Javy with my daughter, Whitney
A few years ago I met an enthusiastic, service-oriented young man in the Ceja Vineyards Tasting Room. Javier (Javy) Calderon quickly became a family favorite and no trip to Napa was complete without tasting Ceja wines with Javy. While Javy still can be found occasionally at the Ceja Tasting Room, he has a new Napa touring service I want to let you know about, Napa Private Tours. Continue reading »
Kristy Melton
First female winemaker in Clos Du Val’s 40-year history
How does a rodeo queen from West Texas transition from a career as an immunology researcher at the National Institutes of Health to ultimately becoming one of the up and coming Next-Gen Napa Valley winemakers, all by the age of 31?
We met Kristy Melton, Clos Du Val’s first female winemaker in it’s 40-year history, at a small tasting in Austin earlier this summer. As she says later in this interview, she is not the stereo-typical “older man with dirty work boots and a dog by my side” winemaker. We enjoyed her youthful enthusiasm and passion for winemaking, not to mention her sharp wit. Kristy Melton may not be a winemaking name you know today…No doubt however, it is a name you will be hearing much more about very soon. Continue reading »
Join Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog at the Fort Collins (Colorado) Wine Fest on March 23rd. Not only is it a great wine event but a superb fundraiser for those living with disabilities… See you there!
Press Release
With only 1 week left until Fort Collins Wine Fest, don’t miss your chance to reserve your spot at one of the largest wine tasting events in Colorado. Since 1982, Wine Fest has been inspiring wine connoisseurs, food fanatics and local philanthropists alike. In its 30th year providing funding for Disabled Resource Services, this event fundraises thousands of dollars each year for those living with disabilities. The 2012 event will be held on March 23 at the Fort Collins Hilton. Featuring 150 vineyards and 500 wines from around the world, Wine Fest has a full roster of activities to keep you entertained throughout the evening. Wines and beers are complemented by an assortment of delicious food items from local restaurants.
Proceeds from Wine Fest ticket sales and auction items provide services for nearly 6,000 individuals living with disabilities in Larimer and Jackson Counties. Disabled Resource Service provides support those living with a disability need to navigate the world without isolation. As one of ten centers for independence in the state of Colorado, Disabled Resource Services provides resources to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their maximum level of independence through advocacy, awareness and access to the community.
Tickets for this exciting event Tickets are available for purchase at Pringles Fine Wine & Spirits, Wilbur’s Total Beverage, Supermarket Liquors, The Melting Pot (Fort Collins), at the door or online at http://www.winefestfc.org/tickets.html.
If you didn’t get that pleasant buzz with your favorite glass of wine, would your still enjoy the wine as much? Would you drink at all? Or would guaranteed sobriety be a gift, allowing you to enjoy more wines without intoxication and hangovers from overindulgence?
A “sobriety pill” may be on the way according to an article in New Scientist (Read Here). Researchers believe extracts from a Chinese variety of the oriental raisin tree could be the answer. Chinese drinkers have used the extract for over 500 years to reduce the effects of hangovers. Continue reading »
Jay Corely and sons
Many wineries include the term “Family” in their name but few have as much family involved in the day to day operations as Monticello Vineyards – Corley Family Wines. Founded 40 years ago by former translator for the National Security Agency, Jay Corley, Monticello Vineyards is now in the capable second generation hands of Kevin Corley (Vineyard Operations), Chris Corley (Winemaker) and Stephen Corley (Sales & PR).
As one drives toward the property, the beautiful replica of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home commands your attention. The Corley family has its roots deep in Virginia soil dating back to the mid-1600’s. Thomas Jefferson, himself a renowned viticulturist and wine lover, once said “No nation is drunken where wine is cheap, and none sober where the dearness of wine substitutes ardent spirits as the common beverage.” For these reasons and more Jay Corley says, “I felt that Mr. Jefferson’s love of good food and fine wine and hospitality was a suitable for my family to dedicate our life’s work honoring his lifestyle and his ideals.” The 5000 sq ft building serves as the office and special events center while housing the elegant Wine Library in the cellar.
Corley Family Wines produces about 15,000 cases of wine a year with the vast majority of its fruit coming from 90 acres of estate vineyards. The wines are bottled under four labels, Monticello Vineyards, Corley, Corley Reserve and Domaine Montreaux Sparkling Wine. Varietals grown include, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot and Chardonnay. Many wines are priced under $40 with the Reserve Cabernet offered at $72.
Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog had a chance to sit and chat with Kevin and Stephen in the Wine Library. The atmosphere is warm, the guys are very friendly and the Library itself is the perfect place for experiencing the extordinary wines from this extraordinary family winery. Read the Interview Below Continue reading »
