Tag Archives: United States

February Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubKungFuGirl-Riesling-bottle-bowCharles Smith Wines
Kung Fu Girl Riesling
Washington State

NECTAR WINE STYLE

“It takes an unconventional winemaker to make a totally unexpected dry Riesling. One night, Charles was eating Chinese takeout and watching a fight scene in a notorious martial arts film when he had an idea: a killer white wine made to be paired with Asian food.  Just like that, Kung Fu Girl was born. And it’s been kicking ass and taking names ever since.” – Charles Smith Wines

White peach, mandarin orange and apricot are delivered with a core of minerality that makes this dry Riesling shimmer with energy and freshness. Another epic vintage of Kung Fu Girl.

WINE DETAILS:

Varietal: 100% Riesling
Region: Washington State, USA
Pairings: Spicy ramen, sriracha pork tacos, Chinese takeout
Accolades:

  • 90 points – Wine Enthusiast, February 2017
  • Best Buy – Wine Enthusiast, February 2017
  • Top 100 – Wine Spectator, December 2016
  • 90 points – Wine Spectator, December 2016
  • 90 points – Wine Advocate, June 2015

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair with a spicy, herbal cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About the Winery:
Few winemakers have a story quite like Charles Smith. Although he was born and raised an hour from Napa Valley, California, Charles didn’t discover his love for wine until he moved to Europe. While living abroad, he managed a number of rock bands, including the famed Danish duo The Raveonettes. It was the wining and dining of a rock n’roll life on the road that sparked Charles’ passion for great wine. In 1999, while on a road trip to Walla Walla, Washington, Charles met a winemaker who convinced him to start making his own wine, true to his own story and vision. And in 2001, Charles released 330 cases of his first vintage. Eight years later, he would be named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine magazine and again in 2014, by Wine Enthusiast. Learn more here.

Information and photos © Charles Smith Wines – All Rights Reserved.

Willamette-Valley-Riesling-bottle-bowWillamette Valley Vineyards
Riesling
Willamette Valley, Oregon

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This riesling is classic and versatile. On the nose, this semi-sweet wine opens with a bouquet of poached pear, delicate florals and green apples. On the palate, the luscious mouthfeel displays flavors of melon, pear and nectar. The finish is wonderfully persistent with a perfect balance of sweetness and refreshing crispness. Serve well-chilled and allow it to warm in your glass for optimal enjoyment of aromas and flavors.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Analysis: 10.5% alcohol / volume
  • Varietal: Riesling
  • Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
  • Pairings: Pair with spicy Asian or Mexican dishes, German-inspired dishes like sausage and schnitzel, and desserts like fruit pies, crème brûlée, or a savory artisan cheese plate.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair with an aged Gouda or Fontina cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About Willamette Valley Vineyards:
The “budwood” of Willamette Valley Vineyards began long before its founding in 1983 by vintner Jim Bernau. His Dad, a Roseburg attorney, was hired by California winemaker Richard Sommer to secure one of the first winery licenses in Oregon since Prohibition. Jim’s Dad allowed small tastes of Richard’s wine at the dinner table, lighting a path that led Jim from home winemaking to studies at UC Davis and eventually Beaune, France. In 1983, with the encouragement from winemakers making their move from California, Jim cleared an old pioneer plum orchard in the Salem Hills, hidden underneath scotch broom and blackberry vines to plant Pinot Noir. Learn more here.

Information and photos © Willamette Valley Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

Sweet ClubLove the Sweet life?
“Wine” not try our Sweet Club! 

