Wine 632

Passover starts (or started, depending on when you’re reading this article) at sundown on Monday, April 22.

The annual Jewish holiday commemorating their liberation from slavery continues until the evening of April 30.

During this annual holiday, there are many special, traditional feasts, including Seder on April 22 and April 23.

As part of the Seder, many people drink wine. And for many Jewish people, that means drinking only kosher wine.

There are many rules about what makes a wine kosher. There’s also a fair bit of confusion.

This week, you can learn all about kosher wines, as well as tasting notes for a few suggested kosher wines, many of which cost less than $16 a bottle.

Hope you enjoy.

WHAT IS KOSHER WINE?

First, let’s talk a bit about some of the misconceptions about kosher wine. Contrary to popular belief, making kosher wine does not involve a rabbi. The wine simply needs to be made by people who observe the Jewish Sabbath, the traditional day of rest on Saturday.

Other rules apply to kosher wine, including making sure that all the ingredients in the wine are kosher. This means no animal products added to the wine. Kosher wines should also not come into contact with bread or grain products.

Additional rules apply. Fortunately, you don’t have worry about memorizing these rules. Many wine stores have sections set aside where you can easily find kosher wines. And many winemakers produce wines that have been certified kosher and say so on the label.

WHO PRODUCES KOSHER WINE?

Another myth about kosher wine is that it only comes from certain producers from parts of the world. The truth is winemakers anywhere in the world can make kosher wine. And many winemakers do just that. As a result, there are kosher wines from Israel, Australia, Argentina, California and France, including certain wineries in Bordeaux and Champagne.

TASTING NOTES

2021 Barkan Vineyards Classic Chardonnay ($15.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield)

Country – Israel

Grape – Chardonnay

Tasting Notes – If you love bone-dry white wines, you will absolutely love this outstanding, understated wine. This subtle white wine has a fascinating blend of soft, understated flavors ranging from peach to sea salt, roasted butter and a slight hint of green apple. Highly recommend.

2021 Barkan Vineyards Classic Pinot Noir Negev Israel ($13.99 at Table & Vine)

Country – Israel

Grape – Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes – Soft, subtle, fruit-forward red wine that really hits its stride the day after you open the wine. The first day, I found the wine a bit too fruity (almost raspberry like) for my taste. The second day, the wine really smooths out and the fruit flavors are less intense and more subtle and cherry like.

2021 Teal Lake Cabernet Merlot ($12.99 Suggested Retail Price)

Country – Australia

Grape – Blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot

Tasting Notes – This light, refreshing, flinty dry red wine from Australia absolutely blew me away. Flavorful and extremely dry, this wine tastes great straight out of the bottle and the next day as well. With flavors ranging from toasted almonds to dried raspberries, my wife and I adored this wine right from the start. Let me add that the flavors linger long after each sip.

2022 Domaine Bousquet Alavida Malbec ($16.99 at Table & Vine)

Country – Argentina

Grape – 100% malbec

Tasting Notes – For those of you who prefer slightly bigger, earthier wines, this robust yet smooth malbec from Argentina just might be the red wine for you. Bold fruit flavors include hints of plum, cherry and blackberry. There are also slight hints of nuts, particular almonds, on the finish that give this wine a distinct, delightful taste.

2019 Domaines Barons de Rothschild Legende Bordeaux Rouge ($17.99 at Table & Vine)

Country – Bordeaux, France

Grape – 50% cabernet sauvignon, 50% merlot

Tasting Notes – This delightful blended red wine illustrates why France’s Bordeaux region has such as well-earned reputation for making elegant, charming wines. Made with a classic Bordeaux blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot grapes, the flavors here are soft and subtle with hints of fresh fruit (blackberry and cherry) without being overpowering.

Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut Champagne ($64.99 at Table & Vine)

Country – Champagne, France

Grape – 50% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir, 15%, pinot meunier

Tasting Notes – A classic bone-dry Champagne from one the oldest Champagne houses (founded in 1812) in France’s Champagne region, this delicious sparkling wine hits all the right notes. Its flavors are crisp, dry, slightly nutty (think roasted almonds) and refreshing.

Cheers!

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.

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Pebble Beach Food & Wine made a fantastic return after a four-year break in the first week of April. The event was under the purview of a new management team and featured a renewed format including, for the first time, wineries like Rhys Vineyards from the Santa Cruz Mountains and Frank Family Vineyards from Napa.

If you take pleasure in a competitive wine and food pairing contest, don’t miss “The Perfect Pair” at Cabrillo College, scheduled for Saturday, April 27. The inclusive $140 ticket offers a sensory evaluation class, a walk-around tasting of Santa Cruz Mountains wines, along with an exciting food and wine pairing competition featuring creations by the Cabrillo College Culinary program students. https://winesofthesantacruzmountains.com/events/the-perfect-pair

Another notable event on April 27 is an open house at Vidovich Winery on Monte Bello Road in the Cupertino hills, from noon till 4:30 p.m. It’s a chance to meet their new winemaker, Barry Timmins, originally from New Zealand, who brings a fresh approach to the brand.

