that blows in from Monterey Bay. Franciscan friars introduced winegrapes to the area more than 200 years ago, and over 40 varieties are planted there today—including more Chardonnay than in any other county in America. Monterey is also well known for its cool-climate Pinot Noir. With eight distinctive AVAs within its borders and 82 wineries, Monterey offers an array of tasting opportunities. The River Road Wine Trail, set among the canyons and slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, highlights Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with northern Rhône varieties such as Syrah. Beautiful Carmel Valley is renowned for producing rich, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

TOUR: The Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Passport event on July 20 includes special tastings at more than 40 participating wineries. (As a bonus, passport experiences can be redeemed for a full year after the event.) The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park is nearby with its multiple attractions. Livermore Valley hosts Taste Our Terroir July 25-28, a four-day food and wine affair offering wine tasting adventures, garden tours, food pairing events, seminars, falcon demonstrations and more. Music in the vineyards is a Santa Clara specialty, with performances scheduled at individual wineries throughout the summer. While visiting San Benito County, take a hike among towering rock spires and observe falcons and golden eagles in flight at Pinnacles National Monument, formed by ancient volcanos. On Monterey’s Cannery Row, sample local wines at A Taste of Monterey and visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium or John Steinbeck Museum.

For more information on lodging, dining and upcoming events, see San Francisco Travel, Livermore Valley Wine Country, Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association, Discover San Benito County and Monterey Wine Country.

For all of the wine regions included in this series, use the discovercaliforniawines.com interactive map to search wineries by amenities such as tours, gardens and picnic areas, and view winery events around the state.

To see Wine Institute’s Back Roads guides to other California wine regions, visit http://discovercaliforniawines.com/media-trade/news.

Napa Valley’s First Wine History Museum and Tasting Salon

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Jean-Charles Boisset Introduces Napa Valley’s First Wine History Museum and Tasting Salon: 1881 Napa

1881 Napa Showcases Napa Valley Wines and History in Historic Victorian Home Adjacent to the Oakville Grocery

Napa Valley’s first wine history museum and tasting salon, is now open. Jean-Charles Boisset, proprietor of Boisset Collection, has created an homage to Napa Valley, with a tasting room that showcases wines from Napa Valley’s distinct sub-appellations, a museum where guests can explore Napa’s rich wine history, an extensive collection of historic wine relics from Europe and the United States and original artifacts from the Early California Wine Trade Archive. 1881 Napa is located in a historic Victorian home built in 1874 next to Oakville Grocery (founded in 1881) in Oakville, California, both of which were purchased by Boisset Collection at the beginning of the year.

“Napa Valley has a powerful place in American wine history and 1881 Napa puts the region in perspective on the world stage,” said Boisset, who grew up in Burgundy, France imbued with a passion for wine and learning as the son of vintners and the grandson of educators. “An extraordinary amount has been accomplished in this enclave in a short amount of time and we want to create a destination that celebrates Napa’s long history and its pioneering founders while exploring Napa’s incredibly diverseterroir in one destination.”

The gateway to Napa Valley, 1881 Napa is must-stop for wine enthusiasts, providing guests the opportunity to discover Napa Valley’s AVAs for the first time, or to explore some of their favorite appellations more deeply. Napa Valley was the first AVA designated in California in 1981 and within the region are 16 sub-AVAs that contain more geological diversity than any other wine region, leading to dramatically different wines within Napa Valley.

Located in a building more than 140 years old that was reimagined by renowned architect Howard Backen, 1881 Napa is next door to Oakville Grocery, the oldest continually operating grocery store in California. The two centerpieces of the space — a 48-light Baccarat crystal Zenith chandelier and a reproduction of an 1895 map of Napa County on canvas hanging from the ceiling — provide a dramatic environment to explore the varied wines of the valley, while displays highlighting the unique stories and soils of each appellation surround the tasting room.

The wine museum in 1881 Napa is open to the public with complimentary visitation. A self-guided tour up to and along the museum’s second-floor mezzanine tells the history of Napa Valley, introduces the founders and influential early pioneers of the region and presents a robust collection of wine ephemera, including historic winemaking, vineyard, nursery and cooperage as well as displays curated and organized by the Early California Wine Trade Museum featuring local historic wine artifacts from the collections of Dean Walters and John O’Neill. From the mezzanine, guests have an open view to the tasting room below.

