AWS News – August 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

Hear first-hand what’s up with AWS

Join the AWS Board of Directors and Interim Executive Director John Sporing for a virtual town hall on August 16 to learn about the status of the organization.

Arch you ready for the National Conference in St. Louis?

Registration remains open, the conference agenda is now available, and session selection begins on Wednesday, August 16.

Submit your nominations for prestigious AWS awards

The deadlines are approaching to forward names for consideration for the Award of Merit, Outstanding Member, and Regional Ambassador and Chapter Chair of the year.

AWSEF announces scholarship recipients for 2023

The awards follow receipt of a record number of applications. Plus, be sure to vote for the Board of Trustees and submit your donations for the annual Silent Auction.

A change to AWS educational offerings

Learn how you can get an AWS discount to pursue WSET certification through the Napa Valley Wine Academy. Also, registration is now open for WineSmarts courses.

You can help wine makers and wine tourism

A group of academic researchers, including two who are active AWS members, wants to learn about your experiences with wine and wine tourism through an online survey.

Winemakers’ corner: What exactly is a pét-nat?

Kevin Kourofsky draws on the experience of the head winemaker at Montezuma Winery in New York’s Finger Lakes region for a deep dive regarding this fast-growing category.

Chapter events

Your fellow AWS members have had some exceptional experiences lately; read what they’ve been up to.

Hear first-hand what’s up with AWS

Be sure to join American Wine Society President Bill Stefan, Interim Executive Director John Sporing, and AWS board members via Zoom this month at AWS Town Hall 2023, where they will report on the status of the organization.

The meeting will be Wednesday, August 16, at 7 p.m. Eastern time (4 p.m. Pacific time), and all members are invited.

You can join simply by clicking this button.

Join AWS town hall meeting via Zoom

Bill, John, and the board look forward to sharing the latest AWS news directly with you!

Arch you ready for the National Conference in St. Louis?

If you haven’t registered yet for the 56th Annual AWS National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, from November 9–11, don’t worry. Although registration is closed through early September so those who already registered can select their sessions (see below), there is plenty of room left! We will notify members when registration reopens.

Your $595 registration fee allows you to:

• Choose from among 42 different sit-down, classroom-style sessions.
• Mix and mingle with wine afficionados and experts.
• Receive best-in-class certifications.
• Attend wine-paired meals and receptions.

While you’re waiting for registration to reopen, you still can make your hotel arrangements online for the Hyatt at the Arch, St. Louis.

The conference is a benefit of AWS membership, but if you’re not a member, you can easily join here.

The Conference agenda is now available

If you have already registered for the National Conference, please review the agenda so you will be ready to pick your top 3 choices for each session.

Session selection runs from Wednesday, August 16, at 10 a.m., Eastern time (7 a.m., Pacific time) through end of day on Monday, August 21. Keep an eye out for an email regarding how to pick your sessions online.

Review the Conference Agenda and Sessions

Remember, you can come early and ride the tram to the top of the arch (advanced reservations suggested), enjoy a riverboat cruise or take in some of the amazing blues that St. Louis has to offer.

As always, we offer special thanks to our sponsors!

Submit your nominations for prestigious AWS awards

At the National Conference each year, AWS recognizes people who have distinguished themselves both in the wine industry and within our organization. The time to nominate someone for these awards is here, with deadlines quickly approaching.

(Note that this year’s winners for Award of Merit and Outstanding Member already have been selected and will be announced soon; the open nominations regarding these awards are for the 2024 winners.)

Allen Shoup, winner of 2022 Award of Merit

Award of Merit. This is one of the most prestigious awards in the wine industry, and the recipient is a person who has made significant contributions to the industry. This person does not need to be an AWS member, and his or her contributions can be in winemaking, marketing, education, grape growing, or writing.

Last year’s Award of Merit recipient was Alan Shoup, pioneer and visionary in the Washington wine industry. To recommend someone for 2024, please send the person’s name and a few paragraphs about his or her accomplishments by October 15 to Pam Davey at pamdavey@aol.com.