And it’s not just about Mint Juleps anymore! Kendall-Jackson has launched two limited-edition, commemorative wines for the 150th Run for the Roses on Kentucky Derby Day. The attractive labels showcase Rachel Alexandra, a retired American Thoroughbred racehorse from Stonestreet Stables, owned by the Jackson family in Lexington, KY. Rachel Alexandra has impressive victories at Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Racecourse. Celebrate your Derby spirit with the 2022 “150th Running” Chardonnay (Mendocino, $14.99) and 2021 “150th Running” Cabernet (Sonoma, $24.99).

Considering a Derby-themed soiree paired with local vintages and appetizing morsels for a worthy cause? The Morgan Hill Community Foundation collaborates with the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley for the yearly Santa Clara Valley Wine Auction on May 4 at Clos LaChance Winery. The VIP room opens at 5 p.m.; general entrance is from 6-9 p.m. A live auction commences at 8 p.m. featuring fabulous prizes such as a VIP suite at a Sharks match, amazing holiday home stays and a robust meat parcel from Rocca’s market. Don your finest Kentucky Derby garb, as you’ll be in good company. Parking services provided. https://visitmorganhill.org/santaclaravalleywineauction

The Santa Cruz Mountains Wines’ “Taste Of Terroir” Dinner Series ignites with “Vineyards in the Sky,” on Friday, May 10, at Wrights Station Winery, highlighting modern Italian fare curated by Chef Nick Sherman of Trestles & Cavaletta, coupled with vintages from Big Basin Vineyards, Charmant Vineyards, Cooper-Garrod Vineyards, David Bruce Winery, Muns Vineyard, Silver Mountain Vineyards and Wrights Station. https://winesofthesantacruzmountains.com/2024-tot-dinner-series

Effervescence is essential for Mother’s Day and Mumm Napa has recently introduced new assortments of upscale domestic sparkling wines: Mumm Sparkling ($23.99) and Mumm Napa ($32.99). Both portfolios contain three cuvées, including a rosé option, and the latter features a Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs.

For those wishing to sip lower-alcohol wines without compromising on taste, give the 2021 CRU Low Calorie Unoaked Chardonnay (Arroyo Seco), priced at $20 and 12.1 percent alcohol a try. CRU has a tasting facility in Soledad.

“Sunny With a Chance of Flowers” rosé, presented by Scheid, offers another low-alcohol option you can find easily in grocery stores. This rosé was a popular choice at the anticipated Pebble Beach Food & Wine event.

Ever thought of hosting an unforgettable party, memorial, or bridal shower in a winery? Alamitos Vineyards, located near San Jose’s Almaden Reservoir, welcomes such events. Their private chef provides delectable wine-paired gourmet offerings, from charcuterie spreads to comprehensive seven-course wine-tasting dinners. This winery can comfortably cater to private celebrations ranging from 20 to 250 guests, extending dates for both weekdays and weekends. For more details, please reach out at info@alamitosvineyards.com.

Homebrewing is currently all the rage on TikTok, and shockingly, one trend involves turning soda into wine. While it’s true that you can ferment just about anything with a high sugar content, the soda-to-wine pipeline is questionable (and an even worse idea than putting wine in a SodaStream). Despite this, the concept of fermenting something in a jar like a science experiment is enticing some to give it a go. Brave TikTokers have succeeded with flavors like Mountain Dew and Dr. Pepper, but many question whether the result is even worth it.

Home wine making can be risky for the unskilled. If you miscalculate the quantity of yeast, you might experience significant bloating and gastrointestinal pain. Moreover, your wine could get contaminated by bacteria. Although the bacteria produced during the fermentation process via TikTok’s method might not make you sick, it certainly won’t enhance the taste. Many seasoned winemakers will add sulfur dioxide to their wine to fend off such growths.

One hazard of trying to make pruno-style soda wine, like one Reddit user suggested, is the potential for exposure to a lethal toxin produced by harmful bacteria. Fermenting fruit juice, sugar, and other pruno ingredients like honey can result in botulism, which can be deadly. To avoid this, never put fresh fruit or honey in your soda wine; sterilization is essential. Clean all your gear with no-rinse sanitizer or rubbing alcohol, and consult an expert fermentation guide before you venture into this on your own.

Read more: Popular Vodka Brands Ranked From Worst To Best

Sans pruno technique, Golden Hive Mead on TikTok demonstrates the soda wine process with a liter of Dr. Pepper and a gallon-sized jar. They eliminate as many gas bubbles as possible because carbonation destroys yeast — the necessary fermenting agent. A gradual pour with vigorous stirs helps decrease some of the osmotic pressure, but ultimately, what you’re concocting is yeasty, flat soda (which does not sound tasty). Besides, an acidic pH doesn’t support healthy yeast. Adding baking soda to balance the acid is one solution, but there are still preservatives in soda, like sodium benzoate, that will prevent the yeast from reaching its full potential.

