AWS News – December 2024

Dec 18, 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

Wrapping up a successful 2024 National Conference

What happens when you bring more than 600 people, 42 educational sessions, and 4,721 bottles of wine together in North Carolina? Spoiler alert: It’s in the headline.

The 2024 wine competitions conclude

The National Conference is the culmination of the American Wine Society’s prestigious competitions for both amateur and professional winemakers. Check out who won.

National Tasting Project: Wrapping up ’24 and gearing up for ’25

It sounds judgmental, but see how your fellow AWS members rated select California Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in this year’s project—and what’s up for 2025.

Welcome Here is welcomed in more places

We have 7 new wineries signed up for this AWS member-benefit program, bringing the total number participating to 181.

Where will you go in 2025 (or 2026)?

AWS offers a number of combined travel and wine education benefits. See what’s bubbling up.

A reminder for membership renewal

A new registration process, a new dues structure, and other changes take effect this year.

New faces in new positions on the Board of Directors

New people will fill the Director of Education, President, Vice President, and Secretary spots as of January 1.

From the desk of the Executive Director

After a year in the job and with the 2024 National Conference behind us, planning is underway for next year — plus, a lot more is happening.

Winemaker’s corner: Make better wine with better glassware?

Winemaking can be a game of inches. Even after it’s bottled and resting in the cellar, Kevin Kourofsky says there’s a final polish to add: How you serve it

Chapter events

From early autumn through the advance of winter, your fellow AWS members around the country have been busy. Read what they’ve been doing.

Wrapping up a successful 2024 National Conference

More than 600 AWS members gathered for a festive time at the National Conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, from November 1‒3. It was an amazing experience, with 42 educational sessions and 4,721 bottles of wine throughout the weekend.

Go inside the National Conference

For Dathan Kazsuk and Jennifer Primrose, co-chairs of the Triangle Wine Society, Triangle (NC) Chapter, attending their first National Conference in their home state was more than an introduction to the vibrant AWS community. It was a showcase of the growing North Carolina wine industry on a national stage.

Read more here

Thank you to all the speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for their contribution to its success. As the photos from the event show, it was a vivacious time.

See photos from the National Conference

Always a highlight of the National Conference is presentation of several major organizational awards.

Award of Merit

The AWS Award of Merit is the highest honor that AWS confers on wine industry practitioners, recognizing contributions that have strengthened the wine industry and improved the wine consumer experience.

Madeline Puckette

Madeline Puckette, 2024 Award of Merit

This year’s honoree was Madeline Puckette, who co- founded Wine Folly in 2011, for strengthening the wine industry and improving the wine consumer experience through 20 years of tools on websites and videos, making wine learning accessible, visual and easy to understand for everyone.

Madeline creates engaging blogs, articles, infographics and videos on the Wine Folly site that provide information for both wine novices and experienced tasters. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and she effectively uses social media to promote wine and wine education.

In 2013, Wine Folly was named Wine Blogger of the year by the International Wine and Spirits Commission. Her first book, Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine, released in 2015, was called “the best introductory book on wine to come along in years” by the Washington Post. In September 2018, Wine Folly: Magnum Edition: The Master Guide, was released to include new information for both newbies and experienced wine drinkers.

Her design work with Wine Folly has been contracted by Wines of France, Wines of Bordeaux, Wines of Beaujolais, the Court of Master Sommeliers, the Guild of Sommeliers, the Washington State Wine Commission, and Rhône Valley Wines. She studied art and music composition in Los Angeles, CA, then worked as a graphic designer in Reno, NV, before becoming a self-acknowledged Wine Geek.

She is a certified sommelier and an active Member of the Guild of Sommeliers living in Seattle, WA.

Outstanding Member

Jane Duralia has been an AWS member since 1992 and has given her time and talents to the society for most of those years. She was elected AWS Vice-president in 2009 and became President in 2012. Her term was to expire at the end of 2014 but when her successor resigned from the VP position, she agreed to stay on as President for a third year, becoming the only AWS President to serve three consecutive years.

Jane Duralia

Jane Duralia, 2024 Outstanding Member

She also was  instrumental in helping start two chapters (Catawba & Lake Hickory) and served as Chapter Chair, then as Co-RVP (with her husband) from 2000-2011. She was Co-chair of the 2001 Conference and has attended every conference except one since becoming a member, volunteering to help at each of them.

