AWS News – February 2025

IN THIS ISSUE

The outlook from new AWS President Eric Andrew Feldhake

He begins his two-year term with a focus on four key areas that should matter to members.

From the desk of the Executive Director

Natalie Dippenaar recaps the most recent Board of Directors retreat.

Going ‘down under’ for the 2025 National Tasting Project

Are you ready to taste Australian wines? They’re now available, with free shipping.

Planning is under way for the 2025 National Conference

Start looking ahead to this year’s gathering in November in Chantilly, Virginia — just a short jaunt from our nation’s capital.

Another reason, among many, to use Welcome Here

To take full advantage of this member benefit, be sure to include a winery visit with your travels.

Travel opportunities await you

From the Eastern Wine Exposition to South America to the Mediterranean, AWS members have a choice of options.

The 2025 scholarship applications open for AWSEF

Interested students entering wine-related industries can apply this year for one of eight fully-funded $3,500 and $5,000 scholarships.

Winemaker’s corner: Personal characteristics of a great winemaker

In his latest column, Kevin Kourofsky looks at various personal characteristics that help to elevate winemaking from a craft to an art.

Chapter events

Winter is cold, but the action at chapter tastings around the country has been hot and heavy. See what your fellow members have been doing.

The outlook from new AWS President Eric Andrew Feldhake

I joined AWS in 2002 looking to increase my knowledge of wine and meet like-minded wine friends. For my first decade as an AWS member, I enjoyed my chapter events and learned more about wine than I could have imagined.

After enrolling in the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program my “wine skills” and involvement with the AWS went to a different level. I have received so much from the AWS — from local chapter meetings, wine judging opportunities, to amazing seminars at the AWS National Conference. But most important are the many friends I have made along the way who share the same passion for wine and learning.

Beyond my involvement with multiple chapters in southern New Jersey, my new role as President has me looking at the broader picture. My goals include expanding AWS educational programs and increasing support for chapters and members — with more engagement of activities not only educational, but also fun!

The AWS Board has a strategic plan that serves as a road map to help the AWS achieve these goals, and implementation is ongoing. Our focus this year will be in four key areas.

Expand educational programs

Director of Education Kevin Ostrowski is leading the way by planning more activities to provide chapters with resources such as videos, and updating and organizing educational materials on the website. (We’ll announce more updates in future issues of this newsletter.) This is partly an outgrowth of work by Margy Natalie, who has positioned Cru 100 to provide additional support to chapters and members, leveraging this charitable committee and the AWS’s 501(c)3 status.

Increase support to chapters and members

Director of Membership Carrie Garczynski has established a Chapter Chair Mentoring Program. She will work with chapter chairs and regional ambassadors on future direction and projects. Our successful quarterly Uncork & Discover events have focused on assisting new members’ understanding of the many opportunities for engagement and education with the AWS.

Enhance integrity, stewardship, and social media engagement. 

Several efforts fall under this heading:

• Marketing Committee Chair Arnie Schloemann, along with the rest of that panel, is expanding our social media presence and the “AWS Welcome Here” Program.
• AWS Treasurer Rich Berezinsky prepares for the annual outside audit of our books and budgeting for various activities.
• Governance Committee Chair Graydon Vandament and his panel will work on developing a Code of Conduct and guidance for AWS members and for advising committees.

Support innovation

Multiple initiatives also are under way here:

• Ron Natalie, AWS vice president and chair of the IT Committee, is working to enhance our IT security, automate manual processes. and improve our website.
• Director of Competitions Rex Bambling is already planning for the AWS commercial and amateur competitions later this year, and recently automated the previously manual judging process.

As you can see, the AWS is truly a team effort. Volunteers are the foundation of the AWS and enhance our organization through their efforts. A big toast to the many volunteers — including committee chairs, chapter chairs, and regional ambassadors — who make AWS a successful organization.

If you are interested in volunteering, we’d love to have your help. Please email Natalie Dippenaar at executivedirector@americanwinesociety.org to learn about available volunteer opportunities.

From the desk of the Executive Director

Hello again!

2025 is off to a hectic start with planning for a busy year ahead. To keep us all aligned, the AWS Board of Directors held its annual retreat in early February — this time, virtually.

