Tag Archives: Cabernet

October Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubApple Smoked CheddarCarr Valley
Apple Smoked Cheddar
La Valle, WI

This white cheddar is apple smoked and then hand rubbed with paprika. It has a light smoky flavor that balances very well with the flavors from the paprika.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Merlot and Shiraz grape wines will bring out the mature flavor of the cheese. For beer, reach for a Hard Cider or a Porter when pairing with this cheese.

WINESTYLES: Bold, Fruity, or Nectar
BEERSTYLES: Dark and Roasty; or Fruity and Spicy

Carr Valley Cheese

Photo by Carr Valley Cheese: Apple Smoked Cheddar

ABOUT CARR VALLEY:

Owned and operated by the Cook family, Carr Valley Cheese Company is over one-hundred years old. Nestled amongst the rolling hills and lush pastures of central Wisconsin, they remain one of Wisconsin’s traditional cheese plants, famous for making cheese the old-fashioned way!

Carr Valley Cheese has won numerous awards over the years and continues to offer delicious and unique Wisconsin Cheeses. Certified Master Cheesemaker, Sid Cook, has won more top national and international awards than any other cheesemaker in North America. As a fourth-generation cheesemaker, he received his cheesemaking license when he was 16, and now owns and operates four cheese plants and eight retail cheese stores in Wisconsin. As a company, Carr Valley Cheese began in 1902, and today is best known for producing high-quality, artisanal aged Cheddars. Using cow, goat, and sheep milks, Sid enjoys creating new cheeses, and Carr Valley now produces more than 50 original varieties.

APPLEWOOD SMOKED CHEDDAR AWARDS:

  • 1st Place 2016 Los Angeles Int. Dairy Competition
  • 1st Place 2005 American Cheese Society
  • 2nd Place 2007 World Cheese Competition
  • 2nd Place 2012 American Cheese Society Competition

Maytag White CheddarMaytag Dairy Farms
7 Year Aged Cheddar
Newton, Iowa

This 7 Year Aged Cheddar has a robust cheddar flavor and an assertive tang that can be slightly acidic or even lactic. It showcases dense, fruit notes and a slightly earthy flavor. The aging process takes the cheddar from a smooth creamy texture to a drier, more crumbly style. This is the 2nd most popular cheese in America and is very versatile. Traditional food pairings include apple pie, or a salted caramel for a nice contrast.

HOW IT IS MADE:
Made from cow’s milk, Maytag 7 Year Cheddar has gone through the traditional process of “cheddaring” which involves stacking the blocks of cheese on top of one another to press out moisture. The aging process makes the recognizable cheddar flavor of this cheese even more pronounced and concentrated.  Typical “grocery store” cheddars only age 2-3 months, while this cheddar is aged for 7 years.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For Aged Cheddars with earthy undertones, look for the yin and yang. This cheese pairs well with hoppy bitters and dryness, like an IPA Beer and a Cabernet Wine; or full bodied red, stout, or scotch.

WINESTYLES: Fruity; Nectar; or Bold
BEERSTYLES: Dark and Roasty; Fruity and Spicy; or Hoppy and Bitter

Maytag Family

Photo by Maytag Diary Farms: Maytag Family

ABOUT MAYTAG DIARY FARMS:

In 1919 E.H. Maytag, the son of Maytag Appliance company founder F.L. Maytag, purchased a single Holstein cow to provide fresh clean milk to his children. E.H. quickly developed a passion and determination to breed champion Holstein-Friesian cows that could supply milk to the community while also winning blue ribbon upon blue ribbon at livestock shows across the United States.

Cave Wheels

Photo by Maytag Diary Farm: Cave Wheels

Upon E.H.’s death in 1940, his sons Fred and Robert Maytag assumed leadership of the farms and Fred pursued his idea of creating a uniquely American blue cheese made from cow’s milk. Maytag Dairy Farms collaborated with Iowa State University to pioneer the first great American blue cheese that would compete with classic European cheeses such as Roquefort, made from sheep’s milk. The cheese plant and caves were completed a year later, and the first wheels of Maytag Blue Cheese were formed in October of 1941. Fred’s son Fritz Maytag assumed leadership in 1962 and helped guide the small family company for the next 50 years. In 2003, Fritz was awarded the James Beard Foundation Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional, and in 2008 won the Beard Foundation Award for Lifetime Achievement. Fritz now serves as Chairman Emeritus and a director with his brother, Ken Maytag, and their sister, Martha Maytag Peterson.

