Tag Archives: Wines and Vineyards

Inaugural Come Over October 2024 Campaign Gains Global Momentum

NAPA VALLEY, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Four months into the launch of the Come Over October inaugural campaign which encourages friends, family and colleagues to "come over" during the month of October to share wine and celebrate connection, the co-founders share that the wine industry and other supporters have helped raised over $100,000 in funding. Conceived by respected wine authority and author Karen MacNeil, together with wine industry communications professionals Gino Colangelo and Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET, all of whom are working in a pro bono capacity, the team created COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc., to create campaigns and take a strong position on the relevance and significance of wine, historically and contemporarily.

Since its initial launch, the campaign has received financial and in-kind support from Total Wines & More, Jackson Family Wines, J.Lohr, Joseph Phelps, Lyft, VinePair, Wine Enthusiast, Somm Journal, The Tasting Panel, Napa Valley Vintners, Visit Napa Valley, Palm Bay International, Freixenet Mionetto, WineAmerica, Amici Cellars, Benchmark Wine Group, Dragonette, LXV, Silicon Valley Bank, Tomorrow Cellars, TOR Napa Valley, Willamette Valley Wineries Association, Wines of Sicilia DOC, Southern Wine & Spirits, Realm Cellars, Folio Fine Wine Partners and Walla Walla Valley Wine. More partners are joining daily, and the campaign has over 40 "Friends" who have either offered in kind services or joined as grassroots advocates. As of this writing the campaign is global, resonating with other major wine regions around the world who see the value in the mission and the message. Current supporters include Wines of Chile, Wines of Australia, the Champagne Bureau, New Zealand Wine and Wines of South Africa. Publishers including the Wine Enthusiast, SommJournal, Tasting Panel and VinePair have offered $50,000 in donated advertising value, both print and digital.

MacNeil states, "We are living in trying times, and we all know that good company, good conversation, laughter, and conviviality contribute to an enhanced lifestyle. We want to encourage people to put down their devices and share in each other's company. Historically and socially, wine has often played a role in facilitating conversation, nurturing new friendships, and deepening old ones."

Over time, the wine industry in the United States has experienced ebbs and flows and has met numerous societal and generational challenges. But the industry has taken those challenges in stride, as wine has often been the preferred beverage when people gather. This is what Come Over October advocates--a chance to share stories, be together, celebrate an event or occasion--ostensibly, a chance to reconnect in a digital world.

Two press conferences have been held to date, one virtual and one in Napa Valley at Joseph Phelps Vineyards.

A press conference is slated for September 23rd in New York City at Corkbuzz, and September 25th in Washington DC in the Longworth Congressional Office Building including the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Wine Caucus, Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA-4) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA-4). The conference will be followed by a wine reception for Members of Congress and invited guests featuring wine from all fifty states hosted by WineAmerica, the national association of American wineries.

Wine lovers can also follow along on Instagram @comeoveroctober or by following #comeoveroctober.

For the Trade

For the trade, the Come Over October logo, messages and design assets can be used, free of charge, by wineries, wine companies of all types, wine retailers, restaurants and hotels, wine trade groups, and others who

support the positive role moderate wine consumption plays in culture and lifestyle. These are downloadable and accessible on the https://www.comeoveroctober.com/.

Ideas for promotion and amplification can be found on the website and here.

About COME TOGETHER-A Community for Wine Inc

COME TOGETHER-A Community for Wine Inc is a mission-driven company committed to creating and sharing positive, inclusive consumer information about moderate wine consumption and wine's historic role as a communal beverage.

The company was formed in May 2024 by three wine industry professionals who are donating their time and efforts to the company and its projects and events-wine journalist Karen MacNeil, and public relations and communications executives Gino Colangelo and Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET, each of whom owns their own small business.

COME TOGETHER will launch media, digital, and live events and campaigns focusing on wine's unique and positive cultural role as a beverage that brings people together. The company's first campaign-Come Over October-will debut October 2024.

For more information about the Come Over October(tm) campaign and COME TOGETHER-A Community for Wine Inc, please visit https://www.cometogetherforwine.com/ or email Kimberly Noelle Charles at kcharles@charlescomm.com or Gino Colangelo at gcolangelo@colangelopr.com.

Four months into the launch of the Come Over October inaugural campaign which encourages friends, family and colleagues to "come over" during the month of October to share wine and celebrate connection, the co-founders share that the wine industry and other supporters have helped raised over $100,000 in funding. COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc., creates campaigns and take a strong position on the relevance and significance of wine, historically and contemporarily.

Related link: https://www.cometogetherforwine.com/

William Cole Vineyards Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Cuvée Claire

ST. HELENA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- This fall, William Cole Vineyards a multigenerational, family-owned winery producing handcrafted wines in St. Helena, will commemorate the 25th anniversary of one of their signature wines, the Cuvée Claire Cabernet Sauvignon. Created by owner and winemaker William Ballentine Jr. in honor of his daughter, Claire, there is either a family connection or a special commemoration behind every label at William Cole Vineyards.

Proprietor William Ballentine Jr. is a fourth-generation Napa winemaker and works with son Cole Ballentine to usher every step of production from grape to glass. Farming five acres of estate vineyards and sourcing from select Napa sites, they make Cabernet, Bordeaux blends, and other small lot wines at their historic stone winery in St. Helena.

William and his wife, Jane Ballentine, acquired their ghost winery in 1999, breathing fresh spirit into the site and launching their new brand, William Cole Vineyards. Today, after twenty-five successful vintages at the winery, the wines are widely celebrated for their timeless quality, and classic appeal. The winery was built in 1873, by John and Hannah Weinberger, using stone from a quarry they owned, it was one of the first stone cellars in Napa Valley. Lovers of history, William and Jane mindfully restored the building after its purchase in 1999. They were the fourth owners of the building, and have both maintained its historic footprint, but modernized the interior to make wine, welcome visitors and entertain clients and friends. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Prior to 1999, William was steeped in wine growing and winemaking history, following his grandfather around in the winery and his father in the vineyard. From a young age, he quickly took to the rhythm of harvest and winemaking. Cuvée Claire represented the very first wine that William made for William Cole Vineyards, inspired after the birth of his daughter Claire in 1997. An average of six hundred cases are made of this wine a year. The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, spends 30-40 months in French oak, a combination of new and neutral depending on the vintage.

About William Cole Vineyards:

A family affair, William Cole Vineyards is run by proprietors William and Jane Ballentine. Their son Cole is the winemaker, daughter Claire is involved in Marketing. They have 5 acres of estate vineyards with 3 acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon from volcanic soils flecked with Black Obsidian. They also source fruit from Howell and Spring Mountains to make an array of Napa centric wines, totaling 1,000 cases, a truly boutique project. Everything is high touch at the winery, from the nod to history in the decor, to the hand labeling, corking and sealing of bottles, by the family, the visitor gets a chance to see a side of the wine industry anchored in tradition.

Learn more at https://williamcolevineyards.com/.

This fall, William Cole Vineyards a multigenerational, family-owned winery producing handcrafted wines in St. Helena, will commemorate the 25th anniversary of one of their signature wines, the Cuvée Claire Cabernet Sauvignon. Created by owner and winemaker William Ballentine Jr. in honor of his daughter, Claire, there is either a family connection or a special commemoration behind every label at William Cole Vineyards.

Related link: https://williamcolevineyards.com/

Charles Symington is the New President of Primum Familiae Vini

PARIS, France /ScoopCloud/ -- Each year, Primum Familiae Vini (PFV), an association of twelve prestigious families from the world of wine, appoints one of its members as President to oversee the association for the year and act as its representative at various events around the world. This year, Charles Symington of the Symington Family Estates in Portugal succeeds Véronique Drouhin of Maison Joseph Drouhin in France as PFV President for the period of July 2024 to June 2025.

Charles Symington states, "I am extremely honored to be taking over from my predecessors at Primum Familiae Vini and to support our twelve families who share the same values: the culture of excellence, love and respect for the earth and the terroir, and the powerful desire to remain family-run, independent businesses and transmit the heritage of our ancestors to the next generation. These are particularly exciting times at PFV. The last twelve months have been fruitful under Véronique Drouhin's leadership, with major advances on climate change issues within the technical committee.

"Among initiatives that I would like to draw, I will very shortly be proposing that the technical committee focuses on the evaluation of Artificial Intelligence in viticulture and winemaking, a subject of the future that will enable the new generations within the twelve families to contribute their knowledge and share it with our entire group."

About Primum Familiae Vini (PFV):

Primum Familiae Vini is an invitation-only organization of twelve of the world's most historic and lauded wine producers. Their mission is to represent the highest level of excellence in the world of wine to be synonymous with both exquisite quality and sustainability; to blend family heritage and innovation and to be aspirational through their vision and passion.

Learn more: https://pfv.org/

MEMBERS:

The Twelve Members of the PFV: Marchesi Antinori (Tuscany, Italy), Baron Philippe de Rothschild (Bordeaux, France), Maison Joseph Drouhin (Burgundy, France), Domaine Clarence Dillon (Bordeaux, France), Egon Müller Scharzhof (Mosel, Germany), Famille Hugel (Alsace, France), Pol Roger (Champagne, France), Famille Perrin (Rhône Valley, France), Symington Family Estates (Portugal), Tenuta San Guido (Bolgheri, Italy), Tempos Vega Sicilia (Ribera del Duero, Spain) and Familia Torres (Penedes, Spain).

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-0702-s2p-symington-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: Charles Symington is the New President of Primum Familiae Vini

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET 415-730-0064, kcharles@charlescomm.com

Guillaume Jourdan, 33 (0) 6 82 36 68 67, info@vitabella.fr

Each year, Primum Familiae Vini (PFV), an association of twelve prestigious families from the world of wine, appoints one of its members as President to oversee the association for the year and act as its representative at various events around the world. This year, Charles Symington of the Symington Family Estates in Portugal succeeds Véronique Drouhin of Maison Joseph Drouhin in France as PFV President for the period of July 2024 to June 2025.

Related link: https://pfv.org/

Old Vine Registry Marks One Year Anniversary and Announces Heritage Vine Hunt Contest

LONDON, U.K. /ScoopCloud/ -- To mark the first anniversary of its launch, the Old Vine Registry held a One-Year-On webinar for the wine trade, media and old-vine enthusiasts. The hosts, Old Vine Registry Manager, Alder Yarrow, and co-founder of The Old Vine Conference, Sarah Abbott MW, announced a growth in old-vine listings of more than 1,000 new vineyards in one year; this increase of 49% brought the total number of vineyards catalogued to 3,279, across 36 countries.

"I'm really pleased with the progress that we've made so far," said Yarrow. "More than 200 individuals from around the world have submitted vineyard data, as well as some larger regional organizations. That said, we're still just scratching the surface of the old vine universe."

To ensure the continued growth and impact of the Old Vine Registry, the team have conceived a campaign to catalogue 10,000 vineyards in the next three years, which was announced during the webinar.

"In order for The Old Vine Registry to keep growing and deepen its impact we need to keep it in the minds of the global wine community. That's why we have launched the Heritage Vine Hunt Contest which aims to incentivise individuals to help us log, promote and protect more old vineyards," said Sarah Abbott MW.

Over the next three years, prizes will be awarded yearly to the individuals who contribute the most vineyard entries to the Registry. Prizes have been donated by wine industry leaders including Wine Scholar Guild, JancisRobinson.com, The Old Vine Conference, World of Fine Wine magazine, Académie du Vin Library and Vinous. Like Wikipedia, the Registry depends on the submission of vineyard data by interested parties who own or can search out vineyard data.

After three years, the individual who has contributed the most vineyards will receive the Grand Prize, which includes a travel bursary to attend an Old Vine Conference field trip, which are held around the world. Covering airfare, hotel, meals, and registration, this bursary has a value of more than US $2,000.

"We hope these prizes will incentivize some people to do a bit of research and contribute more vineyards," said Yarrow. "It's not that hard to dig up information on old vineyards, it just takes a little time and effort, and now with the contest we can reward some of that effort with great prizes and, of course, an immersive and educational trip to learn more about the significance of the world's viticultural heritage."

Contest winners will be announced yearly on the anniversary of the Registry's launch. More details on the Heritage Vine Hunt contest can be found at: https://oldvineregistry.org/contest
Watch the Anniversary webinar and contest announcement here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQqDY9Kw_Yg

About The Old Vine Registry:

The Old Vine Registry is the world's first and largest database cataloguing vineyards aged more than 35 years of age around the world. The registry aims to be a resource for the wine industry, academia, and consumers to discover and learn about old vineyards, as well as a conduit for the sale of wines made from these vineyards. Originally started by Jancis Robinson, the Registry launched as a crowd-sourced, public resource on the web in June of 2023, funded by a donation from Jackson Family Wines and managed by Alder Yarrow of Vinography.Com.

The site is owned by The Old Vine Conference, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a credible category for old vine wines and a community that sustains and communicates its value.

Learn more: https://www.oldvineregistry.org/

CONTEST PRIZES:

The grand prize winner at the end of year three will receive:

> A travel bursary covering flights, hotels, meals and tickets to attend a future Old Vine Conference Field Trip (past trips have included Jumilla, Sicily, and more)

> A lifetime membership to the Old Vine Conference

> A full set of wine maps from Vinous

> A copy of The Essence of Wine by Alder Yarrow

> A set of 6 Jancis Robinson x Richard Brendon wine glasses

The annual winners of the first and second years will receive:

> A 2-year Gold Membership to JancisRobinson.com

> A 2-year Wine Scholar Guild membership

> A year's subscription to World of Fine Wine magazine

> A selection of titles from the Académie du Vin Library

> A year's individual membership to the Old Vine Conference

The annual second-place winners at the end of the first and second years will receive:

> A set of 2 Jancis Robinson x Richard Brendon wine glasses

> A year's individual membership to the Old Vine Conference

The annual third-place contestants at the end of the first and second years will receive:

> A year's individual membership to the Old Vine Conference.

To mark the first anniversary of its launch, the Old Vine Registry held a One-Year-On webinar for the wine trade, media and old-vine enthusiasts. The hosts, Old Vine Registry Manager, Alder Yarrow, and co-founder of The Old Vine Conference, Sarah Abbott MW, announced a growth in old-vine listings of more than 1,000 new vineyards in one year; this increase of 49% brought the total number of vineyards catalogued to 3,279, across 36 countries.

Related link: https://www.oldvines.org/

Come Over October 2024 Campaign Officially Announced

NAPA VALLEY, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Celebrating the role of wine as a communal and celebratory beverage both now and historically, the team behind COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc., announces the kickoff of their Come Over October campaign. Conceived by respected wine authority Karen MacNeil, together with wine industry communications professionals Gino Colangelo and Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET, the campaign encourages friends, family, and colleagues to "come over" during the month of October to share wine and celebrate friendship.

Dubbed by TIME magazine as the "Missionary of the Vine," author of the definitive source, "The Wine Bible," Karen MacNeil states, "We are living in trying times, and we all know that good company, good conversation, laughter, and conviviality contribute to an enhanced lifestyle. We want to encourage people to put down their devices and share in each other's company. Historically and socially, wine has often played a role in facilitating conversation, nurturing new friendships, and deepening old ones."

Over time, the wine industry in the United States has experienced ebbs and flows and has met numerous societal and generational challenges. But the industry has taken those challenges in stride, as wine has often been the preferred beverage when people gather. To wit, recently, a restaurant in the most wine-centric town of Italy, Verona, called Il Condominio, offered its clientele a free bottle of wine if customers agreed to relinquish their phones for the period of a meal, so that they might get back to the art of conversation at the table.

