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Nevada Law and Winery Development

July 21, 2014 – 4:17 pm
Pahrump Valley Winery in Pahrump, Nevada

Pahrump Valley Winery in Pahrump, Nevada

On our first visit to Nevada, we wanted to add winery visits to our itinerary. For us it is hard to plan vacations without also adding winery visits. It’s almost but not quite an obsession to discover, visit and write about wineries. It’s also a lot of work with the planning, concentrating on the winery facts while visiting, and writing in the evenings or early morning.

So for our first visit to Las Vegas, we tried to locate local wineries and the closest winery was about an hour from Las Vegas in the town of Pahrump. After spending some time in Las Vegas, we found it very relaxing to drive through the dry landscape away from the lights and sounds of a big city. We discovered Pahrump Valley Winery that also has a wonderful upscale restaurant, Symphony’s, adjacent to it. We enjoyed the visit and a wonderful lunch.

On a return trip to Las Vegas, again there were no wineries to visit. Deciding to make a return visit to Pahrump Valley, we discovered a second winery had opened in Pahrump, Sanders Family Winery.

Why are there no wineries in or close to Las Vegas? One needs to look at Nevada’s law regarding wineries.

The Nevada law begins:

“NRS597.240 Operation of winery authorized in smaller counties.

1. A winery located in a county whose population is 100,000 or less, if it is federally bonded, may:

(a) Import wine or juice from a bonded winery in another state, to be fermented into wine or, if already fermented, to be mixed with other wine or aged in a suitable cellar, or both.

Sell at retail or serve by the glass, on its premises and at one other location, wine produced, blended or aged by the winery. The amount of wine sold at a location other than on the premises of the winery may not exceed 50 percent of the total volume of the wine sold by the winery.

(c) Serve by the glass, on its premises, any alcoholic beverage.

It is the first sentence that stops people from starting a winery closer to Las Vegas. Located in Clark County, Las Vegas has approximately 375,000 residents and the county has about 2 million people. Washoe County has an estimated population of about 350,000 residents. Based on the above law, people in these two counties cannot establish a commercial winery on their property.

The Nevada Wine Coalition was formed to try to remedy this situation. According to the coalition website,  “Our mission is to build support for legislation to remove the population limitation (NRS 597.240) that restricts wine production in Washoe and Clark Counties so that we can open wineries that will create a thriving industry statewide to create jobs and grow our economy.”

On July 27 the Nevada Wine Coalition is holding a fundraiser in Reno, Nevada. The event will include food, wine, live music and an auction. Tickets are available online at http://nevadawinecoalition.com/youre-invited/ for $25. Tickets at the door will be $30.

Discovering the grapevines that will grow well in Clark County will take time, research and experimental plantings. However, vineyards and wineries provide a boost to the economy with more employment opportunities and more income (taxes) for the government. In addition vineyards tend to add to the preservation of the land.

If you were planning a visit to Las Vegas, would you include a visit to a winery?

Cheers! Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Charity Run and Walk at Columbia Winery

July 20, 2014 – 9:17 am
Columbia Winery, Woodinville, WA

Columbia Winery, Woodinville, WA

On August 16, Columbia Winery in Woodinville just outside of Seattle is hosting a Charity Run & Walk  to support the Seattle Children’s Hospital. The organization notes on their website, “Of the 100,000 patients treated at Children’s each year, 65% need financial assistance.”

Participants can participate in the 10K run, 5K run/walk or the Kids Dash. The 10K run will have two water stations and the 5K run will have one water station. Medical care will also be available.

To register for the event go to http://www.runforchildrens.org/

Registration fees

  • Thru July 31: $30
  • August 1-14: $35
  • Race Day (August 16): $40

Participants in the Kids Dash do not need to register.

Volunteers

The Run for Childrens event needs volunteers for the event. Volunteers are needed for registration, parking, water and food station, guides and more. Visit the volunteer page to find out what they need and how to volunteer.

A few years ago we visited Columbia Winery in Woodinville. Check out our Wine Trail Traveler article with photos.

