Tag Archives: wine

Winery Spotlight Series: September 2024

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GD Vajra LogoSpotlight_GD-Vajra_Bottles_blog

Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting
G.D. Vajra
Barolo, Italy

September 2024

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring G.D. Vajra Wines from Italy! We will be sharing their six wines below; to reserve a spot and attend the wine tasting, please contact your local participating WineStyles store, or reserve your tickets on their local Eventbrite. Please join us! 

Wines Tasted:

  1. Luigi Baudana Langhe Bianco Dragon
  2. GD Vajra Langhe Rosso
  3. GD Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba
  4. GD Vajra Barbera d’Alba
  5. GD Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo
  6. GD Vajra Barolo Albe

Spotlight_GD_Varja_pouring_email

About G.D. Vajra Wines:
G.D. Vajra is a family-owned winery located in Barolo, Italy, known for producing high-quality wines with a focus on tradition and innovation. The winery emphasizes sustainable practices and respects the natural environment in its vineyard management. G.D. Vajra offers a diverse range of wines, including Barolo, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo, among others. The winery is recognized for its dedication to craftsmanship and the expression of the unique terroir of the region. To learn more on their website, click here.

Vaira Family (pictured above)

Spotlight_GD_Varja_barrels_email

Photos and Information © G.D. Vajra – 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
G.D. Vajra – Barolo, Italy
September 2024
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

July Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logoBroken_Earth_CV-Reserve-Cab-Franc-2019-Bottle-ImageBroken Earth Winery
2019 CV Reserve
Cabernet Franc
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This crop was a much anticipated one. It has a very robust style that retains elegance and finesse. It is quite firm on the palate but the masses of spicy fruit and balancing oak compliment the grip nicely. The color is deep and intense reflecting the wine’s brooding nature. Bright natural acidity will ensure this wine ages for many years. Only new oak is used and the average aging is 23 months.

  • Analysis: 15.2% alcohol / volume
  • Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
  • Appellation: Paso Robles, California
  • pH: 3.58
  • Residual Sugar: 2 g/L
  • Total Acidity: 5.52 g/L
  • Harvest Date: October 2019
  • Bottling Date: March 2022
  • Accolades: 92 pts. – Wine Enthusiast

Winemaker Notes:
“The term CV refers to the original vineyard holdings on our estate, Continental Vineyards, and this very limited wine is only produced in exceptional vintage years. In 2019, we achieved perfect fruit ripeness, resulting in a wine of outstanding depth. Cabernet Franc is a significant Bordeaux variety that figures prominently in the “right bank” styles of Pomerol and St. Emilion. In the climate of Paso Robles, Cabernet Franc ripens on its own. We are excited to release this 100% varietal.” – Chris Cameron, Winemaker

Bold wine Style logoBroken_Earth_CV-Reserve-Studium-2020-Bottle-ImageBroken Earth Winery
2020 CV
Studium
Estate Grown
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The 2020 Studium is the only proprietary blend in the CV line. It is only produced in years where the grapes are of the highest quality. Studium is a medium-bodied wine with soft inviting tannins. Packed with bright plum and cherry flavors and aromas of dried flowers. The balance of acid and tannin will ensure that this wine will age gracefully and slowly. The wine will pair beautifully with roasted duck and a nice steak.

  • Analysis: 15.4% alcohol / volume
  • Appellation: Paso Robles
  • pH: 3.71
  • Residual Sugar: 1.1 g/L
  • Total Acidity: 6.3 g/L
  • Harvest Date: October 2020
  • Bottling Date: May 2023

Winemaker Notes:
“Latin for “the house of learning”, the 2020 Studium is a proprietary blend that is made early after pressing. It is first aged in neutral French barrels for 12 months, then transferred to second year French oak for just the right soft touch of sweet oak. Harvested late October 2020, the grapes for Studium were gently de-stemmed and immediately inoculated with yeast. Two pump-overs a day completed the fermentation, the wine was then pressed, the malolactic fermentation was initiated.” – Ben Mayo, Winemaker