Soda also lacks the natural tannins that make wine deliciously bitter. Sure, you can add yeast and nutrients, but there’s really no way to add the amino acids, aromatic compounds, and phenolic compounds that support yeast populations in actual wine. So be warned, fermented soda will not have the same body and flavor as your favorite wine. According to Golden Hive Mead, you could end up with a sweet flavor, but they note that it’s not the greatest-tasting wine. While it attains a decent alcohol percentage after a few weeks, the taste won’t be comparable to mixing grape soda with a glass of red wine. You might as well skip the hassle and make a risk-free wine-and-cola cocktail instead.

Read the original article on Mashed

Take a tour of the 11th arrondissement.

The crowd at Giclette.

Photographer: Elin McCoy

On a chilly Saturday afternoon in Paris three weeks ago, I was drinking a deliciously zingy Loire Valley pét-nat, Vins Hodgson Chalan Polan chenin blanc, alongside a scoop of housemade ice cream poached in olive oil.

I don’t recommend pairing wine and ice cream, but, hey, it’s de rigueur at natural wine bar Folderol, which opened in December 2020 and quickly jumped to fame on TikTok. So much so that the owners, American chef couple Jessica Yang and Robert Compagnon, had to put up a sign outside: No TikTok.

The founder of the respected winery passed away; his family has also announced a new partnership with the Tommasi family of Valpolicella

Marco Felluga, who made exquisite white wines that helped put the Collio area of Italy’s Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region on the global wine map, died April 3. He was 96.

“Friuli and the Collio region have suffered a great loss,” said fellow winemaker Silvio Jermann of Jermann winery. Jermann says that Felluga, along with fellow vintners Count Douglas Attems and Mario Schiopetto, led the drive to elevate wine quality in the Collio region, to advocate for the appellation’s promotion to DOC status and to create a regional consortium of wine producers. “Together they created the modern Collio, [and] they brought international recognition to the Friuli region. He was a great wine producer and a great man, and his loss will be felt keenly.”

Marco’s passing came shortly before his family formalized a new partnership with the Tommasi family of Valpolicella. The Tommasis have purchased a majority stake in the Felluga family’s winery and two estates—Marco Felluga and Russiz Superiore. Marco’s granddaughter Ilaria will remain at the helm of the wineries, however.

The Felluga family has been involved in the Italian wine industry since the 1800s. Following World War II, they settled in the Collio region of Friuli, where Marco and his brother Livio set up new wineries. In 1956, Marco established his namesake estate in Gradisca d’Isonzo, a town approximately 80 miles northeast of Venice and located near the Italian-Slovenian border. Both Marco and Livio believed their region held significant potential for high-quality wine, especially its white variants. In 1968, along with other forward-thinking producers, they helped to introduce the Collio DOC.

Marco was considered a trendsetter for his early decision to reduce yields, retrain vines and incorporate other methods not commonly practiced in the region. However, his vision of creating white wines that could age remains the most resonating to this day. Marco bucked the trend of producing light, easily-consumable Pinot Grigios — something Northern Italy is famous for — and instead crafted the Pinot Grigio Collio Mongris Riserva cuvée, which is aged on lees for two years before bottling.

In 1967, Felluga expanded his investment in the Collio region by purchasing the Russiz Superiore estate in Capriva del Friuli, which came with 125 acres of vineyards. Instead of increasing production for Marco Felluga’s lineup of wines, he set up Russiz Superiore as a distinct brand. Nonetheless, he applied the same philosophy of aging prior to release for the creation of long-lasting wines. The Collio Russiz Superiore Col Disôre is aged for a year in French oak barrels and another year in the bottle, while the Pinot Bianco Collio Russiz Superiore Riserva ages for three years in oak and a year in the bottle.

Brian Larky, founder and CEO of Dalla Terra Winery Direct, Felluga’s U.S. importer since the 1990s, remarked, “[For Marco,] America was always a key objective. Establishing Friuli, Collio, and Marco Felluga were priorities. Marco was always inseparable from his beloved region.”

Ilaria, the granddaughter of Marco and daughter of Roberto, who previously managed the wine estate together, unfortunately passed away due to cancer in 2021. Since then, Ilaria has stepped in to oversee the wineries with financial support from the Tomassi family. Ilaria reassures, “I will carry on leading the companies, alongside our team. The Tommasi Family will aid me in funding for expansion and progression. Our underlying principles will continue to be those that my grandfather Marco and my father Roberto chose to ground their efforts and perspective towards the wine industry.”

Massimo Zorzettig, a co-owner of the adjacent Friuli Colli Orientali appellation’s winery Tunella, admires Marco for his “foresight in his devotion and obligation towards a first-rate regional viticulture. He made significant contributions towards enhancing the territory and the quality wine of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia. [He was] one of the forefathers of Friulian wine.”

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Ladies is bar with red wine

Turkey is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world—so it only makes sense that its largest city would be home to some pretty decent wine bars and wine-focused restaurants with great local wine.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that the importation fees and markups on international wine and booze in Turkey, in general, are quite high—which is another reason why we suggest focusing on wine bars that serve local wine over, say, French or Italian options.