Alcoves hold soil samples from the various regions, along with 1881 Napa wines and descriptions of the appellations written by best-selling and award-winning author of The Wine Bible and wine expert Karen MacNeil. MacNeil also helped develop the various tasting options, which include comparative flights such as “Majestic Mountains Versus Plush Valley” and “Is it Cool to be Hot or Hot to be Cool?” as well as an option to “Embark on a Journey Throughout the Valley” by tasting Cabernet Sauvignons from 12 different sub-AVAs. In addition to the site-specific Cabs, guests can enjoy wines from a blend of Napa Valley grapes, including a sparkling wine, Sauvignon Blanc, rosé, Chardonnay, red blend, Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon — all wines crafted exclusively for 1881 Napa by Winemaker Thane Knutson to reflect the diversity of Napa Valley. After sampling the broad range of Napa Valley styles, guests can discover which AVAs they like the most and purchase wines from 1881 Napa as well Oakville Grocery.

1881 Napa is located at 7856 St. Helena Highway in Oakville and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.

About Boisset Collection
Boisset is a family-owned collection of historic and unique wineries and lifestyle destinations led by Jean-Charles Boisset and bound together by a common vision: authentic, terroir-driven wines in harmony with their history, their future and the land and people essential to their existence. With more than 25 historical and prestigious still and sparkling wineries in the world’s preeminent terroirs, including Burgundy, Beaujolais, Jura, the Rhône Valley, the south of France and California’s Russian River Valley and the Napa Valley. Its California wineries include DeLoach Vineyards, Raymond Vineyards, Buena Vista Winery and JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset; its French properties feature Domaine de la Vougeraie, Jean-Claude Boisset, Bouchard Aîné et Fils, J. Moreau et Fils, Louis Bouillot, Domaines Henri Maire, Fortant and Bonpas. Each house retains its unique history, identity and style, and all are united in the pursuit of fine wines expressive of their terroir. Wine is at the center of Boisset’s mission, and is complemented by spirits, beer, cider, gourmet foods and luxury goods, both of its own design and from partnerships with historic companies such as Baccarat, Lalique, St. Louis, Riedel, Christofle, and Bernardaud. To learn more about the Boisset Collection, please visit www.boissetcollection.com.

Featured image credit: Alexander Rubin

Suisun Valley, Fairfield

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Story by Susan Hiland provided by Daily Republic

Suisun Valley greeted a group of out-of-town travel writers with a bounty of beauty, food and wine over the weekend.

They toured just about every winery, olive oil factory, candy-making company and barley brew-maker in the area.

This was the result of the Fairfield Conference & Visitors Bureau reaching out to Geiger & Associates, which has put together these travel tours for several communities including Lodi.

“This is the first time we have done something like this,” said Anand Patel, president/CEO of Visit Fairfield. “The goal was to get people thinking about Fairfield and Suisun Valley.”

He said he hoped that the travel writers would see the beauty of the valley and share that with their readers. The writers came from Portland, Oregon, Southern California, Northern California and even Quebec, Canada.

“We hope people read their articles and get interested in the valley,” he said.

The group of writers included Susan G. Hauser, Elyse Glickman, Vaughn Lowery, Wendy van Diver, Cortney Erndt, Carla Waldemar, Ruksana Hussain, Wendy Lemlin, Janet Boileau and Robin Raven.

The writers arrived Thursday and enjoyed an afternoon at Jelly Belly Candy Co., where they took the tour, sampled sweet treats and shopped.

“Every single stop we hope they learn something new,” Patel said.

Boileau, a writer and publisher for Taste and Travel International Magazine, which is a culinary publication with 20,000 subscribers across Canada, had no idea about Suisun Valley.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “But this is a very impressive part of the wine country.”

She was enjoying how relaxing the area was with some wine from Suisun Valley Wine Co-op along Pleasants Valley Road. The stop offered an opportunity for everyone to sample a variety of wines from the area in one place.

Lowery is the president of 360 Magazine, a lifestyle magazine that goes out to thousands of subscribers from Los Angeles to Japan.

