Wine Blog
"Juicy Tales by Jo Diaz"

The theme of recreation still does live on at Château de Nervers, all while they are making world-class wines. I was touring with a media group, this past July, in Odenas, Brouilly, France, at guests of owners Jean-Benoit Chabannes and his charmingly delightful wife Tiphaine de Chabannes, at their château. (SEE MAP BELOW: Odenas is a commune in the Rhône department of eastern France.)

We had arrived at Château de Nervers in late afternoon, to enjoy what became a really delicious winemaker dinner, in so many ways…

PHOTO: left to right ~ Tiphaine de Chabannes, fellow guest Amanda Burrill, and Jean-Benoit Chabannes.

In the middle of dinner, one guest declared it was “the best winemaker dinner EVER!” The alcove was filled with boisterous laughter.

Later, when we took it outside, giddiness just continued, into one of the most vibrant sunsets any of had ever seen. Maybe it was the moment? I tend to think it was more the people and group I was with. This image has no saturation added to it. Awestruck, it’s exactly as we saw it.

Jean-Benoit set us all off into laughter, but then we were his easy audience all night. Fun loving, while living a wine life. What’s not to love? And, did I mention, he makes really delicious wines, too?

BACKGROUND OF CHÂTEAU DE NERVERS

Enjoy this images of the past I took, during this brief history of the château.

Located in Brouilly, Château de Nervers was first a relay hunting lodge, of the prestigious Château de la Chaize. Descended from a long line of nobility dating back several centuries, Château de la Chaize is among the oldest and most historic estates in Burgundy’s Beaujolais region.

This was at the end of the 18th century, where guests were welcomed to this château, on hunting days. In 1830, the current owner’s wealthy grandfather arrived. He had lent a large sum of money to the owner, who was a friend… and also a gambler. Eventually, the friend was unable to pay him back, and offered Château de Nerver to him as compensation. The estate then fell into the hands of Jean-Benoit Chabannes’ family.

Château de Nervers has now been a family winery for almost 200 years. Six generations have succeeded each other, until Jean-Benoît and Tiphaine became the current managers. Together they combine tradition and modernity, valuing what makes up their history and inventing what will be their future. For the first time in its history, the Domaine is managed by a couple who take care of their vines from planting to enjoying the fruits of their labor… Their wines.

The estate has about fifty hectares (124 acres), which are mostly in Brouilly. The vineyards are farmed by families living on the estate for several generations, and winemaking is worked by five winemakers.

Since 2018, Château de Nervers has been Terra Vitis certified; and is now achieved a “High Environmental Value,” for 2019. The yields for the wine grapes are quite low and acidity is not very high, allowing for the production of solid, well-rounded wines.

The late after was warm and welcoming. As we stepped through the gate, I went back in time, to the days of guests arriving in horse drawn carriages. All over France, we saw glimpses of those mysterious days gone by… I write mysterious, because one can only imagine what it must have been like to be going from one bumpy place to the next, some in luxury, some in bare bones dusty necessity.

I dare say these carriages that arrived at Château de Nervers “in the day” were the highlight of the time.

We spent a lot of time outside, touring the estate’s grounds, before having dinner, enjoying sights, country sounds, and simple aromas of their terroir.

We sipped on bubbles in the process, as we listening to how Jean-Benoit and Tiphaine de Chabannes are really enjoying their good fortune. While it’s a (very) large responsibility, I’ve yet to see anyone so enthused about having so much to do, and still raise a small daughter in an old, giant castle. Imagine the reality for that child… any child, raised in a castle.

When we came into the winery, we first toured the cellar. This really became a constant theme throughout Beaujolais…  cement fermenting tanks, all incredibly unique in design.

When we walked in, I could feel the cool, dampness, that held the blood, sweat, tears, and aromas of every prior harvest and fermenting. The past was the present. The present would become the future. But, it was so NOW.

How many people, who had ridden onto the property, had also walked where I was walking now, smelling scents of wine?

As we rounded a corner, the cellar opened up into another chamber. Silently, the cellar was waiting for a harvest that would begin within a month’s time. Anticipation was great, as this was during the time of a hot spell. Winemaking has its frailties, and intense hot is one of them. We were all nervously hoping for the best.

We then entered an alcove, where a causally set table was waiting for us, during the mid-summer’s night of heat. It was like being with family… We were all ready to sit and enjoy being in the company of Jean-Benoit and Tiphaine de Chabannes, to hear more tales and break bread.

Our dinner was comprised of savory, wholesome, fresh French foods, of duck pate, skewered cantaloupe with Jambon de Bayonne (or French prosciutto), French bread (of course) with fresh dairy butter (still mooing), and Mozzarella di Bufala with sliced tomatoes, olive oil and herbs. We finished with desserts. I had the raspberry cheesecake, others had and a fruit custard option. We all became very satiated.

Our dinner was paired with Brouilly Château de Nervers 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 wines, and a few more treats. It all just got better and better… Flavors, favors, and fond memories being made.

As cool air began to drift into the alcove, the sun was setting. One person walked outside, discovered the sunset, and within minutes we were all outside their gate marveling at the sky’s colors, giggling into the night.

À votre santé, Kelly Mitchel. And until we all meet, again.

And… Special thank you to Wine Business for publishing “Theme of Recreation Lives on at Château de Nervers” from Wine-blog.

Tags: Amanda Burrill, Beaujolais, Brouilly, Château de la Chaize, Chateau de Nervers, France, Jean-Benoit Chabannes, Kelly Mitchel, Odenas, Terra Vitis, Tiphaine de Chabannes

I don’t usually report on real estate in the wine industry. I’ve just watched – for nearly 30 years – so many wineries changing hands, fading into the sunset, changing the name due to notoriety, the failings of venture capitalism, no legacy planning, etc.. It really is the game of Monopoly, with each county having it’s own board: Baltic Avenue to Boardwalk, railroads, utilities; “Get Out of Jail Free” cards, along with “Go Directly to Jail, Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200.”

[PHOTO: Jo Diaz. A view at Chateau Nervers, Brouilly, France]

When I worked with Concannon Vineyard, which had changed hands, again, to The Wine Group, I told them that at that time, it was critical to keep a family member on the premises. Jim Concannon was nearing retirement, and I suggested John was a great candidate. Now that this winery is on the marketing, again, will that consideration persist? I hope so, so long as there is a family member close by who wants the ambassador role. But, that is up to the new buyer.

The US doesn’t have the European roots, where a family members can trace themselves back to the fifteenth century, much less two or three hundred years – as in a few US  properties. Still, some great brands have been created here and have great worldwide cache.

[PHOTO: Jo Diaz. A view of Napa Valley from Ragusci Winery, Stags Leap District]

On the other hand, this is just evolution. My advice to anyone buying a winery, make sure either you or a close family member has a degree in finance, because, as the saying goes, “It takes a large fortune to make small fortune in the wine industry.” Another thought, also make sure someone in the family loves to get her or his hands dirty, and there’s another scientist… if you’d like your winery to stay within your family. This gives you more chance to have your passion of owning a winery survive all the tests of time. Simply being a bon vivant, with a trophy winery, doesn’t guarantee any legacy. Then there are those who have a 10 year plan, live it out, and list it. In the end, there will be a for sale sign, which doesn’t garner legacy prices.