Looking for the best spots to sample Turkish wine? Here are five of the best wine bars in Istanbul—the following addresses range from cozy local spots on the Asian side to bigger bars just adjacent to the more popular tourist attractions on the European side of the city so you can sample great wine wherever you find yourself.

Wayana Wine Bar in Kadıköy is widely considered to be the best wine bar in the city—and once you arrive it’ll be easy to see why. The compact indoor-outdoor venue has a solid small plate menu and it’s the only wine bar in the city that offers every single wine on its wine list by the glass; it’s a great way to get to know your favorite grapes if you’re still getting to know Turkish wine!

Solera Winery on Yeni Çarşı in Beyoğlu is exactly what most folks conjure up when envisioning a classic wine bar. The dimly lit and cozy atmosphere is coupled with a chalk board menu and highly knowledgable sommeliers available to guide you throughout the evening. The quaint space is also one of the more affordable spots in Istanbul for ordering wine by the glass or the bottle.

Tucked into Şişhane, Comedus is a wine bar and shop where you’ll find a great selection of local and international wine and beer for sale by the bottle. The charming space also has a handful of tables where you’re welcomed to enjoy a glass of wine and sample some of the shop’s best cheeses and charcuteries.

Viktor Levi Şarap Evi in Kadıköy is a charming spot for casual eats on the Asian side of the city. The wine bar and restaurant has a sprawling outdoor garden and patio that makes this a top spot for cozy date nights. Keep in mind that this spot serves its own Viktor Levi wine—so if there’s a specific label you’re looking for, you might have better luck at one of the other options on the list.

If you’re short on time in the city and are hoping to find a wine bar that isn’t too far from the main tourist hot spots, you’ll want to check out Vigneron Wine House. The cozy cave-like bar is just around the corner from the Galata Tower and offers a great selection of local wine by the bottle and glass. There’s also a great sharing menu if you’re in the mood for nibbles with your vino.

30-Something Millennials Enjoying Wine

The death of wine among U.S. Millennials is grossly exaggerated, according to a new study by Wine Market Council, a non-profit research firm. Though other recent reports have bemoaned the fact that Millennials (ages 27 to 42 in 2023) are not adopting wine at the rate of other generations, now that the majority are in their 30’s, that trend is reversing.

In fact, not only are 30-something Millennials consuming more wine, but high-end Millennial consumers spend more per bottle on average than Baby Boomers. At a recent conference, Wine Market Council (WMC) Director of Research, Christian Miller, commented on these findings.

“Despite all of the concerns in the press, this study shows that the Millennial generation has not underperformed in terms of their population as wine drinkers across time,” said Christian Miller.

The study, known as the U.S. Wine Consumer Benchmark Segmentation Survey, has been run by WMC every one to two years since 1997, making it the longest continual survey of the American wine consumer, having completed 18 studies to this point.

In the 2023 study, a sample of 4,470 legal drinking age Americans were surveyed, which included 1,584 wine consumers. I, as the President of Wine Market Council, assisted in analyzing the results. However, the survey was conducted by research provider, Caravan OmniBus.

This year’s WMC study incorporated a longitudinal analysis by Miller that compared the average wine consumption rates of Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z consumers as they came of legal drinking age at 21 years old.

The below graph illustrates how Millennials lead in the 2023 average consumption rates at 36%. It also captures the ‘Covid Hangover’ effect, somewhat due to some Americans beginning to drink less alcohol generally as a result of increased consumption during the worst of the pandemic, among other reasons.

Percent of Wine Consumption by American Generation Across Time

In addition, this analysis highlights an interesting phenomenon in that both Millennials and Gen Z embraced wine at higher levels when they first turned age 21, only to have that decline. However, with Millennials, wine consumption has since increased.

This supports other wine lifecycle research showing that young adults enjoy experimenting with different beverages when they first reach legal drinking age, but generally do not adopt wine as a more regular part of their lifestyle until they reach their 30’s, when they are more settled, and often have higher-paying jobs, mortgages, and a family.

Indeed, the 2023 WMC study showed that 71% of American wine drinkers own a home, 60% are married, 53% live in the suburbs, and 36% have children under the age of 18 living at home.

It’s interesting to note that now, high-income millennials are emerging as competition for high-income baby boomers (those aged 60+) in terms of wine consumption significance. Commenting on this revelation, we have insight from Danny Brager, a seasoned wine business analyst and prior senior vice president of Nielsen’s Beverage Alcohol Practice Area, who also serves on the WMC Advisory Board.

“Core wine consumers, those who consume wine at least once a week or more, consist of one-third upper-income millennials. This group now represents a larger sector of the essential Core wine consumer segment than high-income baby boomers,” Brager revealed. “Add to that, the millennial generation’s size has now surpassed that of the baby boomers.”

High-Income Millennials Now Outpacing Boomers as Fundamental Wine Consumers

Looking deeper, when we categorize consumers into premium wine consumers who regularly part with $20 or more on a bottle of wine, millennials in their 30s will shell out an average of $65.80 per bottle. In comparison, baby boomers aged 60+ are only willing to part with an average of $36.67 on special wine for special occasions.

