Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Discover the Wines of Don Quixote's Spain

Don Quixote by Ciprian Frunza
Don Quixote by Ciprian Frunza

The wineries of Castilla-La Mancha look forward to bringing their distinctive wines to three US cities during the week of February 24th 2014. Just as local ‘celebrity’, Don Quixote, traveled through his region seeking adventure and noble experiences, trade and press at the Castilla-La Mancha US tastings will do the same as they discover the wines of 25 participating producers. Each of these events will offer guests the opportunity to experience the wines and traditions of this distinctive region. The events will welcome members of US wine trade and press.

Castilla-La Mancha is the most expansive wine-producing region in the world. It is a land of fascinating foods and cultural traditions and, naturally, a wide variety of wines. The land, composed of limestone clay and a great variety of subsoils, makes the region ideal for growing grape vines. Within the Castilla-La Mancha area, there are nine appellations of origin, four estates with their own appellations and many ‘Geographical Indication Wines’.

After years of focus and investment in quality wine production and a very successful reception of our wines by industry professionals on the 2013 tour, Castilla la Mancha is excited to bring their distinctive traditions to new cities and educate press and trade about the quality and diversity of these wines through these tastings.

Each event in all three cities will be hosted by wine expert Geralyn Brostrom, Advanced Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator. She will share the winemaking history of the region of Castilla-La Mancha, the technical qualities of its wines, and the sales opportunity for these wines in the US market with the trade and press, followed by an afternoon walk-around.

The participating wineries include Alcoholes de Tomelloso, Bodegas Arrayan, Bodegas Cristo de la Vega, Bodega Dehesa de Luna, Bodega Familia Mateos de la Higuera, Bodegas Los Aljibes, Bodegas Real, Bodegas Romero de Avila, Bodegas San Dionisio, Bodegas Videl del Saz, Bodegas Yuntero, Bodegas Zagarron, Bogarve 1915, Dominio de Punctum, El Progreso, Encomienda de Cervera, Finca el Refugio, Finca la Blanca, Finca la Estacada, Finca Los Alijares, Finca Rio Negro, Ntra. Sra. De La Cabeza, Vinicola de Castilla, Vinicola de Tomelloso and Vinos & Bodegas.







The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Wine Symposium of the Finger Lakes Announces 2014 Event

William Smith Colleges’ Scandling Center

Taste cool-climate wines from around the world, try wine and food pairings and learn why wineries in New York’s Finger Lakes have gained international respect. Joshua Greene, editor and publisher of Wine & Spirits magazine, will be the keynote speaker at the second annual Wine Symposium of the Finger Lakes, which will be held June 13-14 in Geneva, New York.

“I'm excited to be visiting the Finger Lakes again. With so much emphasis on eating and drinking local, New Yorkers are blessed to have one of the world's great terroirs in our back yard—not only for wine, but for exceptional food as well. The Wine Symposium is a moment to consider Finger Lakes riesling, pinot noir and cabernet franc in the context of cool-climate wines from around the world,” says Josh Greene.

Riesling has become the region’s signature wine, so the Symposium will kick off June 13 with a Grand Tasting of finalists from the Finger Lakes AVA Riesling Challenge. Winners of the Riesling Challenge, taking place April 4, will be presented trophies in five different categories. Rochester Chef, Dan Eaton of the YNN network’s “Cooking at Home” will present cooking demonstrations. The Grand Tasting will be held from 4-7p.m. at the new Visitor’s Center on Geneva’s lakefront.

The event moves to Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ Scandling Center on June 14. Greene and other wine world experts present programs that include a wine and food pairing seminar, three different cool-climate seminars and a five course luncheon prepared by Finger Lakes chefs and carefully matched with old and new world wines.

The Wine Symposium of the Finger Lakes and the Finger Lakes AVA Riesling Challenge are the collaborative effort of Geneva Growth and the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, with support from the New York Wine and Culinary Center, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and the City of Geneva.

For tickets and program details, go to WineSymposiumFingerLakes.com.







The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Love Italian Style with Romance by Rail

train through Cinque Terre

“There’s something about the sound of a train that’s very romantic and nostalgic and hopeful,” said world renowned musician Paul Simon. ItaliaRail agrees and offers three enchanting rail destinations sure to inspire Amore.

