AWS News – August 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

The election results are in!

During balloting this summer, AWS members elected three national officers, with terms beginning on January 1.

Make the most of National Conference with a pre-conference tour

Registration is now open for these amazing sojourns.

Take advantage of ‘Welcome Here’ in North Carolina

AWS members can get discounts, special tastings, or other perks at 15 wineries. And, if you’re traveling through Virginia, maybe stop at one of the 25 participating wineries there.

Nominations for 2 AWS awards due by August 23

You can identify candidates for this year’s Regional Ambassador and Chapter Chair. Also, highlight worthies for the 2025 Award of Merit and Outstanding Member.

Calling all amateur winemakers to join our competition

The 2024 Amateur Wine Competition registration is open! Consider sharing your wines with our judges.

From the desk of the Executive Director

Natalie Dippenaar reviews registration for the National Conference and other items of interest to AWS members.

AWS offers extended discount period for France cruise

You have until September 30 to lock in your best deal — saving 5% off the price of a balcony stateroom for the cruise on the Seine River next May.

Winemaker’s corner: A beginner’s guide to winemaking using whole grapes

Kevin Kourofsky discusses how to accomplish a red wine from whole grapes without needing to purchase expensive winery equipment.

Obituary: Tom King

The former AWS Outstanding Member in 2016, and winner of the Award of Merit from the AWS Educational Foundation, died on June 26.

Chapter events

There has been no summer lull when it comes to your fellow AWS members holding events. Read what they’ve been doing.

The election results are in!

During balloting this summer, AWS members elected national officers to serve in the following positions, with terms beginning on January 1, 2025. They are:

• Ron Natalie, Vice President (2-year term as Vice President and then a 2-year term as President)
• Carol Maher, Secretary (3-year term)
• Annemarie Morse, Director of Education (3-year term)
  

  Ron Natalie

Ron Natalie is the current Secretary on the Board of the American Wine Society and co-founded and co-chairs the Catawba (NC) Chapter. He currently is working with National Office staff and volunteers to upgrade the AWS website membership management system and has volunteered behind the scenes at numerous National Conferences.

As incoming vice president and subsequently as president, he hopes to “grow the AWS into new areas by focusing on chapter formation and support. I want to improve outreach to places without chapters by liaising with other wine industry organizations. I would also encourage the development of new educational materials and ways to disseminate that information.”

Carol Maher

Carol Maher, an AWS member for 12 years, is currently chair of the Governance Committee, working with the executive director and Board of

Directors to ensure operational  with organizational policies. She also is treasurer for the Ocean Isle Beach (NC) Chapter.

As Secretary to the Board of Directors, her goal is “to help grow membership of the AWS and advance the mission of wine education,” in part by targeting “younger members since they are the future of this organization.”

Annemarie Morse

Annemarie Morse, who ran unopposed for a second consecutive 3-year term as Director of Education on the Board of Directors, has been an

AWS member for 14 years. During her first term on the Board, she worked through the Cru100 program to enhance wine education programming for AWS members by creating videos, updating the Wine Evaluation Form, and creating a charter and wine judge code of ethics, among other initiatives.

During her second term, she plans to recommit to “fostering an inclusive, innovative wine educational environment that empowers every member, chapter, or student. Our education programs aim to keep our community of lifelong learners equipped with the knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world of wine.”

Thanks all around

Thank you to everyone who voted. Participation in the election by AWS membership is a great way to help enhance the experience and provide for the organization’s current and future growth and existence.

Thanks also to everyone who stood for election, winner or not. We have always been fortunate that many members have come forward to selflessly contribute their time and talents in the management and advancement of our organization.

Make the most of the National Conference with a pre-conference tour

We’re looking forward to a great crowd at National Conference from November 1-3, and we have some amazing wineries selected for our pre-conference tours. If you can be in North Carolina a day or two before conference starts, this promises to be a whole lot of fun!

Registration is now open (see below). The tours cost $135 each, and each is limited to 50 people. Included in the price is all-day transportation, tasting fees, lunch, and gratuity.

