Tag Archives: california wines

Winery Spotlight Series: April 2024

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Official-HFW-logoHope Family standing in vineyardsWinery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Hope Family Wines
Paso Robles, California

April 2024

We’re thrilled to introduce these wines to you! Last September, we had the opportunity to visit the Austin Hope Winery − part of Hope Family Wines − during our annual WineStyles conference in Paso Robles. We had the pleasure of sampling their fantastic range of wines. Now, we invite you to join us for the Hope Family Wines Winery Spotlight tasting event, where we’ll be showcasing five of their remarkable wines. Please join us!

Wines Tasted:

  1. Austin Chardonnay
  2. Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon
  3. Austin Cabernet Sauvignon
  4. Liberty School Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
  5. Troublemaker Blend 16

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting, please contact your local participating WineStyles store, or reserve your tickets on Eventbrite.

Hope Family wines to be tasted

About Hope Family Wines:
In 1978, Austin Hope’s family settled in Paso Robles, establishing vineyards and apple orchards. Unaware of Paso Robles’ future as a premier wine growing region, they continued farming. Today, Hope Family Wines thrives with six distinct brands: Liberty School, Treana, Quest, Austin Hope, Troublemaker, and the newest addition, Austin. Recognitions include Austin Hope being named the 2019 “Wine Person of the Year” by Paso Robles, their 2017 Austin Hope label ranking #10 on Wine Enthusiast’s “Top 100 Enthusiast Wines of the World,” and their recent accolade as Wine Enthusiast’s American Winery of the Year in 2022. Learn more about their story here.

© Hope Family Wines

© Hope Family Wines

Sustainability:
Hope Family Wines is committed to sustainable growing practices that promote vine health, improve wine quality, and ensure that growers remain profitable. The number of tractor passes is kept to a minimum, protecting the integrity of the root structures and avoiding compacting the soil. Hope Family Wines works actively with the Central Coast Vineyard Team to promote best practices in the vineyards. They also use self-assessment tools put together by the Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers to gauge progress and identify areas for improvement over time. This multi-pronged approach to growing, from winter pruning through fall harvest, ensures we use only the finest grapes for each of our labels. 

SIP Certified:
Chuck and Austin Hope believe their stewardship of their estate vineyard reaches far beyond the vineyard rows to ensure the ecosystem thrives. They’ve created wildlife corridors so the native quail, deer and maybe a wild boar or two, can pass through the vineyard. Their estate vineyards are SIP Certified ensuring they focus on preservation and protection of natural and human resources.  Learn more about their sustainability efforts >

© Hope Family Wines

© Hope Family Wines

About Austin Hope – Winemaker & President:
Austin Hope began his journey in Paso Robles in 1978 when his family acquired a ranch. Assigned to work in the vineyards as punishment by his father, Chuck Hope, a young Austin surprised everyone by embracing the task at just eight years old. While studying Fruit Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in California, Austin’s family laid the groundwork for Treana Winery. When his uncle passed away in 1996, Chuck turned to Austin to lead the business. Teaming up with winemaker Chris Phelps, Austin ventured into producing red table wine from Paso Robles, then a lesser-known region. His boldness paid off; today, Austin continues to expand his wine portfolio, driven by his unwavering commitment to showcasing Paso Robles’ essence in every bottle.

Map of Hope Family vineyards

Photos and Information © Hope Family Wines – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Hope Family Wines
April 2024
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

Winery Spotlight Series: March 2024

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Ancient Peaks Winery logo - Web

Ancient Peaks wine bottles with vineyard in backgroundWinery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Ancient Peaks Winery
Santa Margarita Ranch AVA
Paso Robles, California

March 2024

We’re thrilled to introduce these wines to you! Last September, we had the opportunity to visit the Ancient Peaks winery and vineyards during our annual WineStyles conference. We had the pleasure of sampling their fantastic range of wines. Now, we invite you to join us for the Ancient Peaks Winery Spotlight tasting event, where we’ll be showcasing seven of their remarkable wines from their estate vineyard that is SIP certified (Sustainability in Practice – the leading standard for viticultural sustainability).  Ancient Peaks’ estate vineyard is very exclusive, as it’s the only vineyard in the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA in the Paso Robles wine region. Please join us!

