Tag Archives: zinfandel

Winery Spotlight Series: October 12, 2022

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Robert Craig Winery Spotlight
with Guest Speaker, Elton Slone
Napa, California

Wednesday, October 12, 2022
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Robert Craig wines and guest speaker Elton Slone, President and CEO of Robert Craig Winery. He will be joining us live on the big screen sharing the six wines below.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Robert Craig Chardonnay, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, California
  2. Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
  3. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cuvée, California
  4. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Merlot, Napa Valley, California
  5. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, California
  6. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Zinfandel, Black Sears, Napa Valley, California

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/taste along with us on Zoom!

Oct-12_Robert-Craig_bottles

About Robert Craig Winery:

Founder Robert (Bob) Craig began his long and storied career at The Hess Collection in the 1980s. In 1990, Bob Craig founded his eponymous winery on Howell Mountain with three friends from business school. In 2004, CEO Elton Slone joined the winery and became a full partner in 2007. Following Bob’s retirement in 2012, Slone has continued to move the business forward with the other three founding partners. Known for producing small-lot, site-expressive wines from high elevation vineyards, Robert Craig Winery consistently garners high scores and positive accolades from the wine press. Learn more about the winery’s history here.

© Photo by Robert Craig Winery
© Photo by Robert Craig Winery
© Photo by Robert Craig Winery
© Photo by Robert Craig Winery
About Elton Slone – CEO and President:

Since his arrival at Robert Craig Winery in early 2004, Elton Slone has continued the Craig’s commitment to producing properly expressive cabernet sauvignons from mountain vineyards in the Napa Valley. His career spanning nearly three decades in the luxury wine industry have made Elton a fan of single vineyard, cellar worthy wines that display balance, nuance and complexity. Today, he spends much of his time traveling around the country to share the Craig word and wines with other wine enthusiasts. He brings his passion for old world wines to the new world of Craig with a production philosophy based on site expression. Learn more about Elton and the rest of the Robert Craig team here.

© Elton Slone – President and CEO of Robert Craig Winery
© Photo by Robert Craig Winery

Photos and information © Robert Craig Winery – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Elton Slone
Robert Craig Winery
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

July Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubRobert-Craig_Stick_Blend_2017_bottle_imageRobert Craig Winery
2017 “The Stick” Red Blend
Candlestick Ridge Vineyard
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Cabernet Sauvignon blend is dense, powerful and beautifully concentrated. The nose is perfumed with luxurious  aromas of black currant, boysenberry, cedar box and Herbes de Provence. The intensely layered palate excites with cassis, plum, and graphite. It is rich and seductive with a velvety texture that finishes long and perfumed.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
TA: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.77
Maturation: 18 months in 70% new French oak
Appellation: Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley, California
Winemaker: Jason Price
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts. JamesSuckling.com

VINTAGE:
The 2017 harvest was the first in the area following a 5 year drought. The soils and water table had been replenished and the vines took off early in the season and weather patterns were about normal until late August. In early September, heat spikes hit the valley and set record or near record temperatures. With plenty of water available most vineyards were heavily irrigated and the temperatures cooled in mid-September to more normal levels. The quantity of grapes was quite low, but quality looked to be excellent. A huge wildfire at the end of harvest threatened vines that still had fruit, but luckily the vast majority of grapes were already safely in the winery for the year.

TERROIR:
Just down the road from the estate, Candlestick Ridge is the northernmost vineyard in the Howell Mountain AVA and is slightly warmer than the summit ridge where the Winery Estate vineyard lies. Candlestick is influenced by warm air from Pope Valley to the east and is protected from the constant wind that hits the ridge line. The big subsurface boulders were removed during the replanting, leaving thin tufa soil on top of a rocky volcanic bedrock.

Collectors Wine ClubRobert_Craig_Winery_Howell_Zinfandel_2018_bottle_imageRobert Craig Winery
2018 Howell Mountain Zinfandel
Black Sears Vineyard
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

True to the Howell Mountain, the 2018 vintage is beautifully clean and focused with boysenberry and bramble berry wrapped in a subtle pepper spice on the nose and palate. This Zinfandel is balanced and elegantly structured through the finish.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Zinfandel
TA: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.57
Maturation: 18 months in 60% new French oak
Appellation: Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley, California
Winemaker: Jason Price

VINTAGE:
February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in the spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions for winemakers to allow their fruit to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels.