Today, Seventy nine-years after the first wheels of Maytag Blue Cheese were made, the family tradition continues. Each wheel is handcrafted on the family farm in the rolling hills of central Iowa. Maytag Dairy Farm is still owned and operated by the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of E.H. Maytag. His legacy is the pleasure and joy taken from good food shared with people you cherish.

Monthly Cheese ClubDon’t let your Wine Club go home alone!

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

Winery Spotlight Series: October 13, 2020

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Greg and Morgan

Virtual Wine Tasting Event on Zoom and Facebook LIVE

Greg Norman Estates

Tuesday, October 13th at 6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Zoom Facebook LivePlease join us for our October Winery Spotlight tasting event on Zoom, featuring Greg Norman Estates, an internationally recognized collection of 10 varietals from Australia, California and New Zealand. Our special guest will be Morgan-Leigh Norman, daughter of Greg Norman. 

Morgan will be guiding us through a tasting of 7 different wines from Greg Norman Estates; starting with their New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, leading into their California Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernets, ending with their South Australian Shiraz Cabernet and Shiraz.  Be sure to RSVP at your local WineStyles location or on Eventbrite.  Pre-order your wines in advance at your local participating WineStyles location and taste alongside Morgan with a front seat on Zoom!  Or watch on our Facebook LIVE event.Greg Norman Wines

Greg Norman Event Header

ABOUT GREG NORMAN ESTATES:

Greg Norman Estates, founded in 1996, is a collection of fine wines sourced from stunning wine regions in California, New Zealand, and Greg’s homeland of Australia. With fourteen 90+ point scores to its record, Greg Norman Estates rivals top brands having earned countless accolades from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. A staple on the “Top 100 Wines in the World” list, the 1999 Reserve Shiraz received the distinction of “No. 8 Wine in the World.” While his well-documented wins on the golf course have assured his place in golf history, off the course, founder Greg Norman’s enthusiasm for wine and zest for living well have combined to create a stunning collection of high-quality, accessible wines from some of his favorite places in the world.

Greg Norman, Founder
Greg Norman

Greg Norman, Founder of Greg Norman Estates

Greg Norman has won more than 90 professional golf tournaments worldwide, including two Open Championships, and he holds the distinction of defending his No. 1 position in the world golf rankings for 331 weeks, the second-longest reign in history. As one of the most prolific players in the game, his career culminated in 2001 when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame with a higher percentage of votes than any other inductee.

Whether on the course or off, he instinctively sees opportunities others miss. Greg now transcends the game of golf, with over a dozen companies around the world bearing his name. in 2016, Greg Norman partnered with powerhouse brand, entertainment and marketing company, Authentic Brands Group, to promote and further establish him as a world-class entrepreneur.

Guest speaker Morgan-Leigh Norman, Proprietor and Brand Ambassador
Morgan-Leigh Norman

Morgan-Leigh Norman of Greg Norman Estates

After an impressive foray into the culinary world, Morgan-Leigh joined Greg Norman Estates as part of the marketing team. Since then, she has been instrumental in the brand redesign as well as representing her family’s business with both trade and consumers. Morgan-Leigh lives in Palm Beach, Florida, where she works on growing the Greg Norman Estates business. Learn more about the family here.

ABOUT THE VINEYARDS:

The selected growing regions are appreciated for the incredible wines they produce and the personal influence they have had on the Normans over Greg’s many years of professionally touring the world.  A strong believer in the role of wine as part of an active, easygoing lifestyle, Greg’s aim is to produce approachable, yet bold wines to be enjoyed by family, fans and wine enthusiasts alike. Greg’s top priority when it comes to sourcing fruit from some of the world’s finest wine regions is to work with growers who are good land stewards. Fruit is sourced from premium vineyards that have distinctive slower ripening periods as well as favorable elevations, aspects and soil profiles.

