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A Pinot Gris from Oregon

July 16, 2021 – 11:03 am

Originally Acrobat Wines was started by King Estate in 2008. Ten years later in 2018 Acrobat was sold to Foley Family Wines. Acrobat wines are produced from grapes sourced from three AVAs including Willamette Valley, Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley. 

2019 Acrobat Pinot Gris

Recently we enjoyed a sample bottle of the 2019 Acrobat Pinot Gris.

The 2019 Acrobat Pinot Gris had a light yellow color with a light green hue. The aroma was fruity with tropical fruit notes. The taste was reminiscent of pineapples, limes, papayas and mineral. The finish was crisp with fruit yielding to mineral on the aftertaste. We shared the wine with neighbors as an aperitif. From the aroma to the finish this Oregon Pinot Gris was lively and refreshing, not boring.

On a previous attendance at a wine conference in Virginia, a group of winemakers were not kind in their thoughts of making wine with Pinot Gris grapes. At a wine conference in Oregon, we had a totally different response from winemakers regarding Pinot Gris. The Virginia winemakers thought Pinot Gris was boring. In Oregon, the winemakers we spoke to thought Pinot Gris was anything but boring. They explained that if you can grow Pinot Noir, you can grow Pinot Gris.

The 2019 Acrobat Pinot Gris produced with Oregon grapes met our high expectations.
Cheers,
Kathy and Terry

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

A Summer Wine Perfect for Sipping

July 14, 2021 – 2:24 pm

Some wines are just perfect for the lazy, hazy days of summer. My preference is for a light bodied white or rosé wine with a few crackers and bite-size pieces of Manchego cheese. The cheese brings out the quality of the wine. Yum!

Please keep in mind, especially during the heat of the summer, to enjoy a refreshing glass of water while imbibing.

Banshee Sauvignon Blanc for summer days!

Recently we enjoyed a sample 2020 Banshee Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County, California. 

Banshee Wines was established in 2009 by a group of friends in San Francisco. A few years later, the winery was moved to Healdsburg and the tasting room opened in 2013. The winemaker is Alicia Sylvester. The winery is currently producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. 

Banshee Wines sources grapes from several vineyards. They have also established their own vineyard, the Estate Vineyard. The Estate Vineyard was planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.


While traveling to Sonoma County, plan on stopping by the Banshee tasting room to explore their wines.

Recently we enjoyed a sample 2020 Banshee Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County, California. The 2020 Banshee Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County was a light yellow color with a light green hue. The wine, with 13.6% alcohol, was crafted entirely of Sauvignon Blanc grapes from six different vineyards spread out in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Valley. The delightful aroma was reminiscent of a tropical fruit salad. The taste included pineapple, melon, papaya, lemon and a hint of mineral. The finish was crisp with fruit yielding to mineral on the aftertaste. We served the wine as an aperitif with a couple friends. It was cool and refreshing in the shade of a hickory tree on a sunny warm summer’s day.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Wines from Domaine Andre Ehrhart

July 6, 2021 – 3:15 pm

We received three small wine samples to taste from Domaine Andre Ehrhart. The domaine is located in Alsace and dates its history back to 1904. The winery is currently operated by the 4th generation family.

The first three wine samples was crafted with grapes that were from Grand Cru vineyards. The 2019 Gewurztraminer AOP Alsace Grand Cru Hengst was a light yellow color with 13.5% alcohol. The aroma was very floral. The taste was also floral with some spicy notes. The wine had a racy acidity. The finish was floral with a layer of hazelnuts. The aftertaste was long. Pair the wine with cheeses, sweet dishes and use as an aperitif. The 2019 Pinot Gris AOP Alsace Grand Cru Hengst was a straw color. The 13.5% alcohol wine had a floral aroma. On the taste there were notes of honeysuckle and lemon. The mouthfeel was creamy. The crisp finish had a long aftertaste. You can serve the wine as an aperitif. The 2019 Riesling AOP Alsace Grand Cru Steingrubler had a straw color. The aroma offered white peaches. The taste was also reminiscent of peaches and lemons. The wine had a racy acidity. The finish was crisp, fruity and had a long aftertaste. One pairing suggestion was to pair with sauerkraut and fish.

Wine from Domaine Andre Ehrhart

The 2019 Pinot Noir had a translucent red color with a dark pink hue. The 14% alcohol wine offered red berry fruits on the aroma. Red raspberries and a bit of strawberry were on the taste. The wine had a medium/full body and soft tannins. The finish was fruity. Pair with meats such as white meats, cold meats or grilled meats.

