Wine 968

A Napa Valley winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown, has achieved an extraordinary milestone with 39 perfect 100-point scores for his exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the renowned To Kalon vineyard.

This remarkable journey began unexpectedly for Brown during a formal dinner where he was accompanying his girlfriend, a newly minted Rhodes Scholar. Seated at a table with notable figures such as journalist Katie Couric and the president of the University of Virginia, he felt the weight of his surroundings and humorously pondered, "Who is this dude?" Such experiences only spurred his intrigue in wine, leading him to embark on an impromptu road trip to Napa Valley just a week later.

Raised in Sumter, South Carolina—an area not known for its wine culture—Brown initially did not envision a future in winemaking. His career shift began in the mid-1990s when he joined Turley, a small winery with a burgeoning reputation. His inclination for hard work and passion for wine were recognized by the head winemaker, who valued talent over traditional lineage in the field.

By 2000, Brown was associated with Schrader Cellars, where he produced wine from To Kalon, receiving his first 100-point score in 2002. His approach emphasized showcasing the vineyard’s true essence, a philosophy that has earned him acclaim. His wines reflect a focus on the land rather than imposing his style, captivating critics with their authenticity.

Schrader Cellars initially sourced from the Beckstoffer portion of To Kalon—one of Napa’s most prestigious sites. With time, ownership transitioned from legendary winemaker Robert Mondavi to Constellation Brands, which now markets Schrader’s limited-release wines. Mondavi’s legacy is one of resilience and vision, having championed Napa Valley when it was not respected on the global stage, and normalizing extraordinary winemaking practices in the region.

The To Kalon vineyard remains a testament to this enduring legacy, known for its diverse terroirs enabling Schrader Cellars to create multiple intriguing bottlings. For instance, the "TKS" bottling comes from southern blocks characterized by unique soil composition, while the "Heritage Clone" represents a specific Cabernet Sauvignon clone renowned for its small berries and high quality.

As Brown reflects on his 25-year journey in winemaking, he attributes much of his success to the collaborative energies of influential figures like Fred Schrader and the vision they shared. Their partnership has led to a thriving legacy for Napa Cabernet, highlighted in exceptional vintages like 2023, deemed a "vintage of a lifetime."

Today’s offerings from Schrader Cellars showcase the extraordinary effects of terroir and winemaking finesse. The 2023 Cabernet selections exhibit profound flavors and complexity, showcasing notes of graphite, plum, wildflowers, and rich black cherry—a harmonious blend of old-world elegance and new-world innovation. These wines not only symbolize personal milestones but also represent the remarkable narrative of Napa Valley’s ascent that Brown and predecessors have woven together.

For more about Thomas Rivers Brown and his legacy, visit Schrader Cellars.

Don’t let an extensive restaurant wine list intimidate you. Here are some expert tips for ordering a great bottle without overspending, thanks to insights from Baptiste Beaumard, a sommelier at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Daniel in New York.

Trust the Sommelier

Utilize the knowledge and expertise of the sommelier. Share your preferences regarding the type of wine you enjoy and your price range. Beaumard emphasizes that sommeliers want you to feel comfortable and find the right wine rather than pushing an expensive bottle.

Indicate Your Budget Discreetly

You don’t have to verbally state your budget; you can point to a couple of bottles within your price range on the wine list. This communicates your budget subtly while still engaging the sommelier.

Inquire About Budget-Friendly Options

Ask the sommelier for recommendations on budget-friendly wines. There are excellent wines from lesser-known regions that can provide great value, often flying under the radar compared to their more famous counterparts.

Explore Specific Sections of the Wine List

Look for sections that traditionally offer better value, such as sparkling wines that may emulate Champagne without the high price tag. Regions like Spain and Australia, as well as lesser-known French regions like Savoie and Loire Valley, often produce fantastic wines at lower prices.