Natalie Dippenaar, AWS Executive Director

This was part of an ongoing effort to buttress the AWS balance sheet that included vacating office space in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 2023, and raising membership dues.

While in-person meetings make communications and team building easier, we were still able to hold a productive meeting. Agenda topics included:

• Recapping the President’s focus for his term (see the letter from President Eric Andrew Feldhake above).
• Training and onboarding for new board members.
• Discussing the fiduciary duties of board members.
• Reviewing the AWS bylaws.
• Discussing the factors to be considered for the 2027 conference location search.
• Reviewing unofficial 2024 conference financials.

The retreat concluded with the February board meeting. Now, we’re focused on executing on our plans to make your membership as worthwhile as we can.

You can help us.

As Eric mentions, we’re always looking for volunteers. Right now, we need people to assist the Conference Committee with preparations for the 2025 National Conference, and the Membership Committee wants to expand to gain new perspectives. We also have other committees focused on education, competitions, governance, finance, and marketing. Some, but not all, of the standing committees look for specific background or skills and we can work to find your best spot. Plus, we can always use help with one-off initiatives that arise. If you want to learn more about available volunteer opportunities, just reach out to me.

Until next time,

Natalie

Going ‘down under’ for the 2025 National Tasting Project

The 2025 National Tasting Project (NTP) has started, and this year’s theme is Australian wines.

Any chapter or AWS member can organize an NTP. It’s fun to taste, judge, discuss, and then compare scores. Don’t have enough members in your chapter? Make it a Zoom NTP with other members or chapters!

You must be an AWS member and either a chapter chair, regional ambassador, or NTP organizer to receive NTP updates. 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.) After your registration is approved, login via the Organizers Login and view the Organizer’s Menu for more information about education.

Educational material will be available by March 15, if not sooner.

Mike Blake, NTP coordinator

That said, you can order wines already by visiting https://mywineempire.com. In the search box, type AWS25 and the NTP wines will display. At checkout, use 100SHIP coupon for free shipping. You could, of course, order wines from your local retailer to save on shipping costs. Be sure to compare the vintages and regional designations because producers offer many variations.

Note: The retailer has offered the same discount to all AWS members on any wines from its portfolio until June 30. Just include the code AWS25 during checkout.

Need more information? Contact me by email at ntp@americanwinesociety.org.

Planning is under way for the 2025 National Conference

This year’s National Conference will be held November 6‒8 at Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles, in Chantilly, Virginia — located in Fairfax County, a short drive from our nation’s capital. (Note that this is the regular schedule, with a Thursday night Opening Reception and a Saturday night Banquet.)

Start planning now to participate in this amazing opportunity that features sessions about wine regions, wine varietals, wine styles, wine making in Virginia, and much more! Aside from 42 sessions to choose from, there will be pre-conference tours on Wednesday and Thursday. Plus, we’ll feature judging for the AWS Commercial Wine Competition and Amateur Wine Competition, along with the WineSmarts Certification Class and Wine Judge Certification Training.

Hotel reservations and registration for tours and the conference will open in mid-year.

In the meantime, learn more about what there is to do and see in the Fairfax area by watching this video.

If you have something you’d like to present, the call for sessions is open and you can submit your proposal here.

Have questions or want to be a sponsor? Contact Conference Chair Diane Meyer or Member Service Manager Colleen Reardon.

Another reason, among  many, to use Welcome Here

Another winery has signed up for our Welcome Here program, bringing the total to 182 nationwide.

The new winery in Welcome Here is Laurel Glen Vineyard, a long-established winery in the Sonoma Mountain AVA of California specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon and other wines from Bordeaux-type grapes. Laurel Glen is celebrating its 40^th year and is offering AWS members a special treat: They will treat you as a member of their wine club for the day you visit.

Welcome Here is a partnership between wineries and the AWS designed to foster an understanding of what AWS is and what we do. AWS lists 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.

If you visit a participating winery, remember to bring your AWS membership card; be pleasant, interested and respectful; buy something; and have a good time. Go to https://americanwinesociety.org/aws-welcome/ for more information.