About Broken Earth Winery:

50th-Year-Logo_Green-800x802Celebrating 50 Years: In 1973, Wayne Rodgers (Mash), James Caan (Godfather), Peter Faulk (Columbo), Jack Webb (Dragnet) and local visionary Herman Schwartz established the first large scale vineyard on the Central Coast, planting 520 acres. They anticipated the growth of Paso Robles to be another 2,000 acres with 10-15 wineries over the long-term. Paso Robles now stands around 70,000 acres under vine and over 300 wineries. 

Continental Vineyards (CV) grew grapes for many Napa wineries in the early 70’s and 80’s. Winemakers from all over the world would travel to this vineyard to see what Paso Robles was capable of growing.  This tradition continues today, establishing many new varieties that have never been planted in the US, and have 34 of the 72 varieties grown in the region. 

Broken Earth, as a brand, was born from the heritage of the vineyard property originally named “Rancho Tierra Rejada”, meaning “land of worked or farmed earth”. For generations, farmers have cultivated and ‘broken’ the soil in the region with care and respect. Their goal is to respect the land and its treasures. Broken Earth winery encompasses a philosophy to provide wine that reflects the personality of where it is sustainably grown and the personality of its talented craftsmen, the winemaker and crew. Learn more about the winery here.

Information & Photos © Broken Earth Winery – All Rights Reserved.

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Winery Spotlight Series: July 2024

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Austin-Hope-Logo-Color

Spotlight_Austin-Hope_Bottles_blog

Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Austin Hope
Paso Robles, California

July 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 a new Winery Spotlight tasting event, where we’ll be showcasing five different wines from their remarkable line. Please join us! 

Wines Tasted:

  1. Treana Sauvignon Blanc
  2. Treana Cabernet Sauvignon
  3. Treana Red
  4. Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon
  5. Quest Red Blend

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

Spotlight_Austin_Hope_July

About Treana:
Treana_Logo_2016_BlackTreana embodies the essential elements shaping their wines: the fertile land they farm, the warm California sun, and the cooling ocean breeze. The Pacific Ocean’s afternoon breezes cause significant diurnal temperature shifts, preserving the grapes’ natural acidity. Abundant sunshine during the growing season provides warmth, creating ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The Central Coast wine region in California offers some of the most unique and diverse soil types, further enhancing the quality of Treana’s wines.

About Quest:
Quest-Logo-1As makers and dreamers, the minds behind Quest are never at rest, constantly pursuing untapped possibilities. Quest was born from a love of American oak and the Cabernet Franc varietal. Cabernet Franc is noble grape of the Bordeaux region not widely planted in California, particularly in Paso Robles, due to its specific soil and temperature requirements. After years of trial and error, the Hope Family team found the ideal terroir and microclimate in the Paso Robles AVA for the meticulous Cabernet Franc. With established vines, they collaborated with coopers to craft luxury American oak barrels that would enhance their vision for a world-class Cabernet Franc blend. Creating an exceptional Cabernet Franc, akin to crafting an exquisite Pinot Noir, demands careful attention to soil, site, and temperature.

About Austin Hope:
Austin-Hope-Logo-ColorWinemaker Austin Hope launched his namesake label in 2000, five years after assuming leadership of the family business. Initially, Austin Hope wines focused on Rhône varieties cultivated at the Hope family’s estate vineyard. In 2017, after years of exploration and only when he was confident in creating something extraordinary, Austin unveiled his first Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine quickly became a benchmark for Paso Robles. Today, Austin Hope wines represent Austin’s dedication to elevating Paso Robles on the global stage.

Austin Hope is the mark of their family’s multigenerational legacy in Paso Robles, reserved for the finest expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon and estate Rhône varieties. These are the definitive wines from Wine Enthusiast’s 2022 American Winery of the Year. 