Kristin Kraft, 2022 Outstanding Member

Outstanding Member. The recipient must have a consistent record of valuable service to the AWS. Last year’s Outstanding Member was Kristin Kraft, a wonderful volunteer and past president of our group. If you would like to nominate an AWS member to be honored at the 2024 conference, please forward the person’s name and some of his or her contributions by October 15 to Pam Davey at pamdavey@aol.com.

In addition, the AWS each year recognizes within our organization a Regional Ambassador and an Outstanding Chapter Chair. To identify nominees for 2023, focus for each award on someone who:

• Goes above and beyond for your region or chapter.
• Communicates regularly with updates from the National Office and/or the Board and other project leaders.
• Reaches out to check on how you are doing as a chapter or as a member and offers recommendations and resources to help with tastings, membership, growth opportunities, events/activities, etc.
• Is easily approachable and responds in a timely manner with a smile.

If you wish to nominate someone for either Regional Ambassador or Outstanding Chapter chair, forward the person’s name and some of his or her contributions by August 25 to AWS Director of Membership Carrie Garczynski at directormembership@americanwinesociety.org.

AWSEF announces scholarship recipients for 2023

The table below lists the winners of scholarship awards for 2023 from the AWS Educational Foundation.

We received a record number of applications this year. With this year’s awards, the AWSEF has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to students at 25 different universities across the United States and Canada.

Please visit our website to see more about our scholarship recipients, including information about the research they are doing to further the North American wine industry.

AWSEF Board of Trustees positions

As we do in odd-numbered years, the AWSEF elects 3 of its 6 elected trustee position to our board. These positions are for 4-year terms. We do not elect to specific positions, but rather to our board; the trustees, together, determine which trustees take which positions on the board.

Please look for our ballot to arrive in your email in September.  Remember, this is separate from the AWS Board of Directors election!

Call for Silent Auction donations!

Kristen Lindelow, President of AWSEF

The Silent Auction we hold at the AWS conference each year is our only fundraiser of the year. We very much depend on funds raised at this auction to keep our endowment healthy and growing, plus to cover expenses required by law to keep our nonprofit going. Please consider donating items to the Silent Auction to help us out and, if you’re attending the Conference, definitely participate and make multiple bids on Silent Auction items!

You can access the 2023 Silent Auction Donation form using the button below; you can complete it online and email it directly to Denise Griner at denisegrinerawsef@gmail.com.

2023 AWSEF Silent Auction Donation Form

Hope you are having a wine-filled summer!

A change to AWS educational offerings

Because of changes to the WSET policies regarding approved program providers, the American Wine Society is no longer able to offer the WSET courses or exams.

WSET required a minimum of 20 people per year enrolled in the program, and AWS has been unable to fulfill that minimum requirement.

We are still fortunate to have a relationship with the Napa Valley Wine Academy, which offers a discount to AWS members for its programs — including WSET certification. If you want to access the code for this discount, please contact AWS Director of Education Annemarie Morse at directoreducation@americanwinesociety.org.

Learn about wine in a fun, friendly atmosphere

Registration is now open for WineSmarts I and II, two AWS courses held on the first day of the National Conference that provide an interactive and entertaining way to explore the basics of how wine is made — and to learn to taste and evaluate wines with more confidence!

In addition to learning more about wine, each course includes aspects of food and wine pairing. Best of all, there are no prerequisites to take either course, and exams are optional.

You can read full course descriptions through the button below.

Read more about WineSmarts I and II

However, the courses are open to the public and attendance is limited, so sign up today to reserve your spot. The registration deadline is October 10.

We look forward to seeing you there!

You can help wine makers and wine tourism

A group of academic researchers, including two who are active AWS members, wants to learn about your experiences with wine and wine tourism through an online survey.

The researchers are professors Lorraine Hems at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Gregory Gardner at State University of New York (SUNY) Potsdam — both AWS members — and Julie Purpura, an adjunct with Finger Lakes Community College.