Include a winery visit with your travels

Welcome Here includes 26 wineries in Virgina, site of this year’s National Conference. If you plan to attend this year’s National Conference, or if you expect to visit the Commonwealth of Virginia for any reason, these are some of the wineries that have already signed up for Welcome Here:

• Barren Ridge Vineyards in Fishersville
• Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane
• Casanel Vineyards and Winery in Leesburg
• Carriage House Wineworks in Waterford
• Effingham Manor in Nokesville
• Fox Meadow Winery in Linden
• Pearmund Cellars in Broad Run
• Vint Hill Craft Winery in Warrenton

Over the next 10 months, we will highlight additional wineries you might consider visiting.

Travel opportunities await you

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

2025 Eastern Winery Exposition (EWE)

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.

You 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.

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.

2025 scholarship application period opens for AWSEF

It’s time once again for interested students to apply for an American Wine Society Educational Foundation Scholarship (AWSEF). We’re pleased to announce that we have eight fully-funded $3,500 and $5,000 scholarships to award in 2025.

This is thanks to the efforts of various chapters, individuals, our endowment fund, and corporate sponsor Banfi Vintners Foundation.

If you want to be sure someone, a particular club, or a university receives this year’s application announcement, please contact Isabelle Lesschaeve, Vice President, Scholarships, at vpscholarships@awsef.org

The AWS Educational Foundation was created in 1993 to aid students entering wine-related industries by providing supplementary financial resources in the form of scholarships. In 2024, AWSEF awarded scholarships of $3,500 each to 7 graduate students and one $5,000 scholarship, bringing total scholarships awarded during our existence to more than $530,000, with 177 individuals benefitting.

In order to qualify for a scholarship, a student must:

• Be a full-time graduate student in a field related to enology, viticulture, and/or health aspects of wine with at least one semester of graduate study completed.
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of a North American country (including, of course, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, or any of the other 19 considered part of North America).
• Not have received more than two AWSEF scholarships in the past. (Yes, a student can receive up to three scholarships from us during their academic career!)
• Complete an online application by March 31.

The most important part of each application is the 750-word essay describing the student’s current and future research and its expected impact on the North American wine industry. These write-ups describe leading-edge innovations being pursued by students.

You can read more and download the full application instructions through our website.

We look forward to announcing the 2025 scholarship recipients this summer!

Update on our Board of Trustees

Larry Jackson, who replaced me as president last year, has stepped away from the Board for family reasons, so I agreed to return to complete his term.

Kristen Lindelow, President of AWSEF

However, the term expires at the end of 2025, along with terms for two other of the six elected Trustees on the AWSEF Board.

Please watch this summer for ballots to elect 3 trustees to the AWSEF Board. Remember, as a member of AWS, you are automatically a member of AWSEF and are eligible to vote and serve!

If you are interested in becoming a candidate for trustee or want to learn more about the work we do, get in touch with me through email.

Winemaker’s corner: Personal characteristics of a great winemaker

Kevin Kourofsky

There are no bad winemakers. There are just some who are less successful than others. But there are great winemakers. In his latest column, Kevin Kourofsky looks at various personal characteristics that help to elevate winemaking from a craft to an art.

Read more

Chapter events

NOVEMBER

The Fleur de Lis (KY) Chapter of Louisville’s November 2024 tasting was hosted by John and Judy Reilly. The theme was “Single Producer/Name the Varietal.” Six wines from Paso Robles, California, were poured blind and given to the members for tasting. Below are the wines from highest to lowest score.

• 2020 Tablas Creek Syrah, $40
• 2019 Tablas Creek Tannat, $36
• 2020 Tablas Creek En Gobelet Blend, $44
• 2020 Tablas Creek Full Circle Pinot Noir, $36
• 2022 Tablas Creek Counoise, $32
• 2021 Tablas Creek Grenache, $35

DECEMBER

The Myrtle Beach (SC) Chapter met December 19 for ‘Excellent Wines under $15.’ Mary Clair Bretz gave us a Christmas present: Excellent wines with high ratings for less than $15!!