On Thursday, October 31, a shuttle will take attendees to tour 3 Yadkin Valley wineries — Rayson, Haze Gray, and Dobbins Creek— from 9.a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern time, with box lunch delivered at Haze Gray.

Register for the October 31 tour here (AWS website login required)

On Friday, November 1, you have a choice of 2 tours, each from  9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern time.

• Shuttle 1 will take attendees to 3 Yadkin Valley wineries — Raffaldini, Jones Von Drehle, JoLo — with box lunch delivered at Jones Von Drehle.

Register for shuttle 1 here (AWS website login required)

• Shuttle 2 will take attendees to 3 Yadkin Valley wineries — JoLo, Piccione, and Raffaldini (our premiere sponsor) — with box lunch delivered at Piccione.

Register for shuttle 2 here (AWS website login required)

You can read more about the wineries here: Winery descriptions

Keep in mind that times are approximate, and itineraries are subject to minor changes. The deadline to register is October 1, 2024. Because space is limited, sign up early to ensure your spot!!

If you are an AWS member and have questions, call the National Office during business hours or complete the contact form on our website.

The tours are one example of North Carolina wineries stepping up to the plate!

Take your experience up a notch with CRU 100

Besides signing up for the pre-conference tours, plan to join AWS President Bill Stefan and members of CRU 100 on Friday evening for an intimate tasting of Bordeaux wines, sponsored by Union Grands Crus Bordeaux.

By participating, you will support the AWS education mission. All money raised during the Presidential Reception will be invested in the Cru 100 effort to develop relevant educational resources for use by AWS chapters.

 The cost is $125 per person.

Register for the CRU 100 Presidential Reception (AWS login required)

A word from Diane Meyer:

Take advantage of ‘Welcome Here’ in North Carolina

We now have 15 North Carolina wineries signed up for the AWS Welcome Here Program, thanks to the efforts of the local AWS members and our North Carolina leadership.

Welcome Here is a partnership between wineries and the AWS to foster an understanding of what AWS is and what we do. We list participating wineries on our website and in our social media, and in return the wineries recognize AWS members by offering discounts, special tasting, or other perks.

Remember to show your AWS membership card, be pleasant, interested, and respectful, buy something, and have a good time! For more information, check out the Welcome Here page on our website.

The participating wineries are spread throughout the state, but here are those near Winston-Salem, where our National Conference will be:

Many of these wineries are in the Swan Creek and Yadkin AVAs, as well as in wine areas that have not yet been recognized with AVA status.

If you are going to visit wineries in North Carolina, you can download or print out the most recent winery guide from Visit North Carolina.

And, beyond North Carolina, but only 30 miles away from Winston-Salem, is Virginia. There are currently 25 wineries signed up to welcome AWS members in the state where Thomas Jefferson established one of the first Vitis vinifera vineyards in America. If you are driving through Virginia, you should plan a stop or two, or more.

Nominations for two AWS awards due by August 23

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 just days away.

(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 2025 winners.)

Joel Peterson 

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 Joel Peterson, also known as the ‘Godfather of Zin,’ who has been a winemaker for 50 years. To recommend someone for 2025, please send the person’s name and a few paragraphs about his or her

Tom Wallman

accomplishments by October 15 to Pam Davey at pamdavey@aol.com.

Outstanding Member. The recipient must have a consistent record of valuable service to the AWS. Last year’s Outstanding Member was Tom Wallman, former treasurer of the American Wine Society and still an active volunteer before, during, and after the National Conference. If you would like to nominate an AWS member to be honored at the 2025 conference, please forward the person’s name and some of his or her contributions by October 15 to Pam Davey at pamdavey@aol.com.

Regional Ambassador and Chapter Chair of the Year

In addition, the AWS each year recognizes within our organization a Regional Ambassador and an Outstanding Chapter Chair. To identify nominees for 2024, 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, fill out the form (you can submit one for your Regional Ambassador and a separate one for your Chapter Chair) by August 23 and send it to AWS Director of Membership Carrie Garczynski at directormembership@americanwinesociety.org.

