Tag Archives: sonoma

Winery Spotlight: Benziger Family Winery October 27th

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Wine Tasting Event

Benziger_logo

Benziger Family Winery
Sonoma County, California

Wednesday, October 27, 2021
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event, with guest speaker Chris Benziger of Benziger Family Winery in Sonoma County, California.

Wines Tasted:

  • Benziger Sauvignon Blanc
  • Benziger Chardonnay
  • Benziger Organic Reserve Chardonnay
  • Benziger Pinot Noir
  • Benziger Organic Reserve Pinot Noir
  • Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Benziger Organic Reserver Cabernet Sauvignon
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 and watch on Zoom.
 
Benziger Wine Tasting
 
About Benziger Family Winery:

Founded in 1980, the Benziger winery focusses on three things: family, great wine and healthy vineyards. Mike Benziger and his wife Mary discovered the incredible property that became the family’s estate winery and home in the late 1970s. Soon after, all seven siblings were living on or close to the ranch as New York transplants in a Sonoma vineyard. In the mid-90s, they began transforming the home ranch to a Biodynamic farm. For more than 30 years, their ranch has been farmed on Sonoma Mountain and they search Sonoma County for the most distinctive and expressive vineyards. Benziger tends these sites using certified Biodynamic, organic and sustainable farming methods. The result is a portfolio of authentic and memorable wines. Learn more here.

 
About Chris Benziger:

Chris finished his senior year of high school in wine country, when he and his family moved from White Plains to Sonoma County. After high school, he studied Marketing at the University of San Francisco, while spending weekends and summers working at the family winery. In 1993, he officially joined the Benziger Family Winery as a Brand Manager. On top of these sales responsibilities, Chris continues to oversee the home ranch and the farm related duties tied to it. To learn more about Chris, click here.

© Photo by Benziger Family Winery of Chris and Bluie
© Photo by Benziger Family Winery
© Photo by Benziger Family Winery
© Photo by Benziger Family Winery
© Photo by Benziger Family Winery
© Photo by Benziger Family Winery
© Photo by Benziger Family Winery

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Benziger Family Winery
 Sonoma County, California

Wednesday, October 27, 2021
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

September Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubVermont Shepherd VeranoVermont Shepherd
Verano
Putney, Vermont

Coming from its name, Verano is Vermont Shepherd’s seasonal summer cheese; made from pure sheeps’ milk when their pastures are abundant with wild herbs and grasses. This summer cheese is one of their rarest and best US sheep’s milk cheese, Verano ages 3-5 months and ripens by August. It is a smooth and creamy, semi-hard cheese; highlighting a sweet, rich and earthy flavor with hints of clover, mint, and thyme. The rustic wheel has a rough, golden brown rind.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Semi-hard Cheese, such as Verano pair incredibly with a Red Burgundy or White Bordeaux. These wines are well-balanced in acidity, fruit, and tannins to enhance the flavor of Verano.  As for beer, reach for an Amber Ale. This caramel and malt forward beer will play with the earthiness of Verano.
Vermont Shepherd Verano_
WINESTYLES: Fruity
BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet

ABOUT VERMONT SHEPHERD:

Vermont Shepherd is a 250-acre farm in Westminster West, Vermont with 300-700 sheep (depending on the time of year), 2 Border Collies (who herd the sheep) and 8 Maremma – a beautiful white dog who protects the sheep from predators – along with shepherds of all ages. At the northern edge of the farm is a cave which is home to their 2 types of cheese, where they live out the seasons of their lives.  

Vermont Shepherd has won two conservation awards in 2002 and 2006 for the quality of its farming work and improving the soils, pastures, and water resources. 