“The goal is simple: to make wines that express everything Paso Robles has to offer, with its pastoral beauty, perfect soils, maritime climate and limitless possibility.” – Owner-Winemaker Austin Hope

Map of Hope Family vineyards

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. To learn more on their website, click here.

© Hope Family Wines
© Hope Family Wines

Photos and Information © Austin Hope & 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
Austin Hope – Paso Robles, California
July 2024
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

June Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine Clubmoscato-dasti-bottle-imageRisata
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato Bianco di Canelli
Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Risata Moscato d’Asti is seductively sweet, boasting juicy stone fruit, tart citrus and floral honey flavors. It’s a fresh and fragrant wine.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato Bianco di Canelli
Perfect Pairings: Appetizers, tiramisu or a kid-free staycation

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Reach for a soft cheese such as a brie. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Risata_Post_CosmoPunchMix Things Up – Wine Cocktails!

Risata Cosmo Punch:

  • 2 parts Risata Moscato d’Asti
  • 2 parts ginger ale
  • 1 part vodka
  • 1 part frozen pink lemonade
  • 1 part cranberry juice
  • .5 part Triple Sec

Directions:

  • In a large pitcher or a large punch bowl, combine all ingredients. Serve drinks over ice and enjoy as yummy summer sipper!

Risata Peach wine bottleRisata
Peach
Moscato
Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Savor the lusciousness of Risata Peach, a semi-sweet wine, bursting with flavors of ripe, juicy peaches and a hint of apricot. Light-bodied and crisp on the finish, this refreshing wine is best served chilled.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato
Perfect Pairings: Salads, cake or a night of “me time”

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair this fruity, semi-sweet wine with a rich, nutty hard cheese such as Parmigiano Reggiano. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Mix Things Up – Wine Cocktails!

Rista Peach Sangria drink recipePeach Sangria:
(Makes 4-5 servings)

  • 1 part Risata Peach Wine
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 peach, sliced
  • 1 cup berries
  • 1/3 cup orange liqueur
  • 1 cup club soda
  • garnish: edible flowers

Directions:

  • Add fruit and orange liqueur to a pitcher and gently muddle with a wooden spoon. Add Risata Peach wine, club soda, and ice, then stir. Divide into glasses and serve with edible flowers, if desired. Credit: The Social Sipper.

Risata_Blueberry-bottle-imageRisata
Blueberry
Brachetto
Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Relish in the wild and fresh flavor of Risata Blueberry, a refreshing semi-sweet wine, with intense flavors of fresh blueberry and a soft hint of cherry. Serve lightly chilled.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Brachetto
Perfect Pairings: Fresh fruit, grilled meats, or a little late night retail therapy.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: For a savory cheese pairing, reach for a feta cheese. The saltiness of this cheese can enhance the sweetness of the blueberries and create an interesting savory contrast. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Mix Things Up – Wine Cocktails!

Risata-Berry-Wine-SlushieBlueberry Wine Slushie:
(Makes 4 servings)

  • 2 cups Risata Blueberry wine
  • 3 cups frozen mixed berries
  • ¼ cup elderflower liqueur
  • 1 cup ice
  • garnish: berries, edible flowers

Directions:

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Divide into glasses and garnish with frozen berries and edible flowers, if desired. Enjoy immediately. Credit: The Social Sipper.

About the Winery:
The word ‘Risata’ means ‘laughter’ in Italian. The team behind Risata thought it would be fitting for a line of delightfully sweet and bubbly wines made to be enjoyed on nearly any occasion. Sourced from the finest vineyards in Italy, Risata wines are premium quality wines that are designed to elevate any moment. Their Moscato d’Asta was introduced to the U.S. in 2006 and has grown to be the most sought after Moscato d’Asti in the country. These wines are delicious on their own or mixed into a tantalizing cocktail! Learn more here.