Lecture over ~ Getting onto what’s for sale, via an Email sent to me, by global wine partners.

[PHOTO: Purchased ~ Copyright, Dinis Tolipov]

Global Wine Partners

For over 30 years, Global Wine Partners has been advising winery owners in the sale of their properties and brands.  With this perspective, we can say that notwithstanding the many headwinds in the wine industry, there is still a normal winery Merger and Acquisition market in this last quarter of 2019.

It is clear that the stalled Gallo/Constellation deal has caused increased market uncertainty, and that in turn has led some active acquirers to stand by pending its resolution. Still, overall buyers are looking at deals and offers are being made.

If you are a potential buyer, please see the opportunities outlined below.  These are just a few of the many projects we are working on.  Contact us, 707.967.5318.

If you’re a potential seller, we we’d be happy to talk with you about the current market, for wineries in general and for your business, in particular.

• Legacy Santa Barbara estate winery
  • This 107-acre estate winery in the heart of Santa Ynez’s wine country sells 6,000 cases of Bordeaux-varietal wines at good price points.
  • It has a robust DTC business, and is growing its wholesale market.
  • Seller will consider real estate-only offers.
  • Growing 100,000-case Chardonnay Brand,  this brand is California-appellated, selling at a $14.99 Suggested Retail Price, yielding very high gross margins.
  • Broad national distribution and chain authorizations are driving growth.
• Dry Creek Valley Sonoma estate winery
  • Tucked under the western hills, this 100-acre estate has varying topography creating a myriad of terroirs.
  • The winery is permitted for 25,000-case production.

For further information on the opportunity, click here to email Carol Collison, or call 707.967.5318

Additional Services ~ Valuation, Litigation & Finance

GWP provides a wide range of strategic & financial services to the wine industry based on decades of experience in consulting, accounting, and banking. We provide buy-side advice to new and established investors in wineries & vineyards.

This is information from an Email. This is not an advertisement.

And… Special thank you to Wine Business for publishing “Normal Winery Merger and Acquisition Market in This Last Quarter of 2019” from Wine-blog.

Tags: Brouilly, Chateau Nervers, Concannon Vineyard, finance, France, Global Wine Partners, Jo Diaz, Real Estate Sales, Regusci Winery, Wine

[All images in this blog posting are the property of Bruno Paillard. Please do not copy..]

If you’ve missed the latest harvest results for Champagne this year, I’m going to share it with you. Having been in France this past August, I can only imagine the struggles that they felt (extreme heat and grapes of differing sizes), because I did see and feel the same (at differing climate times, however) in Beaujolais and Provence. The Champagne region is about 400 miles from Beaujolais and even father to Provence, so their terroir experiences are quite different in the each season. This would give them different climates. It does, however, seem to have a similarities in deliver of warmer and cooler climates.

And, Champagne grape harvesting usually signals the early beginning of harvest and finishing ahead of other terroir regions.

I recently received the following E-mail from Bruno Paillard, found it very interesting, and willing to share their story. It began with…

Chers Amis!

A new harvest has ended! And what a harvest it is! We are pleased to share with you the details in the report attached.

We were lucky enough to harvest in wonderful weather conditions: dry, sunny days, tempered by cool nights, enabling the grapes to continue ripening at a steady, even pace, without risk of disease. Quantitatively, yields were limited by various factors (spring frost / unequal flowering / sunburn), but the quality of the grapes was very good throughout the vineyards.

The result in the winery is intriguing: juices that indicate significant maturity (more than 2018 and …2003!), but with two extra points of acidity! Needless to say, we are very curious to work on the blends in the spring! For the moment, the perfumes in the winery are extremely fruity and delicate at the same time

To be continued…

Kind regards,

Alice Paillard,

www.champagnebrunopaillard.com

The attachment included the following information.

2019 HARVEST
AT MAISON BRUNO PAILLARD

The 2019 Campaign

After a mild winter, the vineyard’s year began in a completely classic way. The bud-burst, in the second week of April, was in line with the 10-year average. Conversely, spring saw plenty of rain and fresh temperatures, impacting the development of the vineyard, with some frosts early on and with a difficult flowering period for the Chardonnay. The full bloom was therefore delayed this year, and was confirmed in the 3rd week of June. It was precisely at this moment that the weather changed radically!

A first heat-wave was experienced, but which, thanks to the presence of water in the soil, allowed the vine to fully develop without water stress. The second heat wave at the end of July, although short-lived, had an estimated 10% impact on yields by literally “drying” parts of over-exposed grapes.

Although the heat-wave stopped very quickly, the drought continued. Fortunately, the return of cool and rainy weather at the beginning of August allowed the vines to reach full maturation, while preserving healthy grapes.

Maturity Control

Throughout the weeks of 19th and 26th August and 2nd September, the main task was observing the evolution of maturity, order to try and make the best possible decision regarding the start of harvest. Although working across 16 villages and more than 100 parcels that offer great diversity, we still work with only three grapes, and when harvest starts it becomes a marathon until it ends.

Walking through the vineyards, selecting a certain number of grapes with different sizes and sites within the vineyard, different sun exposure (échaudage), to get the best possible “synthesis” of the parcel’s overall maturity.

[Échaudage is when the grapes are burned by the sun, they is a death of the grapes that is visible by a film on the berries. Then, visible by their drying in the advanced cases.]

The grapes are then crushed and the juice is analyzed in the refractometer. Although moving closer to the right maturity, tasting the grapes became a key parameter. [In this]… pictures you see the difference between a parcel of Chardonnay that had a proper flowering (full grape) and one that suffered from cool weather during flowering: in such case, half of the pollination did not happen, and the floral caps remain in my hand.

The decision was tricky since maturation suddenly increased very quickly in the last four days of August, gaining in some areas more than 2,5 degrees in six days, which is absolutely unheard of! It was tempting to anticipate the start of picking, but keeping calm and studying the weather forecast convinced us to maintain our start on 9th September: with cooler days and nights announced, in a dry period, we chose not to hurry, and leave more time to those of our parcels that had a normal yield with proper flowering.

September 9th : slowly but surely

Our priority was the parcels where quantity was much diminished because of an unsuccessful flowering: i.e, some of our Chardonnay. Since the vine carries less fruit than usual, there was a strong concentration and ripening: the maturity there was already at 11, 50 potential degrees! Wonderful, golden, tiny, and flavourful grapes.

The “real start”

On Tuesday, [September] 12th we worked in the parcels that had their full normal yield and took good advantage of an additional three-six days of maturation, starting with Pinot Noir in Montagne de Reims, with Verzenay / Verzy as well as some of our Pinot Noir in Cumières and Damery. Some signs of échaudage are visible on this picture, though the most significant ones happened in our vineyards of Les Riceys.

