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Attend a Winery Event This Weekend! February 18-20

February 17, 2011 – 12:01 am

Wine lovers, wine enthusiasts and travelers can enjoy visiting tasting rooms anytime. Attending winery events can offer a special time also. Wineries offer a variety of events from chili nights to cooking classes to wine trail events. Check out the wineries below for their special events this weekend.

Cheers, Kathy

Friday, Feb 18

Winery at LaGrange, Virginia
Event: Friday Nights are for Chili and Wine
Websitesite Info

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Ohio
Entertainment: Larry Smith
Website Info

Saturday, February 19

Three Fox Vineyards, Virginia
Event: Food and Wine Pairings
Website Info

Chateau Chantal, Michigan
Event: WOMP Romancing the Riesling
Website Info

 Chateau Chantal, Michigan
Event:Cooking Class-Techniques of French Cooking
Website Info

Lorimar Winery, California
Event: Meet the Artist-Heather Van Gaale
Website Info

Tesoro Winery, California
Event: Up close magic by Magician/Comedian Rocky Osborn
Website Info

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Ohio
Entertainment: Tom Todd
Website Info

Sunday, February 20

DelFosse Winery, Virginia
Event: Wine and Food Pairing
Website Info

Messina Hof Winery & Resort Texas
Event: Messina Hof Wine Network
Website Info

Chateau Chantal, MI
Event: WOMP Romancing the Riesling
Website Info

By Kathy | Posted in Winery Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Do Consumers Choose Wine by Brand or Other Factors?

February 16, 2011 – 12:01 am

Wilson Drinks Report has released a press release about the habits of UK adults who purchase wine. The PR was entitled “Scared shoppers choose wine by colour before special offers or price But only 3% choose the brand first, and grape variety is more important than country of origin.” The research study was based on 1,395 British adults. The study found that 47 percent of British adults buy wine first by color. On the other end of the chart are the 3 percent who purchase wine by the brand. In between fall the other ways consumers choose wine including special offers, retail selling price, grape variety and country of origin.

One might ask themselves if brand is so unimportant to the consumer then perhaps wineries should place their advertising funds elsewhere than on branding. According to Wilson Drinks Report research has shown that 71 percent of the population purchases wine at a supermarket or off license.

This may partially account for the low 3 percent that brands accounts for. How many high end wines will be carried in a supermarket establishment?

The results of this research are important for supermarkets and wine shops. If they want to increase sales perhaps they should arrange their stock by color first followed by special offers, retail price, country of origin and finally brand. For those marketing wines, this is also valuable information.

For more information about Wilson Drinks Report visit the company’s website.

Cheers! Kathy

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

Travel to A Wine Festival/Event on February’s Last Weekend

February 15, 2011 – 12:01 am

The last weekend of February offers an assortment of large wine events to attend. Celebrate as the end of winter is in sight and good weather is on the horizon!

Cheers Kathy

Winefest
Calgary, Canada
February 24-26, 2011
Website Information

South Beach Wine & Food Festival
South Beach, Florida
February 24-27, 2011
Website Information

The Great Wine & Food Symposium
Grand Rapids, Michigan
February 25, 2011
Website Information

4th Annual New York Wine Expo
New York, NY
February 25-27, 2011
Website Information

Newport Seafood & Wine Festival
Newport, Oregon
February 25-27, 2011
Website Information

Virginia Wine Expo
Richmond, Virginia
February 25-27, 2011
Website Information

Stanly County’s Winter Wine Fest
Albemarle, North Carolina
February 26, 2011
Website Information

Seattle Food and Wine Experience
Seattle, Washington
February 27, 2011
Website Information

By Kathy | Posted in Winery Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Retweeting to millions?

February 14, 2011 – 8:10 am

Twitter is a great social media tool that has several benefits when it comes to the wine world. It also has a few drawbacks. I’ve taken part in worldwide tastings of different wines. For example at a designated time on a designated day, people taste a particular wine and tweet about it. Twitter is a great platform for bringing people together as there were tweets from around the world about the type of wine. Recently I participated on a chat about wine regions to visit. Several others participated in the hour-long event on Twitter. This chat helped develop a sense of community even though the participants were miles apart.

I was surprised to see a tweet today that asked wineries to tweet them an event or info about a wine and they would retweet to millions. Well this is theoretically true however rather ambitious on their part. Many people use an application such as Tweetdeck to view tweets. Depending on how popular a hashtag or group is, a tweet can remain on the screen for seconds to days. If one follows the hashtag #wine a tweet that appears on the screen will remain there for only seconds as other tweets follow. I can scroll and read previous tweets however the scrolling may only cover a range of minutes in popular areas such as All Friends, #wine and #travel. On the other hand, categories such as #winery and #vineyard do not have as many tweets and a tweet may stay on the screen for hours or days.

It is true that a winery event or information about a wine can be retweeted to millions. However there is a good chance that millions will never see that tweet.