Greg Norman Estates Vineyard

Photo by Greg Norman Estates: Vineyard

Greg Norman Estate

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Greg Norman Estates
California, New Zealand, and Australia

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

April Wine Club Recipe Pairing

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Flank Steak ChimichurriFlank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Easy Argentinian marinated flank steak with Chimichurri sauce is bursting with bold savory flavors and just a hint of heat.

STEAK INGREDIENTS:
• I ½ pounds flank steak

MARINADE INGREDIENTS:
• ¼ cup oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Juice of 1 lime

CHIMICHURRI SAUCE INGREDIENTS:
• ½ cup cilantro
• ½ cup parsley
• ½ onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic
• ½ teaspoon Italian blend seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

DIRECTIONS:
• Whisk together marinade ingredients. Combine marinade and steak in a large ziplock bag. Seal and chill for 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
• Combine all Chimichurri ingredients in a blender or food processor, and pulse until smooth.
• Preheat an oiled skillet or grill to medium-high heat. Sear steak for 6-8 minutes on each side until heavily browned on the outside and slightly pink in the middle.
• Thinly slice steak across the grain and serve with Chimichurri sauce on top.
© Recipe courtesy of www.LeCremeDaLaCrumb.com

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoStickybeak Cabernet SauvignonStickybeak
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

‘Stickybeak’ is Australian slang for a nosey neighbor or to be overly inquisitive. Searching for the best sites that the California wine growing region has to offer, the vintners’ inquisitive search for the best expressions of the land produced this delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. The vintners’ objective was to create a seamless Cabernet Sauvignon, nothing over done, especially the oak. To achieve this, they sought vineyards from the valley floor in Rutherford, as well as Oak Knoll, and the Chiles Valley. The blend of earthy, fruit-driven Cabernet from the valley floor combined with chiseled hillside tannins and acidity is very appealing. This, along with a small parcel of Merlot, imparted the desired palate weight and texture.

Bill Nancarrow Winemaker“Typical Napa Valley floor notes of ripe dark fruits and cassis are complemented by lifted and high toned red berry notes from the higher elevations. Oak derived cedar and clove spice are on full display, but tempered by an impressive freshness. The palate is well structured with ripe tannins providing the frame for the blackberry, plum and vanilla flavors. The wine is medium bodied with a lovely natural balance and finishes with length and clarity.” – Bill Nancarrow, Winemaker

Winemaker: Bill Nancarrow
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

 

Hanger Steak with Grilled Fennel Salad

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hanger steak fennel salad

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 TBS crushed garlic
• ¾ cup olive oil
• 1 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 2 TBS fresh thyme, roughly chopped
• 1 ¼ cups parsley leaves, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup mint, roughly chopped
*Please note herbs are used in 2 parts of this recipe
• 1 ½ pounds hanger steak (butchers steak)
• 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 4 TBS olive oil (split into 2 TBS each)
• Kosher salt to taste • freshly cracked pepper
• 2 fennel bulbs, cored and cut into wedges
• 2 large tomatoes, cut into 6 wedges each
• 3 ounces feta large dice

DIRECTIONS:
• Blend garlic, olive oil, cilantro, 1 cup parsley, thyme and ½ cup mint in a blender until smooth, pour over steak and let marinate in refrigerator for 3 hours. Whisk vinegar, lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl. Gradually drizzle in 2 Tbsp. olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
• Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade; season with salt and pepper. Grill until nicely browned and thermometer reads 125℉ for medium-rare, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board; let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
• Meantime, toss fennel and remaining 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large bowl; season with salt. Grill fennel on cut sides until charred and slightly soft, about 2-3 minutes per side. Return to bowl, drizzle with vinaigrette, and toss to coat. Let cool slightly, then gently toss in tomatoes, feta, and remaining ¼ cup parsley and ¼ cup mint. Serve salad alongside the steak.© Recipe courtesy of Vintners Alliance.