It’s difficult to find great wines under $25, but under $15 is a true gift! In addition to tasting 8 great wines, Larry and Joann Garner started the evening with their homemade mulled wine. We ended the evening with a delectable eggnog made by Bill and Marie Woodward. Our wines were:

• 2023 Dr. Heidemann’s Pink Riesling, $14
• 2022 Caliveda Pinot Noir, $15
• 2021 Silk & Spice Red Blend, $11
• 2020 Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Red Blend, $13
• 2022 Prototype Zinfandel, $10
• 2020 Three Finger Jack Cabernet Sauvignon, $13
• 2023 ED Edmundo Superior Cabernet Sauvignon, $12
• 2022 Chateau Lamothe Vincent Bordeaux, $13

The Garden City (GA) Chapter of Augusta met December 14 at the home of lifetime AWS members and wine judges Steve and Deby Delgineo. The Delgineos shared with the group wines from their collection — plus 4 recently released Beaujolais.

Steve led us thru an educational discussion about the Beaujolais, where each one was slightly different from the others but with the same characteristic bouquet and flavor. Tasting the older wines from their wine cellar reminded us that with proper care, wines can last a long time. Eleven of our 18 members attended this festive event and all the wines were well received. We thank Steve and Deby for their generosity.

From their private collection:

• 2002 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee Brut
• 2008 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes
• 2009 Bolla Ripasso della Valpolicella Classico Superiore Le Poiane
• 2003 Gary Player Major Championship Series Muirfield 1959

The Beaujolais tasted were:

• 2021 Chateau Thivin Brouilly “Reverdon,” $31
• 2020 Domaine Les Gryphées Chénas, $30
• 2023 Voute Des Crozes Chanrion Cote-De-Brouilly, $30
• 2022 Cheysson Chiroubles, Gamay, $30

The Perkiomen Valley (PA) Chapter held its traditional year-end event on December 8, featuring sparkling wines — this time 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 in 2024.

December’s ‘Ho-Ho-Ho’ holiday festivities for the Lehigh Valley (PA) Chapter were held at the Aster Event Center, where over 60 members and guests enjoyed themselves.

The event included a sharing table of a wide variety of wines. The food was delicious. Thanks to Jan Thomas, Ann Vlot, and Nancy Parker for planning this wonderful event. Bonnie and Dean Scott hosted a silent auction of wine items donated by members — including 3 bottles of AWS Silver Medal Wines donated by Dean Scott of Bergeist Vineyards. A total of $775 was collected to benefit the AWS Education Fund Scholarship.

JANUARY

The first meeting of 2025 for the Shallotte (NC) Chapter, on January 8, was titled “Never Underestimate Costco – Encore.” In attendance were 22 members and 2 guests (showing interest in joining AWS).

We reviewed how UC-Davis’ 20-point wine evaluation for California winemakers evolved into the 100-point system popularized by Robert Parker when he was at Wine Enthusiast. Our AWS evaluation is similar to that of UC-Davis.

Kirkland Signature private label brands’ availability can be limited because customers buy them quickly, and they’re inexpensive because Costco uses its buying power to deal directly with winemakers. A website called Reverse Wine Snob shows the scheduled release dates of these wines, and several are available year-round.

The producers or the winemaker are displayed on each bottle. If you don’t see it, look for “bottled by” information just above the government warning.

The wines we tasted were from Napa Valley, Sonoma, Columbia Valley, Piedmont, Bordeaux and the Vacqueyras AOC from the Southern Rhone.

• 2021 Suscol Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, $18 (1)
• 2022 Columbia Valley Red Wine. $17 (2)
• 2022 Vacqueyras Red Wine, $11 (3)
• 2020 Barolo DOCG, $20
• 2022 Sonoma Chardonnay, $8
• 2022 Bordeaux Supérieur Cabernet Sauvignon, $7

All the wines were paired with food from Costco.

The Hammonton (NJ) Chapter met on January 12 at the home of chapter members Pete and Patti Bronecke. Our theme was “Australia,” and Pete and Patti welcomed us with an Australian themed tasting menu that included meat pies, sausage rolls, and a variety of Australian snacks and desserts. A playlist of music by Australian-born artists set the mood.

Members brought their own wine and introduced their selection to the chapter. While the tasting wasn’t region-specific, most wines were from the South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria regions.