The award is given annually to an AWS member who has dedicated substantial time and energy to the advancement of AWS. Long and valuable service as a national officer or committee chair; contributions to the AWS Journal or other publications; significant volunteer service; or combinations of these would merit consideration for this award.

Regional Ambassador and Chapter Chair of the Year

The award for Regional Ambassador of the Year went to Mike Blake of Eastern Massachusetts, while the award for Chapter Chair of the Year went to John “Jay” Davis of the North Wake (NC) Chapter.

Mike Blake

Mike Blake

John 'Jay' Davis

John ‘Jay’ Davis

The focus for each of these awards is someone who:

  • Goes above and beyond for their 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.

Recognition for AWS wine judges

Congratulations also to the 14 members who successfully completed the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program.

The three-year program is open to all current AWS members with at least two years of chapter comparative tasting, or equivalent experience. Candidates must submit an application for acceptance into the program. .

Classes for years 1, 2, and 3 require intensive, yearlong self-study, followed by a one-day session and an exam at the AWS National Conference. To maintain their certification, judges must retake and pass the final exam every five years.

This year’s newly certified and recertified judges are:

  • Dan Fusco (new)
  • Diane Griffiths (new)
  • Suz-Chung (Lesley) Ko (new)
  • CL Keedy (new)
  • Scheryl McDavid (recertified)
  • Arlene Mole (recertified)
  • Dwight Navis (new)
  • Dan O’Connor (new)
  • Carissa Shaffer (new)
  • William Reynolds (new)
  • Ivan Riggle (recertified)
  • Michelle Schreck (new)
  • Barry St. Pierre (recertified)
  • Leah Stafford (new)

Are you interested in becoming an AWS certified wine judge? Learn more about it.

Looking forward to 2025 in Chantilly, Virginia2025 conference logo

Next year’s National Conference will be November 6-8, 2025, at Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Virginia — located in Fairfax County, a short drive from our nation’s capital. Note that the event will revert to its regular schedule, with the opening reception on Thursday night and the closing banquet on Saturday night.

Hotel reservations and registration for tours and the National Conference will open in mid-2025.

The 2024 AWS wine competitions conclude

The National Conference is the culmination of the American Wine Society’s prestigious competitions for both amateur and professional winemakers.

Amateur Wine Competition

Another successful vintage! Judging of the 2024 Amateur Wine Competition concluded on October 31, with our judges evaluating 421 wines from 107 winemakers.

Want to know which winemakers or teams received medals or awards? Click on the button.

Amateur Wine Competition results

Thank you to the judges for devoting the level of effort they did, and for the back-of-the-house staff for ensuring the wines were on the tables before our judges even realized they wanted more! Of course, we couldn’t have done this without the support of the talented winemakers who submitted the product of their blood, sweat, and tears.

If you have winemaking groups or businesses that would want competition information, or want to suggest additional improvements, send a note to aws@americanwinesociety.org and let me know. See you in 2025.

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

Commercial Wine Competition

The AWS competition for commercial wine, which now includes spirits, has been held annually since the 1986 National Conference. It requires year-long preparation, dedicated volunteers, and a refined system of computers and human resources to handle operational details.

Judges are selected from a broad spectrum of wine industry professionals, including marketers, writers and wine makers. A significant number of judges for each competition are also chosen from among graduates of the AWS’s own rigorous and well-regarded Wine Judge Certification Program. All wines are judged blind and by panel consensus.

Winning wines receive American Wine Society medals, posting on the American Wine Society website and publicity in American Wine Society publications. Best of Class award winners are recognized in both popular and trade media. All wines entered are offered to attendees immediately following the competition during the National Conference and top award winners are featured. Attendees are avid and knowledgeable wine consumers, making the Conference an ideal marketing opportunity. Year long, entered wines are poured at other American Wine Society, wine consumer and trade events.

Commercial Wine Competition results

National Tasting Project: Wrapping up ’24 and gearing up for ’25

The National Tasting Project (NTP) — featuring California Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays — concluded 2024 with great results (available here).

For 2025, the NTP theme is Australian wines! The wine list will be available late January or early February for purchases.

If your chapter tasted and scored any highly rated Australian wines recently, we would like to know. They might be included in the 2025 NTP. Please send your wine list or presentation to Mike Blake at ntp@americanwinesociety.org.

