A Toast to Rosé!

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Rosé wines can often be overlooked. After all, when asked what type of wine drinker you are the question is usually “Do you prefer whites or reds?” without regard for the in-between style of rosé.   

Perhaps even the term “rosé” is unfamiliar to you. That’s because unlike simple “red” and “white” wines, rosé is also known by many nicknames, such as “blush”, “pink”, “brosé” (for its rising popularity among men) and in the Northeast, “Hampton’s Gatorade” according to USA Trade Tasting.

Over the last ten years, the wine industry has seen a rise in the popularity of rosés. These pink wines are pushing their way to the foreground, and we’re not talking about your grandmother’s white zin!rose-wine

What may have begun as just an affordable sweet pink wine here in the US, has morphed into a category all its own. Wineries from coast to coast are now producing different varieties of these beloved rosé wines to please the public’s palate.

So here’s the run-down on rosé:

How is it made?

When making a rosé, the wine maker only allows the grape skins to soak in the wine for a short amount of time. This is what gives rosés their pink, rather than deep red, color. As we know, the longer the grape skins are left to soak in the wine, the deeper the color will get, creating instead a “red” wine.

What colors can I expect?

Depending on the grape varietal used and the length of time the grape skins are left in the wine, the color of a rosé may vary from a very light rose petal pink to a deep and bold strawberry hue.

How does it taste? 

If you think the lack of a rich red color takes away from the aroma or taste of a rosé, we beg you – think again! “Paler wines may explode with just as many notes of strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, cranberry, ripe peach and deep citrus as their bolder-colored cousins” so says the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association.

rose wines

Visit your local WineStyles store to find the perfect rosé wines to enjoy all year long!

#roséallday:

Lovers of rosé have been showing their support on social media, namely photo-friendly Instagram, with the hashtag #roséallday. Entrepreneurs and rosé lovers Erica Blumenthal and Nikki Huganir began the movement with a tote bag printed with “Yes Way Rosé” which you can peruse here.

The two gained popularity for their business and rosé wines everywhere by posting delightful pics of rosé-filled glasses on lovely table-top arrangements surrounded by all sorts of delicate pink items like flowers and fashion. They basically created a pink wine club that anyone can be a part of.

#brosé

Men, too, are increasingly on board with enjoying a glass of the pink stuff. They’ve been busily posting on Instagram with the hashtag #brosé to show their support and refined tastes.

Rosé wines are sophisticated and versatile, perfect for enjoying all year round!

What’s the fuss all about, it’s just a wine of a different color, right?

Well, we’ll let your taste buds be the judge of that. 🙂

June Wine & Beer Boot Camp Class – All About Rosé! 

AllAboutRose

Want to learn more about this rosé? Sign up to attend our June Wine and Beer Boot Camp Class “All About Rosé”! Enjoy a delightful tasting experience as you learn about all the different styles of rosé. It will be a tasting and educational experience you won’t want to miss!

Please RSVP at your local WineStyles location. Seating space is limited, so make your reservation as soon as possible!

*Please note: Classes and Boot Camp rewards may vary at different WineStyles locations. Offer void where prohibited by state or local alcohol laws. See your local WineStyles Tasting Station for details. Find your local WineStyles store here.

Thanks for reading,

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Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

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MemorialDayWine

Spring is creeping to an end as Memorial Day weekend has finally arrived! For many, Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer.

Of course, the holiday weekend means much more to those who have dedicated their lives to our country. People will be gathering across the nation to join or watch Memorial Day parades and honor those who have served.

It’s a perfect three-day weekend to gather with loved ones and celebrate the return of summer weather. How will you be enjoying the weekend? Will there be a parade and many picnics and barbecues in your town?

We know you’re busy snatching up all those Memorial Day sales, so we want to help with a guide to throwing the perfect outdoor gathering!

MemorialDayWineBeerCheese.

Toting wine around is a breeze with these insulated wine bags! Artisan cheese and wine or beer make for a great grown-up appetizer.

  1. Pick a grassy spot in your favorite park, or a friend or family member’s backyard! Open areas allow for more fun and games for the kids and the grown-ups!
  2. Bring along yard games such as croquet, ladder toss, giant Connect Four, Cornhole bag toss, a giant Jenga tower, even Twister can be played outdoors and made even more fun by using different colored spray paint to make as big a Twister board in the grass as you want! Note, you’ll want to make sure the grass owner is OK with this before you begin.
  3. Remember the bug spray! There are many new natural options now on the market, so you don’t have to be covered with that classic bug spray smell. Search for one with lemongrass and eucalyptus and enjoy spa-like fragrances.
  4. Set the table – grab a brightly colored outdoor table-cloth at one of those Memorial Day sales, and don’t forget all the dressings!
  5. If you’re a guest, don’t show up empty-handed! Be sure to bring wine or beer to drink and share. (Hint: stop by your local WineStyles store and stock up for the weekend!

shutterstock_341453714Now the fun part – Choosing the right wine!

