Pennsylvania Wine Society

Wine Wednesday ~ Wines of the Balkans
2022-01-19 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
Our next Wine Wednesday on January 19th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York Time revolves around the wines of the Balkans. As wine regions go, the Balkans comprises one that is lesser known by most, yet possesses more ancient roots in practicing the craft of winemaking than today’s more well-known wine regions.
There are eleven countries that comprise the Balkans, namely Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. These countries have a rich history and winemaking tradition and may present a challenge in finding a representative example of their wines, due to availability of wines from the Balkans in our domestic fine wine shops. Still, there are many possibilities from which to choose, if you do some sleuthing! I personally know that there are a number of both red and white Grecian wines available, as well as many wines from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Romania on the shelves of local wine shops. Ask your Wine Specialist for assistance and you will be surprised at the number of Balkan wines you will find!
So, please join us at the Zoom link below with a bottle of wine from the Balkans for our next Wine Wednesday on January 19th at 7:00 pm Eastern Time when we explore more about this genre of wines! And, as always, please send photos of the front and back labels of the bottle of wine that you plan to feature to WineCat@pa.net by 11 p.m. Tuesday evening for inclusion in Wednesday’s PowerPoint lineup of featured wines!
We look forward to seeing you this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York Time for this week’s episode of Wine Wednesday! Please join us via the Zoom link below.
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The Loire Valley – Jardin de la France with Kevin Ostrowski
2022-01-16 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
The Pennsylvania Wine Society series of Sunday afternoon Virtual Wine Education events returns on Sunday, January 16th at 3:30 pm Eastern/ New York Time on Zoom! Our first presentation of the New Year will feature The Loire Valley – Jardin de la France, hosted by PWS Member and past-presenter Kevin Ostrowski.
In the First Century BC, the longest river in France, the Loire, was recognized by Julius Caesar as valuable real estate. Beginning in the heart of the country and extending for over 600 miles to the Atlantic Ocean, the Loire River has provided access and transportation to its bounty throughout history. This includes the luscious wines of the region, as well. Exploring the wine regions of the Loire, we will see what makes each region unique unto itself. From crisp, light classic whites to bright and clean cool climate reds, we will sample and enjoy some wines from the Loire Valley, the Garden of France.
Even though many of the regions in the Loire grow and make wines from the same grapes, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, the wines are ultimately distinctive in character from region to region. Loire Valley wines are frequently known by the place names from the region in which they are produced (such as Sancerre, Quincy, Pouilly Fume, Muscadet, and Chinon), reflecting the characteristics of each regional terroir as well as the stylistic approach of the winemakers in those regions. Many of these Loire Valley wines are available in Pennsylvania Fine Wine & Good Spirits premium stores. We urge you to explore the availability of Loire Valley wines in the French section of your local wine store and select one or several to enjoy during this event. We will undoubtedly touch upon the wine(s) you choose and the regions in which they are produced.
Please join us on Sunday, January 16th at 3:30 pm for The Loire Valley – Jardin de la France on the Zoom link shown below. We look forward to seeing you then!
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Wine Wednesday - Wines of South West France
2022-01-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
Our next Wine Wednesday on January 12th at 7:00 pm Eastern Time takes us to a somewhat unsung, yet fascinating region of France known as South West France (or, Sud-Ouest as the French call it). As the folks at Wine Folly say:
“If you like Bordeaux but not the prices, then the South West region of France is calling you. Many of the wines are very similar to Bordeaux in varietal, wine making style and quality. Add some unique grapes and ‘terroir’ into the mix and this is one exciting region for wine lovers.”
The South West France wine region has a long history of being treated as the red-headed stepchild of the French wine scene, and therein lies a story. As always, it is the age-old story of money, politics and power. But, as a result, this region is also something of a best kept secret when it comes to affordable yet wonderful French wines! Look for regional names on the label like Bergerac, Montravel (dry white blends), Pécharment (big, reds), and sweet wines from Saussignac, Rosette and Monbazillac.
So, secure a bottle of wine from the South West region of France and join us for our upcoming Wine Wednesday on January 12th at 7:00 pm Eastern Time as we explore some of the fantastic yet somewhat obscure wines of this region! And as always, please take photos of the front and back labels of your wine and send them to WineCat@pa.net by 8 PM Tuesday for inclusion in our weekly PowerPoint slide show. Use the Zoom link shown below. We look forward to seeing you!
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Wine Wednesday ~ Wines of Alsace
2022-01-05 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
We kick off a New Year of Wine Wednesday on January 5th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York Time with a discussion of one of my favorite wine regions, that being the region of Alsace, France.
Alsace is a land of rich historic background that marries both French and German culture to present the best of two worlds. Alsace produces many incredible white wines and one allowable red wine. A cooler climate region that once resided within the boundaries of Germany, this multi-cultural area is now part of France by virtue of the spoils of the First World War. Yet, Alsace has a distinctively German flavor in its foods, wines, customs and architecture.
The Alsace wine region is renowned for its wonderful white wines, such as Riesling, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, and Gewürztraminer and its one allowable red wine, Pinot Noir. This region is also home to many long-time wine producers that have endured through the ages in spite of international conflicts.
Please join us for Wine Wednesday on January 5th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York Time with a bottle of your favorite Alsatian wine. And, as always, please send photos of the front and back labels of your bottle to WineCat@pa.net by 11:00 p.m. Tuesday for inclusion in that evening’s PowerPoint slide show of featured wines that we will discuss.
We look forward to seeing you on January 5th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York Time for our first Wine Wednesday event of the New Year!

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Charles Smith Wines
2021-12-17 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
EVENT SOLD OUT – you may contact the Treasurers via the contact page to be placed on a waitlist should you wish to be called in final days to take any canceled reservation seats that may come available.
CHARLES SMITH Unique wine names. Unique labels. One unique winemaker
Charles Smith is known for producing some pretty terrific wines out of Washington over the past 20 years. Before settling down in Washington to make wine in the late 1990’s, Charles moved to Denmark thinking he would find a position in the wine industry. What he actually did in Denmark was to manage and book music groups. While creating promotional material for the bands, he developed his bold graphic black-and-white promotional style.
Smith came to Walla Walla, Washington after leaving Denmark. With a very small budget and the generosity of the local vintners, he created his first vintage in 2001. He used fruit from one vintner, crushed the grapes at another facility, and fermented the wine at a third site. He made 330 cases of a minimally produced, biodynamic Syrah which he sold out of the back of his van. But what people remembered was the label – it was stamped only with a giant, black ‘K’ on a white label. It was easily spotted across the room but more importantly, they didn’t forget the wine. K Syrah.
Smith continued to create new wines– all designed with a black-and-white label and with inventive new names. Who doesn’t smile when you see a bottle of Velvet Devil Merlot? Boom Boom! Syrah? Kung Fu Girl Riesling?
For our tasting we will sample six wines from the Charles Smith label (now owned by Constellation Brands) and one from the HOUSE OF SMITH Substance label.
2019 Band of Roses:
We will start the evening with a cool dry Rosé made from 100% Pinot Gris
2020 Kung Fu Girl Riesling:
The story goes that Charles was eating Chinese takeout and watching a fight scene in a notorious martial arts film when he had an idea: a killer white wine to be paired with Asian food.
2018 Substance Sauvignon Blanc Sunset Vineyard:
The Substance label was created with the goal of creating the best value-price Cabernet Sauvignon in America. It has expanded to include red-blends, Merlot, Chardonnay and this Loire-style Sauvignon Blanc.
2016 Eve Chardonnay:
100% Washington State Chardonnay, producing a dry, creamy and smooth wine.
2019 Velvet Devil Merlot:
When the movie “Sideways” created anti-Merlot sentiments, Charles set out to rebuff the movie’s unflattering portrayal. One taste of Velvet Devil and you’ll know he succeeded.
2018 Boom Boom! Syrah:
This spicy Syrah is a tribute to Charles first lost love – a woman named “Boom Boom” O’Brien – and it’s one of the biggest, boldest Syrah’s of all time.
2016 Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon:
While Charles Smith Wines does not actually have a chateau, the Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon stays true to the old-world winemaking style from Bordeaux.
Join us on Friday, December 17th at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg to taste the wines of Charles Smith.
100% COVID 19 vaccination proof with follow-up 14-day waiting period completion is required to confirm event reservations. All Center for Disease Control and Pennsylvania Department of Health distancing and safety precautions as well as the Hilton Harrisburg’s practices and policies will be followed as we are their guests. Tables of 4 persons each may be reserved via communication with your reservation notes, or email to the Treasurers.
Click here for reservations.
Members: $60 Patrons: $55 Nonmembers: $70

