IN THIS ISSUE
Taste and learn with hundreds of wine friends
Registration is open again for the 2026 National Conference. Join us in Jacksonville, Florida, from October 22–24 for an unforgettable experience!
AWS seeks outstanding people to receive its most prestigious awards
Submit names of individuals deserving to receive next year’s Award of Merit and Outstanding Member, before the September 30 deadline.
From the desk of the Executive Director
Natalie Dippenaar reports on a winemakers’ summit in Maryland, reflects on conference planning, provides an election follow-up, and offers hearty congratulations for a major award.
More than 200 reasons to appreciate ‘Welcome Here’
Two new wineries added to a substantial existing list give members additional reasons to use this benefit.
NTP coordinator wins prestigious Allen Shoup Memorial
Dennis Fraley received an award to grow and to shape media awareness and the perception of wine from Washington state.
Make your voice heard for the AWSEF Silent Auction
Donations are being solicited for the American Wine Society Educational Foundation’s only fundraiser of the year. Please consider how you can help. Plus a big announcement regarding scholarships.
Winemaker’s corner: Varietal focus on Chardonnay, a versatile blank canvas?
It’s grown everywhere where grapes can be grown, but. does Chardonnay get respect? Kevin Kourofsky explores this question.
Accent on education
You might like Pinot Noir, but do you like it this much?
Chapter events
In big gatherings and small, from Spring through Summer, your fellow AWS members have sampled some fine wine. Read what they’ve been doing.
Taste and learn with hundreds of wine friends
Registration is open again for the AWS 2026 National Conference, and will remain open until the conference sells out.
The event, from Thursday, October 22 to Saturday, October 24, in Jacksonville, Florida, features immersive tastings, engaging speakers, and unforgettable wine experiences designed to bring the world of wine to you.
In addition to your choice from among 37 sessions, you can experience best-in-class certifications, 2 walk-around tasting receptions, and 5 full meals.
The price is $755.
And, when you register, remember to book your hotel!
If you’ve never been to a National Conference, you can get a glimpse of the fun here.
Plus, by registering for the National Conference, you will also have the opportunity to select from a variety of add-on items (additional fees apply):
- Saint Augustine Day Trip on Thursday, October 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (estimated; time to be confirmed.
- Wine Smarts I and II on Thursday, October 22, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New to wine tasting and want to get up to speed quickly? Or perhaps you are looking for a deeper dive. Consider the Wine Smarts sessions.
- Presidential Reception on Thursday, October 22, from 6–7 p.m.
Join AWS President Eric Feldhake in a tasting of some of his favorite wines and a few more beyond.
Need more information? You can find details at the National Conference main site.
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AWS seeks outstanding people to receive its most prestigious 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 for next year is here, with deadlines approaching.
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.
Chris Pearmund, 2026 Award of Merit
The 2026 Award of Merit recipient is Chris Pearmund from Virginia. Chris has been in the wine industry of Virginia since the mid-1980s, opening his own winery in 2002. Today, he owns Pearmund Cellars, Vint Hill Craft Winery, and Effingham Manor & Winery.
Chris was president of the Virginia Vineyards Association, first chairman of the Virginia Wine and Food Society, and board member of the Virginia Wineries Association. He is a certified wine judge of the American Wine Society, a longtime AWS promoter and supporter, and has organized and taught wine appreciation courses for both amateurs and professionals for decades, including for WSET since 1997.
To recommend someone for 2027, please send the person’s name and a few paragraphs about his or her accomplishments by September 30 to Pam Davey at pamdavey@aol.com. Remember, the recipient does not need to be an AWS member, but must be willing to attend the 2027 conference in Portland, Oregon.
Outstanding Member
Al Guber Jr., 2026 Outstanding Member
The recipient must have a consistent record of valuable service to the AWS. This year’s Outstanding Member is Al Guber, Jr.
Al was the co-chair for the AWS National Commercial Wine Competition and has served in a variety of vital roles: AWS president (2007), vice president (2006), and secretary (2005); former National Conference chair; former chair of the Strategic Planning Committee; founder of the Las Vegas (NV) chapter in addition to being involved with chapters in Pennsylvania and Virginia. He also is an award-winning amateur winemaker.
If you would like to nominate an AWS member to be honored at the 2027 conference for their dedication to help AWS grow and evolve, please forward the person’s name and some of his or her contributions by September 30 to Pam Davey at pamdavey@aol.com.
For both of these awards, the AWS Volunteer Leadership Team will select the 2027 recipients in October.
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. As announced earlier this year, the deadline to nominate members for this year was July 31, and the recipients for this year already have been selected. Their names will be announced at the National Conference.
From the desk of the Executive Director
Natalie Dippenaar, AWS Executive Director
Hello,
Summer is flying by, and here are a few things happening at the National Office and around AWS.