Wines Tasted:

  1. Ancient Peaks Chardonnay
  2. Ancient Peaks Sauvignon Blanc
  3. Ancient Peaks Merlot
  4. Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon
  5. Ancient Peaks Oyster Ridge
  6. Ancient Peaks Zinfandel
  7. Ancient Peaks Renegade

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please contact your local participating WineStyles store, or reserve your tickets on Eventbrite.

Ancient Peaks Table

© Ancient Peaks Winery

About Ancient Peaks Winery:
Ancient Peaks Winery and Margarita Vineyard are owned by three longtime local winegrowing and ranching families – the Filipponis, Rossis and Wittstroms. Two generations are actively involved in the daily operations of the vineyard and winery. Grapes were first planted at the Santa Margarita Ranch by Franciscan missionaries in 1780, but the area’s history began with the Chumash and Salian Native Americans more than 10,000 years ago. The modern viticultural era at the ranch began with the planting of Margarita Vineyard by the famed Robert Mondavi family starting in 1999. The Mondavis saw immense potential in the land with diverse soils and marine-influenced climate.

In 2005, the ranch owners – Filipponi, Rossi and Wittstrom families – had an opportunity to buy the original lease from the Robert Mondavi Winery and take full ownership and control of the Margarita Vineyard. The Margarita Vineyard estate resides in Santa Margarita Ranch AVA and stands alone as the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles region, tucked against the Santa Lucia Mountains and just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean – the coolest micro-climate in Paso. Ancient Peaks’ wines are crafted under the guidance of Founding Winemaker Mike Sinor and Winemaker Stewart Cameron. Vineyard Manager, Jamie Muniz, has been working at the ranch since the first grapes were planted in 1999. Together, they are committed to making wines that capture the extraordinary character and flavors of the Margarita Vineyard Estate. Learn more about their story here.

SIP certified logoSustainability: 
The Margarita Vineyard was planted in 1999 as a model for sustainability.  Today, Ancient Peaks continues to implement numerous sustainable viticultural practices to ensure natural quality in their wines while protecting the rich native environment surrounding the vineyard. Their practices have earned SIP (Sustainability In Practice) Certification for their Margarita Vineyard, the leading standard for viticultural sustainability.  Learn more about their sustainability efforts >

© Ancient Peaks Winery
© WineStyles 2023 Visit to Ancient Peaks Winery – Oyster Fossils
© Ancient Peaks Winery
© Ancient Peaks Winery
© WineStyles 2023 Visit to Ancient Peaks Winery & Vineyards
© Ancient Peaks Winery – Doug Filipponi, Co-Owner
© Ancient Peaks Winery
© Ancient Peaks Winery, Photo by Cameron Ingalls
© Ancient Peaks Winery – Founding Winemaker, Mike Sinor
© Ancient Peaks Winery
© WineStyles 2023 Visit to Ancient Peaks Winery
© Ancient Peaks Winery, Photo by Cameron Ingalls

Photos and Information © Ancient Peaks Winery – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Ancient Peaks Winery
March 2024
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

Winery Spotlight Series: November 8, 2023

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Tooth-and-Nail-logoTooth & Nail Wine Company
with Guest Speaker, Jeremy Leffert
Paso Robles, California

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Tooth & Nail Wines with guest speaker Jeremy Leffert, Director of Winemaking at Tooth & Nail. He will be joining us LIVE on the big screen nationwide, sharing the six wines below.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Sauvignon Blanc
  2. Cabernet
  3. Red Blend
  4. Amor Fati Syrah
  5. The Possessor Cabernet
  6. The Stand Petite Sirah

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please contact your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go from your local participating store and watch/taste along with us on Zoom!

Tooth and Nail_Wines_Bottle Shots

About Tooth & Nail Wine Co.:
Founded by grower Rob Murray, Tooth & Nail Wine Company followed a path of true grit and determination to find success in Paso Robles, a tough place to grow grapes and make wine. Rather than battle nature, he bottled it–fighting tooth and nail to create wines that embrace the elements in the pursuit of excellence and for people who simply love wine. The Tooth & Nail winery and vineyard resides in the Willow Creek District AVA of Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast. Willow Creek is a small district in the path of the cool marine air that flows through the Templeton Gap, a notch in the coastal mountains. It is home to some of the largest calcareous soil formations in North America. Tooth & Nail also sources grapes from other Paso Robles vineyards that are under their viticultural control—enabling Tooth & Nail to grow the fruit to their exact specifications and to build natural complexity into their wines. Learn more about the Tooth & Nail story here.