The last two wines were in the Tradition series. The 2019 Riesling Tradition was a straw color with a light gold hue. The 13.5% alcohol wine had a faint peach aroma. The velvety mouthfeel offered peaches and citrus. The crisp finish was fruity. Use the wine as an aperitif or pair with seafood, salads or sauerkraut. The 2019 Pinot Gris Tradition was a yellow color with a golden hue. The wine had 14% alcohol. The aroma and taste were reminiscent of a spring floral bouquet and gingerbread cookies. The finish was crisp and leaving you wanting more. Pair with a rocking chair on a porch or in front of a fire.

Kathy and Terry

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

Alsace Wines from Domaine Paul Kubler

July 1, 2021 – 11:02 am

Domaine Paul Kubler is located in Alsace. The family interest in viticulture dates back to 1620. Today the winery produces still and late harvest wines. Wine production includes: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer,  Pinot Noir and Sylvaner.

Domaine Paul Kubler wines

We were fortunate to receive a sample box of five Domaine Paul Kubler wines. This was part of the Hopwine Fair that took place in April 2021 online. Each sample was 20 ml, enough for a tasting.

The 2019 Les Panetiers, AOC Alsace, was made from Pinot Blanc grapes. The 12.5% alcohol wine had a yellow color with gold hue. The aroma reminded us of a tropical fruit salad. The taste included nectarine, melon, citrus and a hint of pineapple. The finish was very crisp with lingering fruit. Pair the wine with vegetables including asparagus and fish dishes.

The 2017 Les Combes, AOC Alsace, was made from Pinot Gris. This 14% alcohol wine had a light yellow color. The aroma offered yellow stone fruits. On the taste there was peaches, apricots and grapefruit. The finish was very crisp and fruity. We would enjoy this wine as an aperitif or paired with chicken dishes especially with mushrooms.

The 2017 Les Pierriers, AOC Alsace was crafted with Riesling grapes. At 13% alcohol the wine had a yellow color. Yellow stone fruit was on the aroma while the taste had notes of white peach and white grapefruit. The finish was crisp and refreshing. The wine had a long fruity aftertaste. In addition to an aperitif, pair the wine with a rocking chair on a porch during a hot summer day.

The 2017 Breitenberg Riesling, AOC Alsace had 13% alcohol. The light yellow colored wine’s aroma was citrus forward. The taste included lemons, limes, minerals and a hint of salt. The finish was crisp. Pair the wine with fish dishes.

The 2019 Weingarten Pinot Noir, AOC Alsace had a translucent dark ruby color with purple hue. The 14% alcohol wine had red fruits and spices on the aroma. The taste offered cherries, baking spices and a mineral undertone. The medium full-bodied wine had medium silky tannins. The finish was crisp with a blend of fruit and spice. This Pinot Noir can pair with beef dishes.

Cheers,

Terry and Kathy

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

Coeur Cause Wine Release to Benefit Walk to End Alzheimer’s®

June 24, 2021 – 3:45 pm

This weekend June 25, 26, 27 Milbrandt Vineyards, located in the state of Washington, will continue celebrating the Coeur Cause® Wine Release that benefits Walk to End Alzheimer’s®.

Milbrandt Vineyards winery

Milbrandt Vineyards has three tastings rooms. Events will take place at the tasting rooms located in Woodinville, Leavenworth and Prosser.

In addition to benefitting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, Milbrandt Vineyards is releasing the Coeur Cause® wine, a sparkling Riesling. Ten percent of the sales of the Coeur Cause sparkling wine will be donated to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® through 2021.

Registration for the event is $35. Anyone who purchases two bottles of the Coeur Cause sparkling wine will have the ticket price waived. For club members of Milbrandt Vineyards and Ryan Patrick Wines, there is no charge for a ticket.

Reservations:

Reserve Woodinville Here or call 425-949-7660.
Reserve Leavenworth Here or call 509-888-2236
Reserve Prosser Here or call 509-788-0030

The Coeur Cause Wine Release event includes: wine tasting, special pairings, raffles and music at some locations. The  raffles will include:

  • winemaker dinners for six
  • guided river rafting trips
  • a Cascade Hideaway &  Spa Retreat
  • a luxury Cottage Wine Country Getaway
  • Bed and Breakfast Romantic Excursions,
  • a Golf Excursion
  • several five-star dinners at restaurants in Washington

Discover the Coeur Cause® sparkling wine and help support Walk to End Alzheimer’s® this weekend!

Kathy

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

DrinkMaryland Upcoming Events

June 16, 2021 – 2:31 pm

DrinkMaryland events help local Maryland beverage businesses to showcase their products. On June 19 the Drink Maryland wine event takes place in downtown Centreville from Noon until 5pm. This event will be followed by a DrinkMaryland event in North Beach on June 26.

The Urban Winery plans to participate in DrinkMaryland events.

