Tag Archives: Port

August Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubQuinta de la RosaQuinta de La Rosa
Extra Dry White Port
Douro, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This Extra Dry White Port is a first class aperitif wine with a beautiful amber/honey color. It showcases excellent fruit, as well as hints of pear drop, on the palate, all while maintaining the quintessential La Rosa long, dry finish.

Varietal: Mainly Viosinho, Gouveia, Rabigato and Malvasia Fina
Analysis: 19.5% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 3.00 g/dm3
Residual Sugars: 20-30 g/dm
pH: 3.8
Aging: 2-3 years in large ‘tonels’ (large 550L pipes)
Production: Regularly

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Enjoy on its own as a chilled aperitif.  Or serve with roasted almonds and olives, terrines and pâtés. Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an aged cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

TERROIR:
Still largely unexplored, the terroir in the Douro offers incredible opportunities. La Rosa’s vines rise dramatically out of the river with the imposing Vale do Inferno vineyard, and climb majestically up to an altitude of 500m. The estate’s grapes are category A – the very best the Douro has to offer. The remarkable freshness and minerality that Quinta’s unique terroir provides, along with a steadfast desire to ensure their brandy is will integrated, means that all of Quinta de la Rosa’s Ports are made in drier ‘house style’ without any overpowering sweetness.

PRODUCTION:
The first pressings of the grapes are fun off and used in their white wines. When then pH starts to rise, the last approximately 10% of the juice is drawn off into stainless steel vats, to be made into white port, stopping the fermentation by adding brandy. The Extra Dry White Port is blended from stocks held at La Rosa and is aged in large “tunnels” for an average of 2-3 years.

Qunita De La Rosa White Port

ABOUT QUINTA DE LA ROSA:
Located along the river, a short distance from Pinhão, in the Cima Corgo subregion of the Douro, Quinta de la Rosa is a Single Quinta winery famed for its premium wines and ports. Having been family owned and run since 1906, La Rosa is committed to respectful innovation in its pursuit of excellence. All of the estate’s grapes are category A – the very best the Douro has to offer. La Rosa’s wines and ports continue to receive 95+ points and they have been invited to join the top 273 wineries in the world at Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience. Quinta de la Rosa has a commitment to sustainable farming and winemaking, as well as sustainable tourism, that shows in their efforts at their hotel and restaurant. Learn more about their story here.

© Information provided by Quinta de la Rosa

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March Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubLate Bottled Vintage Singlevineyard-small (1)Quinta Do Noval
LBV Single Vineyard Port 2014
Douro Valley, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Late Bottle Vintage (LBV) Single Vineyard Port is a remarkable example of the Noval style. It is treated exactly like a Vintage Port, with the use of only noble grape varieties sourced exclusively from estate vineyards, trodden by food and unfiltered. Unlike other Vintage Ports, however, this LBV Port goes through extended aging of five years in casks (instead of the typical two years). It has fine structured tannins, great freshness, and purity of fruit. 

Analysis: 19.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Blend of six traditional Portuguese grapes – Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Cão.
Fermentation: Grapes were trodden by foot to obtain the must, then during fermentation, they were macerated to obtain the best possible extraction in the “lagares”, the traditional stone vats from the Quinta.
Aging: Matures for 5 years in French Oak
Farming: The vineyard is farmed sustainably
Appellation: Douro Valley, Portugal
Serving Suggestion: Delicious to drink today, or it will age beautifully in its bottle
Critical Acclaim:

  • 90 pts. Wine Enthusiast – “It is nicely aromatic, with a touch of eucalyptus. The structure is downright impressive, and this needed the time in cask. It tightens slowly but inevitably as it airs out. The fruit flattens a bit at the same time, though. This is still a pretty nice achievement in the vintage. Noval doesn’t make traditional LBVs that fall apart—and it will stay on a plateau for a long time.” – Mark Squires, 9/2020

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an aged cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