Leverage Wine Apps

If you have a smart device, don’t hesitate to use wine apps like Vivino or Wine-Searcher to read reviews and tasting notes on the bottles available. However, rely on the sommelier’s expertise for the best guidance when selecting a wine.

Be Honest About Your Preference

When tasting the wine, if it doesn’t appeal to you, let the sommelier know. Many establishments will allow for a bottle to be exchanged if it doesn’t meet your taste, ensuring your overall experience remains enjoyable.

Consider Ordering By the Glass

To reduce the risk of being stuck with a bottle you don’t like, consider choosing a wine that is also available by the glass. This offers you the chance to taste it first and ensures that the restaurant can use the opened bottle for other guests if needed.

By employing these strategies, you can confidently navigate a restaurant wine list and find a bottle that complements your meal and suits your budget.

As the festive season approaches, wine advent calendars have gained popularity, providing a grown-up twist on the childhood excitement of daily treats leading up to the holidays. With the hustle and bustle of year-end activities, from travel to family gatherings, many find enjoyment in winding down with a glass of wine each evening—especially since studies suggest that alcohol consumption tends to spike during the holiday season.

This year’s offerings range from 12-day to 24-day calendars, including unique options like canned wine collections and themed selections from well-known brands, creating opportunities to relive nostalgic moments while also simplifying your gift-giving. Here’s a look at some of the noteworthy wine advent calendars to consider for this holiday season:

1. Just Enough Wines Advent Calendar

• Details: Features 12 cans (8.5 oz each) of wines sourced from Central Coast California.
• Price: $124.99
• Just Enough Wines

2. Total Wine Adventure Advent Calendar

• Details: Includes 24 single serve (187ml) bottles with a variety of wines from around the globe.
• Price: $79.99
• Total Wine

3. In Good Taste’s Wine Advent Calendar

• Details: Offers 24 mini bottles (187ml) from Chile, California, Argentina, and Australia, complete with educational emails for recipients.
• Price: $149.99
• In Good Taste

4. Laithwaites 2025 Wine Advent Calendar

• Details: Contains 24 glass mini bottles (187ml) curated to showcase diverse wines without repeats.
• Price: $159.99
• Laithwaites

5. Maker Wine 12 Days of Canned Wine

• Details: Featuring 12 premium canned wines sourced from small winemakers, with each can paired with a guide.
• Price: $139
• Maker Wine

6. Vinebox’s 12 or 24 Nights of Wine

• Details: Customers can choose between 12 or 24 nights of curated wines presented in glass tubes, with a blend of red, white, and rosé options.
• Price: $129 for 12 nights, $199 for 24 nights
• Vinebox

7. Costco Wine Adventure Calendar

• Details: A local find with 24 half bottles (375ml) from various regions, including popular wines from Italy and France.
• Price: $99.99
• Costco

8. Hallmark Channel Wines Advent Calendar

• Details: This calendar features a selection from the Hallmark Channel, spotlighting festive themed wines.
• Price: $129.99
• Hallmark Channel Wines

With various options available, these wine advent calendars can serve as fun gifts for loved ones—or a special treat for yourself during the chaotic pre-holiday days. To ensure delivery before December 1st, it’s essential to order early while stocks last!

The highly anticipated Ocala Food & Wine Festival is set to take place this weekend, promising an unforgettable culinary experience. This event celebrates gourmet offerings and showcases local flavors and expertise. The festival will feature a variety of food and wine tastings, allowing attendees to indulge in exquisite dishes and beverages.

In an engaging preview, FOX 35’s Lauren Margolis interviews the team behind the scenes, providing insight into what attendees can expect. From gourmet delicacies to fine wines, the festival aims to tantalize the taste buds of all who attend.

For food enthusiasts and wine lovers alike, the Ocala Food & Wine Festival guarantees to be a feast worth attending. More details can be found through local event listings and culinary resources.