About Jeremy Leffert, Director of Winemaking:

Jeremy Leffert

Director of Winemaking, Jeremy Leffert © Tooth & Nail Wine Co.

All Tooth & Nail, Amor Fati, Destinata and Stasis wines are made under the guidance of Jeremy. Born in California and raised in Minnesota, Jeremy always had a deep interest in the natural world.  After completing his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a focus in Natural History at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Jeremy relocated back to California. Soon after moving to Santa Barbara, he discovered the world of Central Coast wine and felt particularly drawn to the vineyards that surrounded him. 

After meeting Dr. Keith Patterson, the famed wine and viticulture professor at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Jeremy was inspired to enroll in the university’s masters program in Crop Science with a focus in Viticulture. Throughout his time at Cal Poly, Jeremy’s passion exceeded his desire to learn as he strove to perfect his viticultural knowledge and abilities. Jeremy began his winemaking journey working at Four Vines Winery. He has been rooted in the Paso Robles winemaking community ever since, ultimately leading to his position as Director of Winemaking at Tooth and Nail Wine Company starting in 2015. Reserve your spot and join us November 8th to learn more about Jeremy and Tooth and Nail Wine Co.’s winery and wines.

© Tooth and Nail Wine Co.
© Tooth and Nail Wine Co.
© Tooth and Nail Wine Co.
© Tooth and Nail Wine Co.
© Tooth and Nail Wine Co.
© Tooth and Nail Wine Co.

Photos and Information © Tooth & Nail Wine Company – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Jeremy Leffert
Tooth & Nail Wines
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

Pomar Junction Reserve Tempranillo

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Brisket Nachos with green peppersEasy Brisket Nachos

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 bag tortilla chips
  • 3 cups shredded beef brisket leftovers or freshly smoked
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 green pepper chopped
  • ½ red onion chopped
  • 1 cup black beans
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Optional Toppings
    • Guacamole
    • Salsa

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat up smoker to 350-450°F. Line a cast iron skillet with aluminum foil.
  2. Spread the tortilla chips out in pan. Avoid stacking them in a pile as much as is possible.
  3. Top chips with shredded brisket, cheese, BBQ sauce, green pepper, red onion, and black beans
  4. Transfer to smoker. Close lid and cook for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Remove from smoker and top with chopped green onion and any additional toppings
  6. Serve immediately. To keep warm, cover with aluminum foil.

© Recipe courtesy of The Online Grill.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoPomar_Junction_Tempranillo_ReservePomar Junction
Reserve Tempranillo
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This wine expresses itself with dark and earthy aromas and flavors. Dried black cherries and leather aromas mingle with hints of nutmeg and clay. It has an intense tannic structure and flavors of black currant that lead to notes of freshly brewed Italian espresso. This wine has a lengthy finish with notes of dark berries and rye toast. It will cellar beautifully for years, but is accessible immediately to those who desire big and bold reds. 

Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
Analysis: 14.3% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Paso Robles, California
Vineyard: Pomar Junction – Upper Slope Select, Estate Vineyard
pH: 3.71
TA: .55 g/L
Sugar: 23.8 brix
RS: 0.25
Aging: 21-22 months
Cooperage: 35% New Oak (French & American)
Winemaker: Jim Shumate
Cases Produced: 193

ABOUT POMAR JUNCTION VINEYARD & WINERY:
Located in the El Pomar District in the heart of the Paso Robles AVA, Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery is family owned and operated by the Merrill family. Here, they grow premium grapes, focusing on small lot, food friendly wines with sustainable vineyard management techniques. The winemaking experience is further enhanced by their Head Winemaker and Cal Poly SLO Enology Professor, Jim Shumate. Learn more about the Merrill Family and Jim Shumate here.

© Photo by Pomar Junction
© Photo by Pomar Junction – (Left to Right) Matt Merrill, Dana Merrill, and Jim Shumate
© Photo by Pomar Junction

Information © Pomar Junction – All Rights Reserved.

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!