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August Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubGoat Gouda_August Cheese ClubCentral Coast Creamery Goat Gouda Paso Robles, California

Central Coast Creamery’s flagship cheese bursts of fruity and caramel aromas that will transport you to the sun-soaked hills of California the moment you cut into it. Its ivory-colored paste is semi-firm, yet crumbly, tacky, and slightly chalky and crystalline. It has starchy flavors of tart apples, grass and crusty bread. This award winning gouda is made with 100% goat’s milk and is aged for 4 to 6 months. Awards:
  • 2016 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 2nd Place Award
  • 2016 – World Cheese Championship – 3rd Place Award
  • 2014 – World Cheese Championship – 3rd Place Award
  • 2013 – United States Cheese Championship – Best of Class
  • 2011 – United States Cheese Championship – 2nd Place Award
  • 2010 – Best of Show – American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA)
  • 2010 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 3rd Place Award
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: What grows together, goes together! All of our August Wine Club wines will pair beautifully with this cheese. As for beer, enjoy with a crisp Amber Ale. WINESTYLES: Bold or Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean CENTRAL COAST CREAMERY: Located near California’s coast in Paso Robles, Central Coast Creamery is gaining momentum in the domestic artisan cheese category. At the helm is Reggie Jones, a veteran of the dairy industry, who has worked in various aspects of quality control, production management, whey refining and sales of cheese cultures and enzymes. After considering their next venture, Reggie’s family decided to make the move to California’s Central Coast, well-known for its support of artisan foods and wineries. Looking back into the region’s history, one will find that the area was once home to a number of dairies. However, during the 1970’s, most of the region’s independent dairy farms lost their steam, and were extinct by the end of the decade. The Jones family, looking to rejuvenate these roots, started Central Coast Creamery. In true California spirit, all of their cheeses are made in primarily handmade, small batches using locally-sourced milk free from artificial growth hormones, and aged on pine racks. Learn more > Information © Central Coast Creamery and Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

raspberry-habanero-frontPRiMO Raspberry Habanero Preserves Denver, Colorado

These raspberry habanero preserves have a straight up red raspberry flavor with delightful tropical heat that unfolds into a long satisfying finish. On average, PRiMO cooks their preserves for one minute or less, so the fruit’s natural flavor shines in every bite. PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS: Pairs great with this month’s Goat Gouda and a glass of wine from any of our August Wine Club selections. It also pairs beautifully with a soft-ripened buttery cheese- think Delice de Bourgogne, Camembert, Kunik (Nettle Meadow Farm) and semi-soft, washed-rind cheeses such as Epoisses and Taleggio. For beer, reach for a crisp Amber Ale as well. WINESTYLES: Bold or Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean PRiMO: PRiMO is a small independent producer that create their own unique flavors and recipes and lovingly hand-craft them in small batches. They obsess over every detail- from the ingredients they source to how they might pair with cheese, salumi and wine, and everything in between.  Learn more > Information © PRiMO and Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

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

July Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubCarr-Valley-Cranberry-Chipotle-CheddarCarr Valley Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar La Valle, Wisconsin

Made from pasteurized cow’s milk, this white cheddar has cranberries and chipotle peppers added, which contributes to the subtle heat and a very warm finish. Acclaims: Gold 2023 Los Angeles Int. Dairy Competition; Gold 2022 Los Angeles Int. Dairy Competition; 2nd Place 2017 US Championship Cheese Contest. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair this cheese with a Shiraz from South Africa (or even a sparkling Shiraz). For beer, reach for a lager. WINESTYLES: Mellow BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean CARR VALLEY CHEESE: Owned and operated by the Cook family, Carr Valley Cheese Company is over 100 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! Information © Carr Valley Cheese. – All Rights Reserved. Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

neals-yard-montgomerys-cheddarNeal’s Yard Dairy Montgomery’s Cheddar Somerset, England

Since 1911, Montgomery’s Cheddar has been handmade at Manor Farm with milk from the 200 Friesian cows that roam their 1200 acre farm and produced within twenty miles of the town of Cheddar. Montgomery’s Cheddar is dry and flakey with deep, rich, fruity and savory flavors with an incredibly long finish. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with a red wine, such as a Pinot Noir, Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. For beer, pair with an IPA or an English Cider. WINESTYLES: Bold BEERSTYLES: Hoppy & Bitter MONTGOMERY’S CHEESE: For over three generations, the Montgomery family has been farming in North and South Cadbury in Somerset since Jamie Montgomery’s grandfather purchased the farm in 1911.  Elizabeth Montgomery took over in the 1960s, ensuring the high quality standards continued and nurtured the recipe for 30 years. When Jamie inherited the role of cheese master of the family, he commited every aspect of production to his cheese, from the quality of the grass his cows graze on to the taste and texture of the final product.  Learn more > Information © Montgomery Cheese – All Rights Reserved. Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

