V. Sattui winery recently announced the launch of a free dedicated mobile phone application (app) compatible with Apple’s iPhone. The app has push technology, and once loaded the user can opt-in to receive notifications from the winery. Users can watch videos, get great offers and be the first to know about the wineries upcoming events. A future app will allow users to purchase wine and event tickets. For a limited time to promote the introduction V.Sattui Winery will be offering a complimentary tasting to customers who can prove they have downloaded the app. For more information visit their website at: www.vsattui.com  »View More

Added Thursday, August 19, 2010 in Wine Information Add a Comment

Twomey Cellars announced on June 22 2010 the purchase of the acclaimed 17 acre Monument Tree Vineyard located in Anderson Valley California. The vineyard is one of Anderson Valley’s most sought after Pinot Noir vineyards. The 17 acre vineyard is named for a lightning struck redwood tree that stands guard over the hillside vineyard. Monument Tree vineyard is the main source of Pinot Noir grapes for Twomey Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir along with several other critically acclaimed Pinot Noir producers. Twomey Cellars was founded in 1999 by the Duncan Family well known as owners of Silver Oak Cellars. Winemaker Ben Crane who focuses exclusively on Twomey Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc said “Monument Tree Vineyard is the kind of site you... »View More

Added Friday, July 9, 2010 in Wine Information Add a Comment

If Gov. David Paterson’s proposed budget is passed, the state wine tax will go up nearly 58%. State Senator Michael Nozzolio, (R-Fayette) who called the budget as a whole a “disaster”, went onto say the increase in the wine excise tax in particular “will cost jobs”, wineries will sell less product, fewer people will be working in the wineries, and fewer people will be growing grapes as a result of the tax”. The excise tax on beer is only increasing 27% and the disparity between the two taxes was “one of the big issues,” according to Nozzolio, and one that “we should have had an opportunity to discuss in open conference.” By Nozzolio’s count there are some 160 wineries in the Finger Lakes alone. “I would like to know... »View More

Added Wednesday, April 1, 2009 in Wine Information Add a Comment

Tickets went on sale yesterday for the Napa Valley 2009 Auction. The annual event is run by the Napa Valley Vintners to raise funds for local nonprofits focusing on health care, youth services, and housing charities. Even in these tough economic times the Napa Valley Vintners are holding to a pledge made in 2007 to raise $5 million a year for five years for the local nonprofits. Auction Napa Valley has given $85 million to local charities since its inception. The event is scheduled for June 4th – 7th.  »View More

Added Wednesday, April 1, 2009 in Wine Information Add a Comment

The effects of the recession continue to be felt by charity wine auctions. The annual Naples Florida Winter Wine Festival and auction held the weekend of February 6th-8th, sold 65 lots in a live auction for $5.06 million, a 64% decrease from last year when 14 million was the total. Organizers said considering the state of the economy they were still happy with the results. Money raised at the event goes to the Naples Children and Education Fund which supports local children’s charities. The auction was started nine years ago and has raised $74 million for charities since its inception. Global Wine auctions were down a reported $25 million in 2008. With the Naples auction an early in the year event, the results suggest potential trouble ahead... »View More

Added Monday, February 16, 2009 in Wine Information Add a Comment

Tomorrow January 19th 2009, the United States will inaugurate our 44th President, and a very special day it will be. In need of a big and positive change we will make history with the inauguration of the first black president. The celebrations will begin soon after Barack Obama is sworn in with the inaugural luncheon. About 230 dignitaries will be treated to a three course lunch of seafood stew, duck and pheasant, and apple cinnamon sponge cake, as well as some of California’s finest wines, and all will toast our new president with a Korbel Natural “Special Inauguration Curvee” California Champagne. The food and wines were selected by a bi-partisan committee, chaired by California Senator Diane Feinstein, after tastings that were... »View More

Added Monday, January 19, 2009 in Wine Information Add a Comment

Historic Sebastiani Winery sold A slumping wine market, lack of a clear succession plan and years of feuding between third generation family members were behind the sale of Sebastiani Winery, reportedly sold in late December 2008. While terms of the sale were not announced industry insiders say Foley Wine group paid $50 million for the winery with over 225 acres and facilities that dates back to 1904. Sebastiani Vineyards sells about 280,000 cases of wine annually. Similar issues of infighting and struggles between new generations have caused the sale of other famous name California wineries as well. Foley Wine group is owned by William P Foley II, founder and chairman of Fidelity National Financial Corp. of Jacksonville Fla. Foley started his... »View More

Added Thursday, January 1, 2009 in Wine Information Add a Comment

Dan Aykroyd, well known actor/comedian/musician recently launched his own wine label. Known for his acting in the films Ghost Busters, the Blues Brothers and his stint as a comedian on Saturday Night Live, Aykroyd is a passionate wine lover and collector who has tasted some of the best in the world. Aykroyd joined in a partnership with De Loach Vineyards and its owners the Boisset Family. Together they will release a 2007 vintage Chardonnay and Cabernet from the Sonoma region under the Dan Aykroyd Discovery Series label. According to Aykroyd, a white Burgundy fan, his Chardonnay is a blend of seven vineyards. It will be food friendly, made in the Sonoma style with fresh Russian River- style fruitiness, rich complex aromas and flavors. The Cabernet... »View More

Added Saturday, November 15, 2008 in Wine Information Add a Comment

Wine Spectator magazine reports in their November 2008 issue that Amazon.com is jumping into the wine business. The largest online retailer is launching a new Web site dedicated to wine. Consumers in 25 states will be able to purchase wine on the site by mid autumn, with expansion to other states in the future. A Napa wine executive who has spoken with Amazon stated “I think their intention is to have nearly every wine available on their Web site”. Started in 1994 as an online book seller they moved into many other products including electronics, clothes and movies. Amazon has enormous resources with revenues over 17 billion reported last year. Amazon has tried to recruit scores of Napa Valley estates. Details on wine producers and... »View More

Added Monday, October 20, 2008 in Wine Information Add a Comment

Napa Valley Grapegrowers Forcast 2008 Harvest At a press conference held on August 13th at famous Larkmead Vineyards in Calistoga. Napa Valley Grape-growers unanimously that 2008 harvest will be an exceptional vintage with pristine grapes. Yields are expected to be lower than average after a season of extreme growing conditions. Napa Valley Grape-growers Director Jennifer Kopp Putnam said “With the many weather challenges facing the California wine industry in 2008, Napa Valley grapegrowers were prepared with the technology, expertise and experience necessary to navigate a difficult year and produce one of the most successful vintages in recent memory.” A side note, Sonoma County growers are also expecting higher quality grapes with lower... »View More

Added Sunday, August 17, 2008 in Wine Information Add a Comment