Back to Côte des Blancs

It was time to go back to Côte des Blancs for those of our parcels which had a perfect flowering and that we had let continue their maturation. Here are the harvest in our Clos in Vertus from where you can see, beyond the wall, the top of the Côte des Blancs.

Until the last grape

Finishing with the Meunier grapes, from the northern bank of Marne Vallée, south oriented: Hautvillers, Reuil, Venteuil, and until Festigny on the other site of the Marne. We picked our last grapes on Friday, 20th.

Conclusion

We were lucky enough to harvest in wonderful weather conditions: dry, sunny days but cool nights allowing the grapes to slowly continue their ripening without
risk of disease. Quantitatively, yields were limited by various factors (spring frost/ unequal flowering / sun burn), but the quality of the grapes was very good throughout the vineyards.

The result in the winery is very intriguing: juices that show great maturity (over 2018 and…2003!), but with two more points of acidity! Needless to say we are very curious to work on the blends in the spring! For the moment, the perfumes in the winery are extremely fruity and delicate at the same time…

To be continued…

And… Special thank you to Wine Business and Wine Industry Insight for publishing “2019 HARVEST AT MAISON BRUNO PAILLARD” on Wine-blog.

Tags: 2019 Champagne Harvest, Champagne, Côte des Blancs, Cumières, Damery., Échaudage, Festigny, Hautvillers, MAISON BRUNO PAILLARD, Marne Vallée, Meunier, Montagne de Reims, Pinot noir, Reuil, Venteuil, Verzenay, Verzy, vineyards of Les Riceys

During this year, I wanted to give our Diaz Communications Innovator of the Year Award to someone very deserving, which has now happened.

Before I could even announce it, though, a press release came out with Rebecca Hopkins‘ name as being a finalist in another Innovator of the Year Award.  Beck, as she likes to call herself, works for Folio Fine Wine Partners, and is one of the co-creators of A Balanced Glass. So, for the time being, I just let it go… knowing I’d double back around at some point. The time is now, and was prompted by meeting with natural healer Beryl Ryan RN, of TapWithin.

[PHOTO: From A Balanced Glass website]

More on Beryl Ryan in a Bit

Why Beck was being considered… She and Cathy Huyghe, the other co-creator of A Balanced Glass and a proprietor with Enolytics, have started a movement within the wine industry that’s so exciting and critical.  I don’t even know if it’s a coincidence, or an extension of some cosmic yin yang, that Cathy Huyghe was the last recipient of this award in 2016. Not every year has warranted this award, just for the sake of continuity. What I do know is that Beck Hopkins has caught our attention and we have deep respect for being so timely, and taking care of some serious wine concern of how to live a balance life as a woman of wine.

It’s gratifying that some people take responsibility seriously… Now, they’ve taken their early life lessons and entered the wine business. They’re thinking about it very differently, too. When they go on the road, for instance, they avoid the after parties, the ‘ole “Code of the Road” BS (which freaked me out, when I heard about it). And, not having someone in the trade come to their rooms anymore to take away the left over wine (because these women can’t take it with them, flying, etc.). Then, only to have the guy arrive at the room and begin to undress (that was funny, not funny)… Nope, not these emerging leaders. They’re planted in solid ground.

Still, the ground’s got a fault line, so they’re having empowerment conferences, to figure it all out. A large number of them are chanting what we chanted, engaging in yogic practices, meditating, having children their own way ~ or not having them, and reemerging as soon as the last one’s in kindergarten. It’s great to watch them really working hard at that balance and begin to really bloom.

There’s one aspect of this that’s just emerged for me… Brand new concept. I’m a little late to the party, but I’ve now arrived, and it’s thrilling.

Now to Beryl Ryan ~ Tapping ~ 12/21

I have to introduce this, because I don’t know how many of you are familiar, and I just witnessed a miracle. I write for Upbeat Times, because it’s really fun. (How could it not be, right?) So, I got an email from Beryl Ryan, asking if I’d write her story as an article, for Upbeat Times. Tapping? Wow, I haven’t worn those shoes since the 1960s. Say what?

Dear Jo Diaz,

I am writing you to ask if you can help me spread the word about Tapping, also known as EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique, to our school communities in Sonoma County.

I have been an RN in our county for 37 years, the last 11 as a nurse at Sonoma County jail, and learned about Tapping six years go. Since that time, I have taught Tapping to over 1,000 people, including: inmates, students, teachers, nurses, therapists and parents; and the results have been nothing short of miraculous!

[Could she now also take on the Wine Industry? Maybe not at once, but the concept is very catchy, especially for early adopters.]

If you have not heard of Tapping, it is a self-healing tool that uses a sequence of light physical “tapping” on external acupressure points, allowing you to return your body and mind to a state of peace and wellness.

I truly believe Tapping is the answer to a more peaceful world.  Why? Because when we feel good, we naturally feel kind, compassionate and empathetic, since that is our true nature, under the pain and hurt of life.

Tapping allows pain and hurt to be released very quickly, allowing our positive qualities to surface.

My belief is that if every young person could go to bed at night with a peaceful mind and heart, there could be a very different world in one generation!

I offer Tapping Workshops to school communities – Parents, Educators and Students for FREE, in hopes of spreading this incredible tool.

I am wondering/asking if you would be willing to do an article in your uplifting Upbeat Times  to help spread what I am offering?

 So grateful for any help you could offer. You can learn more about me and Tapping in schools on Tapwithin.com

 I would love to give you a direct experience of Tapping at any time.

 In Service,

 Beryl

Beryl Ryan RN, Tap Within

So, I read this and thought, “Hum…” This query is either a medicine woman at the carnival show, or a downright miracle. And, I was into discovery. We communicated; this furthered my curiosity. If what she said was true and needed a subject, I thought of Lyla Moore (my daughter, a mother, doula, yoga instructor). I drew her into the story, and let Beryl know that if this worked for her, we were in. I knew what I wanted to write (sorta), and directed what I’d write for a story. If healing was really true, the world would benefit more.

We met, shared some thoughts, really great vibes, share the same 12/21 birthday… Yeah, it was like that. As Beryl began tapping with Lyla, she eventually got to the source of Lyla’s stress… by peeling away the layers. It was a good one, and within it being on a scale of one to ten, Lyla began at an eight. With each continued tapping session (there were several), the scale began to go down; something she had held for years, began to melt away. The deeper it went, the lower the corresponding concern. Down it went, as Lyla came back up. All of a sudden, she knew she had broken through and blurted out, “That’s it. It’s over. I don’t have to go any further,” and she meant it.

[PHOTO: Purchased]

She not only let go of years for the block, but the pain was gone and already initiated a new plan of action… leaving that stress behind (in about 20 to 30  minutes), as she continues to tap her way from one challenge to the next. She’s the happiest I’ve seen her in a long time. It’s amazing.

Imagine, just imagine, if Beryl did have access to the Sonoma County school district. The bullying that begins and exists: each child – if he or she knows how to tap – the bully loses its power and the good begin to emerge.