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

June Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoovercoming-fruited-sour-beer_singleCompany Values
Overcoming
Florida, United States

Smoothie style fruited sour with blackberry and raspberry puree and a bunch of ooey gooey marshmallow for good measure. It is recommended to keep this beer refrigerated until ready to drink.

BeerStyles: Sour, Tart & Funky
Style: Sour
ABV: 6.2% alcohol / volume

Company Values is a sister company to Corporate Ladder Brewing company located in Palmetto, Florida. It’s a nationally distributed Micro-brewery, specializing in a wide array of innovative beers. Follow Overcoming on Untappd or Company Values Beer here.

StargazingHumble Forager
Stargazing
Wisconsin, United States

Brewed in collaboration with their forever friends from Eight State Brewery in Greenville, South Carolina. This pastry stout is packed full of toasted coconut, roasted hazelnuts, Madagascar vanilla beans and toffee.

BeerStyles: Dark & Roasty
Style: Stout
ABV: 13% alcohol / volume

Located just outside of Madison, Wisconsin, Humble Forager Brewery is a distribution brewery created by their head brewer, Austin Jevne. Their mission is to produce thoughtfully crafted specialty beers developed for any adventure. They use high quality ingredients inspired from different parts of the world. Learn more about the brewery here and follow them on Untappd.

trail-mixUntitled Art
Trail Mix Stout
Wisconsin, United States

Brewed in collaboration with Humble Forager. This stout is tastes exactly how it sounds. Brewed with cocoa nibs, coconut flakes, apricot puree, peanut butter powder, and milk sugar.

BeerStyles: Dark & Roasty
Style: Stout
ABV: 10% alcohol / volume
LABEL ARTIST: Stephenie Hamen

Untitled Art collaborates with different artists, friends, and breweries all around the world to produce drink concepts and styles that showcase their diverse work. From Sparkling Water to Craft Beer, every can or bottle is wrapped in artwork specifically made for that drink to create something you will love. Learn more about their company here.

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April Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubGrafton Cheese ClubGrafton Village Cheese Clothbound Cheddar Vermont, USA

Grafton’s signature Cheddar is wrapped in cheesecloth and cave-aged for 6-8 months, a traditional method used for centuries allowing the cheese to take on a deeper variety of flavors. Grassy, nutty notes dominate with some lemony accents and a smooth, lactic body. The texture is firm and creamy with a tendency to crumble. AWARDS:
  • 2019 American Cheese Society – Second Place
  • 2019 International Cheese & Dairy Awards – Gold
  • 2019 Big E Gold Medal Cheese Competition – Silver
  • Many others – click here
FOOD PAIRING: Serve as table cheese, alongside dried fruits, nutty bread, dark berries, or grainy mustards WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: For wine, pair with our April Wine Club Wine – Pierre Jean Sauvignon Blanc; or other ‘Old-World’ classics such as a Chablis, Pinot Noir or Riesling. For beer, reach for a Wheat Beer, Red Ale or off-dry Cider. WINESTYLES: Silky BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean or Fruity & Spicy
Grafton Cheese

© Photo by Grafton Village Cheese

ABOUT GRAFTON VILLAGE CHEESE: The Grafton Cooperative Cheese Company was founded in 1892 by dairy farmers in rural agricultural communities who gathered together to make their surplus raw milk into cheese. This helped the community as they were able to take an abundance of creamy milk and turn it into a food that could be stored for a longer period of time. In 1912, a fire destroyed the original factory; it wasn’t until several decades later, in the mid 1960s, the nonprofit Windham Foundation restored the company, and a new era for the town was born. Today, quality and taste are the hallmarks of their company’s award-winning cheeses. Learn more about their story here.