Participants in the Centreville and North Beach events will include wineries, breweries, distilleries, artisans and food vendors. See the lists below of the vendors you can visit at each location.

At the Centreville event, music will be provided by J. Coursey Willis & The Stone Authors and The Justin Taylor Band featuring PRS Guitars Pulse Artists.

Tasting tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Centerville tickets
North Beach tickets

Participants at Centerville on June 19

Olney Winery will attend DrinkMaryland events

Wineries
Cove Point Winery  
Olney Winery 
The Urban Winery

Breweries
Bull & Goat 
The Buzz Meadery 
Oliver Brewing Co. 
Maryland Beer Company 
Ten Eyck Brewing Co

Distilleries
Baltimore Spirits Co.
Blackwater Distilling 
East Road Beverages 
Gray Wolf Spirits 
LYON RUM 
McClintock Distilling 
Old Courthouse Distilling 
Old Line Spirits 
Twin Valley Distillers

Artisans
Alloyed Earth Jewelry 
Caulfield Provision Company 
Chesapeake Shoppe 
Fresca Frankie Recycled Accessories 
Pope’s Leather 
Resouled

Food Vendors
Heavenly Delights 
Jimmy’s Fat Rolls 
Shore Good Eats 
Smoke, Rattle & Roll 
Team Autism

The June 26 DrinkMaryland event at North Beach on June 26 is also from Noon until 5PM

Participants at North Beach DrinkMaryland event on June 26 

Wineries
Cove Point Winery
Generations Vineyard
Olney Winery
Running Hare Vineyard
The Urban Winery

Breweries
The Buzz Meadery
Charm City Meadworks
Greenspring Brewing Co
Gypsy Brewing Co.

Distilleries
Baltimore Spirits Co.
BlueDyer Distilling Co.
East Road Beverages 
Gray Wolf Spirits
LYON RUM
MISCellaneous Distillery
Sagamore Spirit
Tenth Ward Distilling Co.

Food Vendors
Grizzly Mountain Grill
Kinda Jerky Really Nutty 
New Orleans By Myra
Phelps Concessions

Artisans
Aliada Learning
American Glassware
IBH Creations & Boutique
Furtastic Collars
Jacqueline Handley Designs
PFD Printing
Sisters of the Moon

Discover what Maryland has to offer soon!

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Vintage Indiana Wine Fest Needs Volunteers!

May 24, 2021 – 4:11 pm

Vintage Indiana Wine Fest is taking place June 5, 2021 at Military Park in Indianapolis.

Brown County Winery to participate in Vintage Indiana Wine Fest in June

Currently the Vintage Indiana Winefest is seeking volunteers to help with the festival. Position locations that still need filling include: Front Entrance Gate, Beverage Tents, Wine Organization and Sitting Area Sanitizers.

The festival website includes the following descriptions of the responsibilities of the volunteers.

Front Entrance Gate – Volunteers will take tickets and check IDs at the main festival entrance.

Beverage Tents – Volunteers will serve free soft drinks to Designated Driver wristband-wearers, as well as sell soft drinks to other festival-goers.

Wine Organization – Volunteers will organize bottles of wine purchased by festival-goers to be picked up at the Wine Pick Up Tent.

Sitting Area Sanitizers – Volunteers will clean all sitting areas after patrons have left.

Participating Indiana wineries include:

Winzerwald Winery, Indiana

Ash & Elm Cider Co.
Best Vineyards
Brown County Winery
Carousel Winery
Daniel’s Vineyard
Ertel Cellars
Harmony Winery
Hartland Winery
Heagy Vineyards
Holtkamp Winery
Huckleberry Hill Winery
Madson County Winery
Mallow Run
Sip & Share Wines
Two EE’s Winery
Winzerwald Winery

Wine Trail Traveler visited a number of Indiana wineries several years ago. We remember our delightful visits to the wineries including beautiful vineyards, boutique and large facilities, the delicious wines and the great staffs. Check out the online articles we wrote about Indiana wineries.

Unfortunately no live music will be taking place at the Wine Fest because of COVID-19 regulations. However there will be DJ Kurt Streblow and WZPL or 1079 The Mix.

Eight food vendors have confirmed they will attend the Wine Fest. Look for Bazbeaux Pizza, Da Blue Lagoon: Jamaican Kitchen, El Venezolano, Glodo’s Kettle Korn, J & J A Taste of Home Catering, Ruth’s Chris. Wicked Good Cupcakes and Wild Boar BBQ.

Several artisan vendors also plan to attend.

Tickets
(Everyone attending must be 21+. No pets are allowed.)

VIP: $60 pre-sale only
Adult Ticket: $40 pre-sale only
Designated Driver: $20 pre-sale only

For more information about the Vintage Indiana Wine Fest, visit the website.

