From the cool climate and delicate terroir of Oregon to the Heat and arid soil of Washington come explore what makes this region a wine makers paradise.
Together we will explore and learn about the wines from this special part of the new world.
Our Events
Isola Augusta and the hills of Friuli
Two important ideas encapsulate the mission and center of Isola Augusta.
Ancient and modern: The winery is housed in a technologically marvelous facility and utilizes every gift of invention. In the fields they were one of the first in the region to remove chemicals and additives from the farming process. They pursue an ideal that uses every modern advantage to allow the wine it’s most pure and ancient life.
Vino Vivo: This is the idea of living wine. From the abundant microbial and bacterial life of the soils to embracing ideas of variation amoung vintages and even bottles of the sam vintage, this idea guards the individuality and vibrancy of every sip. The story is in the glass, and the story is being forever told anew.
Why do I like this wine? A class in palate and preference. Red Wine
How many times have you gone out, had a fantastic wine and had no idea why you liked it?
The point of this class is to break down major categories and flavors of wine. First and foremost we want to help you understand why you like the wines you like and how to find them again.
We will be trying wines and discussing the major characteristics from a consumer viewpoint. We will also discuss how to communicate that to be sure you get something you enjoy.
Ultimately it will give you tools to hone your palate and start your exploration.
Weingut Heinrich and the wonders of Austria
Great wines express a sense of place and they are best able to do this when they are rooted in a biologically diverse environment where soil vitality is intact and vines live in symbiosis with the complex ecosystem in which they live. To lend nature and its manifold aspects a voice through our wines is our ultimate aspiration. The ways and means to this objective are marked by many actions and fundamental decisions that set the course and reflect our ethical and qualitative philosophies. Our decision to convert to biodynamic viticulture in 2006 was based on the goal of making our vineyards successively more resilient, more vital, and more heterogeneous.
At the same time, we allow our wines and ourselves the freedom of increasingly less intervention. Regardless of the fact that all of our wines are fermented spontaneously and that we often like to leave them on the skins for weeks, it is above all else time that shapes our wines. Time for some means weeks, for others years – but all of our wines are given time with the intention of lending balance for their continued journey. To this end, wines remain unadulterated on their own lees, for the most part in used wooden barrels, and develop their own unique spectrum of aromas over time. We are mindful of these natural processes and observe them closely, but we influence them as little as possible, implementing our idea of producing authentic and truly genuine wines as rigorously as we can.
Burgenwhere? The wines of Austria
Austria is a magical place filled with equally magical wines. Join us on the Ringstrausse as we explore the only major world city under vine.
We will be tasting wines from across the major growing regions of Austria and hopefully introducing you to some new favorites.
Taste the Terroir with The Chateau de Villamajou
Château de Villemajou Grand Vin is the fruit of the encounter between an exceptional terroir, Boutenac, original grape varieties, and the grower’s know-how. Situated inland in the Corbières appellation, this estate is unique for its very old Carignan vines, a Mediterranean variety that has been rehabilitated in order to produce great Languedoc wines. The exceptional soil allows the roots to grow very deep, thus protecting the vineyard from the climate excesses of the Mediterranean (water stress, violent storms).
Sicily and Volcanic Soil
How can one island hold such riches?
Between the extreme variation of soil type, amazing differences in altitude and embarrasment of unique varietals this island is a world of its own.
Come with us and find out what makes this italian island a wine lovers paradise!
Grgich Hills and the original Napa
Committed to natural winegrowing and sustainability, we farm our five estate vineyards without artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides, rely on wild yeast fermentation and use our passion and the art of winemaking to handcraft food-friendly, balanced and elegant wines. In keeping with our goal of sustainability, the winery switched to solar power in 2006. As Mike often says, “From our vineyard to your glass, naturally!”
Beginning with the 2003 vintage, all Grgich Hills wines were labeled “Estate Grown.” This guarantees a consistently superior level of quality and it means that Grgich Hills will always remain a shining symbol of prestige and good taste. In recognition of that important milestone, the winery changed its name in 2007 to Grgich Hills Estate.
Explore the Vosges in Alsace
Alsace wine will change your perception of a traditionally sweet Riesling. Besides Riesling, Alsace produces quite a lot of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Crémant d’Alsace: a sparkling wine that is mushrooming in popularity.
Saget La Perriere and the Beauty of the Loire
“If ever a river and the surrounding landscapes the French national identity and lifestyle, it would surely be the Loire and the wine regions that line it. Stretching from one side of the country to the other, the river of kings has been the homeland of our family for nine generations. Originally from Pouilly sur Loire, we decided over twenty years ago to head off in search of other treasures that our beautiful wine region could offer. Over the years, our quest led us along both banks of the river, reaching out to local winegrowers and terroirs. We invite you to discover the gems we found on our journey and hope to share with you our passion for one of France’s finest wine regions”.