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB PAIRING:

Robert Eden Cabernet SauvignonMellow style logo
Robert Eden Collection
Cabernet Sauvignon
Languedoc, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Robert Eden, co-owner and winemaker of Château Maris, is recognized worldwide for his commitment to sustainable and organic viticulture. The Robert Eden Collection is his latest project, made with organic grapes from the Languedoc region in the South of France. Year-round sunshine and high winds provide a dry environment, naturally keeping away pests and vine diseases. This makes for perfect conditions for organic agriculture and beautifully balanced, ripe grapes. Robert selects the best vineyards and hand-crafts each wine to bring out the purest expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. The organic grapes were de-stemmed and then fermented in concrete tanks under temperature control. Aging involves some large wooden tanks for part of the blend.

Winemaker Robert Eden“Dark ruby color. Sweet aromas of creme de cassis, kirsch, orange zest, and magnolia with a silky, vibrant, fruity medium-body and a silky, medium-length herbal tea finish with light oak flavor. A pure and simple cabernet sauvignon with sweet aromatics and a lightly herbal palate. Supple and generous wine, will go well with pizza, pasta, and everyday food.” – Robert Eden, Winemaker

Winemaker: Robert Eden
Appellation: Languedoc, France
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim: Silver Medal, 2019 World Wine Championship

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases, 4 free tasting tickets and special discounts to attend wine tasting events, classes and more!

 

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.

December Wine Club pairing recipe

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December Wine Club WineStyles

MACAY-bowChateau Macay
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Cotes de Bourg, France

The vineyard of Château Macay is situated in Samonac, in the heart of the Côtes de Bourg appellation, 30 km from Bordeaux, on the  right bank of Gironde estuary.  The name Macay comes from the patronymic of a Scottish officer’s surname, Mac Kay.  The castle Macay was founded by the Gagnernot family in 1740.  In 1850, this property was part of seven adjacent farms and a real wine village with a cellar on two floors, its cooper’s trade was surmounted by a tower.  The “Forge de Macay” was the central point of the property.  In 2012, Frédérique and Hervé Descourviéres became the proud new owners of Château Macay.

winemaker-Olivier-Dauga

“This wine has a very beautiful intense, clear garnet red color.  It offers a rich nose of aromatic blackberry fruits and grilled spicy notes.  Its palate is generous and aromatic, soft and fresh with excellent balance, elegant tannins and spicy notes on the finish.  Pairs perfectly with toasted lamb skewers or lamb chops” – Olivier Dauga, winemaker

Winemaker: Olivier Dauga
Appellation: Cotes de Bourg, France
Varietal Blend:  40% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Fran, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume, 3.7 pH
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

Lamb Curry with Basmati Rice

Lamb-curry-recipeINGREDIENTS:
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 lbs (900g) lamb fillet, cut into 1” cubes
•  6 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
•  2 onions, roughly chopped
•  3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
•  2 green chillies, finely chopped
•  1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
•  1 tbsp ground turmeric
•  1/2 tbsp ground cumin
•  1 tbsp chilli powder
•  1 tbsp plain flour
•  14 fl. oz. (400ml) coconut milk
•  1 pint (600ml) chicken stock
•  9 oz. (250g) baby spinach leaves
•  1 pomegranate, seeded
•  7 oz (200g) plain yogurt
•  salt and freshly ground black pepper
•  steamed basmati rice, to serve

DIRECTIONS:
•  Heat a large saucepan and add one tablespoon of the vegetable oil and then the lamb.  Cook over a high heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the lamb is golden brown all over, then remove and set aside.
•  Reduce the heat and add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.  Add the onions, garlic, chillies and ginger and fry for 2-3 minutes, until golden and softened.  Add all the turmeric, garam masala, cumin and chili powder and fry, stirring well, for one minute. Add the flour and cook for a further minute.  Add the tomatoes and coconut milk and heat to bring to a simmer. Add the lamb and enough chicken stock to just cover the lamb. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and release any residue at the bottom of the pan.
•  Heat the mixture until simmering, then cover and cook on a low heat for about one hour, or until the lamb is tender and cooked through.  Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce, then add the spinach and pomegranate. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the spinach has wilted.  Add the yogurt, season to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper and stir well.  Serve on warmed plates with steamed basmati rice on side.    Recipe courtesy of Vinadeis.