Vella Dry Monterey JackVella Cheese Company
Dry Monterey Jack
Sonoma, California

Firm, pale yellow with a sweet nutty flavor. This cheese is great for grating, shredding, slicing, cooking or just plain eating. Marvelous in toasted cheese sandwiches, omelets and soufflés. Delicious shredded on pasta, soups or tacos, casseroles or enchiladas – for a taste that is unique and special.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Vella Cheese Co.’s Dry Monterey Jack pairs well with a bright, citrus forward Chardonnay from our Crisp or Fruity section. As for beer, this Jack pairs well with a Kolsch or a Blonde Ale from our Crisp and Clean section.
Vella Dry Monterey Jack
WINESTYLES: Crisp and Fruity
BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean

ABOUT VELLA CHEESE COMPANY:

Gaetano (Tom) Vella arrived in Sonoma in the early 1920s, holding various jobs with the Sonoma Mission Creamery, in which his brother, Joseph, held considerable stock. Tom quickly built a reputation for his hard work, honesty and ability to make superior cheeses. In 1931, a group of dairymen approached Tom and offered to supply him with all the quality bulk milk he would need to successfully operate his own cheese factory. Tom jumped to the opportunity, and thus Vella Cheese Company was born.

In 1981, the company was handed over to his children, and today is under the careful eye of his son, Ig Vella. Tom’s tradition and quality continues as cheese are still handmade, using sustainable practices and milk from local dairies.

DRY MONTEREY JACK AWARDS:

  • 2014 Silver Medal, California State Fair
  • 2011 Gold Medal, Los Angeles County Fair
  • 2004 Gold Medal, Los Angeles County Fair
  • 1988 International Gold Medal Winner 

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 Tasting Event: July 22, 2020

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Cline Family Cellars

Fred and Nancy Cline

Virtual Wine Tasting Event on Zoom

Cline Family Cellars

Wednesday, July 22 at 6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Zoom logoPlease join us for this month’s Winery Spotlight tasting event on Zoom, featuring Cline Cellars from Sonoma, California.  Special guests include Charlie Tsegeletos, winemaker of Cline Cellars and Megan Cline, Certified Sommelier and daughter of Fred and Nancy Cline. 

Charlie and Megan will be tasting through 6 different wines from Cline Cellars, starting with their Farmhouse White, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Ancient Vineyards Mourvedre, Sonoma Syrah and ending with Cline’s Cabernet Sauvignon.  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 Charlie and Megan on Zoom!

Cline Cellars Wine Tasting

Virtual Wine Tasting Cline Cellars

ABOUT CLINE CELLARS

Built on a passion for winemaking and rooted in respect for the land, Cline Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery in Sonoma, California. In 1982, Fred Cline started making his first vintages from original plantings of Mourvedre, Zinfandel and Carignan, some of which dated back to the 1880’s. As one of the original Rhône Rangers, he began planting varietals that included vineyards dedicated to Syrah, Viognier and Marsanne and Roussanne.  Fred and his wife Nancy have continued to plant vineyards across Sonoma County.

Guest speaker Charlie Tsegeletos, Winemaker

Winemaker Charlie Tsegeletos

Charlie Tsegeletos, Winemaker

Charlie was born to be a winemaker. There was always wine in his Greek/Italian household in northern California, and his great-grandfather made wine in Guerneville in the 1930s. Charlie graduated from UC Davis in 1979 with a degree in Agricultural Science and Management/Plant Science, and honed his craft at Hacienda Wine Cellars, D’Agostini Winery, and Glen Ellen Winery. Since joining Cline Cellars in 2002, he has created legendary Zinfandels, distinctive Rhône-style wines, and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Merlot and Chardonnay. Charlie loves making wines that express the unique qualities of California fruit, and their specific sense of place. His mission is the creation of wines that surprise and delight the senses. Learn more about Cline’s Winemakers here.