Quicke’s Devonshire Red Clothbound Cheese Devon, UK

Quicke’s is handcrafted using milk from grass-fed cows, clothbound and naturally matured, typically for 6 months. This vibrant, full-flavored cheese has a distinctive taste on a classic Red Leicester, with crumbly texture, fresh, nutty flavors and a lemony creaminess. Best to be eaten within 7 days of opening. Once opened, wrap in greaseproof paper and store in air-tight container in the fridge.  AWARDS:
  • 2020 Great Taste Award
FOOD PAIRING: Use in a Shepard’s Pie or with savory scones WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Pair with April’s Red Wine Club Wines or a fruity Pinot Noir. Also pairs well with sparkling wines, ciders and ales. WINESTYLES: Mellow or Fruity BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean; Sour, Tart & Funky; or Fruity & Spicy
Quickes03-06-20MattAustin-120_820x

© Photo by Quicke’s

ABOUT QUICKE’S: Established in 1540 by Andrew Quicke, when he fell in love with Devon village and built a better farm. Using traditional recipes, time-honored techniques and heritage starters passed down through the generations, Quicke’s continues to create outstanding clothbound cheddar. Made by hand in the old-fashioned way, slowly matured for a deeply satisfying flavor, their cheese celebrates the deep connection that has grown between the Quicke family and the land they have nurtured for almost 500 years. Learn more about their story here.
WineStyles of West Des Moines is excited to announce they have got their hands on a small amount of Hook’s Cheese Company’s special 15 Year Cheddar! While this is not featured in this month’s Cheese Club, we promise you don’t want to miss this. Ask how you can pick up this very special, limited cheese at your local wine store!

Monthly Cheese Club

Don’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 >

April Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoBAStoutTwisted Vine Brewery
Lady Shock-O-Lot
West Des Moines, Iowa

A very deep, dark, rich stout brewed with copious amounts of cocoa nibs and aged in a Templeton Rye whisky barrel.  It is full-bodied with hints of coffee and oak in the nose.  The flavor is complex yet smooth, with definite notes of espresso, chocolate, vanilla, and then finishes with a Port wine-like slightly sweet dryness. Allow to warm in a glass for several minutes before drinking to bring out all the complex flavors.

BeerStyles: Dark & Roasty
Style: Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
ABV: 10.6% alcohol / volume
IBU: 60
Bottle: 16.9 ounce bomber

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Founded by Brian Sabus, Steve Becker, and Steve Breman, Twisted Vine Brewery has been brewing beer for over five years in the rolling hills of Iowa. In 2015, Jasen Garrett and Paul Galloway joined as partners. All avid home-brewers, they set out with a simple mission to create shockingly good beer, even if it meant bending a few rules along the way. They look to continuously create hand-crafted unique, palatable and unpretentious beers. Learn more about their mission here.

BAStout_Brewhouse

© Photo by Twisted Vine Brewery

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March Beer Club: Iowa

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Evil Twin Brewing

© Evil Twin Brewing

Evil Twin Brewing
Most Men Pursue IPA With Such Breathless Haste That They Hurry Drinking It
Hinnerup, Denmark | Brooklyn, NY

Double dry hopped IPA with Ariana, Citra and Callista hops. Strong citrus and sweet hop on the nose. Refreshing and soft medium-body. Crisp up front and dry finish. Cloudy, orange color, small head of foam.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: IPA
ABV: 7% alcohol / volume
Production: Brewed by Twelve Percent Beer Project

Evil Twin Brewing
IPA Is Not A Problem To Be Solved, But A Reality To Be Experienced
Hinnerup, Denmark | Brooklyn, NY

Triple IPA, double dry hopped with Waimea, Citra and Wakatu hops. Cloudy, golden orange in color.  Aromas of pineapple, grapefruit, orange, guava and caramel. Tropical fruit taste with toasted caramel and piney bitterness.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: Triple IPA
ABV: 10% alcohol / volume
Production: Brewed by Twelve Percent Beer Project

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Evil Twin Brewing was started up “nomadically” in 2010 by Jeppe Jarnit- Bjergso. In 2012, Jeppe and his family decided to make New York City their home and join the burgeoning local beer scene. In 2016, Jeppe was approached with the opportunity to finally root his ideas & dreams and Evil Twin Brewing NYC was born. Evil Twin Brewing now exports to more than 35 different countries, is in around 35 states in the US, and brews at 5 different breweries around the world. Learn more here.