VINTAGE NOTE:
2014 is characterized by heavy rainfall that was well distributed throughout the year. With reasonable temperatures in winter and a fresh month of August, the vines were able to maintain a healthy appearance, with lots of leaves throughout the cycle, which protected the grapes from the peaks of heat during the summer, safeguarding the health of the bunches. At the end of August, the harvest was looking wonderful, with beautiful healthy grapes and an excellent sugar and acidity balance, ideal for making great Port.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
All grapes come from the Qinta do Noval vineyard in Pinhão – the heart of the Douro Valley. Due to the major re-planting project of the early 1990’s, these higher quality varietal blends are planted throughout the vineyard. At this age, the fruit at the estate is entering its prime quality.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Open since 1715, Quinta do Noval is one of the oldest Port houses known around the world. Today, Quinta do Noval is part of the international viticultural group of AXA Millésimes. It is unique among Port houses in that most of the Ports are made from estate-grown fruit and all of the vintage Noval wines are from the single Quinta Do Noval vineyard on magnificent old terraces. Their team is devoted to looking after their great vineyard terroir, and strive to make wines worthy of the Quinta do Noval name every year. Learn more here.

© Photo by Quinta Do Noval
© Photo by Quinta Do Noval
© Photo by Quinta Do Noval
© Photo by Quinta Do Noval
© Photo by Quinta Do Noval

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November Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine Clubmeneres-rubyPorto Menéres
Porto Fine Ruby
Douro, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Porto Fine Ruby wine is rich and full bodied with notes of red fruit, such as plums and raspberry.

Analysis: 19.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cao
TA: 3.7 g/l
Residual Sugar: 100 g/l
pH: 3.79
VA: 0.4
Vintage: NV
Wine Type: Ruby Port DOC
Origin: Portugal
Appellation: Douro, Portugal
Elaboration: Handpicked in small bins. Stainless steel fermentation. Aged in large oak casks.
Production: 500 cases
Winemaker: Alvaro Van Zeller

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION:
Grapes are sourced for the company estates of Quinta do Saião (220 acres) and Quinta de Zom (200 acres). The grapes are hand cut, harvested in baskets and delivered to the Quinta to be sorted and crusted with the stems. Prior to fermentation, they are cold macerated for a full day, then fermented with native yeasts in open top stainless steel vats under temperature control until about half of the grapes’ nature sugar is consumed. The fermenting wine is drained off its skins and stems when it reaches about 100-120 g/l of residual sugar; it is then fortified with a fine, 150 proof grape brandy from Spain. After the harvest, the wine stays at the adega (or winery), in the Douro. Here, it is left to settle until the following spring before it is taken to the lodges at the Vila Nova de Gaia (next to the Atlantic coast and Porto) where it is matured, blended and bottled. The Menéres Ruby Port is a blend of selected young ports matured in large oak vats (or “tonels”) keeping a young fruit character.

Sweet Wine Clubmeneres-tawnyPorto Menéres
Porto Fine Tawny
Douro, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Small oak barrel aging has lent the Porto Fine Tawny to have a softened mellow texture with an intense complex nose. This softness complements the raisiny fruity flavors.

Analysis: 19.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cao
TA: 3.5 g/l
Residual Sugar: 106 g/l
pH: 3.68
VA: 0.2
Vintage: NV
Wine Type: Fine Tawny Port DOC
Origin: Portugal
Appellation: Douro, Portugal
Elaboration: Handpicked in small bins. Stainless steel fermentation. Aged in large oak casks.
Production: 500 cases
Winemaker: Alvaro Van Zeller
Critical Acclaims: 95 pts, Wine & Spirits

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section also pair well with an aged cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION:
The Tawny Port follows the exact same harvest and production steps as the Menéres Ruby Port. The one key difference is that the Tawny Port is made of a selection of aged ports from small oak barrels, blended to obtain the house style before it is bottled.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Fernando Van Zeller owns and operates both the largest and fastest growing independent Port companies in Portugal today. The family operated company comes from 14 uninterrupted generations in the Port trade, making them the longest continual run family in the region. The company in its current form was created when the family sold Quinta Do Noval in the 1990s, a transaction made to gain additional funds to expand the estate vineyard holdings and to maintain/expand the library stocks the Van Zeller family has long been associated with. During this sale, the Van Zeller family was able to hold onto thousands of barrels of aged wine, making them the deepest and most sought-after stocks of aged tawny in Portugal. Today, Menéres is one of the four Port brands this independent firm produces, named after their family ancestor, Arnaldo Menéres. The Menéres house specializes in 20 Year Tawny, 40 Year Tawny, and heirloom Colheitas. It is the highest quality line of Port that the Van Zeller family produces. The wines are classic in style, complex and true to character. 