Cheers, Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary, Winery Events | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Wines from Monterey, California

July 18, 2014 – 5:52 am

My California Wine Appellation Specialist course continued this week with the content focusing on the appellations within Monterey and San Benito counties. One of the advantages of studying appellations is tasting wines from those particular areas. Prior to this class, I have not tasted a wine from either San Benito or Monterey counties.

071814aThe 2012 Muirwood Arroyo Seco AVA Chardonnay was fermented and aged sur lie in French and American oak barrels. The 13.8% alcohol wine had a price $12.99 at Total Wine in Laurel, Maryland. Muirwood is a private label wine brand owned and operated by Arroyo Seco Vineyards in San Martin, in Central Coast, California. These are limited production reserve wines grown and produced in Monterey. 

The medium yellow wine had no sediment in the glass or bottle. The aroma and taste reminded me of melon, citrus, hints of freshly baked bread and a caramel finish. Although the Arroyo Seco AVA is a cool terroir, this wine has a profile of a Chardonnay that benefited from longer hang time. The medium to full bodied wine was dry with medium acidity. There were no tannins. I would give this wine a 3.5/5 rating. It is screaming for risotto but will be paired with barbecued pizza with only fresh tomatoes, basil and grated Parmesan cheese toppings.

071814bThe 2012 Line Shack Petite Sirah, San Antonio Valley AVA was a 14.8% alcohol wine and cost $15.99 at Total Wine in Laurel, Maryland. The dark ruby wine had no sediment in the glass or bottle. It offered plums, black cherries, black raspberries and a hint of leather on the aroma and taste. The full-bodied wine was dry, but there was a perceived sweetness due to the fruit and alcohol. Acid was medium and the tannins were medium-high. I would give this wine a personal rating of 4 out of 5. It was the third Petite Sirah I have had from California for this course and the one I liked the best. It complimented last evenings dinner of barbecued hamburgers.

The San Francisco Wine School offers the California Wine Appellation Specialist course online and in San Francisco. The school just added The French Wine Scholar course that meets on Tuesdays in San Francisco from July 29th – October 14th, 2014.

Cheers,
Terry

By Terry | Posted in Wine Notes | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Kulpmont Wine Festival Supports October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

July 16, 2014 – 12:52 pm
Spyglass Ridge Winery is one of 15 wineries participating in October's Klupmont Wine Festival

Spyglass Ridge Winery is one of 15 wineries participating in October’s Klupmont Wine Festival

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Knights of Columbus in Kulpmont, Pennsylvania are organizing the 3rd Annual Wine Festival to support two cancer organizations. This charity event donates funds to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition and the Marie Lamey Endowment at Geisinger Medical Center.

The 3rd Annual Kulpmont Wine Festival organizers are looking for sponsors for this October 11, 2014 event.  The festival takes place at Holy Angels Picnic Grounds. The first sponsor for this year’s festival is Catino Vino in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania.

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Businesses can sponsor the festival at several levels beginning with the Bronze level at $50 to $100. The next level at $250 offers company logos to be displayed on festival staff t-shirts and on the festival website plus four tickets to the festival. Each succeeding level offers more up to the $1,000 level.

For more information and questions about the sponsorship opportunities contact the following people by email.

John Motyka at motyka97@gmail.com
Art Catino at artcat@ptd.net
Nik Bozza at goirish@verizon.net

 Festival Tickets

Only 200 VIP tickets are available.  Benefits for VIP ticketholders include early entrance to the festival, a festival t-shirt and a wine tasting glass. For these special tickets contact John Motyka or Art Catino at the above email addresses.

Regular tickets are available at several area businesses,  Knights of Columbus Council 4281, Holy Angels Rectory and online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/746876.

Fifteen Pennsylvania wineries are expected to attend the event. While supporting this event, plan to learn about the Pennsylvania wineries in the Harrisburg region.