If you’re curious about the NTP, you can learn more here. And, if you would like to join us, please register at NTP Registration.  Your registration will be approved within 24-hours.

If you have registered previously, no need to register again.

Welcome Here is welcomed in more places

We have 7 new wineries signed up for Welcome Here, for a total of 181. Of the total, 26 are in Virgina, site of the 2025 National Conference.

The new wineries are located around the country, from the desert to the sea and from coast to coast:Welcome Here logo

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, a 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.

Choosing a holiday red

Where will you go in 2025 (or 2026)?

AWS members have their choice of venues and modes for experiencing wine in the near future.

2025 Eastern Winery Exposition (EWE)Eastern Winery Exposition

AWS members receive a 10 percent discount to this 3-day event that takes place from March 25–27 at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster, PA. You can register at this page. To receive your discount, simply use code 25AWS.

The largest industry event east of the Pacific states, EWE provides Eastern U.S. and Canadian wineries, vineyards and suppliers with an easily accessible, low-cost professional meeting place, trade show, and Eastern-focused conference. It will feature an exhibit hall with over 200 exhibiting companies, 40+ Workshop & Conference sessions, including a special track of marketing sessions from the License to Steal® wine marketing conference, and numerous opportunities for meeting the experts; sharing wine, knowledge, tips and techniques; networking, learning, socializing, equipment purchasing—and, of course, wine tasting.

Check out what the EWE has to offer

Tour essential South America

Come along with AWS as we visit Chile, the Mendoza Wine Region of Argentina, and Buenos Aires from October 9‒18, 2025. Highlights include

  • A tour of Santiago, Chile;
  • A hands-on cooking experience following a visit to Mercado Central de Santiago.
  • A vineyard tour followed by a wine tasting and chef-prepared lunch in Mendoza, Argentina.
  • Sampling a family-owned vineyard’s wines in the Luján de Cuyo wine-producing sub-region.
  • A tour of Buenos Aires along with other city activities.

Mendoza wine regionYou can learn more here or by calling 800-581-8942 and referencing booking number 1275101.

Note that all prices include round-trip transfers in destination, taxes and airfare out of EWR (Newark International Airport). Alternative airport pricing is available upon request.

The trip is fully refundable until March 10, 2025!

AWS wine cruise adventure to Italy and Greece

Act now to secure your spot for this amazing experience from April 30‒May 7, 2026.

The 7-night cruise aboard Oceania’s newest ship 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.AWS cruise to Greece and Italy

You will experience an unforgettable journey through ancient civilizations and breathtaking landscapes. Imagine sailing along the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, the warm sun kissing your skin as you soak up the idyllic scenery. Explore charming coastal towns like Positano, with its colorful houses cascading down the cliffs, or Santorini, known for its volcanic landscapes and legendary wines. Indulge in delicious Mediterranean cuisine, from fresh seafood to flavorful pasta dishes. Discover ancient ruins, visit world-class museums, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. From the bustling cities to the secluded beaches, this cruise promises a truly magical adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Learn more about this offer

Best of all, you can save 46% off the price of a stateroom —normally $5,798 per person, but only $3,098 — if you book by March 31, 2025! To learn more, email WineClub@ExpediaCruises.com or call 877-651-7447.

A reminder for membership renewal

If your membership is expiring this month, remember that there is no longer automatic renewal. You will have to log into your AWS profile and accept/pay your dues.

As we previously announced, despite our best efforts to hold the line on costs, inflated prices for everything we do have forced us to increase dues for the first time in 14 years.

The increase takes effect immediately for new members who join, and at renewal time for existing members. Here are the current and the future rates.

Membership Type Current Dues New Dues
1- Year Individual $49 $59
3-Year Individual $124 $159
1-Year Household $62 $89
3-Year Household $158 $239
Professional $99 $199
Student $25 $25
Lifetime $950 $1,200

You can wait for a membership renewal email as your expiration date approaches, or if you know your membership is expiring this year, you can log in from the website and get started.

Remember that because of our new database management system, the first time you access the login, you will need to “Set up your Account” with your email, a password, and your first and last name. Once your account is located, you will need to verify your email, then log in with your email and that password.

One exciting feature for new members is calendar renewal. When you join, future renewals will be based on that date, not on Jan. 1, as in the past.

If you have questions please connect with the National Office at memberservice@americanwinesociety.org or 888-297-9070.