Fat Orange Cat

© Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.

Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.
Welcome to Harga
East Hampton, CT

“A Double IPA copiously hopped with Nelson and Motueka. We love this hop combination and hope we do May Queen proud. Don’t worry, she’ll be smiling soon.” – Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8.5% alcohol / volume
Production: Brewed at Twelve Percent Beer Project

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. is a small, seasonal homestead brewery, that opened for tastings and growler sales/fills out of their barn in August of 2016. They now have the ability to produce Small Batch Beers and Large Batch Beers under their name, with the help of Twelve Percent Beer Project. Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. specialize in extremely high quality small batch recipes, and are making every effort to support and promote local agriculture. Learn more about their brewery here.

 

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March Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubPour Me A SliceBeehive Cheese Company Pour Me A Slice Uintah, Utah, USA

‘Pour Me A Slice’ is sweet and creamy. Beehive Cheese partnered with their good friends at Basil Hayden’s to create a cheese infused with their Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. As you near the rind, the spiciness of the bourbon becomes more pronounced. This beauty will be enjoyed by bourbon and cheese enthusiasts alike. “We love pioneers and explorers. That’s what makes our partnership with Basil Hayden’s so exciting. Basil Hayden Sr. began distilling his Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey in 1796 using his own mash based on what he had on hand. Unconstrained by the rules of traditional bourbon, he discovered what we now call “high-rye”. At Beehive Cheese, we can relate to breaking rules and going our own direction. Since our founding, we have produced unique and complex cheeses that are leaders in their category of American cheeses.” – Beehive Cheese Company LLC FOOD PAIRING: Pair with toasted nuts, chocolate, berries, and charcuterie.  WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Drink along with any of Basil Hayden’s premium bourbons, medium to full-bodied red wines, ales of all kinds and ciders. WINESTYLES: Mellow and Bold BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean; Sour, Tart & Funky; or Malty & Sweet
Pour Me A Slice_Basil Hayden's

© Photo by Beehive Cheese Company

Barely BuzzedBeehive Cheese Company Barely Buzzed Uintah, Utah, USA

This Utah Cheddar is rubbed with espresso and lavender, and is a winner of 20 major awards. Barely Buzzed is the perfect party cheese. It’s easy to pair, stunning to look at, and always the center of attention on the cheese board. The espresso and lavender rub imparts notes of butterscotch and caramel, which are prevalent near the rind, but find their way to the center of the cheese. This is a full-bodied cheese with a nutty flavor and smooth texture. Hours after it’s made, the special grind is rubbed on the rind. The 20-pound wheel ages for 6-8 months. As it ages, Beehive’s cheesemakers test each batch to determine the right time to introduce the wheel into the world. Learn more about the story behind Barely Buzzed here.  FOOD PAIRING: Pair with Toasted Nuts, Chocolate, Berries and Charcuterie WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Drink with medium to full-bodied red wines, ports, ales of all kinds, stouts, and ciders AWARDS:
  • 1st Place, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015 American Cheese Society
  • 3rd Place 2012, 2014 World Cheese Awards
WINESTYLES: Mellow and Bold BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean; Sour, Tart & Funky; Malty & Sweet; or Dark & Roasty
Barely Buzzed_Cheese Board