A sweet Moscato is easy to enjoy in warmer weather, and Pinot Noir is a great food-friendly choice. Don’t be afraid to go red, white, and blue with wine labels to help decorate the table!

But what pairs well with picnic favorites such as hot dogs and burgers?

CommunityTable has a few suggestions for us:

“Hot dogs and sausages come in lots of varieties, but one thing they have in common is that they are salty and hearty, so they need a wine with acid.”

So it’s best to choose wines with acidity and a touch of sweetness to get the perfect balancing act. CommunityTable recommends a Rosé, Pinot Blanc or Sangiovese.

“For steaks or burgers, you want a wine that’s equal to the meat in flavor and in weight, and that also has acidity to both cut through the fat and to cleanse the palate.” CommunityTable recommends a Rioja, Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon or Brunello di Montalcino.

There you have it – the perfect recipe for a perfect Memorial Day weekend and celebration of summer!

Wishing you all a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!

MemorialDay_salute

Thanks for reading,

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The Mystery Behind Cheese and Wine, Explained

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Great things take time. We are all familiar with the age-old adage, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Whether you’re painting a city block mural or writing a once-in-a-lifetime novel, know that life’s greatest achievements are the result of many smaller efforts strung together with great love and care.

CheeseWine1

Create a beautiful and delicious gift, or treat yourself! All the spreads will look lovely atop a brightly colored cheese plate!

Achieving greatness is not often the result of just one lucky lightning strike, but rather dedicated mini-moments of daily discipline exercised over time. Great endeavors, great love, great art, and of course great wine and cheese all take time and care. It is when that time and care are given that we are truly wow-ed with the results.

At WineStyles Tasting Station, we like to appreciate all the finer foods of life, so let’s take a moment to appreciate two of our favorite aged delicacies: Cheese and Wine!

cheese-makerWine has been around since man’s first fire-side dinner party way back in the late Stone Age (nationalgeographic.com). Cheese, on the other hand, came into our lives only 8-10,000 years ago and wine couldn’t have been happier that it finally showed up to the party (nationalhistoriccheesemakingcenter.org).

Cheese and wine are notoriously great when paired together, perhaps because wine pairs so well with many delicacies – chocolate, pizza, leftover Easter candies, to name a few. Although they are so enjoyable together, the pairing process can be difficult to understand. After all, these are two very different items, right?

Precisely!

There is a reason the most popular food pairings of all time make our collective mouths water. Think peanut butter and jelly, sandwiches with pickles, and soda pop with a bag of potato chips. Each of these pairings are so satisfying because they lend a harmonious balance to our taste buds.

Let’s break it down to a gastronomical level. LiveScience.com puts it simply, saying:

CheeseWine2

Choose a rustic slate board for an extra dose of chic. Wine, cheese, and jam make the perfect trio for your taste buds!

“Because fat is oily, eating it lubricates the mouth, making it feel slick or even slimy. Meanwhile, astringents, chemical compounds such as the tannins in wine and green tea, make the mouth feel dry and rough… We don’t like slimy, but we don’t like puckered up, either.”

There you have it. What first seemed an inexplicable craving to enjoy a cheese plate with your glass of wine is finally explained by science! Next time you’re snacking on something salty or fatty and crave a refreshing soda or crisp glass of wine, you’ll know what’s really going on – your taste buds are searching for harmony. And who are we to deny them that!

Want to learn the basics of pairing Cheese and Wine?

Sign up for our next Boot Camp Class: Cheese & Wine 101 at your local WineStyles!

CheeseWine101

Learn all about pairing your favorite Cheeses and Wines in this interactive class! Best part about it – you get to taste as you learn! Don’t miss out, this class will be both educational and delicious.

Please RSVP at your local WineStyles location. Seating space is limited, so make your reservation as soon as possible!

*Please note: Classes and rewards may vary at different WineStyles locations. See your local WineStyles Tasting Station for details, click here.