New faces in new positions on the Board of Directors

As President Bill Stefan announced in November, Kevin Ostrowski has been appointed interim Director of Education, effective January 1, 2025. He will join several people assuming new responsibilities in the new year.

Kevin will succeed Annemarie Morse, who resigned the post for personal reasons. During her 3-year tenure, Annemarie strengthened AWS educational programs, improved the wine judge certification program, created AWS Wine Judge Certification with Merit Program, and created two educational videos on wine of the Finger Lakes and North Carolina.

Kevin has been a member of the Education Committee for many years and helped craft the new AWS wine-judging scorecard. Kevin will serve on an interim basis until membership votes on a new Director of Education in the summer. Watch for communication from the Governance Committee in the new year soliciting nominations for the post.

Other new board members in new positions as of January 1 will be Eric Feldhake as president, who had served previously as vice president; Ron Natalie as vice president; and Carol Maher as secretary.

From the desk of the Executive Director

Hello again!

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since I joined AWS. What a year it has been: getting to know everyone, implementing a new database, and the build-up to an absolutely amazing conference in North Carolina.

Incredibly, barely a month after the Conference, this week’s Marketing Committee meeting began the discussion of how, where, and when to start promoting the WJCP program, WineSmarts, and the 2025 National Conference in Virginia.

Natalie Dippenaar, AWS Executive Director

Natalie Dippenaar, AWS Executive Director

But that’s not all that is on our plate presently. Other items of note include:

  • Getting the Winter Journal in the mail soon.
  • Designing a new membership brochure for 2025.
  • Working to acclimate members to our new site and facilitate membership renewals.

If you haven’t already checked out the new site, be sure to register for it. Then, follow the instructions to verify your email and log in. On your My Profile page, scan your details to check that they are correct, and then click Save. Navigate to Membership – Join/Renew/Change Chapter and follow the steps to renew. If you have any questions, please contact us at memberservices@americanwinesociety.org. If you prefer to mail a check to renew your membership, simply send it to P.O. Box 889, Scranton, PA 18501.

Finally, as we approach the end of the year: If you are considering making a donation to a charitable cause, consider AWS, CRU 100, and AWSEF. It is possible to add a donation to AWS or CRU 100 from the store in the member portal, or you can request that an invoice be emailed to you to make payment, or you can mail a check to P.O. Box 889, Scranton, PA 18501.

Wishing everyone the HAPPIEST of HOLIDAYS!

Until next time,

Natalie

Committee News

The Conference Committee will be looking for members to assist with preparations for the 2025 Conference. Stay tuned for more information in late January!

The Membership Committee is looking to grow our committee. We would like to expand our reach and get a variety of perspectives: age, gender, race, geographical location, working/retired, old world/new world lovers….

If you are interested in learning more about this committee, please contact Carrie at directormembership@americanwinesociety.org

White Christmas meme

Winemaker’s corner: Make Better Wine With Better Glassware?

Kevin Kourofsky

Kevin Kourofsky

Winemaking can be a game of inches. Kevin Kourofsky notes that, even after it’s bottled and resting in the cellar, there’s a final polish to add: How you serve it.

Should a wine be decanted? Should it be chilled? Can the glass we pour our wine into make a difference in flavor and depth? To get the answers, read on.

Read more here

Chapter events

To have your chapter’s event included in the AWS News, e-mail your tasting results to chapterevents@americanwinesociety.org. Sending it to any other email address risks getting it overlooked. Be sure to follow the format specified for Chapter Events, which you can download from the AWS website. Include the cost of the wines you tasted, plus scores or rankings. This information lets other members know what you liked and which wines were good values. AND … please send us sharp, interesting pictures from your event. We would love to share those, too.

OCTOBER

The Myrtle Beach (SC) Chapter met October 17 for Great Napa Cabs under $35, presented by Mary Claire Bretz. The Napa Valley is like Mecca for Cabernet lovers. It is the source of some of the world’s best-tasting and most-sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon with its diverse soil types and combination of valley floor and mountain vineyard sites.

Only 2% of the world has the perfect Mediterranean climate for growing red wine. So, Napa Cabs can be extremely pricey. Fortunately, Mary Claire found for us several highly rated ones under $30 and some under $25. Interesting was that the label for Educated Guess features an organic chemistry formula related to fermentation. Oberon & Charles Krug are both part of the Mondavi wine family.