Calling all amateur winemakers to join our competition

Our 2024 Amateur Wine Competition registration is open!

Amateur winemakers, please consider sharing your wines with our judges. This will give you feedback on your efforts.

Friends of amateur winemakers, encourage your winemaking friends to participate in the competition. AWS membership is not required.

One of the challenges thrown at us this year is the length of time we may hold your wines. This has translated into a short shipping window during October.

Stop by the Amateur Wine Competition page on our website for more information and a copy of our 2024 rules brochure.

If you have winemaking groups or businesses that want competition information, or wish to suggest additional improvements, send a note to me at AWC@AmericanWineSociety.org to let me know.

Vince Williams, CSW, CSWS, CWJM
Chair, Amateur Wine Competition

From the desk of the Executive Director

Hello!

July was a rather exciting month. After much build-up and anticipation, we launched conference registration on July 25. What an incredible day reaching 518 registrations by end of day! In just the first hour we had sold 330 registrations!

Natalie Dippenaar, AWS Executive Director

However, with so much success and a highest-ever sales day for the American Wine Society, there were bound to be some problems, and a number of people buying in the first hour encountered registration issues and had to retry until they completed their sale. Adding to that their refunds have been held by the merchant processor while it completes a financial risk review.

I am truly sorry for those who experienced this and am sending updates as I get them. Needless to say, while we may not be able to go back to the old way, we will work to improve registration next year to prevent this!

If anyone knows anyone who:

• Might be a sponsor lead, let me know.
• Should be entering the wine competitions — both your amateur friends and your local wineries — please let them know to visit awscompetitions.com.
• Might be interested in learning more about the basics in Level 1, or the not-so-basics in Level 2 of WineSmarts, send them to americanwinesociety.org/winesmarts. The classes are conducted in person in Winston-Salem, but you do not need to be a member or to attend the National Conference.

About 10 weeks to go, so looking forward to seeing everyone in Winston-Salem!

Spoiler alert: We have been working on a new design for the Journal and are just proofing this week, so look for that hitting your mailboxes in a few weeks. Hope you love the new design as much as we do!

Until next time,
Natalie

AWS extends discount period for France cruise

If you’re looking for a different type of vacation next year, consider cruising the Seine River in France with AWS from May 8‒15, 2025.

The AWS recently announced that it has extended the early-bird discount period to September 30, so there’s still time to lock in your best deal — saving 5% off the price of a balcony stateroom if you act soon.

The 7-night cruise from May 8–15, 2025, features renowned wine expert, author, and storyteller Paul Wagner. And, of course, you’ll experience some of the best wine available while enjoying the company of your fellow AWS members.

A fabulous itinerary

You’ll visit Paris, Les Andelys, Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, and Vernon. You’ll travel aboard the finely appointed AmaLyra cruise ship and have access to three seminars featuring wines from the Champagne, Alsace and Loire Valley regions. Plus, take part in three wine-and-food-pairing dinners led by Paul Wagner, featuring wines from those regions.

How to get started

Staterooms start at $4,599 per person, and you should book as early as possible to be assured of the best selection. For more information, click on the nearby image. To get started on this extraordinary trip, call 877-651-7447 or email wineclub@expediacruises.com.

Winemaker’s corner: A beginner’s guide to winemaking using whole grapes

Kevin Kourofsky

Many who start making wine by using a kit are drawn to the next level of working with juice, which comes to you as nature made it. But even that has its limitations, especially in making red wine. So, to craft a great red wine with true terroir, it is vital that whole grapes are used, crushed with the skins.

In this issue, Kevin Kourofsky discusses how to accomplish a red wine from whole grapes without needing to purchase expensive winery equipment.

Read more here

Obituary: Tom King

Tom King, 79, of Durham, North Carolina, a recipient of the AWS Outstanding Member Award in 2016 as well as the prestigious Award of Merit from the AWS Educational Foundation, died on June 26.