Winemakers Summit at Black Ankle Vineyards
I recently had the pleasure of attending the 10th Winemakers Summit at Black Ankle Vineyards in Maryland. It was an engaging day of discussion and conversation among winemakers, covering topics ranging from the influence of oak and different yeast choices to weather challenges and frost-resistant grape varieties.
Just as important, it was a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with winemakers and other industry contacts as we continue planning receptions and competitions for the National Conference.
National Conference Planning
Much of the work at the National Office right now is focused on getting ready for the upcoming 2026 National Conference. Some sessions are already full, so if you are still planning to attend, I encourage you to register soon — especially since the hotel room block special pricing ends on September 25.
I am really looking forward to seeing both our returning and new speakers this year. I am especially excited to meet Dana Beninati of the Food Network and her show Dine With Dana, who will present at our plenary session featuring wines and salumi from Roero, Italy. It promises to be a wonderful introduction to this fascinating region and its food and wine traditions.
And, there is another great conference highlight! RIEDEL is not only providing a session comparing different glass styles and donating a tasting glass for every attendee to use during the receptions and take home afterward — they have also generously decided to donate a RIEDEL Handmade Amadeo Decanter, with a retail value of $650, to one lucky attendee at their session!
If you are interested in joining us for the conference, visit the conference page to register. If you’re already registered and you need to change your session selection, please contact Member Services at memberservice@americanwinesociety.org.
We already have 81 people registered for the 110 available Riedel spaces, so if you want a shot at the decanter, don’t delay.
Election follow-up
Results will be available soon following the August 22 close of balloting for national officers to the Board of Directors and the proposed amendment to the AWS bylaws.
You’ll remember that we chose people for the positions of vice-president, director of membership, and treasurer. The bylaw question was for a change that generally would allow a person to serve a maximum of two consecutive terms in any combination of the seven voting Board positions. Previously, there was no language in the bylaws regarding term limits for board members.
We had a nice turnout of those submitting ballots, so thank you to all of our participating members!
Congratulations, Dennis!
Finally, I want to offer a very enthusiastic congratulations to NTP Coordinator Dennis Fraley on being selected for the Allen Shoup Memorial Fellowship. (Read the article later in this newsletter for details on this prestigious honor.) This is such an exciting and well-deserved achievement and a wonderful recognition of Dennis’s talents as an exceptional wine writer and communicator.
Congratulations, Dennis — we are very proud to have you as part of the AWS community!
Until next time,
Natalie
More than 200 reasons to appreciate ‘Welcome Here’
We have two new sign-ups for the Welcome Here program, bringing the total to 216 nationwide.
The new sign-ups giving an extra-special welcome to AWS members are:
- City Scape Winery in Pelzer, SC (about halfway between Charlotte, NC, and Atlanta, GA)
- Carmel Valley Vintners Collective in Carmel Valley, CA (less than 30 miles southeast of Monterey, CA)
Welcome Here brings benefits to AWS members and to participating wineries and wine shops. AWS members get special recognition from the wineries, and the wineries, in turn, receive recognition in AWS social media, emails and on our website.
When you go to a Welcome Here winery, they will know that you are ready to learn about and participate in the love of wine.
For more information and a complete list of participating establishments, go to https://americanwinesociety.org/aws-welcome/.
Include a Welcome Here winery visit with your travels
With all of these participating wineries/wine shops in more than 30 states/commonwealths around the country, you have many opportunities to support the places that support AWS. As you travel around the country make it a point to stop by wineries and shops that have signed up for Welcome Here.
You can help Welcome Here grow
And, if you visit non-participating wineries or wine shops during your travels, tell them about AWS. Suggest they sign up for Welcome Here.
If they’re not familiar with AWS, let them know that we have more than 6,000 members in 47 states, and more than 180 chapters across the country. Tell them it’s free to sign up and be listed on our web site and newsletter as an AWS supporter. It’s a way to help increase the value of your member benefits.
NTP coordinator wins prestigious Allen Shoup Memorial
He was selected from among a talented pool of applicants by a committee composed of writers and industry leaders.
In addition to serving as NTP coordinator, Dennis is a wine writer, educator, and judge. He writes “The Bottle Talk,” a monthly column in its third year at The Post and Courier in Charleston, South Carolina, with bylines in Food & Wine and Vinum. He holds the WSET Diploma, chairs the American Wine Society National Tasting Project Committee, and has judged the International Wine Challenge in London and the Winemaker Magazine International Amateur competition, among others. He is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist by trade.
The fellowship was established in 2024 in memory of Allen Shoup, who played a pioneering role in developing the state of Washington’s wine industry as the longtime head of the state’s largest winery, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.