© Photo by Beehive Cheese Company

ABOUT BEEHIVE CHEESE COMPANY: In 2005, Tim Welsh and his brother-in-law, Pat Ford, had a vision of opening a creamery in the mountains of Northern Utah. With no more than eight days of cheesemaking experience between the two of them when they first began, the two broke tradition without even realizing it. They enjoyed the freedom to experiment and created their own rules about what artisan cheese could be. With their families by their sides, they built a company grounded in independent thinking, connectedness, and authenticity. They partnered with some of the best cheese researchers and creameries the western U.S. had to offer. Today, Beehive Cheese continues to produce award-winning cheeses that bring family and friends together. Learn more about Beehive Cheese Company’s story here.
Founders - Pat and Tim

© Photo by Beehive Cheese Company

ABOUT THE FOUNDERS: Pat Ford:
Pat Ford

© Photo by Beehive Cheese Company – Pat Ford

Pat Ford has grown Beehive Cheese into an industry leading maker through his relentless positivity and enthusiasm for customer service. His career in sales has spanned over several decades to include real estate development, business to business software sales, and a brief stint in fire truck sales. Service is very important to Pat. He’s been an active member of the American Cheese Society (ACS) for the last 15 years and served on the Board of Directors for six years. During his tenure on the ACS board, he played an important role in Pat Ford 19 the creation of the Certified Cheese Professional (CCP) program. When he isn’t busy traveling the world with his wife, Jeanette, you can usually find him driving a tractor (or mule) on his ranch. He’s a proud father of five and a grandpa to nine spunky, cheese loving grandkids. Tim Welsh:
Tim Welsh

© Photo by Beehive Cheese Company – Tim Welsh

Before starting Beehive Cheese he worked in the fast-paced world of software and technology. He founded Beehive Cheese with his brother-in-law, Pat Ford. Tim poured every ounce of passion into making exceptional, award-winning cheese. Supporting local arts is very important to Tim. Tim has served on the Advisory Board at Red Butte Garden / University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He also serves on the Board of the California Artisan Cheese Guild. His charitable interests include the Ogden Friends of Acoustic Music Festival and their year-round events. Tim has traveled the world with his wife, Kari, and three sons—all of whom work at Beehive. He enjoys cooking, taking in a concert at Red Butte Garden, and snuggles with his two pups, Noodle and Gypsy
WineStyles of West Des Moines is excited to announce they have got their hands on a small amount of Hook’s Cheese Company’s special 15 Year Cheddar! While this is not featured in this month’s Cheese Club, we promise you don’t want to miss this. Ask how you can pick up this very special, limited cheese at your local wine store!

Monthly Cheese Club

Don’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 >

March Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubGruet Blanc de NoirsGruet
Blanc de Noirs
New Mexico, United States

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Pale salmon in color, this full-bodied wine has a fine mouse and a creamy, rich texture. Complex aromas and flavors of raspberry, baked pear and cherry are complemented by a hint of toasted vanilla. The balance of fruit, minerals and crisp acidity lead to a round mouthfeel and lasting finish.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay
AVA: American
pH: 3.12
Total Acidity: 70 PPM
Residual Sugar: 0.8% g/L
Fining: Sterile pads
Filtering: Diatomaceous earth
Aging: Aged en tirage for a minimum of 18 months
Vintage: NV
Critical Acclaim: 90 points Smart Buy; Top 100, Wine Spectator Best Buy; Year’s Best Summer Sparklers, Best Sparkling Wines for $25 or Less Wine & Spirits

WINEMAKING:
French for “white of black”, Blanc de Noirs describes a sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir grapes that are gently pressed and its juice runs off the skins. Gruet’s Blanc de Noirs NV was first released in 1990. Following the success of their Brut release, Gruet Winery wanted to add a non-vintage wine using Pinot Noir, similar to the classic blends of NV Champagnes.

gruet-brutGruet
Brut
New Mexico, United States

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Aromas of green apple, citrus and minerality make for delightful start to this traditional sparkler. Gruet Winery’s Brut NV offers bright, crisp acidity complemented by a touch of yeast on the delightfully long finish. A classic house style!