Learn More >

 
 
 

 

Rangel Ranch Zinfandel

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Vanilla Cheesecake with Berries Vanilla Cheesecake with Berry Compote

INGREDIENTS:

  • For the Crust:
    • 2 package Bahlsen Waffeletten cookies
    • 2 cups crushed butter crackers (approx. 30)
    • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • For the Cheesecake:
    • ½ cup whole milk
    • 2 vanilla bean pods, cut half lengthwise
    • 2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 4 large eggs
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
  • For the Mixed Berry Compote:
    • 1 cup raspberries
    • 1 cup blueberries
    • 1 cup strawberries
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS:

  1. For the Crust:
    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. Add the Bahlsen Waffeletten Cookies and crackers to your food processor and pulse until finely chopped; then slowly pour in the butter until well combined.
    3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a lightly buttered 8-inch springform pan; then bake for 5 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.
  2. For the Cheesecake:
    1. Add the milk to a small saucepan; then scrape off as much of the vanilla beans into the milk as you can using the back of a knife. Add the vanilla bean pods to the milk; then warm over medium heat. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
    2. Combine the cream cheese and sugar in your stand mixer until creamy; then add the eggs, vanilla and cooled milk.
    3. Mix until creamy; then stir in the white chocolate by hand and pour into the cooled crust.
    4. Place the cheesecake on a baking sheet and add 2 cups of water to the pan so that you create a water bath for the springform pan.
    5. Bake on the middle oven rack for approximately 50-60 minutes or until top is lightly brown and the top springs back when gently touched. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before refrigerating.
    6. Top with the mixed berry compote when ready to serve.
  3. For the Mixed Berry Compote:
    1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

© Recipe courtesy of Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoRangel-Ranch-North-Coast-Zinfandel-bottleRangel Ranch
Zinfandel
North Coast, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Zinfandel is medium-bodied with notes of dark cherry, raspberry and spice wrapped in gentle oak. 

Varietal: Zinfandel
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.51
TA: 0.57%
RS: 0.51%
Pairing: BBQ, smoked cheeses, salami, spicy cuisine, and cheesecake with berry compote

Winemaking:
Stainless steel fermentation at 90ºF; daily pump over, aged 18 months in American Oak barrels.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Rangel Ranch focuses on the traditions of their family making and enjoying food friendly wines. Their wines reflect their family history and heritage in every bottle of their Napa County and North Coast releases. Vintage to vintage, winemaker, Paul Scotto, focuses on wine profiles that have held wide appeal through the decades and remain true to the Rangel family traditions. The reds are oak accented with soft tannins and ready to enjoy right away; while the whites are unoaked, crisp and medium bodied.

ABOUT SCOTTO CELLARS:

The family’s vinous heritage and history dates back to 1883 when Salvatore Dominic Scotto, an officer in the Italian Navy, began making wine at his home on the Island of Ischia, just off the coast of Italy.  In addition to making wine for his family (a long-held custom in Italy), Salvatore also treated his friends and neighbors to the fruits of his labor. 

Great-great grandpa Salvatore passed his skills along to his son Dominic, who migrated to Brooklyn in 1903 and continued the family’s winemaking tradition in America. He carried on the Scotto heritage with his sons who sold their father’s homemade wine in five-gallon crocks from the family’s horse drawn cart. After Prohibition, Anthony Sr. and his older brother Sal created Villa Armando (nicknamed Rustico).  Rustico is still produced today and has filled 200,000,000 glasses since its inception, making it one of California’s oldest wine brands.

Today Scotto Cellars is a 5th-generation family-owned and managed wine producing company.  They take pride in treating team members not only as collaborators but also as family members who are encouraged to think creatively and live with a can-do attitude. For five generations the Scotto family has embraced the Old World traditions of sharing meals and celebrating meaningful moments with friends.  Wine has always been a centerpiece of these events and a reflection of Scotto’s Italian heritage they so proudly embrace.  Read more >

Scotto Cellars 5th Generation

Information © Rangel Ranch – All Rights Reserved.

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!

Learn More >

 
 
 

 

Winery Spotlight Series: April 11, 2023

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Clos LaChance Vineyards logo
Styles wine bottles with winemaker Steve Driscoll

STYLES Wine Tasting with Clos LaChance Vineyards and Guest Speaker, Steve Driscoll
San Martin, California

Tuesday, April 11, 2023
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

California Certified Sustainable logoJoin us for an exclusive tasting featuring our STYLES wines, created in collaboration with Clos LaChance winery – a family-owned and certified sustainable winery in California. Steve Drsicoll, Winemaker at Clos LaChance, will be our guest speaker and tasting us through our six Style Wines on the big screen at the store. Discover your favorite wine STYLE with Steve!
 