“Anyone visiting here needs to stop at Il Fiorello Olive Oil Co.,” he said. “It was a sensory overload.”

They sampled a meal with each of the foods having been created using produce from the company’s garden.

“This is a great cross of Napa and Sonoma,” Lowery said. “It’s a place you can take time out and is very drivable.”

He said he was envisioning himself returning with a convertible, rolling the top down and just cruising through the back roads as a vacation.

“We tasted the grapes at Wooden Valley Winery. They were so sweet, I thought no way that was real,” he said.

“Fairfield is just a great town for a great road trip,” he said.

Robert Davi × Georgós Wine

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Georgós Greek Wine, an innovative wine company that uses the best of American techniques to handcraft small batch wine in Sonoma Valley from imported Greek fruit, is proud to announce a partnership with Robert Davi, the award-winning actor, screenwriter, director, producer and jazz vocalist.

Davi has appeared in more than 130 films including, THE GOONIES; JAMES BOND: LICENSE TO KILL; DIE HARD, the upcoming film REAGAN, as well as the groundbreaking TV series Paper Empire.

Currently touring in his show “Davi Sings Sinatra,” where he performs notable tunes from the legendary crooner, Davi has also just released the documentary, “DAVI’S WAY” that explores the challenges and thrills of singing Sinatra’s uniquely American masterpieces.

In addition to his ‘tough-guy’ roles, Davi is well known as a singer. He has performed at The Venetian, The Orleans and Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, headlined the Friars Club’s 90th Anniversary Tribute to Tony Bennett with Robert De Niro and Scarlett Johansson, and recently performed at the United Nations to celebrate its 70th Anniversary. Davi acted and performed in the Frank Sinatra 100th Birthday Special on PBS—most fitting since Sinatra’s work has been foundational in Davi’s own life and career.

Davi and Georgós Greek Wine formed a partnership after Davi purchased a bottle of wine at Whole Foods Market in San Francisco. The bottle happened to be Georgós’ “Santorini” wine. After Davi tasted the crisp white varietal, he fell in love instantly and called it, “one of the smoothest damn wines I’ve ever had.” He then dove into the reds and was inspired to connect with Georgós.

Robert Davi will work with the Georgós team as its brand ambassador to broaden its reach by spreading the wine’s unique story and to help create more great tasting wines. “In my family, wine was as necessary a drink as water. I helped my grandfather make his homemade wine at our family home on Long Island, and have been searching for an opportunity to once again become intimate with the process,” Davi said recently, “I’ve always been a lover of all things Greek – poetry, food, culture, and after tasting all the Georgós blends, it was ordained that I join with them! Robert Rex is a genius at blending wines—rather like a great composer creating a symphony, he blends the notes and tones in these wines creating an experience you will want to go back to time and again. These are truly ‘Greek wines redefined.’ The wines, sustainable and low in sulfites, are not only healthier but will most likely never give you a headache!”

The partnership between Davi and Georgós Greek Wine comes fresh off the heels of another collaboration between the winemaking team and personalities of note. Earlier this year, in partnership with ultra-marathon living legend and one of Time’s “Top 100 Most Influential People in the World,” Dean Karnazes, they created Marathon Wine.

Georgós Greek Wine founder Georgos Zanganas is especially thrilled to work with Davi, as he sees it as a partnership between two parties who are constantly redefining. “One of my favorite movies of all time is JAMES BOND: LICENSE TO KILL. Robert played a tough guy, and established a great reputation in that archetype,” Zanganas says, “now he has the opportunity to show another side of his personality by singing Frank Sinatra classics at some of the greatest venues across the globe. We have taken the best of the American winemaking techniques and applied them to our imported Greek fruit to change traditional Greek Wine into a super-premium experience – like visiting the Greek Isles in a glass. This partnership will help us spread Georgós and #GREEKWINEREDEFINED to the world.”