*From charlessmithwines.com and houseofsmith.com

Wine Wednesday ~ Chilean Wines
2021-12-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
Our next and last Wine Wednesday event for calendar year 2021 will take place on December 15th at 7:00 pm Eastern Time and will deal with the topic of “Chilean Wines”. Similar to what Argentina did for Malbec and Uruguay did for Tannat, Chile has resurrected an almost forgotten grape known as Carménère, a grape of French origin that was facing near extinction in France. Vineyards in Chile were growing boatloads of what they thought was Merlot until 1994 when geneticists discovered that the Chilean vineyards were actually growing Carménère! Of course, Chile is quite famous for other grape varieties, including some fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon as well as other varietals.
That’s just one unusual characteristic about Chilean wines. Chile is a long and narrow country along the southwestern border of South America with valley after valley that run east to west from the Andes Mountains to the coast. Each of these valleys have distinctive terroir characteristics. And, because Chile is walled off by the Andes (the longest continental mountain range in the world) from the rest of South America, phylloxera has never breached that barrier into Chile. Thus, Chilean vineyards grow their grapes on their own rootstocks instead of grafted rootstocks from North American grapes.
Please join us for Wine Wednesday on December 15th at 7:00 pm Eastern Time to share in the discussion about Chilean wines by jumping on the Zoom link below. Please secure a bottle of Chilean wine and please remember to send pictures of the labels from the bottle of wine you wish to feature to WineCat@pa.net by 11 PM Tuesday. Those labels will be featured in next Wednesday evening’s PowerPoint slide show. We look forward to seeing you then!
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Wine Wednesday ~ Malbec
2021-12-08 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
Our next installment of Wine Wednesday on December 8th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time involves a discussion of wines made from Malbec, a grape that is principally grown in Cahors in southwestern France as well as Argentina. Although genetic origins point to Burgundy, France, Malbec (known as Côt in southwestern France) only came into prominence in recent decades when it was catapulted to popularity by the winemakers of Argentina.
Malbec was originally used as a blending grape in the Bordeaux region of France as one of the six allowable red grapes that could be included in a red Bordeaux blend. Malbec has recently gained popularity as a varietal produced in the area of southwestern France near Cahors. Malbec is also widely grown around the globe in recent years.
Please join us on Wednesday, December 8th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time for our upcoming episode of Wine Wednesday when we will engage on Zoom to discuss this grape and its various flavor profiles as portrayed in varying terroir. Also, please take a picture of the front and back labels of your bottle of Malbec and send those photos to WineCat@pa.net by 11 p.m. Tuesday evening for inclusion in our PowerPoint slide show next Wednesday. It adds to the fun and enjoyment! Then, follow the Zoom link shown below!
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Aromatized Wines - Vermouth, Vini Amari, and Bitters
2021-12-05 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
This will be an overview of aromatized wines, or wine-based beverages that are flavored with botanicals. A few may have neutral spirits added for stabilization and may be classified as fortified wine.
Our tasting and discussion will break into four different areas to help understand aromatized wines.
First, with different Vermouth brands; their styles and origin.
Then we will explain (wine based) Vini Amari or bitter wines and their uses.
Digging a little deeper into the aromatized category, and similar to vermouth, are uniquely flavored Quinquina wines and its subcategory Americano.
Please check back closer to event month for event details, including the Zoom connection information.

Wine Wednesday ~ Wines from Islands
2021-12-01 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
Wine Wednesday goes on vacation in the Islands! Well, so to speak. Our next Wine Wednesday program on December 1st at 7:00 PM Eastern/New York Time leaves the mainland to visit the islands. Wine producing islands, that is! On first glance, you may say, “How many wine-producing islands can there possibly be?” The answer is, “Plenty!” For instance, The United States has Long Island, which produces some great wines from Long Island’s North Fork, most notably their Merlot! Then there is Hawaii! I have tasted several wines over the years that were produced by MauiWine (was Tedeschi Winery), opened in 1974 in Kula, Maui. They are known for estate-grown wines, traditional method sparkling wines, and pineapple wines.
On a more serious note, other longtime wine-producing islands include the Mediterranean islands of Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Crete, and Malta. Then, there are the Azores (an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean) and the Madeira Islands (both of these groups are autonomous regions of Portugal), the Canary Islands (off the coast of Northwest Africa), and the island of Great Brittan. Onetime island Australia does not count since it reached continent status some years ago; but, there are the nearby islands of New Zealand and Tasmania to consider. Rhode Island is not an island, although wine is actually produced there!).
So, join us with an example of a wine from an island for our next Wine Wednesday event on December 1st at 7:00 PM Eastern/New York Time. Also, send pics of your bottle’s wine labels (front, back and/or side) to WineCat@pa.net by 11 PM Tuesday for inclusion in our Wine Wednesday PowerPoint slide show. We look forward to you joining us!
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PWS Member Selections
2021-11-12 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
by Scott Casper——————–
On Friday evening, November 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg, we will be experiencing a unique and fun event featuring eight wines presented by PWS board members and members. This event is unique because instead of being seated at a table, you will be able to socialize and walk around to different pouring stations to taste each wine. It’s fun because…well, because it is!
The wines will be presented and poured by the board member or member who selected that particular wine for this event. The presenter will give you the name of the wine, the winery that produced it, the grape varietals in the wine and the country and wine region it comes from, as well as, a discussion of tasting notes. The presenters/pourers and their wines:
Averill Shepps, Presenter/Pourer – Burgundy, France – White – Domaine de la Tour Penet Macon-Peronne Vielles Vignes 2018 – 100% Chardonnay
Description and Tasting Notes: Sustainable. Ample bouquet of peach, pear, hazelnut and vanilla. Deep and full-bodied on the palate with a juicy core. This wine has good acid and a long grippy finish. It is fresh and youthful. It should drink well for another five years at the least. This is a Weygandt Importer wine.
Laura Reich, Presenter and Barry Einsig, Pourer – Middle Rio Grande Valley AVA, New Mexico – White – Gruet Blanc de Noirs – American dry sparkling wine – Non-Vintage – 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay – Grapes sourced from New Mexico, California and Washington.
Description and Tasting Notes: Methode Champenoise. Salmon color, full-bodied with aromas and taste of raspberry, baked pear and cherry, with a hint of toasted vanilla. It has a balance of fruit and minerals with crisp acidity. It was aged for a minimum of 18 months. This wine pairs well with green chili chicken enchiladas.
Score and accolades: Wine Spectator 90 points, a Smart Buy and Top 100 Wines. One of the Top 10 Wines of New Mexico.
Scott Casper, Presenter/Pourer – Piedmont, Italy – White – Vietti Roero Arneis 2019 – 100% Arneis
Description and Tasting Notes: Pale straw yellow color with fresh floral, citrus and melon on the palate with almond hints. It is an unoaked, dry, medium-bodied wine with crisp acidity. This Arneis is a well-balanced, elegant wine with good complexity and a lingering finish. This wine is an excellent aperitif and pairs well with light hors d’oeuves, seafood, salads, light soups, veal, pork, chicken and creamy cheese.
Score: Wine Advocate 91 points.
Sheila Hagg-Rickert, Presenter/Pourer – Sicily, Italy – Red – Tascante Ghiaia Nera Etna Rosso 2018 – 100% Nerello Mascalese
Description and Tasting Notes: Aromas of hazelnut, eucalyptus and violet lift out of the glass. Linear and elegant, the polished palate features Morello cherry, blackberry and hints of ground clove alongside lithe tannins and fresh acidity for a salty finish. Drink through 2025. Ghiaia Nera is Tenuta Tascante’s demonstration of the possibilities for Nerello Mascalese from young vineyards. It is the perfect blend between the Nerello Mascalese grape and the volcanic soils of Etna. It offers juicy plum and cherry flavors framed by polished pebbly tannins. Notes of bay leaf and citrus peel enliven the finish. This is enhanced by a lighter touch with oakwood aging. It is aged in large non-invasive Slavonian oak barrels to which the Nerello Mascalese variety is well-suited. Bright and approachable, it’s priced to pour by the glass at the trattoria. The name means ”black gravel” which describes the volcanic vineyard soil.
Robyn Meadows, Presenter/Pourer – Mendoza, Argentina – Red – Catena Malbec 2018 – 100% Malbec
Description and Tasting Notes: This Argentinian wine is a blend from four unique vineyards in Mendoza, a region known for its Malbec, resulting in an intense aroma, deep violet color and rich, concentrated mouthfeel. This New World Malbec shows berry flavors with hints of leather and cinnamon with well-integrated tannins and bright acidity followed by a dry, long pleasant finish. It’s an excellent representation of the quality of Mendoza Malbecs.
Score: Wine Advocate 91+ points
Robyn Meadows, Presenter/Pourer – Cahors, France – Red – Chateau Vincens Origine 2018 – 100% Malbec
Description and Tasting Notes: Although now associated with the New World and Argentina in particular, Malbec originated in France and is still produced in the Cahors region. Although made from the same varietal, this Cahors Malbec will show notes of chocolate, coffee and spice over its berry flavors. The tannins are more apparent in this representation of Malbec than will be detected in the Catena. This wine could easily age for several more years. Also highly rated, the Cahors is well-suited for comparison with the Catena. Tasters will have a chance to determine whether they prefer the more common Argentinian or the traditional Cahors presentation of Malbec.
Score: Wine Enthusiast 93 points
Scott Casper, Presenter/Pourer – Tuscany, Italy – Red – Cafaggio Basilica del Cortaccio 2015 – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Description and Tasting Notes: The wine’s appearance is darkly saturated and rich, with little light breaking through. The bouquet offers full-force black fruit with shadings of spice and cedar. The wine’s Tuscan side is also very apparent thanks to those Mediterranean aromas of summer cherry and Italian rosemary and dried oregano. The tannins are soft and well-integrated into the thick fiber of this medium to full-bodied Tuscan red. This wine pairs well with tomato and basil tortellini. Drink 2019-2028.
Scores: Wine Advocate 93 points, James Suckling 93 points
Cathy Boyd, Presenter/Pourer – Sauternes, France – White Dessert – Chateau Carmes de Rieussec 2017 – 94% Semillon, 3% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle
Description and Tasting Notes: This wine opens with gorgeous lemon marmalade, peach preserves and preserved kumquat notes with touches of preserved mandarin peel and honeycomb. It fills the palate with rich, spiced apricot preserves, with a racy backbone to balance and a good, long finish.
Scores: James Suckling 93 points, Wine Advocate 92 points, Wine Enthusiast 91 points
You do not want to miss this event! Join us for a fun evening tasting and discussing eight sumptuous wines. I promise you will not be disappointed with any feature of this event.
100% COVID 19 vaccination proof with follow-up 14-day waiting period completion is required to confirm event reservations. All Center for Disease Control and Pennsylvania Department of Health distancing and safety precautions as well as the Hilton Harrisburg’s practices and policies will be followed as we are their guests. Tables of 4 persons each may be reserved via communication with your reservation, or to the Treasurers. Click here to sign up online.
Member: $60 Patron: $55 Nonmember: $70