Photo and Information © Risata – All Rights Reserved

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

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Winery Spotlight Series: June 2024

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Remhoogte winery logoRemhoogte wines to be tastedWinery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Remhoogte Wine Estate
Stellenbosch, South Africa

June 2024

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Remhoogte Wine Estate Wines from South Africa! We will be sharing the six wines below; to reserve a spot and attend the wine tasting, please contact your local participating WineStyles store, or reserve your tickets on their local Eventbrite.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Honeybunch Chenin Blanc
  2. Chronicle Cape Blend
  3. Vantage Pinotage
  4. Free to Be Red (Carbonic Syrah)
  5. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
  6. Syrah Reserve
Chris and Rob Boustred © Photo by Remhoogte Wine Estate
© Photo by Remhoogte Wine Estate
© Photo by Remhoogte Wine Estate
Winemaker Chris Boustred © Photo by Remhoogte Wine Estate
© Photo by Remhoogte Wine Estate

About Remhoogte Wine Estate:
Remhoogte Wine Estate is a family-run winery with vineyards nestled on the foothills of the Simonsberg mountain in Stellenbosch. The wines produced here benefit from ancient soils, steep slopes, and the cooling winds from the Atlantic Ocean. Each bottle reflects the story of the vineyards, the estate’s heritage, and its passion for winemaking and land preservation for future generations. The goal of Remhoogte Wine Estate is to bring joy to all who experience their wines and to make everyone feel like a part of the Remhoogte family.

“We believe wine is made in the vineyards, and our goal is to allow the vineyards to express themselves by interfering as little as possible. As a result we have adopted a minimalist approach in both the vineyards and the cellar. The idea being to minimize the human influence on the final product.” – Chris Boustred, Winemaker

All grapes are hand sorted in the cellar before they go into tank. Wild or naturally occurring yeasts are allowed to ferment the grapes before the wine is drained off the skins and allowed to mature in French oak barrels before being racked and bottled. 

“I love opening a bottle of wine, it is like unlocking a time and place. You can experience the terroir of the wines origin and the climate that the vines experienced in the year the wine was made. This is also why I am passionate about Estate Wines, as you are drinking wine from a very specific place in a specific area.” – Rob Boustred

To learn more about the Remhoogte family and their winery,  be sure to RSVP at your local WineStyles and sample their amazing wines.  To learn more on their website, click here. If you’d like to visit Remhoogte and stay at their Zebra Cottage or Zebra Lodge, please click here.  Waking up surrounded by vines and zebras is an amazing experience you’ll never forget! 

Photos and Information © Remhoogte Wine Estate – 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
Remhoogte Wine Estate
June 2024
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

May Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubCarl-Sittman-Riesling-BottleCarl Sittmann
Riesling
Mosel, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Carl Sittmann Riesling features notes of green apples, pears, and apricots on the nose. Its sweet peach and apple flavors are delicately offset by crisp acidity, ensuring the wine remains elegantly refreshing and not overly sweet.

Analysis: 9.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Riesling
Region: Mosel, Germany

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Reach for a tangy goat’s milk cheese to complement the wine’s acidity and fruity notes. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Photo and Information © Carl Sittmann – All Rights Reserved

tdo-moscato-bottle-imageTerra d’Oro
Moscato
Amador County, California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Inviting aromas of honey, white peach, honeysuckle, pineapple and lemon zest lead into vibrant flavors of Meyer lemon, pineapple and a hint of anise. The wine has a pleasing viscosity on the palate and finishes with fresh acidity. This makes the Terra d’Oro Moscato extremely versatile and enjoyable with a meal as well as after it. Try it with spicy Asian cuisine, or a fruit tart.

