The grounds are soaking up the last of the misty rain as the fog pulls away from the mountains. I’m entering the drive of St. Supery, located off of Highway 29 in St. Helena. The tree-lined entrance leads up to a giant oak tree. Behind it, a historic home preserved for private wine tasting experiences and the winery. Puddles here and there as I make my way to the front door of the wine tasting room. This adventure is on behalf of Wine Paths Travel a premiere luxury destination travel company, specializing in the delights of Napa, Sonoma and around the world.
A warm greeting and an offer of a glass of St. Supery Rosé with it. A perfect palate cleanser after coffee and before wine tasting. Walking with my glass I observe a quiet but professional wine tasting room. Bright and open with spacious areas dedicated to tasting. This is my first visit to the Rutherford Estate winery.
St. Supery thrives on experiences.
From making your own blend and taking home a bottle to tasting each Bordeaux varietal in its purest form. From Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot to Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s an excellent way to taste and compare each of these unique varietals. It also helps you understand the varietals better and their nuances. The video above has some really rich information about the experiences and features Micheal Scholz, Vice President of Winemaking and Vineyards.
Behind me, a phenomenal day spent at their second estate, Dollarhide Ranch.
Dollarhide Ranch contains the largest vineyards belonging to St. Supery. With over 1,500 acres of vine, and a focus on Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. There are also other varietals rounding out the vineyards. They include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot Malbec, Semillon, Muscat Canelli, and Chardonnay.
Dollarhide was our home for the afternoon sipping exceptional wine.
It included a favorite Sauvignon Blanc, Virtu. The estate touts seven lakes, elevations from 600 to 1,100 feet above sea level. Each positioned above the fog line. It is an incredible microclimate that enables a diverse planting of vines.
They are extraordinarily careful in their use of resources. Certified Napa Green since 2008, they are heavily vested in Solar power, reclaimed water, and the use of environmentally-friendly growing practices.
A special experience called “Ampelography” was part of that day.
Dedicated to learning all about vines and how to identify a vine from its leaf and leaf structure. Further, it is a study of botany focusing on identifying and classifying grapevines. Twice a year St. Supery brings in a professional Ampelographist for this event. They are a rare breed. There are four ampelographists in the world. Leading the experience, Lucie Morton famed vineyard manager and expert on all things vine & vineyard. She has studied with some of the greats around the globe.
After the ampelography lessons, I felt much more comfortable with knowing how to identify the types of vines in the vineyard. Understanding the differences of leaves of the vines is enlightening.
In the sky above the vineyards, rainbow clouds appeared.
Also known as cloud iridescence. It’s a rare occurrence, especially for Napa Valley. To see it in at St. Supéry’s Dollarhide Ranch was a special treat. If you are particular about experiences and want something unique out of Napa Valley, you must visit St. Supéry.
For more and booking experiences contact WinePathsTravel
More on Napa Valley Wine Tasting
The 55 judges awarded silver, gold and grand gold medals to wines from 25 countries.
At the beginning of March, in the @paysdocigpwines region of Southern France, over 1,200 #rosé wines from across the globe competed for the highly coveted @concoursmondial de Bruxelles medals. The @vinolok_global international Revelation Trophy was awarded this year to a rosé wine from #Italy – Y by 11 Minutes Rosé – produced by @pasquawines in #Veneto. Well done!
The Winners of the International Wine competition on Rosé for 2023 are in:
The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is an international wine competition that takes place annually and is considered one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the world. The competition is held in a different location each year, and it attracts thousands of entries from winemakers around the world. The focus of the competition is on identifying wines of high quality that are representative of their region and grape variety.
In recent years, the competition has added a separate category for rosé wines, recognizing the growing popularity and diversity of this style of wine. The competition judges rosé wines on their color, aroma, taste, and overall balance, with the aim of identifying the best examples of the style from around the world.
Winning a medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles can have a significant impact on a winery`s reputation and sales, as it is widely recognized as a mark of quality and excellence. The competition also provides an opportunity for winemakers to receive feedback from a panel of international experts, helping them to refine their techniques and improve their wines.