He and his wife, Linda, were co-founders of the Pittsburgh (PA) Chapter. He also was a lifetime member of AWS who loved to help run wine competitions benefiting various charitable foundations, spanning many years. Most notable was the Great American International Wine Competition, where he volunteered for more than 20 years.

Born Thomas Francis King in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 2,1944, to Robert J. and Eileen M. King (nee Carmody). He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Linda (nee Moracz), his daughter Dawn Matta (David), his son Christopher, his four grandsons, Alexander, Ryan, Colin, and Jason, five brothers, Tim (Kathy), Gerry (Laurel), Brian (Sue), Kevin (Christy), David (Sue) and four sisters, Ronnie Whalen (Tom), Peggy Neumann (Randy), Noreen Hone (Don), and Rhea Wightman (Wayne). He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dennis.

Tom served in the Army from 1963 to 1965, and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He and Linda married in 1968 and later moved to Butler, Pennsylvania. Tom was the ultimate family man and a loyal and true friend to so many. He will be sorely missed.

Chapter events

MAY

The Lehigh Valley (PA) Chapter held an ‘Italy vs. France’ wine competition in May, with Joe Pugliese as Italian captain and Kevin Campbell as French captain.

In a blind tasting, 47 members and guests were challenged to score the wines and identify which country each was from. The captains compared different varietals from these two iconic wine-producing countries. Callng a winner was tough. A delicious buffet at Delizioso Italian Grill’s outdoor patio was enjoyed by all.

• 2020 Domaine Chanson, Burgundy, $49
• 2018 Fontana Fredda, Barolo, $49
• 2022 Tenute Ulisse, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, $19
• 2019 Chateau Barde Haut, St. Emillion, $40
• 2020 Chateau Gloria, St. Julien, $50 (4)
• 2021 Leone De Castris, Manduria Primitovo, $23 (5)
• 2020 M Chapoutier, Northern Rhone Syrah, $47 (3)
• 2017 Lisini Brunello Di Montalcino, $55 (5)
• 2020 Chateau Fortia, Chateauneuf du Pape, $59 (2)
• 2018 Zenato Amarone, Veneto, $56 (1)

We ended May with another wonderful BYOB at Mis Raices Columbian Restaurant & Bakery, Bethlehem.

JUNE

On June 13, the Indian Valley (PA) Chapter met at Karamoor Estate Winery in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, for a vineyard tour and wine tasting. Sue and Harry Reich presented the event, which had a total of 38 AWS members and guests in attendance, including several members from the Perkiomen Valley (PA) Chapter.

We began with a driving tour led by event coordinator Mary Scaramuzzino, meandering through the 275-acre estate. We made several stops to get out and experience the vineyards up close and learn about some of Karamoor’s history.

Karamoor’s owners and visionaries, Nicholas and Athena Karabots, dreamed of bringing Old World European-style wines to the estate. Lucie Morton, a top U.S. viticulturist, designed the vineyards. The first 12 acres, planted in 2006, included Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Petit Verdot. Karamoor since has added Pinot Gris, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Malbec, and currently has 27 acres planted to vines. These were chosen for their specific ability to thrive in the Philadelphia-area climate.

Our tasting began with chilled glasses of Karamoor Rosé, which we enjoyed under the late afternoon sun among the Chardonnay vines. Assistant Winemaker Samantha Kreiner explained the painstaking measures required to maintain the vineyards. She showed us the equipment used to crush, ferment, and bottle their wines and detailed the winemaking process.

In the large tasting room above the winery, we sampled 6 Karamoor wines paired with various cheeses, meats, and spreads.  Wines sampled were:

• 2023 Estate Rosé, $22
• 2019 Estate Chardonnay, $26
• 2016 Estate Meritage (unavailable for purchase)
• 2017 Estate Meritage, $32
• 2019 Estate Petit Verdot, $39
• 2017 Estate Cab Franc, $28

Favorites of the night were the Petit Verdot, Rosé and 2017 Meritage. Karamoor Estate is a hidden gem, well worth the visit, and a perfect place to sit and enjoy Pennsylvania wine on a beautiful estate.