COVID-19 rules for the Wine Fest include following social distancing guidelines and masking up if not eating or drinking. More sanitation and hand washing stations will be also be available.

When planning to attend the Vintage Indiana Wine Fest or any wine festival please keep your safety and others safety in mind.

Kathy

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

St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail and Facts

March 16, 2021 – 3:37 pm

St. Patrick’s Day is here! As I say every year, on St. Patrick’s Day almost everyone wishes they were Irish. In honor of the day, below you will find a recipe from Round Barn Distillery, for a St. Patrick’s Day cocktail as well as facts related to St. Patrick’s Day.

Shimmering Shamrock Cocktail

Shimmering Shamrock Cocktail

Product Feature: Round Barn Distillery’s Red Sky Rum

Ingredients

1 ½ oz Red Sky Rum (or a white rum)      

1 ½ oz Green Shimmering Simple

1 oz Cantaloupe Juice

½ oz Lime Juice

Directions
Combine all ingredients in pint glass over ice. Shake & strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a rainbow candy.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

As you enjoy the Shimmering Shamrock cocktail, find out if you know the these St. Patrick’s Day facts?

  1. St. Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland.
  2. We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 because it is believed that St. Patrick died on March 17 in the 5th century – perhaps 461 A.D.
  3. St. Patrick was baptized with the name Maewyn Succat .
  4. As a teenager St. Patrick was kidnapped by Irish pirates and taken to Northern Ireland. Several years later he escaped and was able to return to Britain where he was born
  5. St. Patrick most likely did not drive the snakes out of Ireland. It is believed that no snakes were in Ireland at that time.
  6. St. Patrick decided to return to Ireland to evangelize the people. He spent about 40 years in Ireland.
  7. It is believed that St. Patrick used the 3- leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity. However, no written evidence of this existed until the early 1700s. Over the many years, did the 3-leaf clover legend pass down verbally?

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Spirits: whisky, tequila, bourbon, rye, vodka | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Pearmund Cellars Safely Continues March Barrel Tastings

February 25, 2021 – 12:32 pm

Pearmund Cellars has announced that they will continue their traditional spring barrel tastings in March 2021. However, the winery is taking special precautions because of the pandemic.

Barrel room at Pearmund Cellars, VA

The Event:

  • Tasting 2020 wines from the barrels and some tanks
  • Learn about the winemaking process
  • Discover Pearmund Cellars techniques

When: Weekends during March 2021
March 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28

How to Attend:
Make reservations online on Eventbrite

Pearmund Cellars Cares About Your Safety

According to the information in a recent email, Pearmund Cellars is focused on everyone’s safety. The safety protocol for this event is described as: “To ensure safety and comfort, the tastings will be done classroom style in our tank room with pre-poured wines at specific times. Between sessions, the area will be sanitized. Total of 10 people per session, with tables properly distanced.”

Price: $35 per person

Location:
Pearmund Cellars
6190 Georgetown Road
Broad Run, Virginia

Cheers!
Kathy

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

It’s National Margarita Day!

February 22, 2021 – 4:34 pm
Round Barn’s Sangria Cocktail

Today, February 22, 2021 is National Margarita Day. The recipe below is from Round Barn Winery, Brewery and Distillery in Baroda, Michigan.

Round Barn’s Sangarita Cocktail Recipe 

Ingredients
• 1.5oz Round Barn Distillery’s Blue Flame Agave
• 2oz Sour Mix
• 1oz Triple Sec
• Round Barn’s Flavor Trip Red Sangria

Directions

  1. Fill glass 1/3 way full of ice.
  2. Pour in agave, sour mix, and triple sec.
  3. Top the rest of the glass with red sangria.
  4. Squeeze 1 lime wedge into the glass.
  5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

While enjoying a margarita ask yourself:

  1. Do you know what you need to make a margarita?
  2. Have you every made a margarita?
  3. How do you most enjoy a margarita? Over ice or frozen.
  4. Do you like a salted rim glass or a glass without any salt?
  5. Do you know where the largest margarita was made? (This must have been in the days before we knew about COVID. The large margarita was produced  in Las Vegas. It took 60 people 300 hours to down it.
  6. What unique item was in a $64,360.25 margarita? A diamond.

The recipe does not come close to the $64,000 price tag for the above margarita recipe that was sent to us. Enjoy the recipe from Round Barn for today or any day throughout the year.

The above questions are based on information from Margarita page on https://nationaltoday.com.

Distillery at Round Barn, MI

See the article about Round Barn Winery, Brewery and Distillery on Wine Trail Traveler.com. When you have the opportunity, visit Round Barn Winery, Brewery and Winery.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

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