Shoup later became the founder and owner of the acclaimed winery Long Shadows Vintners. A recipient of the AWS Award of Merit, Shoup passed away in 2022.
Ryan Shoup, Allen’s son and a member of the 2026 selection committee, said, “Dennis is a creative and thoughtful writer, with an eagerness to learn more about our region. I’m excited to see where this fellowship takes him.”
Dennis said, “I have spent my working life on the idea that no two people respond to the same glass the same way. Washington may be the rare wine region that believes the same about the people drinking it. The state grows everything, insists on no single story, and lets the wine in the glass matter more than any rule about how you are supposed to taste it. That is the story I have been waiting to discover, and I am honored the committee is trusting me to tell it.”
The fellowship awards 1 or 2 recipients annually with an immersive trip to Washington’s vineyards and wineries, a collection of wine samples, and a stipend. Funded entirely through donations, the goal is to grow and to shape media awareness and the perception of Washington wine by identifying and elevating the wine writers and communicators of tomorrow. It is an industry-wide collaboration that brings together the Washington State Wine Commission, Auction of Washington Wines, Washington Winegrowers Association, Washington Wine Industry Foundation, individuals, wineries, and growers.
Volunteers wanted to help the National Tasting ProjectThe National Tasting Project is seeking 1 or 2 American Wine Society members to help keep the NTP website and behind-the-scenes tools running. These are part-time volunteer roles, and you’ll be trained and supported by our tech lead, Mike Blake. You won’t be asked to write content, and you won’t have to build anything from scratch. The NTP just needs help keeping things updated each year. The main requirement for the website role is a comfort with WordPress or a willingness to learn it. For the scoring-and-presentation role, you’d need a degree of comfort with spreadsheets and online forms. You can find full details here. If you’re interested or have questions, simply send an email to ntp@americanwinesociety.org by August 31 and include a few sentences about your background. |
Make your voice heard for the AWSEF Silent Auction
As many of you know, the Silent Auction that we hold at the AWS National Conference 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 the expenses required by law to keep our nonprofit going.
The Silent Auction also helps fund academic scholarships and research grants to graduate students based on academic excellence and their genuine interest in pursuing careers in wine-related fields. (We have awarded nearly 200 scholarships, totaling more than $609,000.)
We are now gathering donations for this year’s Silent Auction, which will be held at the National Conference in Jacksonville, FL. Please consider donating wine-related items, especially bottles of wine.
Items donated typically fall into three main categories:
Wine
- Single or multiple bottles of wine (magnums or larger formats are always desirable
Wine accessories and related items
- Wine-themed clothing and jewelry
- Glassware, such as wine glasses or decanters
- Wine books on topics such as winemaking, wine regions, or grape varieties
- other wine-related items (for example, wine openers, bottle stoppers)
Wine experiences
- Wine tastings
- Winery/vineyard tours
- Wine dinners
You can ship your items or deliver them at conference, with all the details and forms available on our website. Keep in mind that, if you are shipping items ahead of time, the deadline to ship is October 8.
Help the AWSEF maintain the value of its mission
Just as inflation affects the value of items you buy, it has eaten into the value of our scholarships: Their level has been frozen at $3,500 since 2012 — a span of 14 years.
To account for this and considering new limits on loans available to graduate students, the AWSEF has launched an initiative to increase scholarships to $5,000 by 2032.
The following table illustrates how AWSEF will add to a fully funded scholarship prior to each award year through 2031. Funds from our Endowment will be used to increase the awards.
| Year | Fully Funded Amount | AWSEF Added | Scholarship Award |
| 2026 | $3,500 | $500 | $4,000 |
| 2027 | $3,500 | $500 | $4,000 |
| 2028 | $4,000 | $500 | $4,500 |
| 2029 | $4,000 | $500 | $4,500 |
| 2030 | $4,500 | $500 | $5,000 |
| 2031 | $4,500 | $500 | $5,000 |
| 2032 | $5,000 | $0 | $5,000 |
With your help through donations to AWSEF, we will continue to award 8 fully funded scholarships each year. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Hope you are having a wine-filled summer!
Winemaker’s corner: Varietal focus on Chardonnay, a versatile blank canvas?
Kevin Kourofsky
Chardonnay is grown everywhere where grapes can be grown. For sparkling wine, you can’t do without it. And year after year it is named (with Merlot) as the top two wines people say they drink. But, does it get respect?
In his latest column, Kevin Kourofsky looks at this iconic grape from the vineyard to the cellar.
Accent on education
The world’s highest rated Pinot Noir is the 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, which received the only 100-point score ever awarded by Burghound, one of Burgundy’s most rigorous critics.
This legendary wine from Burgundy, France, represents the pinnacle of Pinot Noir achievement. Wine-searcher.com lists its price as of May 2026 at $588,838.