1. Charming Cinque Terre

The five idyllic villages that make up the area known as Cinque Terre – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, are spread over the northeastern mountains of Italy, overlooking the cerulean waters of the Mediterranean Sea. With steep, winding staircases and secret paths that lead to heavenly views, Cinque Terre is a paramour’s paradise. Lover’s Lane or Via dell’Amore, between Riomaggiore and Manarola, is a short 30-minute walk along a wooden bridge path right on the ocean. If you choose to venture farther, the Cinque Terre National Park offers longer hiking paths between each town. Stop along the way to enjoy a glass of wine and a delicious meal at any of the quaint seaside cafes. If you don’t want to hike the whole way, hop on the regional train that travels between, and stops in each village.

By Train : From Rome, take the high­speed train to La Spezia, about a 3 1⁄2 hour trip with fares starting at $27. From Florence, regional trains run to La Spezia, which take about 2 1⁄2 hours. From La Spezia, take the regional train to any of the towns of Cinque Terre. This trip is about 10 – 20 minutes depending on which town you stay in and the fare is only $3 - $5.

2. Heavenly Fiesole

Five miles northeast of Florence, sits the dreamy town of Fiesole. It’s the perfect romantic day trip from Florence by train or bike. In ancient times, Fiesole was the center of a school for priests, or augurs, who relied on signs from nature to forecast intentions from the heavens. This was the start of a strong religious tradition in Fiesole evident today by the many monasteries, churches and cathedrals that inhabit the town. Fiesole is also home to the Bandini Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of religious artifacts dating back to the 12th century. Spend the day wandering through these hallowed, theistic monuments and museums, then enjoy a divine Italian lunch in an intimate ristorante overlooking the spectacular city of Florence.

By Train : From Rome or Venice take the high­speed train to Florence with fares starting at $27. From Florence you can take a regional train to Fiesole. It’s a ten to twelve minute ride and costs only $3.

3. Romantic Emilia-Romagna

There’s nothing more romantic than staying in a castle for a night or two, and from Bologna you can venture out by regional train to the Emilia-Romagna area, which is chock­full of castelli to choose from. Dating back centuries, many of these regal manors have been converted into hotels that include five-star restaurants and spas. Spend the day touring the Castelli del Ducato di Parma e Piacenza (castles of Parma and Piacenza). Start with the Castle of Torrechiara, in Parma, built between 1448 –1460. Here you can get a tourist map that provides information on the 19 castles in the area - what to see and how to get to them. At night, enjoy a delicious Italian meal fit for a king or queen and then settle in for a royal slumber in your very own castle.

By Train: Take a high­speed train from Rome to Bologna and be there in just over two hours. Fares begin at $27. From Bologna take a regional train to the city or town of your choice.







The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Five Helpful Tips to Ensure A Memorable Napa Valley Vacation

Young Woman Drinking a Deep Red wine

TourVin.net, a Napa Valley concierge service specializing in creating custom winery tours based on your individual preferences, would like to offer 5 tips for anyone preparing to plan their next trip to the wine country. The wine tasting, dining, lodging accommodations and unique activities available in Napa are endless. Incorporating the following tips, or the expertise of a professional like Tour Vin, will help you create an unforgettable vacation experience.

Whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, a grape nut or just enjoy an occasional glass with dinner many consider Napa Valley to be the Holy Grail of wine production in the United States. Here is a bucket list checkmark that needs to be penned in before one takes the eternal afternoon nap. With that being said, the "Tour Vin", Napa Valley Concierge, would like to share with you 5 tips to consider when visiting Napa Valley.

1. Visit during high season

The right time to visit Napa depends on when you can visit and what activities you plan on participating in, but to industry professionals the best time to visit is the Fall. September to October is "Crush" time when the grapes are harvested. And in November the wineries are in full scale production, the weather is nice, the crowds dwindle and rates drop. The vineyards swing into full production mode and are full of action. The Summer months are enjoyable but draw the largest crowds especially on the weekends when day trippers from the “Bay area” compete with overnight visitors. Plan your trip in advance and your Napa Valley vacation will be enjoyable whenever you choose to visit.

2. Take advantage of deals

Most wineries charge between $25 and $50 per person, depending on the wines and food pairings. With that being said there are plenty of deals available to visitors . Many wineries offer free two-for-one coupons, or a % off of wine purchases, buy 2 bottles get one free or free vineyard tours. So do your research. A visit to Napa Valley should be a memorable experience for everyone that does not have to break the bank. Plan your trip accordingly and let Tour Vin help do your research in advance.