Their research, sponsored by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, wants to understand how much wine drinkers know about, and how they feel about, wines produced from hybrid and native grapes. The survey also asks about how wines and wine styles influence your decisions to visit various wine regions.

The material they learn will help wine makers and wine tourism specialists better plan for the impact of climate change on winemaking globally.

If you’d like to participate, the survey is available now through October 15. Simply click on this button to begin.

Take the survey regarding wine and wine tourism

The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete. You will not be asked to provide your name, and all information will be closely protected.

The results of the survey will be available to AWS to share with its membership.

Winemaker’s corner: What exactly is a pét-nat?

“Sometimes you have to be like Luke Skywalker, throw the instruments away and go by feel.”

— Phil Plummer

Kevin Kourofsky

Pét-nat is a pet name for pétillant naturel, a sparkling wine made in the méthode ancestrale, the original sparkling wine method. It is more unrefined than the clear and elegant Champagne we all know.

Kevin Kourofsky draws on the experience of Phil Plummer, head winemaker since 2013 at Montezuma Winery in New York’s Finger Lakes region and a contributor to WineMaker Magazine, as he takes a deep dive into this fast-growing category of the wine world.

Read more here

Chapter events

MAY

The May tasting of the Fleur de Lis (KY) Chapter of Louisville was hosted by David and Alicia Scheu. The theme was Italian varietals. Six wines were poured blind and given to the members for tasting. There was a tie for third place.

Results from highest to lowest scored were:

• 2020 Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne, Italy, $25
• V. Sapphire Hill Barbera, Sonoma, CA, $71
• 2019 Raffaldini Vineyards Sangiovese Classico, Yadkin Valley, NC, $31
• 2019 Barboursville Vineyards Nebbiolo Reserve, Barboursville, VA, $35
• 2012 Domenico Clerico Barola, Italy, $55
• 2018 Tenuta De Renieri Chianti Classico, Italy, $35

JUNE

The Triangle (NC) Chapter met on June 11 at Westgate Wine shop in Raleigh. Wine shop owners, Chrish, Sallie, and Kayla, presented the program “French Wines: a head-to-head taste off.” They guided us through a tasting of wines from 3 of the most important French wine regions: Burgundy, Bordeaux, and the Rhône Valley.

We learned about location and terroir and the influence the different terroirs have on these French wine regions. The wines served provided an excellent overview and sample of some of France’s most visited and beloved wine areas.

• NV Cremate D’Alscace $17
• 2022 Laurent & Celine Notton Grand Vin De Bourgogne Chablis, $25
• 2021 Macon La Roche-VineuseVine De Bourgogne Le Clos, $20
• 2017 Domaine du Foncier ICI Lirac, $20
• 2020 Domaine Giuliani Tradition Chateauneuf Du Pape, $40
• 2020 Chateau Les Barraillots Margaux Cru Artisan, $35
• 2016 L’Excellence Clos Des Menus St-Emillion Grand Cru, $50

Here is some information about a recent chapter event:

The Piedmont Wine and Vine (SC) Chapter met on June 18 for a visit to the Russian Chapel Hills Winery in Columbus, North Carolina.There were 25 members who tried the wines made by the owner, who was originally from Russia, having served in the Soviet Army and was previously an attorney. The winery has on its premises an authentic Russian Orthodox chapel, which has regular services by a local Orthodox priest.

The wines we tasted were traditional American wines. The last wine is one that is used for churches. This wine is being shipped as far away as California churches.

• 2015 Chardonnay, $20
• 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, $18
• NV Muscadine, $18
• 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, $26
• 2017 Blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, $22
• 2020 Karop, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon (church wine), $26

The 50 Shades of Grapes (NJ) Chapter held an amazing food and wine pairing dinner on Thursday, June 22, at Annata Wine Bar in Hammonton, New Jersey, hosted by Bob and Kathy Bucknam.

The pairings featured wines from their cellar, and were expertly paired by chef Matt Brunozzi.