TERROIR:
Black Sears has “King of the Mountain” bragging rights on Howell Mountain – topping out at 2,400 feet, making it officially the highest vineyard on the mountain. The vineyard is located just past the gate of the Howell Mountain estate, and now the winery surrounds it – literally – having purchased the vineyard just on the other side of it as well. For 25 years, winemakers have clamored for the Zinfandel grown here: both biodynamic and organic, the site is dry farmed and the vines are pruned in the old world style with no trellising. Zinfandel thrives in the mountain’s well-drained, rocky, volcanic soils and moderate climate.

ROBERT CRAIG WINERY:
Bob Craig always had a passion for Napa Valley Mountain Cabernets, so naturally, he founded his eponymous winery on Howell Mountain with three of his friends from business school. In 2004, the team was joined by CEO Elton Slone, who later became a full partner in 2007.  After Bob’s retirement and departure from the wine business in 2012, Slone has continued to move the business forward with the other three founding partners. Today, the winery is still known for producing small-lot, site-expressive wines from high elevation vineyards. Robert Craig Winery consistently receives high scores and positive accolades from the wine press. Learn more about the winery here.


Hess Collection Allomi Cabernet SauvignonThe Hess Collection
2018 Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon
Allomi Vineyard
Napa Valley, California
375 ml (half bottle)

BOLD WINE STYLE

“The combination of steady heat and well-drained clay loam soils in our Allomi Vineyard allows fruit to ripen evenly, gaining welcomed complexity and layers of flavor. We consistently see beautiful yields from the Allomi Vineyard, and this vintage was no different. On the nose, this wine delivers delicious aromas of boysenberry, blackberry and elegant expressions of lavender alongside a touch of vanilla. Allomi Cabernet is concentrated upon entry with dense, but well-integrated tannins that provide a round, plush mouthfeel. Layers of juicy black fruit, notably black cherry and black plum, lead to elements of espresso supported by a subtle oak spice that adds to the personality of the wine and reminds us why this is one of our most popular Napa offerings.” – Dave Guffy, Director of Winemaking

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Sirah, 5% Malbec, 2% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
TA: 0.58 gms/100ml
pH: 3.76
Harvested: October 8 – November 2, 2018
Maturation: 18 months in 27% new American oak
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Winemaker: Dave Guffy
Food Pairing: Chocolate Lave Cookie Recipe >

 

VINTAGE:
Budbreak began on schedule at the end of February, and Spring brought moderate temperatures that progressed into a warm Summer without any disruptive heat spikes. Steady, consistent growing conditions provided the perfect environment for the fruit to mature and develop. As the moderate, even temperatures continued into the Fall, harvest started slightly later than normal, and in some areas, extended long into the first week of November. With such lengthy hang time, the fruit matured consistently and was picked when it was at its peak, promising exceptional flavor in bottle.

VINEYARD:
A pioneer by nature, Donald Hess was determined to defy convention and pursue winemaking in the far reaches of the Napa Valley. In 1995, he sought out the Allomi Vineyard with a vision to uncover its potential. Once a dormant beauty, the Allomi Vineyard now gives life to luxury Napa Valley wines. The estate vineyard is located in the gently rolling hills of northeastern Napa Valley. The 210-acre vineyard is focused into 35 unique growing blocks with six different Cabernet clones that add diversity of flavors and complexity to this wine.

THE HESS COLLECTION WINES:
Though just 30 miles long and a few miles wide, Napa Valley is home to diverse micro-climates and soils uniquely suited to wine grape growing. It is considered one of the premier wine regions in the world. The Hess Collection wines are family owned, sustainably farmed and dedicated to reflecting a true sense of place. There wines are recognizable for their elegant, rich and complex flavors and a tradition of excellence. Learn more about the Hess story here >

Chocolate Lava Cookie Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cookie Recipe – pairs with Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon

Collectors Wine ClubLove to collect amazing wines?
Learn more about our quarterly Collectors Club > click here

 

 

 

Winery Spotlight Series: May 25, 2022

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Photo Nick with NZ flag

Goldschmidt Vineyards

Guest Speaker: Nick Goldschmidt
of Goldschmidt Vineyards
New Zealand / California

Wednesday, May 25, 2022
7:00pm CST / 8:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event with guest speaker, Nick Goldschmidt, winemaker and proprietor of Goldschmidt Vineyards. Nick will be joining us live on the big screen.