World peace is very fragile right now. How many of us would like to tap ourselves into a continuing movement of peace? Probably a lot in California… We’re farmers at heart, and farmers are optimists, as my husband likes to say. “Farmers wake up each morning, and they believe in the future, with each new seed.”

As it turned out… This is the best tool in the tool box for unblocking negative energy… I mean, really. It’s helping people in jail reshape their lives, for instance. Working with people of all ages, including children to unblock energy. Yup, this is the NOT a medicine woman at the carnival show. Beryl Ryan is a downright miracle, and those who come into her wake will become wide awake… unblocking anything tout suite.

All of the executives in the wine business, this is another tool in your toolbox, for staying healthy in the midst of so many temptations.

This set of twins has just entered kindergarten, as tappers. What a gift to their class! I also can’t help but think, if they can be tappers, so can we all. We then live with less stress and hand that down through generations.

I’m an optimist. If it weren’t for the optimists, we’d all still be living in caves; empathy and foresight lead us forward. Yesterday, I used tapping, while standing in a long line and … voila … I didn’t care anymore. I also saw a different surrounding and it was quite changed.

[PHOTO with permission:

Tags: Beryl Ryan, Cathy Huyghe, Diaz Communications Innovator of the Year Award, Emotional Freedom Technique, Enolytics, external acupressure points, Lyla Moore, Rebecca Hopkins, Sonoma County, Tap Within, Tapping, Tapwithin.com, Upbeat Times

During this year, I wanted to give our Diaz Communications Innovator of the Year Award to someone very deserving, which has now happened.

Before I could even announce it, though, a press release came out with Rebecca Hopkins’ name as being a finalist in another Innovator of the Year Award.  Beck, as she likes to call herself, is an executive with Folio Fine Wine Partners. So, for the time being, I just let it go… knowing I’d double back around at some point. The time is now, and was prompted by Beryl Ryan RN, of TapWithin, a healer. (Beryl Ryan’s story will be “live,” on this coming Wednesday… It’s a continuation of healthy living.)

[PHOTO: From A Balanced Glass website, Rebecca is on the left, Cathy Huyghe is on the right]

To date, our award has gone to those in the digital marketing fields. They’ve been really easy to spot, as innovators. As I’ve predicted all along, the marketing grid for acceptance of something as ingenious as they’ve launched, has been a very slow process. Most of us aren’t even in the “Keeping up with the Jones” stage, yet.

This innovation is off the digital marketing grid a bit more than it has been in the past, as it’s completely centered on the health and wellness, for those who work within the wine industry… All of us, from tasting room personnel, to those who are CEOs; and to those who are in adjunct professions, like mine… a freelance publicist.

Why Rebecca Hopkins was considered as the best of the best, for these complicated times… She (founder) and Cathy Huyghe, co-founder, writer, and a proprietor with Enolytics, (who has already been awarded the DC Innovator of the Year Award in 2016) have started a movement within the wine industry that’s so exciting, critical, and growing much faster than even I could imagine.

From A Balanced Glass, their credo:

Why A Balanced Glass?

We believe that every professional who works with, or around alcohol, deserves to have the knowledge, tools and resources to manage their personal wellness for long-term career success.

25+ years as a wine professional has taught me that working with wine can present physical and mental health challenges faced by few other professions.

A Balanced Glass (ABG) is a web forum dedicated to supporting the health and wellness for wine professionals around the world. Our focus is to provide guidance, access to networks and connections within beverage alcohol.

[PHOTO: Rebecca Hopkins]

Some have taught our children to take responsibility seriously… Now, they’ve taken those lessons and entered the wine business. They’re thinking about it very differently, too. When they go on the road, for instance, they avoid the after parties, the ‘ole “Code of the Road” BS (which freaked me out, when I heard about it). And, not having someone in the trade come to their rooms anymore to take away the left over wine (because these women can’t take it with them, flying, etc.). Then, only to have the guy arrive at the room to get the wine and begin to undress (that was funny, not funny).

Nope, not these emerging leaders. They’re planted in solid ground.

[PHOTO: Cathy Huyghe]

Still, the ground’s got a fault line, so they’re having empowerment conferences, to figure it all out. A large number of them are publicly chanting what we chanted privately years ago, engaging in yogic practices we did on our own, meditating quietly and wondering if they can keep notes for those fabulous epiphanies when they emerge, having children their own way ~ or not having them, and reemerging into the job market as soon as the last one’s in kindergarten. It’s great to watch them really working hard at that balance and begin to really bloom. This is why Rebecca Hopkins, of A Balanced Glass, epitomizes what Jose Diaz and I see as the best recipient for our 2019 Diaz Communications Innovator of the Year Award. She finds the time to self-nurture and also considers everyone else in the process.

She’s found her groove and we’ve found someone very worthy of recognition, Rebecca (Beck) Hopkins. Congratulations, Beck!

Tags: A Balanced Glass, Beryl Ryan RN, Cathy Huyghe, Enolytics, Folio Wine Partners, Rebecca Hopkins, TapWithin

Hoping to make this an annual event, Emily Martin has announces her first “Pinots & Plaid.” I know my tartan, do you? I also know a few things about Pinot, and I can combine that with a kilt any day of the week. I’m a happy Scottish camper, with DNA from the MacQuarrie Clan!

MacQuarrie Clan Motto: Turris Fortis Meus Mihi Deus (God is a strong tower to me).

MacQuarrie Clan History: A branch of Clan Alpin which anciently held sway over territories on the islands of Mull and Ulva. Hector MacQuarrie of Ulva was a supporter of Robert the Bruce, and fought for him at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

The Clan MacQuarrie became followers of the Lords of the Isles, and joined the Macleans in supporting the Royalist Cause during the Civil War, when the MacQuarrie Chief and his followers were killed fighting against Oliver Cromwell’s army at the Battle Inverkeithing in 1561. Tragically most of the family papers were destroyed in a fire in 1688 and, in 1777, Lachlan MacQuarrie of Ulva was obliged to sell Ulva for financial reasons. He subsequently joined the British Army at the age of 63, and served in the American War. He died at Glenforsa, on Mull, in 1818, at the age of 103.

Why The Event?

From Emily Martin: The event’s name pays homage to style. Recently, plaid has taken on a life of its own in the fall fashion lines, as seen last week during Paris Fashion week. With all the buzz about plaid, EME created a Pinterest board to help people dress for this extravaganza. A fun filled, fall fete replete with plaid and the best Pinot Noir in the Bay Area!

Premium Wine Experience Brings Wine Aficionados and Producers Under One Roof

October 26, 2019 at San Francisco’s Hibernia Bank Building

Pinots & Plaid will feature 25 leading Pinot Noir producers from Northern California, and invites wine lovers, foodies and luxury connoisseurs to enjoy fine wines paired with high end cuisine in the historic, stunningly restored, Hibernia Bank Building in San Francisco.  A VIP reception will offer one-on-one conversation with winemakers will occur from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. followed by a General Admission reception from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The VIP Lounge Sponsored by San Francisco Magazine & Roederer Estate will feature Sparkling Wine & Caviar and will be open from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. VIP ticket holders and sponsors will enjoy Roederer Estate Sparkling Wines paired with caviar from The Caviar Company in an intimate setting.