• NV Gustavo Lorentz Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rose
• 2008 Domaine William Fever Chablis Grand Cru Bougros
• 2007 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia Masseto Toscano (2-tie)
• 2018 Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru White Burgundy
• 2009 Marcassin Vineyard Pinot Noir (2-tie)
• 1996:Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Pauillac (2-tie)
• 1990 Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes (1)

In anticipation of this year’s American Wine Society National Conference, the Ocean Isle Beach (NC) Chapter celebrated some of the wines of Missouri at our June membership meeting.

Chapter Co-chair Stan Barwikowski started the gathering with a brief history of the significance of Missouri wines. Many were surprised to learn of Missouri’s vital role in saving the French wine industry from the devastating phylloxera epidemic through Charles Valentine Riley’s work in developing resistant root stock.

Our tasting was focused on two wineries, Augusta Winery founded in 1988 and Stone Hill Winery founded in 1847 and restored in 1965 after 45 years of dormancy. We compared four varietals side-by-side from each winery. A fascinating note of the selected varietals was learning that the Chambourcin grape is a teinturier, meaning it provides a red crush and red juice without aging on the grape skins.

Vidal Blanc

• Augusta, $18 (favorite)
• Stone Hill, $12

Traminette

• Augusta,$18
• Stone Hill, $18 (favorite)

Chambourcin

• Augusta, $20
• Stone Hill, $20 (favorite)

Norton

• Augusta, $27 (favorite)
• Stone Hill, $24

After whetting our tastebuds for Missouri wines, we concluded the evening with a mini-wine raffle raising $64 to add to our OIB AWS Scholarship Fund.

On June 25, the North Wake (NC) Chapter met and tasted at Heritage View Clubhouse in Wake Forest with 35 members and 3 guests attending. Member Fran Torigian presented a tasting of “The Wines of Croatia.” Fran distributed a very informative fact sheet on Croatian wines, including a short history of wine making of Croatia, which goes back at least 2,500 years.

The Croatian wine industry has bounced back significantly since the communist government was replaced by a democracy, with a new generation of vintners producing quality wines. The country has a long coastline on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. Currently, Croatia has over 300 geographically defined wine regions and 66 designated appellations. There are more than 130 indigenous grape varieties, and many are very localized. The four main wine producing regions are: Slavonia and Danube Regions; Croation Uplands; Istria; and Dalmatia.

We tasted 3 whites and 3 reds, most of which were made from grapes unfamiliar to many of us. All wines scored either good or excellent, with the 3 reds all receiving scores of excellent. Our 2 certified wine judges in attendance rated all 3 reds 18 or better—a rating of extraordinary. Although Croatian wines can be difficult to procure locally, they are available online.

White

• 2020 Clai Winery, made from Malvazija grape, $22
• 2019 Josic Winery, made from Grasevina grape, $24

White blend

• V. Ahearne, made from Bogdanusa, Kuc, and Posip grapes, $35

Red

• 2017 Testament Winery Suho Creveno, made from Babic grape, $38 (3)
• 2018 Testament Winery Dalmatian Dog, made from Babic grape, $38 (2)
• 2018 Josic Winery Grand Cuvée – 500 ml, made from Cabernet Franc, Alicante Bouchet, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, $27 (1)

The Dayton and Springfield (OH) Chapters met on June 9 to taste the wines of Ridge Vineyards. Ridge is known for its exceptional Zinfandel-based wines, so John Hames organized a flight of 8 wines with varying percentages of Zin.

After blind tasting all 8, tasters voted for their favorite, and the clear winner was the 2020 Ridge Pagani Ranch with almost twice as many votes as the second place wine.

The wines were revealed one by one, and the winemaker notes were read. After discussion on each wine, prices were revealed. Since they were purchased with varying levels of discount, we based our “Best Value” vote on the list price, not the actual price paid.  In this vote, the 2020 Ridge Mazzoni Home Ranch won by just one vote with the Pagani Ranch coming in second. The list below shows the list price of each wine and the percent of Zinfandel.