Guest speaker Megan Cline, Certified Sommelier

Megan Cline

Megan Cline, Certified Sommelier

Following in the footsteps of her parents, founders of Cline Cellars, Megan also fell in love with the world of wine. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara and completing her Certified Sommelier training, she returned to Sonoma to work at the family winery. For Megan, it was love at first harvest.  “I like that wine is so much more than a beverage. It’s a combination of place’s history, geography, people, food, climate and traditions.”  Learn more about Megan >

Fred Cline Winemaking

Fred Cline

Grounded in Sustainability

Cline Cellars aims to be stewards of the land, not only through natural and sustainable Green String farming methods, but through an awareness of bringing interconnected systems into harmony. Cline Cellars is proud to be Certified California Sustainable Vineyard and Winery. From grape to glass, the program acknowledges a long-term commitment to sustainable wine growing and business practices.  RSVP to get a taste!

Cline Vineyards Sheep

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Cline Cellars
Sonoma County
California

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

Cline Petaluma Gap Vineyard

April Wine Club Recipe Pairing

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Chicken FrancaiseChicken Française

INGREDIENTS:
• 4 large skinless boneless chicken breast halves (2 pounds total)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 large eggs
• ½ stick (¼ cup) unsalted butter
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice plus 1 whole lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon
• ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

DIRECTIONS:
• Place chicken breasts between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound chicken with flat side of a meat pounder or with a rolling pin until ¼ inch thick.
• Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking.
• While oil is heating, stir together flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge 2 pieces of chicken, 1 piece at a time, in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Lightly beat eggs in another shallow bowl. When oil is hot, dip floured chicken into beaten eggs to coat, letting excess drip off, then fry, turning over once, until golden brown and just cooked through, about 4 minutes total. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and keep warm, loosely covered with foil. Fry remaining chicken in same manner.
• Pour off and discard oil, then wipe skillet clean and heat butter over low heat until foam subsides. Add wine, broth, and lemon juice and boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce is reduced to about ½ cup, about 6 minutes. Stir in parsley and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Spoon sauce over chicken and top with lemon slices. Serve over angel hair pasta or side of savory couscous.
© Recipe courtesy Recipe courtesy of Epicurious.com

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Maison L'EnvoyéRich WineStylesMaison L’Enoyoye
Russian River Valley
Somona, California

RICH WINE STYLE

‘Russian River has become one of the most sought after addresses for California Chardonnay for good reason – it produces wonderfully expressive fruit with concentrated flavors and high natural acidity. This Chardonnay release was sourced from two mature vineyard blocks on alluvial loams. The grapes were harvested in the cold of the morning and transported to the winery. Bunches were immediately crushed in an oxygen rich environment and fermented with natural yeasts. 25% of the wine was matured in seasoned French oak for 10 months and then bottled without fining or filtration.

Bill Nancarrow Winemaker“The nose reveals lifted aromas of citrus blossom, Asian pear, and preserved lemon, with underlying notes of white peach and fresh ginger. The palate is long with impressive depth and breadth. Flavors of dried pear, ripe lemon, custard apple and nuances of toasted cashew are interwoven along a clean, zesty finish.” – Bill Nancarrow, Winemaker

Winemaker: Bill Nancarrow
Appellation: Russian River Valley, California
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 14.1% 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!

 

May Wine Club

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May Wine ClubMother’s Day is right around the corner, why not share a glass with Mom?  She’ll enjoy this delicious Viognier, tasting note, pairing recipe and 4 complimentary tasting tickets (up to $80 value).  ** click here to learn more **

Easy Shrimp with Spinach and Alfredo Sauce

Shrimp Alfredo

Photo: Diana Rattray / The Spruce Eats

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 bunch of fresh spinach or 10 ounces frozen, thawed and squeezed
• 2 tablespoons butter • 1 ½ pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined*
• 1 bunch green onions, sliced (with about 2 inches of the green). Or use ¼ cup of finely chopped shallots for a more delicate flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 envelope (approximately 1.2 ounces) dry Alfredo sauce mix
• ¾ cup light cream or evaporated milk • freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Shredded or Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Serve with hot cooked pasta of your choice (vermicelli or fettuccine), a simple tossed salad and toasted bread