Silverado Tasting Event

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Silverado_Tasting_RoomSeptember Winery Spotlight
Tasting Event
>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

Silverado Vineyards
Napa, California

Silverado_Tasting_Wine

The winery’s name, Silverado, comes from an abandoned mining town at the top of Napa Valley.  A century later, the widow, daughter and son-in-law of Walt Disney began carefully laying the foundation of what would be come Silverado Vineyards in 1976. A few years later, they also acquired a vineyard in the Stags Leap District – known for the quality of it’s Cabernet Sauvignon. Silverado Vineyards now farms six distinctive, family owned vineyards in the Napa Valley and Carneros, three of which are historic sites from these proprietor owned vineyards. Please join us for a Winery Spotlight tasting, featuring Silverado wines. 

“The winegrowers . . . are perhaps the most fascinating aspect of terroir . . . Starting with a vision, they activate the links that connect Earth with vine and fruit, guide the transformation of fruit into wine, oversee its maturation, and only then present the liquid that completes the circle, connecting us with the Earth from which the wine arose.” –  Jonathan Swinchatt and David G. Howell,  The Winemaker’s Dance.

   Good wine is about people, from every hand that helps create Silverado’s Cabernet to every current and future friend who lifts a glass of  wine around the dinner table.   100% of the estate is sustainability farmed: 15% is farmed organically; 70% is Certified Napa Green; 50% is preserved in the Land Trust exclusively for open space and agriculture use. 50% of the winery is powered by solar panels. Proud of their accomplishments, Silverado is just getting started.  They also donate time, money and wine to over 70 organizations annually that need our help to keep their communities safe, healthy, learning and enjoying the pleasures of artistic endeavor.

For Silverado, sustainable is not simply a farming method. It is an approach to all of their activities. It is the driving force behind everything they do to ensure that this winery and estate are here for generation of customers and neighbors to enjoy.  Please join us for a special tasting event with Silverado.

Limited Seating Available – Reserve your seat ASAP!

Silverado_WinesContact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

Alexander Valley Vineyards

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May Winery Spotlight
Tasting Event
>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

Alexander Valley Vineyards
Sonoma, California

AlexanderValley_VineyardSonoma County’s Alexander Valley was mostly prune orchards and pastures when, in 1962, Maggie and Harry Wetzel purchased a large portion of a homestead built by Cyrus Alexander, the valley’s nineteenth century namesake. Here, in a rural community of family farms and ranches, the Wetzel family settled. They raised livestock, cultivated bountiful gardens and restored Alexander’s original home, making it the center of family life.
With an eye to their neighbors in nearby Napa Valley, the Wetzels boldly planted premium grape varieties, among the first in the area. Then the family built a small winery and Hank Wetzel, oldest son of Maggie and Harry, produced Alexander Valley Vineyard’s first wine in 1975.  His wife Linda set up the books and managed the winery office.  AVV quickly established a reputation for estate grown wines with distinctive varietal character. Acclaimed for luscious Chardonnay and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley Vineyards brought recognition to the appellation and became a leading winery in Sonoma County.
AlexanderValley_Winery
Today the Alexander Valley is a prominent appellation known worldwide as the source of rich, age worthy wines. As the twenty-first century begins, the Wetzel Family Estate grows fourteen grape varieties, on diverse sites stretching from the banks of the Russian River up onto the hillsides. Each grape variety is matched to a specific soil type and exposure. Vineyard Manager Mark Houser and Winemaker Kevin Hall work as a team to maximize fruit flavor in the vineyard and to create balanced wines that capture the grapes’ varietal characteristics.
Linda-Hank-Wetzel

Linda and Hank Wetzel

2015 marks the family’s 53rd year on the historic property and will be the winery’s 41st vintage.  The 3rd generation of the Wetzel Family produces award winning wines that are sold throughout the United States and was voted Sonoma’s Best Winery in 2011 by Bay Area wine lovers. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot constitute over one-half of total production.  Other varietals include Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Syrah.  Proprietary wines include CYRUS, their limited production Bordeaux style blend, Gewurz, and trio of Zins: Temptation Zinfandel, Redemption Zinfandel and Sin Zin, their voluptuous Alexander Valley Zinfandel.