• 2020 Fowles Ladies who Shoot their Lunch Chardonnay, $29
• 2019 Hewitson Baby Bush Mourvedre, $21
• 2021 Two Hands Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon, $32
• 2021 Seppeltsfield Cabernet Sauvignon, $20
• 2017 Wallace Shiraz/Grenache, $22 (3)
• 2016 Hickinbotham Cabernet Sauvignon, $65 (2)
• 2016 Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz, $130 (1)

The Myrtle Beach (SC) Chapter met January 16 for the third Torciano Italian Wine School, back by popular demand! Chair and co-chair Richard and Mary Berezinsky and 48 members/guests sampled high-end wines, olive oils, and 30-year aged balsamic vinegar from Tenuta Torciano in San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy.

The wines and cheeses were accompanied by Italian meats, cheeses, and fresh bread for dipping. Gabriele Salvatori from the winery took us on a virtual tour of the winery and vineyards, and explained of their winemaking processes. As always, he demonstrated the proper way to hold a wine glass and taste.

• 2022 Poggioaicieli Vernaccia di San Gimignano, $ 49
• 2023 Rosato IGT, $53
• 2022 Bacco Dolce Vita Morellino di Scansano DOCG, $41
• 2022 Monogram Sangiovese IGT, $41
• 2019 Cavaliere IGT Rosso Super Tuscan, $59 (2)
• 2019 Bartolomeo IGT Rosso Super Tuscan, $72 (1)

The North Wake (NC) Chapter held its first tasting of the year on January 26 at Heritage View Clubhouse in Wake Forest with 40 attendees. Gabriele Salvatore of Tenuto Toricano Wines in Tuscany presented an educational, informative, and entertaining tasting of seven wines—two whites and five reds—from his portfolio. We also tasted an extra virgin olive oil, a white truffle olive oil, and a balsamic vinegar, all produced by the winery.

Gabriele spent some time discussing the term Super Tuscan, which is not an officially recognized designation, but simply a marketing term for Tuscan red wines which are usually, but not always, blends.

For this tasting, the chapter provided a spread of meats, cheeses, breads, and chocolates. Members Jim and Linda Kropp helped to organize the event, which proved to be very popular with our members. The wines were:

• 2023 Poggioaicieli Vernaccia di San Gimignano
• 2023 Chardonnay “Dolce Vita” Toscana
• 2022 “Bacco” Morillino di Scansano
• 2018 Brunello di Montalcino
• 2019 “Cavaliere” Tuscan Blend
• 2019 “Bartolomeo” Super Tuscan
• 2019 “Terrestre” Super Tuscan Blend

The January tasting event for the Northampton (PA) Chapter was unique and very enjoyable. Each couple/attendee brought a wine in the  $25‒$50 cost range. All wines were excellent with good diversity of region, grape varietal, vintage range, , New World/Old World, etc. The scores were high, with good  conversation following each wine. Thirteen chapter members attended. Many thanks to Dave and Liz Toler for the tasting format plan and for hosting our first 2025 tasting.

• 2009 Siglo Gran Reserva Rioja, $35
• 2010 Michel-Schlumberger Cab Franc Dry Creek Valley, $40
• 2025 Domaine de Roure Crozes- Hermitage, $65
• 2018 Silvestro Patres Barolo, $35 (3)
• 2020 Fiancetto Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, $35 (2)
• 2017 Bernardus Marinus Carmel Valley Red Blend, $35 (1)
• 2013 Rutherford Estates Sullivan Vineyards Red Blend, $30

On a snowy January 16 evening, Denise and John Nase hosted the Indian Valley (PA) Chapter to compare and contrast wines from two renowned regions that produce some of the world’s finest expressions of Pinot Noir: the Burgundy region of France and the Willamette Valley in Oregon.

It is often said that these regions share a commonality due to their location along the 45th parallel. However, this is an oversimplification. The true reasons lie in their similar climate conditions, unique terroir, and the use of comparable or identical vine clones.

Despite the falling snow outside, we enjoyed a cozy evening, savoring six exquisite Pinot Noirs—3 from Burgundy and 3 from the Willamette Valley. These wines were thoughtfully paired with cedar-planked salmon, pulled pork, beef stroganoff, mushroom and onion flatbread, and truffle potato chips, enhancing the tasting experience.

While the wines shared many similarities, notable differences were observed, sparking discussions among chapter members about the impact of global warming on the wines from the Willamette Valley. The evening culminated in a vote for the best wine, with half of the attendees favoring the B. Thenard Givry (Cote Chalonnaise) Bois Chevaux 1’er.