DIRECTIONS:
• Wash the fresh spinach and trim it. If you are using frozen spinach, cook it as directed on the package. Squeeze as much moisture out of the cooked spinach as possible.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet along with the fresh or frozen thawed and squeezed spinach and green onions. Cook until shrimp is pink, stirring constantly. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes longer.
• Sprinkle Alfredo sauce mix over the shrimp mixture and then stir to combine. Add the light cream and cook until heated through and thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Serve along hot cooked pasta or boiled rice. Garnish with fresh, grated Parmesan cheese *
To thaw frozen shrimp quickly, put them in a colander and run cold water over them until thawed. Cook as directed. If you are using frozen cooked shrimp, thaw them and add them just before the dish is done. Heat through and serve with pasta and Parmesan.
© Photo by Diana Rattray, recipe courtesy of The Spruce Eats

Silky styleCline Family Cellars
Estate Grown Viognier
Sonoma Coast, California

Cline ViognierFrom grape to glass, Cline is proud to be a Certified California Sustainable Vineyard and Winery, acknowledging their long-term commitment to continual improvement in the field of winegrowing and business practices. The grapes for this Viognier were grown in two of Cline’s vineyards, both in the Sonoma Coast appellation which has a world-renowned reputation for producing excellent fruit. The soil is mineral-rich and needs very little irrigation. The vines are bathed in the early morning fog and warmed by the afternoon sun. Viognier grapes are late to ripen and picking them at the right time is crucial to the grape quality. These grapes were hand-harvested in the morning to retain freshness. Cline’s star winemaker is a master at the art of making stylish and cool-climate varietal wines, bringing out the best character in the fruit.

Winemaker Charlie Tsegeletos“Our Viognier offers distinct aromas of pear, apricot, orange blossom and honeysuckle with a fresh, bright demeanor. Serve this wine slightly chilled, and enjoy with salmon, shrimp fettuccine, or cayenne chicken salad.” – Charlie Tsegeletos, Winemaker

Winemaker: Charlie Tsegeletos
Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California
Varietal Blend:  Viognier
Analysis: 15.0% alcohol/volume
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

 

Jacuzzi Chardonnay Pairing recipe

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Jacuzzi ChardonnayJacuzzi Family Vineyards
Bianco Di Sei Sorelle
Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast, California
SILKY STYLE

The grapes for the Bianco di Sei Sorelle come from the Diamond Pile Ranch in the Petaluma Gap. This ranch grows low yielding grapevines planted in deep clay soils with a westward facing slope. This limits vigor while providing excellent conditions for sunshine and ripening. The cool fog and wind barrages the vineyard, slowing the ripening and retaining lively acidity while allowing flavors to develop slowly to a crescendo at harvest. The grapes were handpicked in the early morning to retain their vibrancy and natural flavor. At the winery, the grapes were destemmed and gently pressed into a tank ready for fermentation. Fermentation began naturally and completed at a very cool temperature to retain acidity and fruitiness. The lees were stirred regularly to further enhance the richness.

“The Bianco di Sei Sorelle has delightful aromas of citrus, green apple, pineapple, almond and grapefruit. It has great weight and texture with balanced acidity that keeps the palate fresh and gives it excellent length. It would be an ideal wine with light pasta dishes, chicken or seafood.” – Charlie Tsegeletos, winemaker.

Winemaker: Charlie Tsegeletos
Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California
Varietal Blend:  100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume, 3.74 pH
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

ITALIAN CHICKEN SALAD

italian chicken saladCROUTONS INGREDIENTS:
• 4 cups, ½ inch cubes Italian bread
• 2 Tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt

VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS:
• ¼ cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
• 2 tsps Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsps finely chopped shallot
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

SALAD INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups coarsely shredded rotisserie-cooked chicken
• 1 cup small bocconcini mozzarella
• 2 hearts of romaine, torn into bite-size pieces
• ½ cup chopped fennel
• 8 oz roasted red peppers, rinsed, drained and cut lengthwise into ¼ inch wide strips
• 1 cup assorted marinated pitted olives