Thanks for reading,

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Peter Barry’s Roast Chicken with Gravy

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roasted-chicken-recipeINGREDIENTS:
•  1 bulb garlic
• olive oil
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon
• 2 medium onions
• 2 carrots
• 2 sticks celery
• 5 roasting potatoes
• 1 heaped tablespoon plain flour
• 1 small bunch fresh thyme, rosemary, bay or sage, or a mixture
• 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) free range / organic chicken
• 5 oz. of The Barry Bros Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
• 1 quart (1 litre) of chicken stock

DIRECTIONS:
Take your chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before it goes into the oven.  Preheat your oven to 475°F. Wash vegetables and roughly chop. Break the garlic bulb into cloves, leaving them unpeeled.  Pile all veggies and garlic into the middle of a large roasting tray and drizzle with olive oil.  Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper, rubbing it all over the bird.
Carefully prick the lemon all over, using the tip of a sharp knife (pop lemon in the microwave for 40 seconds to bring out flavor).  Place lemon and bunch of herbs inside the chicken’s cavity.  Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting tray and put into the preheated over. Turn down the heat immediately to 400°F and cook chicken for 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Prepare potatoes and veggies and place in oven for the last 45 minutes of cooking. Baste the chicken halfway through cooking and if the veggies look dry, add a splash of water to the tray to stop them from burning.  When cooked, take the tray out of the oven and transfer the chicken to a board to rest for 15 minutes or so.  Cover it with tin foil and a tea towel and put aside.

To make the gravy,  carefully remove 90% of the hot fat from the tray of the chicken/veggie juices, scooping off the fatty layer that settles on top. Put the tray back on stove on high heat.  Add the flour, stir and hold the tray steady with a tea towel in one hand, use a potato masher to mash all the veggies to a pulp and add the wine.  Keep it over the heat and let it boil for a few minutes.  Pour the stock into the tray, or add 1 quart (1 litre) of hot water.  Bring everything to a boil, scraping all the goodness from the bottom of the pan as you go.  Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until you’ve achieved the gravy consistency you’re looking for.  Carve the chicken and serve gravy and roasted vegetables.   Recipe modified from Jamie Oliver.

Barry-Bros-Wine-Bottle-ShotBold_stickerJim Barry
The Barry Bros
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Clare Valley, South Australia

Wine has been flowing in the Clare Valley since 1851 and is an integral part of the culture.  It is one of Australia’s most prestigious premium wine regions famous for it’s Riesling and Shiraz.  A tiny area accounting for less than 1.5% of the total Australian production.  With it’s beautiful rolling hills, ideal winter rainfall and Mediterranean climate, Clare Valley carries a unique history and winemaking heritage.  “We have taken inspiration from our family’s history to create this wine.  Our two favorite varieties, Shiraz and Cabernet, were blended to deliver a contemporary expression of this traditional Australian Style,” notes Tom and Sam Barry.  

Tom Barry, winemaker

Tom Barry, winemaker

“This wine is a deep purple in appearance.  Dark fruits are the signature of this vintage with scents of cherries, blackberry, blood plum, aniseed and spice.  The wine opens up and displays lifted violet floral notes.  On the palate, there are juicy red fruits of cherry, plum and raspberry, with hints of earth and savory herbs.  This wine displays brightness complemented by supple tannins and a persistent finish.” – Tom Barry, winemaker.

Winemaker: Tom Barry
Appellation: Clare Valley, Australia
Varietal Blend:  58% Shiraz, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec
Analysis: 14.2% alcohol / volume, 3.50 pH, 6.0 TA 6/L
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

Lemongrass BBQ Pork with Rice-Vermicelli Salad

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Lemongrass-Barbecued-Pork-with-Rice-Vermicelli-SaladMARINADE  INGREDIENTS:
•  4 large garlic cloves, thickly sliced
• 3 large stalks of fresh lemongrass, tender inner white bulb only, sliced crosswise
•  2 large shallots, thickly sliced
•  1 ¼ tablespoon sugar
•  3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
•  2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
•  3 tablespoons vegetable oil
•  2 tablespoons soy sauce
•  1 ¼ pounds boneless pork loin, sliced ½ inch thick

VERMICELLI SALAD INGREDIENTS:
• ¼ pound rice vermicelli noodles
•  4 medium garlic cloves, quartered
•  3 tablespoons sugar
•  3 Thai chiles or 1 large jalapeño, thickly sliced
•  ½ cup Asian fish sauce
•  ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
•  ¼ cup finely chopped mint
•  ½ cup fresh lime juice
•  1/3 cup water
•  2 large cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and thinly sliced crosswise
•  carrot and daikon pickles, for serving

DIRECTIONS:
In a food processor, finely chop the garlic, lemongrass and shallots.  Add the sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, vegetable oil and soy sauce and process to a paste.  In a large shallow dish, coat the pork with marinade.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

In a large bowl, cover the rice vermicelli with cold water and let soak until pliable, about 20 minutes.