Syrah Comparisons - Syrah/Shiraz Around the World
2021-11-07 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
Join us online on Sunday, November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern/New York time for our next Pennsylvania Wine Society Virtual Wine Tasting event. During this upcoming program, Joe Via will lead us through a comparison of three examples of Syrah. These wines will come from a diversity of locations all around the globe that will include France, Washington, and Australia (where it is known as “Shiraz”).
During this comparison, Joe will discuss the Old World origins of Syrah in France (which we believe to be the case) as well as the geography, geology, and other elements of terroir that make Syrah from these three areas so distinctive and different from each other.
Genetically the same grape, albeit, represented by many clonal varieties, the typicity of Syrah is emblematic of the terroir in which it is grown. It would be difficult in one afternoon program to discuss every area in which Syrah is grown worldwide; but, the three areas that immediately pop into mind are the three on which we will focus.
The three wines selected for our November 7th tasting are extreme, expressive examples to demonstrate how terroir and climate can affect the style of wine produced. They are as follows (accompanying data sheets are attached to this announcement):

PLCB Code #83406 ~ J.L. Chave Saint Joseph ‘Offerus’ 2018
PLCB Code #85037 ~ Elephant Seven Syrah Walla Walla Valley ‘River Rocks Vineyard’ 2018
PLCB Code #85374 ~ Mollydooker Shiraz ‘The Boxer’ South Australia 2019

Please secure one or more of the above wines in advance of November 7th and join us online that day at 3:30 p.m. Eastern/New York time using the Zoom link shown below.
NO RESERVATION needed. Simply connect via the below Zoom link. We look forward to seeing you!
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Wine Wednesday ~ "The Last Wine You Drank"
2021-11-03 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
Our next Wine Wednesday episode, scheduled for November 3rd at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time, is a takeoff on so many social media posts with similar premises. “Tell us the last food you ate” or “Tell us the last song you heard”. This topic was delivered to me while riding a train from New Orleans to Virginia last summer. I had just finished my dinner of pot roast. The only red wine choice I had was an industrial grade (Cough! Gasp! Gorp!) Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon. Shortly thereafter, I read a Facebook post that asked, “If you had a lifetime supply of the last wine you drank, what would it be?” I guess you can get used to anything, given sufficient desperation; but, I hope I never get to test that theory. At least not with an infinite supply of anything made by Barefoot. But, I digress…
The good news is that next week’s Wine Wednesday will not damn you to a lifetime of wine mediocrity; but, it does have an element of “show and tell.” So, show us and tell us! What was the last wine you drank in advance of next week’s program? There is some hair-splitting going on here, as we ask that you send us photos of your wine labels from that “last wine you drank” to WineCat@pa.net by the preceding day (Tuesday, November 2nd at 11:00 p.m.) for inclusion in our Wine Wednesday PowerPoint presentation. So, it’s more like “the last wine you drank before you sent your photos!” WineCat advises, “Drink what you want, any time you want… just remember to send photos and join us for what promises to be wine potpourri – red, white, pink, blue, orange – a wine rainbow.”
Whatever the case, let’s have some fun with this topic! So, send along your wine label photos and join us for Wine Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time on November 3rd!
NO RESERVATION needed. Simply connect to the below Zoom link at the appointed time. We look forward to seeing you!
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Wine Wednesday ~ Give Us a Recommendation
2021-10-27 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
Our next Wine Wednesday, on October 27th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time will feature your wine recommendations. This is a wide open topic and gives you a wide berth of considerations from which to choose. You could recommend a wine to pair with a particular meal; so, in your estimation, what goes best with steak? But, there are those of us who prefer seafood or fowl or even pork or ham to red meat. So, what, then? And, of course, what about the challenge of vegetarian meals? And, one of my favorites would be pairing wines with desserts!
You may also wish to make your recommendations based on the time of year, such as summer and warm weather as opposed to cooler or colder weather. And, then there are occasions. What is your preferred sparkler for New Year’s Eve? Or, how about Christmas or Hanukkah? What goes great with grilled foods for the Fourth of July? How about Easter and Passover foods? And, let’s remember that Turkey Day is right around the corner!
A variety of situations are on the table for this Wine Wednesday! So, give this some thought and join us on Zoom at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time on Wednesday, October 27th for some fun and socialization at the link shown below. We hope to see you then!
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+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
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+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
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+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
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Red, Red Rhone
2021-10-15 19:00 - 21:30 UTC | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
by Eric Miller
The concept for this tasting is to simplify the signature features of the Rhone Valley’s climate, soils, grape varieties and its confusion of regulations. All that sounds very serious, yet our guest speaker, Eric Miller, promises “We will laugh, we will cry, we will zig and we will zag our way just north of Avignon and up the Rhone Valley, almost to Lyon. We will give white wines a tip of the hat but spend our precious time on everything red. We will learn the differences between Côte du Rhone, Côte du Rhone Village, the Crus and what grapes are legal to use. Why is it legal to irrigate some vineyards and not others? How is the rock underlayment related to soil moisture? Why are stews and braised meats, sausage and cassoulet served with these wines? But tuna, pasta and eggplant too!? All these things and more will be burned into your mind like the searing winds of the Mistral and magically, yea joyfully, appear on your tongue for ever and ever, amen.” Okay, Eric. Let’s tour!
The wines were selected from top producers and the amazing 2015 and 2016 vintages long before retaliatory price increases, and this exemplary collection cannot be replicated. If that fact alone doesn’t have you reserving a spot, there’s special food pairings and more, so read on, please. The wines Eric selected for us to explore and enjoy are:
The Greeting Wine—2017 IGT, Viennes, Viognier, Les Vins de Viennes Les vins de Viennes is a modern winery in Viennes, Northern Rhone Valley, about 25 kilometers south of Lyon. It is a collaboration between Yves Cuilleron, Francois Villard and Pierre Gaillard who are best known as Syrah specialists.
The South (Grenache and 9 close red friends)
2019 Côte du Rhone, Producer to be announced This dry red wine is grown within the limits of its appellation, approx. 200,000 acres. Côte du Rhone, somewhere north of Avignon and South of Lyon. Reds are generally dominated by Grenache. Northern Rhone has a continental climate and granite and argili-calcairous soils. Southern Rhone is chiefly Mediterranean climate with chiefly sandstone, limestone alluvia, loess and quartzite shingle soils.
2016 Lirac, Ch de Ségriès, Cuvee Réservée A 17th century chateau with 145 acres that is located with the right to make both Rosé with the Tavel appellation and a red Lirac, both AOC “named villages”. It is located across the river from Chateauneuf de Pape. 40% or more must be Grenache and Mourvedre. 25% or less must be Syrah and Carignan.
Chateauneuf du Pape, Chateau de la Grande Gardiole, Vielles Vignes 11,500 cases/year. 83% Grenache, 12% Syrah, 2% Mourvedre, 2% Counoise, 1% WT_? Wine from an ancient hillside town made famous by its powerful red wines.
2015 Gigondas, Domaine du Grand Montmirail, Vielles Vignes A large property of 100 acres with terraces on the southeast side of the Dentelles de Montmirail that form a perfect amphitheater above most of the surrounding vineyards. Some say this town is a contender for the crown still worn by Chateauneuf du Pape.
2009 Ventoux, Chene Bleu, Abelard Near the picturesque hilltop village of Crestet, it is several miles east and north of Gigondas. Xavier felt this underappreciated appellation was being overlooked, underpriced and allowed to dither. So, he converted the vineyards to bio-dynamic culture and put in a massive cash infusion to build an eco-sensitive winery 4 stories deep in solid rock.
2017 Côte du Rhone, Seguret, Domaine de l’Amandine One of the perfect hillside villages in southern Rhone. Complete with world class restaurant and a view to die for it has attained the status of a CdR Village. The history of Amandine begins in 1968, when Jean-Pierre Verdeau, accompanied by his wife Maryse, founded the Domaine de l’Amandine, driven by the desire to make his own wine from the few hectares left to him by his father. The wines were first sold only to merchants until his daughter married a trained enologist from South Africa.
The North (Syrah, is all she wrote)
2015 Cornas, Domaine Durand, Empreintes Family owned and operated by Eric and Joel Durand since 1991. Incredibly steep granite slopes and terraces of 100% Syrah. A notably hot dry vintage.
2016 Crozes Hermitage, Emmanuel Darnaud, Les Trios Chenes This domaine began in 2001 with 3.2 acres on the left bank of the Rhone. It has grown to about 32 acres of small prime plots of mostly red grapes. Some stems are left in the primary fermentation for 15 to 20 days before the wine is aged in “demi-muids” (600 litre) for 12 to 18 months. This bottling was grown in Glacial Alluvium composed of river-rolled stones.
2016 Saint Joseph, E. Guigal Established in 1946, the year after WWII ended, by Etienne Guigal, who had worked for Vidal Fleury for 15 years before that. Guru Robert Parker said about Guigal’s winemaking son, “I have never seen a producer so fanatical about quality as Marcel Guigal”, which undoubtedly influenced the rapid change in perception and quality of the wines of the Rhone.
This is a high-end exploration of fine, food worthy wines, and so, we have planned with Hilton’s Chef Bianco several small plate accompaniments to make it even more enjoyable for your palate:

BBQ Mushrooms with Polenta Smoked Almonds and Arugula
Braised Pork Stew – Grilled Garbanzo, Red Pepper, Rosemary Voulevant
Cheese plate of Fontina, Gloucester Cheddar, and Manchego.