Wines Tasted:

  • Singing Tree, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California
  • Boulder Bank, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
  • Forefathers, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
  • Fidelity, Zinfandel, Alexander Valley, California
  • Chelsea, Merlot, Alexander Valley, California
  • Katherine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California
  • Hilary, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, California

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/taste along with us on Zoom!

Goldschmidt_wines_

About Goldschmidt Vineyards:

Yolyn and Nick Goldschmidt are owners/vintners, and Nick is the winemaker. While the winery offices are located in Healdsburg, California; the Goldschmidt Vineyard label is a program designed to showcase single vineyard source wines from both the Alexander Valley and Napa Valley Oakville appellations. Their goal is create wines that highlight the distinct characters, benefits and attributes derived from these site specific harvests. Joined periodically in the field by their five children, the Goldschmidt expertise is being passed down to the next generation. Learn more about the family business here.

Nick Goldschmidt with USA flagAbout Nick Goldschmidt:

Born and educated in New Zealand, Nick Goldschmidt’s career began in 1982 with a research position at the New Zealand Lincoln University where he graduated with Distinction in Horticulture. In 1989, after 18 months of winemaking in Australia, New Zealand, California, and South America; including his first harvest in Chile as winemaker for Calitera, Nick returned to California with an amazing range of winemaking experiences. In 1998 Nick and Yolyn Goldschmidt, established their own line of wines with the release of Goldschmidt Vineyards. Having produced so many world class wines from around the globe, Nick knew exactly which vineyard sites he would choose to make his wines from. All single vineyard, 100% varietal, handcrafted, small production artisan wines.. Learn more about Nick’s background here.

Goldschmidt Family Photo

“Winemaking has been a passion that has fueled our dreams and enriched our lives. Even our children have become involved, whether by pitching in during harvest and crush or by helping pack “dad’s” bags as I head off to New Zealand and Argentina several times a year” – Nick Goldschmidt

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Nick Goldschmidt
Goldschmidt Vineyards
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
7:00pm CST/ 8:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

Craftwork Old Vine Zinfandel

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Simply-Recipes-Santa-Maria-Tri-Tip-LEAD-4-5b7dca68a93f45f1b26f0ca5d8bf3a4a

© Photo by Ciara Kehoe

Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 (2 1/2 pounds to 4 pounds) tri-tip steak
  • Santa Maria rub (enough for a 4 pound roast)
    • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
    • 1 tablespoon finely ground black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh, finely minced)
    • ½ teaspoon dried sage

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Mix the rub ingredients together in a bowl. Place the roast in a roasting pan or a baking pan with edges (this will help contain the rub spices). Sprinkle the rub on the meat on all sides, and massage the rub into the meat.
  2. Cover the roast with foil or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for an hour to take the chill off and allow the rub to work its magic on the roast.
  3. Prepare your grill for hot direct heat on one side, and indirect heat on the other. 
  4. Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes per side. Carefully watch the roast during this process as one side of the roast is typically quite fatty and as the fat heats up it can drip down and cause flare-ups. Keep moving the tri-tip away from the flame if flare-ups occur.

  5. Once the tri-tip is seared on all sides, move it away from direct heat and place it fat-side up on the grill rack.
    – Note: If you are using a gas grill with a top rack, it is recommend to place the roast on that rack, with an aluminum tray on the bottom rack underneath to catch the fat drippings.
    – If you are grilling on charcoal or wood, you may want to turn the roast over every few minutes, for more even heating.
    – Try to maintain a grill temperature of 250°F to 300°F.

  6. Cover the grill and cook until the temperature of the interior of the tri-tip reaches 120°F for a rare roast, 130°F for medium-rare and 140°F for medium.
    – At this point the meat will take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes to cook, depending on how hot your grill is, how well done you want it, and the size of the cut.
    – Note that the interior temperature will continue to rise at least 5°F after you take the roast off the heat.