The wines sampled were:

• 2021 Jean Francois Protheau Hautes Cotes de Beaune, $20
• 2022 Trisaetum Ribbon Ridge/Yamhill Carlton/Dundee Hills, $25
• 2022 Jean-Charles Rion Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits, $38
• 2021 Colene Clemens Margo Chehalem Mountains, $47
• 2020 B. Thenard Givry (Cote Chalonnaise) Bois Chevaux 1’er, $45
• 2019 St. Innocent Momtazai (McMinnville) Pinot Noir, $55

On Saturday, January 25, 14 members of the Perkiomen Valley (PA) Chapter gathered at Kristin and Jack Kraft’s home for our chapter’s annual premium wine event.

Attendees, who were split into pairs beforehand, each provided a bottle that cost more than $50 and a food that accompanied their bottle. The wines were:

• NV Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec Champagne, $54
• 2018 Clos du Papillon Savennieres, $66
• 2019 Cuvee Anonyme Chataneuf-du-Pape, $56
• 2016 Once and Future Oakley Road Vineyard Mataro (the winery, from a personal cellar)
• 2014 Los Dominos de Berceo Graciano, $52
• 2018 Bramare Malbec, $50
• 2018 Stag’s Leap Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon, $90

A number of attendees also supplied a second lesser-expensive bottle to compare.

FEBRUARY

The Monterey (CA) Chapter celebrated an early Valentine’s Day on February 7 at the Twisted Roots Winery’s Tasting Room in Carmel Valley. Located in the heart of Monterey wine country, the chapter visits a different winery on the first Friday of each month.

This event was arranged by our Chapter Vice Chair Phil Arnold and Chapter Secretary Anita Gozzi and we were hosted by winery co-owners Josh and Julie Ruiz. The winery generously offered our group their club space to bring food pairings for the wines. We tasted 6 wines for $30.

Twisted Roots is known for its 1918 old vines and big reds from its estate vineyard in Lodi. They have been making their own wines since 2005. We are fortunate that the winery owners moved to Monterey County and opened their tasting room here.

The highlight of the evening was comparing and contrasting filtered and unfiltered versions of their 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. The unfiltered wine was a deliciously rich and fruity wine, while the filtered version resulted in a lighter, yet more sophisticated wine.

• NV Twisted Roots California Brut, Monterey, $55 (1)
• 2022 Twisted Roots Albariño, Lodi, $50
• 2016 Twisted Roots “1918” Old Vines Zinfandel, Lodi, $60
• 2018 Twisted Roots Cabernet Sauvignon (filtered), Lodi, $60
• 2018 Twisted Roots Cabernet Sauvignon (unfiltered), Lodi, $65 (2)
• 2018 Twisted Roots Petite Sirah, Lodi, $60

It was Zinfest January when 35 members of the Lehigh Valley (PA) Chapter gathered for a blind tasting featuring Zinfandel wines from Sonoma and Paso Robles, led by knowledgeable chapter chair Kevin Campbell.

Wine Spectator in October stated that 2021 was be the best year for California Zinfandel, and 2022 was equally as good, so our Kevin was inspired to put our members to the test.

We learned that Zinfandel formerly became known for being overripe and overly high alcohol content, resulting in the fruit bomb or stewed-fruit flavors. The recent trend is moving away from that and toward producing more balanced and complex wines. Although the wines in this tasting were all still on the high side for alcohol, none of them featured that overripe flavor profile.

• 2022 Turley Rose, California, $27 (icebreaker)
• 2022 Peachy Canyon West Side, Paso Robles,$22
• 2022 Seghesio, Sonoma, $22
• 2021 Bedrock Old Vines, Sonoma, $28
• 2021 Peachy Canyon Old School House Heritage, Paso Robles, $35
• 2021 Mauritson, Sonoma, $39
• 2022 Ridge Benito Dusi Ranch, Paso Robles, $40 (3)
• 2021 Turley Dante Dusi Vineyard, Paso Robles, $54 (2)
• 2020 Carlisle Papera Ranch, Sonoma. 15.0% $60 (1)

Afterwards, attendees enjoyed a lovely buffet at Delizioso Italian Grill.