Space is limited by both Hilton space, safe distancing, and wine availability; so sign up early to be able to tell the wonderful story later to those who procrastinate and miss out. Plan now to join us at 7 p.m. Friday, October 15, 2021 at the Hilton Harrisburg for this fun and educational tour of the Rhone Valley. It will be a great way to kick off an October weekend!
100% COVID 19 vaccination proof with follow-up 14-day waiting period completion is required to confirm event reservations. All CDC and PA DOH distancing and safety precautions as well as the Hilton Harrisburg’s practices and policies will be followed as we are their guests. Tables of 4 persons each may be reserved via communication with your reservation, or to the Treasurers.
Click here to sign up online. I promise you will not be disappointed with any feature of this event.
Members: $90 Patrons: $85 Nonmembers: $100

Boordy Vineyards: “To Make Great Wine is to Love its Home”
2021-10-03 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Boordy Vineyards, 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes, MD, 21082, United States
———————–by Joyce Soroka
COME JOIN US… for the last event in our Pennsylvania Wine Society 2021 “Summer in the Vineyard Series” on Sunday, October 3rd at 1:00 p.m.! During this event, you will share in an extraordinary wine tasting experience while also marking 75 years of Boordy Vineyards winemaking tradition. Boordy Vineyards is the oldest winery in the State of Maryland and the second oldest winery on the East Coast! You are sure to enjoy the wines from the Boordy Vineyards premium label Landmark Series of wines, pared with your picnic lunch or foods you purchase from the on-location food truck, along with live music and an incredibly charming vineyard setting amidst the atmosphere of the 2021 Harvest! We look forward to enjoying the event with you!
We will start with a guided tour of the winery, its production facility, and a preliminary wine tasting from the wine storage tanks inside the production facility. Following the tour, we will gather in a shaded grassy area and sit at picnic tables where the Landmark Series wine tasting will be conducted.
Our tasting will be from the Boordy Vineyards Premium Labeled Landmark Series of Wines. These wines are refreshingly crisp whites to complex, age-worthy reds. Handcrafted wines are the finest representations of vintage year, varietal character, the geography of the Maryland regional appellation, and the soul of our winemakers. Made in limited quantities, the Landmark wines are sourced from 100% Maryland grown grapes, principally from the Boordy Vineyards estate vineyards in the Long Green Valley of Baltimore County and their South Mountain Vineyard in Frederick County.
Boordy Vineyards has repeatedly won wine competitions at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, the San Francisco International Wine Competition, the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition and The Maryland Governor’s Cup. The Maryland Governor’s Cup, established in 1984, is limited to wines with a Maryland appellation (75% or greater Maryland-grown grapes). It is overseen by WYPR’s Cellar Notes host Al Spoler. His exacting discipline and panel of highly qualified judges make this competition an excellent bellwether for the impressive gains in quality of Maryland wines.
We will taste the following wines:
1) 2020 Viognier ~ Aromas of honey and ripe peaches lead to a powerful flavor of ripe pear, lychee and tangerine. Full bodied with alluring viscosity. Enjoy with seafood and spicy foods. Drink now through 2024.
2) 2019 Chardonnay Dry Bench Reserve ~ From the “dry bench” of our South Mountain Vineyard. Full-bodied with aromas of lemon meringue and hazelnuts. Vanilla bean and lemon zest on the palate.
3) 2020 Rosé ~ Lively flavors of freshly picked strawberries with cream, rose petals and a lingering touch of citrus. A blend of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc picked early specifically for Rosé production.
4) 2015 Landmark Reserve ~ Resemblant to the left bank of Bordeaux, powerful structure, deep flavors, toasted vanilla bean, chocolate, brambleberry, and sage, with notes of Morello cherry, and a touch of graphite. This wine won the 2020 Maryland Governor’s Cup Double Gold.
The competition’s WYPR’s Cellar Notes host, Al Spoler, writes, “Boordy Vineyards walked away with the 2020 Governor’s Cup, awarded to the best Maryland wine. Their 2015 LANDMARK RESERVE is a red blend produced during an exceptional growing season… the wine displayed ready-to-drink flavors, a classic aroma and amazing depth. It also won a “Double Gold”, a distinction indicating unanimous praise from the judges. This year’s competition was extremely tight, with many of our local wineries entering exceptional wines; but, at the end of the day, Boordy’s superb red blend emerged as the champion.”
5) 2017 Lost Order No. 191 ~ Silky and smooth with rich aromas of blueberries, violets, and full grain leather. This Petit Verdot-led blend is full bodied on the palate with notes of black licorice, dark chocolate and mixed berry cobbler. Aged for 18 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Drink now through 2035.
Upon arrival at Boordy Vineyards, you will check in at the Gate, indicate you are with the PWS event. They will have a list of attendees and will direct you to parking.
Bring a picnic lunch or purchase something from the food truck vendor. La Barrita Restobar will be the resident food truck at Boordy Vineyards during our event. The food is Argentinian with an Italian flair. Menu items include Fried spicy chickpeas; Chorizo; (traditional Argentinian grilled sausage); beef, chicken or spinach Empanadas; and Arugula salad with Burrata cheese and roasted red peppers and freshly made Balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Sandwiches include a Ribeye sandwich, a NY Strip sandwich with the steak thinly sliced then breaded and fried. The sandwiches are served with a choice of fries or salad. Menu item prices range from $12-20.
So, plan to join us on Sunday, October 3 at 1:00 p.m. for the fun as we relax, taste and discuss the exceptional Boordy Vineyards wines. The weather may be cooler, thus reminding us that it is fall! We will be sitting at picnic tables; or, if you prefer, bring a lawn chair or seat cushion. This is a “rain or shine” event, with a contingency plan to retreat indoors, if necessary, where ample room is available. Boordy Vineyards is located at 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes, Maryland 21082. From the Harrisburg area, it is about a 75-minute drive first on the Interstate and then on well-maintained picturesque country roads. You will also be close to some covered bridges if you want to stop to enjoy them! This event is worth the trip!
Boordy Vineyards wines will be sold at a 10% discount per bottle to PWS event attendees during this event only.
100% COVID 19 vaccination proof with follow-up 14-day waiting period completion is required to confirm event reservations. All CDC and PA DOH distancing and safety precautions will be followed. Click here to make your reservations! Admission prices are:
Members: $30 Patrons: $25 Nonmembers: $40

Sake: an Ancient Drink for the New World
2021-09-26 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
—————-by Cathy Boyd
Sake has been on the Japanese table for over 1,000 years. Please join us on Sunday, September 26th to try one, two or even three sakes to see if it should join your table. The PWS Zoom seminar, hosted by Cathy Boyd, will explore this ancient drink through a sampling of three sakes each representing a different grade of Junmai sake. Junmai only sake will be the focus of this seminar.

For tasting during the seminar I have purchased:
Hakutsuru Draft Sake Kobe 300 ml #49972 $ 6.49
Maboroshi Junmai Ginjo Sake 300 ml #02961 $17.99
Soto Junmai Daiginjo Sake Niigata Prefecture 300 ml #82200 $15.99
If you are unable to buy these particular sakes, try to obtain one, two or three sakes that have the following on the label:
Junmai ~ Junmai Ginjo ~ Junmai Daiginjo
The process of making sake is often compared to the process of making beer. The two have their similarities and yet the making of sake is unlike any other because sake starts with rice. And not the table rice found on grocery store shelves – but sake rice. Much like wine where the better the grapes the better the wine – the same is for sake, the better the rice, the better the sake.
After the rice selection, the next step for the sakemaker is to choose other ingredients that impart flavor into the sake. Choices include: which yeast strain to use and which type of water – hard (kosui) or soft (nansui).

Once ingredients are selected then the sake making can begin. The first step is the milling or polishing of the rice kernel. Polishing removes a percentage of the outer layer of rice. The lower percentage of polish of the rice gives the sake flavor and aroma that differs from the rice polished at a higher percentage. The level of polish is called ‘SEIMAI BUAI’ – pronounced “Say My Boo Eye”.
The polishing is just the first of nine (or so) steps to making sake. The other steps include washing, steaming, adding koji, creation of the shubo, fermentation of the moromi, then pressing, filtration and aging.
I hope this short introduction to sake has created an interest to learn about sake in more detail. I will discuss all the points mentioned here in greater detail during the ZOOM presentation on Sunday, September 26th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern/New York time.
Please check back here closer to event time for the Zoom Link information.