Aroma: dried rose, truffle, forest floor, spice. Palate: Silky red fruit, earthy notes, spice. Finish: Long, delicate and smooth. (“Smooth, who doesn’t like smooth?”)
Thanks to the San Luis Obispo (CA) Chapter for creating this feature.
Chapter events
APRIL
The Alle-Kiski Lower Burrell (PA) Chapter and City of Pittsburgh (PA) Chapter held a joint meeting on April 18 at the River Forest Country Club, in Freeport PA, featuring a Romanian wine tasting. Sixty-four members and guests attended.
While members enjoyed an introductory sparkling Romanian wine, Cristi Armand Mastacaneau of Amavi Vinum Wines shared insights on Romania’s wine regions, where indigenous grapes like Feteasca Regala, Tamaioasa Romaneasca, and Feteasca Neagra thrive.
A highlight was tasting two Feteasca Neagra wines—Epiphanie and Patima—crafted from the same grape but grown in different environments, one coastal and one mountainous, showcasing how terroir influences flavor.
Armand enlightened the members about the Romanian wines regions and revealed that even a descendant of the original Dracula opened a winery on the Black Sea (naturally producing a red). He was proud to say that the Patima Feteasca Neagra is served in Lufthansa’s business class.
The wines were:
Sparkling from Dragasani, $10 (introductory wine)
White wines
- 2021 Aligote Reserva, $18 (1)
- 2024 Patima Tamaioasa Neagra, $18
Red wines
- 2019 Epiphany Feteasca Neagra, $22 (2)
- 2020 Patima Feteasca Neagra, $22
- 2019 “M” Prismate (blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Feteasca Neagra), $35 (1)
Orange wine
- 2023 Fleur Royale from Dobrogea, $14
Food pairings were prepared by Chef Scott of River Forest Country Club.
MAY
The Carroll County (MD) Chapter held its May event featuring wines from Loew Vineyards, hosted by Dan and Kristi Reppe and presented by Rachel Lipment. Rachel delivered a gripping back-story to her heritage and her wines. You could hear a pin drop! Or perhaps a glass swirling as we all were enthralled with her grandfather’s history.
- 2024 Celebration Rosé (Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc), $28
- Tribute Series Savi Dry Pyment Chenin Blanc/Spring Honey, $32
- 2022 Chardonnay, $28 (favorite white)
- 2023 Eva 77% Pinot Noir/23% Cabernet Franc, $30
- 2023 Merlot, $38 (favorite red)
- 2022 Petit Verdot, $36
JUNE
The Venice (FL) Vinos Chapter held a tasting on Sunday June 28, at the home of Jack and Cindy Sproehnle. The theme was the National Tasting Project. Sixteen members enjoyed appetizers while judging 6 wines from central Italy. Cindy prepared a delicious main course of lasagna and salad for afterward. The PowerPoint presentation was well received. Some new grape varieties were introduced, which led to some great discussion.
The Lake Hickory (NC) Wine Society Chapter tasted and judged wines from Central Italy as part of the NTP in June. With 37 “judges” in attendance, the 8 wines (4 judged) were presented by John and Cathy Breeze.
Our scores have been submitted. It will be interesting to see how we fared as compared to everyone else!
The San Diego (CA) Chapter traveled around France vicariously, tasting wines made in the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Rhone Valley, and Burgundy. In May, Michel and Susan traveled through France exploring these regions, and they shared their trip experiences and wines.
We started with a Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Loire Valley. Traveling south to Pessac-Leognan, we explored a Bordeaux white and a Bordeaux red. Heading east we visited Michel’s home town of Gigondas near Chateauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhone Valley and fell in love with a classic Cotes Du Rhone blend of 50%Grenache, 30%Syrah, and 20%Mourvèdre. Heading north to Bourgogne to visit Beaune and Chablis to taste Chardonnay in a Chablis style and a Premier Cru Pinot Noir from the Mercurey region.
- 2021 Domaine La Perruche Cabernet Franc, Saumur-Champigny, $26
- 2023 Chateau de Rochermorin Sauvignon Blanc, Pessac-Leognan, $27
- 2017 Chateau de Rochermorin Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (50/50), Pessac-Leognan, $32
- 2023 Domaine Brusset (50% Grenache, 30%Syrah, and 20%Mourvèdre), Gigondas, Cotes Du Rhone, $32
- 2023 Laurent Delauney Chardonnay, Chablis, $26
- 2023 Domaine De La Bressande Premier Cru Pinot Noir, Mercurey, $50
Top picks were the two Burgundy wines: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Forty-two members and guests of North Wake (NC) Chapter gathered on June 14, to taste wines from Chile. Chapter chair Sally Albrecht and Jay Althouse presented 2 whites and 4 reds from various Chilean wine regions.