3. Choose centrally located lodging accommodations

Whether you're seeking a hotel close to night life and dining, or a remote vineyard setting, finding the perfect place to stay can be a daunting task for newcomers. It’s a 45 minute ride between the town of Napa in the south and Calistoga in the north. You can find a multitude of lodging options in this area but choosing one that is close to the wineries you are visiting and activities you are participating in is recommended. You will have more fun if you match where you stay to your plans and preferences. The towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga are all great locations with many lodging options to consider depending on the activities you have planned. Consulting with a concierge service is a great idea when planning your itinerary.

4. Stick to your itinerary

It's not called the Napa Valley Raceway! It is easy to get excited about the magnitude of offerings available to you when visiting the wine country. With so many options available to you it is difficult not to feel like a kid in a candy shop. For many visitors their vacation becomes one of quantity not quality. "On our first day we hit 5 wineries before noon, when do the rest of them close?” The Tour Vin suggests that "you take time to smell the grapes (roses), the Napa valley experience should not be a race". Plan your trip accordingly and leave time in between activities that allow for the occasional detour and try to relax. A well planned trip can be very rewarding.

5. Take advantage of the many unique activities Napa Valley has to offer

Yes, Napa produces world class wines that need to be explored but there are a multitude of other unique activities visitors can enjoy. Your Napa Valley vacation should be a memorable experience. Why not take a day off from wine tasting and enjoy some of the other activities Napa Valley has to offer? From hot air balloon rides, cycling tours, golf, tennis and hiking to live music and nightlife, culinary adventures, spas, galleries and shopping.

When planning your next Napa Valley Vacation remember to follow these 5 tips to ensure that your Napa experience is a memorable one. Tour Vin states that "The wine country is a beautiful place that begs to be explored and has something for everyone and every budget.”







The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Stags Leap District Celebrates 25 Years as the Birthplace of Iconic American Cabernet Sauvignon

Stags Leap District of Napa

Stags Leap District, the birthplace of iconic American Cabernet Sauvignon, today announced that 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of this world class region as one of the first sub American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in the Napa Valley. Recognized as an official AVA in 1989 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), the Stags Leap District was the first sub-AVA to be defined completely by soil, climate and natural barriers. Its AVA status and distinctive terroir are a result of the combination of rolling hills, cooling wind, loam and clay soils, and the west-facing range of the Vaca Mountains.

The Stags Leap District is the smallest producing Napa AVA by acreage, and wines from this region remain limited, highly allocated and collected. Approximately 90% of the 1,200 acres currently planted to grapevines in the district are Cabernet Sauvignon or other Bordeaux varietals.

"The Stags Leap District produces some very age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines," said Kelli White, Sommelier at PRESS Restaurant in St. Helena. "The region is truly a place of distinction. The geography of Stags Leap District makes it different than any other place in the Napa Valley and results in the seductive, soft tannins for which Stags Leap District wines are highly regarded."

While 2014 marks the silver anniversary for the AVA; Stags Leap District has been a grape-growing region since the mid-1800’s. The first Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted in 1961 by pioneer Nathan Fay. His fruit was in high demand and sourced by winemakers throughout the valley in the early 1970’s. In 1976, the famed Tasting of Paris catapulted the region into the global spotlight when French judges awarded a 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars first place over legendary Bordeaux producers.

Ten years later, when the same wines were tasted blind a second time, top honors again went to a Stags Leap District wine, the 1972 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Stags Leap District is represented by one of only two American wines in the Smithsonian National Museum of History.

"The beauty and lushness of the wines produced in this region were around long before Stags Leap District was named an AVA," said Doug Shafer, President of Shafer Vineyards. "It was a privilege to be here in the early days when my dad, John Shafer, helped organize our neighbors to pursue official recognition. Over the past 25 years the appellation has continued to evolve and is now widely recognized as a special site for world-class wines. Even so, it really feels like we're just getting started."

"Stags Leap District was the first area to be recognized for its world-class American Cabernet Sauvignon and really was the birthplace of America’s Cabernet culture," said Michael Beaulac, General Manager and Winemaker at Pine Ridge Vineyards and President of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association. "Stags Leap District is one of only a handful of Napa Valley appellations that matter and the producers in this region continue to be visionaries committed to crafting the best quality wines."