This is what Come Over October advocates - a chance to share stories, be together, celebrate an event or occasion - ostensibly, a chance to reconnect in a digital world.

States Kimberly Noelle Charles, "I've always appreciated the power of technology to connect. The pandemic made that even more real, as we all connected to friends, loved ones and associates via virtual meetings or FaceTime. Despite that, we might have overlooked the true intimacy that comes with in-person connection, and sharing wine is a great way to achieve that."

Launching to the media on July 9, 2024, the campaign has received early support from Wine America, Silicon Valley Bank, Napa Valley Vintners, Women For WineSense, Women of the Vine & Spirits, the National Association of Wine Retailers, Visit Napa Valley, Ridge Vineyards, Wine Enthusiast, Benchmark Wine Group and Buy Rite, among others.

Co-founder Gino Colangelo states, "Some people want to speak to the end of wine's relevancy in our lives but, over the decades, wine has always found its place in America. We are still a young country relative to wine producing regions in Europe, but wine has been woven into the tapestry of American culture since the founding of the nation. The team that founded COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc., has witnessed periods like this before, and we want to assure people that wine is here to stay."

The Come Over October website launches officially this July at ComeOverOctober.com and includes a list of events and ideas for fun ways to engage during the month of October. Wine lovers can also follow along on Instagram using @comeoveroctober or by following #comeoveroctober.

For the Trade

For the trade, the Come Over October logo, messages and design assets can be used, free of charge, by wineries, wine companies of all types, wine retailers, restaurants and hotels, wine trade groups, and others who support the positive role moderate wine consumption plays in culture and lifestyle. These will be downloadable and accessible on the website.

A press conference will be held on July 9 at 9 a.m. PDT. For more information, please contact info@comeoveroctober.com.

About COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc.:

COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc. is a mission-driven company committed to creating and sharing positive, inclusive consumer information about moderate wine consumption and wine's historic role as a communal beverage.

The company was formed in May 2024 by three wine industry professionals who are donating their time and efforts to the company and its projects and events-wine journalist Karen MacNeil, and public relations and communications executives Gino Colangelo and Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET, each of whom owns their own small business.

COME TOGETHER will launch media, digital, and live events and campaigns focusing on wine's unique and positive cultural role as a beverage that brings people together. The company's first campaign - Come Over October - will debut October 2024.

For more information about the Come Over October campaign and COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc., please visit https://www.cometogetherforwine.com/ or email Kimberly Charles at kcharles@charlescomm.com or Gino Colangelo at gcolangelo@colangelopr.com.

MULTIMEDIA:

Image/logo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-0626-s2p-comovoctober-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:

Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET

415-730-0064

info@comeoveroctober.com

Celebrating the role of wine as a communal and celebratory beverage both now and historically, the team behind COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc., announces the kickoff of their Come Over October campaign. Conceived by respected wine authority Karen MacNeil, together with wine industry communications professionals Gino Colangelo and Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET, the campaign encourages friends, family, and colleagues to "come over" during the month of October to share wine and celebrate friendship.

Related link: https://www.cometogetherforwine.com/

Glancy Wine Education Foundation Adds New Board Members and Achieves Platinum Charity Rating

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of several new members to its all-volunteer board, as well as its achievement of Platinum Transparency, the highest rating possible from Candid's Guidestar charity ratings system.

The foundation's new board members include Andrea Smalling, CMO of Wine Direct; Ryan Williams, Western District Manager for HALL Wines; Tom Lynch, Director of Programs and Development for the Advertising Research Foundation; Tony Lawrence, private chef and wine judge; and Laurie Lindrup, a professionally trained chef and hospitality event director.

Also joining the board is one of the foundation's former scholarship winners, sommelier Oceano Ordónez. Currently managing the wine program at the Michelin-starred restaurant SPQR, Ordónez will help represent the student voice and point of view in the foundation's decision-making.

"We just took a major leap forward in the capabilities and commitment of our Board," said Board President Ana Keller. "I'm very excited to work with the talent, connections, and passion that these new members, together with our current board, represent."

Lynch is based in New York, and Lawrence in Philadelphia. Their additions give the foundation's leadership a national footprint to support the organization's planned future growth.

The foundation also recently achieved Platinum Transparency certification from Candid's Guidestar Charity Ratings system, America's most comprehensive and trusted philanthropy ratings organization. This rating puts the Foundation in the top 0.1% of charities nationally in terms of transparency.

The foundation has also held a four-star, 97% rating from Charity Navigator since last year.

"With these fantastic new board members and validation of our transparency and efficiency as an organization, I feel like we're poised to take our impact to the next level," said Board Vice President Alder Yarrow.

Professionals in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply for scholarships year-round at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.Org. Awards are made monthly.

About The Glancy Wine Education Foundation

Established in 2020, The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a registered a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting underserved and minority communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education, increase diversity, and raise earning power. Find out more at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/.

Learn more about the foundation's board at https://www.GlancyWineEducationFoundation.Org/board.

The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of several new members to its all-volunteer board, as well as its achievement of Platinum Transparency, the highest rating possible from Candid's Guidestar charity ratings system. Established in 2020, The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a registered a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization.

Domaine Carneros Celebrates Earth Day Every Day

NAPA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Adding to its multi-decade legacy of environmental stewardship, Domaine Carneros is pleased to share new initiatives that build upon its commitment to producing outstanding wine while continuously striving for best practices in sustainability. Installation of groundbreaking new microgrid technology in 2023 increased Domaine Carneros' commitment to renewable energy. In celebration, the winery is proud to release its first microgrid-powered wine, the 2023 Avant Garde Pinot Noir Rose, "Powered by The Sun." The wine will go on sale on the winery's website on April 22, Earth Day.

The winery's commitment to renewable energy began in 2003 when they installed the largest winery solar installation of its time. Twenty-one years later, the winery has 'amped up' its solar commitment by doubling its solar capacity and connecting to a state-of-the-art microgrid battery system which supplies the winery with approximately 75% of its energy needs. CEO Remi Cohen shares, "At Domaine Carneros, the battery bank becomes charged over the course of a day and the stored energy is utilized to offset peak energy times and can be used in the evenings and overnight. Additionally, the microgrid ensures an independent power source during natural disasters."

In an ongoing effort to safely reduce the weight of their sparkling wine glass while maintaining the structural integrity needed to withstand 70-90 psi pressures, Domaine Carneros has initiated use of a 7% lighter weight bottle while continuing to strive toward future reduction. Seeking a reduction in the impact of shipping those bottles, the winery partners with Wine Direct to ship its wine club shipments, all of which are carbon offset.

The appointment of Allison Wilson as Director of Vineyard Operations early in 2024 brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable farming to its 400 acres of estate vineyards in the Carneros AVA. She brings with her 15 years of experience in sustainable vineyard operations, much of it centered in the AVA she now tends.

From inception, the intention at Domaine Carneros has been to create the best wines and most memorable sparkling wine experiences through healthy land, vines, and people. For the 37 years since its founding, Domaine Carneros has held itself to a high standard with respect to sustainable practices to ensure that the winery lives as lightly on the land as possible while producing excellent grapes, and, of course, wine. Domaine Carneros has sought and received certifications from numerous prestigious sustainable organizations including California Certified Sustainable Winegrowers, Napa Green, Bay Area Green, and Fish Friendly Farming. Annual assessments and audits seek out new areas to improve upon rigorous standards of sustainability not only for the winery, but also for its place in the community and as an employer.

The winery implements the following measures towards continuous improvement:

* Re-use and recycling

* Through composting, recycling, and reuse, over 90% of solid waste is diverted from landfills.

* Water used in the production process is treated and used to irrigate the estate vineyards, saving millions of gallons per year

* A decade-long packaging reuse program, whereby 20-25% of cases and inserts are reused for in-house purposes.

Sustainability Practices

* Solar energy has long been a crucial aspect of Domaine Carneros' sustainability plan, having installed the largest solar collection system of any winery in the world when it was implemented in 2003. In 2023, Domaine Carneros was among the first wineries in the Napa Valley to install a solar microgrid and battery system, which supplies 75% of the winery's power, and ultimately allows the winery to be self-sustaining during power outages.

* The winery's use of skylights, building into the earth, and employing night cooling systems to maintain cellar temperatures all contribute to energy conservation as well as robust employee involvement in daily conservation efforts.

* The winery practices Integrated Pest Management using natural controls for vineyard pests such as boxes to attract owls which feed on voles and using cover crops that attract beneficial insects to control insect pests.

* Grape pomace from harvest is used to feed local cattle in a region of California with historic ties to the dairy business.

Commitment to Employees

* Domaine Carneros holds strong principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and its staff is reflective of that commitment.

* Through a practice of open book management, employees are inspired and invited to be an integral part of collective success.

* The winery fosters and encourages mentorship for its staff and embraces professional development in the broader wine industry in the form of scholarship offerings and a fellowship.

The winery has been awarded several prestigious honors from the state of California and other well-respected organizations. In April 2023, the winery received the RISE Leadership Award for outstanding waste prevention and greening of its supply chain. In 2020, the winery received the Napa Climate NOW! award for being a Climate Champion in the Business Category. The winery also received the California Green Medal Business Award in 2019 for "demonstrating smart business through efficiencies, cost savings, and innovation from implementing sustainable practices." Only four wineries are awarded the medal each year, so the honor is quite significant given the number of wineries in the state.

Domaine Carneros has been a Bay Area Green Business since 2014, Fish Friendly Farming certified since 2015, Napa Green Vineyard & Winery since 2014 and is Certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance since 2015.

ABOUT DOMAINE CARNEROS

Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating a vision of terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the methode traditionelle of sparkling wine production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to chardonnay, and 250 acres planted to pinot noir. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines largely estate grown and limited production pinot noirs.

Learn more at: https://www.domainecarneros.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:

For additional information, images, and interview requests, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-730-0064.

Adding to its multi-decade legacy of environmental stewardship, Domaine Carneros is pleased to share new initiatives that build upon its commitment to producing outstanding wine while continuously striving for best practices in sustainability. Installation of groundbreaking new microgrid technology in 2023 increased Domaine Carneros' commitment to renewable energy. In celebration, the winery is proud to release its first microgrid-powered wine, the 2023 Avant Garde Pinot Noir Rose, "Powered by The Sun."

Related link: https://www.domainecarneros.com/

More Than A Wine Store: Award Winning Beverage Retailer Pours Into Community

WESTERLY, R.I. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Wine Store, a family-owned business in Westerly since 1985, is once again among the winners of Beverage Dynamics third-annual Top 100 Retailers Awards. These awards recognize off-premise retailers throughout the U.S. who demonstrate innovation, excellent customer and community service, and superior beverage alcohol industry knowledge.

The Wine Store has been recognized annually as a Beverage Dynamics Top 100 Retailer since the program's inception seven years ago. Prior, they were among Beverage Dynamics Retailers of the Year three years in a row. The Wine Store is the only Rhode Island retailer ever to be honored.

"We are thrilled to receive this award once again. It is a great testament to our employees' ongoing effort and dedication to the community we serve," shared Owner Frank Celico. "We have been family and community-oriented since day one."

Frank, his family, and his entire team consider The Wine Store "Your Partner in Community Service," a tagline he had copyrighted to signify that The Wine Store is not only a destination for its products and product knowledge, but also for support of community organizations. The list of local nonprofit and other organizations the store has partnered with for fundraisers and events over the years is extensive, as is the amount of money they have helped to raise. The retailer also displays information on other businesses and organizations in the area to further build community.

According to Lisa Konicki, President of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, "The Wine Store has been a generous and steadfast supporter of The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce for over 30 years. They truly lead by example and have demonstrated a sincere commitment to helping foster a positive business environment for the entire town and its valued non-profit community. From sponsoring events to providing volunteer staffing at major fundraisers, they are always there to help. We are forever grateful to Frank and his team for their community support."

Annually, nominees are judged by the Beverage Dynamics editorial team, and winners are chosen to represent a diverse cross-section of the off-premise industry. They are business owners who take pride in their store, care about their customers and employees and stay involved in the community and the industry at large.

For historical information about the Top 100 Retailers and Retailers of the Year Awards, visit https://beveragedynamics.com/top100/.

"We're proud to name these successful retailers as winners of our prestigious award," says Beverage Dynamics Vice President Jeremy Nedelka. "They join some of the best and brightest of the industry and deserve the recognition they've received."

About The Wine Store:

The Wine Store is a nearly 40-year-old, family-owned and operated business. Westerly native Frank Celico opened the store in 1985 with his wife Donna. Other family members involved include their son, Tim, as Chief Operating Officer, and at times their granddaughter Margret. The Wine Store offers a vast selection of wine, beer, liquor and gifts for purchase in store or online at https://www.thewinestoreri.com/ or via its app available on apple app and google play stores. The retailer also serves as a community center for information on and support of local organizations.

About Beverage Dynamics:

Beverage Dynamics is the largest and most respected national magazine dedicated to the needs of the off-premise beverage alcohol retailer, whether it's the owner of a single liquor store, the general manager of a warehouse store or the buyer for a large supermarket or drug chain.

About Beverage Information Group:

Beverage Information Group is the top information source for the beverage alcohol industry, serving all industry segments through its magazines (Cheers, Cheers@Home, Beverage Dynamics, Beverage Wholesaler and StateWays), industry events (Beverage Alcohol Retailers Conference and Cheers Beverage Summit) and information services division.

The Wine Store, a family-owned business in Westerly since 1985, is once again among the winners of Beverage Dynamics third-annual Top 100 Retailers Awards. These awards recognize off-premise retailers throughout the U.S. who demonstrate innovation, excellent customer and community service, and superior beverage alcohol industry knowledge.

Related link: https://www.thewinestoreri.com/

Glancy Wine Education Foundation wraps Auction 2023 Seeking Pledges for Giving Tuesday November 28

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF) raised $21,949 at the 12th Anniversary Celebration and Scholarship Auction with the San Francisco Wine School on November 11. A lively event with a signature Somm Olympics component featuring past scholarship winner Tonya Pitts, Wine Director at One Market Restaurant in San Francisco and Wine Enthusiast's 2022 Wine Star Awards winner of Wine Director of the Year, vs. Cara Patricia, owner of the retail shop and wine bar DecantSF, was the brainchild of SF Wine School owners David Glancy MS and Kristin Campbell.

The Silent Auction component was a driver for fundraising for GWEF which helps provide scholarships to wine & hospitality professionals from diverse communities demonstrating financial need.

For #GivingTuesday in 2023, the foundation is seeking additional support for its endeavors.

2023 marks the third year of the Glancy Wine Education Foundation's founding and already it has an impressive report card, and big goals for 2024. The foundation's mission is to provide wine education scholarships to wine and hospitality professionals in need of assistance, with a focus on BIPOC and female candidates. Since its founding in 2020, the organization has awarded 165 scholarships, with an average grant of $1500, totaling close to a quarter million dollars in grants. Fifty-eight percent of the recipients are female, 42% male and 62% represent the BIPOC community with the balance being Caucasian.

Please consider a donation for Giving Tuesday by clicking: https://gwef.networkforgood.com/projects/200558-2023-giving-campaign

We are changing the face of the wine industry, one professional at a time and we can't do it without you!

About The Glancy Wine Education Foundation:

Established in 2020, The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a registered a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting underserved and minority communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education, increase diversity, and raise earning power.

Find out more at: https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/

Professionals in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply for scholarships year-round at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.Org.

The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF) raised $21,949 at the 12th Anniversary Celebration and Scholarship Auction with the San Francisco Wine School on November 11. A lively event with a signature Somm Olympics component featuring past scholarship winner Tonya Pitts.