Analysis: 9.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato
Acidity: 0.63 g/100mL
pH: 3.27

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: If you’re looking for a dessert pairing, mascarpone cheese topped with some tart fruit jam is a fantastic choice. Its creamy texture and mild flavor with a punch from the jam will pair well with the sweetness of Moscato, making it suitable for desserts or as a simple, luxurious treat. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Vineyard Notes:
Moscato, also called Muscat, is grown in nearly every wine-producing region in the world, resulting in an array of styles. It is believed the name derived from the French word “Musque”, meaning “perfumed”— a fitting moniker for this intensely aromatic variety. Grapes were sourced from several select vineyards to create a wine with that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. 

Winemaker Notes:
When making the Moscato, the goal was to craft a wine that is full of flavor with perceptible sweetness, yet is still light on the palate. The Terra d’Oro Moscato is crafted in a different manner than their other varietals. Grapes are destemmed and crushed in stainless steel tanks and left overnight before pressing. This “cap and drain” method keeps the grapes in contact with their skins for an extended period, delivering greater varietal intensity. After gentle pressing, 70% of the juice is inoculated with yeast. The remaining unfermented juice is kept at a very low temperature and then added back into the blend after fermentation to create a lightly sweet and refreshing wine with a lower alcohol. 

About the Winery:
Amador’s first winery established after Prohibition was founded in 1970 by renowned winemaker Cary Gott, and he released the first wines under the Terra d’Oro label in 1973. Terra d’Oro’s early success with Amador Zinfandel and other wines, in particular Italian varietals, were key in helping re-establish the region’s reputation for fine wine. In 1988, the Trinchero family, which had been purchasing grapes from the Amador region for 20 years, purchased the winery and 240-acre vineyard. Over the years, the family invested in subsequent vineyards, and in early 2000, completed construction of a new, state-of-the-art winery at the site of the original winery, designed to unlock the potential of each acre of Terra d’Oro’s vineyards. Today, Terra d’Oro farms produces award-winning wines from its 800+ acres of sustainably farmed vines in Amador County and the Clarksburg AVA. Learn more about their sustainable practices here.

Photo and Information © Terra d’Oro Winery – All Rights Reserved

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“Wine” not try our Sweet Club! 

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May Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logoAndes-400-Bottle-ImageAndes Plateau
400 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon
Maipo Valley, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

  • Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
  • Varietal: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot
  • Appellation: Maipo Valley, Cajón del Maipo
  • pH: 3.59
  • Residual Sugar: 1.63
  • Total Acidity: 5.45
  • Vineyard Yield: 1.5 kg/plant
  • Planted area: 3 hectares

Bold wine Style logoAndes-Plateau-Bottle-ImageAndes Plateau
700 2021
Red Blend
Maipo Valley, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

WINE DETAILS:

  • Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
  • Varietal: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Carignan
  • Appellation: Maipo Valley, Cajón del Maipo
  • pH: 3.6
  • Residual Sugar: 1.59
  • Bottle Aging: 10 months minimum
  • Year: 2017
  • Vineyard Yield: 1.5 kg/plant
  • Planted area: 3 hectares

Both of these elegant wines feature hints of red fruits, graphite, and spices. On the palate, they reveal freshness, intensity, and depth. with red fruits, graphite and spicy notes. Thanks to their acidity, they are versatile wines that can be combined with a wide variety of flavors and foods.

SOILS:
Both terroirs share similar characteristics: Alluvial soils, near riverbeds and Colluvial soils, caused by mountain rock falls.

CLIMATE:
In the growing time, the temperatures are lower, allowing the wines to achieve less degrees of alcohol, lower pH and high acidity.

HARVESTS AND VINIFICATION:
The grapes are tasted and selected carefully. An early harvest allows the wines to achieve freshness and acidity. The process is made by hand, using 12 kilo boxes. They use pure native yeasts. The Cabernet Sauvignon is fermented in stainless steel tanks, while the Syrah, Carignan and the Cabernet Franc are fermented in open tanks to facilitate “Pigeage” (grinding with feet). This process is an essential part of their wine mixture. They limit the pump-over process to the minimum and taste their wines daily until the desired results are achieved.