An Evening at Nissley Vineyards
2021-09-18 17:00 - 19:30 UTC | Nissley Vineyards, 140 Vintage Drive, Bainbridge, PA, 17502, United States
——–by Cathy Boyd
Join the PWS at Nissley Vineyards on Saturday, September 18th at 5pm to enjoy the newest collection of Nissley Vineyard Wines, ‘The Reserve Collection’ and a fabulous grazing station prepared by Slice of Divine Charcuterie – www.sliceofdivinecharcuterie.com. See the list of grazing station items and the nine wines at the end of this article. Then make your reservation!!
The Reserve Collection is the bridge which joins the Nissley of the past with its future. Nissley began when, with time on his hands after retiring from the bridge construction trade, J. Richard “Dick” Nissley planted several experimental acres of Seyval Blanc in the mid-70’s. Shortly thereafter, Dick became a winemaker and winery owner, first opening in 1978 and eventually naming his venture with the family name, Nissley Wine Cellars. Planting in Lancaster County at the time was somewhat of an experiment – there were only a few wineries operating in Pennsylvania at the time and conventional wisdom was that California or France was the place to grow grapes and operate a winery.
Growth and success was a slow and steady process made easier after his four children joined the venture – John as vineyard manager, Judith as enterprise manager who and also started the Music in the Vineyard’ series (that continues today), Joyce doing the business accounting and bookkeeping and MaryLee overseeing the preservation and beautification of the grounds with her knack for horticulture.
Nissley’s focus until recently was on the production of hybrid and sweet wines. Then the grandson of Dick Nissley, Jonas, enters the picture in 2016. Jonas has tweaked the lineup of Nissley wines with the introduction of the Nissley Reserve line. The wines we will be tasting at our event on Saturday, September 18th, will be the Nissley Reserve wines.
The Reserve line was started with Merlot in 2016 and showcases Pennsylvania wines through the use of excellent fruit, expert winemaking practices and barrel aging. Cabernet Franc was added in 2017, Chardonnay in 2018 and Cabernet Sauvignon in 2019. Next to be added will be a Meritage. Originally the Reserve program was to showcase only estate fruit but the recent cold weather of 2017 and 2018 killed 80% of the 5000+ vines that were planted. The vineyards have since been replanted and the first harvest of Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay will be this year. Nissley will continue their labor of love in the vineyard and keep planting vinifera grapes even with the inevitable headaches and hair pulling they bring!
Recently hired winemaker, Andy Reagan, is there to lessen the headaches and hair pulling, and this year is his first harvest at Nissley. A native of Virginia, and a former Marine Corps reservist, Andy has had a passion for wine that started well before the national legal drinking age of 21. Andy summered in his youth in Hudson Valley, at Benmarl Vineyards helping in the vineyard and/or the cellar. After graduating from the Marine Corps RTD, Parris Island, SC he returned to Benmarl Vineyards where is sister, Anne, was the winemaker, and began to learn the trade in depth. After several years at Benmarl, Andy returned to Virginia.
Since then Andy has made wine at a number of eastern wineries with distinction, where he has led a rebirth of several vineyards, won numerous platinum, gold and Best of Class awards and was invited to pour his wine at the James Beard House. Some of the prominent wineries include Chrysalis Vineyards, Jefferson Vineyards, Old House Vineyards and most recently Horton Vineyards where he guided the 2016 Petit Manseng to winning the 2019 Virginia Governor’s Cup.
Below is the wine line-up and food accompaniments for our event. **All wine purchases during the evening will receive a 20% discount
The WINES
“The Jester” – Pét-Nat wine. A traditional form of sparkling wine.
2018 and 2019 Reserve CHARDONNAY
2018 and 2019 Reserve MERLOT
2018 and 2019 Reserve CABERNET FRANC
2019 Reserve CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 Estate Bottled CHAMBOURCIN

The FOOD – a GRAZING TABLE by Slice of Divine Charcuterie
CHEESES – Manchego, Pecorino, Ricotta Salata, Burrata, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Everything Goat Cheese, Drunken Goat, Merlot Bellavitano, Asiago, Saint Agur Blue
MEATS – Prosciutto, Dry Aged Salami, Spicy Dry Aged Salami, Capocollo, Speck, Soppersata, Bresaola, Chorizo, Rosemary Ham
DIPS & SPREADS – Roasted Garlic Hummus, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Tzatziki, Olive Tapenade, Marinated Feta Salad, Shirazi Salad, Tabbouleh Salad, Whole Grain Dijon Mustard, Spicy Brown Mustard, Raspberry Compote, Fig Jam, Tomato Jam, Honey
GARNISHES – Dolmades, Marinated Olives, Marinated Artichokes, Cherry Tomatoes, Mediterranean Cucumbers, Mini Peppers, Tomato & Mozzarella Platter, Honey Comb, Fresh Figs, Assorted Dried Fruits, Assorted Nuts, Dried Citrus, Assorted Fresh Fruits, Prosciutto Wrapped Peaches, Prosciutto Wrapped Cantaloupe
BREADS & CRACKERS – Seasoned Pita Bread, Naan, Baguettes, Herbed Focaccia, Crackers & Chips
100% COVID 19 vaccination proof with follow-up 14-day waiting period completion is required to confirm event reservations. All CDC and PA DOH distancing and safety precautions, as well as Nissley Vineyards policies will be observed.
Register here! Members: $50 Patrons: $45 Nonmembers: $60

Wine Wednesday ~ Merlot
2021-09-08 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
This much-maligned grape remains the favorite of many, save for the movie-goers who fell prey to undeserved bad press in “Sideways”. Tell us about your favorite Merlot!
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Additional details for each individual event are posted here closer to the actual event date, and distributed to PWS members and those on our distribution list via e-mail in advance of the event each week.
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Please check back here the week of the event for Zoom connection information.

Allegro Cadenza
2021-08-27 18:50 - 21:00 UTC | Cadenza Vineyards, Brogue PA, 3475 Sechrist Road, Brogue, PA, 17309, United States
by Lynne Beeson__________

The Allegro Cadenza event on August 27th has limited seats remaining! Save your spot here! All event information is kept current on the PWS website or contact the Treasurers for information. For those fortunate to have seats reserved, here are Carl’s notes on the tasting lineup.
The Cadenza Vineyards wines speak from forty years of growing grapes at one special place. Over time we have started to understand what works for us here. It starts with Chardonnay and moves through Cabernet Sauvignon and then Merlot and finishes with Petit Verdot blends.
Our Chardonnay Vineyard was originally planted in 1973 (along with our Cabernet Sauvignon), and while time and climate have not been kind to the vines, we have steadily re-planted with better clones and rootstocks. In true French fashion, our Chardonnay block contains 8 different clones all ripening at different times but harvested together. The wine tastes less of “Chardonnay” and more of “Allegro” (or, rather, “Cadenza”). The fruit is barrel-fermented in newer French oak barrels, and it remains in the same barrel up until bottling. The richness of the lees fills out the wine and fleshes out the flavors.
2019 Chardonnay – Our most recent Chardonnay is the culmination of my search for balance between barrels and fruit. Struggling to balance the fermentation in barrels while retaining fruit characteristics is anathema to both techniques. The solution seems to lie in the ripeness and chemistries found at harvest in our vineyard.
2017 Chardonnay – This vintage has hit its stride and is starting to exhibit the mature flavors that our older vintages showcase while retaining enough primary fruit to provide liveliness and complexity.
2014 Allegro Reserve Chardonnay – To show that even our whites have ageability, it was necessary to include an older one. The 2014 exhibits flavors of honey and butterscotch while retaining enough acidity to balance the richness.
Our Merlot block was part of our re-planting in 2015. Having sourced budwood from our friends at Black Ankle, we were able to plant clean vines on what we consider the “heirloom” part of our vineyard site. French ENTAV clone 181 on de-vigorizing 101-14 rootstock brings the yields in this iron and clay rich field down to two and a half tons per acre.
2017 Merlot – Vineyards are planted for the next generation, and our three acre block produced a wine in 2017 that justified the planting. Then a year later, we lost one third to freeze damage, and thus began the slow turning towards Petit Verdot. Merlot is the grape that makes the wine that is easy to like … and to hate … and to love.
“Bridge” was a wine conceived initially with John Crouch back in 2001. It was meant to be a bridge between his Cadenza tradition and my own (which wouldn’t begin for another four years.) It has come to take on the significance of being our “Second Wine” in the Bordeaux tradition. The blend changes from year to year, but the quality remains the same.
2019 Bridge – Petit Verdot 65%/Merlot 27%/Cabernet Sauvignon 8%. 2019 was a strong but not stellar vintage–hence, no Cadenza–and yet the Petit Verdot and Merlot solidly ripened. The wine is still young and still has hints of the new barrels in which it was aged and which gave it some of its tannic structure.
2017 Bridge – Merlot 36%/Cabernet Franc 34%/Cabernet Sauvignon 22%/Petit Verdot 7%. Merlot and Cabernet Franc have such an affinity for each other and together produce blends which form a sweetness that seems incongruous to the tannic structure. This Bridge is much more gregarious and charismatic than our Cadenzas, while at the same time having a complex set of flavors and textures that draws one in.
Our flagship wine, the redundantly named “Cadenza Vineyards Cadenza” has been a tradition of Bordeaux blends since 1984. Some years favor Merlot, while others Cabernet Sauvignon or Petit Verdot. Time and learning has shifted this wine from its Cabernet roots to Merlot and on to Petit Verdot dominance. But the blend has always been of the highest importance. This is a wine that speaks to the potential of fine wine in Pennsylvania.
2017 Cadenza – Petit Verdot 41%/Cabernet Sauvignon 38%/Merlot 16%/Cabernet Franc 5%. As young vines, the tannins on the Petit Verdot are not nearly as impenetrable as will be the case as these vines age, and therefore the Merlot and Cabernet Franc quotient is quite minimal. This wine achieves a body and richness which belies the fact that it is the first harvest off the new plantings.
The Cadenza wines are meant to be aged and enjoyed mature even though they are sometimes too enticing while young. The Crouch Cadenzas were tough in their youth while my tradition relies on Merlot to soften the Cabernet tannins and provide a mid-palate that entices. Typical lifespan for Bridge and Cadenza is over twenty years. A maximum lifespan has not yet been determined.
1998 Cadenza – 95% Cabernet Sauvignon/3% Merlot/2% Cabernet Franc. The last Cadenza made by John and Tim Crouch (and the first one that I helped work on as well.) Stylistically this is the last of its kind, relying almost solely on the Cabernet Sauvignon to carry the moniker. The early winemaking notes claim that this wine was softer in its youth than other Cadenzas of its ilk, and that staggers the imagination to ponder what the 1995 or 1991 might have tasted like when young.
All of the Cadenza Vineyards wines are aged in 100% new French oak barrels (with the exception of some whites which are in older barrels). The whites are aged for approximately 8-10 months and filtered prior to bottling while the reds are aged for 18-22 months and not filtered.
2020 Barrel Sample Blend – As the wines develop over time, we look forward to seeing how they best work together in blends. 2020, for all of its pandemical trials and tribulations, did yield wine that will find its way into the Cadenza milieu. Taste the potential future of Cadenza.
This promises to be a delightful summer evening at Allegro! We will be on the covered deck weather permitting; or if not, will move indoors to the barrel room. Bring a light jacket or sweater.
100% COVID 19 vaccination proof with follow-up 14-day waiting period completion is required to confirm event reservations. All current CDC, PA DOH and Allegro Winery safety precautions and infection prevention precautions will be observed.
Please plan to have dinner or a generous snack prior to arrival. Planned not to distract the palate, simple cheese and cracker nibbles will accompany these nine fabulous Cadenza wines. Also plan your travel time to easily gather by 6:50 PM on Friday, August 27th at Allegro Winery—3475 Sechrist Road, Brogue, Pennsylvania 17309. Ph: 717-927-9148. See you there!
Go to Website Reservations Member: $85 ~ Patron Member: $80