Merriam Vineyards declares 2023 a ‘first class’ vintage – concludes inaugural harvest in newly California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) Certified Winery

SONOMA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Merriam Vineyards, located in California's Russian River AVA, wrapped up the 2023 harvest with much to celebrate. Winemaker William Weese states that this year is poised to produce a "great and first-class vintage" for Merriam's award-winning cool-climate varieties, especially its Pinot Noir. Throughout Sonoma County and many AVAs within California, the 2023 vintage is already anticipated to be one of the best in decades.

"Being a cooler year with long hangtime was extremely beneficial," Weese says. "We were getting phenolic ripeness on fruit without having to deal with high Brix. The acid was there, too. I never felt like I needed to pick or press a wine off earlier than I wanted to, to make room for the next wine, so all the wines we made got all the attention they deserved." Weese adds that the excellent conditions also resulted in minimal intervention in winemaking, resulting in a direct expression of the vineyard and a chance for the "fruit to speak for itself."

This harvest marks the first for Merriam as a fully CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers)-certified winery, following decades of commitment to organic and sustainable practices in their vineyards and beyond. Founded in 2000 by husband-and-wife Peter and Diana Merriam and focusing on estate-grown Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties, Merriam previously achieved CCOF vineyard certification for its Los Amigos estate property in 2012. Purchased in 2022, the Eastside estate is currently certified sustainable through the CSWA California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and the Windacre vineyard-

the first vineyard purchased by the Merriams in 2000-is currently certified sustainable with the Sonoma Sustainable designation. The 2023 vintage of several vineyard designates from the Los Amigos property, named after three generations of Merriam women including Diana's Pinot Noir, Danielle's Fumé Blanc, and Evanthea's Chardonnay, will include "made with organic grapes" on the label.

"The CCOF certification has been a nice progression through our sustainable journey," says Peter, adding that they "immediately" began pursuing certification after founding the winery. "Its arduous nature means we must abide by strict rules and materials, and everything must be planned, proactive and approved. On the winery side, that includes strict regulations inside the facilities such as keeping the organic materials isolated, triple rinsed, sanitized, and sterilized, and documenting everything along the way."

"My family has been farming organically since 2012 because we believe it produces world-class wines, and with this newest certification we are able to continue to educate consumers on the quality that comes from holding ourselves to higher standards and practices," adds estate manager Evan Merriam.

An extension of its ongoing commitment to sustainable farming, the winery also introduced 800 Babydoll sheep into the estate vineyards last spring to mow down clover and other cover crop. Too small to damage vines, the sheep improve vineyard soil health by providing natural fertilizer and reducing the need for heavy machinery, which means less soil compaction and improved soil fertility and structure. Merriam also has 25 head of cattle grazing the outlying hills above the vineyard for range management and fire protection.

Outdoor design expansion of its 21-acre estate has been an additional project for Merriam this year, in partnership with Munden Fry Landscape Associates (MFLA). The project elevates guest experience while respecting and showcasing the property's natural environs. "A connection to the vineyard and the sustainable farming practices provided the foundation for the renovations of the tasting terrace, new Garden Rooms and a reorientation of the visitors experience when entering the property," says MFLA Partner James Munden.

Begun in 2021, the plan includes a row of antique olive trees with a rich underplanting of ornamental grasses, leading visitors to the various tasting areas. Hedges create green walls defining the outdoor tasting rooms under a bosque of plane trees for shade from the summer heat. A stone water wall feature mitigates sound from nearby Hwy 101 and encloses one side of the Tasting Terrace. Creating a more enjoyable and immersive winery experience aligns with the Merriam family's early vision of bringing visitors outside, emphasizing the vineyards, views and natural habitats that are the focus of the winery's environmentally progressive efforts.

About CCOF:

Founded in 1973, the non-profit CCOF is a leader in the organic agricultural movement and specializes in education, advocacy, promotion and certification for California farms, livestock, operations, retailers, restaurants and more. The CCOF is globally recognized for its comprehensive and strict standards and is USDA accredited. The rigorous certification process for wineries includes review of soil quality, pest and weed control, the use of input materials and animal husbandry, among other focuses. For more information visit https://www.ccof.org/page/about-ccof.

About MFLA:

Munden Fry Landscape Associates is a landscape and urban design studio established in 1990 that blurs the boundaries between land, architecture and art. Led by British transplant, James Munden and original studio founder, Marta Fry, MFLA strives to create vibrant, enduring, and compelling environments that consider both the built & natural ecologies equally. With an established reputation for delivering high quality private and public works across a diverse portfolio, James and Marta share a common-sense approach. The result is environmentally grounded designs with integrity, substance, and an inherent sense of timelessness. For more information, visit https://mflastudio.com/ or contact Amber Munden at ambermunden@mflasf.com.

About Merriam Vineyards:

Established in 2000 in Sonoma, CA's Russian River AVA by husband-and-wife Peter and Diana Merriam, Merriam Vineyards specializes in Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties and was born from the couple's love of Old World wines and extensive European travels. Recognizing the immense potential for producing distinctive single-vineyard wines in Sonoma, the Merriam's acquired what would become known as the Windacre Vineyard in 2000, adding Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec plantings beyond its existing Merlot vines and establishing the quality of Bordeaux varieties in a region primarily known for cool-climate wines.

The couple expanded its estate into Burgundian varieties with the acquisition of its Los Amigos property in 2009 and in 2022, purchased the hillside Eastside Estate, with a focus on core col-climate Pinot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery's rigorous, decades-long commitment to sustainable viticulture and production resulted in the prestigious CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certification for its Los Amigos estate (2012) and winery (2023), as well as CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing) certification for its Windacre property and Sonoma Sustainable for its Eastside Estate. Son Evan Merriam represents the Merriam's next generation as estate manager.

For more information about Merriam Vineyards, visit https://www.merriamvineyards.com/ or on Instagram @merriamvineyards.

Merriam Vineyards, located in California's Russian River AVA, wrapped up the 2023 harvest with much to celebrate. Winemaker William Weese states that this year is poised to produce a "great and first-class vintage" for Merriam's award-winning cool-climate varieties, especially its Pinot Noir. Throughout Sonoma County and many AVAs within California, the 2023 vintage is already anticipated to be one of the best in decades.

Related link: https://www.merriamvineyards.com/

Culture Wine Co. Launches to Enhance Representation of South African Wine In The United States

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Culture Wine Co. launches today as the sole importer, wholesaler, e-commerce retailer and wine club in the United States dedicated exclusively to the wines of South Africa.

The goal? To drastically increase the representation and import-value of South African wine in the United States. Although South African wine currently represents a small amount of US import volume, the bulk of these imports are intended for the creation and exclusive sale of budget-friendly brands. While this scenario has posed challenges in broadening awareness and appreciation for South Africa's highly skilled producers, Culture Wine Co. aims to have a positive impact in reshaping how these wines are marketed, perceived, and enjoyed in the US.

The mission? To Share Culture Through Wine. Culture Wine Co. believes there is an abundance of untold stories beyond the bottle itself. Our mission is to shed light on the resilience of South African winemakers who overcome extraordinary challenges, such as a complete absence of government subsidies, daily load shedding, and navigating extreme weather events - from flooding to frequent droughts. The world-class quality, thriving community, vibrant culture, and incredible stories of perseverance of its producers is unlike any other region in the world.

Culture Wine Co. services: Culture Wine Co. focuses on developing long-lasting partnerships with its producers, imports and wholesales direct-to-trade in California, and retails direct-to-consumer throughout the US via its e-commerce website. This eliminates the need for several entities touching the bottle before it's consumed, ensures wine is not 'lost' in large wholesale portfolios, and ultimately increases visibility of and value to South Africa's independent producers.

Who is behind the company? Culture Wine Co. was founded by 15-year wine industry veteran Peter Andrews DipWSET, MBA. Peter has held executive-level positions in the wine industry and taught wine business courses at Johnson & Wales University, The Culinary Institute of America, and for the WSET. He currently sits on the board of the Glancy Wine Education Foundation.

Peter Andrews, Founder & President, Culture Wine Co. (San Francisco), said, "South African wine has steadily increased in quality in the nearly 30 years since the end of Apartheid. Its producers are now readier than ever to shine in their long-overdue time in the international spotlight."

Kiara Scott Farmer, Winemaker Brookdale Estate (Paarl), said, "Now is the most exciting time to be buying and drinking South African wines. Winemakers and viticulturists around the country now truly understand their respective terroir - the climate, soils, and vines. There's also great camaraderie between the winemakers and the local wine industry in general. It's time for US wine lovers to jump on the train because we're going somewhere, and this is just the beginning of our latest and most exciting chapter."

Learn more: https://culturewineco.com/

Culture Wine Co. launches today as the sole importer, wholesaler, e-commerce retailer and wine club in the United States dedicated exclusively to the wines of South Africa. The goal? To drastically increase the representation and import-value of South African wine in the United States.

Related link: https://culturewineco.com/

2023 SOMM Olympics Spotlights Rising Wine Talent and Supports Educational Scholarships for Students in Need

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- On Saturday, November 11th from 3:30-8pm, San Francisco Wine School invites the public to join their 12th Anniversary Celebration and Scholarship Auction featuring their signature Somm Olympics event benefiting the Glancy Wine Education Foundation, which provides scholarships to wine & hospitality professionals from diverse communities demonstrating financial need.

Blind Tasting Competition | Wine Knowledge Challenge | Decanting Race | Sparkling Wine Relay | Food Pairing Competition | Global Wine Tasting Bazaar | Silent Online Auction

This year's Anniversary Celebration will have options for both in-person and online participation and includes the wildly popular Somm Olympics, a Global Wine Tasting Bazaar with a plentitude of international and upscale fare, plus a silent auction full of unique wine items and experiences. Co-owners of San Francisco Wine School, Master Sommelier David Glancy and Chief Operating Officer Kristin Campbell will host this important and inspiring event.

The Somm Olympics includes five signature events each year: a jeopardy style wine knowledge challenge, a blind tasting competition, a Riedel serpentine decanter race, a sparkling wine relay, and a mouthwatering food pairing competition. Online guests will sip right alongside the contestants for the first three events with their own Wine Tasting Party Kit - available for delivery in 43 states. In-person guests will go on to enjoy the remaining competitions tasting and sipping through the Global Wine Bazaar. No tickets are required to bid in the silent online auction.

This year San Francisco Wine School welcomes two long-time San Francisco sommeliers to the competitor's stage, Cara Patricia, Co-Founder of DecantSF and Tonya Pitts, Wine Director of San Francisco's One Market Restaurant and Wine Enthusiast's 2022 Wine Star Awards winner of Wine Director of the Year!

All proceeds from this exciting event will benefit the Glancy Wine Education Foundation. To date, San Francisco Wine School Anniversary events have contributed to over 200 scholarships totaling over $350,000 in tuition support to their students in need. 97% of applicants earn less than the "living wage" benchmarks.

More information and tickets can be found at: https://sanfranciscowineschool.com/products/special-event-anniversary-celebration-scholarship-auction

ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO WINE SCHOOL:

San Francisco Wine School strives to open the world of wine to serious students and enthusiasts everywhere, helping people of all levels break into the wine industry, advance their career, or simply pursue their passions. Founded by Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator David Glancy, San Francisco Wine School is the largest wine school in the U.S., offering the most thoughtful approach to wine study. Their inspired educational programs and workshops are taught in their state-of-the-art Wine Education and Events Center and their cutting-edge virtual classroom by industry-leading instructors from all major educational disciplines.

San Francisco Wine School's curriculum features the best content in the business: expert course materials, carefully conceived wine flights, and in-depth blind tasting exercises designed to engage students, illuminate course content and enhance learning. Their beautiful sunlight-filled Wine Education and Event Center is conveniently located just 5 minutes from San Francisco International Airport. Located inside South San Francisco's historic Town Social Hall, the contemporary design boasts 4,000 square feet of flexible space with 16-foot coved ceilings, 12-foot arched windows throughout, and 180-degree views of the San Bruno Mountains, City Hall and the San Francisco Bay. It's the perfect place to enjoy classes, industry seminars, tastings and a wide variety of private experiences. Online students can join live classes with custom tasting kits available for delivery in 43 states.

ABOUT GLANCY WINE EDUCATION FOUNDATION:

The Glancy Wine Education Foundation was established in 2020 to continue the wine education scholarship and fundraising work initiated by the San Francisco Wine School in 2016 through the Glancy Wine Education Fund at Scholarship America. This eight-member volunteer board is dedicated to providing scholarships to students wanting to start or advance a career in the wine or hospitality industry using education and certifications in their field. Awards are based upon financial hardship, economic need, and career and educational goals. The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

On Saturday, November 11th from 3:30-8pm, San Francisco Wine School invites the public to join their 12th Anniversary Celebration and Scholarship Auction featuring their signature Somm Olympics event benefiting the Glancy Wine Education Foundation, which provides scholarships to wine & hospitality professionals from diverse communities demonstrating financial need.

Related link: https://sanfranciscowineschool.com/

Master Sommelier Writes Definitive Wine-Tasting Guide for Professionals and Novices

RIO RANCHO, N.M. /ScoopCloud/ -- Master Sommelier Tim Gaiser has released an updated version of "Message in the Bottle: A Guide to Tasting Wine" (ISBN: 978-1955750479). The book is a valuable resource for professional tasters, as well as an outstanding guide for the casual enthusiast who wants to learn more about how to appreciate a glass of wine.

"Message in the Bottle" is a compilation of Gaiser's 30-plus years of international wine-tasting and teaching experience. After working on the text for over ten years, Gaiser finally had the opportunity to put the manuscript together during the 2020 COVID pandemic. On release, the wine-tasting guide quickly surged to the top rankings on Amazon.

"The original intent was to write something for 'Jedi Knights in training,' as a colleague calls students in the wine certification programs," Gaiser says. "However, a dear friend and fellow Master Sommelier colleague pointed out that once the book was released, consumers just getting into wine would also be interested it. I realized that I needed to make the text as user-friendly as possible."

With that, Gaiser went back to the drawing board and rewrote all the chapters to include introductions and recommendations on how to use the information. The result is a comprehensive resource for the serious wine student, as well as a clear-cut guide for anyone who wants to learn the secrets of tasting wine.

As Emily Wines, Master Sommelier and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Court of Master

Sommeliers, Americas, states "For all of those who've struggled with the art and technique of blind tasting, this is the ultimate guide."

Peter Marks, Master of Wine, agrees, stating "'Message in the Bottle' should be another standard in anyone's wine library along with 'The Oxford Companion to Wine' and 'The World Atlas of Wine.'"

A Decanter Magazine review states that, "This Guide to Tasting Wine compiles strategies and insights gained over more than 30 years of teaching and working as a sommelier. While many sections are aimed at helping sommeliers pass the tough MS exam, there are useful tools for wine novices through to those wanting to brush up on blind tasting skills."

Somm Journal publisher, Meredith May, wrote, "Applying his three decades of experience in tasting, teaching, and writing, Gaiser divides and conquers concepts both objective and subjective. For those prepping for exams, Message in the Bottle may be one of the most valuable tomes in your arsenal."

Beyond requisite skills, the "Message in the Bottle" includes an entire section on strategies for improving focus, concentration, and smell and taste memory-all using visualization. It also features a list of suggested producers for tasting practice, instructions for writing tasting notes and wine tech sheets, and a series of essays on wine, making it not only the go-to reference for aspiring sommeliers and wine professionals, but an enjoyable read about one of life's greatest, most enduring pleasures.

"Message in the Bottle: A Guide to Tasting Wine" was published by Networlding Publishing in December 2022 and is available in both eBook and paperback formats from major distributors.