Given the fact that wine sales volume has decreased in the U.S. in the last few years, I reached out to several winery professionals to see if they were experiencing the same increases in Millennial wine consumption and purchasing behavior. They confirmed that it was true, especially with higher-priced wine, wine that falls in the ‘better for you category,’ and wine that is more inclusive.

“The 30-something group, surprisingly young and responsible for 83% of purchases over $15, illustrates a vibrant, opportunity-filled market landscape far from the pessimistic portrayal of younger wine enthusiasts,” reported Karen Daenen, Director, Research & Consumer Insights, Jackson Family Wines.

At Scheid Family Wines, Heidi Scheid, Executive Vice President, said, “Millennials and Gen Z share a different relationship with wine then their parents did. They appear to embrace moderation, which is actually a good thing! The greater focus on health and wellness from the younger generations inspired our development of our zero sugar, low alcohol wine option, Sunny with a Chance of Flowers.”

Tapping into the growing diversity of the U.S. population, Ceja Vineyards, a Mexican-American family owned winery in Napa Valley, is finding success with food and wine pairings.

“At Ceja Vineyards, we’ve noticed an uptick in the number of millennials who are members of our Casa Ceja Wine Club and who turn out for our quarterly wine release gatherings. Our Mexican roots are central to our approach, and we take pride in matching authentic Mexican food with our well-balanced wines. How about Mole Poblano with a Cabernet Sauvignon? It’s an invigorating change for millennials in pursuit of novel wine experiences!” said Dalia Ceja, who is in charge of marketing.

In contradiction to earlier observations that millennials were not adopting wine to the same extent as other age groups, it seems that now, as they move into their 30s, millennials are increasingly integrating wine into their lifestyles. The question that arises now is whether or not Gen Z will follow in their footsteps. Considering only about a third of them are of legal drinking age (21 – 26), it might be some time before we know how they respond to wine marketing strategies.

Ceja Vineyards has found success in attracting millennial consumers by offering wine pairings with Mexican food.

If you are a wine enthusiast, it’s likely that a wine decanter is present in your home. However, you may have been using it merely as a display piece without fully utilizing its potential. The following information may inspire you to make the decanter an integral part of your regular wine enjoyment.

Decanter usage guidelines

Describing the significance of decanting requires mentioning two primary reasons, though their order of importance is subject to debate:

Decanting works to separate the wine from the sediment. The natural sedimentation process that occurs during wine fermentation and aging may result in residue in the wine. Although harmless, this sediment can produce an unpleasant bitter taste in the wine. Hence, it’s vital to pour the wine cautiously into the decanter to prevent the sediment from being transferred as well.

Decanting amplifies the attributes of wine. Aeration not only gets rid of undesirable smells but also mellows the tannins and merges the varied tastes and faint fragrances that contribute to equilibrium and intricacy. These traits may not have been activated unless the wine was decanted. The period of decanting a wine does not have a set rule. However, older red wines, around 15 to 20 years aged, should typically be decanted for a duration between 30 minutes to an hour. On the other hand, young, tannic full-bodied reds need about two to three hours. Light reds like Gamay and Pinot Noir, along with light-bodied white wines, may enhance within 20 to 30 minutes. For wines that demand more than 30 minutes, sampling every half an hour is advised to prevent over oxidization.

The dimension of the decanter has significance. They are available in assorted forms and sizes. Separate decanters should be employed for different types of grapes. For instance, full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo and Petite Sirah are best suited with larger decanters since it provides greater exposure to oxygen.

Weighing convenience against durability, decanters are generally manufactured from two kinds of glass – crystal and standard. Conventional glass decanters usually have plain designs and thicker glass, while crystal ones are normally larger with modern styles. Although simple glass decanters are easier to clean, the ones made from crystal are more durable. However, both cannot survive a fall.

Advice on Decanting

If you have a special bottle of wine to decant, planning ahead is especially crucial if the wine has been laid flat. Leaving the bottle to stand upright for a period of one to two days will let all the sediment settle at the bottom before decanting.

When pouring the wine into the decanter, sustain a steady flow and angle the bottle at 45 degrees. Pay attention to any sediment that may approach the neck of the bottle. If this occurs, straighten the bottle and resume decanting slower than before. A helpful technique to detect sediment movement is using a backlit candle or any light source behind the bottle.

It’s advisable to stop pouring once a half to three-quarters of an inch of sediment remains in the bottle to ensure the best taste.

For anyone in need of a decanter, there’s a wide range of designs available.

Mallard Duck

This duck-shaped decanter features a top handle that keeps the surfaces fingerprint free. The wine also won’t warm from your hands, separated by the handle from the vessel while pouring. Truebrands, $44, amazon.com.

Veloce

A new design with casual dining in mind from Riedel, the Veloce can be used for a variety of red and white wines. $55, riedel.com.

Le Chateau

Conceived for the aeration of red wine, this crystal decanter’s uncomplicated design ensures it fits in seamlessly at both casual and sophisticated gatherings. Find it at Le Chateau for $45.