  • 2022 Iter Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (welcome wine), $22
  • 2021 Educated Guess by Roots Run Deep Cabernet, $22
  • 2022 The Critic Cabernet, $20
  • 2020 DS District Series Napa Cabernet, $26
  • 2022 Routestock Cabernet, $22
  • 2022 Oberon Cabernet, $21
  • 2021 Black Stallion Cabernet, $26
  • 2020 Charles Krug Cabernet, $29

The Southport (NC) Chapter celebrated its 10-year anniversary on Friday, October 18, at the St. James Woodlands Pavilion in Southport, NC. It was hosted by chapter co-chairs Dave and Vicki Caruso. Our celebration had 68 members in attendance. We celebrated with a BBQ social, catered by Mission BBQ.Southport NC anniversary cake

We reviewed the latest AWS national news and provided more details on the National Conference in Winston-Salem, NC.

The chapter provided a great Argentine Malbec to pair with the BBQ chicken and pork entrees. The membership brought Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Bordeaux blend wine pairings to complement BBQ foods that were tasted. All enjoyed the evening.

The Piedmont Wine and Vine (SC) Chapter met on October 20 at the home of Randy and Linda Hurteau in Spartanburg. Our group was recovering from the recent hurricane, Helene, which hit our area pretty hard. The 20 people attending were more than ready to do some serious wine tasting.

The eight wines tasted were done on a blind basis. The wines were tried in pairs and the participants had to guess the variety and score based on their own palates. So, the tasting was both surprising and subjective. The wines were selected to be something different from what might normally be offered for tasting.

  • NV Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, Vidal Blanc, U.S.A., $27
  • NV Talon Winer, Vidal Blanc, U.S.A., $22
  • 2022 L.Ecole, Semillion, Columbia Valley, U.S.A., $22
  • 2020 Chateau Beausejour, Empreintes Blanc (Semillion blend), France, $22
  • 2021 Fenocchio Barbera d’Alba Superior, Italy, $37
  • 2022 Macchia, Barbera Delicious, Lodi, California, $26
  • 2021 Ringland Barossa, Shiraz, Australia, $26
  • 2021 St. Cosme Cotes du Rhone, Syrah, France, $19

The Laurel Highlands (PA) Chapter held its semi-monthly meeting at the Altoona Grand (our chapter is way too large to meet in homes) on Sunday, October 13.

68 members and guests attended the tasting led by chapter member Levi Long. Levi presented Bordeaux and other French wines, all available at the PLCB. We tasted:

  • Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne Brut Reserve, $48
  • 2022 Benoit Gautier Argilex Vouvray, $19
  • 2023 Domaine Christophe Mittnacht Gyotaku, $24
  • 2018 Couly Dutheil Baronnie Madeleine Chinon Rouge, $28
  • 2021 Château Pégau Cuvée Maclura Cotes du Rhone Rouge, $19
  • 2020 Château Haut Peyruguet Bordeaux Rouge, $15
  • 2018 Château Viranel Intuition Saint Chinian Rouge, $20

Hammonton NJ ChapterThe Hammonton (NJ) Chapter met on Sunday, October 20. The meeting was hosted by Jaki Giberson and Ron Cullen and was held at the newly opened “Downtown Peru” restaurant in Hammonton.

We were all introduced to the restaurant’s offerings via a tasting menu of assorted appetizers, entrees and desserts. Our wine theme was “large format,” Jaki and Ron supplied 6 large-format wines from their cellar to enjoy with our meal. While we didn’t do a formal “scoring” of the wines, we did rank by show of hands.Hammonton NJ tasting in October

  • 2014 Château D’Yquem, Bordeaux, 1.5 liter, $500 (1)
  • 2016 Duckhorn Merlot, Napa, 1.5 liter, $120 (2)
  • NV Bollinger Rosé Champagne, Champagne,1.5 liter, $225 (tie 3)
  • 2015 Château Haut Gravet Grand Cru “Grand Chemin,” Bordeaux, 3 liter, $100 (tie 3)
  • 1998 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Sesti,” Tuscany, 1.5 liter, $200
  • 2011 Chateau La Lagune Haut Medoc Grand Cru, Bordeaux, 3 liter, $300

The Venice (FL) Vinos Chapter held a tasting on Sunday, October 27, at the home of Stephanie Edens in Venice. Great food and wine was shared by 18 members.