For more information, images, interviews, or review copies please contact tgaiser@earthlink.net.

About Tim Gaiser, MS:

Tim Gaiser is an internationally renowned wine expert and lecturer. He is one of less than 300 individuals worldwide to ever attain the elite Master Sommelier title. He is the former Director of Education and Education chair for the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, and an instructor for the Napa Valley Wine Academy.

Over his 30-plus year career, Tim has taught thousands of students in wines and spirits classes at every level as well as developing wine education programs for restaurants, winery schools and wine distributors. He has experience in all phases of the wine industry: online, wholesale, retail, winery, and restaurants.

Tim has written for several publications including Fine Cooking Magazine and the Somm Journal and also writes for numerous wine and spirits clients. He has served as the author and lead judge for the Best Young Sommelier Competition and the Top Somm Competition.

Prior to developing his wine expertise, Tim received an M.A. in Classical Music. He played classical trumpet as a freelance professional and as an extra with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra. He currently lives with his family in New Mexico.

Learn more at: https://timgaiser.com/

Master Sommelier Tim Gaiser has released an updated version of "Message in the Bottle: A Guide to Tasting Wine" (ISBN: 978-1955750479). The book is a valuable resource for professional tasters, as well as an outstanding guide for the casual enthusiast who wants to learn more about how to appreciate a glass of wine.

Related link: https://timgaiser.com/

Dovinto Winery Announces Expansion of Hospitality Operations

BAJA CALIFORNIA, Mexico /ScoopCloud/ -- Having recently completed its initial capital raise to facilitate distribution of its wines to the U.S. market, Dovinto Vinicola Destino is pleased to announce a significant expansion project aimed at elevating its guests' experience to new heights. With its rich heritage and dedication to producing exceptional wines, Dovinto aims to captivate wine enthusiasts across America with the unique flavors and characteristics of is uniquely-created premium Mexican wines and expand upon its vineyard hospitality experience.

The Dovinto vineyards are nestled in the picturesque region of Baja California, the birthplace of wine cultivation in the Americas, where the perfect combination of climate, soil, and elevation creates an optimal environment for grape cultivation. This distinct terroir imparts a distinctive quality to the wines, resulting in a diverse portfolio red and white wines that showcases the true essence of winemaking. Currently, Dovinto has four rustic villas where it hosts tastings, weddings and other events.

"We have spent the last ten years perfecting the systems and cultivating the grapes for our sustainable wine-making process," said founder Jesus Sesma. "We are thrilled to announce a significant expansion project to elevate the guest experience. We will be adding more villas, a wellness center, expanded food offerings featuring farm-to-table cuisine that highlights the flavors of the region, perfectly paired with our wines hiking trails and a boutique hotel. As a cornerstone of the vineyard experience, our winery is expanding to accommodate more wine enthusiasts eager to explore our exceptional vintages. Visitors can look forward to enhanced tasting experiences, guided tours, and exclusive events."

Dovinto takes pride in blending traditional methods, innovative techniques and sustainable practices, ensuring that the production process respects the environment and the surrounding communities. By implementing eco-friendly initiatives, such as water conservation, solar energy utilization and organic farming methods, Dovinto strives to protect the natural beauty of the regions where its vineyards flourish. Dovinto manufactures its own proprietary bio-fertilizers, bio-fungicides and bio-pesticides on the property, all using natural methods. The expansion project will incorporate eco-friendly designs and sustainable practices to minimize its environmental footprint and preserve the natural beauty of the picturesque vineyard and rolling hills.

Starting in California and eventually expanding throughout the U.S., Dovinto's wines will soon be available at select retailers, fine dining establishments and through its online platform. This will allow wine enthusiasts to indulge in the finest expressions of winemaking.

About Dovinto

Established by Jesus Sesma in 2010, Dovinto is dedicated to producing only the finest bio-organic wines that can rival the world's best. He chose Baja California, the birthplace of wine cultivation in the Americas, as the home for Dovinto Vinicola Destino. Dovinto is an award-winning winery that believes in natural, biological, sustainable and sustainable viticulture. It uses solar energy in 100% of its processes, vinifying without corrections or additives and taking care of the soil because it is the key to our health and a healthy environment. Dovinto manufactures its own proprietary bio-fertilizers, bio-fungicides and bio-pesticides on-site, all using natural methods. No herbicides are used - weeds are manually removed and reincorporated into the soil.

For more information, please visit: https://dovinto.com

Having recently completed its initial capital raise to facilitate distribution of its wines to the U.S. market, Dovinto Vinicola Destino is pleased to announce a significant expansion project aimed at elevating its guests' experience to new heights.

Related link: https://dovinto.com/en

Dovinto Announces Completion of Filming Content in Partnership with Digitl Mediums and Multiple Emmy Award Winners

BAJA CALIFORNIA, Mexico /ScoopCloud/ -- Wine producer Dovinto Vinicola Destino is pleased to announce that, in conjunction with producer Digitl Mediums, it is in post-production of short- and long-form content as part of the introduction of Dovinto's award-winning wines to the United States market. With its rich heritage and dedication to producing exceptional wines, Dovinto aims to captivate wine enthusiasts across America with the unique flavors and characteristics of its uniquely-created premium Mexican wines.

The Dovinto vineyards are nestled in the picturesque region of Baja California, the birthplace of wine cultivation in the Americas, where the perfect combination of climate, soil, and elevation creates an optimal environment for grape cultivation. This distinct terroir imparts a distinctive quality to the wines, resulting in a diverse portfolio red and white wines that showcases the true essence of winemaking.

"We have spent the last ten years perfecting the systems and cultivating the grapes for our sustainable wine-making process," said founder Jesus Sesma. "We, along with our production partners, look forward to introducing Dovinto and its wines to the American market. Our wines represent the culmination of our passion for winemaking, our commitment to sustainability and the rich heritage of Mexican winemaking. We are confident that American wine lovers will appreciate the depth and complexity of flavors our wines offer."

Dovinto takes pride in blending traditional methods, innovative techniques and sustainable practices, ensuring that the production process respects the environment and the surrounding communities. By implementing eco-friendly initiatives, such as water conservation, solar energy utilization and organic farming methods, Dovinto strives to protect the natural beauty of the regions where its vineyards flourish. Dovinto manufactures its own proprietary bio-fertilizers, bio-fungicides and bio-pesticides on the property, all using natural methods.

"To celebrate its entry into the U.S. market, Dovinto will be sponsoring an array of exciting events," said Herbert Dogan, CEO of Digitl Mediums. "As part of this process, we have partnered with multiple Emmy award-winning Music Composer, multi-instrumentalist and Film Director Jonny Shaheri; multiple Golden Reel and Daytime Emmy award-winning Sound Designer Daisuke Sawa; and HBO and Disney+ actor Adriana Sofia Fontánez."

"Dovinto is unique, both in its history and its process," said strategic executive Humberto Arechiga. "I am proud to be part of the process of introducing Dovinto's story to and securing distribution of its wines for U.S. audiences."

"The Dovinto project has become very personal for me," said Jonny Shaheri. "I am composing original music for the Dovinto production that will help convey how unique Dovinto and its wines are."

"Coming out from a dark cutting room in Hollywood, I am looking forward to presenting the sound scape of the sunny Dovinto winery in Baja California," said Daisuke Sawa.

"I very much appreciated being part of the Dovinto story," said Adriana Sofia Fontánez. "US audiences will now be able to see the unique process by which the Dovinto wines are crafted, resulting in wines that taste great and are healthier."

Starting in California and eventually expanding throughout the U.S., Dovinto's wines will soon be available at select retailers, fine dining establishments and through its online platform. This will allow wine enthusiasts to indulge in the finest expressions of winemaking.

About Dovinto:

Established by Jesus Sesma in 2010, Dovinto is dedicated to producing only the finest bio-organic wines that can rival the world's best. He chose Baja California, the birthplace of wine cultivation in the Americas, as the home for Dovinto Vinicola Destino. Dovinto is an award-winning winery that believes in natural, biological, sustainable and sustainable viticulture. It uses solar energy in 100% of its processes, vinifying without corrections or additives and taking care of the soil because it is the key to our health and a healthy environment.

Dovinto manufactures its own proprietary bio-fertilizers, bio-fungicides and bio-pesticides on-site, all using natural methods. No herbicides are used - weeds are manually removed and reincorporated into the soil.

For more information, please visit: https://dovinto.com

About Digitl Mediums:

Digitl Mediums is a purpose-built team of strategists, digital marketing experts, creatives, and influencers passionate about building, evolving, and amplifying the reach, voice, people, and product offerings of the brands it represents. Digitl Mediums' collective experience is heavily rooted in sports, art, entertainment, and emerging culture to create the kind of advertising people want to experience, witness, hear, feel, promote, and pay for.

Digitl Mediums' principals have been in the industry for over 40 years with experience working with some of the best in the industry, such as Nike, Sprite, Gatorade, Verizon, ADIDAS, and Spark Communications.

For more information, please visit: https://digitlmediums.com/.

About Humberto Arechiga:

Humberto Arechiga is the Chairman of Topline Entertainment, LLC, a film and TV Production Company. He produced "Elephant White" written by Kevin Bernhardt and financed by Nu Image/Millennium Films and signed two-time Academy Award Nominee Djimon Hounsou to star and Kevin Bacon as Co-Stars. Humberto began his career at Aero California Airlines, where he spent 20 years as Director of International purchasing.

About Jonny Shaheri:

Jonny Shaheri is an Emmy® award-winning Music Composer, multi-instrumentalist, and Film Director based in Los Angeles. He began his career leading various musical groups which eventually led him to scoring commercials, television shows and films. He started working at Hans Zimmer's company Bleeding Fingers in 2019, writing and composing music for TV shows, documentaries, and films. Jonny also has directed numerous short films, music videos, and TV commercials. He is currently working on his first feature film. For more information, please visit: https://jonnyshaheri.com/

About Daisuke Sawa:

Daiuke Sawa is a multiple award-winning Sound Designer based in Los Angeles. He has been nominated for 15 Golden Reel Awards, winning 4 times for Best Sound Editing in Television Animation (3 times) and Best Sound Editing in Direct to Video (one time). He has also been nominated for 6 Daytime Emmy Awards, winning twice for Outstanding Sound Editing - Live Action and Animation. For more information, please visit: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm1208614/

About Adriana Sofia Fontánez:

Adriana Sofia Fontánez is an actor and singer based in Puerto Rico. She is known for playing the role of Cari in the HBO Max family series "Gordita Chronicles" and Vero in Disney+'s "GinaYei". For more information, please visit: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm13585686/

Wine producer Dovinto Vinicola Destino is pleased to announce that, in conjunction with producer Digitl Mediums, it is in post-production of short- and long-form content as part of the introduction of Dovinto's award-winning wines to the United States market. With its rich heritage and dedication to producing exceptional wines, Dovinto aims to captivate wine enthusiasts across America with the unique flavors and characteristics of its uniquely-created premium Mexican wines.

Related link: https://dovinto.com/en

Dovinto Announces New Importation and Distribution Agreement with The American Spirits Exchange

BAJA CALIFORNIA, Mexico /ScoopCloud/ -- Dovinto Vinicola Destino is pleased to announce a significant milestone in its journey towards bringing exceptional wines to enthusiasts in the U.S. Dovinto has entered into a strategic importation and distribution agreement with The American Spirits Exchange which promises to extend the availability of Dovinto's premium wines to the broader U.S. audience, enriching the wine experiences of connoisseurs and newcomers alike. With its rich heritage and dedication to producing exceptional wines, Dovinto aims to captivate wine enthusiasts across America with the unique flavors and characteristics of is uniquely-created premium Mexican wines.

Guided by a passion for winemaking and a commitment to sustainable practices, Dovinto has already won awards for its first two vintage years (2017-18) in international competition. The Dovinto vineyards are nestled in the picturesque region of Baja California, the birthplace of wine cultivation in the Americas, where the perfect combination of climate, soil, and elevation creates an optimal environment for grape cultivation. This distinct terroir imparts a distinctive quality to the wines, resulting in a diverse portfolio red and white wines that showcases the true essence of winemaking.

"We have spent the last ten years perfecting the systems and cultivating the grapes for our beyond-organic and sustainable wine-making process," said founder Jesus Sesma. "We are excited to announce our partnership with ASE, a company that shares our values of quality, passion, and customer satisfaction. Through this collaboration, we are poised to introduce our exceptional sustainable wines to U.S. wine enthusiasts, enriching their wine experience and leaving a lasting impression."

Dovinto takes pride in blending traditional methods, innovative techniques and sustainable practices, ensuring that the production process respects the environment and the surrounding communities. By implementing eco-friendly initiatives such as water conservation, solar energy utilization and organic farming methods, Dovinto strives to protect the natural beauty of the regions where its vineyards flourish. Dovinto manufactures its own bio-fertilizers, bio-fungicides and bio-pesticides on the property, all using natural methods.

"The partnership between ASE and Dovinto is a testament to both companies' dedication to delivering excellence and creating memorable moments for American wine enthusiasts," said Philip Kolodziey, President of ASE.

Starting in California and eventually expanding throughout the U.S., Dovinto's wines will soon be available at select retailers, fine dining establishments and through its online platform. This will allow wine enthusiasts to indulge in the finest expressions of winemaking.

About Dovinto:

Established by Jesus Sesma in 2010, Dovinto is dedicated to producing only the finest organic wines that can rival the world's best. He chose Baja California, the birthplace of wine cultivation in the Americas, as the home for Dovinto Vinicola Destino. Dovinto is an award-winning winery that believes in natural, biological, sustainable and sustainable viticulture. It uses solar energy in 100% of its processes, vinifying without corrections or additives and taking care of the soil because it is the key to our health and a healthy environment. Dovinto manufactures its own bio-fertilizers, bio-fungicides and bio-pesticides on-site, all using natural methods. No herbicides are used - weeds are manually removed and reincorporated into the soil. For more information, please visit: https://dovinto.com

About ASE:

The American Spirits Exchange was started by academics and executives who wanted to leave the corporate grid and pursue their passion for artisanal beverages. Its leadership is made up of partners who dedicate themselves to helping its clients achieve long-term growth and participating in broader activities to shape the industry. Its mission as a national spirits importer and distributor is to help make artisan brands broadly available, promote exceptional beverages in the U.S. and educate consumers about the art and science of craft alcohol beverages. ASE focuses on the non-glamorous, back-office work of the industry, such as complicated alcohol beverage compliance. For more information, please visit: https://americanspiritsltd.com/

Dovinto Vinicola Destino is pleased to announce a significant milestone in its journey towards bringing exceptional wines to enthusiasts in the U.S. Dovinto has entered into a strategic importation and distribution agreement with The American Spirits Exchange which promises to extend the availability of Dovinto's premium wines to the broader U.S. audience, enriching the wine experiences of connoisseurs and newcomers alike

Related link: https://dovinto.com/en

Dovinto Announces Entrance to the U.S. Market, the Completion of its Series A Round and Partnership with Digitl Mediums and Nicole Salmeri

BAJA CALIFORNIA, Mexico /ScoopCloud/ -- Dovinto Vinicola Destino is pleased to announce that its award-wining wines are entering the United States market which was facilitated by the successful completion of the first of its institutional fundraising efforts. With its rich heritage and dedication to producing exceptional wines, Dovinto aims to captivate wine enthusiasts across America with the unique flavors and characteristics of its uniquely-created premium Mexican wines.