Winners link is: https://resultats.concoursmondial.com/en/results/2023
Congrats to all the Rose producers who participated!
#WineCompetition #winetasting #rosé #winelover #trendingwine #whattodrink #concoursmondialdebruxelles #paysdoc #montpelier #france #Veneto #winemedals #thewinesiren #wineoclock #winerating #winejudge
When great viticulture is an obsession you chose wisely and well. @vitnerd for @lecole41 on sustainability, great viticulture and award winning passion for vines.
WATCH WITH LINK IN BIO: SADIE DRURY - VINEYARD MANAGER
Sadie Drury is a Walla Walla native who has been passionate about agriculture since her first job of picking strawberries at the age of 12. In 2007, Sadie decided to combine her passion for agriculture with her love for wine by attending the Center for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College and pursuing a career in viticulture. In 2008, Sadie started an internship at Ciel du Cheval Vineyard where she moved up the ranks to Assistant Vineyard Manager. Sadie joined the North Slope Management team in early 2013 and took over the reins as GM later that year. She currently manages 6 vineyards including the famed Seven Hills Vineyard. Sadie is the current Chair for the Washington State Wine Commission. She is the 2019 Power’s Sabbatical Recipient, the 2020 Washington Winegrowers Erick Hanson Memorial Grower of the Year, and a 2021 Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker.
#WashingtonWine #WallaWalla #lecole #Viticulture #sustainable #Sustainability #Vine #winelover #DrinkSustainable #TheWineSiren #SevenHills #wineeducation
https://www.youtube.com/live/PiWKkhnre94
The Ritz, Paris.
A destination since 1898, the Ritz Paris is one of the most iconic hotels in Paris.
There is no better place to return with a couple of my most cherished friends and begin our dinner and catch up session with an exquisite bottle of Extra Brut
Champagne Barons de Rothschild. Made from Chardonnay 60%;Reserve wines, the majority of which
are kept in their perpetual reserve (solera) 40%,
Pinot Noir 40%,
Grands and
Premiers crus 85%
Dosage 1.5 g/L
Ageing 4 years minimum
Exquisite perlage enhanced by notes of minerality and salinity, the brioche like aromas reveal notes of pear and fig. Delightfully well balanced its arômatic finish satisfies. This beauty is cellar worthy and will reveal its riches for years to come.
The stunning facade has a place in history since 1705. Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the most famous architect of the Baroque period, drew the initial design for Louis XIV.
The luminaries who frequented the hotel were many, Marcel Proust, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. Many are the writers and artists inspired by the Ritz in their work as well. Hemingway for The Sun Also Rises and F. Scott Fitzgerald for Tender is the Night. In fact, the hotel’s “Bar Hemingway” was named for the author.
For 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren a return to the Ritz is a return to the incredible history of Paris and a moment of great drinks and bites with dear friends. From the moment you cross the threshold the inviting aroma and views of luxurious surroundings envelope you.
Do you Ritz?
Photos
1. The Ritz Paris champagne. Pure deliciousness. Notes below.
2. The stage is set at your entrance. Visuals and aroma envelope your senses.
3. Cherished Parisian friends to share the experience with.
4. The stage is set at @barvendome
5. Fresh truffles with French fries
6. Probably the best steak tartare on the planet. Served mild, spicy or extra spicy . Texture and rich flavor abound.
7. Just one of the lovely cocktails served.
8. The vibe at Bar Vendome
9. The Hemingway Bar . Very few seats and always packed.
10. And the regroup at the end of the evening. This is where memories are made.
#Paris #ritzparis #TheWineSiren #champagnerothschild
From Carcassonne to Montpelier the beauty of @paysdocigpwines shines through. I`ll share more on my newest discoveries when I`m back in the US .
The bar @hotelricherdebelleval .... incredible. Have you been?!
#winetravel #winetraveler #thewinesiren #kellymitchell #wine #winelover #ginlover #barsofinstagram #beautifuldestinations #wheretofindme #france #montpellier #justdrinks #cocktailtime
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