Well-known, premium brands including Blue Farm, Bucher, CIRQ, Clarice Wine Co., Cobb Wines, Copain Wines, Coursey Graves, Dutton Goldfield, Freeman Vineyard & Winery, Gary Farrell, Hyde Estate, Kutch, Maggy Hawk,  Peay Vineyards, Red Car, Reeve, Three Sticks, Williams Selyem and Works & Days will showcase rare wines not typically available to the public.

“We are excited to present the premier flavors of wine country in a luxury format in one of the most stunning new event spaces in San Francisco for Bay Area wine lovers, and luxury enthusiasts” said Martin.  “Guests will enjoy unmatched access to rare wines paired with delicious bites from Ryan Scott To Go, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese, B Patisserie, Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates and coffee from local sponsor, Lady Falcon Coffee Club. We also look forward to connecting winemakers with an exclusive audience of wine lovers, collectors, and luxury connoisseurs.”

Featuring rare and newly released wines from The Russian River Valley, Anderson Valley, Sonoma and Napa, the event is expected to draw an audience of approximately 500 guests from around the Bay Area.

A portion of ticket sales will benefit two San Francisco charities close to founder Emily Martin’s heart: Meals on Wheels SF and Mission Graduates. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at an early-bird rate of $150 VIP and $85 General Admission.  In October, the VIP ticket price will raise to $185 and General Admission to $115/person. For more information and the latest on participating wineries and ticket sales, please visit: https://www.emily-e-martin.com/pinotsandplaidtasting

EME extends a special thank you to its event sponsors:  Modern Luxury,  San Francisco Magazine, Roederer Estate, La Tavola Linens, Four Seasons San Francisco, Harlow & Grey, B Patisserie, Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese & Lady Falcon Coffee along with a special thank you to its event partners: Eat Drink SF, The Golden Gate Restaurant Association, Luxe SF, Six Degrees Society, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers, AF&Co, Ground Floor Experiences and The Caviar Company for their support in sharing details about the event with their audiences.

Tags: Blue Farm, Bucher, CIRQ, Clarice Wine Co., Cobb Wines, Copain Wines, Coursey Graves, Dutton-Goldfield, Freeman Vineyard & Winery, Gary Farrell, Hyde Estate, Kutch, MacQuarrie Clan, Maggy Hawk, Peay Vineyards, Pinots & Plaid Event, Red Car, Reeve, Three Sticks, Williams Selyem, Works & Days

WINE BOOKS

Some wine books you can’t put down. They’re exciting novels that are edgy, a bit naughty at times, and sucking you in ~ every second ~ for “more.” High voltage…

Then there are other wine books that are slowly savored, in sound bites. Remember the days of getting ready for a book report? Yeah, that’s what it is. Part of blogging time requires reading and reporting on wine books. Book page is the resource.

FAST FORWARD ~ BEAUJOLAIS

Being asked, to go to Beaujolais on a media tour, this was just the beginning of a very intense, five-day sojourn into the world of Beaujolais. It was through the lens of a preeminent vintner, and world-renown expert in how one becomes and maintains success as a wine négociant… Monsieur Georges Duboeuf.

Let me tell you, it’s a fascinating read. Imagine tracing yourself back to the 15th Century? The family tree is complete, mind you; not skipping a beat, from one generation to the next…

Just imagine it… Then think forward to the now “you,” next your children, and then their children. How far back can you trace yourself? I can trace back to 1623. A great grandfather was sent over from England. After landing, he walked to Shawmut (today’s Boston), to teach the King James version of the Bible (which he didn’t do in Shawmut), while King James was ruling.

[PHOTO: This is a purchased, stock photo… Not Georges Duboeuf]
As a single mother for a while, I know Georges Duboeuf’s early years were a bit challenging, but I don’t think that he sees it that way. Georges’ father passed away when he was only two years old. Against some odds, his childhood was still like any other young boy’s, riding the dusty Beaujolais roads of the country. For him, they were exciting and inspiring. He was (and still is) a mover, a shaker, and a get-it-done-maker. When his neighbors have been in need for anything, Georges was/is a finder of solutions.

Just imagine the challenges for a mother, with two young sons; Roger, a bit older, and younger Georges. Both had to grow up fast, with some of Georges’ childhood needing to be put on hold for a bit. (Today’s evidence of that is Hameau Duboeuf, all in the book.)

Think Peter Pan: Why Walt Disney created what the child in him craved, why Georges Duboeuf recreated a tiny village, like the one he would sneak off to build in an old shed, complete with miniatures. In Georges’ life, he has not only created relationships through his business life, but he has also satisfied his sense of pedagogy. And, that’s very remarkable.

Reading the book, seeing the life that was, is, and  now what is before him, it’s about his child-like, generous spirit within. He makes me happy that I have some French DNA, let’s just say.

SHAPE-SHIFTERS: I also now know that Georges Duboeuf is to Beaujolais what Robert Mondavi was to Napa Valley… Both shaped regions with the highest standards they possibly could, by influencing the flavors of that region, as each has gone forward.

All of his wine relationships were started through neighbors and forged friendships over the years. Just imagine… a community that hasn’t gown apart as each generation goes forward. This can be a little hard to understand, unless to take yourself back to the “Old World.” The French Wine business has never been part of the Industrial Revolution… viticulture just kept happening, year after year – staying close to the earth. Eating, sleeping, drinking, socializing, everything that America was before the industrial revolution… That’s what it’s been like in Beaujolais, since forever, and still continues with passeggiatas within all of these country families.

Closest friends are in the book, a who’s who of Beaujolais. Some of those vintners mentioned I just met, took their photos, enjoyed their hospitality, tasted their own wines. Americans farmers can understand a lot of this.

These are the kinds of stories we crave, those of legends, if we’re into wine. Georges Duboeuf is part Beaujolais’ history for legally defining its terroir, regions, styles, soils, grape varieties… all of the steps carried out, in defining this specific region and history of France. That’s a very special distinction: to be this kind of innovator, a creator… Georges Duboeuf’s history book gives you all the steps.

Our morning tasting with the Duboeuf family (Georges, Franck, and Aurélien) was coming to a close, but they has one more surprise for each of us: Georges Duboeuf’s autobiography. Now we’re talking. Now I would get to explore who this man really is, what was his life like as a child, and all that he’s done as an adult. (There’s a lot of reading/enjoying to do.)

It’s hard to articulate how much respect I have for this family. Give me the heart and soul. Let me get inside it, so I can tell the story that the subject has written, in their own layers. Fun to peel them back. This is an amazing success story. It’s such an honor to have been entertained by the Duboeuf family; so I, too, could educate about Beaujolais.

I am still very much a student, as only a few layers have been peeled back, still, it’s all very fascinating. (Loving history helps.)