Guided by a passion for winemaking and a commitment to sustainable practices, Dovinto has already won awards for its first two vintage years (2017-18) in international competition. The Dovinto vineyards are nestled in the picturesque region of Baja California, the birthplace of wine cultivation in the Americas, where the perfect combination of climate, soil, and elevation creates an optimal environment for grape cultivation. This distinct terroir imparts a distinctive quality to the wines, resulting in a diverse portfolio red and white wines that showcases the true essence of winemaking.

"We have spent the last ten years perfecting the systems and cultivating the grapes for our beyond-organic and sustainable wine-making process," said founder Jesus Sesma. "Our wines represent the culmination of our passion for winemaking, our commitment to sustainability, and the rich heritage of Mexican winemaking. We are confident that American wine lovers will appreciate the depth and complexity of flavors our wines offer."

Dovinto takes pride in its blending traditional methods, innovative techniques and sustainable practices, ensuring that the production process respects the environment and the surrounding communities. By implementing eco-friendly initiatives, such as water conservation, solar energy and organic farming methods, Dovinto strives to protect the natural beauty of the regions where its vineyards flourish. Dovinto manufactures its own bio-fertilizers, bio-fungicides and bio-pesticides on the property, all naturally.

Dovinto has engaged the boutique marketing and consulting firm Digitl Mediums to help introduce Dovinto to the U.S. market.

"To celebrate its entry into the U.S. market, Dovinto will be sponsoring an array of exciting events," said Herbert Dogan, President of Digitl Mediums. "Dovinto will be hosting wine tastings and educational experiences to introduce the intricacies of the Dovinto wine experience. Dovinto's completely organic wine-making process not only makes for a better-tasting wine but also a chemical-free and healthier one."

Assisting in this process is director / cinematographer / editor Nicole Salmeri, who will be creating a brief documentary on the history of Dovinto and its unique wine-making process.

"Dovinto has a fabulous and intimate story, both in its history and its process," said Ms. Salmeri. "I am excited to be part of the process of introducing Dovinto's story to U.S. and worldwide audiences."

Dovinto's wines will soon be available at select retailers, fine dining establishments, and through its online platform, allowing wine enthusiasts nationwide to indulge in the finest expressions of Mexican winemaking.

About Dovinto:

Jesus Sesma established his winery in 2010 with the dream of creating only the finest organic wines that could equal of the world's best. He chose Baja California, the birthplace of wine cultivation in the Americas, as the home for Dovinto Vinicola Destino. Dovinto is an award-winning winery that believes in natural, biological, sustainable and sustainable viticulture. It uses solar energy in 100% of its processes, vinifying without corrections or additives and taking care of the soil because it is the key to our health and a healthy environment. Dovinto manufactures its own bio-fertilizers, bio-fungicides and bio-pesticides on the property, all naturally. No herbicides are used - weeds are manually removed and reincorporated into the soil.

For more information, please visit: https://dovinto.com/en

About Digitl Mediums:

Digitl Mediums is a purpose-built team of strategists, digital marketing experts, creatives, and influencers passionate about building, evolving, and amplifying the reach, voice, people, and product offerings of the brands it represents. Digitl Mediums' collective experience is heavily rooted in sports, art, entertainment, and emerging culture to create the kind of advertising people want to experience, witness, hear, feel, promote, and pay for. Digitl Mediums' principals have been in the industry for over 40 years with experience working with some of the best in the industry, such as Nike, Sprite, Gatorade, Verizon, ADIDAS, and Spark Communications. For more information, please visit: https://digitlmediums.com/

About Nicole Salmeri:

Nicole Salmeri is a NYC- and LA-based director / cinematographer / editor, working on films, commercials, fashion, and music videos. Raised on Rock 'n' Roll and muscle cars, Nicole brings a stylized look, an emotional feel and skillful music edits to everything she touches. With over 13 years of experience, Nicole has worked with clients such as Vogue, Sony Music, Wild Turkey, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Moncler, Glossier, Mini Cooper, iD-Germany, Instagram, Amazon Games, Warner Bros. Games, Shutterfly, Dockers, Pinhook Whiskey, Conde Nast and Vice. Nicole's most recent film, "I Love My Mother," premiered at ASVOFF in Paris and the Chelsea Film Festival in NYC. For more information, please visit: https://www.nicolesalmeri.com/

VIDEO (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW1i6uPs5As

Dovinto Vinicola Destino is pleased to announce that its award-wining wines are entering the United States market which was facilitated by the successful completion of the first of its institutional fundraising efforts. With its rich heritage and dedication to producing exceptional wines, Dovinto aims to captivate wine enthusiasts across America with the unique flavors and characteristics of its uniquely-created premium Mexican wines.

Related link: https://dovinto.com/en

Glancy Wine Education Foundation Names Ana Keller as President and Adds New Board Member Peter Andrews

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Sonoma vintner Ana Keller as its new board President and the addition of importer Peter Andrews as a new board member. Founding President Cheryl Halloran will remain on the board in her role as Fundraising Chair.

Keller brings more than 12 years of experience working on non-profit boards to the position, having served as President of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance, as well as continuing to serve as a board member of the Sonoma County Vintners. For the last 23 years, Keller has helped to run her family's winery, Keller Estate, where she has served as Estate Director since 1998.

"I'm extremely excited to join a mission-driven organization that has done such great work in furthering wine education for BIPOC and under-represented wine professionals," said Keller. "I believe we've only scratched the surface of what this foundation is capable of, and I look forward to being involved in the next stage of its evolution and growth."

Wine importer Peter Andrews, DipWSET, CSS, CSW, MBA, has also joined the board, offering his 13 years of experience as a wine educator, sales manager, and operational executive for a wine e-commerce retailer to the organization. Andrews recently launched Culture Wine Co., an importer, wholesaler, e-commerce retailer, and wine club focusing exclusively on the wines of South Africa.

"These are two stellar additions to an already strong volunteer board," said board Vice President, Alder Yarrow. "The combination of Ana's leadership track record and Peter's strong industry and operational experience will be invaluable."

Both Keller and Andrews have joined on the eve of the foundation's third anniversary. To date the organization has provided more than $220,000 in scholarships to more than 140 individuals representing a wide range of experience and backgrounds both inside and outside the wine and hospitality industries.

Professionals in need of financial aid are encourage to apply for scholarships year-round at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/scholarships. Awards are made monthly.

About The Glancy Wine Education Foundation:

Established in 2020, The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a registered a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting underserved and minority communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education, increase diversity, and raise earning power.

Find out more at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/.

Learn more about the foundation's board at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/board.

The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Sonoma vintner Ana Keller as its new board President and the addition of importer Peter Andrews as a new board member. Founding President Cheryl Halloran will remain on the board in her role as Fundraising Chair.

Digitalised Old Vine Registry Launches to Global Wine Community Via Live Webinar

LONDON, U.K. /ScoopCloud/ -- On Monday, June 26, thought-leaders and pioneers in the realm of old vines hosted a live webinar to launch The Old Vine Registry: the world's most comprehensive database of living historic vineyard sites, The Old Vine Conference announced today. The Old Vine Registry, which is free to view, is an evolution of what started as a simple spreadsheet and has been completely digitalised to become an unmatched resource for the global wine industry, the academic world, and wine lovers around the globe.

470 people registered to attend the one-hour live webinar which reached 35 countries around the world. Jancis Robinson MW, Sarah Abbott MW and California-based wine writer Alder Yarrow were joined by Founder & Chairperson of The Old Vine Project in South Africa Rosa Kruger, VP of Wine Education at Jackson Family Wines Gilian Handelman, and Senior Editor of JancisRobinson.com Tamlyn Currin. The panel used the webinar to unveil The Old Vine Registry website, explain how it is funded, how to use it and how the global wine community can help to keep it up to date.

"It's hard to find projects that feel this level of energy and are imbued with so much good will," explained Gilian Handelman, VP of Wine Education at Jackson Family Wines, whose charitable donation funded the initial build of the Old Vine Registry.

Alder Yarrow, Founder & Editor at Vinography.com is the architect behind the design and build of The Old Vine Registry and has driven the project from concept to realisation. Introducing his guide on how to use the Registry he explained, "We're launching the minimum viable product (MVP), there's plenty more that we know we would like to add and change but the purpose of an MVP is to get it into the hands of the people that will actually use it and hopefully will tell us what they would like to see added, changed and attributed to the site."

The Old Vine Registry is a search-based tool designed for users to search for anything they might be looking for in the realm of old vines but, explains Yarrow, "The real magic and benefit of The Old Vine Registry is the 'Find wines from this vineyard' functionality which directs the user to wine-searcher.com and closes the commercial loop that old vines desperately need. It's one thing to champion old vine vineyards and talk about their value but if no one is actually buying, tasting and enjoying the wines they will never be commercially viable and will eventually be ripped out."

Jancis Robinson MW started writing about the world's heritage of old vines more than 15 years ago and began documenting them in the form of a rudimentary spreadsheet with writer Tamlyn Currin. Over the years as the spreadsheet grew, so did knowledge of its existence so that wineries and growers would submit details of their old vines to be added to the list by Currin and wine blogger Benjamin Roelfs.

As of Monday 26th June the Old Vine Registry has 2,200 vineyards recorded from entries collected over 13 years. Portugal and Spain lead with 822 and 383 old vineyards registered respectively. The United States comes in third with 334 vineyards, followed by Australia and France with 208 and 142 respectively.

In her closing remarks at the launch of The Old Vine Registry Jancis Robinson MW gave a rallying call for action: 'I urge everybody to participate in the Old Vine Registry: visit it, explore it, enjoy it! Let's see this grow and let's see everyone's hard work, particularly that of Alder Yarrow, bear fruit to the benefit of all of us and to the world's beautiful old vines.'

The full recording of the webinar can be viewed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsD7AXpxnh0

The link to The Old Vine Registry is: https://www.oldvineregistry.org/

About:

Alder Yarrow, Founder & Editor at Vinography.com is the architect behind the design and build of The Old Vine Registry and has driven the project from concept to realisation. The raw data at the heart of the Registry has been provided by JancisRobinson.com and the ongoing stewardship of The Old Vine Registry lies with The Old Vine Conference. The development of the Old Vine Registry has been funded by a donation from Jackson Family Wines.

On Monday, June 26, thought-leaders and pioneers in the realm of old vines hosted a live webinar to launch The Old Vine Registry: the world's most comprehensive database of living historic vineyard sites, The Old Vine Conference announced today. The Old Vine Registry, which is free to view, is an evolution of what started as a simple spreadsheet and has been completely digitalised to become an unmatched resource for the global wine industry, the academic world, and wine lovers around the globe.

Related link: https://www.oldvines.org/

Barnett Vineyards Celebrates their 40th Anniversary

SPRING MOUNTAIN, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- In honor of its 40th anniversary this year, Barnett Vineyards, known for its highly regarded Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon wines, has announced a donation program for the St. Helena Fire Department in recognition of the tremendous efforts made by the local fire department in responding to the devastating 2020 fires.

The donation is part of the winery's commitment to supporting the local fire department and community that helped to save many of the Spring Mountain properties that were in harm's way of the fire. The 2020 fires caused widespread destruction and displaced many families and businesses in Napa Valley and greater northern California.

In recognition of the efforts of the firefighters, Hal and Fiona Barnett, founders and proprietors of Barnett Vineyards, are donating a percentage of the sales of the 2021 vintage of Cabernet Franc wine sales to the St. Helena Fire Department. The funds will be used to support the firehouse's ongoing efforts to keep the community safe and to help firefighters obtain the equipment and training they need to respond to future emergencies.

"We are deeply grateful to the firefighters who worked tirelessly to protect our community during the 2020 fires," said Hal Barnett "We believe that supporting the local community is an essential part of our business and are committed to doing our part to make sure that everyone thrives after enduring such a hardship. We celebrate 40 years of our family winery this year, and we have had great opportunities and challenges along the way. This is our way of expressing gratitude for first responders and their selfless efforts."

The donation is part of the winery's ongoing commitment to supporting the local community. In addition to this donation, Barnett Vineyards has participated in numerous community events and supported many local charitable organizations. Fiona Barnett is active board member with Larkin Street Youth, a non-profit in San Francisco that helps to keep young people off the streets by providing healthcare, housing, employment and education services.

About Barnett Vineyards:

Barnett Vineyards was founded in 1983 by Hal and Fiona Barnett and today, the family-owned winery celebrates 40 years in the Spring Mountain American Viticultural District (AVA). The Barnetts had a vision, took a risk and planted a vineyard on a series of hand-tilled terraces, slopes, forests and winding roads. Now, four decades later, the Barnetts continue their dream, living on the estate where the wines are grown and made. The rocky, volcanic soil on the Barnett estate, high elevation as well as steep hillside conditions, produces fruit of great intensity as well as complexity. Winemaker and General Manager, David Tate has worked alongside the Barnetts since 2007 and has helped to evolve production to between 7,000 and 8,000 cases while maintaining quality and the artisanal winemaking that has made these award-winning wines so in demand.

The founding of Barnett Vineyards on Spring Mountain is a story of a family that for 40 years has put its blood, sweat and tears into a place, with the enduring expectation that every day they endeavor to make it better. They love where they live, and they love what they do.

For more information on the winery, its wine and its owners, and to purchase wine, please visit https://www.barnettvineyards.com/ or visit @barnettvineyards on Instagram.

For information, interviews, and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET of Charles Communications Associates at 415-730-0064 or kcharles@charlescomm.com.

In honor of its 40th anniversary this year, Barnett Vineyards, known for its highly regarded Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon wines, has announced a donation program for the St. Helena Fire Department in recognition of the tremendous efforts made by the local fire department in responding to the devastating 2020 fires.

Related link: https://www.barnettvineyards.com/

Domaine Carneros Debuts New Menu for the Popular ‘Bubbles & Bites’ Experience: A Journey Through Southeast Asia

NAPA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Founded in 1987, in the Carneros appellation of Northern California by the Champagne Taittinger family, Domaine Carneros is a grower producer of ultra-premium sparkling wines and limited production pinot noirs. Domaine Carneros has become the benchmark for California sparkling wine, reflecting both the individuality of the Carneros' terroir and the craftsmanship of its French legacy.

WHAT: The Art of Sparkling Wine Pairing: Bubbles & Bites

The popularity of the Bubbles & Bites tasting menu, first launched in 2018, has been a special experience for visitors who wish to explore the versatility of sparkling wine with different cuisines. To date, the winery has focused on Asian, Mexican, Moroccan and Spanish pairings and now announces its next cuisine of focus...a journey through Southeast Asia.

Experience the versatility of sparkling wine in this curated food & wine pairing which highlights the flavors of cuisines around the globe. This limited-edition menu takes you on a journey through Southeast Asia. Celebrate the diversity of cuisine in Vietnam, Thailand, and India, and discover unexpected and delightful pairings with sparkling wine. Join us for this food & wine pairing experience that includes four savory and one sweet bite, each of which has been specially designed to pair with four of Domaine Carneros' top-rated estate grown sparkling wines - Ultra Brut, Estate Brut Cuvée, Brut Rosé, and Verméil Demi-Sec. Led by the winery's most seasoned wine educators, this experience will shed a new light on the versatility of sparkling wine.