The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Friday, January 24, 2014

World’s Leading Winemakers Descend on New Hampshire Next Week

Happy Woman Drinking Wine

In less than one week the biggest names in the wine world will flock to New Hampshire – not Napa Valley – for a week-long celebration of wine known as New Hampshire Wine Week. For the past 9 years New Hampshire Wine Week has attracted legends like Michael Mondavi, Cristina Mariani-May, Joel Peterson and Merry Edwards who participated in intimate wine dinners, exclusive panel discussions and tastings and the largest wine event in northern New England, the Winter Wine Spectacular. Dozens of wine industry titans, boutique vineyard owners and local producers will participate in the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s 9th Annual New Hampshire Wine Week, which takes place January 27 – February 2. View a full list of celebrity appearances and register for events online at NHWineWeek.com.

“With dozens of intimate wine dinners in every corner of the state pairing delectable cuisine with fantastic wines, bottle signings, two exclusive wine discussions and tastings, and the Winter Wine Spectacular, Wine Week simply cannot be missed,” said Nicole Brassard Jordan, New Hampshire Liquor Commission Wine Marketing Specialist. “Only in New Hampshire will you be able to interact and learn directly from wine celebrities and sample a wide variety of wines. At some events, you can purchase the wines of your choice, and at the Winter Wine Spectacular attendees can pre-order their favorites with an exclusive show discount. Attendees can also use our all new, state-of-the-art web app with their smart phones.”

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission created Wine Week in 2005 after two great years of the Winter Wine Spectacular, the largest wine event north of Boston. This event gives customers the opportunity to sample some of the 7,000 wines available at New Hampshire’s 77 Liquor & Wine Outlets and allow them to meet with nationally and internationally acclaimed winemakers at dozens of events throughout the state.

“Wine Week taps into New Hampshire, and the region’s love of wine,” said Joseph W. Mollica, Chairman of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission. “With more than $273 million in wine sales last Fiscal Year, which marks a 7.3-percent increase from the previous year, New Hampshire is a significant player in the wine world. Our status draws the industry’s premier wine producers, who travel great distances each January to interact with our customers. The wine world has taken notice; New Hampshire is wine country.”

NHLC’s 9th Annual Wine Week features numerous events and celebrity bottle signings at select NH Liquor & Wine Outlets, celebrity wine dinners at some of New Hampshire’s leading restaurants and three signature events.

On Wednesday January 29th, NHLC will host two “Cellar Notes” series events, each featuring four elite wine experts for an educational tasting seminar, reception, bottle-signing and delicious hors d’oeuvres.

The Manchester Cellar Notes series will feature the following winemakers at the Puritan Backroom Event & Conference Center located at 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, NH:

  • Rob Mondavi Jr. - President of Winemaking and Co-Founder, Folio Wine Partners & Michael Mondavi Family Estates
  • Joel Peterson – Winemaker, Ravenswood Winery
  • Farrah Felten- Jolley – Co-owner of Klinker Brick Winery
  • Cheryl Indelicato – Owner, Handcraft Artisan Collection


Due to the success of last year’s Cellar Notes series a second event has been added for 2014. The Portsmouth Cellar Notes series will feature the following winemakers at the Portsmouth Harbor Events and Conference Center located at 100 Deer Street, Portsmouth, NH:

  • Michael Philips – Co-owner and CEO, Michael David Winery
  • Joseph Carr – Owner, Joseph Carr Wines
  • Janice Mondavi – Co-proprietor, Charles Krug Winery
  • Melissa Stackhouse – Vice-president / winemaking, J Vineyards & Winery


Wine Week culminates with the 11th Easter Seals Winter Wine Spectacular, the largest wine tasting in northern New England which takes place at the Radisson Hotel Manchester on Thursday, January 30th, from 6 to 9 p.m. Along with nearly 1,800 wines, the Winter Wine Spectacular features scrumptious local fare, a silent auction and raffle, the Bellman Cellar Select VIP tasting room, and the chance to meet and learn from more than 50 wine personalities. This marquee event drew a sold-out crowd of 1,500 people last year. The 2014 Winter Wine Spectacular will be hosted in the Radisson Hotel’s ballroom and Armory.

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission has launched a unique, one-of-a-kind web app that will enable visitors to use their mobile devices, phones or tablets, to explore the various wine products, make tasting notes, and even order their favorite selections from the event. The checkout process will allow the user to modify selections, select one of the 77 convenient store locations to pick up their order, and take full advantage of the 15% discount on the purchase of 6-11 bottles, or even 20% on 12 or more bottles.

The Winter Wine Spectacular raises much-needed funds for Easter Seals New Hampshire, which provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

“Proceeds from the Winter Wine Spectacular directly support our early intervention program,” said Christine Pederson, director of events and corporate relations with Easter Seals New Hampshire. “This statewide program provides much-needed services and therapy for hundreds of children ages three months to three years with a variety of developmental delays and physical disabilities. Studies have shown that these early intervention programs can help many children from needing support later in life.”