AGING AND STORAGE:
The wines are aged for 15 months in 3rd and 4th use oak barrels. Additionally, they use an untoasted french oak foundre of 3000 liters. Afterward, the wine is stored for 6 months before being released to the public.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Andes Plateau is a family run winery with a drive to showcase wines from the Andes Mountains. Altitude determines the identity of their wines; not many producers are in the mountains due to a high risk of frost, yet the Andes Plateau winery believes the risk is worth the reward. They produce elegant and energetic expressions of each varietal, working with the complex geology of their vineyard locations.

WINEMAKER / FOUNDER: FELIPE URIBE
After studying agriculture and working two years in San Pedro Vineyards (Chile), Felipe Uribe studied at Polytechnic University in Madrid (Spain) where he got his Masters degree in Viticulture and Enology.  He returned to Chile and worked at Santa Helena Vineyard. Looking for new challenges, he went to California and worked for La Crema Winery in Sonoma Valley.  After returning to Chile, he worked as Chief Winemaker for Miravalle Vineyard, which is located on the upper part of Cachapoal Valley. While working as head Enologist at William Fevre Vineyard (Maipo Valley) his wine was recognized as “Chile’s Most Innovative Wine of 2012” by El Mercurio, the most important newspaper in Chile. His wine was also awarded the “Revelation Wine of 2012” by Descorchados, the famous wine guide in Chile.  Learn more about the winery here.

© Information and photos from Andes Plateau – All Rights Reserved. 

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Winery Spotlight Series: May 2024

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Thelema Mountain Vineyards lightThelema Wine bottlesWinery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Thelema Mountain Vineyards
Stellenbosch, South Africa

May 2024

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Thelema Mountain Vineyards Wines from South Africa! We will be sharing the seven wines below; to reserve a spot and attend the wine tasting, please contact your local participating WineStyles store, or reserve your tickets on Eventbrite.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Thelema Mountain White
  2. Thelema Chardonnay
  3. Thelema Mountain Red
  4. Thelema Shiraz
  5. Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon
  6. Thelema Rabelais
  7. Thelema ‘Vin de Hel’ Muscat Late Harvest
© Thelema Mountain Vineyards
© Thelema Mountain Vineyards
© Thelema Mountain Vineyards
© Thelema Mountain Vineyards

About Thelema Mountain Vineyards:
After leaving his accounting career to become a winemaker Gyles Webb and the McLeans, his in-laws, purchased Thelema in 1983. The manor house was restored and the first wines under the Thelema label were released in 1988. By the mid 1990’s, their wines sold out within a month of release, making it one of the most sought-after wine estates in South Africa. The Webb family describe Thelema as “one of the most beautiful places on earth”.  Situated on the southeastern side of the Simonsberg Mountain, with elevations 1739 feet above sea level and mainly south-facing slopes, Thelema Mountain Vineyards possesses some of the highest elevations in Stellenbosch, South Africa. These high altitudes and the rich red soils are ideal for premium quality wine grape production. The Webb family believes grape quality is the single most important factor in serious winemaking; their policy is one of minimum interference, allowing the wines to be a true expression of each vineyard.

Thelema Mountain Vineyards lightThelema Mountain Vineyards’ crest showcases a phoenix. This sacred phoenix appears in ancient Arabian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese and Indian mythology, but it also symbolizes the birth of Thelema since it is present on both sides of the families. The McLeans owned the Phoenix Garden Hotel in Kimberley, and there is a phoenix on the Webb family crest. To learn more about the family winery and their history, click here.

© Thelema Mountain Vineyards
© Thelema Mountain Vineyards
© Thelema Mountain Vineyards
© Thelema Mountain Vineyards
© Thelema Mountain Vineyards

Photos and Information © Thelema Mountain Vineyards – 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
Thelema Mountain Vineyards
May 2024
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

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.