Menu

* Vietnamese style Shrimp on Rice Noodles Lemongrass marinated shrimp served atop rice noodles tossed in a cooling nuoc cham vinaigrette. Paired with 2018 Domaine Carneros Ultra Brut

* Massaman Curry with Paneer Seared Indian paneer cheese served over a nest of crispy rice sticks and bathed in a traditional Thai Massaman curry. Paired with 2018 Domaine Carneros Estate Brut Cuvée

* Pork Banh-Mi Marinated thinly sliced pork on a homemade roll, dressed with traditional pickled carrots & daikon, fresh cilantro, sriracha aioli, and mushroom duxelles. Paired with 2019 Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé

* Thai style Chicken Larb Ground chicken with lemongrass, chili, garlic, cilantro & mint, and Chinese long beans served on a bed of crisp lettuce. Paired with 2018 Domaine Carneros Verméil Demi-Sec

* Pandan Custard Cake Thai custard cake infused with Pandan leaves and topped with fresh basil whipped cream. Paired with 2018 Domaine Carneros Verméil Demi-Sec

*Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, please call the winery to discuss personalization

$99 cost, does not include gratuity or sales tax. $35 per person deposit is required for booking.

This unique tasting experience is available for groups up to 8, guests 21 years and older. 48-hour cancellation.

Domaine Carneros offers specialized versions of this experience for larger parties. Please call 707-257-0101 extension 150 for inquiries.

WHERE:  Domaine Carneros Winery 1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559 

About Domaine Carneros

Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the traditional method production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to Chardonnay, 250 acres planted to Pinot Noir. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines limited production pinot noirs grown on their estate vineyards.

For more information, visit: https://www.domainecarneros.com/

Social: Domaine Carneros

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/domainecarneros

Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/domainecarneros

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/domainecarneroswinery

Founded in 1987, in the Carneros appellation of Northern California by the Champagne Taittinger family, Domaine Carneros is a grower producer of ultra-premium sparkling wines and limited production pinot noirs. Domaine Carneros has become the benchmark for California sparkling wine, reflecting both the individuality of the Carneros' terroir and the craftsmanship of its French legacy.

Related link: https://www.domainecarneros.com/

Domaine Carneros Celebrates Sustainability for Earth Day 2023 – PowerFlex Microgrid represents Next Generation of Solar Power

NAPA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Earth Day 2023 brings a vibrant green to the terrain and vineyards of Domaine Carneros as the 2022-23 winter rains have provided much needed relief from the past five years of draught in California. 2023 will mark a significant advance in the winery's record of sustainability when a new solar microgrid and battery system comes online, providing the winery over 75% energy independence. Since its founding in 1987, Domaine Carneros has put sustainability initiatives at the forefront of their daily practices, consistently working to minimize their environmental impact as true stewards of the land.

The intention at Domaine Carneros is to create the best wines and most memorable sparkling wine experiences through healthy land, vines, and people. For the 36 years since its founding, Domaine Carneros has pushed the sustainability envelope to ensure that the winery lives as lightly on the land as possible while producing excellent grapes, and, of course, wine. In pursuit of the highest standards, Domaine Carneros has sought and received certifications from numerous prestigious sustainable organizations. Annual assessments and audits seek out new areas to improve upon rigorous standards of sustainability not only for the winery, but also for its place in the community and as an employer.

The winery implements the following measures towards continuous improvement:

Re-use and recycling

* Through composting, recycling, and reuse, over 90% of solid waste is diverted from landfills.

* Water used in the production process is recycled and used to irrigate the estate vineyards.

* A decade-long packaging reuse program, whereby 20-25% of cases and inserts are reused for in-house purposes.

Sustainability Practices

* Solar energy has long been a crucial aspect of Domaine Carneros' sustainability plan, having installed the largest solar collection system of any winery in the world when it was implemented in 2003. In 2023, Domaine Carneros will be among the first wineries in the Napa Valley to install a solar microgrid and battery system, which will supply 75% of the winery's power, and ultimately allow the winery to be self-sustaining during power outages.

* The winery's use of skylights, building into the earth, and employing night cooling systems to maintain cellar temperatures all contribute to energy conservation as well as robust employee involvement in daily conservation efforts.

* The winery practices Integrated Pest Management using natural controls for vineyard pests such as boxes to attract owls which feed on voles and using cover crops that attract beneficial insects to control insect pests.

* Grape pomace from harvest is used to feed local cattle in a region of California with historic ties to the dairy business.

Commitment to Employees

* The winery has strong principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and its staff is reflective of that commitment.

* The winery practices open book management, inspiring all employees to be a part of a collective success.

* The winery fosters and encourages mentorship for its staff and embraces professional development beyond the team in the form of scholarship offerings and a fellowship.

The winery has been awarded several prestigious honors from the state of California and other well-respected organizations. In April 2023, the winery received the RISE Leadership Award for outstanding waste prevention and greening of its supply chain. In 2020, the winery received the Napa Climate NOW! award for being a Climate Champion in the Business Category. The winery also received the California Green Medal Business Award in 2019 for "demonstrating smart business through efficiencies, cost savings, and innovation from implementing sustainable practices." Only four wineries are awarded the medal each year, so the honor is quite significant given the number of wineries in the state.

Domaine Carneros has been a Bay Area Green Business since 2014, Fish Friendly Farming certified since 2015, Napa Green Land & Winery since 2014 and Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing since 2015.

Looking towards the future, CEO Remi Cohen reiterated the foundations of the winery's philosophy which she is carrying forward, "Domaine Carneros has always been a leader in thoughtful winemaking and vineyard management, looking towards furthering our sustainability practices and initiatives. As we meet new climate challenges, the winery will always look to be a leader with a light footprint as well as a strong investment in the future of its team and the industry."

ABOUT DOMAINE CARNEROS:

Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating a vision of terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the methode traditionelle of sparkling wine production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to chardonnay, and 250 acres planted to pinot noir. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines largely estate grown and limited production pinot noirs.

For more information, visit: https://www.domainecarneros.com/.

Earth Day 2023 brings a vibrant green to the terrain and vineyards of Domaine Carneros as the 2022-23 winter rains have provided much needed relief from the past five years of draught in California. 2023 will mark a significant advance in the winery's record of sustainability when a new solar microgrid and battery system comes online.

Related link: https://www.domainecarneros.com/

Covenant Winery Announces 2023 Summer Concert Calendar: Second year of popular series at the urban winery tasting patio in Berkeley, California

BERKELEY, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Covenant Winery Summer Music Series, now in its 2nd year, will kick off at their Sixth Street Winery in Berkeley on Sunday, April 23rd, and continue through the end of July, just before harvest season starts. Showcased at the winery's new outdoor tasting lounge, fans of wine and music can enjoy the vibe of the Berkeley Drinks District, while sipping a nice array of wines from throughout California's diverse wine regions.

Covenant founding winemaker Jeff Morgan, who owns the winery with his wife and CEO Jodie, has a deep history with music as a performer, specifically as a saxophone player. After a formal education at the French National Music Conservatory in Nice, France Jeff became a co-band leader for the house band in Monte Carlo at Prince Rainier's Grand Casino in Monaco. He took a hiatus from playing music for the last 20+ years, but during the COVID lockdown, he had some time on his hands and returned to his saxophone.

Jeff's funk band-Free Run-will launch the series on April 23; and his jazz quintet-Jeff Morgan Jazz-will perform on April 30. Free Run returns May 14, June 11, June 25, July 16, and July 30. Other bands to be featured in the music series include French Jazz pianist, Franck Amsallem, bassist Jeff Denson's trio, jazz ensemble Charged Particles, Conjunto Guarajuba (soulful Bossa and Brazilian) and the classic rock band Felsen.

For the complete Covenant Winery concert schedule, and to purchase tickets, go to https://covenantwines.com/visit/.

Performances take place between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets can be purchased in advance, and $20 will get you a glass of wine (choice of white, rosé, or red) and concert admission. Reservations can also be made at wine@covenantwines.com.

In honor of the winery's 20th anniversary, 2023 features several special events, tastings and celebrations commemorating the family-owned winery's achievements.

Stay tuned for more details by following the winery on Instagram @CovenantWines or signing up for one of several winery clubs at https://covenantwines.com/ or emailing wine@covenantwines.com.

The Covenant Winery Summer Music Series, now in its 2nd year, will kick off at their Sixth Street Winery in Berkeley on Sunday, April 23rd, and continue through the end of July, just before harvest season starts. Showcased at the winery's new outdoor tasting lounge, fans of wine and music can enjoy the vibe of the Berkeley Drinks District, while sipping a nice array of wines from throughout California's diverse wine regions.

Related link: https://covenantwines.com/

Barnett Vineyards Celebrates 40th Anniversary in 2023

SPRING MOUNTAIN, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The year 2023 marks a significant milestone for the Barnett family who in 1983, seeking a respite from the pressures of city life in San Francisco, found a special, high elevation property on Spring Mountain Road in the Napa Valley that was to become the renowned vineyard and winery it is today. The 1980s was a nascent period for Napa Valley, and 1983 marked a decade since the founding of many legendary wineries such as Stag's Leap and Cakebread Cellars, who were transforming the sleepy farm country into a serious wine destination. The Barnetts made the commitment early on to live on the property full time raising their family and cultivating a vineyard, in other words, hands on vintners.

With a knack for finding great land and talent, and seeing ahead of the curve, the purchase of 40 acres became the foundation of what is today, Barnett Vineyards. Hal Barnett's real estate savvy and Fiona Barnett's financial know how, helped them formulate a dream team of viticulturalists and winemaking, releasing their first vintage in 1989. In 1991, they produced their first designated Spring Mountain wine, later bottled, and labeled in 1993 when the Spring Mountain AVA was formally approved by what was then, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (BATF).

The physical layout of the Spring Mountain District, 30 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, 25 miles north of the San Pablo Bay at elevations between 600-2600 feet (the Barnett Vineyard is at 2,100 feet), allows for cool climate winemaking resulting in wines of structure, balance, and intensity. Prescient for these challenging times of climate change, the wines are a testimony to patience, rewarding those who prefer to cellar wines and appreciate the evolution that comes with time.

Their famed Rattlesnake Hill vineyard on the property, came out of the gate with its first vintage in 1991 and earned a 96-point score from Robert Parker at The Wine Advocate and the Barnetts commitment to fine winemaking was cemented. Working for the last sixteen years with noted winemaker David Tate, the wines crafted on the property continue to win awards and accolades, rewarding those who consider patience a virtue.

The fires of 2020 almost extinguished the efforts of three plus decades, but thankfully, quick thinking and action on the part of the employees, both past and present, using the property's pool water and pumps, they were able to put out the fire onsite. The extent of the damage included many vines, trees, equipment, and the tasting platform on Rattlesnake HIll. In 2022, a renewed planting effort of 4,000 vines along with a new deck helped set up the 40th anniversary year to come with a spirit of resilience and renewal.

2023 will consist of several special auction lots, limited edition bottlings, public and private events celebrating the vision of this visionary family and team.

Please visit https://www.barnettvineyards.com/ or follow the winery on Instagram @barnettvineyards

The year 2023 marks a significant milestone for the Barnett family who in 1983, seeking a respite from the pressures of city life in San Francisco, found a special, high elevation property on Spring Mountain Road in the Napa Valley that was to become the renowned vineyard and winery it is today.

Related link: https://www.barnettvineyards.com/

Charles Communications Associates Celebrates 20 Years in 2023 – Wine Marketing Agency Reflects on Two Decades of Excellence

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- This year marks the 20th anniversary for Charles Communications Associates (CCA), a leading wine marketing firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. What began at the dining room table of founder Kimberly Charles in 2003 with her first client, noted actor and vintner Fess Parker, has grown over the last twenty years to represent clients in Japan, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South America and the U.S with a dynamic team.

In 2021, Meininger's International named CCA one of the top 10 wine & spirits companies in the United States and Founder and President Kimberly Charles likes to say, "We have kept our momentum in these twenty years, pacing with changing technologies, media landscapes, larger trends within our industry and with consumer preferences. That consistent push to keep relevant and nimble has been a big part of our success."

Charles Communications Associates was early to the tech scene when it debuted the Brandlive platform in 2012, engaging with vintners and media via interactive video meet ups. A precursor to today's ubiquitous zoom meetings, CCA saw early on the value of connecting from the comfort of one's home with vintners around the world. Always with an eye to sustainability through innovative partnerships and impact investing as well as aligning with companies who espoused sustainable beliefs, CCA was an early adopter to what is today a new baseline for the way companies operate and market their brands.

Another pillar of CCA's core beliefs is in supporting women led or owned companies. Many of CCA's client base have powerful women as CEOs such as Wente Vineyards, Domaine Carneros, the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene among others. CCA has worked with a large majority of legacy families in the California wine business including the Wentes, the Mondavis, the Gallos among others, helping them to shape their narrative and claiming their place in the continuum of history.

At the core of the company's belief system, has been a dedication to continuous improvement and education. Among the first U.S. cohort to earn the challenging Diploma certification from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, founder Kimberly Charles has always kept the educational focus front and center with her client programming, executing programs with substance, relevance and meaning. Early to adopt a work/life balance with her team, she works with a network of associates in Cape Town, New York, California, and beyond.

When asked what's ahead of the next industry curve, Charles likes to share that relationships will always be the company's stock and trade. Cultivating long term connections with clients, media and gatekeepers in the trade will continue. As she shares, "A good story never goes out of style."

Discover more about Charles Communications Associates at https://www.charlescomm.com/ or on Instagram and Facebook @AlltheSwirl.

This year marks the 20th anniversary for Charles Communications Associates (CCA), a leading wine marketing firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. What began at the dining room table of founder Kimberly Charles in 2003 with her first client, noted actor and vintner Fess Parker, has grown over the last twenty years to represent clients in Japan, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South America and the U.S with a dynamic team.

Related link: https://www.charlescomm.com/

Covenant Winery Kicks off 20th Anniversary with Jazz Concert at City Winery in New York City

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Covenant Winery, which highlights appellation driven wines from California and Israel, kicks off its 20th anniversary celebration on Sunday, February 5 at City Winery from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in New York City with a jazz concert led by winery founder and proprietor, Jeff Morgan, and friends.

Celebrating the 20th marker of their first vintage, the winery is an urban destination located in Berkeley, California's exciting Gilman District, home to wineries, breweries and distilleries offering visitors a full California wine appellational experience, along with releases from the company's Israeli portfolio.

Morgan owns the Covenant winery with his wife and CEO Jodie and has a deep history with music as a performer, specifically as a saxophone player. After a formal education at the French National Music Conservatory in Nice, France Jeff became a co-band leader for the house band in Monte Carlo at Prince Rainier's Grand Casino in Monaco. He took a hiatus from playing music for the last 25 years, but because of the pandemic, he had some time on his hands and returned to his saxophone again. After a full year of practice and hosting a summer concert series in 2022 at the Tasting Patio of their urban winery, Jeff has regained his playing chops.

The wines of Covenant have received wide international acclaim and the Morgans have collaborated on ten cookbooks together, refining the approach to food and wine pairing. Elegant and approachable, books such as the Covenant Kitchen, the Dean & Deluca cookbook and the Domaine Chandon cookbook have delighted foodies with their fresh, ingredient driven recipes. Their informed and no-nonsense food pairings take the guesswork out of entertaining challenges, allowing the chef to relax and enjoy the journey of cooking and wine pairing.

The concert will feature a walk around wine tasting with food pairings, and doors open at 2:30 p.m., with the concert kicking off at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased here - https://www.citywinery.com/newyork/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=NYLFT-Covenant-Jazz-Wine-Tasting-2-5-23-330pm&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

City Winery NYC is located at 25 Eleventh Avenue at 15th Street in Manhattan, N.Y.

2023 will feature a number of special events, tastings and celebrations commemorating the family-owned winery's achievements. Stay tuned for more details by following the winery on Instagram @CovenantWines or signing up for one of several winery clubs at www.covenantwines.com or emailing wine@covenantwines.com.

Covenant Winery, which highlights appellation driven wines from California and Israel, kicks off its 20th anniversary celebration on Sunday, February 5 at City Winery from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in New York City with a jazz concert led by winery founder and proprietor, Jeff Morgan, and friends.