In a mortar, using a pestle, pound the garlic cloves to a paste with the chilies and sugar.  Stir in the fish sauce, cilantro, mint, lime juice and water.

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Drain the rice vermicelli and add it to the boiling water.  Cook, stirring, until barely tender, about 1 minute.  Drain the vermicelli.  Rinse the vermicelli in cold water and drain thoroughly.  Transfer the vermicelli to a large bowl, add the cilantro-and-mint dressing and toss well. Scatter the sliced cucumbers over the rice-vermicelli salad.

Light a barbecue or grill and cook the pork until nicely charred, about 2 minutes per side.  Transfer the pork to plates and serve with the rice-vermicelli salad and carrot and daikon pickles.   Recipe courtesy of Marcia Kiesel of Food and Wine.

JBW-Water-Riesling-High-Res-Bottle-ShotcrispJim Barry
Watervale Riesling
Clare Valley, South Australia

Jim Barry Wines is a family winery based in the Clare Valley of South Australia. Jim Barry was the 17th qualified winemaker in Australia and founded the company in 1959 with his wife Nancy. The company is now owned and managed by Peter Barry, a second generation family winemaker. Following  the legacy of his father and grandfather, Tom Barry was named ‘Young Winemaker of the Year’ in 2013. The tiny village of Watervale (population 246), nestled in South Australia’s Clare Valley, is renowned for the quality of its Riesling.  The grapes for the Riesling are picked from a special part of the Florita vineyard in Watervale.  This famous Riesling vineyard usually achieves full ripeness, with high natural acid levels.

Tom Barry, winemaker

Tom Barry, winemaker

“This wine is brilliant pale yellow in appearance.  On the nose is creaming soda, musk, fresh honeydew melon, lemon tart and bath salts.  The palate delivers ginger, mouth-watering juiciness, crisp granny smith apple like acidity. Generous lime fruit and a touch of fine talc phenolics which lifts the creaminess.”” –  Tom Barry, winemaker

silverstarWinemaker: Tom Barry
Appellation: Clare Valley, South Australia
Varietal Blend:  100% Riesling
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume, 3.0 pH / 7.4 TA g/L
Critical Acclaim: SILVER status by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

 

May Wine Club pairing recipe

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BBQ-Flank-SteakBBQ Flank Steak with Burnt Cabbage and Oyster Mayo

STEAK INGREDIENTS:
• 2.2 lb (1 kg) flank steak
• 3.5 oz. (100ml) fish sauce
• 3.5 oz. (100ml) light soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves. microplaned
• 1 knob ginger, microplaned
• 3.5 oz. (100ml) grapeseed oil
CABBAGE SALAD INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 cabbage, cut into 4, stem left on
•  1.5 oz. (50g) oyster mushrooms
•  1.5 oz. (50g) enoki mushrooms
•  1.5 oz. (50g) shiitake mushrooms, finely sliced
•  2 radishes, finely sliced
•  shiso cress
•  1.5 oz. (50ml) light soy sauce
•  1 lime, juiced
•  1 tsp miso paste
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3.5 oz. (100ml) grapeseed oil
OYSTER MAYONNAISE INGREDIENTS:
• 4 oysters shucked
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 5 oz. (150ml)grapeseed oil
• sea salt
DIRECTIONS:
Marinate the steak in the fish sauce, soy, garlic, ginger & oil for 2 hours.   To make the burnt cabbage salad, place a frying pan on high heat with a little oil. Add the cabbage wedges and cook evenly on all sides until the cabbage is soft and quite blackened. Remove and place onto absorbent paper towel until cool.  In the same pan, quickly fry the oyster mushrooms for 1 minute, remove and allow to cool. Make the vinaigrette by whisking the light soy, lime juice, miso paste, sesame oil and grapeseed oil together.

To make the oyster mayo, in a blender add the oysters, egg yolks and Dijon. With the motor running slowly add the grapeseed oil to emulsify, season and reserve in the fridge for later use.  Remove the flank from the fridge at least 30 minutes prior to cooking, heat your BBQ until it is very hot. Add the flank and cook for approximately 6 minutes on both sides or done to your liking. Remove and allow to rest in a warm spot.