  7. Once the roast reaches temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest, loosely tented with foil, for 10-15 minutes. Slice across the grain to serve.

© Recipe courtesy of Elise Bauer of Simply Recipes.

SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:

Craftwork_Silhouette_NV_Zinfandel_transpMellow style logoCraftwork
Old Vine Zinfandel
Monterey County, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

This Old Vine Zinfandel has aromas of plum and black currant, juicy black cherry and ripe strawberry jam. This wine has well-balanced tannins that open out to a rich, layered finished.

Varietal: Zinfandel
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Aging: 10-day fermentation in Stainless tanks, then aged in Hungarian and American Oak
Food Pairings: This Zinfandel pairs beautifully with tri-tip steak, sausage, pizza and pasta dishes.

 

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Upon arrival to the winery, the grapes are destemmed, crushed, and fermented in small lots in open top fermenters. The firm cap of skins are gently punched down several times a day. Punching down is a traditional method that gives the skins as much contact with the fermenting wine as possible, ensuring that maximum color and phenols from the skins is transferred to the wine. After a 10-day fermentation in stainless tanks, the wine is age with a combination of Hungarian and American oak to round out and soften the rich, black fruit flavors.” – Craftwork

CraftworkABOUT CRAFTWORK VINEYARD & WINERY:
Craftwork’s wines are handcrafted from estate grown grapes in their vineyards in Monterey County, California. Their Zinfandel grapes are sourced from estate vineyards in San Lucas and Hames Valley. The majority of this blend comes from San Lucas, which is known for its beautifully rolling topography, sun-filled days and cool nights. The other portion of this blend comes from Hames Valley, about 20 miles south of San Lucas, located on the southern edge of Monterey County. Hames has temperatures that vary greatly from day to night. Growing in these two vineyards allows the grapes to reach their full flavor potential. Learn more about the vineyards and winery here.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn More >

 
 
 

 

Pomar Junction Brooster

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Asian Steak Skewers

© Photo by the Recipe Critic

Grilled Asian Garlic Steak Skewers

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/2 pounds top sirloin steak
  • 1 red onion
  • 2/3 cup soy sauce
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup sesame oil
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • sliced green onions for garnish
  • skewers

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Cut steak into one inch cubes. Cut the red onion into large chunks and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl whisk together soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, vegetable oil, sugar, ginger and sesame seeds. Add the steak and toss to coat in marinade. Marinate for 3 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the meat and the red onion onto the skewers. Grill for 8-10 minutes until the meat is done to desired liking.

© Recipe courtesy of Alyssa Rivers of The Recipe Critic.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoPomarJunction_2018BroosterPomar Junction
Brooster Fighting Red
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The “Brooster Fighting Red” Blend is an approachable red wine that is medium-bodied with spicy accents. It highlights flavors of red cherry, plum, berries, caramel and black pepper with hints of spice and oak. This wine is excellent on its own or paired with a casual meal.

Varietal: 30% Zinfandel, 25% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Grenache Noir, 6% Mourvèdre, 2% Petit Verdot
Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
PH: 3.48
TA: 6.1 g/L
Production: 1715 cases
Aging: 18 Months, Neutral Oak
Winemaker: Jim Shumate

 

 

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“In homage to historic and traditional Paso Robles table wines, it is approachable with domesticated red cherry and plum flavors with just a hint of oak. This style of wine is reminiscent of Zinfandel blends commonly produced before the days of “over the top” ripeness and high alcohol levels. Caramel, black pepper, and a hint of minerality add complexity to this affordable red wine. It is accessible via the convenient Stelvin screw-cap and its bright, colorful package is a big hit in restaurants. It goes with many lighter foods that heavier red wines might overwhelm. It is sure to give you something to crow about!” – Jim Shumate, winemaker

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

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

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn More >

 
 
 

 

July Premium Wine Club

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Old Vine ZinEola Hills Wine Cellars
Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel
Oregon

Bold wine Style logoBOLD WINE STYLE

The Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel is garnet red in color. On the nose, there are flavors of plum, cranberry and strawberry jam. It is medium-bodied with notes of craisins, cedar and spice on the palate.