Mosel

Viewed as one of Riedel’s more customary shapes, this easy-to-operate decanter is suitable for both youthful and mature wines, can accommodate up to a magnum of wine, and is designed to withstand dishwasher cleaning. Check it out on Riedel for $99.

Eve

Named after Eva Riedel, every decanter is handblown, designed to aerate young, robust wines. $725, riedel.com.

Decanting the decanter

Recently, I had the chance to converse with Georg Josef Riedel, the tenth-generation proprietor of Riedel Glass Company, about how decanters enhance the flavor of wine.

First, when and why did Riedel decide to make wine decanters?

Riedel pioneered and has been making decanters in Austria since 1957. The main reason was simple; decanters are an essential part of the wine service, and we saw them as an extension of our concept of wine-friendly glassware. We have continued to innovate our decanter offerings every year.

Does Riedel follow a protocol in making new decanters?

Riedel’s glassmakers are the ones who develop our decanters through a rigorous process of trial and error. The most skilled artisans in our company are tasked with bringing to life the inspirations of my son Maximilian or myself – representatives of the 11th generation of our family-run business. These recent years have brought more unique and complex designs forward, emphasizing fun, practicality, and creativity. We create decanters that break from the traditional, expected designs on the market. Our commitment to high standards, originality, innovative thinking, and a freehand approach is what truly sets us apart in the industry.

What are things people may not know about using a decanter?

Some people might be intimidated to use a decanter because they fear it is difficult to wash or because they simply do not know how to clean it. It is actually very simple. The process includes an initial rinse and overnight soak in warm, distilled water, followed by a gentle hand wash with soap on the outside of the decanter only. It is important to always use distilled water, which helps to avoid water stains. Following the handwash, the outside of the decanter can be gently dried and polished using microfiber cloths. For an additional tip to avoid water stains, you can simply run your hair dryer over the vessel to complete the drying process. We provide clear instructions on how to clean decanters on our website.

There is not a single wine which would not improve with decanting. Decanting makes wine softer and rounder. If a softer perception is something the consumer would like to achieve with their wine, decanting should always be a key step in their wine service.

Overall, what is your favorite Riedel decanter and why?

My favorite Riedel decanter is our Eve decanter because it is truly unique. It is a more advanced decanter and requires the user to thoroughly understand the art of decanting. The Eve’s functionality allows it to ‘double decant’ the wine, making it perfect for young and fuller-bodied wines. This decanter is a true show piece, and it turns serving wine into a theatrical performance.

Peg San Felippo is a certified sommelier who served as a judge at the recent Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirit Challenge, the annual American Fine Wine Competition, South Florida’s home-grown national wine event; and THE Rosé Competition.

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El Veredicto Estate Vineyards spans 47 acres in the Stanly Ranch area of Napa in the south of the city. It is among the rare wine estates located within the city limits.

Chardonnay. Merlot. Pinot Noir. These are some of the wine grapes that the Napa Valley is known for producing, reaching over 100,000 tons annually.

Within the city of Napa, numerous tasting rooms can be found, the majority of which showcase creations made using the county’s signature product. However, almost none of these examples come from within the city boundaries.

On the streets, pedestrians can be seen strolling past Migration Winery in Napa. This winery, located near Stanly Road, is included in the shortlist of wineries that is situated within the city limits, as opposed to the traditional, agriculture-driven lands of unincorporated Napa County.

Migration Winery is distinguished as being among the few wineries to house its vineyard, tasting room, and production facility within city boundaries. This unique establishment belongs to the Carneros AVA, a region celebrated for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.

In 2020, this winery officially introduced its Napa vineyard and tasting room, located on Stanly Lane. Fast forward to two years later, Migration acquired the neighboring 47-acre El Veredicto Estate Vineyard. This piece of land formerly comprised part of Stanly Ranch, a renowned expanse of farmland near Napa’s southern extreme, incorporated into the city around the 1960s.

Zach Rasmuson, who acts as Migration’s chief operating officer, stated that this position aligns perfectly with their “small-lot wine making approach”.

Only a few other wine estates can claim a location on the city’s periphery, such as Reid Family Wineries and Crane Family Vineyards. Reid takes up residence in Napa’s northwest corner. On the other hand, Crane Family Vineyard’s appeal lies partly within the city premises, more specifically, a portion of its vineyard, as opposed to the winery itself.

Rex Stults, vice president of industry relationships for the Napa Valley Vintners, shared that vineyards located within city boundaries are not subjected to the same regulations as those found in the unincorporated areas of Napa County.

Specifically, wineries operating within cities are exempt from the Winery Definition Ordinance which oversees wineries in the agricultural preserve of Napa County. This ordinance, established in 1990, details what activities are permissible and those not allowed by wineries. In general, wineries situated within the agricultural preserve or unincorporated areas are prohibited from hosting events and weddings which do not contribute to the consumer’s education or development.

Stults added that, “These city-based wineries are not under the jurisdiction of these laws, hence offering them greater flexibility in terms of marketing ventures, the possibility to host weddings and the liberty to combat any regulations posed within their city of operation.”