When people think of wine pairs, they often picture upscale meals at French restaurants. However, sommelier Cha McCoy is on a mission to change this perception. With her new book, Wine Pairing for the People, McCoy advocates for incorporating wine into everyday meals, showcasing how it goes beautifully with comfort food like her mom’s rice and peas.

In her book, McCoy challenges the traditional Eurocentric rules of wine pairing. She emphasizes exploring wine through the cultural lenses of history and flavor, highlighting often overlooked regions and their beverages. For example, she pairs Moroccan wines with various dishes and introduces Brazilian wines in a way that broadens the wine conversation.

During an interview, McCoy shared that one pairing from her upbringing is fried chicken with champagne, a nod to her Harlem roots. This classic combination represents her cultural heritage and embodies the rich culinary history of her neighborhood, particularly iconic dishes like fried chicken and waffles.

One surprising pairing from her book involves matching wines with different styles of mofongo, a beloved Puerto Rican dish made from fried green plantains. McCoy highlights the diversity within Caribbean cuisine and aims to celebrate this richness.

Addressing the accessibility of wine knowledge, McCoy expressed concern that traditional channels often exclude certain communities, as fine-dining restaurants typically set the conversation. In many cultures, including her own, drinking wine is a communal experience often shared with casual meals.

Looking ahead, McCoy believes that discussions around wine are evolving. Restaurants that represent African diaspora cuisines, like Tatiana in NYC, are integrating wine into their menus. By encouraging people to ask about wines from different cultures, she hopes to broaden the palates of casual diners and challenge the dominance of traditional wine-producing nations.

She calls for a more inclusive approach to wine, bridging the gap between beloved foods and the wines produced in their regions. The response to this movement can redefine the way many people experience food and wine, ultimately making them more intertwined in everyday life.

For more insights on her approaches and suggestions, you can refer to her book, Wine Pairing for the People.

The holiday season is approaching, and hosting gatherings or bringing treats for festivities can get expensive, especially when it comes to creating a stunning charcuterie board. Fortunately, ALDI, known for its budget-friendly offerings, has released a selection of wine and cheese pairings that are both high-quality and affordable, making it easier to impress guests without breaking the bank.

According to Arlin Zajmi, ALDI’s Director of National Buying for Alcohol, the store is offering over 30 seasonal beverages, most priced under $13. Their featured wine and cheese pairings include various options for holiday celebrations.

Wine and Charcuterie Pairings:

1. Florility Organic Pinot Noir and Specially Selected 1,000-Day Gouda

   • Price: $7.99 for the wine, under $4 for the Gouda.
   • This rich, fruity wine, made from organic grapes, pairs excellently with the flavorful aged Gouda.

2. Fuzion Cabernet Sauvignon and Emporium Selection Vintage English Cheddar

   • Price: $9.99 for the wine, $4.49 for the cheddar.
   • This pairing offers a rich tasting experience with layers of flavors. Pair with Black Peppercorn Salami for an added savory touch.

3. Specially Selected Gavi and Specially Selected Parmigiano Reggiano

   • Price: $9.99 for the wine, $5.49 for the cheese.
   • The crisp, dry wine complements the savory, nutty cheese, making it a delightful addition to any charcuterie board.

4. Specially Selected Napa Valley Sparkling and Specially Selected Triple Crème Excellence

   • Price: $17.99 for the sparkling wine, $4.99 for the cheese.
   • With notes of brioche and citrus, this combination is perfect for festive toasts after dinner.

5. Zarita Chocolate Martini and Emporium Selection Goat Cheddar Cheese

   • Price: $9.99 for the cocktail, $4.49 for the goat cheese.
   • This sweet pairing is a decadent option, ideal for those who prefer a sweeter end to their holiday meals.

With ALDI’s affordable prices and unique pairing suggestions, holiday hosts can create beautiful and delicious charcuterie boards that cater to diverse tastes, ensuring festive gatherings are memorable without overspending.