The Piedmont Wine and Vine Chapter (SC) met on June 16 in Simpsonville, SC at Sweet Sippin’ to taste boutique Washington State wines. The tasting was hosted by Ben and Laura Corasaniti who selected wines from the Columbia Valley in the Eastern part of the state. Some of the wines had their grapes sourced throughout the AVA area and some surrounding areas such as the Yakima Valley. We sampled a rose, a white and five reds. These wines are difficult to get normally. We had twenty members attending.

• 2022 Two Mountain, Rose, $27
• 2022 Truth Be Told, Sauvignon Blanc, $27
• 2021 Luke, Merlot, $35
• 2022 Bookwalter Readers, Syrah, $29
• 2020 Kate Arnold, Cabernet Franc, $29
• 2022 M100, Cabernet Sauvignon, $42
• 2020 Luke, Red Blend, $35

The 50 Shades of Grapes (NJ) Chapter held its June event at the lovely Moorestown home of Greg and Erica Mills. The evening featured a catered French dinner by chef Lorenzo Giannini (the Gallic Chef), paired with French wines from the Mills’ wine cellar:

• NV Billecart-Salmon NV Reserve
• 2019 Louis Jadot Chassagne-Montrachet
• 2004 Bouchard Père et Fils Beaune
• 2006 Fleur Cardinale, St. Emilion
• 1997 Château Loubens Sainte-Croix-du-Mont

The Hammonton (NJ) Chapter met on Sunday, June 23, at the home of Rick Giberson and Christine Scharf. The theme was “wines that complement Mediterranean cuisine.”  Rick and Christine prepared a fabulous buffet that included Greek salad, tomato and mozzarella (caprese) salad, and lamb and beef gyros, among other treats. The top 3 wines were:

• 2010 Almirez Toro, $25
• 2020 Cruz de Alba, $35
• 2021 Bolla Valpolicella, $14

The Ocean Isle Beach (NC) Chapter began its June membership meeting honoring local winemaker Dana Keeler of Silver Coast Winery. Dana is a charter member of the chapter and was instrumental in organizing it; we meet at Silver Coast Winery. A long-time supporter of AWS and the Ocean Isle Beach Chapter, Dana celebrated his 20th anniversary as winemaker at Silver Coast Winery. Cheers to Dana!

Member Steve Rosen took the lead presenting an education program on Merlot around the world. Steve highlighted interesting Merlot facts, including that it is the second-most planted grape in the world and that it is named after blackbirds (merle or merlau) in the Bordeaux region of France. After discussing the aroma and taste profile, 6 Merlot tastings were poured.

• 2019 Les Jamelles (French, old-world style), $15
• 2015 Merlot Sodale (Italian, a spicy flavor), $20
• 2021 Lapostolle Colchagua Valley (Chilean, 85% Merlot 14% Syrah 1% Cab Franc), $15
• 2011 Decoy, Hopeland, CA, (American; luscious and silky), $21
• 2019 Horse Haven Hills, Columbia Valley WA (American, 86% Merlot 14 % Cabernet), $17
• 2019 Merlot James von Drehle, Yadkin Valley, NC (American, fruit-focused, well balanced), $28

As we continue our wine education, it is interesting to taste so many variations of one grape as interpreted by each winemaker. These wines were enjoyed by our red-wine-loving group!

The Myrtle Beach (SC) Chapter met June 27 for Le Tour De France with chair and co-chair Richard and Mary Berezinsky and 40 members/guests.

To commemorate the famous annual bike race, Kurt Cowles and Ellen Elaut from Total Wine led us through the route with a tasting of 7 French wines. It surprised us to learn that a Chateauneuf Du Pape can contain up to 13 grape varietals. In keeping with the theme, Brie and gruyere cheeses, crackers, and chocolate croissants were welcome accompaniments to the wines.