Wine Wednesday ~ Your Favorite Wine?
2021-08-25 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
Maybe there is a wine that you reserve for very special occasions, or another of which you can never get enough, or another without which you could never live. Is it your favorite? What is that wine?
___________________________________________________________
Additional details for each individual event are posted here closer to the actual event date, and distributed to PWS members and those on our distribution list via e-mail in advance of the event each week.
You may request to be placed on the mailing list for a complimentary 3-month trial by entering your full name and email address at the top of the home page. If you want to be a Member or Patron, and enjoy all the benefits, click here to join!
Please check back here the week of the event for Zoom connection information.

Paso Robles - AVA Updates
2021-08-22 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
Photo Courtesy of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
Please join PWS and Host Joe Via on August 22nd at 3:30 p.m. Eastern/New York time, for a look at the Central Coast in California. Specifically, the Paso Robles AVA including updates and new things to look for on wine shelves. As this wine appellations’ law evolves, so will the labels.
For Cabernet and Rhone-style fans out there, selection and value are there now for these wines if you know where and what to look for. Keep the grills fired up!

Please check back here in future weeks for additional details, as well as the Zoom link information to include you in this event!

Wine Wednesday ~ Chardonnay
2021-08-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
This ubiquitous grape of French origin grows well in nearly all terroir and exhibits a multiplicity of aromas and flavors reflective of those terroir. Yet, there are those who decry this wine with “Anything But Chardonnay!” Why is it hated and what is your favorite Chardonnay?
___________________________________________________________
All details for each individual event are posted here closer to the actual event date, and distributed to PWS members and those on our distribution list via e-mail in advance of the event each week.
You may request to be placed on the mailing list for a complimentary 3-month trial by entering your full name and email address at the top of the home page. If you want to be a Member or Patron, and enjoy all the benefits, click here to join!
Please check back here the week of the event for Zoom connection information.

Stony Run Winery
2021-08-15 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | The Cellar by Stony Run, 150 Independent Rd, Breinigsville, PA, 18031, United States
Stony Run Winery – A Passion for Excellence
by Joyce Soroka ———–
There is a place to the east of southcentral PA. It is a magical place. A place where they make incredible wines. This place is known as Stony Run Winery. Owner and Winemaker Larry Shrawder is the man with the magical touch. He came out of nowhere to wow the crowd at the 2018 PA Wine Excellence Awards when Stony Run Winery took top honors with his 2016 Cabernet Franc. A lot of eyes were opened during that occasion. Larry spoke with the crowd and his wine and words made it entirely evident to the Members and Friends of the Pennsylvania Wine Society that a new, powerful, and very well-versed voice had been introduced to the Pennsylvania winemaking scene. Such passion in this individual! Such quality in his wines!
We will convene at Stony Run Winery on Sunday, August 15th at 2:00 p.m. at their beautiful tasting facility – known as The Cellar by Stony Run – which is located in Breinigsville, PA. This campus alone is worth a visit. An easy drive of a mere 85 minutes by Interstate Highway will take you there from the Harrisburg (PA) area. It is situated in a pastoral setting that exudes peace and tranquility. There is plenty of seating, both inside and out, on upper decks, in courtyards, or inside its spacious confines. The Pennsylvania Wine Society Members and Guests will be seated in the rear Courtyard under the shade of table umbrellas for this event. Our fallback position is to be indoors, in the event of inclement weather.

Our event has us tasting eight of the best East Coast wines you have ever tasted! Those who have yet to experience the wines of Stony Run Winery, are definitely in for a treat! The tasting will consist of a flight of four whites and a flight of four reds, as follows:
2017 Sparkling Brut ~ An elegant celebration of the traditional Champagne blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.
2019 Albariño ~ Pale yellow in color with aromas of stone fruit, nectarine and white peach with a hint of Key lime meringue. The middle palate offers layers of lemon grass ripe apple and kumquat. The finish shows restrained and elegant acidity along with mineral notes of limestone.
2017 Grüner Veltliner ~ A subtle floral nose complements refreshing lemon-lime flavors with hints of green apple on the palate making this a versatile food pairing partner. This wine took top honors as the Farm Show Best of Show with top scores for both dry white and overall white at the 2019 competition.
2017 Chardonnay Reserve ~ Our traditional Chardonnay features a bouquet of vanilla and toasted oak. Butter and caramel are prevalent on the palate. This wine took the Silver Medal at the Finger Lakes International Competition in 2019.
2016 Merlot Reserve ~ Ripe plum, black cherry, and dark berry flavors compliment caramel notes. Aged in French and American oak.
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve ~ A nose of plum and lilac continues on the palate with nuances of toasted caramel and dark red fruits. Beautiful oak notes provide a pleasing finish.
2016 Cabernet Franc Reserve ~ Deep currants and blackberries with toasty oak define the nose while the palate shows a supple array of bright raspberry and red plum flavors. This wine was the top award winner at the Pennsylvania Wine Society Wine Excellence Awards for 2018. NOTE: This wine is now SOLD OUT; but, a supply remains for our enjoyment and will be available for purchase during our Pennsylvania Wine Society event.
2017 Flagship ~ This is an elegant celebration of all five traditional varieties authorized for inclusion in Bordeaux wines: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, all of which are grown in our Kempton (PA) vineyard. It balances deep red fruit flavors with supple tannins.
Stony Run Winery will make the above wines and all of their other wines available for sale at a 10% discount for odd lots of bottles and at a 20% discount per case lots (increments of 12 bottles) to Pennsylvania Wine Society attendees during this event only.
Everyone is urged to pack and bring a picnic lunch to this event so to pair the foods they wish to have with the incredible wines of Stony Run Winery. Or, as an alternative, Stony Run Winery sells a small plate charcuterie as an option if you prefer not to pack a lunch. The plates are designed for 2 people to share while tasting wine and the selection of choices range from a cheese trio to simple spreads to sweet sensations. Prices range from $7-10 per plate. For our event only, Stony Run Winery will provide a complimentary charcuterie plate as depicted here for every table of four.
Plan now to join us for this extraordinary wine tasting experience. Come and witness for yourself the magic of Stony Run Winery and share the wine experience with Pennsylvania Wine Society Members and Friends, enjoying a relaxing wine tasting and food pairing. And, take some time to enjoy works of art from local artists on display throughout the interior of the Breinigsville facility. It does not get better than this beautiful Lehigh Valley setting!
So, please join us on Sunday, August 15 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Cellar by Stony Run. Set your GPS for 150 Independent Road, Breinigsville, PA 18031 and please arrive for check-in between 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
We look forward to safely enjoying this event with you! 100% COVID 19 vaccination with follow-up waiting period completion is required to confirm event reservations. Thank you.
Go to Website Reservations Member: $30 Patron: $25 Nonmember: $40

Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery Tour & Tasting
2021-07-31 15:00 - 18:00 UTC | Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery, 1599 Old Line Rd., Manheim, PA, 17545, United States
The Waltz’s sixth generation farm is situated on a beautiful hill in Lancaster County, PA. For generations, the farm produced traditional crops including tobacco, corn, soybeans and wheat. The vineyards were planted in 1997. The farm enjoys a Continental Climate similar to Northern Italy and Central France. This unique micro-climate also boasts well-drained soils and adequate air flow for vineyards.
Jan Waltz, sixth generation Lancaster County farmer, and his wife Kimberly sought out to utilize their unique site and produce a product that could be set on a world stage. Jan’s Agricultural heritage and related degree from Penn State paved the way for meticulously maintained vineyards. Kimberly’s experience with family business and marketing and related degree from Penn State provided the complementary skill set necessary to launch Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery. The boutique winery utilizes the most modern wine-making technology imported from Italy. Waltz wines have received many accolades from International, National and State competitions.
Recently a new winemaker officially joined the team—Jan and Kimberly’s son, Zach, who is now the Director of Operations, Viticulture and Enology. Zach’s heritage experience, and degree from Cornell bring additional knowledge and skills, which further complement the processes Waltz has always meticulously maintained to make great wines. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell is home to one of the top viticulture and enology programs in the world and is internationally recognized for its expertise in breeding wine grapes adapted to cool climate growing regions. We look forward to hearing from Jan and Zach about the vintages, the harvests, and the wines from barrel to bottle. I know many of you will be excited that we are returning to Waltz Vineyards! If you’ve not tried these PA wines, now may be the time for you. Even Waltz Wine Club members will enjoy this Saturday afternoon with new vineyards to see, new wines, and a new winemaker joining the tour and tasting presentations!
Did you know Waltz Vineyards Wines were reviewed by jamessuckling.com? James Suckling was a former Senior Editor of Wine Spectator. He is one of today’s leading wine critics whose reviews are read and respected by serious wine collectors, and the wine trade worldwide. “Our tasting suggested that Waltz learned extremely well from his mater. Two of his wines were rated 94 points: Cabernet Sauvignon Crow Woods 2014 and Chardonnay Reserve 2015. The latter could easily stand comparison with many of the best Chardonnays from California or Burgundy..” – Stuart Piggot of jamessuckling.com
Waltz wines have received many accolades from International, National and State competitions. Waltz Vineyards is a 3-time winner of the coveted PWS Pennsylvania Wine Excellence Award as well! Go to the PWS website awards page to see which wines won. I know many of you are excited that we are returning to Waltz Vineyards, because you’ve already registered! If you’ve not tried these PA wines, now may be the time for you.
Waltz Vineyards is committed to using only their estate-grown fruit. The vineyard team works diligently throughout the year to assure the vines produce top quality vinifera wine grapes. Shoot tucking, thinning, leaf pulling and weed removal are all jobs completed by the hands of a a hard-working vineyard crew. President and winemaker Jan Waltz says “…by sourcing fruit only from our own meticulously maintained vineyards, we maintain our standards of excellence in the winemaking process from beginning to end. Great wines are grown in the vineyard!” Even Waltz Wine Club members, who know these great wines will enjoy this Saturday afternoon with new vineyards to see, new wines, and a new winemaker—7th generation Zach Waltz, who is now Director of Operations, Viticulture and Enology, and will join the tour and tasting presentations!
Your pleasant summer afternoon can begin as you enjoy the lovely country drive and scenery on your way to Lancaster County—be adventurous and take the country roads—it’s worth it. After a relaxing drive, we’ll gather within all CDC and PA DOH distancing and safety precautions. 100% COVID 19 vaccination with waiting period completion is required to confirm event reservations. We are thrilled to begin, and equally committed to safety for all.
To begin our Waltz experience—a tour of a newer vineyard accompanied by a nice glass of wine. Veraison begins in late July so our timing is great for a peek at the berry changes, and to hear Jan and Zach’s predictions for the 2021 vintage. From there we’ll tour the winery area and learn more about how the grapes become wine at the hands of these two artisans. And then we adjourn to the shady tree grove to settle in and taste the boutique wines! Bring a picnic basket with some cheese nibbles and perhaps a baguette if you like—whatever you want to pair with the wines. The tasting line-up is below with wines Jan chose for us.
2020 Sauvignon Blanc. Look for citrus notes with a herbaceous finish in this crisp and refreshing dry white wine.
2020 Fusion. A semi-dry blend of Semillon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, it has tropical fruit notes with a hint of minerality and a crisp finish.
2018 Reserve Chardonnay. Aged for nine months in French oak, this wine tastes of pears, apples, butter, and caramel.
2020 Stiegel Rose. A dry rosé made from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc; this interesting wine has tart strawberry notes with a citrus finish.
2017 Cherry Tree Merlot. The Cherry Tree Merlot was aged for 24 months in French oak barrels resulting in a bold dry red with big tannins and notes of cherry, raspberry, and cocoa. This wine should age well for a decade or more.
2016 Crow Woods Cabernet. Also aged for 24 months in French oak creating another bold, dry red with the Cabernet, you can expect notes of dark fruit with a lingering velvety finish.
Surprises! There will be two additional “surprise” wines from the 2013 and 2014 vintages.
Join us at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 31st for this unique event at Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery & Tasting Room, 1599 Old Line Road, Manheim, PA 17545. Bring a light afternoon picnic inspired by the Old World to pair with the wines for a true European experience. Don’t forget to bring your own lawn chairs or blanket for lawn seating. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages permitted; no outside alcohol please. Waltz wines will be available by the bottle after the tasting.
Very limited seating is still available. Make your reservation for this event today! COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Proof of vaccination required prior to reservation confirmation. See you there!
Go to Website Reservations Member: $40 ~ Patron: $35 ~ Nonmember: $50
Reservations will be confirmed upon vaccination verification with PWS Treasurers.

Cava - A Look at the New Laws
2021-06-27 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
CAVA: the Spanish Sparkler and Updated Winemaking Regs by Joe Via
The wine laws in Spain are changing to identify and dictate regional geography boundaries to distinguish the Cava production D.O.’s., Denominación de Origen, i.e., where the grapes are grown.
There is not just one production zone, but four. Two now also have sub-zones.
In Spanish, Cava translates to underground wine cellar. It’s also how quality sparkling wines from Spain are labeled. These quality sparkling wines go through the same process used to make Champagne in France, which is known as the Méthode Champenoise or ‘Método Tradicional’ – (Traditional Method) and is characterized by a secondary fermentation inside each bottle.
Cava has its own distinctive character due to using native grapes and also because of Spain’s much warmer climate.
Aside from using the same production method, aging or cellar times differ from Champagne that requires longer development time for some wines.
From very sweet to bone dry, Cava is produced in a range of categories and types to fit every palate.
Not all Cava is the same. Join us to discuss how Cava is produced, grape varieties used, and the regional differences. The three wines selected, and available in the Pennsylvania Fine Wine and Good Spirits Stores are:

PLCB Code #82105 – Black Elk Travitana Cava (Requena D.O.P.)

Non-Vintage – $12.99

PLCB Code #83514 – Sokatira Brut Rosé

Non-vintage – $15.99

PLCB Code #82209 – Castellroig Brut Reserva Corpinnat

Non-Vintage – $14.99
Please join us on Sunday, June 27th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern/New York time at the Zoom link below to taste some great Cava and learn about the story behind those great sparklers! Zoom information follows below.