The most unusual was a País from the Itata Valley. País has been grown in Chile since the early 1500s, mostly by local farmers who made wines for their own consumption. But recently, a few winemakers have been making fine wines from the grape. País is now showing up on hip wine lists in New York and California. It’s a lighter red, sometimes compared to a Beaujolais. At this tasting, reaction was mixed.
The “signature grape” of Chile is Carmenère. Originally, many Carmenère vines were believed to be Merlot, and the wines were bottled as Merlot. But DNA testing in the late 1990s revealed that many of the vines thought to be Merlot were, in fact, Carmenère. A Carmenère from Tabali Pedregoso in the Cachapoal Valley was the highest rated wine of the day, but all 6 wines were excellent.
- 2025 Casa Silva Sauvignon Gris, Colchagua Valley, $21 (3)
- 2022 Rubus Chardonnay, Colchagua Valley, $16
- 2023 Ana Maris Cumsille, Adrian Torres Aguila País, Itata Valley, $29
- 2023 Apaltagua Pinot Noir Reserva, Casablanca Valley, $15
- 2023 Tabali Pedrogoso Carmenère, Cachapoal Valley, $17 (1)
- 2022 Miguel Torres Cordillera Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, $20 (2)
Lehigh Valley (PA) Chapter members in June went on a delicious vicarious journey through Provence and the Southern Rhone hosted by Mike and Nancy Parker.
The tasting started with 2 rose’ wines from the famous rosé regions of Tavel and Chateau d’ Estoublon Roseblood. Both wines were ranked highly by Wine Spectator.
The next pairing featured a wine from Cotes du Rhone Village and a highly regarded producer near Châteauneuf-du-Pape making a 100% Grenache wine from 50- to -55-year-old vines. Then, the more famous Gigondas wine was paired with a GSM from Cairanne.
The final 4 wines were all from the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape and scored as the top 4 wines of our tasting. The last wine was ranked the #10 Wine Spectator wine of the year in 2025, but finished second in our tasting to Domaine Durieu.
- 2023 Les Vignerons Le Chant du Soleil, Rose’ Blend, Tavel Region, $13
- 2024 Chateau d’Estoublon Roseblood, Rose’ Blend, Provence Region, $21
- 2023 Boutinot Les Coteaux, Red Blend, Southern Rhône Region, $10
- 2022 Domaine de Cristia, 100% Grenache, Southern Rhône Region, $18
- 2023 Pierre Amadieu Romane Machotte, Red Blend, Gigondas Region, $26
- 2022 Camille Cayran Grand Cru, GSM, Cairanne Region, $17 (5)
- 2023 Maison Arnoux & Fils, Red Blend, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $30 (4)
- 2023 Chateau Sixtine, GSM, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $46 (2)
- 2022 Domaine Durieu, GSM, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $32 (1)
- 2022 Famille Isabel Ferrando, Red Blend, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $87 (2)
All enjoyed a delicious buffet at Delizioso Grill outdoor patio. Also, thanks to Ann Vlot and Matt Green for arranging another delicious BYOB separately at Bamboo Asian Cuisine.
- NV Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta, NV (with antipasto)
- 2024 Cesani Vernaccia di San Gimignano ‘and 2024 Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna (with Potato Gnocchi with Maitake mushroom, peas, pecorino and shaved truffle)
- 2022 Produttorri del Barbaresco and 2022 G. D. Vajra Albe Barolo (with double lamb chop and short rib with polenta, grilled corn, and Barolo reduction)
- 2005 Bottiglia Vin Santo and 2024 Marenco Scrapona Moscato d’Asti (with vanilla ricotta cake with summer berries and mint and with chocolate cake and caramel gelato)
That was one of several recent awards for Le Vigne Winery; it was Winery of the Year in a recent Central Coast wine-off. It also won “Paso Winery of the Year” at a New York international wine competition.
Le Vigne offers numerous estate wines featuring a wide range of varietals, including Tannat and Reserve Tannat. which were the focus of the tasting as we compared Californian and Uruguayan wines.
The 9 paper-bag-camouflaged wines were grouped in sets of three. Each set had two entries from the Central Coast and one from Uruguay.