If you’re surprised to discover that boxed wine is making a significant comeback, you’re not alone. Once deemed the low-quality choice primarily chosen by budget-conscious individuals, boxed wine has now emerged as a sophisticated option, appealing to a younger generation that values affordability, sustainability, and convenience.

Amy Ezrin, founder of Giovese Family Wines, recalls how boxed wine was seen as synonymous with the lowest quality for decades. Many still think of it as a remnant of college days when people joked about "slapping the bag" of popular brands. However, attitudes are changing, and consumers are gravitating toward modern boxed wines that come in more appealing packaging and offer better taste profiles.

Boxed wine sales in the U.S. have exceeded a billion dollars, with companies like Nomadica leading the charge. This sustainable wine brand had previously found success with its premium canned wines and recognized a growing demand for boxed options. Upon launching its direct-to-consumer boxed wine last year, it quickly accounted for 20% of their online sales within the first quarter.

Internationally, the trend is equally pronounced, with up to 44% of supermarket wine sales in France being boxed, and that number climbing to over 60% in Sweden. Olszewski from Nomadica notes that this trend is one of the few encouraging developments in an industry faced with rising costs and changing consumer behaviors.

Moreover, advances in packaging technology have significantly improved quality. As Amy Troutmiller, co-founder of Really Good Boxed Wine, explains, modern techniques reduce oxygen exposure, preserving a wine’s flavor and freshness. Unlike traditional open bottles, boxed wines can stay fresh for a month or longer in the refrigerator, making them ideal for those who appreciate a glass of wine occasionally without wasting a full bottle.

The sustainability factor cannot be overstated either. The carbon footprint of boxed wine is notably lower than glass alternatives, and they generally provide better value—one box usually equals three to four bottles at an average price of $25 or less. This pricing makes boxed wine an accessible choice for many consumers, especially amidst economic challenges.

Importantly, the appeal extends beyond younger drinkers. There is a notable customer base of those over 45, including retirees, who appreciate the convenience and quality of boxed wine. Environments where glass bottles are prohibited, such as outdoor events or community spaces, further underscore the growing relevance of boxed options.

In summary, the resurgence of boxed wine reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior towards quality, affordability, and sustainability, making it a viable choice for modern wine drinkers. As Olszewski aptly puts it, boxed wines offer delicious, high-quality options without the drawbacks of traditional glass bottles.

Anyone who has gestured too enthusiastically with a glass of red wine knows that stains from the drink can be troublesome to remove. Many shirts, blouses, and slacks have met their end due to the persistent red blotches. Fortunately, there’s an affordable and easy solution that you may already have at home: 3% hydrogen peroxide.

Red wine stains are particularly stubborn because of two compounds: chromogens and tannins. Chromogens give red wine its deep hue, making it effective for dyeing fabrics, while tannins bond well, which makes removing the stain even trickier. However, hydrogen peroxide creates oxidation upon application, which helps loosen the tannins’ hold and eliminate the chromogens’ color, making it a more economical option than traditional stain removers.

When using hydrogen peroxide, note that it’s generally safe for most fabrics, but you should avoid it on delicate, vintage, or animal-based textiles. Additionally, be careful not to mix it with certain cleaning agents, such as vinegar or bleach, as this could create harmful fumes.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Red Wine Stains

1. Act Quickly: The sooner you treat the stain, the better your chances of successfully removing it. Do not rub the stain; this can aggravate it.

2. Test: Before applying hydrogen peroxide directly, test it on an inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure it won’t damage the fabric’s color.

3. For Fresh Stains: Mix two parts water with one part hydrogen peroxide, apply the mixture to the stain, and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly and wash the item as per the care label instructions. If you’re worried about color fading, consider mixing dish soap and hydrogen peroxide in a 1:3 ratio as an alternative.

4. For Set and Dried Stains: Combine equal parts dish detergent and hydrogen peroxide, gently scrub the mixture onto the stain, and let it sit for around thirty minutes before rinsing.