·      Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery

·      The Vineyard at Hershey

·      Red Shale Ridge Vineyards

·      Buddy Boy Winery and Vineyards

·      Benigna’s Creek

·      Starr Hill Winery

·      Bastress Mountain Winery

·      Brookmere Winery & Vineyard Inn

·      Juniata Valley Winery

·      Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars

·      Bee Kind Winery

·      Spyglass Ridge Winery

·      Peace Valley Winery

·      Seven Mountains Wine Cellars

·      Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery

Address:
855 Scott Street
Kulpmont, PA 17834

More information is available on the Kulpmont Wine Festival website.

Cheers,
Kathy

 

 

 

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Websites for Champagne and the International Wine Tourism Conference

July 15, 2014 – 1:01 am
Lighthouse of Verzenay surrounded by vines in Champagne

Lighthouse of Verzenay surrounded by grapevines in Champagne

The Bureau du Champagne USA website provides an immense amount of information about Champagne. The data includes suggestions on the appropriate stemware, how to open a Champagne bottle, the region’s vineyards and the Champagnes. It will take a good amount of time to peruse everything available on the website. The Champagne Bureau website could be used as a template for many wine regions around the world.

If you are planning to attend the International Wine Tourism Conference in Champagne, France, the Champagne Bureau website will provide you with detailed information about Champagne.

It’s interesting to note that there is a connection between Christianity in Champagne and Christianity in the country of Georgia, both locations for the International Wine Tourism Conference. In the 4th century in Georgia, Saint Nino converted King Mirian to Christianity. In 496, Saint Rémi converted King Clovis of the Franks to Christianity. According to the Champagne Bureau website, Champagne wine was used to anoint King Clovis.

Anyone extending their visit in Champagne before or after IWINETC will want to check out the five trails in the region.

The Bureau lists five wine trails in Champagne, France.

  • Reims & Region
  • Epernay & Region
  • Marne Valley
  • Côte des Bar
  • Coteaux Vitryats

Note: The International Wine Tourism Conference takes place in Reims, France April 9 to April 10, 2015. Early Bird registration is available now at http://www.iwinetc.com/2015france/conference-registration/

The premium sponsor for the 2015 International Wine Tourism Conference is La Champagne La Marne. In addition to much information about visiting Champagne, the website offers online booking for accommodations, rental cars, restaurants, airlines and events.

Travelers who are delighted with flowers and gardens should visit the website for La Champagne La Marne which offers another dimension for wine travelers. According to the website, “The Marne in Champagne has won the trophée national de département fleuri (the national “County in Bloom” trophy) since 1997. It is the most flowery part of France with 166 towns and villages awarded between one and four ‘flowers’ (the Michelin star of the horticultural world).” What could be more delightful than enjoying a glass of Champagne in a region recognized for its horticulture?

If you are planning to visit Champagne or attend the International Wine Tourism Conference in 2015, check out the above websites for helpful information.

Cheers! Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Two Petite Sirahs

July 13, 2014 – 6:01 am

071314aThere were less restrictions on the wines we had to taste this week for the California Wine Appellation Specialist course at the San Francisco Wine School, so I choose a wine from Livermore AVA and Lodi AVA. Both contained Petite Sirah. Surprisingly, I purchased two of the wines from a local wine store in Elkridge, Maryland. I was expecting to travel to Total Wine in Laurel, however, the Perfect Pour in Elkridge had a better less expensive selection of wines from the Central Coast. This week’s California Wine Appellation Specialist class included the northern Central Coast and the Delta that included Lodi and its sub-appellations.

The first wine was a Concannon 2010 Conservancy Crimson & Cloves, Livermore Valley. The wine was a blend of 50% Petite Sirah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah and 10% Zinfandel. At 13.5% alcohol the wine offered a nice 3P (porch, patio, pool) wine even on a hotter, humid summer day. The price was 11.99 at The Perfect Pour, Elkridge, Maryland and the winery’s website is at concannonvineyard.com.