Flight 1
- 2020 Sextant Wines Estate Tannat, Paso Robles, California, $38
- 2021 Le Vigne Winery Estate Tannat Domenico Vineyard, Paso Robles, California, $51 (1)
- 2022 Viña Progreso Bodega Experimental Overground Tannat, Progreso Region, Uruguay, $24
Flight 2
- 2019 Seven Oxen Estate Wines Estate Tannat, Paso Robles, California, $68
- 2022 Castoro Cellars Estate Tannat, Paso Robles, California, $35 (3)
- 2022 Bodega Garzón Single Vineyard Tannat, Uruguay, $38
Flight 3
- 2020 Bodega Pablo Fallabrino Tannat, Region Atlantida, Uruguay, $22
- 2023 Tablas Creek Vineyard Estate Tannat, Paso Robles, California, $50
- 2021 Opaque Riboli Family Wines Tannat, Paso Robles, California, $31 (2)
The Ocean Isle Beach (NC) Chapter hosted a Macedonian wine tasting on June 21, attended by 44 members and guests at Silver Coast Winery. The presenter was Pere Stojanovski.
Macedonia is in the heart of the Balkans and has a winemaking tradition that stretches back more than 4,000 years. Pere shared information about the region’s climate, terroir (like Tuscany, Bordeaux, and Napa), and the indigenous grapes used in many of its wines. He shared details about the wineries that produced these wines (some known, others from smaller family/estate wineries). He shared about the traditional foods that paired with each wine.
The wines were provided by Fine Wines, AG MAC Imports, with Josif Stavre (importer) in attendance as well. They presented at the AWS Conference last year and will again in October. The wines tasted were:
- Bovin Winery Sauvignon Blanc, $18
- Venec Winery Koria Temjanika, $27
- Brzanov Winery R’Kaciteli, $27
- Kamnik Winery Pure Elegance Stanusina, $36
- Popov Winery Kartosija Reserve, $36
- Bovin Winery Dissan Barrique Vranec, $36
Following the event, Pere and Josif spent time with many of the guests and Silver Coast Winery’s winemaker, sharing more about the region and wines, and discussing opportunities to visit Macedonia.
The Hudson (MA) Chapter reports that Eleanor Phillips, a charter member of the chapter, a winemaker, a mentor to many, and an American Wine Society-certified wine judge, died on June 29 at age 90. You can read more details about her life here.
JULY
Members voted for their favorite wine, the most unusual wine, and their favorite dish. Along with 2 prizes provided by our chapter, a special prize for most popular wine was the 96-point Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir donated by Bernardus Winery.
And, the most popular wine was the 2019 Bougetz Cellars ‘Ardante’ Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California ($80). It’s produced by the Yates Family Vineyard, and is renowned for its cool-climate, low-yield Cabernet Sauvignon and age-worthy wines.
The most unusual wine was the 2022 Kellerei Cantina Kerner, Eisacktal DOC, Valle Isarco, Alto Adige, Italy ($22). Our professional member, Janie Brooks Heuck, managing director of Brooks Wines in Oregon, provided a quick education. The Kerner variety is a cross between Schiava and Riesling, created in Weinsberg (Germany) in 1929. It prefers light, gravelly and sandy soils at higher altitudes and sunny hillsides.
The Southport (NC) Chapter met on July 10 at the St. James Community Center in Southport. It was hosted by co-chairs Dave and Vicki Caruso. The 69 members attending participated in a Bordeaux vertical tasting from Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande.
Special guest speaker Bruce Emmert, one of our members, provided the 6 wines for the event. He provided a detailed history of the Pauillac Château, its vineyard layout, and the typical Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot blends used. He also discussed the individual wines and answered attendees’ questions.
The wines tasted were:
- 2018 Comtesse Réserve, $83
- 2021 Comtesse Réserve, $56
- 2022 Comtesse Réserve, $63
- 2015 Réserve de la Comtesse, $85
- 2016 Réserve de la Comtesse, $75
- 2020 Comtesse Réserve, $69
We also reviewed the latest AWS national news, local wine events, and celebrated member birthdays.
The San Diego (CA) Chapter in July explored wines of Central Italy regions Tuscany, Umbria, Le Marche, and Abruzzo as part of the National Tasting Project (NTP). The NTP staff did a phenomenal job putting together not only the wines but also extensive educational materials that propelled us into the culture and uniqueness of each region.
The NTP tasting gave us a unique educational and tasting adventure that will stay with all the participants. We were all able to compare our own interpretation of each wine with expert opinions. The immediate comparison provided all of us with a deeper appreciation of these wines and expanded our abilities to objectively taste wine that go beyond our normal indulgences.
The Fleur de Lis Chapter of Louisville (KY) tasting on July 17 was hosted by Owen Wetzel and Pat Cantwell with a theme of “Happy Bastille Day.” Six wines were poured as part of a blind tasting.