Beaujolais, A Shared Passion was written with the complicity of Jean Orizet, and translated by Eileen Powis. All three have done a very fine job.

To Franck, to Answer Your Question: How Do I Love Thee, France? Let Me Count the Ways

Special thank you to Wine Business and Wine Industry Insight for publishing “Beaujolais, A Shared Passion, by Georges Duboeuf.”

Tags: Aurélien Duboeuf, Beaujolais A Shared Passion, Eileen Powis, Franck Duboeuf, Georges Duboeuf, Hameau Duboeuf, Jean Orizet, Quintessential Wine Imports, Wine Business Monthly, Wine Industry Insight

Yes, I could say this for any wine growing region in the world. I’m just going after the two most talked about, to get your attention. Now, down to business.

For anyone who changed the terminology from global warming to climate change, I believe the process slowed down more than a bit. Now, thanks to Greta Thunberg’s energy, her presence has reversed all of that; reminding us that big things do come in small packages, and we darn well better get busy, or we’re all in trouble. Birds and insects are disappearing. It’s only going to go up the food chain… right into all of us.

I wasn’t asking for a quote from the Champagne Bureau, USA. The following information just came to me in their usual updates. While it talks about a great 2019 harvest, global warming is still an impending issue, so read on.

From the Champagne Bureau

EPERNAY, France  – Champagne has experienced the effects of global warming, with an increase in average temperature of 1.1°C [33.98°F] across the past 30 years. This has so far proved an advantage for our wines, and the winegrowing year 2019 is no exception. Periods of frost in spring did destroy a proportion of buds, but the main factor was heatwave, especially in June and July, which caused scalding that burned up more than 10% of the potential harvest. This was a year when Champagne experienced its highest temperatures on record, with 42.9°C [109.22°F] recorded on 25 July.

With hot and sunny conditions in August and September, combined with cool nights on the run-up to the harvest, the vine displayed an exceptional ripening dynamic, producing musts with a good balance of acidity and sugar plus an aromatic concentration that promises well for the future cuvées.

I do understand this is going to give us some decidedly delicious Champagne wines, in the short term. Get ready for anything with the 2019 on the label. Not every label shows a vintage. Non vintages (NV) is not something that Champagne houses do every year. It’s reserved for particularly good years, so this seems to be “that one!”

Here’s the impending issue

Every Yin has a Yang, right? Having actually been in France on July 25th, this past summer of 2019, I felt that extreme heat and everyone there was talking about it. I’m also letting you know about the slow-down in productivity, in most other industries, because of that heat. This is a big picture glimpse we all need to think about.

It was hot! It was so hot, indeed, that it was difficult to breathe, to be actively engaged. But, I went to work for a reason, so work I did. My sponsor Les Vins Georges Duboeuf had set up the appointment. I’m thankful  they did, and it was well worth every second. This soiree into learning was the chance of a lifetime, I wouldn’t waste on anything.

About Warming: Conversation with Sylvain Flache

First Credentials ~ Vignerons des Pierres Dorées ~ Sylvan Flache, managing winemaker at this co-operative, in Oingt, Rhones-Alpes, France.

This co-op is comprised of 180 growers, which range in size from only 1.2 acres to 50 acres. The total number of acres is 1,236. This gives him a lot of land to manage, to evaluate, and begin t make positive, necessary changes. So, I asked about global warming and told me, “We’re beginning to think about trellising, you know, to add some shade to our vines. It’s also difficult with the rains come; hail comes, too. Sulfur can burn the leaves in this heat.”

I had to look this one up to see what he meant by sulfur burning leaves and why it’s a problem. From the National Pesticide Information Center:

Sulfur is burned or vaporized to control fungus, mites, or insects. When sulfur is burned, it turns into a gas called sulfur dioxide. The gas can mix with moisture on plants to form an acid that can damage plant leaves. Breathing the gas can be harmful to human health.
As you can imagine, when leaves are burned, that plant part can no longer participate in photosynthesis. No photosynthesis equals a plant no longer participating in absorption of oxygen during the day and no release of carbon dioxide in the evening. The plant is no longer in balance with nature.

PHOTO: Notice  how low to the ground this vine is… Training to grow taller is going to take time.

PHOTO: SONOMA FOG – Robert Corson

Back in Sonoma County

My own neighborhood, in Sonoma County, for example, fog allows for growing Pinot Noir. Other regions that quickly come to mind are Burgundy and the state of Oregon. Without the damp weather (for, in Sonoma’s case), the grapes are too delicate to take too much sun and heat.

Fast forward to this past week – right here in Sonoma County – one days was 113°F [45°C] and I shut down, because work was discretionary and my discretion was to not expend any unnecessary energy… That’s what happens, productivity slows and in some cases just stops. Now, people begin to actively thinking about the future… Is there a possible migration from a weather change that’s only going to get worse? This may just be what has prompted mass migrations over time, in times where recording it for posterity was impossible, but we’re now getting a bird’s eye view. We don’t really know how bad it’s going to be, nor how fast. What we do know is that there are no signs of it slowing down any time soon. Would we not want to err on the side of caution and take measures, like winegrowers, right now?

All grape growers will have to consider pulling out there vines to plant something else that can take the sun, like Petite Sirah. Still, it takes a few years for new vines to begin to produce fruit. What if there’s not enough time for this. What if the heat becomes so strong and water supplies also begin to diminish, so that getting the vines to “take,” under these conditions, won’t even take?

See, the thing is, we don’t know how much time we have. We also don’t know when we have a container of nitro glycerine in our hands, how much vibration will set it off. Why gamble, why not work toward solutions to slow it down? Conventional means since the 60s’s warnings about “global warming” recently and simply became “climate change,”so those who are still taking all they can for themselves and not thinking long term consequences about how much people are taking from the earth…

It takes Greta Thunberg, a 16-year old child, to sail cross the ocean in a zero-emission yacht, to finally catch media’s attention. (Bravo, Greta, well done!) My friend Fredric Koeppel wrote in Facebook, “‘A little child shall lead them,’ said Isaiah.” Someone brought up that Greta is NOT a child. My response:

As a senior citizen, the mother of three adult women, grandmother of nine children… this young girl is STILL a child, Bobby Jim. She’s only 16 years old. As a child, she just won the “Alternative Nobel Prize’ for inspiring climate change advocacy.” Her spirited youth is concerned about the world she’s going to live in. Yesterday, I was appalled when someone I know stated that she never had any kids, so she doesn’t have to worry about the world she’s leaving behind.”

Really, if we love earth, we all need to start worrying.

Special thank you to Wine Business and Wine Industry Insight for publishing “Not only in American, but Ancient European Vineyards are Showing Signs of Global Warming.”

Tags: LES VINS GEORGES DuBOEUF, National Pesticide Information Center, Sonoma County, Sylvain Flache, Vignerons des Pierres Dorées

On December 29, 1992, I came up the 101 freeway (from SFO) with my husband, two of my three children (the oldest was in her final year at Bowdoin College, so she stayed put), three cats, and one dog. All that was left was for the moving truck to catch up, with all of our worldly possessions. As we came up the freeway. I looked right, to the Mayacamas Mountain range that separates Sonoma County and Napa Valley, and said to myself… Dear God, please don’t ever let me become jaded here.