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May Sweet Club

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Sweet Wine ClubBroadbent_Madeira_Rainwater_NVBroadbent Selections
Rainwater Madeira NV
Madeira, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Rainwater Madeira has a light, toffee-scented bouquet with hints of crème brûlée. The wine highlights subtle notes of marzipan, raisin and fresh fig that become more well-defined and bold as it aerates. On the palate, it is sweet and spicy on the entry. At first, it is quite understated with smoked walnut, nougat, cumin and Chinese 5-spice. As it continues to build, the wine becomes beautifully balanced and harmonious with traces of red chillies, dried honey and walnuts at the finish.

Analysis: 19% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 98% Tinta Negra, 2% other regional red varieties
RS: 74 g/L
pH: 3.1
Total Acidity: 6.4 g/L (tartaric)
Total Sulphur: <15 mg/L
Annual Production: 20,000 cases x 12/750 ml
Winemaker: Juan Teixeira
Critical Acclaim: 90 points – Neil Martin, eRobertParker.com #202, August 2012

Pairing: Serve slightly chilled on its own or with antipastos, cheeses, or sweet desserts.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION: 
“Combining different wines together, we try to have a final wine with high quality. Blending helps to balance the wine, to add layers of flavors and better integrate the sugars and acids.  Blending allows us to select the best characteristics of different wines and then mix them all together to create a much better flavor profile, maintaining the consistence of quality and, off course, reduce the negative impacts, if any, that some harvest years may present.” – Broadbent Selections

Broadbent_Madeira_Fine_Rich_SweetBroadbent Selections
Fine Rich Sweet
Madeira, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Broadbent’s Fine Rich Sweet Madeira has notes of caramel, light fruits, toasted nuts and sesame. It has a well-balanced acidity and clear, fresh aftertaste. This is a well made, uncomplicated Madeira.

Analysis: 19% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 98% Tinta Negra, 2% other regional red varieties
Residual Sugar: 106 g/L
pH: 3.42
Total Acidity: 5.18 g/L (tartaric)
Total Sulphur: 36 mg/L
Winemaker: Juan Teixeira

Pairing: Serve slightly chilled on its own or with antipastos, strong cheeses, chocolate or dessert.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION:
“The harvest period started mid September, concluding the 2nd week of October. The grapes were de-stemmed, crushed and pressed. The must obtained was then allowed to ferment at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation stopped after 6 or 7 days by addition of neutral grape spirit (96% minimum) in order to maintain the desired sweetness degree. Vinification was made in strict accordance with traditional methods. Aged in old oak cask in the traditional “Canteiro ”system. After maturing, the wine underwent racking, fining and filtering before the blend was assembled and bottled.” – Broadbent Selections

Bartholomew Broadbent

Bartholomew Broadbent

ABOUT BROADBENT SELECTIONS:
Broadbent Selections, Inc. was founded in 1996 by Bartholomew Broadbent, who established Premium Port Wines in 1986 and is considered responsible for the reintroduction of Madeira to the United States in 1989. The company acts as the U.S. national importer, distributor and representative for wineries from around the world. Bartholomew was named one of the “fifty most influential people in the wine world.” by Decanter Magazine (June 1997). Broadbent Selections, Inc. was nominated Importer of the Year in 2005 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and was named one of the 100 fastest growing companies in 1998 by Entrepreneur Magazine and Dun & Bradstreet. Today, he has expanded from his pivotal role in the breathtaking growth of Port and Madeira to “exert a profound influence on the US wine market” says Decanter. Learn more here.

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November Sweet Club

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Sweet Wine ClubIl MoscatoMionetto
Il Moscato
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Founded in 1887 by Francesco Mionetto in the small village of Valdobbiadene, Mionetto has an established reputation for quality, tradition and innovation. In the heart of the Prosecco region, Mionetto produces exceptional wines with consistent national and international acclaim.