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Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Hope Family Wines
April 2024
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April Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubStella-Rosa-Royale-Bottle ImageStella Rosa
Stella Royale Rosso
Veneto, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

With its higher alcohol content, yet still smooth finish, Stella Rosa Royale retains that delicious semi-sweet nature with its fresh natural flavors of raspberries, strawberries and other red berries. This is the perfect wine to pair with any food, just remember to serve it chilled.

Analysis: 8% alcohol / volume
Primary Grape Varietal: Barbera, Brachetto, Nebbiolo

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: A creamy, yet tangy, blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Roquefort can provide a bold flavor contrast to the sweetness of the wine. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About the Winery:
It all started in 1917, when the Riboli family founded Los Angeles’ historic San Antonio Winery. Back then, Los Angeles was the prime location for wine growing in all of California. For some time, the wine industry reigned as one of Southern California’s most economically significant and popular industries of that time. After surviving Prohibition and about a century later, the Riboli family has continued its artisan winemaking tradition through four generations. Within the tasting rooms of San Antonio Winery, customers repeatedly requested a sweeter, light, refreshing wine. The Riboli family took this unique opportunity to create a new semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wine style, which today, they are the leader. And so, Stella Rosa was born. Learn more here.

Wine Cocktail: Berry Regal
Try this delicious wine cocktail at your next brunch:

  • 2 oz Stella Rosa Royale
  • 1 oz Grand Marnier
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 cup frozen raspberries
  • 1 cup frozen blackberries
  • agave (to taste)
  • Add Grand Marnier, frozen fruits, and agave to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glass and stir in Stella Rosa® Royale.

Photo and Information © Stella Rosa and San Antonio Winery – All Rights Reserved

Moscato-Asti_Bottle ImageVietti
Moscato d’Asti DOCG
Castiglione Falletto, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Bright straw-yellow in color with slightly shimmering hints of gold. This wine has intense aromas of ripe yellow fruit (peach and apricot), floral notes (rose petals and acacia flowers) and ginger. Sweet and delicate on the palate, with the modest acidity, good balance and complexity. Hints of fresh apricot on the finish.

Analysis: 8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: The nutty and salty flavors of Parmigiano-Reggiano can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the wine. Its firm texture and complex flavor profile make it an excellent pairing option. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Winemaking:
The grapes are sourced from small vineyards in Castiglione Tinella, with 4,500 plants per hectare. The vines, cultivated with the Guyot-system have an average age of 40 years. Limestone and clay-rich soil.

The grapes are harvested by hand in and around late August/early September. The vinification begins with a gentle pressing of the grapes and natural cold decanting. The must is stored at a very low temperature in stainless-steel tanks to avoid spontaneous fermentation. Throughout the year, individual portions of the must are put in an autoclave at a temperature of 12-14 degrees to initiate alcohol fermentation. When 5.5% alcohol by volume is reached, the temperature is quickly reduced to stop the fermentation. The wine, which is only partially fermented, is then filtered. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation and is bottled using sterile filtration, to maintain its natural freshness, aromas and fine bubbles.

About the Winery:
Almost 150 years have passed since its foundation. It was the end of 1800 when Carlo Vietti started the Vietti winery, right in the heart of the Langhe, on the highest point of the medieval village of Castiglione Falletto. In the very same place where it is located today. Vietti is renowned for its commitment to crafting exceptional wines that express the unique terroir of Piedmont. From their iconic Barolo to elegant Barbera and beyond, each bottle reflects a harmonious balance of tradition and innovation. Embracing sustainable practices, Vietti’s vineyards yield grapes of unparalleled quality, resulting in wines that captivate enthusiasts worldwide. Passion, heritage, and a deep connection to the land define Vietti, making it a cherished gem of Italian winemaking. Learn more here.

Photo and Information © Vietti – All Rights Reserved

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