I had just left over 40 years in Maine, and I was definitely a bit jaded. I had been working for WBLM-FM radio, as their PR rep, for the last 11 years. When Ann Wilson of Heart said to me, “It’s nice to see you again,” I smiled and thought, “I’ve been here too long.” I had become jaded. When one of the finest singers in the world, who can belt it out like it’s just autumn water rolling down a wet window in a rain storm says to you “it’s nice to see you again,” and you feel like it’s nothing, you know you’re jaded and that wasn’t good. It meant I had lost my own heart for being back stage with preeminent rock stars. Time to step back and evaluate.

This was now something I could do, entering California. No one knew me, and the “care” factor was a million to one against me. Humbling.

I had just entered Sonoma County, looking at a mountain range, which I would have to hurdle, and would only have had to drive four hours to get to, while in Maine… In California, it took a couple of year, because no one knew me, but I was determined to learn everything I could.

The most important lesson I’ve learned in Sonoma County is the environmental consciousness that exists here, the love of land above all else, even above wine!

It’s ALL about land’s Sustainability ~ The Best Part

Sustainability… Eco systems, making the right choices for the long run, having it be about quality of life – which is farming – the most noble of all professions. Down to the earth, keeping it sustainable for future generations. That’s the way futurists (farmers) think; and it makes me feel right at home, and lets me know we made the right decision for our own Wagons’ Ho!

Press Release arrives from my colleague Tia Butts: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sonoma County Wine Auction Raises Record-Breaking $6.1 Million for Local Charities

The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation are excited to announce $6.1 million was raised at the 2019 Sonoma County Wine Auction, presented by Visa Signature®. Overall, more than $36 million has been raised to date to support charitable organizations focused on education, health and human services, the environment, and arts and culture in Sonoma County.

For the first time ever, live auction bidding wrapped up with the Fund-A-Need lot. The crowd was moved to tears following a short speech and beautiful rendition of the song “Make You Feel My Love” by 12-year-old Juliette, a former foster care child and Boys & Girls club member. In an outpouring of heartfelt generosity, $1,613,000 was pledged in direct donations ranging in amounts from $250,000 to $500. For this year’s Fund-A-Need initiative, guests were contributing to the construction of a new club in Roseland for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma – Marin that will offer academic enrichment programs, a STEM & Technology lab to inspire future career plans, a fully functioning community center for families to access key services, learning opportunities and gathering spaces.

“We are humbled and grateful to everyone who raised their paddles today,” said Christopher Jackson, 2019 Honorary Co-Chair. “It was incredibly emotional under the tent this year. My heart is full knowing that my passion for the Fund-A-Need paddle raise was met with unbelievable contributions. As a result, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma – Marin can make the dream of Roseland Club construction a reality providing a monumental impact on the community.”

“The Sonoma County Wine Auction is always distinguished by its authenticity and true sense of community. It’s this collaborative, welcoming community that drew my grandfather to put roots down here,” said Honorary Co-Chair Gina Gallo. “During the Auction weekend, Chris Jackson and I welcomed guests throughout all the different events, celebrating Sonoma County’s wonderful wine and culinary culture. It was a pleasure working together with Chris, joining two incredible, historic families of Sonoma County wine to showcase the best of what our vintners, growers and chefs can produce and how we can support our community.”

This charitable gathering was the culmination of a three-day affair that included an exclusive kickoff party on Thursday evening hosted with the Cline Family at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and intimate Friday evening Vintner Dinners throughout Sonoma County and San Francisco.

Today, 400 auction guests were welcomed to the grounds of La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard, with sunny skies and exceptional Sonoma County wines. Local chefs, including James Beard award-winning Chef Honoree John Ash, prepared an array of decadent bites while guests mingled with non-profit beneficiary organizations.

After the reception, guests were paraded to the auction tent by the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Mariachi Ensemble. Auctioneers John Curley, renowned auctioneer with more than $100 million dollars raised for charities around the country, and Humphrey Butler, 43-year veteran auctioneer recognized, as a leading international charity auctioneer, encouraged and enthused guests from around the country to bid generously and competitively under the tent. The 40 auction lots included revered wine collections, luxurious travel excursions, meals prepared by world-class chefs, exclusive experiences with industry and community pillars such as Winemaker Honoree Merry Edwards, Chef Honoree John Ash, Steve Young and Ronnie Lott, as well as rare behind-the-scenes experiences with major sports teams and world-famous musicians Lady Antebellum and Brad Paisley.

“I’m truly inspired and grateful to our Honorary Chairs, our wine community and all the auction participants who have demonstrated phenomenal generosity and support for our Foundation,” said Michael Haney, Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Executive Director. “We are thrilled to help support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma – Marin as well as our many other Sonoma County nonprofit organizations with the funds raised.”

2019 Top Five Results in the Live Auction Included:

1. Lot No. 13, “G.O.A.T. Sonoma County Bordeaux Varietals – Past, Present & Future” featuring a 378-bottle collection of Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals was the highest-selling individual lot in the auction’s history, fetching $520,000.
2. Lot No. 14, “An Intimate Nashville Evening with Brad Paisley! (And a Trip You’ll Never Forget!)” featuring Lasseter Family Winery earned $320,000.
3. Lot No. 21, “Lady Antebellum Private Wine Country Experience” featuring Stonestreet Winery and a private evening with the country music superstars at Wing & Barrel peaked at $300,000.
4. Lot No. 27, “Wine & Dine Extravaganza with Gina Gallo & Jean-Charles Boisset” sold for $210,000.  The buy-in lot featured a custom dinner crafted by three-star Michelin Chef Kyle Connaughton of SingleThread at Gallo and Boisset’s Napa Valley home.
5. Lot No. 18, “The Ultimate Texas Ranch Getaway” featuring Aperture Wines, Flexjet, JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa brought $170,000.

For those interested in donating to the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation, contributions may be made by sending a check to Sonoma County Vintners Foundation, 400 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 500, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 or by visiting: http://bit.ly/SCWA19_MakeADonation

Exciting 2020 Announcements

The evening ended with the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation announcing the Honorary Chairs for the 2020 Sonoma County Wine Auction. Clay Mauritson of Mauritson Family Wines, Mark McWilliams of Arista Winery and Jake Bilbro of Limerick Lane Cellars will chair the 2020 auction weekend scheduled for September 17-19.

“As the President of the Board for Sonoma County Vintners Foundation I have had the privilege of seeing the remarkable grants that have been distributed throughout Sonoma County,” said Clay Mauritson of Mauritson Family Wines.  “It is unbelievable having all these generous individuals come together for another monumental Sonoma County Wine Auction. I am beyond motivated to work with my friends Mark McWilliams and Jake Bilbro to curate an unforgettable 2020 Sonoma County Wine Auction that continues to support our community.”