- 2023 Domaine Brusset Rasteau La Bastide, Southern Rhone, France, $30 (1-tie)
- 2020 Pierre Amadieu Gigondas “Le Pas de I’Aigle, Southern Rhone, France, $50 (1-tie)
- 2024 Domaine Brusset ‘Les Travers’, Southern Rhone, France, $25 (3)
- 2022 La Milliere Vieilles Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, France, $59
- 2023 Domaine du Grand Prieur Vacqueyras, Southern Rhone, France, $29
- 2023 Le Pont Bandol Red, Provence, France, $27
On July 18, 13 members of The City of Palms, Fort Myers (FL) Chapter met at the home of members LaDonna Cody and Tom Sadler to participate in the 2026 AWS NTP: Central Italy Part 2.
They began with an Italian sparkling: Adami “Col Credas” Prosecco Superiore Extra Brut from the Valdobbiadene DOCG. After that, they blind-tasted one white, one rose’, and 3 red wines from Abruzzo, Marche, Tuscany and Umbria — four of the regions in the NTP — as chapter co-chairs Jay and Carolyn Nemia guided them through the presentation with an assist from the hosts.
Before and after the tasting, members dined on foods typical of those regions and prepared in their home kitchens. LaDonna and Tom also poured wines from their wine cellar — a 2014 Voliero Voligro Brunello di Montalcino and a 2014 Castellanese Corso Cannonau di Sardegna. The evening ended with Gabriello Limoncello paired with Carolyn’s Limoncello Ricotta Cake.
The Venice (FL) Vinos Chapter held a tasting on July 26 at the home of Terry and Vinnie Petilli. The theme was “Wines from Beaujolais,” and 14 members attended. All the wines sampled were red from the Gamay grape. Pasta was paired with light bites provided by the attendees. The wines were:
- 2023 Pardon & Fils Chenas ‘La Dime, $22 (best wine and best value)
- 2024 Pardon & Fils Les Mouilles Julienas, $20
- 2020 Domaine des Maisons Neuves Chiroubles, $27
- 2024 DeBeaune Dom de Grand Croix Brouilly, $23
- 2023 Laurent DeLaunay Les Grappill Ages, $26
- 2024 DeBeaune Ch des De Duits Fleurie, $27
- 2022 DeBeaune Domaine du Moulin A Vent, $27
On July 17, the San Luis Obispo (CA) Chapter heard from Sean Geoghegan, winemaker at Derby Wine Estates in Paso Robles, as it conducted a Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio tasting. Derby Wine
Pinot Gris is special because it is unusually sensitive to climate, soil, and winemaking choices, so the same grape can taste radically different from region to region. It stands out at the table because its body and flavor spectrum let it handle dishes that are usually reserved for red wines while still working beautifully with lighter fare.
Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio is not associated with high acidity, which was borne out in the tasting. The best wines of the evening struck a balance between the moderate, but discernible, acidity and their medium body weight, resulting in zesty and fresh wines.
Flight 1
- 2025 J. Dusi Pinot Grigio, Paso Robles, California, $18
- 2024 Venica Pinot Grigio ‘Jesera,’ Collio, Italy, $25
- 2025 Biddle Ranch Pinot Grigio, San Luis Obispo Coast, California, $32
Flight 2
- 2023 Derby Estates Pinot Gris, San Luis Obispo Coast, California, $22 (1)
- 2024 King Estates Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon, $22 OR
- 2025 Claiborne & Churchill Pinot Gris, San Luis Obispo Coast, California, $32 (2)
Flight 3
- 2024 Tangent Pinot Gris, Central Coast, California, $16 (3)
- 2019 Domaine Charles Baur Pinot Gris, Alsace Grand Cru, France, $27
- 2023 Shield Pinot Gris, Nelson, New Zealand, $18
Sean’s dry wit and insights into Pinot Gris were well appreciated. Also, he brought a beautiful 2011 Derby Pinot Gris for a starter; it is truly amazing that after 15 years a white can remain so lively.
In July, Dean and Bonnie Scott hosted the Lehigh Valley (PA) Chapter for two tastings on the scenic deck of their beautiful home:
A July 8 dinner party started with two ice-breakers: Dean’s Hamburg Muscat Rose’ and Jeff Fishers, Dark Shadow. Then, the 19 member attendees were introduced to the wines of Pio Cesare Winery with video help from Vincent Atler “V is for Vino”.
These enjoyable wines from the Piedmont Region of Italy were Cortese, Barbera, Barolo, and Barbaresco. The wines and delicious food from Mama’s Italian Grill were a perfect match—-Risotto and Pollo alla Cacciatora chicken, caesar salad, lots of garlic rolls and bread – and topped off with delightful mini cannolis.
On July 15, our hosts introduced “Guess the Wine Game.” Two ice-breaker wines were Dean’s Cabernet Franc and a sparkling 2014 Cayuga made by Darrin Scott. This set the stage for the game, which was a fun and educational blind tasting format. Each of the 14 attendees sought to identify grape variety, attributes, region, age, price of wine — with points awarded for every correct answer. There was much debate, discussion, and analyzing of the various wines.