DIRECTIONS:
• Bake croutons – Preheat oven to 400℉. Toss bread cubes with oil and salt in a large shallow baking pan and spread in one layer. Bake, turning over once, until golden and crisp, about 8 minutes. Cool in pan on rack.
• Make Vinaigrette – Whisk together all ingredients except oil in small bowl. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified.
• Toss chicken and bocconcini together with ¼ cup vinaigrette in a bowl and let stand for 10 minutes.
• Make salad – Toss together romaine, fennel, red peppers, olives, chicken mixture, croutons and remaining dressing in a large bowl until combined.
• Serve with a glass of Bianco di Sei Sorelle. Recipe courtesy of Epicurious at Yummly.com

December Wine Club

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wine club logo holidayA club member favorite, we’re proud to share the Jacuzzi Family wines with your family this holiday season.  The perfect pairing for your holiday dinners and celebrations.   If you’re not a Wine Club member yet, please join us!  We’ll have a $20 Bonus Card waiting for you when you join for 3 months or more! Or give a gift a membership and keep the $20 Bonus Card for yourself!  > Click to learn more

wild mushroom risottoWild Mushroom Risotto

INGREDIENTS:
• ½ oz dried porcini
• 4 Tbsps butter
• 5 oz wild mushrooms (such as Morels, Chanterelles, Black Trumpets)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup minced onion
• 1 ½ cup Carniroli or Arborio rice
• ½ cup white wine
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley

DIRECTIONS:
• Place the porcini in a small bowl and cover with boiling water, let stand for 20 minutes. Strain, coarsely chop and set aside.
• In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons butter. When butter foams, add wild mushrooms and stir until soft and liquid from mushrooms is almost completely evaporated. Add porcini to pan. Cook for about 2 minutes. Add cream and simmer until thick and slightly reduced. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a saucepan, bring broth to a steady simmer.
• In a heavy 4-quart pot, heat 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, do not brown. Add rice and stir so that kernels are well coated. Add wine and stir until completely absorbed. Begin to add simmering broth ½ cup at a time, stirring frequently, when liquid is almost absorbed, add another ½ cup until absorbed and continue process until all broth is added. When rice is tender but firm, add mushroom mixture, Parmesan cheese and parsley. Stir to combine. Serve immediately and with a glass of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Nebbiolo. Recipe adapted: More than 100 Dishes for the Classic Rice Dish of Northern Italy, by Judith Barrett and Norma Wasserman.

Bold_stickerJacuzzi Nebbiolo wine bottleJacuzzi Family Vineyards
Nebbiolo
Sonoma County, CA
BOLD STYLE

Primarily grown in the Piedmonte region of Italy, Nebbiolo is famous in wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. Grapes for this wine come from Jacuzzi’s Carneros estate and Sonoma Coast vineyards. The Carneros estate grapes are planted on an east facing slope and get great morning sunshine and even temperatures to ripen slowly and evenly. Nebbiolo planted in the Petaluma Gap region of Sonoma gets cool mornings and hot afternoons that help retain acidity and bright flavors. They are some of the last grapes to be picked for the season. Grapes were handpicked and sorted in the vineyard, ensuring only the best grapes made it to the tanks. They were gently pressed and transferred to barrels for 2 years aging, enabling tannins to soften and mellow into a full and rich wine. Aged in 38% American oak to enhance and embolden the natural flavors.

“As of 2011, only 186 acres of this rare grape existed in California. Our Nebbiolo displays generous notes of cherry, plum and pomegranate with big berry and spice flavors and distinct earthiness.” – Charlie Tsegeletos

Winemaker: Charlie Tsegeletos
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Varietal Blend:  90% Nebbiolo, 10% Alicante Bouschet
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume, 3.73 pH
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

 

Errazuriz Winery Spotlight

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October Tasting Event

You’re Invited to Join Us!