Analysis: 14.43% alcohol / volume
RS: 4 g/L
TA: 0.52
pH: 3.89
Brix At Harvest: +27.3
Production: 420 cases
Food Pairing: This wine pairs well with roasts, grilled game and turkey. Enjoy alone, or try it with an orange marinated smoked duck, or chanterelles and sage.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“This Zinfandel was picked from young vines on the Mohr-Fry ranch. Fermented at cool temperatures to extract soft tannins, then barrel-aged in older American Oak for 13 months. A minimum of handling, a maximum of fruit expression. A spiced entry, jammy mid-palate, followed with a balanced smoothness.” – Eola Hills Wine Cellars

Bold wine Style logoCabernet ReserveEola Hills Wine Cellars
Barrel Select Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Oregon

BOLD WINE STYLE

Black Cherry in color, the Barrel Select Reserve Cabernet showcases aromas of cola, oregano, and smoke. It has a medium body with a bright mid-palate, highlighting flavors of cassis and smoke with a velvety finish.

Analysis: 13.9% alcohol / volume
RS: 0.0 g/L
TA: 0.75
pH: 3.45
Brix At Harvest: 22.5-24
Production: 625 cases
Food Pairing: This wine pairs well with anything from chocolate cake, pudding, and chocolate chip cookies, to smoked pork chops with green beans, asparagus, or your favorite BBQ recipe.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“With this bottle of reserve cabernet, winemaker Steve Anderson aged the grapes for 33 months in 6% new oak and ultimately decided to let the grapes speak for themselves.” – Eola Hills Wine Cellars

Mellow style logoWedding BlockEola Hills Wine Cellars
Wedding Block Pinot Noir
Oregon

MELLOW WINE STYLE

If discovering a great wine feels a bit like falling in love, this Pinot Noir delivers. Exuberant red currants and lush layers of dark bramble fruits surrounds a structured palate rich with cola, baking spices and a resonant finish. The perfect pairing for any special day.

Analysis: 14.2% alcohol / volume
RS: 0 g/L
TA: 0.55 g/L
pH: 3.71
Brix At Harvest: 23.8-24.5
Production: 150 cases
Vineyards: Eola Hills’ Wolf Hill Vineyard – Eola Amity Hills AVA
Elevation: 283 feet
Vine Age: 22.8 years (average)
Acres: 43
Soil Profile: Jory, Nekia, Hazelair, Woodburn, Willamette, Dupee, Concord
Food Pairing: This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a seared tuna rolled in peppercorns, or any dish with notes of ginger, thyme and fresh rosemary. Try with a garlic stuffed pork roast marinated in red wine, vinegar and rosemary.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“If you follow Eola Hills closely, you know Steve Anderson is our longtime winemaker. What you may not know is that he and his lovely wife, Nancy, said their vows under the great oaks at our Wolf Hill Vineyard on July 9th, 2005. In honor of love and saying their “I do’s”, Steve designated the name “Wedding Block” to this special plot of land in the Eola-Amity Hills, which is planted to Pinot Noir Dijon clones 114 and 667, and Pommard. With rich notes of bramble fruits and baking spices, our big, structured 2019 Wedding Block Pinot Noir will age beautifully – much like a good love story.” – Eola Hills Wine Cellars

ABOUT EOLA HILLS WINE CELLARS:
In the early 1980’s, Oregonian Tom Huggins found himself intrigued by the notion of creating great regional wines in the heart of the Willamette Valley. With close friends and family members, they invested in purchasing 35 acres that Tom thought was ideal for growing grapes. Today, Eola Hills Wine Cellars is still locally owned and operated and one of Oregon’s largest wineries, farming over 325 acres of prime vineyard land. They produce over 80,000 cases of fine wines that are enjoyed across the country and internationally, capturing the spirit and flavors of Oregon. Learn more here.

© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
Winemaker Steve Anderson
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills

Boozie Banter PodcastPODCAST WITH EOLA HILLS WINERY:
Our WineStyles team recently hosted special guest Brett Huggins of Eola Hills Winery on our Boozie Banter podcast. We talk about his family winery, Oregon wine, gleaning, moving to the Midwest and taste eight of his wines from their expansive portfolio. Attend our July 21st Winery Spotlight tasting event with winemaker Steve Anderson and experience Eola Hills yourself!  Meanwhile, listen to the full podcast on Spotify here >

Wine club logoJoin our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn more about our Premium Club >

 
 
 

 

Winery Spotlight Series: June 16 Marietta Cellars

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Wine Tasting Event

Marietta Cellars Wines Tasted

Marietta Cellars
Sonoma County, California

Wednesday, June 16, 2021
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event, featuring Marietta Cellars from Sonoma County, California, with guest speaker Scot Bilbro on Zoom. Owner and Winemaker, Scot Bilbro will be guiding us through a tasting of seven of his Marietta Cellars wines:

Zoom Facebook Live

  • Old Vine Riesling
  • Old Vine Rosé
  • Old Vine Red Lot 71
  • Román Zinfandel
  • Armé Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Christo Red Blend
  • Gibson Block Syrah

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local WineStyles store.  Or if you prefer to attend remotely, from the comfort of your home, pre-order a wine tasting kit-to-go and watch on Zoom.

Chris Bilbro and Scot Bilbro. © Photo by Marietta Cellars

About Marietta Cellars:

Marietta Cellars is a family owned winery in Sonoma County. Chris Bilbro (pictured left) with winemaking roots dating back three generations, founded Marietta Cellars in 1978. Scot Bilbro (pictured right) is now the second generation Winemaker and Owner of Marietta Cellars. Applying his Viticulture and Enology training from UC Davis, Scot keeps yeast happy, manages oxygen’s interaction with the wine, and dials in the temperature range of a fermentation…but the real magic happens in the quiet moments. Hiking the vineyard rows as the fog burns off; checking grapes in the sweltering sun; in the cellar at the end of the night during harvest checking tank temperatures with the palm of his hand. He continues to lead a team that performs magic by transforming hard work, attention to detail, a blessed climate, and exceptional land into beautiful, modern wines. Learn more >

© Photo by Marietta Cellars
© Photo by Marietta Cellars
© Photo by Marietta Cellars
© Photo by Marietta Cellars

About Scot Bilbro – Owner and Winemaker:

Scot Bilbro grew up admiring his father’s ability to create magic – whether it was with wine, food, or a simple game to entertain Scot and his brothers. Scot learned the ins and the outs of the family’s wine business, and after graduating from UC Davis, decided to return to the family winery to create magic of his own. Scot was uncertain and tentative, but his father gave him the confidence to create beautiful wines of his own. This second-generation winery continues to transform hard work, a blessed climate, special pieces of land, and belief into beautiful liquid expressions of family and place. Learn more here.

June16_Marietta_Eventbrite_header

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Marietta Cellars
Sonoma County, California

June 16, 2021

6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

February Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubHook’s Cheese Company, Inc.
10 Year Cheddar
Wisconsin, USA

Hook's 10 Year CheddarThis 10 year cheddar won 1st place at the 2006 American Cheese Society Show, the only 10 year cheddar to get a 1st place in this, or any competition. It has more calcium crystals than Hook’s 7 year cheddar. It has a full, rich cheddar flavor with a smooth finish.

The 10 year cheddar has calcium lactate crystals. These have the texture of salt but have no flavor. More crystals develop as the cheddars get older. The 10 year has a rich, kind of creamy, slightly acidic but more of a fruity note to it.

FOOD PAIRING: Make a yummy cheese and charcuterie board with dried fruits, quince paste, olives, pate, cornichon pickles, grained mustard, peppadew peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, assorted salami and prosciutto.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: When pairing wine with this cheese, reach for a big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or Merlot; for beer, look for something a Cider or something malty and sweet, such as a Scotch Ale or an Oatmeal Stout.

WINESTYLES: Bold
BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet

Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc.
Triple Play Extra Innings
Wisconsin, USA

Hook's Extra InningsA fantastic blend of three types of milk – cow, sheep, and goat.  Flavor notes that come through – Baby Swiss, Havarti and Gouda. Aged over a year.  At this point the Gouda flavor has become more prevalent and crystals have started to form.

FOOD PAIRING:
Dried apricots, dried cherries, sliced apples and pears; as well as flatbread, sesame breadsticks, olive tapenade, and shelled pistachios.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: When pairing wine with this cheese, reach for a Zinfandel; for beer, look for something Hoppy and Bitter such as an IPA.