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Meeting ID: 952 7077 3498
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French Wines Part II ~ The Loire Valley and Bordeaux
2021-05-16 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
A Wine Tour of France, Part 2 ~ The Loire Valley and Bordeaux
Vive la France! If you missed part 1, mark your calendars now so you don’t miss part 2 on Sunday, May 16th!
We continue our tour of France with Kevin Ostrowski and, during Part 2 of our series, we will explore two of France’s other major rivers that are also known for fabulous wines. The regions of the Loire River Valley are known for stately châteaus and signature wines, from Chenin Blanc to Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Next, we are off to Bordeaux and to the Gironde, Garrone, and Dordogne Rivers for probably the most well-known region for fine wine in France. Most in the wine world can rattle off the Grand Cru’s and we will certainly highlight them and their signature blends, in addition to other delicious wines.
As a shopping aid, Kevin has again researched wines from these regions available through the PLCB system, and you may click here for a suggestions list. He’s listed wines by region AND grape Variety (for the Loire Valley) – so you can buy a wine based on its location and/or grape variety. And same as for our last tour, some wines in these areas can be EXPENSIVE – the list has a few of those (beyond most of our disposable incomes) but this is information and learning about how much one might expect to pay for what are considered the best wines. It’s nice to find that those are available in PA. And, those price points help us appreciate even more the really good ones we can find at more reasonable price points!
Please join us on Sunday, May 16th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern/New York time for another of Kevin’s fascinating tours! Zoom link information follows below.
https://zoom.us/j/95493963608?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 954 9396 3608
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Presque Isle Wine Cellars: Where Pennsylvania Wine Began
2021-03-21 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
There is a town in the northern most part of the northwest corner of Pennsylvania that is named North East (go figure!). Near this town is where you will find one of the very first wineries licensed in Pennsylvania soon after the Commonwealth’s legislature passed the Limited Winery Act in 1968. The name of that winery is Presque Isle Wine Cellars.
Presque Isle Wine Cellars was founded by a man named Doug Moorhead, who was the first Chairman of the State Grape Marketing Council, which developed the legislative proposal that became the Pennsylvania Limited Winery Act in 1968. Doug is often called “The Father of the Pennsylvania Wine Industry”. It is Doug’s winery that we will feature on Sunday, March 21st at 3:30 p.m. Eastern during another in our continuing series of PA Wine Society Virtual Wine Tasting events.
Joining us as co-host, and representing Presque Isle Wine Cellars is Bob Green, who is a man of many talents, including Executive Winemaker at Presque Isle Wine Cellars. Bob worked in the cellar with Presque Isle founder, Doug Moorhead, and trained at Penn State Erie as a benthologist, a biologist specializing in studying swamp life and ecosystems. This rigorous scientific and laboratory training and experience in tandem with Bob’s winemaking artistry are a powerful combination that has led to many memorable and award-winning wines produced throughout his career. Bob is a thoughtful and innovative winemaker whose career spans over 35 years of professional experience as a consulting winemaker as well as being a longtime instructor in Hospitality for Mercyhurst University and lead instructor for the Penn State – Berks Workforce Development Winemaking Certificate. Bob will feature three of his “soon-to-be-released” wines during our upcoming tasting, as follows:
The Wines
2020 Pinot Blanc
Presque Isle is one of the very few regional producers that make a varietal Pinot Blanc. This hard-to-find member of the Pinot family is truly a unique experience. The grapes for our Pinot Blanc come from the vineyards of John and Cindy Moorhead and their great care in the vineyard helps create the superb expression this wine has. Fresh aromas of ripe melons rush to the forefront followed by a hint of citrus and wild flowers on the palate. Enjoy this wine with light appetizers, buttered langoustines, and any other light seafood.
2020 Grüner Veltliner
G-V is a remarkably complex dry white wine made from one of Austria’s best known traditional grape varieties that grows wonderfully in Lake Erie vineyards. It exudes characteristic lime and white pepper aromas along with floral and pear notes. This delightful version has a lovely creamy texture, but also a crisp finish. G-V is a versatile food-loving wine and goes especially well with vegetable dishes and light meats and complements foods with acidity and spice. Presque Isle 2019 G-V just won Double Gold at the prestigious 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition so we can only imagine how good the 2020 might be.
2019 Carmine
Unique to Lake Erie wineries, the little known vinifera variety Carmine is a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carignan and it combines the strengths of each into an interesting and delightful medium bodied dry red. Hints of earthy leather from Cabernet Sauvignon, smooth black currant from Merlot, and spicy lemongrass, sassafras and mint from the Carignan. Aged 15 months in American Oak, this deeply colored, cool climate red is easy on the palate with complex flavors. Finishing with notes of dark chocolate, it pairs nicely with grilled beef, pork, or roast poultry, and with Cajun or Creole fare.
Ordering Wines

The 20% discount price for this 3-pack of wines is $45, plus your state sales tax, plus shipping.
Please note that Presque Isle Wine Cellars ships to 39 states and the District of Columbia.
Order wines online at www.piwine.com using the Promo Code PWS2021. Use the search box on the home page and search “PWS2021” the PWS Sneak Peek Package comes right up for you. OR you may also call to order – phone 814-725-1314 and ask for the PWS2021 Sneak Peek package.

So, order those wines today, and please join us on Sunday, March 21st at 3:30 p.m. Eastern for another exciting online wine tasting interlude with the PA Wine Society! Zoom link and information below.
Zoom Information
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California Dreamin' ...about wine!
2021-03-07 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
A History of California Wine in Six Glasses by Kevin Ostrowski
When talking about wine in the United States, most people immediately think of California, and with good reason. California wines rival those of anywhere else in the world and, in some cases, have been deemed the best in the world; but, wine in California had humble beginnings. It is a story of religion, immigration, hard work, taking chances and seizing opportunities.
On Sunday, March 7th at 3:30 p.m., we will talk about the origins and history of California wine, how it began, evolved, struggled, and finally flourished. Let us sample some signature brands and toast their successes with “A History of California Wine in Six Glasses”. We will tell the stories of Krug, Mondavi, Stag’s Leap, and Chateau Montelena, among others — how they got their start and how they built their reputations.
A short list of representative wines are listed below; but, the choice of wine for this tasting is left to your discretion. We will talk about each of these wine labels within the scope of this presentation; but, regardless of what you choose to enjoy (one, two, or all six!), we will touch upon every one of these labels as our journey wends its way through the winegrowing regions and history of California. We will certainly raise our glass to their founders in the process.
What follows is the list of brands and labels that we will examine. Again, choose one, several, or all, depending on your taste and budget. Along the way, we will tell the story of these wines as their aromas and flavors bring California wine history to life, possibly encouraging you to plan your next trip (when we can once again travel safely) to the vineyards and wineries of The Golden State!
Buena Vista ~ Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon
Schramsberg ~ Brut, or Blanc de Blanc
Charles Krug ~ Cabernet Sauvignon
Robert Mondavi ~ Fumé Blanc, or another Mondavi Label (or, a very expensive Opus One!!!)
E&J Gallo — Gallo Family Vineyards ~ Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc
Chateau Montelena ~ Chardonnay
Stag’s Leap ~ Cabernet Sauvignon (or, Artemis)
Please join us on Sunday, March 7th at 3:30 p.m. on the Zoom link shown below as we explore the rich history and robust tradition of wine and winemaking in California! Secure one or several bottles of the above-listed representative wines from The Golden State and log onto Zoom for an hour-long whirlwind tour of some of the most prominent labels that firmly established California as what many consider to be North America’s premier wine-growing region. Zoom details follow.
To join “A History of California Wines in Six Glasses”, please use the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/98243478140?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 982 4347 8140
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Meeting ID: 982 4347 8140
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Super Wine Sunday: The Wines of Rioja ~ Virtual Event
2021-02-07 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
The Pennsylvania Wine Society is pleased to present “Super Wine Sunday: The Wines of Rioja” as our next in a series of Virtual Wine Tasting events. This event touches upon the Rioja wine region of Spain. The Rioja is a fascinating wine region that is really representative of three distinct terroir as it runs west to east across the northern Spanish terrain.
During our presentation, Joe Via will explore one white wine and two red wines as he gives us an in depth look at the Rioja region. So, please consider joining us on February 7th, dubbed Super Wine Sunday, when we kick off “Super Wine Sunday: The Wines of Rioja” at 3:30 p.m.
Securing the Wines
In advance of our presentation, please secure one, two, or all three of the following offerings! They are available in Pennsylvania at premium Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores; but, please secure these offerings sooner than later, as supplies may not be robust in some areas! The PLCB codes, product names, descriptions and prices follow:
Code #79270 ~ Cune Barrel Fermented Rioja Blanco 2018
$11.99 plus applicable sales tax
Grape Variety is Viura, the most important white grape of Rioja
A Chairman’s Selection® Originally quoted at $21.99
“A crisp and creamy white with sliced-pear and green-apple aromas and flavors. Medium body. Clean finish.” 91 Points James Suckling, July 26, 2019
“Golden yellow apple, pear and subtle hints of spiced hazelnut/vanilla on the sublime nose. The textured palate offers good tension, integrated oak and a lovely mineral character on the lingering finish. A beautiful, traditional-styled white from a historic producer — outstanding!” Josh Hull, Chairman’s Selection® wine buyer
Code #98642 ~ Altos Ibericos Rioja Crianza 2016
$14.99 plus applicable sales tax
Grape Variety is Tempranillo
“Purity of fruit in this red, from plums and red berries to ripe strawberries. It’s full-bodied with firm, tight tannins that are polished and soft. Lovely tension and focus. Extremely well done. Try after 2020, but hard to resist now.” 92 Points James Suckling
”Opaque cherry red. Rich fruit aromas (cherry, black plum jam) with spicy (green peppercorn) and smoky notes. Intense, warm, with firm tannins nicely structured by oak aging and a backbone of subtle fruit acidity. Designed to pair perfectly with new trends in avant-garde cuisine. Excellent with all kinds of tapas prepared with fresh ingredients; red meat, oil-rich fish and cheeses. Equally exquisite with cured Iberico pork.” ~ Winemaker’s Notes
Code #79269 ~ Contino Rioja Reserva 2015
$29.99 plus applicable sales tax
Blend is Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha
Chairman’s Selection® Originally quoted at $46.00
“The 2015 Reserva is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% split between Mazuelo and Garnacha… and an élevage in 60% French and 40% American oak barrels for two years. It feels fresher than the 2014, and it also shows younger, with better integrated oak, subtle aromas and nice balance. Drink 2019-2025.” 94 Points Wine Advocate, June 2019
“This shows so much intense dark berry such as blueberries and blackberries with hints of flowers. Lavender too. Full body, dense tannins with freshness and intensity. So tight and focused. A classic Rioja.” 96 Points James Suckling, August 2018
ZOOM Link Info
You are invited to the following scheduled Pennsylvania Wine Society event via Zoom:
“Super Wine Sunday: The Wines of Rioja” (a presentation that includes three representative wines of the Spanish Rioja)
To join this event, click on the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/99310812233?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 993 1081 2233
Passcode: [REDACTED]
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Board of Directors Meeting
2021-01-11 18:30 - 20:30 UTC | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
Board meetings are virtual via Zoom. Active, dues paid current Members may attend as guests. Please contact an Officer if you are interested in attending a meeting.