Georgós was born after founder Georgos Zanganas moved to San Francisco to work as an engineer. Zanganas is very sensitive to sulfites in wine, and he struggled to find a wine that did not give him a headache or stop the red flush of his face. He even found it difficult to come by good quality Greek wine in the area. Surprising, as the US market was saturated with all things Greek – such as yogurt or olive oil – but curiously not wine. He decided to make a wine perfect for him: clean tasting with low sulfites and no additives. Zanganas discovered Deerfield Ranch Winery in Sonoma Valley (known for their “Clean Wine”), on a trip to Sonoma, where he met winemaker Robert Rex, who was recently named 2018 Winemaker of the year by the American Fine Wine Competition. Together they embarked to make a “clean wine” with imported Greek fruit. Zanganas and Rex spent one year, tasting over 400 samples until they found the perfect recipe to create Georgós Super-Premium Greek wine, which is fruit forward with soft tannins. The rest, as they say, is history.

Zanganas added on the company’s journey, “I never thought that I would be in the wine business, but I wanted everyone to be able to drink a great quality wine without experiencing a headache. I also found the opportunity to make Greek wine in the heart of the US winemaking region an irresistible challenge. It’s like importing and making California olive oil in Kalamata, Greece – to succeed you have to believe in it with passion.”
Currently, Georgós has seven, small batch super-premium Greek wines to market, available direct from the winery online, at Whole Foods in Northern California, and at fine restaurants and hotels in San Francisco and Los Angeles:

• Santorini, “Sophia’s Smile”: a 2017 Assyrtiko similar to a dry, crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
• Mykonos, “Wine of Hercules”: a 2013 vintage Agiorgitiko in the Pinot Noir style.
• Corfu, “Siren’s Lure”: a 2015 Bordeaux style red blend.
• Ios, “Aphrodite’s Kiss”: a 2017 Dry Rosé of Agiorgitiko grapes.
• Ithaka, “Penelope’s Spell”: a 2015 blend of premium Greek Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Marathon, “Athena’s Vineyard”: a 2017 Assyrtiko blend similar to a dry Sauvignon Blanc.
• Marathon, “Nike’s Vineyard”: a 2017 Rosé with the structure of a Pinot Noir.
Georgós Greek Super-Premium Wines are the direct result of a team pursuing excellence in flavor and the highest degrees of quality possible. They look forward to creating future partnerships and bringing their delicious and healthy wines to enthusiastic devotees across the country.

Visit Georgós Greek Wine Socials:

Instagram: GeorgosWine | Facebook: GeorgosWine

FitVine Wine

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FitVine Wine Expands Distribution with Whole Foods Markets in Texas and Louisiana

Lower in sugar, calories, sulfites and free of flavor additives, FitVine is now available in an additional 38 Whole Foods locations.

FitVine Wine, makers of clean tasting wines that are low in sugar, calories, carbohydrates and sulfites, as well as free of flavor additives, has expanded their in-store distribution with Whole Foods Markets in Texas and Louisiana. This expansion will make FitVine wines available in 33 Whole Foods locations in Texas and 7 locations in Louisiana.

FitVine Wine was born when friends made a pact to craft amazing wines that would compliment their active lifestyles rather than compromising their health and fitness goals. FitVine is currently available in 47 states, soon to be 49, and over 5,300 retail locations, with new stores being added monthly. This expansion highlights the strengthening of the FitVine brand and growing consumer demands for clean tasting wines with robust flavor profiles and 13-14% alcohol content.

“Online sales have traditionally dominated a large portion of our business, but over the past two years we have accelerated our growth into brick and mortar locations,” said Mark Warren, Co-Founder of FitVine Wine. “We are extremely thankful for our loyal online customer base, but by expanding our in-store availability with retailers who celebrate clean and wholesome ingredients, like Whole Foods, we are positioned better to reach new customers and simplify shopping for those who already love FitVine Wine.”

FitVine varietals include: Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc. The extended proprietary fermentation process sets FitVine apart. The results are wines that have no additives and less sugar, calories, carbohydrates and sulfites compared to competitors. The unique fermentation process also allows FitVine to craft rich and flavorful wines with the mouthfeel and alcohol content (13-14%) consumers expect from a high quality fine wines. FitVine wines are also gluten free and vegan.

Want to learn more about FitVine Wines, find a retailer near you or pop open your first bottle? Visit http://www.fitvinewine.com/ for more information.