However, space constraints exist. Primarily, municipal authorities display a stronger inclination towards domestic construction within their jurisdictions. This is due to the considerable restrictions on residential developments within the Ag Preserve.

Stults likes to describe the Napa Valley as a sea, with the five cities in the county acting as islands. “The commercial residential development takes place on those islands,” he said, “and the rest of the sea is for ag.”

Each city in Napa County has a different philosophy on allowing vineyards and have zoned their lands to accommodate those differences.

Odlon Rojas works at Migration Winery in south Napa on Friday, March 22.

For instance, the general plan of St. Helena includes a generous amount of land zoned for farming. According to St. Helena’s Senior Planner Aaron Hecock, this is because the city’s concerns lie more in preservation.

“St. Helena has a long and rich agricultural history, and long-range planning documents over the years have sought to protect the rural, small-town quality and agricultural character,” Hecock wrote in an email.

In the case of Napa, Senior Planner Michael Walker explained in an email that vineyards are only allowed in Agricultural Reserve zoning areas, which are on the edges of town.

Napa’s general plan, intended to govern local land uses for the next two decades, also provides a vision of the city’s priorities and future growth outlook. The plan sets aside dedicated areas for farming and conservation, but one of Napa’s guiding principles as a city is a focus on ensuring workers and residents have adequate housing.

The plan declares that “the lack of adequate workforce housing is also an economic development issue, as businesses struggle to retain and attract workers.”

Guests arrive for a tasting at Migration Winery in Napa on Friday, March 22.

A community can’t have farmworkers without agriculture or agriculture without farmworkers, and farmworkers need housing. This is one of the priorities the city of Napa is addressing.

From the perspective of the Napa Valley Vintners, Stults says that a prime reason for the scarcity of farming within Napa’s city limits is housing.

“We know that the top concern among our community members is lack of affordability and workforce housing,” he said. “That’s something that needs to be constructed within city limits. It’s difficult to argue against using limited land available for this purpose.”

Napa’s commitment to commercial and residential activity, compared to preservation and agriculture in St. Helena and Calistoga, boils down to what past generations of Napans envisioned for the future of the valley.

In the 1960s, Napa Valley’s capacity to grow into a bustling suburban area seemed exponential. 

According to Napa City Manager Steve Potter, residents were concerned that what happened to Santa Clara County in its pre-Silicon Valley days could also unfold in wine country.

“All the farmland was down there, and the urban sprawl just took it all away,” said Potter, a Napa native. “It was all developed. We didn’t want that to happen in Napa.”

Stults confirmed that long-ago vision of the future.

“There was talk of major development, exploding the population of Napa County, major highways beyond Highway 29, maybe even a big airport,” he said.

Wine barrels are seen being moved at Migration Winery in Napa on Friday, March 22. Migration is just inside the city limits and close to unincorporated Napa County land, where non-farm land uses are strictly limited.

Two major developments came from that urge to preserve Napa County’s rural character: the agricultural preserve and the rural-urban limit line.

The community of Napa Valley resisted significant urbanization, which led to the establishment of the Napa Agricultural Preserve in 1968. This preserve declared that farming was the optimal use of Napa County’s unincorporated land, significantly limiting non-agricultural land use. According to Stults, the preserve plays a key role in preserving the unique character of Napa and other towns within the county.

Further to this, once the preserve was established, the local residents passed a measure transferring power from the county’s Board of Supervisors to the residents themselves. This gave them the authority to propose exceptions to the preserve’s restrictions on land use, including large housing projects and commercial buildings.

Stults elucidated the process that would need to be undertaken for substantial development within the preserve, including obtaining approval through a countywide vote.

Each proposal requires thorough planning, signature collection to get it on a ballot, and potentially fundraising to run a successful campaign. “Basically, you have to draft a measure and collect signatures and get it on the ballot,” he said. “If you want to have a chance of it passing, you’d have to raise money and run a campaign.”

The agricultural preserve kept Napa Valley a major grapegrowing region, and gave commercial vineyards designated areas to grow grapes, preventing urban sprawl from overtaking the landscape.

Similarly, the rural-urban line also is intended to keep development control in the hands of the people. First established in 1975, the RUL requires urban growth outside of a city’s line to be approved by a popular vote, the city council and the city planning commission.

Migration Winery, seen on Friday, March 22, is one of a few winemaking operations based inside the city of Napa rather than in the unincorporated county.

Such laws are some of the reasons the Napa Valley looks the way it does and why estate vineyards generally stay outside of cities, and have informed many decisions on how to develop Napa in the years since.

The Stanly Ranch region is a unique part of Napa. Vin Smith, the city’s community development director, mentioned that the way the property was annexed into the city in 1964 would not be possible today based on current regulations.

Smith referred to multiple past propositions of potential developments for this land, such as being a golf course community. However, after extensive deliberation over many years, the Napa City Council endorsed a master plan in 2010. This encompassed strategies for the modern Stanly Ranch resort and future possibilities of vineyards like Migration leveraging the farmland in this area.