STYLE Wines Tasted (for tasting notes, click on each style):
  1. CRISP
  2. SILKY
  3. RICH
  4. FRUITY
  5. MELLOW
  6. BOLD

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please contact your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go from your local participating store and watch/taste along with us on Zoom.

Jan19_Styles_wines_email-header

About Clos LaChance:

Clos LaChance winery is a multi-generational family-owned and operated winery.  Located within the Central Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA), tucked into the beautiful Hayes Valley in San Martin, California.  Being good stewards of land and resources, the Clos LaChance Winery and Estate Vineyard is proud to be Certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Wine Growing Alliance.  Owners Bill and Brenda Murphy are especially vested in the sustainability of the vineyard and winery—creating a legacy for their children, grandchildren and generations to come.

Sustainability is an ever-evolving practice. As a member of the Central Coast Vineyard Team, Clos LaChance has also actively participated in the Wine Institute Sustainability Self-Assessment Program, identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement. They are proud of current achievements to create an environmentally, economically and socially sound business, and will continue working towards more sustainable practices.

In early 2009, Clos LaChance’s 150-acre Estate vineyard was one of seventeen California vineyards to be Sustainably Certified via the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. The production facility was certified shortly thereafter.  Learn more about their winery here.

Clos LaChance Winery

© Clos LaChance Wines

About Steve Driscoll, Winemaker:

Steve Driscoll

© Steve Driscoll

Steve graduated with a degree in Wine and Viticulture from the University of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and spent 2 years roaming the cellar of Edna Valley Vineyards, in which he helped produce fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnays. Afterwards he became Cellar Master for Ruby Hill Winery, one of the oldest wineries in the Livermore Valley, producing great California Zinfandels and Petite Sirahs. In 2009 Steve set off for New Zealand to expand his knowledge of winemaking and new world wines. He worked for a large custom crush facility producing well known staples of the industry, like Kim Crawford and Little Penguin. After traveling the world, Steve came back to the Central Coast California to join the Clos LaChance team. His knowledge of the cellar and his passion for producing fine wines is unrivaled, and possibly only matched, by his passion for Metallica and Def Leppard. Learn more about Steve and the Clos LaChance team here.

Styles-power-twitter-post

Photos and Information © Clos LaChance – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
STYLES Wine Tasting with Clos LaChance Vineyards
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com
 

Winery Spotlight Series: March 21, 2023

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Hayes-Valley-Logo
5 Hayes Valley wine bottlesHayes Valley Wines
with Guest Speaker, Jason Robideaux
San Martin, California

Tuesday, March 21, 2023
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Hayes Valley Wines with guest speaker Jason Robideaux, Vice President of Winery and Vineyard Operations of Clos LaChance. He will be joining us LIVE on the big screen nationwide, sharing the five wines below.

Wines Tasted:

  1.  Hayes Valley Sauvignon Blanc
  2. Hayes Valley Chardonnay
  3. Hayes Valley Merlot
  4. Hayes Valley Meritage Red Blend
  5. Hayes Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please contact your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go from your local participating store and watch/taste along with us on Zoom!

March21_Hayes_Valley_bottles_only_

 

About Hayes Valley Wines:
farmed-logoProduced by Clos LaChance, Hayes Valley Wines comes from a place deeply rooted in California’s history. A history as rich as the soil is for planting. An area once used primarily for raising cattle, the Hayes Valley is one of the oldest wine grape-growing regions in the state. Through the centuries, the Hayes Valley has remained one of the many premier wine grape-growing regions in California. The topographic map on Hayes’ label, is a nod to where this brand originated, and has since expanded to take advantage of all the best grape-growing regions throughout California.  100% sustainably farmed grapes are hand-selected and sorted to ensure the best grapes go into every glass. The Hayes Valley portfolio has received multiple 90+ scores, including the Meritage Red Blend. “This twist-top wine performs extremely well against much more expensive Bordeaux blends.” – 92 pts and Editor’s Choice, Wine Enthusiast. Learn more about their story here.