About FitVine Wine:

FitVine Wine was born when friends made a pact to craft amazing wines that also fit their active lifestyles. FitVine wines are lower in sugar, calories, carbs and sulfites compared to other wines and have no flavor additives. To create clean and rich tasting wines with the flavor, mouthfeel and alcohol content you expect from a fine wine, FitVine uses a proprietary malolactic fermentation process. The wine ferments to dry and lowers sugar levels. On average, all wines have less than 0.06 grams of sugar, 2.4g-3.9 grams of carbohydrates and 110-120 calories (per 5 oz glass). The ‘fun’ in the bottle remains intact with all wines ranging from 13.4 – 13.9% alcohol. FitVine crushes grapes, so you can crush life!

Tyler Florence & Cooper’s Hawk

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Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, a lifestyle brand centered around food and wine, has announced their second wine collaboration with Chef Tyler Florence: a Sauvignon Blanc. The blend is a labor of love between Cooper’s Hawk winemaker Rob Warren and the Food Network host, author, restaurateur and winemaker, Tyler Florence. The collaboration wine is a limited production blend made for the company’s 300,000-plus Wine Club and is positioned as July’s “Wine of the Month”. While the wine debuted at a members-only Wine Club dinner hosted by Florence in Naples, Florida on June 20th, restaurant guests can sample the blend by the glass in the dining and tasting rooms throughout the month of July in any of Cooper’s Hawk 32 restaurants.

“Collaborating with the very best chefs and winemakers not only elevates the Cooper’s Hawk brand, but raises the bar for the entire hospitality industry,” says Cooper’s Hawk Founder & CEO Tim McEnery. “Working with Tyler on our second wine collaboration has been one of the most educational experiences to date. His curious palate and deep knowledge of wine helped create an exceptional Sauvignon Blanc.”

Over the past twelve years, Florence has added several wine awards to his list of accomplishments, scoring in the 90s with Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Tyler is also a top-selling author of 12 cookbooks and proprietor of two acclaimed restaurants.

“I am laser-focused on creating exciting flavor profiles, so wine was a natural next step for me a decade ago,”says Florence. “The Cooper’s Hawk philosophy of blending brings great freedom to the world of winemaking and allows them to move with the trends. We used grapes from Monterey County to create a wine with aromas of lemon, orange, melon, grass, grapefruit and gooseberry with whimsical tropical flavors like guava, kiwi and passion fruit. The finish is crisp and loaded with green apple and citrus fruit.”

Cooper’s Hawk continues to push the boundaries of experiential branding by sharing the excitement that comes from collaborating with culinary and wine luminaries like Florence, and many others including Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Jean Charles Boisset (Boisset Collection), Richard Blais, Anne Burrell and many others.

About Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants

Founded in 2005 by CEO Tim McEnery, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is built upon the belief that food and wine hold the power to forge lasting connections. A lifestyle brand focused on creating memorable moments that enrich lives, Cooper’s Hawk is the 34

th largest winery in the U.S. and home to over 300,000 Wine Club Members. The concept is a fusion of familiar elements – winery, modern casual restaurant, Napa-style tasting room and artisanal retail market – that has combined to create an entirely new hospitality experience. Cooper’s Hawk has been recognized as one of the five fastest-growing restaurant chains (Nation’s Restaurant News and Kalinowski Equity Research), has won over 500 awards for its wine and has been named the Official Wine of the Screen Actors Guild® Awardsthrough 2020. Cooper’s Hawk wines are sourced, blended, aged, bottled and distributed exclusively through Cooper’s Hawk.

Connect with Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants

Website: chwinery.com

Instagram: @CHWinery

Twitter: @CHWinery

Facebook: www.facebook.com/coopershawk

BERNARDUS LODGE & SPA

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From bourbon & barbeque to grape stomps and lavender harvest, BERNARDUS LODGE & SPA announces its Annual Line Up Of Edibles, Events & Culinary AdventureS

No culinary stoned unturned in this annual lineup, which spans a salute to the Lodge’s annual lavender harvest to an evening of sheer decadence focused on the world’s top treasures. Back by popular demand, chef Cal Stamenov’s 4th Annual Craftsmen Exchange (October 27) delivers a culinary cache of local artisans, cheese mongers and fungi foragers for a convivial afternoon.