To serve, roughly chop the cabbage length ways and add this to a large bowl, add the mushrooms, radish and vinaigrette and toss well. Place a mound of the salad to one side of your serving dish, slice the beef evenly and place this next to the salad, spoon a dollop of the mayo next to this and garnish with the shiso cress.  Courtesy of Vasse Felix Restaurant.

VF-Filius-Cab-Sauv-Bottle-ShotBold_stickerVasse Felix
Filius Cabernet Sauvignon
Margaret River, Australia

Vasse Felix was established in 1967 by pioneer Dr. Thomas Cullity and is the founding wine estate of Margaret River. Margaret River experiences the unique combination of a Mediterranean climate, maritime influence and perfect soils for organic and sustainable viticulture. ‘Filius’ translates to ‘son of’ in Latin, reflecting the relationship between this wine and the Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon; the estate’s most historic red wine. Filius is a more approachable, opulent interpretation of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, a style renowned for its elegance and power. All fruit parcels were vinified and matured individually before grading post maturation to create a regional expression of the vintage.

virginia-willcock“An intense nose of blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, with complimentary coffee and chocolate aromas. These above earthy hints of sage, bay leaf, mushroom, truffle and venison. A juicy and fine up-front palate with dark cherry succulence and a savory dark chocolate sensation, akin to black forest cake. Vibrant fruit is carried with the bright acidity and attractive tannins building to the dry finish with lingering perfume remaining” – Virginia Willcock, winemaker

silverstarWinemaker: Virginia Willcok
Appellation: Margaret River, Australia
Varietal Blend:  85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, 2% Petite Verdot
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume, 3.52 pH / 6.8 TA g/L
Critical Acclaim: SILVER status by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

 

Wine-Club-LogoJoin our Wine Club this month and receive two SILVER STAR rated wines and pairing recipes!

Each month you’ll be introduced to new and different wines from around the world, from various appellations, varietals and wine styles. Plus, you’ll enjoy all the perks that comes with membership, including 10% off wine purchases and 15% off additional purchases of wine club wines.

Premium Wine Club pairing recipe

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grilled-lamb-burgersGrilled Spicy Lamb Burgers

•  1 pound ground lamb
•  1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
•  1 teaspoon sherry
•  1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
•  1 teaspoon molasses
•  1 teaspoon ground cumin
•  ½ teaspoon ground allspice
•  ¼ teaspoon salt
•  2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
•  2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
•  2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
•  ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
•  4 pita bread rounds (or burger buns)
•  4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat grill for medium heat.  Place the lamb in a large bowl, and mix with the mint, cilantro, oregano, garlic, sherry, vinegar, and molasses. Season with cumin, allspice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and mix well. Shape into 4 patties.

Brush grill grate with oil. Grill burgers 5 minutes on each side, or until well done. Heat the pita pocket briefly on the grill. Serve burgers wrapped in pitas with feta cheese.  Recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com

Bold_stickerstolpman-wine-petite-sirahStolpman Vineyards
Petite Sirah
Ballard Canyon AVA
Santa Ynez Valley, California

Over 20 years ago, founder Thomas Stolpman, discovered what he believed to be one of the greatest viticultural sites on earth. Hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare limestone outcropping and unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is naturally suited to grow Syrah and Roussanne grapes. The largest vineyard in the AVA, Stolpman Vineyards is considered the founding vineyard of the Ballard Canyon. The inky, black wine complements the bold flavors of BBQ perfectly. This wine stands up to a wide range of grilled meats, from lamb chops to classic BBQ dishes like ribs and brisket.

Sashi Moorman, winemaker

Sashi Moorman, winemaker

“Petite Sirah can often drink so big and ripe the wine becomes monolithic.  Not so with this cooler vintage Petite Sirah.  The nose shows glints of creosote and black pepper.Thanks to de-stemming all of the clusters, the body is lush and forgiving on the finish.  Even more unctuous and seamless after two years in neutral barrel, our Syrah fans will appreciate the Petite Sirah.  This Petite Sirah might be the top pick out of the current releases for grilled steak.” – Sashi Moorman, winemaker

Winemaker: Sashi Moorman
Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley, Ballard Canyon AVA, California
Varietal Blend:  100% Petite Sirah
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume, 3.81 pH, 6.6 TA g/L
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

Wine-Club-LogoJoin our Premium “Enjoy” Wine Club this month and receive two delicious wines from Stolpman and pairing recipes!