Related link: https://covenantwines.com/

Domaine Carneros makes the holidays sparkle with elegant gift offerings

NAPA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Domaine Carneros, the award-winning California grower-producer of method traditionelle sparkling wines, has a wide array of gifts available for the 2022 holiday season. Curated by the team at the French inspired chateau situated at the gateway to wine country in northern California, the offerings range from charcuterie and chocolate pairings with wine, to sabers and chillers to luxury candles, all paired up in gift sets that are sure to please.

A few of the highlights include the Decadent Delights, which includes the 2017 Domaine Carneros Estate Brut and Le Belge chocolates. Charcuterie and Cheer features Journeyman Meat Co's Saucisson Sec and Wild Groves Sweet Toasted Garlic Mustard along with a perfect host gift of the Bites on a Board book by Chef Annie Dalter paired with the 2018 Domaine Carneros Blanc de Noirs bubbly and a cutting board. Any foodie would appreciate the Bon Vivant Bounty gift set featuring the 2020 Domaine Carneros Avant Garde Pinot Noir, along with a gourmet gift box set from the Lucero Family of Wild Groves featuring blue cheese stuffed olives, artichoke tapenade, Ascolano olive oil and rosé vinegar, a ready-made party pack. The cocktail lover on your list will love the Spirited Sparkle, - a cocktail making set of crystal coupes, a gold brushed aluminum 4-piece bar toolset with a marble base, a sleek shaker in gold, and a jar of Flouwer Co. orange scented cocktail cubes accompanied by a bottle of 2017 Estate Brut. More of these wonderful and thoughtful offerings can be found here.

This year, the winery partnered with the California based luxury candle maker, Voluspa for a limited-edition gift set which features one 750 ml bottle of a custom-labeled Domaine Carneros sparkling wine paired with a Voluspa Sparkling Cuvée 9oz. Classic Candle. This set makes the perfect luxurious gift. Each box is designed with all the little details in mind, beautiful white velvet flocking, metallic accents, and the signature white iridescent sheen. More on the partnership is available here.

In addition, in keeping with holiday tradition, the winery has created a custom cocktail called the Ruby Wonderland in collaboration with the Social Sipper. Comprised of Domaine Carneros Brut, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, amaretto, orange bitters, and an orange blossom cocktail cube, this festive drink is served up with a holiday appropriate garnish of rosemary, star anise and pink grapefruit.

More about this innovative annual creation is here: https://www.domainecarneros.com/blog/ruby-wonderland-holiday-cocktail

Happy Holidays! A votre santé!

About Domaine Carneros:

Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the traditional method production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to Chardonnay, 250 acres planted to Pinot Noir. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines limited production pinot noirs grown on their estate vineyards

For more information, visit: https://www.domainecarneros.com/.

Social: Domaine Carneros

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/domainecarneros

Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/domainecarneros

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/domainecarneroswinery

Domaine Carneros, the award-winning California grower-producer of method traditionelle sparkling wines, has a wide array of gifts available for the 2022 holiday season. Curated by the team at the French inspired chateau situated at the gateway to wine country in northern California, the offerings range from charcuterie and chocolate pairings with wine, to sabers and chillers to luxury candles, all paired up in gift sets that are sure to please.

Related link: https://www.domainecarneros.com/

The 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Producers’ Consortium for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG debuted two new projects

SOLIGHETTO, Treviso /ScoopCloud/ -- At Villa Brandolini, on the occasion of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the birth of the Consorzio Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, two new projects were presented, of which the first, the Green Academy, will be an incubator for research, studies, content and new ideas that will enable producers to work in an ever more structured, consolidated and concrete way for the sustainability of the region.

The creation of the Green Academy marks an important point in the continuum that the Consortium has been pursuing for at least a decade, with an eye towards the future and the enhancement and conservation of the environment, of the landscape, and of viticulture.

"We are proud and highly motivated to proceed in this direction: the Green Academy offers a path which will allow us to take full advantage of our knowledge in collaboration with experts in the various sectors that this subject involves," states the Consortium's President, Elvira Bortolomiol. She continues: "Our zone and our community are precious gifts, and it is for their benefit that we have the duty to avail ourselves to the best of our ability of our expertise and the resources we have, so as to be able to offer a real contribution to our terroir and also be a point of reference for other regions."

"Our Green Academy will study the most urgent topics that the global environmental agenda has to deal with, and then tailor them for our zone," says Diego Tomasi, Director of the Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco. "First of all, climate change: we are already working together with Banca Prealpi and the University of Cantabria, with the objective of creating models for forecasting any extreme atmospheric events that may occur in our hills between the present and 2030, 2050 or even 2100."

A group of internationally renowned Egyptologists has studied, specifically for the Consortium, how the Ancient Egyptians succeeded in cultivating vines in extreme climatic conditions; their research goes as far back as 3000 years B.C.. The complete results, expected in mid-2023, may give concrete clues for putting mitigatory actions into effect on our hillsides.

"But we're already doing something tangible with regard to drought," Tomasi adds, "by focusing our attention on recuperating, conserving and reusing rain and spring water." Indeed, in the 5th tender for our supply chain, which was presented very recently, the Consorzio included a specific, generous sum for financing the creation of small basins designed for collecting water from corrivation; the University of Padua will be responsible for this activity. Moreover, the plan is to recuperate water diverted from the Piave river, an activity which the Consortium is working towards in conjunction with the Municipalities in the Denomination, trade bodies, and the Association for Reclamation of the Left Bank of the Piave.

Another important topic with regards to sustainability is land use, which will be dealt with by the Green Academy thanks to the creation of a permanent observatory. As of today, the area of the Denomination is used 30% for viticulture, 57% for woodland, 9% is destined for other uses and 4% for urban use. There therefore exists a rich biodiversity (one of the reasons that the zone was able to gain recognition from UNESCO), and this must be protected. A feasibility study has already begun, in close cooperation with other partners (the Municipality of Valdobbiadene, Coldiretti, Banca Prealpi, the UNESCO Association), for traffic that totally excludes the transport of goods on large trucks or in traditional rail wagons.

To deal with these subjects, the Consortium has for some time now been reinforcing its know-how, especially in the technical department.

The Consortium's consolidated activities in terms of environmental health continues, such as the partnership with the Symbola Foundation and updating the Viticultural Protocol. In particular, belonging to Symbola, an organisation that has grouped together for several years now, includes Italy's outstanding businesses and other bodies to promote their quality and support their sustainable behaviour, is very much in line with the Consortium's goals.

A further objective of the Consortium is to involve the new generations, to whom the future of this Denomination will be entrusted. That is what lies behind the idea of the Wine Tourism Lab, whose dual objective is to function as a link between the various professional figures in the region and at the same time create greater awareness among young people of the wider opportunities that this zone will offer in the years to come. Not just with wine but - alongside it - also with its landscape, beauty, health, food, leisure and nature; all elements that blend together in a single concept: wine tourism.

The Consortium is therefore taking on the role of promoter of activities aimed at also expressing the quality of our terroir through the cultural and educational development of the generations that will be called upon to run the Conegliano Valdobbiadene zone as a whole. We must have a wider and more far-sighted vision of the Denomination's potential, while being aware that Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG will always represent the flagship of these hills and that it is the wine that will give rise to new economic opportunities.

The Consortium is now laying the foundations for giving the stakeholders in the region increasing competence in dealing with visitors, especially as regards hospitality that highlights the winemaking heart of the region. To achieve this objective, it will be necessary to concentrate on training all the professional figures involved so that the level of what is offered stands out for its high profile and its ability to be constantly in touch with the times.

The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is the private body, founded in 1962, that guarantees and controls adherence to the production regulations for D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. The sparkling wines produced on the hillsides between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in the Province of Treviso, obtained Denominazione di Origine Controllata status in 1969 and the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita in 2009. The production zone includes 15 municipal areas: Conegliano, San Vendemiano, Colle Umberto, Vittorio Veneto, Tarzo, Cison di Valmarino, San Pietro di Feletto, Refrontolo, Susegana, Pieve di Soligo, Farra di Soligo, Follina, Miane, Vidor and Valdobbiadene.

The Consortium, whose current President is Elvira Bortolomiol, has its headquarters in the village of Solighetto in Pieve di Soligo. It groups together 198 sparkling wine producers, 337 vinifying companies and 3,400 families of vine-growers, all of whom are involved in producing Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. It operates principally in three areas: protection and promotion of the product, both in Italy and abroad; encouraging knowledge of the product through educational activities and the organization of events; and relations with the press. It also offers technical assistance to its members, from the vineyard to the winery.

Connect with the Consorzio on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit https://www.prosecco.it/en/ to learn more about the region and its sparkling wines.

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEtmAVlkxAU&t=9s

At Villa Brandolini, on the occasion of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the birth of the Consorzio Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, two new projects were presented, of which the first, the Green Academy, will be an incubator for research, studies, content and new ideas that will enable producers to work in an ever more structured, consolidated and concrete way for the sustainability of the region.

Related link: http://www.prosecco.it/en/

Voluspa and Domaine Carneros by Taittinger welcome the holiday season with the Sparkling Cuvée Candle and Sparkling Wine duo

NAPA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Two iconic California-based handcrafted brands come together this holiday season with the release of the limited edition "Sparkling Cuvée" Signature Duo, featuring a luxuriously scented Voluspa candle and Sparkling Wine by the ever-elegant Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, paired in holiday gift packaging. Artisans of the senses, Voluspa and Domaine Carneros worked closely to accent the aromas of pink grapefruit and stone fruits found in the sparkling wine in the newest candle in the Voluspa portfolio. Both companies are California-based, sustainably focused and specialize in hand-crafted products. Their emphasis on accessible luxury made for a perfect partnership.

The limited-edition gift set features one 750 ml bottle of a custom-labeled Domaine Carneros sparkling wine paired with a Voluspa Sparkling Cuvée 9oz. Classic Candle. This set makes the perfect luxurious gift for any celebration. Sparking Cuvée's packaging is designed around the iridescent sheen of sparkling wine bubbles. A perfect complement to an evening of self-care or a gathering of friends, the opalescent Japonica glass accentuates the energy in the room with its sparkle and shine.

Each box is designed with all the little details in mind, beautiful white velvet flocking, metallic accents, and the signature white iridescent sheen. The set will retail for $89 and Domaine Carneros club members will benefit from a special price of $71.80. Purchases can be made here - https://www.domainecarneros.com/blog/raise-a-glass-with-a-sparkling-cuvee-by-domaine-carneros-and-voluspa.

About Voluspa:

Voluspa is true handcrafted California luxury. We believe that although our eyes show us the world, it's what we breathe in that brings us closer to it. Our exquisite scents are born from rare, globally-sourced ingredients of the highest quality and are rooted in our clean-burning, proprietary coconut wax blend - a first of its kind. Our fragrances are hand-poured in California, feature 100% natural hand-set wicks and are encased in ornate packaging, designed in-house. These vessels serve as colorful pops of elegant decor and can be repurposed and enjoyed long after the final flame. A well-rounded combination of quality, artistry and global inspiration serve as the backbone of who we are. From our house to your home.

For more information, visit: https://www.voluspa.com/.

Social: Voluspa

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/voluspacandles

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@voluspacandles?lang=en

Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/voluspacandles

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/voluspa

About Domaine Carneros:

Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the traditional method production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to Chardonnay, 250 acres planted to Pinot Noir. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines limited production pinot noirs grown on their estate vineyards.

For more information, visit: https://www.domainecarneros.com/.

Social: Domaine Carneros

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/domainecarneros

Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/domainecarneros

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/domainecarneroswinery

Two iconic California-based handcrafted brands come together this holiday season with the release of the limited edition "Sparkling Cuvée" Signature Duo, featuring a luxuriously scented Voluspa candle and Sparkling Wine by the ever-elegant Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, paired in holiday gift packaging. Artisans of the senses, Voluspa and Domaine Carneros worked closely to accent the aromas of pink grapefruit and stone fruits found in the sparkling wine in the newest candle in the Voluspa portfolio

Related link: https://www.domainecarneros.com/

The Glancy Wine Education Foundation announces its Annual Gala Celebration and auction Saturday November 12

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation announces its 11th annual gala celebration event and auction, taking place at the San Francisco Wine School in South San Francisco on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 5-10 p.m.

Eagerly anticipated by wine lovers and collectors, the intimate event will feature the ever-popular San Francisco Wine School Sommelier Olympics, luxury wines from all over the world, and a silent auction with unique wine items and experiences. Part of the evening's activities include top sommeliers competing in series of challenges designed by Master Sommelier and San Francisco Wine School founder, David Glancy.

The evening kicks off with a bubbles & bites reception. Then this year's competitors, Paul Carayas, Wine Director for Michelin Star Chez TJ in Mountain View, and Lindsey Young, Lead Sommelier for Michelin Starred Selby's Restaurant in Atherton, will go head-to-head in the annual blind tasting competition, wine trivia challenge, and wine service race. The evening will culminate with the ultimate food pairing competition - a multi-course tasting dinner presented by the competing sommeliers who have both carefully selected pairings for the meal.

The silent auction will be available both on-site and online for those who can't attend the event. Highlighted items include: an Oceania Cruise for two to any of 10 different destinations; a chef's wine pairing dinner for 8 at The Tasting House in Los Gatos; a private home wine tasting experience from Brooks Winery; a 2-night stay in Cuvaison's vineyard cottage plus a VIP tasting; dinner for 2 at Press Restaurant in Napa; a 24-bottle wine fridge pre-stocked with amazing wines; and more.

An auction preview opens on October 25, 2022. Bidding will open on November 4 and close November 13.

Tickets for the gala are available here: https://gwef.networkforgood.com/events/43085-2022-san-francisco-wine-school-anniversary-celebration-benefitting-glancy-wine-education-foundation?utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_2093645

The foundation's annual celebration plays a crucial role in raising funds required to provide wine education scholarships to wine and hospitality professionals in need of assistance. Donations of silent auction items are still being sought for this fundraising event through November 4, and sponsorships of various types are also available. Year-round, the foundation is happy to receive cash donations towards its scholarship program.

Interested parties should contact board President Cheryl Halloran at cheryl.gwef@gmail.com or 408-806-3757.

Professionals in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply for scholarships online at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.Org.

About The Glancy Wine Education Foundation:

Established in 2020, The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a registered a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting underserved and minority communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education, increase diversity, and raise their earning power. Find out more at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/.

The Glancy Wine Education Foundation announces its 11th annual gala celebration event and auction, taking place at the San Francisco Wine School in South San Francisco on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 5-10 p.m.

Glancy Wine Education Foundation Announces Addition of New Board Member Maggie Heile joins as co-chair of fundraising

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of a new board member, Maggie Heile, joining this month as co-chair of fundraising.

Bringing 30 years of business and wine experience to her role, Maggie has an impressive entrepreneurial and corporate resume, and is an interdisciplinary leader who has helped brands and organizations achieve high standards of excellence and success. With diverse experience as brand manager, marketing director, and general manager she has worked with household names such as Costco, Target, Walmart, and Eukanuba, driving sales and innovation as well as consumer loyalty.

Passionate about wine, she currently owns a wine brokerage in Utah called Vin 7000, named for the elevation of the highest peak in the state, where she brokers luxury, family-owned producers.

"We couldn't be more excited to have Maggie join our group of dedicated volunteers," said board Vice President, Alder Yarrow. "Her skill sets, emotional intelligence and drive will help take our organization to the next level."