The Conservancy Crimson & Cloves was a barely translucent dark ruby color with medium depth. There was no sediment in the glass or bottle. Aromas and flavors reminded me of blueberries, plums, spices and leather. This full-bodied wine was dry; however, there was a perceived sweetness due to the fruit. I thought the acid was medium and the wine had silky medium tannins. I would give this wine a personal rating of 3.5. However if I weighted the price of the wine higher, I would give the wine a rating of 4.0.The wine is easy drinking and can pair with red meats as well as a rocking chair on a porch.

The second wine for this week’s class was a Four Vines 2010 Petite Sirah Lodi. With 13.9% alcohol and a price of $11.99 at the Perfect Pour this is an affordable wine from the Lodi region of California. The Four Vines website is at http://fourvines.com.

The wine had a dark ruby color with no sediment in the glass or bottle. The aromas and flavors included cherries, blueberries and plums with a hint of cedar. This full-bodied wine was dry with medium acid and medium-high tannins. My personal rating: 3.0. The wine has a great price point and works well with summer hamburgers and sausages on the grill.

Cheers,
Terry

By Terry | Posted in Wine Notes | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Reflections on the Suisun AVA

July 10, 2014 – 5:55 am

My California Wine Appellation Specialists CWAS course content for this week is the northern Central Coast AVA. The online course is taught through the San Francisco Wine School. This week’s content was broader though, including the Delta. Since Solano County’s proximity to the Delta, our instructor grouped it in this week’s class rather than our classes on the North Coast AVA.

We have not visited any of the wineries in the northern Central Coast AVA nor the Delta that includes Sacramento and San Joaquin counties. However in 2009 we visited several of the wineries in Suisun AVA in Solano County. We spent a wonderful evening at the guest room at the Vezer Family Vineyards in Mankas Corner. This is a family centered winery. At the time of our visit, we were invited to attend a dinner that Liz and Frank Vezer prepared for their workers. Liz said that it was a way to say “thank you for everything their extended family does.” Frank opened several wines for the workers and their families to enjoy. After the dinner several family members sprang into action, with “Uncle Frank, what can I do to help? It was delightful to see family, extended family and friends enjoying each other’s company. We also visited their facility at the Blue Victorian and the Vezer Ranch.

Vezer Family Vineyards from the winery at the Blue Victorian

Vezer Family Vineyards from the winery at the Blue Victorian

Another memorable stop was Wooden Valley Winery in Suisun Valley. We spent time in the vineyards observing the workers harvest grapes. They put us to shame. Both Kathy and I had helped with a harvest at a winery in Maryland. It took us ten to fifteen minutes to fill a lug. The workers in the vineyard at Wooden Valley were able to fill a lug in just a few minutes. Even more impressive, was there ability to sort the grapes. They knew which bunches to harvest and which ones to leave behind.

Harvesting grapes at Wooden Valley

Harvesting grapes at Wooden Valley

Wine tastings in the Suisun AVA are rather laid back more like the experience you will have in Sonoma County. We did have a tasting at Ledgewood Creek Winery and Vineyards also in Suisun Valley that was a bit more formal. We tasted four white wines and four red wines with Larry Langbehn who was the consultant winemaker at the time of our visit. The white and red wines were already poured and we were able to taste as a flight moving back to retaste and compare and contrast.

Wine tasting flight at Ledgewood Creek Winery & Vineyards

Wine tasting flight at Ledgewood Creek Winery & Vineyards

There are not many wineries in the Suisun AVA. We enjoyed spending a few days visiting them and driving through the wine region.

Cheers,
Terry

By Terry | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Summer Sangria Recipes and Tilt A Wheel Cocktail

July 8, 2014 – 10:23 am
Tilt A Wheel Cocktail

Tilt A Wheel Cocktail (LiveinFiveMedia.com)

Hot summer weather has finally arrived. After a very cold winter, I am really enjoying it. Hope everyone else is, too.  For anyone looking for a beverage to help you cool off or share at a picnic or barbecue, our website (Wine Trail Traveler) has several Sangria recipes. In addition a new recipe has arrived in my email, that I want to share with you. Tilt a Wheel is a cocktail that uses Sauvignon Blanc and Aviation American Gin.