Cheers,
Terry

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

WHO Encourages Action to Reduce Harmful Alcohol Use

February 14, 2011 – 12:01 am

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a press release last week entitled, “Action needed to reduce health impact of harmful alcohol use.” Looking quickly at the headline one might think that the press release was a statement implying that all alcohol use is harmful. In fact the first paragraph notes that 2.5 million deaths each year are caused by the harmful use of alcohol. The key words to note are “harmful use.”

After making the connection between harmful use and deaths, the press release goes on with, “Harmful use of alcohol is defined as excessive use to the point that it causes damage to health and often includes adverse social consequences.”

In an attempt to deal with “harmful use,” WHO is suggests that countries work to limit harmful alcohol use. “The Global Strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, endorsed by WHO’s Member States in May 2010, promotes a range of proven effective measures for reducing alcohol-related harm. These include taxation on alcohol to reduce harmful drinking; reducing availability through allowing fewer outlets to sell alcohol, raising age limits for those buying and using effective drink-driving measures.”

While I support the fight against harmful drinking, i.e. too much alcohol consumption and driving under the influence, I also support peoples right to purchase alcohol. Raising taxes may be beneficial to the country or state’s coffers but it has the potential of harming the wine and other alcohol industries. Will unemployment increase if taxes are increased? Will people begin drinking in moderation because taxes are increased? If taxes are increased that will encourage people to drink illegally made wine. If fewer outlets sell alcohol all that does is lead to illegal places to sell alcohol. The answer is more education about the consequences of harmful drinking. Educating about the positive and negative attributes of alcohol may be far better than taxing alcohol.

Cheers, Kathy

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

Sauerbraten with Red Wine Recipe

February 12, 2011 – 8:28 am

This recipe for Sauerbraten was created by Traudl Huber of  Huber Vineyards and Cellars, Lompoc California. Read the entire recipe before beginning as the beef must marinate in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Cheers! Kathy

Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten is prepared in an entirely different way then regular beef.

Vinegar & red wine marinade

1½ cups red wine vinegar
1½ cups red wine
1½ cups water and a little salt
8 peppercorns
3 bay leaves
4 whole cloves
2 onions, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
½ cup celery root, finely chopped

Directions for Marinade

1. Bring all ingredients to a boil, let simmer for 10 minutes then cool.

Ingredients

2 lb beef (flat shoulder)
black pepper
1 tbs vegetable oil
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 carrot, coarsely chopped
¼ celery root, coarsely chopped
3 tbs. flour
1 cup sour cream

Directions

  1. Pour the marinade over the beef, cover and place in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
  2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Pour the vegetable oil into a roasting pan and place in oven.
  3. Remove the meat from the marinade (save the marinade!) and pat dry, then rub with freshly ground pepper.
  4. Place the meat in the heated roasting pan and allow to brown.
  5. Reduce the heat to 420 degrees and add the vegetables. Heat the marinade and use to baste the meat as needed; roasting time is about 90 minutes.
  6. Remove and carve the meat and vegetables, then scrape up the pan juices and thicken with flour. Add sour cream, season to taste and serve separately.

Serve with potato pancakes, noodles or mashed potatoes.

Recipe created by Traudl Huber, Huber Vineyards and Cellars, Lompoc California

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

What do Olive Oil Consumers Want Their Olive Oil to Taste Like?

February 11, 2011 – 12:01 am

While olive oil tastings are becoming more available for consumers, there are not many opportunities to taste olive oil. Olive oil tastings are similar to wine tastings. The typical olive oil tasting begins with a very small amount of olive oil placed in a petite-size plastic cup. The taster warms the cup in their hand by covering the top with their right hand and moving the cup in a circular motion. This slightly warms the olive oil and releases the aroma.

Sensory scientists Claudia Delgado and Jean-Xavier Guinard at the UC Davis Olive Center completed a research study of consumer preference of extra virgin olive oils. Delgado and Guinard had 110 participants and used 22 extra virgin olive oils. Fifty percent of the olive oils were from California and the rest were imported.

The results of the study included what olive oil experts believe are quality attributes of extra virgin olive oil. What they believe is not what many consumers think is a good olive oil. The experts look for oils that are defect free, pungent and bitter with some fruit. On the other hand the majority of consumers in the study, looked for olive oils that have nutty, green tea, butter or green fruit nuances. Forty plus percent of the consumers also preferred a defect of rancidity.

In addition, the study looked at the reasons that motivate consumers to use olive oil. Reasons included recipes, health, bread dipping and flavor.

To discover more about this research study, visit the UC Davis Oliver Center website.

Read about olive oil production and tasting in Tuscany. article

What attributes do you look for when using extra virgin olive oil?

Cheers! Kathy

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

Valentine’s Day Weekend Winery Events!