Please join us for a Winery Spotlight tasting, featuring AVV wines.

ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS:

AlexanderWines
Estate Chardonnay
Estate Cabernet
Estate Merlot
Pinot Noir
Cyrus

LIMITED SEATING
Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

The Hess Collection

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March Winery Spotlight
Tasting Event

>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

Please join us for a special Winery Spotlight event, featuring The Hess Collection winery from Napa Valley, California.

The HESS Collection
Vineyards & Winery

Hess_FamilyStarted in 1844, Hess Family Wine Estates is a family-owned, fourth-generation company with a deep commitment to responsible agricultural and business practices.  Founded in Bern, Switzerland, Hess Family Wine Estates seeks, develops and mentors businesses worldwide that reflect the company’s values of tradition, quality and sustainability.

In 1978, Donald Hess founded the Hess Collection Winery on Mount Veeder, 2,000 feet above the Napa Valley.  True to his vision of what a New World wine should be, Mr. Hess established his winery on the volcanic slopes of Mount Veeder in the Napa Valley and defined a whole new approach to winemaking.  Along with its mountain vineyards, the winery has won acclaim for its other estate vineyards in the northeast and southern ends of the Napa Valley and has been recognized for its successful relationships with family-owned growers who represent some of the finest appellations in California.

The Hess Collection Winery produces three tiers of wines and has distinguished itself as a premium producer of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

THE HESS COLLECTION WINE TASTING EVENT:

Hess_Wines

The Hess Collection Napa Valley Chardonnay
Hess Select Central Coast Pinot Noir
The Hess Collection 19 Block Mountain Cuvee
MacPhail Family Wines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The Hess Collection Napa Valley Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon
The Hess Collection Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

LIMITED SEATING
Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

Winery Spotlight

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Rombauer Tasting Event

>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

The Story of Rombauer Vineyards – Napa Valley, CA

Rombauer Vineyards was established in 1980, when the Rombauer family harvested their first grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District. Nearly 35 years later, the winery remains family owned and operated with members of the first and second generations involved in all aspects of the business.  When founders Koerner and Joan Rombauer moved their two children, two horses and five dogs to Napa Valley in 1972, they had no intention of starting a winery. They chose the area because it reminded them of the small-town, agricultural environment in which they had grown up, and it appeared to be a clean, safe place to raise their children. They purchased  40 acres of beautiful hilltop land on the Silverado Trail near the town of St. Helena in California.

Rombauer_FamilyThe Rombauers did have a great appreciation for the role of wine in the fine dining experience. Koerner’s great aunt Irma Rombauer was the author of the internationally renowned cookbook The Joy of Cooking and Koerner’s ancestors were from the winegrowing region of Rheingau, Germany, where wine is considered an essential complement to a meal. It didn’t take long for Koerner and Joan to become fascinated with the growing Napa Valley wine industry. In 1976, they became partners in Conn Creek Winery.  Koerner learned the wine business first in the cellar, working hand in hand with the winemaker and learning all phases of winery operations.

In 1980, the Rombauers made their first wines under their own label at a neighbor’s winery. In 1981, they sold their interest in Conn Creek Winery and began construction of the Rombauer Vineyards winery on the property adjacent to their home.  Today, under the direction of Director of Winemaking and Viticulture Richie Allen, Rombauer Vineyards combines traditional viticultural and winemaking practices with the best available technology to ensure the highest quality wine production. The winery produces award-winning Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.

Rombauer-winesROMBAUER WINERY TASTING EVENT:

Chardonnay
Cabernet Sauvignon
Diamond Select Cabernet
Merlot
Zinfandel

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