Do We Believe In Prohibitionism, Yet?

No, absolutely not! We do not believe that Prohibition will circle back, again! Can you even imagine our legislators allowing this to happen? Alcohol and the Southern states have been in bed for a very long time with their spirits. In fact, when I threw this out there, I received an email from an anti-alcohol organization. She wanting pitch their reasons for no wine due to health risks. Here’s the real deal, there’s NO medial study researched to prove we need to abstain 100 percent from wine. Everything in life has two sides. Just pick what side you’re on, due it in moderation, then mind your own business.

Kudos to Sonoma County Vintners on their stance, from their press release. Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) has announced a 2025 Multimedia Campaign. The association’s focus is “Wine Is Us,” and the campaign intends to promote positive benefits of wine. This is great, to have wine companies now (finally) telling it like it is. Media has known and done this since The French Paradox was release. I remember in the 1990s telling a person in the tasting room where I was working, about wine and health. I had read the French Paradox, and I felt pretty good about it. That was, however, until my boss came running into the room after the people had left. She said to me, “Don’t you EVER say that again.” It’s been 30 years. I’ve been still talking about it, since I’m my own boss. And, I’ve been really waiting for this moment.

Flapper during Prohibition

Sonoma County’s Program ~ Wine Is Us

The SCV’s new campaign will begin over the 2024 holiday season and expand throughout 2025, on various media platforms. This will include radio, social media, digital display, and more actions. A dedicated web page will be created, featuring news articles and studies highlighting wine’s social engagement benefits. “Our Wine Is Us” release, states “the press campaign is designed to provide a positive and informed narrative. It will be cultural, social, and well-being impacts of wine.” This concept was started by Michael Haney, Executive Director of Sonoma County Vintners.

Our Wine Is Us

The Juice for Sonoma,

by Eric V. Orange

With this one I was delivered a light story, by wine writer Eric V. Orange,of Local Wine Events. I found it charming and asked Eric if could share with you, and permission was granted.

The Case of the Missing Wine

It was a crisp late autumn Friday night, and Samantha was ready to unveil her crown jewel: a rare 1997 Château Margaux. The bottle had a history as rich as its flavor, passed down from her eccentric Aunt Lydia after a whirlwind romance with a French winemaker.

Her friends leaned in as Marco, their charming waiter, popped the cork. Glasses were poised… but nothing poured. Not. One. Drop.

“Is this a joke?” Samantha gasped. Marco inspected the bottle—no cracks, no leaks, just a mysteriously dry Château Margaux.

Then, the bar door creaked.

A trench-coated man appeared, oozing noir vibes. Silently, he approached, placed a cork on the table, and smirked. “Looking for this?” From his pocket, he revealed a second bottle of Margaux, filling their glasses like a magician.

“Good wine is worth the wait,” he said, tipping his hat before vanishing.

Under Samantha’s glass was a note: “The best wine is shared with friends.”

Mystery solved? Maybe. But the wine? Unforgettable.

Samantha was ready to unveil her crown jewel:

Visit Yosemite Wine Country: Explore Madera, Oakhurst, and More

[Wine Oh! TV]

Monique Soltani, of Wine Oh! TV, has been a friend of mine since she entered the business of wine. I’ve watched her rise to fame, take time to heal, when she became a young widow, and has a beautiful set of twin daughter. Above all else, Monique is a rising star.

She sent this info to me, which I’m happy to share. Here’s what she’s been able to accomplish in all that time, with “Wine Oh! TV. “it is a fun and informative travel show that gets to the heart of every wine region. Join the journey as Monique Soltani travels the world bringing people together by breaking bread, opening up a bottle, and connecting through culture. You can watch Wine Oh! TV on CBS Bay Area, KCAL Los Angeles, KMAX Sacramento, & KSTW Seattle. It’s really sweet to watch the progression, against all odds, Monique Soltani has accomplished as a true rising star, And, make no mistake about it, she’s still truly shining. You haven’t heard the last of her. and maybe you need her:

Here’s her pitch:

“Visit Yosemite Wine Country: Explore Madera, Oakhurst, and More ~ California’s Wine Country Workhorse, Join the Journey as Monique Soltani travels to California’s Great Central Valley and uncovers Yosemite Wine Country! Officially established in the 1980s, the Madera American Viticultural Area spans all of Madera County and portions of Fresno county in California’s Central Valley. The Madera AVA is no to be confused with the place or […] You may view the latest story at Visit Yosemite Wine Country. She’s always cooking up something, consequently does a really dedicate and fin e job doing it. I highly recommend wineries you shoot her an email at Monique Solatni at Wine Oh! TV

Her background is the following: Wine Oh! TV

Fiscalini Farmstead

Food to go with wine is the best, right! I’m featuring Fiscalini Farmstead, because I really do owe them a debt of gratitude. Why? Because when I was producing Dark & Delicious, Fiscalini Farmstead always supported us, as volunteers. What better for cheese producers to be coupled with that delicate monster Petite Sirah? Here you go, a perfect, wine enthusiast, who knows how to match wines and cheeses!

NEW!!!
SIGNATURE GIFT BOX WITH THREE 12oz PIECES!!

USE CODE – SIGBOX2024 AT CHECKOUT FOR 15% OFF THIS BOX UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE ~ 25% OFF GIFT BOX ORDERS OVER $300 ~ USE CODE – GIFT2024 AT CHECKOUT UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE

NEW! Gift box of our signature cheeses in this sample set that includes three 12oz pieces. Old World Aged Cheddar, our flagship clothbound hard cheese aged at least 14 months, accompanied by San Joaquin Gold and Lionza. All three included are 12 oz pieces.

SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE DIP WITH HABANERO CHEDDAR

WARM, GOOEY AND PACKED WITH FLAVOR AND A KICK.1 small onion, medium dice
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 TBSP butter
2 cups of half and half
2 TBSP flour
6 oz Fiscalini Habanero Cheddar, shredded
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 small package, about 12 oz chopped frozen spinach, drained
1 can artichoke hearts
pinch of salt
tortilla chips to serve

DIRECTIONS
1) Melt butter in medium pot, and add onions and cook for 3-5 minutes to soften. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 min longer.
2) Sprinkle in flour until thoroughly mixed and no white parts remain. Slowly stir in half and half and add a pinch of salt and ground pepper.
3) Fold in chopped spinach and artichokes. Add shredded cheese and stir until completely melted.
3) If dip is too thick, add more half and half to thin.
4) Serve in a bowl alongside tortilla or pita chips.

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OVER $150

Fiscalini Farmstead and their Cheeses with artichokes.and pistachio. Olive oil, garlic, parsley and lemon. White wooden background, ready to eat vegan food, close up

Recap: Best Press Releases for 12.06.24