WINESTYLES: Bold
BEERSTYLES: Hoppy & Bitter

Hook's Cheese Company

© Photo by Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc.


ABOUT HOOK’S CHEESE COMPANY:
In 1970 Tony Hook began apprenticing at a small cheese factory in Barneveld and got his cheesemakers license in 1972. In 1976, college sweethearts, Tony and Julie, formed Hook’s Cheese Company. At that time they only produced Cheddar and some Swiss. Since then, they have not only grown into a much larger factory, they have also expanded their lines of cheese. This duo continues to produce award winning cheeses including Colby, Monterey Jack, Maple Jack, Muenster, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Parmesan, Swiss, Havarti, Gouda, Blue Cheese and many others. To learn more about the Hook’s family and the cheeses they produce, click 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 >

Winery Spotlight Series: Nov. 18th Michael David Winery

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Michael David Winery Logo
Virtual Wine Tasting Event on Zoom and Facebook LIVE

Michael David Winery

Wednesday, November 18, 2020
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Please join us for a virtual wine tasting event with David Phillips, Co-Owner and President of Michael David Winery. During our virtual event, David will be guiding us through a tasting of the following 7 wines:

Zoom Facebook Live

  • Michael David Sauvignon Blanc
  • Michael David Chardonnay
  • Lodi Red Blend
  • Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Inkblot Cabernet Franc
  • Inkblot Petit Verdot
  • Earthquake Zinfandel

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 David with a front seat on Zoom!  Or watch on our Facebook LIVE event.Michael David Winery Wines

Michael David Winery Wine Tasting

About Michael David Winery:

The Phillips family and Lodi, California go way back. They have been farming this soil since the 1860’s and cultivating wine grapes since the early 20th century. Founders and brothers, Michael and David Phillips, are 5th generation grape growers who have raised their families in the vineyard; and now the 6th generation has joined the team, Mike’s son, Kevin, and daughter, Melissa. They embrace the importance of “leaving it better than you found it” for future generations. The Phillip’s family legacy and love of Lodi drive their focus on sustainability. Plus, they are pretty fun too.

David Phillips – Co-Owner and President

David Phillips

David Phillips

Early adopter of farmer’s markets, underage winemaker, long distance runner, UC Davis alum, champion of Lodi Wines, cork dork, brother, husband, father, and outdoor enthusiast. Working the family farm and vineyards from a young age, Dave returned to Lodi in 1989 after graduation, obtaining a job in the wine cork industry, and backpacking the world. Since then, he’s combined his love of Michael David Winery wines with his love of traveling by overseeing distribution from just one state to all 50, then onto 32 countries!

Michael Phillips – Co-Owner and Founder

Michael Phillips

Michael Phillips

Lifetime tractor driver, UC Davis grad, 5th generation Lodi grape grower, brother, husband, father, grandfather, jet-setter, un-traditionalist. Raised in Lodi, Mike worked harvests from a young age. After college, he wanted to show the wine world what Lodi was capable of and started planting unexpected varietals. In 1984, he opened a small tasting room at his parents’ farmstand. Today, you know that farmstand as Michael David Winery, and it’s helped put Lodi on the map as one of the finest wine regions in the world. Learn more about Dave, Mike, and their team here.

Photo by Michael David Winery
Photo by Michael David Winery
Photo by Michael David Winery: Barrels
Photo by Michael David Winery
Photo by Michael David Winery
Photo by Michael David Winery: Pond at Sunset
Photo by Michael David Winery: Vineyard

Lodi Rules:

“Some people like to say “rules were made to be broken.” We like to say “when rules are created to support and protect farmers, vintners, the land, your neighbors, and amazing wine… maybe you should stick with them.” – Michael David Winery

With over 100 “rules,” or practices geared towards environmental, social, and economic sustainability, the Lodi Rules certification helps both wineries and consumers to make better choices when it comes to making and drinking wine; the Phillips Family lives by these rules. These rules have been vetted by scientists, academics, and environmental groups worldwide, and are the most thorough set of sustainable viticultural standards in the entire state of California. Every year, Michael David Winery strives to make 100% of their wines Lodi Rules Certified. Learn more about Lodi Rules here.

Brothers Mike and Dave

Brothers: Mike and Dave

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Michael David Winery
Lodi, California

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

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