• NV Louis Bouillot Blanc de Noirs Cremant, Bourgogne, $26
• 2022 Chateau la Tour de L’Eveque Rose, Provence, $20
• 2022 Famille Bougrier “V” Vouvray Chenin Blanc, Loire Valley, $16
• 2019 Au Pied Mont Chauve Montagny 1er Cru, Cotes du Beaune, $30
• 2019 Chateau de Mercues Malbec, Cahors, $30
• 2021 Mousset Clos St. Michel – Chateauneuf du Pape, $42
• 2018 Chateau La Fleur Peyrabon, Pauillac, $40

For its June tasting, the San Luis Obispo (CA) Chapter compared 9 Rhône blend white wines. Our guest speaker was Randall Grahm, a well-known author and a pioneer in the development and promotion of California white Rhône blends.

Randall brought a 2010 reserve “La Cigare Blanc” (“White Wine of the Earth”) from his Bonny Doon Vineyard, Santa Cruz County for us to taste. Comments were extremely positive.

Results of our blind tasting in serving order were:

• 2021 Tablas Creek Vineyard Espirit Blanc, Templeton, California, $45 (3)
• 2022 Domaine des Remizieres Cuvee Christophe, Croze-Hermitage, $30
• 2021 Denner Vineyard Theresa, Paso Robles, California, $50
• 2022 Popelouchum Vineyard Estate Blanc, San Juan Bautista, California, $50
• 2022 Chateau Pegau Lone, Cote-du-Rhone, $21
• 2022 McPrice Myers Beautiful Earth, Paso Robles, California, $30 (2)
• 2022 Margerum Wine Company M5 White, Buellton, California, $23 (1)
• 2020 Xavier Vignon Cuvee Anonyme, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, $45
• 2022 Adelaida Anna’s White, Paso Robles, California, $35

The Fleur de Lis (KY) Chapter of Louisville held its June 2024 tasting, hosted by Owen Wetzel and Pat Cantwell. The theme was “Multiple Varietals Single Winemaker.”

Six California wines were poured blind and given to the members for tasting. The wines were all made by Diane Wilson, who makes wines for several labels. Below are the wines:

• 2021 Wilson Primitivo, McClain, Alexander Valley, $45 (1)
• 2020 Wilson Petite Syrah, Sawyer, Dry Creek Valley, $38 (2)
• 021 Rockpile Zinfandel, Botticelli, Sonoma, $63 (3)
• 2020 deLorimier Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Barrel Select, Alexander Valley, $54
• 2020 deLorimier Malbec Reserve, Furlong, Alexander Valley, $46
• 2021 Matrix Pinot Noir, Sonoma, $45

Lehigh Valley (PA) Chapter members were more than happy to help celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville, PA. Jan Landis welcomed us, then her son Sam took us through the delicious tastings of their wines and the history of their vineyard.

We tasted their Dry Rose, Pinot Grigio, Naked Chardonnay, Riesling, Traminette, Chambourcin, and Lemberger. Almost all of their grapes are estate grown.

We ended June with another wonderful BYOB at Penn Pizza in Allentown where food and the sharing of wine were enjoyed by all.

The South Sound (WA) Chapter was hosted by The Nocturnal Hound Wine Bar and Bottle Shop in Tumwater for its June tasting event. The theme was Riesling, where the group explored wines from Germany, France, and the United States:

• 2020 Thanisch Riesling Trocken, Mosel, Germany, $25 (3)
• 2021 Trimbach Riesling, Alsace, France, $32 (2)
• 2022 Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes AVA, New York, $22 (5)
• 2023 Poet’s Leap Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, $16 (1)
• 2023 Ridgecrest Estate Dry Riesling Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley, Oregon, $30 (4)

As the world’s most important producer of Riesling (per Wine Folly), the team started in Germany before moving on to Alsace. For new world selections, a Dr. Konstantin Frank Riesling was in order as members learned about Dr. Frank and his ties to the American Wine Society. The group ended their tour back in the Pacific Northwest with wines from Washington and Oregon, including the 2023 Poet’s Leap Riesling, which was recently named White Wine of the Year by Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Why Riesling? Aside from it being a great wine for summer as it naturally pairs with lighter fare, The Nocturnal Hound owner and AWS member, Stephanie Brown, shared her connection to Riesling: Her parents are from Germany, specifically the Württemberg region. When she began her quest to open a wine bar, her Onkel (Uncle) Karl back in Germany suggested that she offer the fabulous local wine. Come to find out, they are difficult to source in the United States, which is why she selected a wine from the Mosel instead. Her uncle has since passed on, but the group all raised their glasses in memory of Onkel Karl and his love of German Rieslings.