© Hayes Valley Wines
© Hayes Valley Wines
© Hayes Valley Wines
© Hayes Valley Wines
© Hayes Valley Wines

About Jason Robideaux, VP of Winery and Vineyard Operations:

winemaker-Jason-Robideaux

© Jason Robideaux

Jason Robideaux is Clos LaChance’s VP of Winery and Vineyard Operations, overseeing all activities that take place on the production floor. These include all wine movements, treatments and adjustments that may take place in the crush pit, tank cellar and/or the barrel cellar as well. Jason also helps manage bottling schedules and supply inventory for CLC products. He joined the Clos LaChance team just prior to the 2007 crush, after recently returning from the Hunter Valley in Australia’s beautiful Wine Country, where he worked the 2007 Harvest Season as a Vintage Winemaker for Rosemount Estate. Jason attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where he received his degree in Wine and Viticulture emphasizing in Enology. When Jason is not running in between barrels and climbing in and out of tanks, he enjoys playing and watching sports like Football, Baseball and Golf. Learn more about Jason and the Clos LaChance team here.

Photos, Video and Information © Clos LaChance & Hayes Valley Wines – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Jason Robideaux
Hayes Valley Wines
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com
 

Winery Spotlight Series: February 22, 2023

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Feb22_JLohr_logo

Cynthia Lohr, Co-Owner

Cynthia Lohr, Co-Owner

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
with Guest Speaker, Cynthia Lohr
Paso Robles, California

Wednesday, February 22, 2023
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines with guest speaker Cynthia Lohr, Co-Owner of J. Lohr Vineyards. She will be joining us LIVE on the big screen nationwide, sharing the six wines below.

Wines Tasted:

  1. J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay
  2. J. Lohr Bay Mist White Riesling
  3. J. Lohr Wildflower Valdiguie
  4. J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon
  5. J. Lohr Pure Paso® Proprietary Red Wine
  6. J. Lohr Tower Road Petite Sirah

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please contact your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go from your local participating store and watch/taste along with us on Zoom!

Feb22_JLohr_bottles_email

About J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines:

Founded 50 years ago and still family-owned and operated today, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines has established itself as one of the industry’s most respected wine brands. Jerry Lohr’s remarkable career continues in close, hands-on partnership with his children and co-owners Steve, Cynthia, and Lawrence. J. Lohr farms over 2,700 acres of vineyards in Paso Robles, now recognized as one of the world’s best spots for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. In 2022, J.Lohr Vineyards was named one of the Top 100 Wineries by Wine & Spirits magazine. Learn more about their story here.

© Photo by J. Lohr Vineyards
About Cynthia Lohr, Chief Brand Officer / Co-Owner:
Cynthia Lohr Photo

© Cynthia Lohr

As the daughter of California wine pioneer, Jerry Lohr, Cynthia grew up in the vineyards and cellars absorbing all aspects of the wine industry. After graduating from UC Davis, Cynthia chose her own path in strategic marketing communications and brand/business development for leading Internet and Technology Companies. It wasn’t until 2002 that Cynthia decided to join the family business as their Director of Communications. In 2009, she was named Marketing Vice President leading the family business to their recognition as the 2010 “American Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. She is also responsible for the company’s J. Lohr Touching Lives program – a partnership with National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc® – funding more than 8,000 mammograms for women through sales of wines from the J. Lohr Carol’s Vineyard. In 2019, Cynthia was named Chief Brand Officer – she shares the operational oversight of the company along with fellow Lohr family co-owners, father, Jerry, and brothers, Steve and Lawrence. Learn more about Cynthia and the J. Lohr family team here.

Photos, Video and Information © J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Cynthia Lohr
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com
 

Winery Spotlight Series: January 11, 2023

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Brassfield Estate Winery

Brassfield Estate Winery

Brassfield Estate Winery
with Guest Speaker, Jonathan Walters
Clearlake Oaks, California

Wednesday, January 11, 2023
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Brassfield Estate wines with guest speaker Jonathan Walters, General Manager/Vineyard Manager of Brassfield Estate Winery. He will be joining us LIVE on the big screen sharing the seven wines below.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Serenity Rosé Pinot Noir
  2. Brassfield Pinot Gris
  3. Brassfield Sauvignon Blanc
  4. Serenity Proprietary White Blend
  5. Brassfield Pinot Noir
  6. Brassfield Cabernet Sauvignon
  7. Eruption Proprietary Red Blend

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please contact your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go from your local participating store and watch/taste along with us on Zoom!