• 2020 Ridge Mancini Ranch (27% Zin), $40
• 2021 Ridge Three Valleys Sonoma Coast (65% Zin), $35
• 2016 Ridge Lytton Springs (69% Zin), $45
• 2019 Ridge Geyserville (71% Zin), $50
• 2020 Ridge Mazzoni Home Ranch (72% Zin), $40
• 2020 Ridge Lytton Springs (79% Zin), $53
• 2020 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel (90% Zin), $46
• 2016 Ridge Ponzo Zinfandel (97% Zin), $50

The June 16 tasting of the San Luis Obispo (CA) Chapter focused on Grüner Veltliner wines from Austria and the Central Coast.

Our guest speaker for this tasting was Mike Callahan, owner/winemaker at Maidenstoen Winery in San Luis Obispo. Mike makes two Grüner Veltliners using fruit from Arroyo Seco and from the Edna Valley.

Before our tasting, Mike poured a tasting of Maidenstoen Grüner Vertliner from their Arroyo Seco vineyard.

We first did a non-blind tasting of Austrian wines and discussed their attributes. Included were the following wines:

• 2021 Alzinger “Federspiel” Wachau, $30
• 2021 Brundimayer Kamptal, $23
• 2021 Rudi Pichler “Smaragd,” Wachau, $40

We then went on to taste 6 wines following our usual format. Here are the results of our blind tasting:

• 2020 Tatomer, Santa Barbara County, $23
• 2020 Tribeca Wine Collective, Edna Valley, $29
• 2021 Maidenstoen, Edna Valley, $24 (1)
• 2021 Cadre, Edna Valley, $22 (3)
• 2019 Vocal, Santa Cruz County, $25
• 2022 Assiduous, Monterey County, $20 (2)

Sixty-six members and guests from Lehigh Valley, Northampton, and Berks Grape Expectations (PA) Chapters gathered at Bergeist Vineyards for a fabulous tasting presented by international wine expert Pamela Wittmann. Pamela personally represents Jean-Claude Mas, owner of the 15 Paul Mas estates. She shared insights and humorous stories about the winery which captured her audience.

Thank you to Dean and Bonnie Scott, and to Leslie and Peter Staffeld, for co-hosting this event, and thank you to Pamela for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

The Domaines Paul Mas tasting began with Côté Mas Brut St Hilaire as an ice breaker with cheese & fruit board with crackers and mini quiche.

Sparkling

• Côté Mas Brut St Hilaire (icebreaker), $21
• Côté Mas Brut Rosé (served with dinner), $21 (3)

White

• 2020 Arrogant Frog Chardonnay, $16
• 2022 Côté Mas Sauvignon/Vermentino, $15 (2)

Rosé

• 2022 Côté Mas Rosé Aurore, $17
• 2022 Ferrandière Rosé Grenache Gris, $16 (4)

Red

• 2021 Arrogant Frog Pinot Noir, $17
• 2022 Côté Mas Syrah/Grenache, $16
• 2018 Paul Mas Réserve Carignan,$15
• 2021 Château Paul Mas Clos des Mûres, $25 (1)

Fifty-three score sheets had reasonable scores (between 12 and 20) for all 10 wines.

Following the tasting, Côté Mas Brut Rosé was served with a buffet supper of chicken, mushroom, sundried tomato, and capers with a lemon wine sauce; salmon with orange mango & red pepper chutney; wild rice, grilled summer vegetables, tossed salad, and French bread and butter. Dessert was French macarons.

The brand-new Riverland (FL) Chapter in Port St. Lucie met on Sunday, June 4, at the home of Carmine and Annette Guido for a tasting of wines from South America.

Sixteen members attended our very first tasting and brought a number of flavorful dishes to pair with the wines. We were able to taste, evaluate, and rate each of the 8 wines.