Stephanie also added a fun component to the tasting by having the group taste a Statement Rosé Port that she will include on her summer menu. Chapter members were invited to share what they were tasting. The group noted strawberry and marzipan on the nose and palate for this lighter style of Port.

JULY

The 50 Shades of Grapes (NJ) Chapter met on July 10 at the beautiful bayside home of Donna Andrews for a tasting featuring Mediterranean cuisine catered by a local Absecon restaurant, paired with wines brought by the guests. Bubbles began the evening and all relaxed and enjoyed the breathtaking views and company.

Some favorite wines of the evening included:

• Graham Beck Brut Sparkling NV, South Africa
• 2022 Jermann Pinot Grigio
• 2019 Vietti Roero Aneis
• Rosa di Ceparano Ravenna Rosato Frattoria Zerbina
• 2019Domaine du Chalet Pouilly Saint-Veran
• 2014 Robert Foley Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2021 Il Barone Castello di Amorosa

The Southport (NC) Chapter met on Friday, July 12, at the St. James Community Center. It was hosted by chapter co-chairs Dave and Vicki Caruso. Our meeting had 51 members in attendance. The theme was “Wines from Little Known Grape Varietals.”

We reviewed the latest AWS national news and provided details on the daily schedule of activities of the National Conference in Winston-Salem, NC. We also reviewed the local wine events in North Carolina and celebrated birthdays of our members.

We reviewed, discussed, and tasted wines made from; Ribolla Gialla, Falanghina, Listán Negro, Bonarda, Frappato, Xinomavro, and Graciano grape varietals. These little-known grapes make some great wines. The group was surprised just how good the wines tasted. The membership brought food pairings to complement the wines that were tasted. All enjoyed the evening.

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

• 2017 Bodegas y Vinedos Ilurce Rio Mazos Graciano, $30 (1)
• 2020 El Enemigo Bonarda, $27 (2)
• 2021 Fantinel Tenuta Sant’Helena Ribolla Gialla, $27 (3)
• 2019 Kir-Yianni Xinomavro Ramnista Vineyard, $30
• 2022 Terredora di Paolo Falanghina Irpinia, $18
• 2021 Suertes del Marques 7 Fuentes Listan Negro, $24
• 2022 Valle Dell’Acate Vittoria Il Frappato, $26

The Venice (FL) Vinos Chapter held a tasting on Tuesday, July 16, at the home of Debbie and Terry Rogers in Venice. The theme was Summer whites. Good food, good wine, and good times were had by all 18 member attendees.

Our wines were:

• Soligo Prosecco, $15
• Lucien Albrecht Cremant D’Alsace, $18
• 2022 Belle Glos Rose, $20
• 2022 Micro-Cosme Sauv-Viognier, $15 (best value)
• 2022 Pierpaolo Pecorari Ribolla Gialla, $20
• 2022 Burgans Albarino, $17
• 2023 Grand Fossil Sancerre, $28 (best wine)

The Myrtle Beach (SC) Chapter met July 18 for “Partners and Grapes,” with chair and co-chair Richard and Mary Berezinsky and 48 members/guests. Presenters were Mary Anna Ossa, owner of Partners and Grapes Winery, and John Hubbard from Grapevine Distributors.

Mary Anna, whose winery is in Fort Mill, brings the finest wines from the Penedes region of Catalonia, Spain. Wines are certified organic and vegan, crafted using minimal intervention farming and biodynamic techniques.  The 2021 red blend & rose won the gold and silver medals at the 2023 Sommelier Choice Awards.

Grapevine Distributors works directly with smaller, family-owned wineries like Partners and Grapes in France, Italy, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, and many other countries.