Every other month, you’ll receive two bottles of “If You Insist” premium wines that you’ll truly adore. These wines are top scoring or limited releases that you will thoroughly ENJOY or impress your friends!  Plus, you’ll enjoy 10% off wine purchases and 15% off additional purchases of wine club wines.

 

Stolpman Vineyards Winery Spotlight Tasting Event

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Stolpman_Tasting_headerMay Winery Spotlight
STOLPMAN VINEYARDS Tasting Event
>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

CircleLogo_Stolpman_HighResJoin us for a Winery Spotlight tasting event, featuring Stolpman Vineyards of Los Olivos,  California.

The largest vineyard in the AVA, Stolpman Vineyards is considered the founding vineyard of Ballard Canyon. Over a dozen other vintners followed Tom Stolpman into Ballard Canyon and based on the results of their experimentation, all have decided to focus on Syrah. Planted in 1992 and 1994, their first blocks of Syrah are the oldest vines, producing concentrated Syrah with a firm structure built for aging. Please join us as we Taste, Learn and Enjoy® these delicious wines from the Stolpman Vineyards. Cheers!

redcottageIf you ever get a chance to visit historic Los Olivos, be sure to stop by their adorable “little red cottage” tasting room.  Or click here for a virtual tour. Los Olivos is one of my favorite places to visit, very cute and quaint little neighborhood of tasting rooms, just outside of Solvang, CA in the Santa Ynez Valley.  Our WineStyles team had the pleasure of visiting wineries in Los Olivos last year.

ABOUT STOLPMAN VINEYARDS and FAMILY

Over 20 years ago, Founding Partner, Thomas Stolpman, discovered what he believed to be one of the greatest viticultural sites on earth. Hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare Limestone outcropping & unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is naturally suited to grow Syrah and Roussanne grapes. Stolpman Vineyards are committed to preserving this natural environment for vines through natural farming, dry farming, & sustainable employment. In the winery, they prefer native fermentation & minimal manipulation.   Dedicated to sensible farming & winemaking, Stolpman Vineyards believe that theycan create natural, vibrant, site-specific wines, with a focus unique to Ballard Canyon AVA, California.

StolpmanTom_WSTom Stolpman, Founding Partner

Behind every great man there is a strong woman. Marilyn Stolpman seeded the idea of creating a vineyard in Tom’s mind back on their honeymoon in 1974. Marilyn believed she and Tom should only invest in something the family could enjoy, and encouraged Tom to pursue his viticultural dream.

Marilyn was first exposed to wine while a UCLA undergraduate studying abroad at the University of Bordeaux, where she studied French literature. Today, Marilyn heads up the estate extra virgin olive oil program and promotes Stolpman wines with Tom.

Tom Stolpman still practices law as a trial attorney with the Long Beach, California firm of Stolpman, Krissman, Elber & Silver LLP. When not preparing or trying cases, he is the founding partner and charismatic historian of Stolpman Vineyards and Ballard Canyon.

Tom and Marilyn finished construction of their dream house on the vineyard, Villa Angeli, in 2013. Perched atop one of the vineyard hills, Tom and Marilyn can enjoy the family dynasty they have created.

Learn more about the folks at Stolpman and their “Grape Whisperer”.

Stolpman_winemaker

stolpman-wineSTOLPMAN VINEYARDS
Winery Spotlight Tasting
Santa Ynez Valley, California

  • Stolpman Viognier
  • Stolpman Roussanne
  • Stolpman LaCuadrilla
  • Stolpman Estate Syrah
  • Stolpman Petite Sirah
  • Stolpman Sangio Degli Angeli

 Limited Seating Available – Reserve your seat ASAP!

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas to Match her Style!

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MothersBlog

Nothing can bring us together like our moms. From the very beginning, they have been there for us; through many successes and failures, loves gained and lost, and all the trials and tribulations that come with growing up.

Moms can be counted on, whether they’ve been stuck with us since birth or shown up later in life and taken it upon themselves to mother us. The world is a better place, because moms everywhere do what they can each and every day to make it so.

What WineStyles team members have to say about their mothers:

My mother inspires and encourages me no matter what I set out to do. She’s always in my corner, and it’s important to have someone who’s always in your corner.
-Ashleigh R.

I adore my mother. Anyone who put up with me as a kid, deserves more than a 1-day holiday…
– Tami S.

I’d like to thank my mom for not strangling me as a child.
– Nick L.

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I appreciate the balance of freedom and structure my mother created for us kids. She always pushed me to do more and try more new things. I could go on and on about silly stories of my mom when we were growing up. And she never missed one of my games!
– Andrea M.