By following these steps, you can bring your red wine-stained clothing back to life without breaking the bank. For more tips and guides, check House Digest.

The Lodi Wine Region in California is embracing a new ‘No Reservations’ policy to attract both new and returning visitors, offering them an accessible wine tasting experience with average fees of just $16. This initiative comes at a time when many wine regions across the U.S. are experiencing declines in wine tourism.

Stuart Spencer, the Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, explained the shift: “We want to expand the occasions and make wine tasting easy and accessible to everyone.” He noted that the percentage of wineries allowing walk-ins has plummeted and that tasting fees have surged since 2012, which could discourage visitors.

Research by the Wine Market Council highlights that 37% of wine visitors prioritize the ability to simply drop by a winery. In response, over 60 wineries in Lodi have decided to reinstate a more relaxed, ‘drop-in’ wine tasting approach reminiscent of earlier times in the industry. Visitors will find casual tastings available for an average fee of $16, often waived with a wine purchase.

This campaign represents more than just an updated policy; it reflects a broader ethos of community values and a commitment to inclusivity. Spencer remarked, “Our ‘No Reservations policy’ is an embodiment of how we want to position Lodi in the world of wine and tourism.”

For those planning to visit, Lodi is conveniently located just 35 miles south of Sacramento and about 90 minutes from San Francisco, making it an attractive option for day trips or weekend getaways. The region is known for its historic Zinfandel vines, some of which date back to 1888, and a diverse range of more than 100 grape varieties.

Local winery owners are enthusiastically supporting the initiative. Gerardo Espinosa of Anaya Vineyards emphasized the importance of approachability in wine, particularly for underrepresented communities. He believes that the ‘No Reservations’ approach can help dispel the notion that wine must be formal or intimidating.

Jeremy Trettevik from Jeremy Wine Co. echoed these sentiments, arguing that the policy encourages new and younger consumers to engage with wine more spontaneously. Similarly, Jorja Lerner of Harney Lane Vineyards highlighted a sense of ease and spontaneity that visitors will experience, allowing them to feel at home in the tasting rooms.

Though Lodi’s campaign debuted at the end of the year, this timing aligns with the region’s autumn and winter tourism trends due to the hot summers. Spencer pointed out that local visitation spikes particularly during the holiday season, driven by family gatherings and festive meals, where pairing their fruity reds with holiday dishes becomes a cherished tradition.

Overall, the Lodi region is taking significant steps to revitalize its wine tourism experience, setting a welcoming tone for both casual visitors and wine enthusiasts alike.

As autumn arrives, marked by falling leaves and the onset of chillier weather, many people begin to savor the comforting flavors of the season in their meals and beverages. For one wine lover, this transition also brings a change in beverage preference. While summer is a time for refreshing, citrusy white wines, fall calls for something richer and deeper.

Red wines often lead to headaches for the writer, but there is one exception: Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. Celebrated for its light, fruity, and floral character, Lambrusco comes in various styles ranging from sweet to dry. The writer suggests two specific varieties for beginners: Lini Lambrusco Rosso and Denny Bini Lambrusco dell’Emilia.

What makes Lambrusco a perfect fall wine?

• Lightly Sparkling: Lambrusco is a frizzante wine, providing a gentle fizz that makes it very approachable compared to highly carbonated options like Champagne.

• Versatile Pairing: This wine transcends traditional pairing rules, harmonizing beautifully with a variety of dishes, from seafood to hearty pot roasts. It is particularly favored for Thanksgiving dinners.

• Ideal for Transitioning Weather: With its balance of warmth and fruitiness, Lambrusco suits the fluctuating temperatures of autumn, making it a suitable companion alongside seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice lattes and mulled cider.

As you plan your fall gatherings or prepare for Thanksgiving, consider adding Lambrusco to your table. Its delightful flavors and versatility make it a great choice for any meal.