February 10, 2011 – 12:01 am

This weekend many wineries will be offering Valentine’s Day events and fun. The events below include Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14th. Be sure to consider visiting a winery for a fun and romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Cheers! Kathy

Friday, February 11

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Ohio
Event: Ferrante Winery Teams Up with the Holiday Inn
Event: Chocolate is for Lovers Weekend
Web Info

Winery at LaGrange, Virginia
Event: Friday Nights are for Chili and Wine
Web Info

Three Fox Vineyards, Virginia
Event: Romancing the Fox
Web Info

Barrel Oak Winery, Virginia
Event: Gary Smallwood performance
Web Info

Messina Hof Winery & Resort, Texas
Event: Valentine’s Specials at the Wine Bar
Event: Sweetheart Sunset Tour
Web Info

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Ohio
Entertainment: Stan Miller
Web Info

Saturday, February 12

Tarara Winery, Virginia
Event: Valentine’s Day Elegant Wine Tasting for Two
Web Info

Three Fox Vineyards, Virginia
Event: Romancing the Fox
Web Info

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Ohio
Event: Chocolate is for Lovers Weekend
Web Info

Pearmund Cellars, Virginia
Event: Valentine WineMaker’s Dinner
Web Info

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Ohio
Entertainment: Don Perry Duo
Event: Chocolate is for Lovers Weekends
Web Info

Pearmund Cellars, Virginia
Event: Wine Touring Valentine’s Weekend
Web Info

Winery at LaGrange, VA
Event: Wine Touring Valentine’s Weekend
Event: Winemaker’s Dinner (6:30pm)
Web Info

DelFosse Winery, Virginia
Event: Valentine’s Day Wine Dinner
Web Info

Messina Hof Winery & Resort, Texas
Event: Valentine’s Specials at the Wine Bar
Event: “Lights, Camera, MURDER!” Valentine’s Murder Mystery Dinner, 6:30pm
Web Info

Lorimar Winery, California
Event: Kenny Marquez/Classic Rock Guitar
Web Info

Tesoro Winery, CA
Event: Up close magic by Magician/Comedian Rocky Osborn
Event: Valentine’s Event, Dolce Pomeriggio, “Sweet Afternoon” for Valentine’s (4pm-7pm)
Web Info

Thornton Winery, California
Event: Romantic Rendezvous
Web Info

Sunday, February 13

Three Fox Vineyards, Virginia
Event: Romancing the Fox
Web Info

Pearmund Cellars, Virginia
Event: Wine Touring Valentine’s Weekend
Web Info

Winery at LaGrange, Virginia
Event: Wine Touring Valentine’s Weekend
Web Info

Barrel Oak Winery, Virginia
Event: ENVee performance
Web Info

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Ohio
Entertainment: Joey Vanilli
Event: The Vines & Wines Trail Chocolate is for Lovers Weekends
Web Info

Messina Hof Winery & Resort, Texas
Event: Valentine’s Specials at the Wine Bar
Web Info

Orfila Vineyards, California
Event: Mike McGill/Valentine’s Day Special Concert/Chocolate Booth/ePod Talking Photobooths
Web Info

Monday, February 14

Three Fox Vineyards, Virginia
Event: Romancing the Fox
Web Info

Messina Hof Winery & Resort, Texas
Event: Valentine’s Specials at the Wine Bar
Event: Valentine’s Menu at the Vintage House Restaurant – 4pm-9pm
Web Info

By Kathy | Posted in Winery Tasting Rooms and Cellar Doors | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Will It Be Possible to Carry Wine on Board Aircraft?

February 9, 2011 – 12:01 am

A University of California Davis chemistry prof, Professor Matthew Augustine, has developed the technology to check unopened liquid containers for their contents.

Several years ago, Professor Augustine designed a system to check wine quality without opening the wine bottle. A few years ago when terrorists began trying to take liquid bombs on board airplanes, Professor Augustine began wondering if he could invent something that would identify dangerous liquids. Eventually he invented a way to identify the chemical structure of liquids. According to the Sacramento Business Journal article, “UC Davis Professor’s Technology Could Improve Airport Security” by Melanie Turner, “Early tests showed the technology could distinguish gasoline or other dangerous liquids from innocuous substances, such as toothpaste.”

The technology is like a medical MRI machine. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is interested in this technology. A prototype will be built at UC Davis and Homeland Security has provided a contract to a firm who will work with the technology so it can easily be used in airports.

What are the benefits of this technology to fliers? Are there additional benefits for the wine industry?

Cheers! Kathy

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

Wine Festivals for the 3rd Weekend of February

February 8, 2011 – 12:01 am

With spring still weeks away, spending a day at a wine festival can be entertaining and fun, a great place to spend a few hours. Below are a number of wine festivals for the third weekend of February. All but one are in the US. The exception is a wine festival located in Devonport, New Zealand.

Enjoy a wine festival during the winter!

Cheers, Kathy

Dark & Delicious Wine and Food Event
Location: Alameda, CA
February 18, 2011
This is a PS I Love You Event

San Antonio Wine Festival
Location: San Antonio, TX
Events are February 18 and 20, 2011

Romancing the Reisling
Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan
February 19-20, 2011

2011 Confluence – Wine, Beer, Seafood & Music Festival
Gardiner, OR
February 19-20, 2011

Devonport Food, Music & Wine Festival
February 19-20, 2011
Devonport, New Zealand

By Kathy | Posted in Winery Events | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

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