Tickets for the Grand Tasting cost $65 per person, and tickets providing access to the Grand Tasting and Bellman’s Cellar Select cost $125 per person.

“Wine Week is a week for everyone who enjoys wine,” Brassard Jordan said. “With so many wines to choose from in New Hampshire, wine can be overwhelming. That’s why Wine Week is such a great time to get out there, try something new, learn about its origins and appreciate all the great wines New Hampshire has to offer, from local and international wineries.”







The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Dona Paula Wines of Trinchero Family Estates Launches Estate Black Edition Red Blend

Dona Paula Wines of Trinchero Family Estates Launches Estate Black Edition Red Blend

Doña Paula Wines today announced the launch of a ‘Black Edition’ Red Blend from Mendoza, Argentina under the brand’s Estate tier of wines. This inaugural red blend joins a highly-lauded line-up of four varietals from the Estate tier, including Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Torrontés, all grown and produced in Argentina.

One of Argentina’s largest exporters of premium wines, Doña Paula currently exports to more than 60 countries. The ‘Black Edition’ Red Blend is comprised of 60% Malbec, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Petite Verdot, grown on the El Alto Estate in the Luján de Cuyo region of Argentina, over 3,400 feet above sea level. The 2012 ‘Black Edition’ Red Blend will be distributed nationally and is priced at $14.99.

“Our ‘Black Edition’ Red Blend is well-balanced and complex and at the crossroads where power meets finesse,” commented head viticulturist Martín Kaiser, “and the eye-catching, new package, sets this special blend apart.”

The Doña Paula winemaking team has been scouring Argentina, since the brand’s conception, to find the right vineyards to produce the refined wines their consumers love and expect. Today, Argentinean Red Blends are up 84%, the second fastest growing varietal after Moscato and Argentina is the fastest growing country of origin, up 16%*. “We are proud to add this new wine to our portfolio and certain our fans will enjoy it as much as we do,” added Kaiser.

The 2012 Doña Paula ‘Black Edition’ Red Blend underwent cold pre-fermentation maceration to extract primary aromas and was aged in French Oak barrel for 10 months. The wine has an intense black, purple color in the glass and offers aromas of plum, spice, and red pepper. In the mouth, the wine has round tannins and a long finish. The Doña Paula winemaking team recommends pairing it with beef, lamb, game meat, pasta and risotto.

About Doña Paula

Doña Paula is imported, sold and marketed by Trinchero Family Estates (TFE), Napa Valley vintners since 1948. TFE’s diverse portfolio of more than 40 wines and spirits includes such brands such as Sutter Home, Ménage à Trois, Trinchero Napa Valley, SeaGlass, Fancy Pants, Napa Cellars, Terra d’Oro, Trinity Oaks, Folie à Deux, Duck Commander Wines, Sugar Island Rum, and the number one alcohol-removed wine, Fre. Trinchero Family Estates also markets and sells Joel Gott Wines; The Three Thieves (Bandit, Newman’s Own, and The SHOW); Charles & Charles; Taken Wine Co.; Angove Wines from Australia; Carmen Wines from Chile; Shatter Wines from France; and CRUZ and Tres Agaves Tequilas from Mexico.

Visit TFEWines.com to learn more.







The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Taste the Passion Coming to Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

Taste the Passion 2014

The annual Taste the Passion wine tour event hosted by the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail (LPVA) is being held February 8 and 9, 2014. The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Participants take a self-guided tour through the tasting rooms of 21 wineries along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. Each winery features a special wine pour paired with a small plate of regional gourmet fare. Guests can indulge on the ever-popular pairing of wine and chocolate as well as wine and other sweet and savory delights.

Often referred to as winter wonderland, Leelanau Peninsula is a fabulous region to visit during the winter months. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through the vines in addition to other seasonal activities are part of the optional fun during the event.

Tickets are $35 per person. Quantities are limited, and most LPVA events sell out quickly, so interested participants are encouraged to get tickets as soon as possible to guarantee availability. Get tickets and learn more details including lodging packages, transportation options and more at LPWines.com.

In addition to the event, participants can kick-off the weekend on Friday night, February 7, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Art from Michigan’s Wine Country event. Hosted by the Glen Arbor Art Association, the event takes place at the Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor. Regional art is featured and available for sale onsite.







The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.