EPICUREAN PLAYGROUND

Carmel Valley is a unique microclimate delivering optimum conditions for growing grapes, lavender, fruit and a litany of obscure herbs and vegetables. Tucked into 28 fragrant acres of lavender, olive orchards and vineyards with sweeping Santa Lucia Range views, Bernardus Lodge & Spa savors the seasons with an enviable larder of on-property organic gardens paired with a back pocket of foragers, farmers and fishermen answering chef Cal’s call. Just 10 miles inland from the Pacific, the lodge features 73 luxurious guestrooms, including the 2016 debut of 14 exclusive guest suites and villas crafted from the ground up. Key perks include the award-winning Lucia Restaurant & Bar, guestrooms with alfresco rain showers, butler services, complimentary Mercedes-Benz convertibles, the 5,200 sq., ft., Spa at Bernardus and a three-to-one staff ratio.

2018 EVENTS

Exhibition Kitchen Dinner: 2^nd Annual Chicken & Brisket

Thursday, March 8, 2018

6:30 pm

$75 per person, plus tax & gratuity

Back by popular demand, this festive event begins with a welcome reception on the Harvest Terrace with live music and Southern inspired specialty cocktails hosted by Lost Spirits. Then step into the Harvest Room Exhibition Kitchen by Sub-Zero and Wolf as Chef Cal takes a spin on comfort food with smoked Wagyu brisket and organic fried chicken showcased in three distinct styles paired with select wines from the award-winning cellar. Seating is limited and reservations are required.

Spring Equinox at The Spa

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

8:30 am – 6:30 pm

Included in service pricing.

Renewal is on tap at the luxurious 5,300 sq., ft., Spa at Bernardus. Choose from an array of seasonal services including massage, bodywork and facials and then extend the spa day with our complimentary Spring Equinox activities including restorative yoga, Bernardus wine tasting and soap making demonstration. Note: A minimum 50-minute service must be booked in order to enjoy the spa facilities and Spring Solstice events.

Bourbon & Barbeque

Saturday, March 17, 2018

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

$55 per person, plus tax & gratuity

Move over California red and make way for Kentucky Gold! Enjoy a spirited afternoon with select small bites, smoked treats, sweet and savory chicken waffles and chef Cal’s signature smooth culinary moves paired with a single-barrel, rye and small batch bourbons from an eclectic line up of producers across the United States.

Easter Brunch

Sunday, April 1, 2018

11:00 am – 3:30 pm

Adults $88, Children 5-12 years old $35, plus tax & gratuity

Tap off steam with a Children’s’ Ester Egg Hunt (11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) backed with a culinary cornucopia of spring’s best. The traditional grand brunch includes grilled organic vegetables, naturally-raised meats, farmhouse cheeses and sinful fresh fruit tarts, the majority of ingredients culled from chef Cal’s organic on-site gardens.

Mother’s Day Brunch

Sunday, May 12, 2018

11:00 am – 3:30 pm

Adults $88, Children ages 5-12 $35, plus tax & gratuity

Celebrate mom in all her glory with an afternoon at the Lodge, backed with stunning brunch buffet prepared by Chef Cal and his culinary team. Highlights include a sushi and seafood bar, local organic vegetables, naturally-raised meats, farmhouse cheeses and traditional brunch desserts. Accented by a classical harpist, the atmosphere will pamper the entire family with an afternoon of world-class service and cuisine.

Memorial Day Barbeque

Monday, May 28, 2018

12:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Adults $45, Children ages 5-12 $20, plus tax & gratuity

Fire up the barbeque for a day of play in sun-drenched Carmel Valley. Enjoy live music at Lucia Restaurant & Bar paired with a lip smacking barbeque featuring free range chicken, natural Angus beef, smoked Caggiano sausages, country potato salad, organic green salad and the ultimate American sidekick, corn-on-the-cob.

Father’s Day Barbeque, Beer & Bocce

Sunday, June 17, 2018

12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Adults $45, Children ages 5-12 $20, plus tax & gratuity

Ah, bocce with a bourbon in hand, what more could dad ask. Settle in for an afternoon of family activities served with a side of delicious barbeque. The summer alfresco celebration includes savory free range chicken, natural Angus beef burgers, artisan sausage and plenty of garden greens from chef Cal’s organic garden.

Summer Solstice at The Spa

Tuesday, June 21, 2018

8:30 am – 6:30 pm

Included in service pricing.