We learned about how organic and biodynamic wine production focusing on sustainability leads to healthier and cleaner drinking.

• 2023 Portal Da Calcada Vinho Verde, $15
• NV Partners & Grapes Cava Brut Nature Reserva, $20
• 2023 Quinta da Calcada Alvarinho, $20
• 2022 Partners & Grapes Xarel-lo, $20
• 2021 Partners & Grapes Rose, $20
• 2020 Portal Da Calcada Douro DOC, $15
• 2020 Porto Da Calcada Douro Duris Reserva, $21
• 2021 Partners & Grapes Tempranillo Blend, $20

Some 40 members of Lehigh Valley (PA) Chapter tasted fireworks on July 21 with “Wines of Campania.” Bill and Melissa Yenkevich shared their knowledge of this Italian region featuring a diverse set of indigenous grapes.

It was especially interesting to learn about Campania’s unique variety of grapes, the volcanic soils and various elevations in which the grapes grow. We also learned that Naples is the capital and largest city in the region, and Campania is known for the ruins of Pompeii, the Amalfi coast and the island of Capri. The people from this region typically drink the whites as everyday wines.  The white varietals included: Falanghina, Coda di Volpe, Fiano and Greco di Tufo. The red varietals featured were Piedirosso and Aglianico.

Congratulations Bill and Melissa on a wonderful first tasting. A delicious buffet at Delizioso Italian Grill’s outdoor patio was enjoyed by all. Our wines were:

• Feudi di San Gregorio Sparkling Falanghina, $18 (ice breaker)
• 2022 Feudi di San Gregorio Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, $18
• 2022 Mastroberardino Fiano di Avellino “Radici,” $23
• 2022 Feudi di San Gregorio Greco di Tufo “Cutizzi,” $22
• 2022 Fattorio La Rivolta Falanghina del Sannio, $17
• 2021 Endodelta Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso, $18
• 2020 CantaVitae Campi Flegrei Piedirosso “Ichnos,” $18 (5)
• 2019 Le Masciare Irpinia Campi Taurasini, $22 (3)
• 2019 Antonio Caggiano Macchia dei Goti Taurasi, $46 (2)
• 2014 Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi “Feudi Studi, Rosamilia,” $45 (4)
• 2016 Mastroberardino Naturalis Historia Taurasi Reserva, $50 (1)

On July 21, the North Wake (NC) Chapter met at Heritage View Clubhouse in Wake Forest. Forty-seven of us enjoyed the presentation of wines from Querce Bettina Winery, introduced by former chapter co-chair Greg Hedrick.

In attendance to provide much information about the winery was Paola Moretti, daughter of owners Roberto Moretti and his wife, Sandra Barenghi. Roberta and Sandra purchased the property on the southwest slopes of Montalcino, Italy, in 1990 and planted their first grapes in 1999. The first wines were released in 2009 with the 2004 vintage.

Querce Bettina remains a family-owned winery producing several wines, including limited quantities of Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG in exceptional years and an IGT Toscana Rosso. We tasted 4 reds from Querce Bettina, along with a white produced by Casa alle Vacche winery near Pancole in Tuscany. Wines we tasted were:

• 2022 Casa alle Vacche Vernaccia di San Gimignano – Macchioni (3-tie)
• 2021 Querce Bettina il Campone Unoaked Sangiovese (4)
• 2019 Querce Bettina Rosso di Montalcino (100% Sangiovese Grosso) (3-tie)
• 2018 Querce Bettina for Friends (70% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon) (2)
• 2019 Querce Bettina Brunello di Montalcino (1)
• Quinta das Carvalhas 10-year old Tawny Port (not rated)

At the meeting, we recognized outgoing co-chairs Jay Davis and Greg Hedrick, who are stepping aside from their leadership roles. We toasted them with cake (rated 20 by one member) and a 10-year Tawny Port from Quinta das Carvalhas. Items for a silent auction were on display and open for bidding with proceeds going to the AWS Educational Foundation. Bidding closes at next month’s meeting.