Let’s taste, learn and enjoy these delicious Chilean wines together! RSVP soon!

Best Chilean Winery 2017, Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Best Chilean Winery 2017, Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Inaugurating the new category of “Extraordinary Winery Awards” by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Viña Errázuriz had the honor of being the first Chilean winery to receive the award “Best Chilean Vineyard 2017“.

Eduardo Chadwick, President of Viña Errázuriz, commented: “Being considered one of the best Chilean wineries by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate is fantastic news. We are very honored with this nomination, and we believe that the nomination reflects the consistency in the high quality of our wines along with the commitment to elaborate the best wines of our terroirs, and to be recognized as a world-class producer. ”

ERRAZURIZ WINERY

Just north of Santiago, Chile’s capital, Errazuriz Winery is located in the Aconcagua Valley.  The valley’s beauty and its mild Mediterranean climate more than likely attracted Don Maximiano Errazuriz’s attention, inspiring him to establish his winery in 1870.  Easy access to water for irrigation and the volcanic soils, make Aconcagua Valley a viticultural paradise. From the mountains to the coast, it’s the origin of many renowned Chilean wines.

HISTORY

Founder, Don Maximiano Errázuriz Valdivieso

Founder, Don Maximiano Errázuriz Valdivieso

Don Maximiano Errázuriz founded Viña Errázuriz in 1870. With his innovative and pioneering spirit, he planted the first French grape varieties in the Aconcagua Valley. His initiative and creativity were handed down to his descendants, who consolidated the winery and positioned their wines among the world’s most noteworthy.  Errazuriz’s family winery has shaped history, currently one of the best examples of successful winemaking in Chile.

CELLAR DOOR 1870 WINERY

For over a century, Viña Errázuriz’s Historic Winery in Panquehue has remained a symbol of the forward thinking vision of its founder, Don Maximiano Errázuriz. Its construction began in 1870, under the guidance of a French winemaker, took over 14 years and incorporated the latest technology at the time.

Winery tasting room

Built in 1870, Viña Errazuriz’s historic tasting room, located in basement of the winery.

The winery was built as a two-story structure. The excavation and construction of its huge cellar rooms alone took five years. The thick underground walls, built with bricks and mortar, have stood the test of time and have allowed the wine to be kept in large casks made of raulí (a native Chilean tree) at a constant temperature of 53 to 57°F.

Still in use today, the winery houses a historic collection of wines. There are about 400 bottles of each of the vineyard’s iconic wines, which provides an opportunity to experience the vineyard’s evolution through the years.

DON MAXIMIANO ICONIC WINERY

In 2009 the need to project itself into the XXI century and to search for wines of an even higher quality, inspired Viña Errázuriz to start building a new winery devoted exclusively to its high-end wines.  The integration of cutting edge technologies has gone hand-in-hand with sustainability and environmental protection, thus paying homage to Don Maximiano’s vision and courageous spirit.

Don Maximiano Winery Chile

Don Maximiano Winery, Chile

With a capacity to produce over 91,000 gallons, the new Don Maximiano Icon Winery was designed by architect Samuel Claro and built completely with bleached concrete. Its main body is underground and its spiral shape allows for the movement of fruits and liquids by means of gravity and to capture the refreshing breezes from the valley. To maintain adequate levels of temperature and illumination the building harnesses geothermal and solar energy, which are completely environment friendly.

The winery was officially opened in October 2010 with more than 100 guests from around the world, including leaders of the wine industry and press.

Errazuriz Founders Reserve wine bottle

Errazuriz Pinot Noir wine bottle

Reserve your seat to experience this iconic winery!

ERRAZURIZ WINERY, CHILE
October’s Winery Spotlight Tasting

Limited Seating Available

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

Errazuriz Winery in the Aconcagua Valley, Chile

Errazuriz Winery in the Aconcagua Valley, Chile

Peterson Winery

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March Winery Spotlight

Peterson winery logoJoin us for a Winery Spotlight tasting event, featuring Peterson wines from Sonoma California.