Migration therefore, secures a one-of-a-kind spot in this city that doesn’t offer much space for similar initiatives. The residents of Napa County prefer agricultural continuity and the preservation of natural land. This is evident by past local regulations which contain the development within cities and allocate most of the viniculture activities to regions outside the city’s jurisdiction.

Noting the dynamic sentiments of the locals, the city manager of Napa, Potter confirmed that the past generations had different perspectives on the evolution of their valley.

“Different times have different tolerances,” he said. 

Have you seen the new Napa Wine Train “green” locomotive travelling along the Valley railroad tracks? This remarkable acquisition which cost a whopping $2.4 million is notable for using far less fuel and reducing emissions by 90%.

Spotted on March 22, Migration Winery joins a select few winemaking operations located within the city limits of Napa, as opposed to being situated in the unincorporated county.

Among the hardworking individuals contributing to this thriving industry, we have Odlon Rojas who is employed at Migration Winery in south Napa.

Guests arrive for a tasting at Migration Winery in Napa on Friday, March 22.

Wine barrels are seen being moved at Migration Winery in Napa on Friday, March 22. Migration is just inside the city limits and close to unincorporated Napa County land, where non-farm land uses are strictly limited.

Pedestrians walk past Migration Winery in Napa on Friday, March 22. The winery near Stanly Road is one of the few to be based within city limits, rather than in the traditionally agriculture-focused lands of unincorporated Napa County.

Facilities technician Andy Beltran is seen working at Migration Winery in Napa on Friday, March 22.

Part of the tasting room at Migration Winery in Napa is seen on Friday, March 22.

An employee is seen working at Migration Winery in Napa on Friday, March 22.

The barrel room at Migration Winery in Napa is seen on Friday, March 22.

Guests arrive for a tasting at Migration Winery in Napa on Friday, March 22.

The barrel room at Migration Winery in Napa is seen on Friday, March 22.

An employee is seen working at Migration Winery in Napa on Friday, March 22.

Migration Winery in Napa on Friday, March 22.

Migration Winery in Napa on Friday, March 22.

Migration Winery in Napa on Friday, March 22.

 

Reach Riley Palmer at 707-256-2212 or rpalmer@napanews.com.

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Two females died after a shooting in Napa Saturday night, and Napa Police are seeking witnesses to the incident, the department announced.

Brad Rowell was arrested Friday on a warrant alleging 21 counts of sexually abusing a minor, three days after his initial arrest and release.

A longtime teacher and running coach at American Canyon High School was arrested Tuesday for the suspected sexual abuse of a student, according to authorities…

A fight outside a restaurant ended with two injuries and a Napa man’s arrest early Sunday morning, according to police.

Napa County considered constructing a huge, new downtown Napa headquarters. It chose a more modest approach.

ROMULUS — Springtime is blooming on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and the 30th annual Wine & Herb Event is opening its doors. It is scheduled to take place on April 27-28 and May 4-5, offering a rich blend of flavours, aromas, and gardening delights to wine aficionados and foodies alike.

The present year’s event theme is “Drink. Eat. Garden. Repeat.” Participants will have a chance to taste dishes infused with herbs paired with choice wines. A complimentary recipe collection revealing secrets behind the prepared foods will also be available. The main goal of the event is to inspire the start of the amazing herb gardens, presenting visitors with a chance to collect potted herbs and veggies directly linked with the food samples provided across the ten participating wineries.

Katherine Chase, the executive director of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail mentioned, “The Wine & Herb event stands as a beloved tradition for locals and tourists, it offers a unique mix of food exploration and gardening wisdom, set within the beautiful landscape of our wine trail”.

Attendees will select a winery that will serve as the starting point of their journey. From there, they will be presented with a keepsake wine glass and the first potted herb or vegetable plant. They are then free to explore the trail at their own speed, collecting plants and relishing the flavours that lie ahead.

This year, we’re thrilled to reveal an eclectic mix of herbs and vegetable plants, such as basil, broccoli, cauliflower, cilantro, Cherokee purple tomato, dill, oregano, parsley, rosemary, and sweet banana pepper,” Chase announced. “These fragrant additions are set to enhance the gastronomic journey and inspire garden enthusiasts regardless of their gardening abilities.”

Tickets are obtainable now, with individual tickets offered at $65 and couples tickets at $95 (tax and service fee not included). Each ticket covers one food and wine pairing at each winery, three extra wine samples per winery, one potted herb or vegetable plant for each winery for each ticket, a recipe anthology, and a commemorative wine glass. Discounted tickets for designated drivers are also up for grabs for $45, which include all the benefits excluding the wine, and a DD travel mug.

For additional information and to buy tickets, check out www.CayugaWineTrail.com.

Wineries taking part

Americana Vineyards

Buttonwood Grove Winery

Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery

Hosmer Winery

Knapp Winery

Lucas Vineyards

Montezuma Winery

Six Mile Creek Vineyard, Swedish Hill Winery

Thirsty Owl Wine Co.

Recipe sneak peek

Pineapple Mango Salsa, Asian Broccoli Ramen Coleslaw, Sweet Banana Pepper Bruschetta, Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Parsley Dressing, Red Skinned Potato Salad with Dill.

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