The longest day of the year symbolically fires up passions and heats up hearts to the potential of life that abounds. Choose from our array of new seasonal services including massage, bodywork and facials and extend the spa day with complimentary Summer Solstice activities including a guided hike through Garland Ranch, tarot card readings and poolside Bernardus wine tasting. Note: A minimum 50-minute service must be booked in order to enjoy the spa facilities and Summer Solstice events.

4^th of July

Tuesday, July 4, 2018

12:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Priced off Menu

Embrace America’s independence with live music and Lucia’s Restaurant & Bar’s alfresco setting complete with zenith-of-summer dishes and artisan cocktails inspired by our country’s biggest break up. Sunshine, bocce and a bust-out line up of luncheon treats await.

Chef Cal’s Summer Garden Tour

Every Saturday Memorial Day weekend through August (excluding August 25)

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Complimentary to Lodge Guests

Bees, beets and Brussel sprouts, oh my! Join chef Cal and garden guru Mark Marino for an informative walk through the Lodge’s three-acre organic herb, flower and vegetable gardens – as well as a visit to Bernardus’ legendary Italian honey bee. This heady experience is certain to pique palates as many of the day’s pick are showcased on Lucia Restaurant’s daily menu.

Lavender Harvest Celebration

Saturday, July 14, 2018

11:00 am – 2:00 pm

$105 per person, plus tax & gratuity

Tucked throughout the Lodge’s 28-acres of lush olive trees, rosemary and rose gardens lie more than 1,000 lavender plants in full bloom. Provence in Carmel, this event is certain to please anyone who loves the scent of lavender. Glass of rosé in hand, stroll Chef Cal’s abundant organic garden and lavender beds with horticulturist Mark Marino; experience the new informative bee talk and honey tasting and slide into a unique grand lavender inspired buffet lunch with ingredients culled from our garden and vineyard. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Rose Soiree

Saturday, July 28, 2018

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

$75 per person, plus tax & gratuity

It’s rose all day as Bernardus Lodge raises a rosy-hued glass to summer’s favorite buzz. Set in the blossoming Rose Garden, this is the event for flowing dress wear and big brimmed hats. Sip and saunter with a selection of rose wines, canapes, a seafood bar and seasonal fresh desserts.

Heirloom Tomato Lunch

Saturday, September 2, 2018

11:00 am – 2:00 pm

$115 per person, plus tax & gratuity

It’s tomato time in Carmel Valley as Chef Cal celebrates the grand fruit in a variety for formats this fall. Sip a Bloody Mary while shucking oysters alongside local farmers Dick and Bonnie Swank of Swank Farms as they guide guests through over multiple varieties of their certified organic heirloom tomatoes. After an alfresco reception, step into Lucia Restaurant for a garden inspired lunch buffet featuring Tomato Ratatouille, Carmel Valley gazpacho, roasted free range Sonoma chicken and natural prime beef. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Labor Day

Monday, September 3, 2018

12:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Priced off menu

The rustic ranch-chic design of Lucia Restaurant & Bar blends with a sunny Carmel Valley vibe with alfresco seating, warm hospitality, and vineyard views. Enjoy live music, dishes highlighting the start of fall while our cocktail artisans serve up autumn inspired specialty hand-crafted cocktails.

Autumn Equinox at The Spa

Saturday, September 22, 2018

8:30 am – 6:30 pm

Included in service pricing.

From guided hikes to holistic wellness experiences focused on balance, The Spa at Bernardus Lodge rejuvenates the entire being-mind, body and soul. Fall is considered the season of stability, a time in which one restores equilibrium to their life. Choose from our array of relaxation services including massage, bodywork and facials and then extend the spa day with complimentary Autumn Equinox activities including henna art, cold pressed juice bar and vino & vinyasa. Note: A minimum 50-minute service must be booked in order to enjoy the spa facilities and Autumn Solstice events.

3^rd Annual Barbeque & Grape Stomp

Saturday, October 6, 2018

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

$85 per person, plus tax & gratuity

Pay homage to the Carmel Valley annual grape harvest with a traditional grape stomping and Bernardus Winery barrel tasting backed with savory barbeque oysters, live country music and a family-style barbeque lunch. Celebrate the 2018 vintage firsthand in Ingrid’s Vineyard with winemaker Dean DeKorth and vineyard manager Matt Shea as hosts. Space is limited and reservations are required.