I love my mom for many reasons, but I would have to say I love her most for always being selfless. Her daughters have always been, and continue to be, her main priority. She would do anything for us. I distinctly remember times when I wasn’t feeling well, or hurting, and she would say, “I wish I could trade you places so you could feel better.” I can only hope I am as positive, selfless and good-hearted as she is for my own kids one day!
– Jordyn W.

It’s only right to have a holiday dedicated to showing appreciation for our moms. In honor of this special day (coming up fast on Sunday, May 8th!) we want to help you find the perfect gift! Of course your mom already knows you love her… She knows her hard work raising you – your kids, grand kids, neighbors kids, anyone within a 5 mile radius – is appreciated, BUT it’s still nice to hear. 😉

So to help you out, below are a few ideas for finding the perfect way to say “I love you, mom” this Mother’s Day. Call or stop by your local WineStyles store for help creating the perfect gift basket, or finding a great bottle of wine to go with Mother’s Day dinner.

For the mom with the secret stash of chocolates she protects like a pot of gold:

Nab some gourmet chocolates, one of her favorite bottles of wine (use a colorful gift bag), Wine-A-Rita Frozen Drink Mix complete with a statement wine glass koozie, and voilà! Add flowers, if you please.

Mothers Day Sweet Gifts

For the mom with the “she shed” to decorate with all her favorite things:

Help her decorate with wine-themed decor! A rustic wood and metal “drink” sign, a “wine” cork holder, brightly colored multi-purpose glasses, and don’t forget the wine!

Mothers Day Decor Gifts

For the mom whose stove top is always hot and table open to all:

Assemble a foodie-themed gift complete with artisan cheeses, jam, cheese tray, and salt holder. Ask a store employee to help you pick the perfect wine to pair. Now mom can entertain in style!

Mothers Day Gourmet Gifts

For the mom who’s more into craft beer:

Pick out a montage of her favorite beer styles! She’ll appreciate that you know her so well. Add a fancy Spiegelau IPA beer glass for those times when she wants to be more presentable at the dinner table, and throw in a fun beer cake mix or other beer accessory!  Really impress Mom, and top off her glass with Gift membership to our Beer Club!

Mothers Day Beer Gifts

For the mom who will make a 2nd trip to the store because she forgot the wine:

(Who needs milk, anyway?!)

Get her a Wine Club Membership*! Each month she’ll be introduced to new and different wines from around the world, from various appellations, varietals and wine styles. Plus she’ll enjoy all the perks that come with our wine club memberships, such as 10% OFF her wine purchases and 15% off featured wine club wines.  Plus, she’ll be invited to our clubhouse to attend special wine tastings and events. It’s the perfect opportunity for her to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® great wines all year long! (No more making second trips to the store).

Gift memberships or Gift Cards can be purchased at your nearest WineStyles Tasting Station location.

Moms Want WC

Thanks for reading, and a Happy Mother’s Day to all!

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* Please see local store for membership details and local benefits.

Do You and Your Wine Have a Future Together?

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Starting a Wine Collection WineStyles classAre you and your wine meant to be? 

You’ve likely never thought of your relationship with the wine bottles you bring home as a long-term one. In fact, most U.S. wine drinkers don’t think beyond Friday night when they are at the store picking out wine. It’s very common for people to head to the store once or twice per week to pick out wines to enjoy with their everyday meals and occasions. And, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! After all, we know firsthand how great that feeling is when you find a surprisingly good bottle for $10-$25; it’s what the WineStyles concept is all about! But let us ask you this – have you ever tried a 10-year aged wine? So good, right? We know you aren’t apt to purchase a 10-year vintage right off the shelf due to the price tag, so what if we told you that wine collecting isn’t just for the high-rolling hoity-toity couple on the corner lot anymore?! There are many great reasons to start a wine collection of your own, and reason #1 is so that you can enjoy better wines! We’re here to break any pretentious thoughts associated with enjoying wine and that includes keeping a wine collection!

Of course, as with any collectible, wine isn’t for everyone. To take the time to “collect” something, especially in numbers greater than, say, 12 – you must have a genuine interest in the subject you are collecting. Wine is no different. If the idea of having “leftover” wine lying around drives you nuts, then wine collecting is definitely not for you! However, if you are patient, and can resist opening those bottles set aside, wine collecting can be a very rewarding hobby! Let’s move on to a few main reasons why you might consider starting a wine collection.