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 75% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir
AVA: American
pH: 3.07
Total Acidity: 76 PPM
Fining: Sterile pads
Filtering: Diatomaceous earth
Oak: Bottle aged
Aging: Aged en tirage for a minimum of 18 months
Vintage: NV
Critical Acclaim: #1 Sparkling Wine – Top 100 Values of 2016; 90 points, Smart Buy, Wine Spectator; Top 100 Best Buys of 2018, Wine & Spirits

WINEMAKING:
“Brut NV was our first wine released in 1989. As the predominant grape used in Champagne, we wanted our first sparkling wine to express the finesse of Chardonnay.” – Laurent Gruet

gruet-brut-rose-webGruet
Brut Rosé
New Mexico, United States

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

A beautiful garnet in color, this Rosé NV has a delicate, fine mousse and rich, fruit flavors. This full-bodied sparkler starts with floral and berry aromas which introduce flavors of cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry, finishing delicately with zesty acidity. 

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir
AVA: American
pH: 3.14
Total Acidity: 68 PPM
Fining: Sterile pads
Filtering: Diatomaceous earth
Aging: Aged en tirage for a minimum of 18 months
Vintage: NV
Critical Acclaim: Top 100 Values of 2018 – Wine Spectator

WINEMAKING:
This Rosé NV was first released in 2004 under limited production. The wine’s color and taste was inspired from sparkling Rosés from around the world. The wine is made in the “Saignée” method by adding 2% still Pinot Noir to the blend to create the beautiful garnet pink color.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 1984, Gruet Winery specializes in Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines. Family owned and run, the New Mexico-based winery produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – based sparkling wines and small collection of still wines, with roots originating from Gilbert Gruet’s Champagne house in Bethon, France. More than 25 vintages later, Gruet Winery has achieved unprecedented acclaim and remains a favorite of the nation’s top sommeliers.

Bubbly Wine ClubLearn more about our Bubbly Club >

 

 

February Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoEmpyrean Bottle ImageOmnipollo
Empyrean Double IPA
Sweden

A bold yet tropical Double IPA. Full of Nelson Sauvin, Galaxy and Citra hops. Soft mouthfeel, balanced bitterness but with a healthy, hearty dose of hoppiness.

BeerStyles: Hoppy
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 8.5% alcohol / volume
Production: Brewed at Dugges Bryggeri in Sweden
Can Artwork: Karl Grandin

Menelik BottleOmnipollo
Menelik Stout
United States

Menelik, or as it is also called, Menelik Mansplanation Stout, is a beer about listening, tuning in and being a counterweight to toxic masculinity. It has a ton of ingredients and a very difficult brew, so in a way, it is impossible to talk about without getting into some mansplaining yourself. Brewed with yellow raisins, coffee, vanilla, cocoa nibs, almonds, hazelnuts, nut mix, spice, milk chocolate and lactose sugar.

BeerStyles: Dark
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 11% alcohol / volume
Production: Brewed by Twelve Percent Beer Project in the USA
Can Artwork: Karl Grandin

Maz CanOmnipollo
Maz
Belgium

Omnipollo Maz (formerly Mazarin) is brewer, Henok Fentie’s take on a “thinker’s beer”. Rather than being big and indecipherably complex, Henok wanted to create something that would calm a hop yearning nerve without fuddling the brain too much. In his words, this beer is “a lavishly hopped ale with judicious ABV — an Extra Special Pale Ale, if you will”. This Pale Ale received a gold medal at the Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival in 2013.

BeerStyles: Hoppy
Style: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.6% alcohol / volume
Production: Brewed at De Proefbrouwerij in Belgium
Can Artwork: Karl Grandin

Omnipollo Founders

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Omnipollo® is a beer production company founded by brewer Henok Fentie and artist Karl Grandin in 2010 with a shared vision of changing the perception of beer — forever. They brew a plethora of styles to explore what beer has and can become. As a joint and equal partnership between a brewer and a graphic artist, their creative process has come to resemble the work shop of other pop cultural expressions such as music. Omnipollo® beers are always a collaborative effort and are brewed at breweries in all corners of the world. This approach means they stay curious, grounded and tuned in. Learn more here.

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