Thank you, Dean and Bonnie, for your wonderful hospitality.
Mike Woloshin hosted the 50 Shades of Grapes (NJ) Chapter at his summer home in Ventnor for its July tasting.
An intimate group of 16 enjoyed a menu crafted by Tony Lawrence, and wines from the cellars of Mike and Tony. (Because of the format, the wines were not scored.) Each course had a different theme:
- First course: Two Rivers of Rosé — Carneros Valley versus Russian River
- Second course: The Great Whites — Oak vs Steel (Chardonnay versus Sauvignon Blanc)
- Third course: Sub-Appellation Cool versus Warm Climate Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast versus Carneros Valley)
- Fourth course: A Taste Of 2 Mountain Red Views
- Fifth course: When Harvest Grapes Come Late -Dessert Wines from Sonoma and Napa
On July 26, 49 members and guests of the North Wake (NC) Chapter attended a tasting at Heritage View Clubhouse in Wake Forest. We called the event “Summertime, Summertime,” and 6 members—or couples—presented 6 whites for summertime drinking.
The 6 presenters were given no direction other than to choose a nice summer white, and we wound up with a varied selection from 6 different regions around the world. As a bonus, members were encouraged to wear white to celebrate the white wines of summer.
The presenters were all well prepared and organized, and several brought visual aids. Some provided snacks to serve with their wines. Each provided a wealth of information about their chosen grape, their wine, and their region. Our wines and presenters were:
- NV Casal Garcia Vinho Verde, Portugal (Brad Tunnel)
- 2023 Haze Gray Traminette, Yadkin Valley, North Carolina (Ken and Peggy Wesp)
- 2023 River Road Chardonnay, Sonoma County California (Scott and Alisa Miller) (2)
- 2025 Walnut Block “Collectables” Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand (Barbara Bowers) (1)
- 2021 Domäne Wachau Grüner Veltliner, Austria (Mark and Cindy Duncan)
- 2024 Marzocco di Poppano Il Lanciere, Tuscany, Italy (Greg Hedrick) (3)
This was our first attempt at a “members choice” event, and it was well received. What we learned: our members can be just as prepared and interesting as outside presenters.
AUGUST
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On August 1, Kentucky regional ambassador David Scheu sponsored an all-Kentucky AWS chapter wine tasting and luncheon in Louisville, with 40 members present. Carole Hackett, the other Kentucky regional ambassador was unable to attend because of a previous wine judging commitment.
Chapters present were from Louisville, Frankfort, Georgetown and Lexington. We had chapter chairs discuss their groups and share information. A fine-wine tasting followed, with a delicious luncheon afterward. All present agreed to stay in touch and continue to periodically host these all-Kentucky meetings.
The 40 attendees enjoyed the excellent wines brought by Brian Zawada and his wife, April, as well as the stories and experiences they shared.
The best pairing by far was the Violet Vines Pinot Noir with “The Bunny,” a grilled brie cheese sandwich with bacon and blackberry preserves.
On August 7, 20 members and guests of the Monterey (CA) Chapter met for an event organized by chapter chair Sharon Houy. A relaxing patio at Corral Wine Co. in Carmel Valley was a wonderful setting for our last outdoor event of the summer. Everyone enjoyed the social atmosphere and elegant wines.
Corral has been making wine since 2017 in a barn in Corral de Tierra. The grapes mostly come from Monterey County, while the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah comes from Paso Robles. The winery’s motto is, “We’re not fancy, but we make good wine.” Larry Bell described their winemaking processing, including using the centuries’-old basket press to gently extract juice from grapes. They produce about 2,500 cases of wine per year.
- 2026 Corral Brut Sparkling Wine (pre-release), $64
- 2023 Corral Chardonay, Monterey County, $48 (2)
- 2022 Corral Estate Pinot Noir, Bell Ranch, Monterey County, $72
- 2022 Corral Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands, $64 (1)
- 2022 Corral “Tres Amigos” Red Blend, Central Coast, $56
- 2021 Corral Petite Sirah, Paso Robles, $56 (3)
| AWS News Staff | We welcome your comments and suggestions. |
| Jack Kraft, Editor | AmericanWineSocietyNews@gmail.com |
| Natalie Dippenaar, Publisher | ExecutiveDirector@americanwinesociety.org |
| Chapter Events Editor | ChapterEvents@AmericanWineSociety.org |
| Dennis Fraley, NTP Coordinator | NTP@AmericanWineSociety.org |
| Kevin Kourofsky, Winemaker’s Corner | carolynandkevinathome@gmail.com |
| Kristen Lindelow, AWSEF | president01@awsef.org |
| Diane Meyer, Conference Planner | Diane@AmericanWineSociety.org |