Heile joins just before the foundation's annual gala celebration, which plays a crucial role in raising the funds required to provide wine education scholarships to wine and hospitality professionals in need of assistance. The event will be held on Saturday November 12, 2022, featuring a silent auction and gala, with early-bird tickets available for sale starting September 26th. Donations of silent auction items, ranging from wine to services to experiences are being sought for this fundraising event and sponsorships of various types are also available.

Interested parties should contact board President Cheryl Halloran at cheryl.gwef@gmail.com or 408-806-3757.

Professionals in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply for scholarships year-round at GlancyWineEducationFoundation.Org.

About The Glancy Wine Education Foundation:

Established in 2020, The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting underserved and minority communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education, increase diversity, and raise earning power.

Find out more at: https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/events

https://gwef.networkforgood.com/events/43085-2022-san-francisco-wine-school-anniversary-celebration-benefitting-glancy-wine-education-foundation?utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_2093645

The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of a new board member, Maggie Heile, joining this month as co-chair of fundraising. Heile joins just before the foundation's annual gala celebration, which plays a crucial role in raising the funds required to provide wine education scholarships to wine and hospitality professionals in need of assistance.

Tim Rowe named Vineyard Manager at Domaine Carneros

NAPA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- As harvest kicks off in Napa this week, Domaine Carneros Winery is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Rowe, seasoned viticultural expert with over a decade of impressive positions within the California wine industry, to the position of Vineyard Manager. Succeeding Alberto Zamora, who is retiring after a 40-year career in the wine industry, ten of which were spent transforming the vineyards at Domaine Carneros, Rowe states that his new position is a viticulturist's dream.

"With 400 acres in the Carneros AVA encompassing a diversity of clones and rootstocks, the estate vineyards are like a living laboratory," he notes. Rowe looks forward to working with the winemaking team to nuance the different clonal expressions in the wines. "The opportunity to manage six estate vineyards all within a few miles of the winery, which Alberto and the winery's dedicated team have cultivated with care and nurturing, is a labor of love and an incredible opportunity to go deep with my knowledge base."

During Zamora's tenure, he was instrumental in the acquisition of the Tula Vista (2012) and Las Amigas (2016) vineyards, and he also replanted 50% of the winery's vineyard holdings. Of retiring, he stated "I'm leaving the vineyards in a better, more sustainable place. I worked hard to achieve Napa Green, Fish Friendly Farming, and California Certified Sustainable Winegrowing certifications."

Rowe joins a team, under the leadership of CEO Remi Cohen, that is dedicated not only to sound environmental practices, but also to employee engagement and development. Of the new position, he shared that the dedicated vineyard team will allow him to nurture the career goals of the individuals who make up the crew. This aligns with the prevailing philosophy held by CEO Cohen and her management team which is to support, mentor, and cultivate from within the company. Commenting on Rowe's hire, she stated "We benefited so much from the contributions of Alberto over the past decade, and as we look ahead, Tim is the ideal fit to take us into the future, building on a superb foundation."

Prior to Domaine Carneros, Rowe, a native Kansan who graduated with an agricultural degree from the University of Missouri, worked with the vineyard management team run by Kirk Grace at the famed Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in the Napa Valley. Following that, he expanded his knowledge of California AVAs working for LVMH, focusing on the 2,000 acres of vineyards for the Domaine Chandon and Newton brands. Next, joining the innovative Monarch Tractor team as its tenth employee working to introduce the world's first electric self-driving tractor brought Rowe into the future of farming.

His well-rounded experience dovetails with the forward-thinking mentality of the team at Domaine Carneros. Of joining the team, he stated "I was always impressed by the iconic nature of this winery, and its reputation for producing among the best domestic sparkling wines preceded it. I look forward to taking the vineyards to the next level in quality and best practices."

ABOUT DOMAINE CARNEROS:

Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the traditional method production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 125 acres planted to Chardonnay, 225 acres planted to Pinot Noir, with the remaining acres currently in development. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines and limited production Pinot Noirs.

Domaine Carneros' château has become a landmark and symbol of the region. The architecture and interior design were inspired by the 18th century Château de la Marquetterie, the historic Taittinger family residence in the Champagne region. Visitors to the chateau enjoy seated tastings of methode traditionelle sparkling wines and small-lot pinot noir in the elegant Jardin d'Hiver or on the broad terrace overlooking the rolling vineyards of Carneros. Domaine Carneros limited production wines are available onsite, via ecommerce, and are distributed nationally by Kobrand Corporation which, founded in 1944, remains one of the few family-owned wine and spirits companies in the United States.

The winery places a high value on preserving the environment and has taken on a vast array of environmental efforts. The roof of the pinot noir winery adjacent to the château hosts a solar array that was the largest on any winery in the world when it was installed and continues to be expanded with a state-of-the-art microgrid launching in 2022. The most recent award, one of many from federal, state and local government; was the California Green Medal for Domaine Carneros' demonstration of "Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices."

Learn more at: https://www.domainecarneros.com/

As harvest kicks off in Napa this week, Domaine Carneros Winery is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Rowe, seasoned viticultural expert with over a decade of impressive positions within the California wine industry, to the position of Vineyard Manager. Succeeding Alberto Zamora, who is retiring after a 40-year career in the wine industry, ten of which were spent transforming the vineyards at Domaine Carneros, Rowe states that his new position is a viticulturist's dream.

Related link: https://www.domainecarneros.com/

Covenant Winery Summer Music Series Announces July Calendar Berkeley, CA Drinks District is Hopping

BERKELEY, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Covenant Winery Summer Music Series, which kicked off on Memorial Day weekend in Berkeley at their Sixth Street winery, continues through July with four concerts, July 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2022. Showcased at the winery's new outdoor tasting lounge, fans of wine and music can enjoy the vibe of the Berkeley Drinks District, while sipping a nice array of California and Israeli wines.

Covenant founding winemaker Jeff Morgan, who owns the winery with his wife and CEO Jodie, has a deep history with music as a performer, specifically as a saxophone player. After a formal education at the French National Music Conservatory in Nice, France Jeff became a co-band leader for the house band in Monte Carlo at Prince Rainier's Grand Casino in Monaco. He took a hiatus from playing music for the last 25 years, but during the recent Covid pandemic, he had some time on his hands and returned to his saxophone again.

Today, a year later, Jeff has regained his playing chops. His funk band, Free Run, will perform July 17 and 24 this month.

Other bands to be featured in the music series include: Dave Eagle's Brazilian Trio de D and the original rock band, Felsen, with all musicians hailing from the Bay Area.

For the complete Covenant Winery concert schedule, go to https://www.exploretock.com/covenant-wines/event/342902/summer-concert-series.

Performances take place between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets can be purchased in advance, and $20 will get you a glass of wine (choice of white, rose or red), light snacks and concert admission. Advance reservations can be made at wine@covenantwines.com.

Covenant Winery is located at 1102 Sixth St. in Berkeley, California.

LEARN MORE: https://covenantwines.com/

The Covenant Winery Summer Music Series, which kicked off on Memorial Day weekend in Berkeley at their Sixth Street winery, continues through July with four concerts, July 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2022. Showcased at the winery's new outdoor tasting lounge, fans of wine and music can enjoy the vibe of the Berkeley Drinks District, while sipping a nice array of California and Israeli wines.

Related link: https://covenantwines.com/

As California’s New Mandatory Responsible Beverage Service Certification Deadline Looms, San Francisco Wine School Offers ABC Accredited Live Training For 1 Million Servers In Need

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The State of California has issued a new mandate for Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification, for all 56,000 licensed businesses in California where alcohol is served that goes into effect this Friday, July 1, San Francisco Wine School (SFWS) announced today.

The brand-new training and certification requirement is mandatory for everyone from servers to bartenders to bouncers, anyone who is part of the on-premise alcohol sales and service process for consumers. These individuals and their managers must be trained through an approved RBS program and pass the California's Department of Alcohol Beverage Control's (ABC) certification exam by August 31, 2022.

On-premise licensees who do not have all alcoholic beverage service staff and managers certified by this date will be out of compliance with the ABC when enforcement begins. This legislation was part of Assembly bills 1221 and 82, which charged the ABC to create this training and certification process. There are only a handful of certifying organizations within the state like San Francisco Wine School, (SFWS) whose program is approved by the ABC to offer live, instructor-led training online, at their education and event center in South San Francisco, and at client locations throughout the state.

A noted certification-focused wine education and event organization, SFWS has been in operation since 2011, offering 25 different programs, along with a wide array of workshops, public events, and private experiences for both trade and consumers. Recognizing that this mandate needed to serve a wide audience in a short period of time, co-owners David Glancy, MS and Kristin Campbell jumped into action and began developing their program last year. SFWS has their 4-hour certification class available publicly on July 26, August 22, and September 27 for a cost of $45 per person with opportunities for group discounts. In addition, the school offers groups, associations, and individual wineries, bars, and restaurants this training privately, allowing them to focus discussions on areas and examples that are most relevant to their particular business. SFWS' RBS program is also expected to be available in Spanish in the coming weeks.

According to Campbell, "RBS training educates persons seeking employment or who are currently employed as servers for on-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages. It aims to provide these important staff and managers with the necessary skills to responsibly serve alcoholic beverages and mitigate alcohol-related harm in California communities. We used our deep industry knowledge to create a curriculum that is in strict compliance with the ABC's requirements with the goal of successful certification for all students and are one of only ten approved "in-person" providers authorized to teach live throughout the state." SFWS has also pioneered hybrid room/zoom offerings during the pandemic where attendees can either attend live in-person or online and receive custom tasting kits across the US when wine is part of the experience. "Using our state-of-the-art AV system for RBS training will allow us to conveniently and effectively train servers across the state and minimize travel expenses for those who want to participate from home or work."

Important to note, TIPS, ServeSafe, and LEAD programs and certification completed prior to May 2021 do NOT satisfy the requirements for California's Responsible Beverage Service Certification.

How the RBS Training and Certification Process Works at San Francisco Wine School

Once registered for a training program at https://sanfranciscowineschool.com/rbs, each on-premise server and manager is required to register with the ABC at https://abcbiz.abc.ca.gov/ before the program start date and pay a $3 fee to obtain their Server ID. This Server ID is presented to SFWS who then certifies their class participation after the training, thereby opening their exam. They must then pass the ABC's online RBS exam with a score of 70% or higher within 3 attempts after completion of the program to earn the state mandated RBS certification.

About California's Responsible Beverage Service Training Program Act and Related Certification:

Passage of California Assembly Bill 1221 in 2017 created the Responsible Beverage Service Training Program Act. The bill required the Alcoholic Beverage Control to create the Responsible Beverage Service Training Program (RBSTP) to ensure servers and their managers of alcoholic beverages are educated on the dangers of serving alcohol to minors and over-serving alcohol to patrons with the intention of reducing alcohol-related harm to local communities. The mandate creates a new training requirement for roughly 1,000,000 alcohol servers and managers of alcohol servers at an estimated 56,000 ABC licensees with on-premise alcohol sales privileges. The alcohol servers and managers who work at those locations must register with the ABC, be trained by an ABC approved program, and pass an ABC exam to be certified within 60 days of the enactment or after their first date of employment whichever is later.

This certification must be renewed every 3 years by all alcohol servers as mandated by these new regulations.

The passing of Assembly Bill 82, on June 29, 2020, extended the date in which this requirement is enacted to July 1, 2022. This change was made to alleviate the financial strain on the hospitality industry caused by the COVID-19 state of emergency.

Effective July 1, 2022, all alcohol servers and their managers must obtain a valid RBS certification though an ABC accredited RBS training provider within 60 calendar days from the effective date or their first date of employment. Uncertified Servers, Managers and Licensees will be out of compliance with this law beginning August 31, 2022, when enforcement begins.

To learn more about SFWS' RBS program, visit here or contact help@sfwineschool.com or 650-763-1324: https://sanfranciscowineschool.com/products/responsible-beverage-service

For media inquiries, images, or interviews, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-730-0064.

PHOTO Link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/22-0628-s2p-sfwschhol-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Photo Credit: San Francisco Wine School

RELATED LINKS:

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB82

The State of California has issued a new mandate for Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification, for all 56,000 licensed businesses in California where alcohol is served that goes into effect this Friday, July 1, San Francisco Wine School (SFWS) announced today.

Related link: https://sanfranciscowineschool.com/

Here’s the Scoop! Humphry Slocombe and Domaine Carneros Team Up Once Again for Rosé Inspired Ice Cream Flavor

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Just in time for Rosé season, San Francisco small-batch ice cream brand Humphry Slocombe - known for its imaginative ingredient-driven flavors - has partnered with the Napa Valley's first name in top quality sparkling wine, Domaine Carneros, to revisit its smash hit "Rosé All Day" flavor, this time as a dairy-based ice cream.

This year's iteration of "Rosé All Day" is a deliciously refreshing Rosé ice cream made with Domaine Carneros 2018 Brut Rosé and a hint of lemon. This boozy ice cream is the perfect complement to backyard cookouts, afternoons by the pool or beach, or anywhere you want to have #RoséAllDay this summer.

Humphry Slocombe Co-Founder and Chef Jake Godby says, "Pink bubbles make everything better, and 'Rosé All Day' is like summer in a cup or cone."

"We love this really delightful interpretation of our Brut Rosé, and we know our diehard rosé fans, and rosé newbies alike, will go crazy for it," commented Domaine Carneros' CEO, Remi Cohen.

The 2022 "Rosé All Day" ice cream is available the entire month of June for $11/pint at Humphry Slocombe's original scoop shop in the Mission District, as well as at their Ferry Building location and their locations in Oakland and Berkeley; in addition, the flavor is available as of June 2, 2022 via Goldbelly as part of a special 4-pack, offered for $94.95 (including tax and shipping; available while supplies last). The 4-pack includes two pints of the "Rosé All Day" flavor and two pints of Tahitian Vanilla.

Learn more: https://www.goldbelly.com/humphry-slocombe/rose-all-day-boozy-ice-cream-4-pints?ref=merchant

About Humphry Slocombe:

Known for its unique and creative flavors, Humphry Slocombe has established itself as a pioneering ice cream destination that sources local fruits, veggies, spices and booze for its one-of-a-kind inventions. Co-Founders Jake Godby (Chef) and Sean Vahey (Food & Beverage Manager) relied on their extensive culinary backgrounds to create never before seen, or tasted, flavors when they opened Humphry Slocombe in San Francisco in 2008. Recently named one of San Francisco's "Most Delicious Instagram Accounts" by 7X7 Magazine, Humphry Slocombe has been featured in The New York Times Magazine and Bon Appetit, along with several television appearances, such as the Food Network's "Top 5 Ice Creams in America."

Learn more: https://humphryslocombe.com/

About Domaine Carneros:

Founded in 1987 by the Taittinger family, and helmed by CEO and Remi Cohen, Domaine Carneros produces notable sparkling wine and Pinot Noir from California's Carneros appellation from six estate vineyards totaling close to 400 acres. The Domaine Carneros Château and Terrace are open to visitors for tasting flights and elevated experiences from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. by appointment daily.

For more information, please call 800.716.2788 or visit https://www.domainecarneros.com/.

SOCIAL: Humphry Slocombe

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/humphryslocombe

Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/humphryslocombe

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/humphryslocombe

SOCIAL: Domaine Carneros

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/domainecarneros/

Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/domainecarneros

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/DomaineCarnerosWinery

Just in time for Rosé season, San Francisco small-batch ice cream brand Humphry Slocombe - known for its imaginative ingredient-driven flavors - has partnered with the Napa Valley's first name in top quality sparkling wine, Domaine Carneros, to revisit its smash hit "Rosé All Day" flavor, this time as a dairy-based ice cream.

Related link: https://www.domainecarneros.com/