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About Sonoma County Wine Auction

The Sonoma County Wine Auction brings the region’s most renowned winemakers and growers together with distinguished collectors and generous bidders for an opportunity to acquire some of Sonoma County’s top wines and bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Named one of the nation’s top charitable auctions by Wine Spectator, the proceeds raised benefit local Sonoma County charitable organizations. Since its inception, the Sonoma County Wine Auction has raised over $36 million to help fund charitable organizations focusing on education, health and human services, the environment and arts and culture, and has supported more nonprofits than any other fundraising event in Sonoma County. Learn more at sonomacountywineauction.com.

About Sonoma County Vintners Foundation

The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation provides support to our local community through philanthropy and charitable giving. Fundraising efforts have a direct impact in the areas of education, health and human services, the environment and arts and culture. The signature fundraising event, Sonoma County Wine Auction has been recognized as one of Wine Spectator’s Top Charity Wine Auctions in the United States. Learn more at sonomawine.com/foundation.

Tags: Ann Wilson, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma - Marin, Mayacamas Mountain, Sonoma County, Sonoma County Wine Auctio, Sustainablity

Sonoma County has officially been named 2019 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast for the magazine’s 20^th annual Wine Star Awards.

So, what does that mean to the region? Everything… Everything they’ve ever done, by everybody, in every way. The western world is at least trying to catch up with eastern philosophies as regards viticulture, organics, and biodynamics. For instance, France is all about sustainability, not having been marketed to by big pharmaceutical companies… And, thank goodness for most of their wines.

For a very long time, glossy magazines mostly focused on Napa Valley as the only region in CA – at lease, in the 90s, when I began to seriously read these magazines, that was what was happening to wine consumer magazines. Time has changed all of that, thankfully… We’ve awakened to more that at four letter word. Then, magazines began to focus on other wine regions around the world. Now, focused on Sonoma, Wine Enthusiast has declared that Sonoma Country has unique epistemic value as a valuable wine region.

[PHOTO: ACORN Winery]

From a press release:

SONOMA COUNTY TAKES TOP HONOR

2019 WINE ENTHUSIAST WINE STAR AWARDS

This diverse region will be honored for exceptional wine quality and sustainability efforts at the Wine Enthusiast Gala on Jan. 27, 2020 in San Francisco. This was just announced, for the magazine’s 20th annual Wine Star Awards.

Each year, editors of the publication honor the destination, individuals and companies that have made outstanding achievements in the wine and beverage world, and continue to implement innovative, welcoming and sustainable practices and initiatives.

[PHOTO: Bacigalupi Vineyard]

“Sonoma County is one of the most diverse and progressive winegrowing regions in the world,” said Adam Strum, Chairman and Publisher of Wine Enthusiast. “From powerhouse varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that produce famed bottlings of prominence, to classic California wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and more, Sonoma County is renowned for producing high-quality wines of distinction. The region is also a standard-bearer for best practices beyond just wine production, as a champion of true sustainability.”

The accolade recognizes the region for the prominent wine-focused programs that Sonoma County Vintners produces to enhance the wine industry. These include the Sonoma County Wine Auction, one of the nation’s top charitable wine auctions. This annual event has raised more than $30 million, since its inception to support those in need in Sonoma County. Taste of Sonoma, the annual premier wine and food festival, spotlights Sonoma County’s renowned vintners and chefs.

[PHOTO: Ron Rubin Vineyard]

“This is an incredible recognition of the world-class wines and winegrowers that have made Sonoma County exceptional,” said Michael Haney, Executive Director of Sonoma County Vintners. “Generations of families in this wine community have devoted their time, effort and care making this the best wine region. There is a real sense of pride in everything this community does from winery hospitality to their contributions of those in need. Sonoma County truly is authentic and approachable!”

Sonoma County’s winegrowing community recently announced that it now has a record-breaking 99 percent of its local vineyard acreage certified sustainable. The region will continue to build on its sustainability leadership, as an exclusive participant in the California Land Stewardship Institute’s Climate Adaptation Certification Program, which is the first program of its kind available for agriculture [in the US].

“Sonoma County is a truly special place with its multi-generational family grape growers and vintners who are committed to sustainability, supporting our local community and preserving agriculture for the next generation,” said Karissa Kruse, President of Sonoma County Winegrowers. “It means so much to our local wine community to receive this incredible honor from Wine Enthusiast recognizing that in Sonoma County world-class quality wines can come from local families who care.”

[PHOTO: Dry Creek Valley]

Sonoma County Tourism is the region’s destination stewardship organization, has also implemented various programs to continue building the county’s sustainability efforts, most recently, partnered with Kind Traveler, the first socially conscious “give and get” hotel booking and education platform. To protect the destination’s resources – both natural and human – for residents and travelers for many generations to come, SCT has instituted a new Sonoma County travel pledge.

“Helping to ensure the long-term health of Sonoma County’s extraordinary agricultural resources is of paramount importance and the reason we embraced destination stewardship,” said Claudia Vecchio, CEO, Sonoma County Tourism. “We celebrate our extraordinary wine community for leading the way toward sustainability and achieving this well-deserved recognition.”

Sonoma County will appear in the special December 31 Wine Enthusiast “Best of Year” issue and will be presented their Wine Star Award trophies at the 20th anniversary black-tie awards dinner on Monday, January 27, 2020 hosted in San Francisco, CA at the Palace of Fine Arts.

About Sonoma County Tourism

Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) is the official destination stewardship organization for California’s Sonoma County. SCT is a private, non-profit marketing and sales organization dedicated to sustaining the hospitality economy in Sonoma County, California. Tourism generates $2.175 billion annually for the local economy, $193.8 million in government revenue, and supports more than 22,300 jobs. To protect the destination’s resources – both natural and human – for residents and travelers for many generations to come, SCT has instituted a new Sonoma County travel pledge. For more information, call 707-522-5800 or 800-576-6662, or visit http://www.sonomacounty.com.

[PHOTO: Paul Foppiano, Foppiano Vineyards]

About Sonoma County Winegrowers

The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, also known as Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006 as a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. With more than 1,800 growers, Sonoma County Winegrower’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world. In January 2014, SCW committed to becoming the nation’s first 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019. As of July 2019, over 95% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County is certified sustainable by a third-party auditor. Learn more at http://www.sonomawinegrape.org.

About Sonoma County Vintners

Sonoma County Vintners is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions, representing over 250 wineries throughout the county. The organization actively promotes Sonoma County through educational programming; advocates for its members at local, state and federal levels; and contributes to the local communities through our Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. Sonoma County Wine Auction, its annual fundraiser, has raised over $30 million benefiting non-profit organizations throughout the region. To learn more about Sonoma County Vintners, visit HTTP://www.sonomawine.com.

All photos are the property of Jo Diaz. If you do not give photo credit, you are in violation of Copyright infringement, usually a $3,000 fine, to start. Please don’t lift my images.

Tags: Sonoma County, Sonoma County tourism, Sonoma County wines, Sononma County grape growers, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Winery of the Year 2019