• 2021 Brut produced by Salton, Brazil, $10
• 2021 Organic Chardonnay by Santa Julia, Argentina, $12
• 2021 Torrontes by Zuccardi, Argentina, $16
• 2021 Carmenere by Casellero de Diablo, Chile, $9
• 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon by Casellero de Diablo, Chile, $9
• 2021 Malbec Reserve by Piattelli, Argentina, $17
• 2021 Tannat Reservation by Garzon, Uruguay, $20

Our dessert wine was a Tawny Port by Croft, Portugal, $20.

The Myrtle Beach (SC) Chapter met June 15 for “Que Syrah, Sirah!…and Shiraz” with chair and co-chair Richard and Mary Berezinsky and 44 members/guests.

We tasted Syrah, Shiraz, and Petite Sirah from various regions. We learned the origin of each grape and how it got its name; that Syrah and Shiraz (which are the same grape) differed due to terroir and winemaking methods; and how the Petit Sirah advocacy organization is honing respect for what Robert Parker called “the most under-appreciated wine in California.” Petite Sirah is not ‘Syrah lite’ but a separate grape varietal that deserves its own fan club!

• 2021 Chemin Des Sables Elegant Rose (welcome wine), $13
• 2018 Gramercy Cellars Lower East Syrah, $25
• 2018 Bodegas Borsao Zarihs Shiraz, $24
• 2019 Los Vascos Cromas Gran Reserva Syrah, $27
• 2019 Yalumba Y Series Shiraz, $14
• 2019 Chateau de Nages Joseph Torres Rouge Syrah, $26
• 2020 Berton Vineyards Metal Label Petite Sirah, $15
• 2019 Bogle Petite Sirah, $10

JULY

The Southport (NC) Chapter met on Friday, July 14, at the St. James Community Center. The event was hosted by co-chairs Dave and Vicki Caruso. Our meeting had 72 members and 3 guests in attendance. The theme was “Wines from Tuscany, Italy.”

We reviewed the latest AWS national news as well as the AWS activities and sponsored cruises in 2024. We discussed the local wine events in North Carolina and celebrated birthdays of our members.

We discussed regional wine facts, history, terroir, and the appellation system used in Tuscany. We broke down the Tuscany region by DOCG (11), DOC (41), IGT (6), and VdT. We reviewed the Sangiovese varietal (and attributes) that is prominent in the region (as well as the other Tuscan reds and whites).

In addition, we discussed the Super Tuscan wines and their makeup/use as a formidable wine blend. Members brought food pairings to taste with each of the wines. All enjoyed the evening.

The following wines were discussed, tasted, and ranked by the membership:

• 2018 Tenuta di Capraia Chianti Classico Effe 55 Gran Selezione, $39 (1)
• 2013 La Lecciaia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, $48 (2)
• 2021 Podere Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso, $34 (3)
• 2020 Fattoria Le Pupille Poggio Argentato, $26
• 2021 Fattoria Le Pupille Morellino Di Scansano, $23
• 2019 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, $30
• 2019 Capezzana Villa di Carmignano, $36

The Venice (FL) Vinos Chapter held a tasting on July 23 at the home of Stephanie Edens. SIxteen members enjoyed wines from the Piedmont region of Italy, along with fabulous pasta and cheeses imported from Piedmont by Stephanie. The wines were:

• Borrasca Prosecco, $17
• 2020 Lanzavecchia Chardonnay Parole, $20
• 2121 Rocca Felice Gavi Del Comune Di Gavi, $23
• 2022 Mauro Sebaste Roero Arneis, $20
• 2021 Mauro Veglio Dolcetto d’Alba, $16 (best value)
• 2021 Carlo Revello & Figli Barbera D’Alba, $26
• 2020 Renato Ratti Nebbiolo Langhe Ochetti, $25
• 2019 Fontana Fredda Silver Label Barbaresco, $47
• 2018 Viettti Barolo Castiglione, $60

The Myrtle Beach (SC) Chapter met July 20 for Finger Lakes Odds ’n Ends with chair and co-chair Richard and Mary Berezinsky and 45 members/guests. We learned that since the Finger Lakes climate is like Germany’s, the grapes that thrive well are those synonymous with Germany and Austria.