4^rd Annual Craftsman Exchange

Saturday, October 27, 2018

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

$75 per person, plus tax & gratuity

An annual favorite saluting a cache of culinary superstars including seaweeds farmers, craft cheese mongers, heirloom fruit enthusiasts, local beer artisans, bee keepers, fungi foragers and wine producers for a convivial showcase of flavor and style. Enjoy a casual Carmel Valley vibe in a sophisticated setting where alfresco seating, warm hospitality, and vineyard views are paired with tastes throughout. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Thanksgiving Day Buffet

Thursday, November 22, 2018

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Adults $95, Children ages 5-12 $32, plus tax & gratuity; children 5 years and younger are complimentary. Traditional Thanksgiving favorites accented with Chef Cal signature cuisine.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, November 22, 2018

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

$135 per person, plus tax & gratuity

An innovative four-course tasting menu combining intimate fireside seating overlooking breathtaking mountain and vineyard views.

4^th Annual Pure Decadence Event

Thursday, December 13, 2018

6:30 pm

$350 per person, plus tax & gratuity

It’s tough at the top! Indulgence hits a high note at the annual event that continues to wow palates and literally blow minds. Celebrate the world’s top culinary treasures as the evening kicks off with caviar and a glass of champagne or black truffle martini and behind the scenes stroll into Chef Cal’s award-winning kitchen for savory bites right “off the line.” On tap are winter’s most decadent delights: France’s black truffles, Maine’s lobster, ranch-raised Wagyu beef and locally foraged golden chanterelles. Chef Cal combines these inspiring ingredients with rare wines from around the world to create the ultimate winter menu. The tasting menu exemplifies how luxury ingredients can be preserved, reinterpreted and crafted into sophisticated dishes. Seating is limited and reservations are required.

Winter Solstice at The Spa

Thursday, December 21, 2018

8:30 am – 6:30 pm

Price included in service.

The Winter Solstice is the start of the solar year and a significant time of ritual, reflection and renewal. Choose from the Spa at Bernardus Lodge’s award-winning array of relaxation services including massage, bodywork, facials or salon services and extend the spa day with complimentary Winter Solstice activities including holiday cookie and cider hour, wine tasting, fire dancers and starlight swim. Note: A minimum 50-minute service must be booked in order to enjoy the spa facilities and Winter Solstice events.

Christmas Eve Dinner – Monday, December 24, 2018, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Christmas Day Dinner – Tuesday, December 25, 2018. 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

$145 per person, plus tax & gratuity

An innovative four-course tasting menu celebrating the season with intimate fireside seating overlooking breathtaking mountain and vineyard views.

New Year’s Eve Dinner

Monday, December 31, 2018

5:30 pm – 9:30 pm

$195 per person, plus tax & gratuity

Ring in the New Year with a sinful six-course tasting menu showcasing chef Cal’s culinary prowess. Focused on healthy, seasonal fare, the menu reflects on the ultimate pleasure of what exceptional dining does for your soul.

New Year’s Day Brunch with Live Music

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

11:00 am – 2:30 pm

Price off Menu

Enjoy live music with a backdrop of a fresh New Year and sumptuous brunch.

BACKSTORY

Perennially recognized by discerning readers of Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Resorts” and Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top Resorts” and as well as a Wine Spectatoraward recipient (2001-2017), this Forbes Travel Guide Four Star property has long set the gold standard for wine country vacationing. Reopened after a full resort renovation in 2015, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is set on 28 pristine Carmel Valley acres awash with vineyards and lavender and boasts 73 luxurious guestrooms, suites & villas, the signature Spa at Bernardus Lodge, award-winning Lucia Restaurant & Bar, a junior Olympic size swimming pool, a hilltop adults-only infinity Jacuzzi, an alfresco croquet and bocce court, two tennis courts and 4,300 sq. ft. of meeting space. Woodside Hotel Group, an operator of a portfolio of distinguished independent luxury properties throughout Northern California, is the management company for the property.

For information, visit www.bernarduslodge.com.