Use the links below to discover some of the many variations of Sangria. Below is the full recipe for Tilt A Wheel.

 

 

Viognier Sangria
Narmada’s Midnight Sangria
Chumeia’s Merlot Sangria
Pickering Winery Sangria
Sangria (Carlson Vineyards)
Texas Legato Sangria

Tilt A Wheel

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Aviation American Gin
  • 1 oz Sauvignon Blanc
  • 3/4 oz Freshly pressed grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 oz Freshly pressed lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz Vanilla syrup*

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine spirits & mixers. Stir. Fine strain into a serving pitcher filled with ice. Garnish with grapefruit discs sliced in half.

  • Vanilla Syrup: in a saucepan bring one cup of water to a simmer. Add one cup of sugar and stir until dissolved. Add three vanilla beans (split vertically) and lower stove to medium heat. Cook for approx 20 min, stirring occasionally. When desired vanilla flavor is reached, remove from heat and strain into a jar. Refrigerate and use within two weeks.

Recipe provided by Aviation Gin

Cheers,
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine/Food/Recipes | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

10th Annual Lake County Wine Adventure

July 7, 2014 – 2:58 pm
Langtry vineyards

Langtry Estate and Vineyards in    Lake County, California

Plan to visit Lake County, California to discover numerous wineries with some wonderful wines especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Additional wine varieties to be found in Lake County are: Petite Sirah, Merlot, Syrah,  Zinfandel, Tempranillo,  Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Riesling. Numerous wineries are located near Clear Lake.  The views can be awesome so have your camera or cell phone handy. On the last weekend of July the Lake County wineries will celebrate the 10th Annual Lake County Wine Adventure “Wine with Altitude.”

The adventure includes food, wine, music and local art. Participants will receive a 10th Anniversary special wine glass charm, passport booklet, wristband and wine bag.

We visited Lake County three years ago and continue to remember many of the details including the wines, views and people. Be sure to have your camera ready for some great scenery shots. Ask about the Lake County Quilt Trail. If you need to stock up on olive oil, be sure to include a visit to Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill.

One-day and two-day tickets are available online. Two-day tickets are can be purchased at Brassfield Estate Winery, Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill, Langtry Estate and Vineyards, Six Sigma Ranch and Vineyard, Steele Wines, Twin Pines “Off the Vine” gift shop, Lake County Wine Studio and Wildhurst Vineyards and Tasting Room.  However, special one-day tickets are only available online.

While making your plans to attend this Lake County event, check out the Wine Trail Traveler Lake County articles we wrote about our experiences when visiting Lake County. Use these articles to help you decide which wineries to visit.

For more information about the Lake County Wineries, visit the Lake County Winery Association website.

Cheers, Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine Notes | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Starry Skies, Petite Cuisine & Fine Wine Event For Make-A-Wish

July 6, 2014 – 5:33 pm
Cakebread Cellars is participating in a charity event for Make-A-Wish

Cakebread Cellars supports Make-A-Wish

Starry Skies, Petite Cuisine & Fine Wines takes place July 30, 2014 from 6pm to 9pm at Kaleidoscope – Mission Viejo, California. The event includes a champagne reception, live jazz music, numerous wineries including Cakebread Cellars, Justin Vineyards and Rombauer Vineyards, food tastings and a raffle. Best of all, this event benefits the Make-A-Wish of Orange County and the Inland Empire.

Guests will also be able to purchase bottles of wine at this event.

Those with VIP tickets (only 50 are available) will have a private sommelier, cheeses and fresh fruits, a priority food tasting and swag bags.

Kaleidoscope Center?27741 Crown Valley Parkway ?Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Advance Tickets are $55 per person or $100 per couple. VIP tickets are available for $75. Tickets at the door are $60 per person.

If you are not in the area to be able to visit, consider a donation either to the Make-A-Wish national organization or to the local chapter in your area.

Cheers!
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary, Winery Events | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

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