Mionetto’s Il Moscato has a bright, golden, straw yellow color; persistent nose reminiscent of aromatic grapes; elegant, sweet, delicate palate. Overflowing with stone fruit aromas such as peach and apricot, with slight floral overtones On the palate, it tastes of bright juicy fruit with a refreshing zing from the delicate bubbles. The persistent, fine bubbles enhance the taste experience.

Food Pairing Recommendations: Ideal with fruit, pastries and tarts.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Bubbly’ section pair well with soft or pungent cheeses, such as a Brie and Camembert. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Moscato
Residual Sugar: 70 g/l
Acidity: 6 g/l
Winemaker: Francesco Mionetto

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In 1887, master winemaker Francesco Mionetto opened the winery in Valdobbiadene, in the heart of the Prosecco area, just north of Venice. His love and passion for the region and its wines are still to this day a fundamental value for this unique winery. Mionetto has become a flagship for the area and a shining example of Prosecco production on the international scene.

From the very beginning, Mionetto has always been a modern and innovative winery able to anticipate trends, while maintaining a strong bond to the traditions of its homeland, a feature which still today sets it apart from other sparkling wine producers.

Photo by: Mionetto Winery

PRODUCTION:
In 1982, the Mionetto family introduced autoclave fermentation by switching to the Charmat method, which allows for better preservation of the flavors and aromas of Prosecco and other sweet wines. After an initial soft pressing and the temperature-controlled first fermentation that takes place at the facilities of their selected producers, using the Charmat method, the second fermentation takes place in autoclaves instead of individual bottles. This additional temperature-controlled fermentation is recommended in order to help maintain the freshness and aroma of the grape in the bottling phase.

The winemaker’s job is not only to produce a high quality sparkling wine, but to maintain the relationships with local farmers who provide the grapes. Mionetto is fortunate to have relationships with vineyard owners that date back for generations. The strength and longevity of these relationships are what greatly affect the quality and quantity of grapes provided to a winery. 

THE TERRITORY:
Mionetto has become a flagship for the area and a shining example of Prosecco and Moscato production on the international scene. The beauty of the hills takes in many physical forms. While some slopes roll gently towards the valley, others are much steeper. For protection from the prevailing cold alpine winds and icy rains from the North, vines are on Southern slopes. Southeast slopes are best; they face the morning sun, benefiting from the early sunlight and a morning jolt of CO2, needed for sugar production. The climate is generally temperate: the area is protected by the Alps to the North and warmed by the winds of the Adriatic Sea to the East, mitigating the temperature in summer and producing rainfall that favors the proper growth of vines. In late summer, the area is characterized by great temperature variations between day and night, enabling the growth of aromatic substances in the grapes as they mature. Learn more here.

Photo by: Mionetto Winery

Croft Fine Tawny PortCroft
Fine Tawny Port
Douro Valley, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Vivid tawny-red color. Nose of ripe mellow fruit with aromas of figs and prunes set off by an attractive woody and spicy character. Smooth and round on the palate, full of rich jammy flavors.

Food Pairing Recommendations:
Ports are very versatile and can be used for cooking sauces to roasted beef or lamb; or added in desserts for dimension and silkiness.  When simply drinking this port, keep it for desserts, or pair with more savory dishes such as Pâtés, Blue Cheeses, or Walnuts. Check out Croft’s recommended recipes and pairings here.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with strong cheeses, such as a Stilton and other Blue cheeses. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 20% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Blend
Residual Sugar: 100.6 g/l
Acidity: 3.37 g/l

Production:
The Fine Tawny is drawn from a reserve of fine wood ports which have been aged for up to three years in seasoned oak casks, each holding about 650 liters of wine. The individual wines are then blended to guarantee consistency of quality and house style. Croft Fine Tawny is bottled for immediate drinking.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Croft is one of the most distinguished of all Port houses. Founded in 1588, it is the oldest firm still active today as a Port wine producer. The company is renowned above all for its Vintage Ports as well as for its range of wood aged reserves and tawnies, time-honored styles refined by skill and experience passed down the generations.

As important as its history, traditions and vineyards, is the fact that Croft remains a family company, dedicated to the production of the finest Ports of all styles, from full bodied reserve Ports to the iconic Croft Vintage Ports prized by the connoisseur and collector.

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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 >