Peterson Vineyard

Peterson Winery has been producing wine in Dry Creek Valley for 30 years and, like most wineries in the Valley, produces Zinfandel as well as other wines. Yet a closer look shows that is where the similarities end.

Fred Peterson and familyOwner Fred Peterson is an iconoclast with an old world winemaking philosophy and a reverence for sustainable farming. The Peterson approach is to capture the essence of vintage and vineyard—a philosophy they call Zero Manipulation—with low tech, yet high touch, to produce wines of a place, wines with soul. The evolution of Peterson wines and winemaking accelerated when Fred’s son Jamie became assistant winemaker in the summer of 2002. In 2006, after moving from the tiny red barn on Lytton Springs to Timber Crest Farms, Jamie was given the overall responsibilities as winemaker.


PETERSON ROOTS

Fred camePeterson winery team to Dry Creek Valley in 1983, working to find and develop world-class vineyard properties. It was an exciting time for Fred, being able to select ideal vineyard locations and then plant the appropriate grape variety and clone for each site. The vineyards Fred developed in Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County), including on Bradford Mountain, began producing amazing fruit. The next step was a natural one; Fred wanted to make wine from the fruits of his labor (sorry about the pun, it was too good to pass up).

In 1987, all the pieces fell into place for Fred, and he launched Peterson Winery. For nearly twenty years, the winery was located in an old, red barn tucked away in the vineyards off of Lytton Springs Road. It was beautiful place to make wine, but the antique structure began to show its age. In late 2005, Fred seized an opportunity to move into a newer facility on Dry Creek Road, at Timber Crest Farms. This new, more convenient location offers more offices and space, plus a room for visitors to taste the wines.

Peterson wine labelsOver the years, Fred has befriended grape growers who share his goals and values; to grow grapes that reflect a sense of place. The Dry Creek Valley encompasses one of the greatest ranges of microclimates for such a small area in the world, making it possible to grow many grape varieties, with world-class quality. Peterson Winery now makes an average of 8000 cases annually, all in many small lots from the like-minded growers he now calls his friends.

We bring wine country to you!

Peterson red barn Sonoma

Attend our Winery Spotlight, and experience a Sonoma winery!

PETERSON WINERY
Winery Spotlight Tasting
SONOMA, CALIFORNIA

Please join us as we Taste, Learn and Enjoy®
Limited Seating Available

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

Ridge Vineyards Tasting Event

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Ridge Vineyards Tasting EventOctober  Winery Spotlight
Tasting Event
>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

Ridge Vineyards, California

The history of Ridge Vineyards begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a doctor who became a prominent member of San Francisco’s Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He terraced the slopes and planted vineyards; using native limestone, he constructed the Monte Bello Winery, producing the first vintage under that name in 1892. This unique cellar, built into the mountainside on three levels, is Ridge’s production facility. At 2600′, it is surrounded by the “upper vineyard.”

“We decided to farm organically because we believe it leads to better grapes and higher quality wines. This approach in the vineyard, plus our traditional approach to winemaking, will provide the finest possible wines for our customers.” –  Paul Draper, CEO/winemaker.

montebello

13zls-bottle-shotRidge-Vineyards-LogoLytton Springs, in Sonoma County, became part of the Ridge estate in 1991. A quarter century’s experience with this vineyard had convinced us that it was an exceptional piece of ground. Forty consecutive vintages of Geyserville attest to yet another stunning combination of location and varietals. Though born in the early sixties to the post-Prohibition world of modern California winemaking, Ridge relies on nature and tradition rather than technology. Our approach is straightforward: find intense, flavorful grapes; intrude upon the process only when necessary; draw the fruit’s distinctive character and richness into the wine.  While Ridge is by no means a large grower,  they are the largest grower of organically farmed grapes in Sonoma County, and in the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation.

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