  • Lucien Albrecht Cremant D’Alsace Brut Rose, $13
  • 2023 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, $11 (best white)
  • 2021 Chateau Graves Bordeau Blanc, $16
  • 2021 Zuccardi Q Cabernet Franc, $20
  • 2022 Bodega Garzon Tannat Reserva, $16
  • 2022 Paul Buisse Chinon Cabernet Franc, $18 (best value)
  • 2019 Titus Napa Valley Cabernet Franc (best red)

On October 27, the North Wake (NC) Chapter held a member event at Heritage View Clubhouse in Wake Forest with 33 members and one guest attending. The theme was “Celebrity Wines.”

Members Sally Albrecht and Jay Althouse presented 6 wines associated with celebrities. All wines scored in the “excellent” category on the AWS scale. The winner of the day was “The Calling” Cabernet Sauvignon by broadcaster Jim Nantz. The Calling’s winemaker, James MacPhail, was recently nominated for “Winemaker of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast magazine.

After our third wine, Sally gave each attendee two black grapes, a paper towel, and an individual hand sanitizer, and instructed us to peel one of the grapes. In doing this, we were able to get a better idea of how the red skin colors the juice (and the paper towel and our fingers), yet the grape inside was green. We then ate the skin alone, which created a drying sensation in the mouth, which we identify as tannins, giving wine its longevity, flavor, and color. We then tasted the pulp alone, noticing the acidity, sugary sweetness and water. Then we enjoyed the second grape in its entirety.

We also raised $200 for the AWS Educational Foundation on a 6-pack raffle of these “Celebrity Wines.”

  • NV Vera Wang Party Prosecco, Italy, $22
  • 2021 Three by Wade Chenin Blanc, California (Dwyane Wade), $20
  • 2022 Miraval Cotes de Provence “The Art of Rosé,” France (Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie), $23
  • 2021 Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Proprietary Red Blend, California (Zac Brown), $13
  • 2021 Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Merlot, California, $15
  • 2019 The Calling Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California (Jim Nantz), $38

Spooky spells and bubbling cauldrons welcomed members of Ocean Isle Beach (NC) Chapter to our October gathering. Only enter if you dare …. and let the Ocean Isle Beach Chapter board members tempt your palate with their bewitching wine selections.Ocean Isle Beach NC Chapter in October

Of special interest was a photo of the oldest unopened wine bottle in the world discovered in Speyer, Germany. The bottle dates to 325 A.D., and was unearthed in a Roman tomb that contained two sarcophagi. All agreed it did not look too appealing and felt it best to keep the wine safely in the bottle.

In addition to blind comparisons of two unique Chardonnay vintages, the crafty presenters selected spooky red wines exploring unique labels and red blends.

  • 2022 Rodney Strong Chardonnay, $17
  • 2024 Silver Coast American Chardonnay, $17
  • 2021 Michael David Winery Sixth Sense Syrah, $16
  • 2022 Spellbound Pinot Noir, $15
  • 2024 Witching Hour Red Blend, $10
  • 2024 Stories & Spells Red Blend, $15
  • Our Own Blend Cape Fear Black Magic

Members savored the sights, smells, tastes, and decorations during the evening. Our Chapter loves to have fun while enjoying wine education.

Lehigh Valley PA Chapter in OctoberLehigh Valley (PA) Chapter members were introduced to a variety of wines spanning the entire width of Canada. Mali Kline, assisted by her husband Mike, gave a presentation summarizing the primary grape growing regions: Okanagan Valley British Columbia, Niagara Peninsula Ontario and Quebec. She showed beautiful pictures of the vineyards and surrounding landscapes, with many of the vineyards covered in snow demonstrating the harsh winters the vines need to endure.

The cooler climate whites were generally light in body, very dry, clean and crisp. The two from the British Columbia show that region does have a more temperate climate.  The one Rosé in the tasting, appropriately named P3, was a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Gris, and 15% Petit Verdot. The reds included two Pinot Noirs, two Bordeaux blends, and two colder climate hybrids (St. Croix and Marechal Foch).