Riesling is to the Finger Lakes what Sauvignon Blanc is to New Zealand — the most prevalent white, followed by Gewurztraminer. Cabernet Franc is the predominant red. These are the “ends” or “bookends.” We tasted several “odds” — wines that are made only in the Finger Lakes and a few other viticultural regions of the world.

• 2022 Red Newt Kelby James Russell Dry Rose (welcome wine), $16
• 2021 Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling, $18
• 2021 Lamoreux Landing Dry Gewurztraminer, $17
• 2021 Sheldrake Point Gamay Noir, $18
• 2018 J. R. Dill DeChaunac, $16
• 2018 Lamoreux Landing Cabernet Franc, $25
• 2020 Dr. Konstantin Frank Blaufrankisch, $25
• 2020 Standing Stone Teinturier Barrel Select Saperavi, $42

The Northampton (PA) Chapter tasting on July 15, hosted by Jim Vozar and Jody King, focused on the Wines of Doffo Winery in Temecula, California.

This tasting was very well attended, with 35 people including several guests whom we were able to introduce to AWS and our tasting and education process.

The Temecula wine region is in southwest California, a bit northeast of San Diego. Doffo is a family winery located at the far eastern edge of the region. The Doffo family has Italian origins, with emigrees to Argentina in the early 1900s. The current generation established knowledge and skills in winemaking and, in 1997, acquired vineyard land in the Temecula region and began to focus on the red wine varietals.

The tasting consisted of 10 wines, acquired and introduced by Jim and Jody, who then facilitated discussion.

Despite some rain showers, a tent kept us mostly dry with clearing weather late in the day in time for a tasty barbecue meal, which nicely complemented the wines.

• 2019 Gran Tinto, $65
• 2020 Zinfandel, $82
• 2019 Salute, $75
• 2019 Malbec, $85
• 2019 Syrah, $75
• 2016 Syrah Private Reserve, $149 (2)
• 2019 Mistura, $75 (3)
• 2020 Cabernet Private Reserve, $85 (1)
• NV Lucca Late Harvest Malbec, $75
• 2007 Tiago Late Harvest, $109

In July, 60 Lehigh Valley (PA) Chapter members and guests celebrated our independence comparing New World versus Old World wines. We offer fireworks of thanks to Lisa Mancuso and Chris Zajacek, who opened their beautiful back yard for Stephen M. and Gloria Reustle’s presentation.

Stephen, winemaker and owner of Reustle Winery, presented a blind tasting comparison of his wines versus their European counterparts. Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards is located in the central portion of the Umpqua Valley of Oregon. Umpqua is one of 5 AVAs in Oregon. The winery, established in 2001, contains 200 acres and produces 5,000 to 8,000 cases of wine each year.

The comparison was fun and informative, and Reustle Wines performed better than those from our European friends. Afterward, a delicious buffet dinner was served.

Because of the nature of the program, no scoring occurred.

At the July 21 tasting of the San Luis Obispo (CA) Chapter, we tasted examples of Cabernet Franc from France and California. Our guest speaker was Don Brady, owner and winemaker of Brady Vineyard in Paso Robles, California.

The results of our blind tasting are shown below. Note that the wines of the Santa Ynez Valley were the “best liked” wines of the evening.

• 2020 Carlson-Curtis Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley, $27 (1)
• 2021 Forge Seneca Lake AVA, N.Y., $30
• 2020 Brady Paso Robles, $20
• 2021 Field Recordings, Paso Robles, $28
• 2021 Outward-Curtis Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley, $48 (3)
• 2019 Chateau du Hureau, Samur-Champigny AOC, $37
• 2021 Union Sacre, Paso Robles, $18
• 2021 Chateau de Coulaine , Chinon AOC, $27
• 2021 Lieu Dit, Santa Ynez Valley, $27 (2)