Jan11_Brassfield_bottles

About Brassfield Estate Winery:
© Winemaker, Carlos Valadez of Brassfield Estate Winery

Winemaker, Carlos Valadez

The wines of Brassfield Estate Winery reflect the distinctness of diversity and their sites – from the elevated valley floor of High Serenity Ranch to the unique intensity of Volcano Ridge Vineyard. Handcrafted by Brassfield’s winemaking team, with a focus on sustainable farming, classic techniques, and purity of flavor results in fruit-driven, balanced, and delicious wines. Their winemaker, Carlos Valadez, has generational roots at Brassfield and is focused on sustainable viticulture practices and classic winemaking techniques. Learn more about their story here.

About Jonathan Walters, Vineyard & General Manager:
© Jonathan Walters, General Manager of Brassfield Estate

Jonathan Walters, GM/Vineyard Manager

Jonathan spent many years honing in on his hospitality and management skills before joining the Brassfield Estate Management team in 2014. While studying Agronomy and Horticulture at Texas A&M, Jonathan had the privilege to work at many different fine dining establishments as well as the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library. After graduation, Jonathan arrived in Lake County in 2009 and quickly became involved in many aspects of the wine community. Before starting his career with Brassfield Estate, he worked for Robinson Lake Vineyards and sat on the Executive Board of both Lake County Wine Grape Commission and the Lake County Winery Association. Learn more about Jonathan and the Brassfield team here.

Brassfield’s Volcanic Ridge Vineyards at Clearlake, California
© Brassfield Estate Winery
© Brassfield Estate Winery
© Brassfield Estate Winery

Photos and information © Brassfield Estate Winery – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Jonathan Walters
Brassfield Estate Winery
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com
 

Winery Spotlight Series: November 9, 2022

Posted on by

Goosecross logo

Goosecross Cellars
with Guest Speaker, Christi Coors Ficeli
Yountville, Napa Valley, California

Wednesday, November 9, 2022
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Goosecross Cellars wines and guest speaker Christi Coors Ficeli, Co-Owner of Goosecross Cellars. She will be joining us LIVE on the big screen sharing the six wines below.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Goosecross Sauvignon Blanc
  2. Goosecross Chardonnay
  3. Goosecross Merlot
  4. Goosecross Proprietary Red Blend
  5. Goosecross Zinfandel
  6. Goosecross Cabernet

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go from your local participating store and watch/taste along with us on Zoom!

Nov-9_Goosecross_bottles_Facebook

About Goosecross Cellars:

Located in Yountville, California, Goosecross Cellars sits in the heart of the Napa Valley. The winery dates back four decades and is now owned by Christi and Dave Ficeli – husband and wife duo who always wanted to have a small family winery that they could pass down from one generation to the next. Christi and Dave’s love for wine is reflected in the grapes they grow and the wines they make; with the guiding vision and experience of their winemaker, Bill Nancarrow, they are able to create distinct, vineyard-driven wines that respect the roots and history of the Napa Valley soil. Learn more about the winery’s history and philosophy here.

© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars

About Christi Coors Ficeli, Co-Owner:

The great, great granddaughter of beverage industry pioneer, Adolph Coors, Christi Coors Ficeli was raised in an entrepreneurial family that always put an emphasis on achieving your dreams through vision, dedication and collaboration. Christi got her first taste for the wine business in 1998, when she joined the team at Gallo Winery (where she also met her now husband, wine industry executive, David Ficeli). After leaving Gallo, Christi went on to receive her MBA from the University of Denver before joining the Coors family business. She held many positions at Coors Brewing that brought her and Dave to Napa, Denver and eventually Chicago (although nothing felt quite like home in the way Napa did). Finally, in 2012 Christi, with the help of family funding, developed a business plan and set out to find a Napa Valley Winery – which eventually led her to Goosecross in the spring of 2013. Christi and Dave have since purchased the Goosecross Winery from the Coors Family and their dream lives on to create something special for themselves, their kids, and all those that visit the winery.  Learn more about Christi and the Goosecross Team here.

Christi © Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
Christi and Dave © Photo by Goosecross Cellars

Photos and information © Goosecross Cellars – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Christi Coors Ficeli
Goosecross Cellars
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

VirtualTaste-9627

© Photo by Goosecross Cellars