Followed by a delicious meal at Taste of Italy.  Congratulations Mali & Mike Kline on a wonderful first tasting.Lehigh Valley PA Chapter in October

  • 2023 Domaine St. Jaques Pinot Rose, Quebec, $17 (icebreaker wine)
  • 2021 Cave Spring Riesling, Ontario, $17
  • 2020 Culmina Decora Riesling, British Columbia, $22
  • 2021 Mission Mill Reserve Chardonnay, British Columbia, $21
  • 2023 Inniskillin Discovery Series P3 Rosé Blend, Ontario, $18 (5)
  • 2021 Bachelor Les Villages Pinot Noir, Ontario, $29
  • 2022 Quail’s Gate Pinot Noir, British Columbia, $26
  • 2017 Culmina Hypothesis Bordeaux Blend, British Columbia, $37 (3)
  • 2019 Stratus Red Bordeaux Blend, Ontario, $40 (4)
  • 2018 Domaine Bresse MacKenzie-Parker St. Croix, Quebec, $18 (1-tie)
  • 2022 Domaine du Ridge Le Batonnier Marechal Foch, Quebec, $13 (1-tie)

Thanks also to Ann Vlot for hosting another wonderful BYOB at Cumin N Eat, Allentown, PA.

NOVEMBER

The Northampton (PA) Chapter tasting was hosted and presented by Judi Roggie on October 13. The tasting featured 10 Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz wines from the top regions of southeast, south and southwest Australia.

Once again, Judi’s research and presentation skills were on full display, as she did an excellent job of discussing the wines and regions of origin.

For those that are not as familiar with Australian wine regions as Judi and Tom, this was a very educational experience with much diversity of terroir and winemaking history that we were able to appreciate as we were tasting and discussing the wines.

As an added treat, Tom Harbin and Alan Derkacs provided two excellent aged wines at the end of the tasting — a 2001 Grant Purge Cabernet and a 1996 Leeuwin Estate Margaret River Cabernet!!

Many thanks to Judi and Tom for another great tasting!

  • 2021 Margaret River Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon, $21
  • 2021 McLaren Penfolds Max’s Cabernet Sauvignon, $18
  • 2020 Margaret River Xanadu Vinework Cabernet Sauvignon, $21
  • 2021 Victoria Best’s Great Western Cabernet Sauvignon, $20
  • 2019 Margaret River Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon, $48
  • 2021 Margaret River Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz, $31
  • 2019 Victoria Tyrell’s Rufus Stone Shiraz, $22
  • 2021 Barossa First Drop “Mother’s Milk” Shiraz, $19 (2)
  • 2021 Barossa Penfold’s Bin 28 Shiraz. $26 (3)
  • 2021 Victoria Mount Langi Grampians Shiraz, $24 (1)

Perkiomen Valley PA Chapter in NovemberOn Sunday, November 10, 30 members and guests of the Perkiomen Valley (PA) Chapter gathered at Bella Fiona Ristorante in Harleysville for our chapter’s annual dinner.

Along with a four-course meal featuring authentic Italian cuisine, we enjoyed the following lineup of beverages:

  • Louis Bouillot Perle de Vigne Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Sparkling Wine, $20
  • 2021 Renieri Invetro Super Tuscan, $16
  • 2023 Val Do Sosego Albarino Rias Baixas, $20
  • 2022 Samuel Robert Rose Willamette Vintner’s Reserve, $15
  • 2020 Debeaune Morgon Belles Grives, $23
  • Gabriello Amaretto Di Toscana Liqueur (1.75 liter), $34

Many thanks to Vern Hunsberger for arranging the dinner, Shelly Straub and Kristin Kraft for securing the wine, and to the staff of Bella Fiona for its hospitality!

The Venice (FL) Vinos Chapter held a tasting on Sunday, November 10, at the home of Sandra Brookshire in Venice. Fifteen members enjoyed wine and food and welcomed new member Gail Bielskis.

  • Dacci Cuvee sparkling wine, Italy (starter wine)
  • 2021 Buttercream Chardonnay, California, $14
  • 2023 District Series Chardonnay, California, $22 (best white)
  • NV Conundrum Red, California, $15 (best red, best value)
  • 2021 Kaleidoscope Red Blend, California, $16
  • 2021 Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, $18

The Myrtle Beach (SC) Chapter met November 21 for ‘Under the Tuscan sun.’ Because it happened to be Beaujolais Nouveaux Day, we began with that as a welcome wine Then Sharron McCarthy, our presenter, dispelled some wine myths such as *white with fish and red with meats” as 48 members and guests tasted Tuscan superstars from Castello Banfi.