Why start a wine collection?Starting a Wine Collection WineStyles class

#1 – Must love wine: Ok, that one’s obvious… if you intend to drink the wines you collect. Some collectors use wine as a long-term investment and intend to sell their bottles once they’ve appreciated in value. This can be an investment strategy, but it obviously doesn’t allow for you to enjoy the fruits of your labor! It would be a shame if you didn’t enjoy drinking your own wines! Beyond a general love for wine, collecting may appeal to you for several reasons.

Entertaining: Do you often entertain guests in your home? If you find yourself in the hostess seat often, having a go-to wine collection right at home could save you a lot of precious time and money in the long run. The perks of starting a collection for you would be having wine on hand for these get-togethers. No more last-minute running to the wine shop searching for the perfect bottle to go with dinner! Or maybe you just like to have nice wines on hand to open up with friends and family on holidays or special occasions. It will give you peace of mind to know you have wines on hand that will be a hit! As a side note to this – collecting wines from places you have traveled to is also a great way to share your stories and experiences with friends and family. For instance, you could begin by collecting wines from each location you visited in the last few years or searching for wines from your all-time favorite vacation spots! If you don’t want to track down wines from these locations, just remember to seek out a local winery on your next vacation and bring a few bottles home to add to your collection!

Cost-Effectiveness: Do you love a good deal? Who doesn’t?! Developing a strategy for purchasing and storing wines will allow you to drink better wines at better prices; again, this is what WineStyles is all about! We love getting great wines into your hands at reasonable prices. Some of those wines, even the ones priced at $10-$25 per bottle would taste even better if stored a little longer. Purchasing wine that has already been aged will cost you. So, as with many things, why not DIY? And if you love a good sale, most retailers offer at least a 10% discount for buying a full case (12 bottles). Buying “young” wine will end up saving you money, as long as you have the patience to let it age a few more years. All you will need is a little planning and guidance (see information about our upcoming class Starting a Wine Collection at the end of this post).

Research: Wine in every respect is absolutely fascinating! From the soil to the bottle, there are a lot of variables that go into how a wine tastes. Are you fascinated by the way a wine can taste different depending on the temperature it is served at, or from one vintage to the next? Maybe you’ve tasted a California Cabernet Sauvignon from a favorite winery and can’t believe how much different the 10-year-old bottle was compared with this year’s new vintage. If this sounds like you, it might be the scientific factors of ever-evolving wines that intrigue you the most! Collecting would give you the recurring opportunity to taste how your wines have changed over the years, compare different vintages side-by-side, and share the discoveries with your friends and loved ones. Now that sounds like a fun and tasteful experiment!

Starting a Wine Collection WineStyles classOk, but how long do I have to wait??

There’s a reason we haven’t mentioned that some wines can be stored for 20+ years – we don’t want to frighten you! If you are new to collecting wine, know that even just a few years on the shelf can make a world of difference in your wine. Most wines you see at the store were released when they were between 2-3 years old, and that’s still quite young for many types of wine. Holding onto a bottle for just three years can give you a noticeable improvement in taste, specifically red wines. Having said that, it’s a good idea to purchase at least 2 of every bottle you want to store, that way you can open one now and take down tasting notes on it, then add the other to your collection to taste down the road! If you go through a lot of wine, you could up the ante to purchasing a case of each wine you choose to cellar (generally a case is 12 bottles).

Not every wine is meant to be aged – You’ll want to do some further research, or attend the class described below (Starting a Wine Collection), to know exactly which wine varietals will benefit from being aged.

Already a wine collector?

If you’ve already begun your wine collection, how do you like it? Are you now an advocate of keeping a wine stock on hand and aging wines yourself? Let us know in the comments below!

Did you know there is a wine collection in the Guinness Book of World Records? This collection called Milestii Mici holds approximately 2 million bottles of wine! It’s located in the country of Moldova, which lies between Romania and the Ukraine. With so much wine to store, it is basically an underground city! #winecellargoals

April Wine and Beer Boot Camp, Starting a Wine Collection:

Starting a wine Collection class winestyles

Are you new to wine collecting, or have you started, but don’t really know the ins and outs? Attend our April Boot Camp Class and you will learn all about how to start your first wine collection, and how to maintain it for optimum enjoyment for many years to come! If you enjoy wine, starting a wine collection, even a modest one, can be a rewarding hobby!

Please RSVP at your local WineStyles location. Seating space is limited, so make your reservation as soon as possible!

*Please note: Classes and rewards may vary at different WineStyles locations. Offer void where prohibited by state or local alcohol laws. See your local WineStyles Tasting Station for details. Find your local WineStyles store here.

Thanks for reading,

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