Award-winning Castello Banfi was founded in 1978 by two Italian-American brothers, John and Harry Mariani. Their goal was to create a state-of-the-art winery combined with the most advanced science in the vineyards for the production of premium wines. Sharron is an AWS Award of Merit Honoree, Past President of the Society of Wine Educators, and former VP of Banfi Vintners. In 2015, the Italian government inducted Sharron into the Wines of Italy Hall of Fame, which took place at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

  • 2024 Pardon & Fils Beaujolais Nouveaux (welcome wine), $13
  • 2023 La Pettegola Vermentino, $20
  • 2023 San Angelo Pino Grigio, $20
  • 2021 Centine Rosso Red Blend, $15
  • 2022 Chianti Superiore, $15
  • 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva, $23
  • 2021 Magna Cum Laude Red Blend, $40 (2)
  • 2019 Vigna Maruchetto Brunello Di Montalcino, $89 (1)

North Wake NC Chapter in NovemberOn November 24, 32 members of the North Wake (NC) Chapter met for a tasting of 5 Sicilian wines at the home of Jim and Linda Kropp. Small plates, prepared by the Kropps and other chapter members, were served with each wine. Both the food and the wines were well received, and the Kropps’ hospitality was a great start to the holiday season. The wine (and food pairings) are listed below.

  • 2021 Purato Catarratto Pinot Grigio, $16 (cheese course of ricotta salata)
  • 2022 Valle Dell’acate Zagra Grillo, $20 (Arancini/fried risotto balls)
  • 2022 Fazio Gabal Nero D’Avola, $15 (pasta with tomato sauce)
  • 2022 Dume Frappato, $20 (beef tips)
  • 2019 Florio Marsala Superiore, $18 (tiramisu)

Lehigh Valley PA Chapter in NovemberTen members of the Lehigh Valley (PA) Chapter attended the AWS national conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in early November where the wine, knowledgeable wine sessions and food flowed deliciously.

Later in the month, Ann Vlot hosted another BYOB dinner at Delizioso Italian Grill, where members enjoyed conversation, food and, of course, the sharing of wine.

The Texoma (TX) Chapter had 57 attendees at our dinner held November 15 at the award-winning Grayson College Culinary School. The menu was created with inspiration from the 1887 Christmas Day menu at the White Elephant Restaurant and Saloon. The White Elephant was an establishment on Main Street, in Denison Texas. Ronnie Cole, former mayor of Denison and member of our wine society chapter presented some brief history.

While the White Elephant closed its doors in 1892, Grayson College Culinary School Chef Joanna Bryant and her students and staff recreated its atmosphere and its wonderful dining experience for us.

DECEMBER

The Venice (FL) Vinos Chapter held a Christmas party dinner/tasting on Sunday, December 8, at the San Marco restaurant in downtown Venice.

Twenty-seven members and guests enjoyed a 5-course meal paired with 5 wines. A local wine distributor discussed the wines, and the restaurant owner talked about the food. A raffle basket, donated by members Ken and Margaret Grezlit, was awarded and the distributor donated a bottle of Amarone for the raffle as well.

  • 707 Sonoma County Gewurztraminer, $30
  • Las Veletas Viognier, Maule Valley, Chile, $30
  • GSC Blend, Maule Valley, Chile, $33
  • Finca Adelma Gran Malbec Reserve, Argentina, $45
  • Santa Medina California Port, $48

The Perkiomen Valley (PA) Chapter held its traditional year-end event on December 8, featuring sparkling wines — this year sampling offerings from New York’s Long Island and New York’s Finger Lakes region. The wines were:

  • 2017 Ravines Sparkling Brut, $40
  • 2016 Lenz Cuvee Long Island Sparkling, $40
  • NV Herman J. Weimer Sparkling, $39 (1)
  • 2016 Damiani Brut Methode Champenoise, $55 (3)
  • 2020 Sparkling Pointe Cuvée Carnaval Blancs, $30
  • 2021 Dr. Konstantin Frank Brut, $30 (2)
  • 2020 Wolffer Noblesse Oblige Sparkling Rose, $45

Host Lori Law always does a tremendous job matching wine and food for this festive event amid the holiday season, and she hit the mark again this year.

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
Mike Blake, NTP Coordinator NTP@AmericanWineSociety.org
Kevin Kourofsky, Winemaker’s Corner carolynandkevinathome@gmail.com
Larry S. Jackson, AWSEF President@AWSEF.org
Diane Meyer, Conference Planner Diane@AmericanWineSociety.org