Latest news with #WineEnthusiast
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Aperol To Hugo: 5 Cocktails Driving Spritz Season
Spritz culture has expanded beyond Aperol, with new variations gaining popularity for their lighter profiles and all-day versatility. Spritz season no longer begins in June and ends with Labor Day. It now stretches from early spring into fall. These cocktails appear on rooftop bar menus and social media feeds well past summer. The format has shifted. The spritz no longer refers only to Aperol with prosecco. (Although that is still a classic for a reason.) It now signals a broader style: low-proof, refreshing and often served over ice. According to hospitality research firm CGA, overall spritz sales have tripled in recent years. Spritz sales at U.S. bars and restaurants tripled between 2022 and 2023, making it the seventh most popular cocktail nationwide, according to Wine Enthusiast. And in Europe, more people are now choosing spritzes over champagne. In a 2024 survey by BeverageDaily, 77% of Italians and 49% of Germans favored spritzes. Here are five drinks that reflect how the spritz has expanded into a broader category. The Hugo Spritz combines elderflower liqueur, prosecco, soda water, mint and lime for a light, floral take on the classic spritz. A few years ago, the Hugo Spritz was little known outside of the northern Italian Alps. Today, it is one of the most recognizable cocktails of the season. Built around elderflower liqueur, prosecco, soda water, mint and lime, the drink has moved quickly from regional curiosity to international mainstay. In 2024, Google searches for the Hugo Spritz rose by 172% across the United States, United Kingdom and France. Julian Arreola, a brand ambassador for St-Germain, says via Zoom that travel and social media helped drive the trend. 'Following the pandemic, as travelers flocked to France and Italy, they discovered the Hugo Spritz, sharing their new favorite cocktail on their social feeds and ordering it at their favorite bars and restaurants when they returned stateside.' The global low-alcohol beverage market is expected to grow from $1.33 billion in 2024 to $1.41 billion in 2025. According to the Bacardi 2025 Cocktail Trend Report, 20% of drinkers aged 21 to 25 now prefer lower-alcohol cocktails. This shift toward lighter drinks aligns with the Hugo's rise. 'Overall, Gen Z are conscious drinkers and really care a lot about what they are consuming,' Arreola says. 'They're prioritizing delicious drinks that they can enjoy with their friends and have a good time while having a balanced lifestyle.' The Limoncello Spritz blends limoncello, prosecco and soda water into a citrus-forward cocktail. The limoncello spritz has gained popularity for its clarity and name recognition. Limoncello, a lemon liqueur made from zest and sugar, has long been served chilled after meals. Combined with prosecco and soda water, it now reaches a younger audience looking for something lighter. Bartenders often favor it for its simplicity. The components are easy to source and require little adjustment. Guests recognize the flavor and respond to the freshness. Some versions include lemon wheels or basil to round out the profile. It suits the same drinker who might once have ordered an Aperol spritz but now prefers something sweeter. The White Port and Tonic pairs dry white port with tonic water, offering a lower-proof alternative with floral and stone fruit notes. First served in Portugal's Douro Valley, the white port and tonic has started appearing in bars focused on wine or fortified aperitifs. White port offers a lower-alcohol base with stone fruit and floral notes. Tonic adds structure and bitterness. Garnishes such as orange or mint give it balance. The drink's appeal comes from its lightness and structure. It is layered but accessible. Some bars now list it as an aperitif standard, often with flavored tonics or light citrus infusions. It remains unfamiliar to many guests, but has become a summer default in recent years for others. The Bubbly French Blonde adds tonic or pét-nat to the original blend of gin, elderflower liqueur, Lillet Blanc and grapefruit. The French Blonde is not technically a spritz. It has no sparkling wine or soda water. But spritz lovers have filled the void with the Bubbly French Blonde. Bartenders have started adapting the original recipe (gin, elderflower liqueur, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit juice and bitters) by topping it with tonic or pét-nat for a sparkling finish. The result is a light, floral cocktail with gentle bitterness and structure. Its soft color and elegant presentation have helped drive renewed attention online, where it has become a favorite among drinkers looking for a spritz-style option with more complexity. The Aperol Spritz combines Aperol, prosecco and soda water for a bittersweet, citrusy cocktail that remains a classic warm-weather staple. The Aperol Spritz remains the most recognized and widely ordered version of the category. It's quite simply an icon of the category now. Its structure—Aperol, prosecco, soda water and a slice of orange—is simple, consistent and easy to replicate, which has helped it endure across seasons and markets. Its bitter-orange palate and light texture make it a reliable choice for early evening cocktail hours. For many drinkers, it was the introduction to the spritz style and remains a go-to on summer menus. That familiarity has also opened the door to variation. Many bars now offer new takes using different liqueurs or modifiers while keeping the same format. 'We're starting to see people demand higher quality, more elevated ingredients,' says Arreola. 'I think we'll see people continue to explore more versatility within the spritz category that go beyond the traditional bitter flavor profiles.'t
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
45 Years of Sustainability at Frey Vineyards
By Molly Frey, Frey Vineyards Frey Vineyards sits at the heart of Mendocino County in Redwood Valley, tucked into the hills of Northern California. There, the Frey family grows organic grapes in organic vineyards and makes organic wine. Wine Enthusiast awarded Mendocino County the AVA (American Viticultural Area) of the Year award for 2024, in large part due to the sustainable winery practices in this area. Mendocino County is California's greenest AVA, in large part, thanks to the efforts of the Frey family's presence here. In addition to championing Organics and Biodynamics in winemaking, the Frey family has purchased tons of grapes over the years from local wineries, thereby encouraging the growers in the area to go Organic or Biodynamic. What distinguishes Frey from many other businesses is that many of the family members work and live at Frey Vineyards. When Jonathan and Katrina Frey established Frey Vineyards, they were really organic farmers that took an opportunity to pioneer the organic wine movement here in the United States. They weren't businesspeople looking to capitalize on a niche market; they were a family devoted to organic farming and gardening that decided to create the organic category in viticulture and winemaking. Their savvy business sense came out of the necessity of wanting to and needing to promote the category of Organics. Read Molly's engaging article here - ===== Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from GreenMoney Journal
Time Out
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Less swirling, more vibing: These NYC wine clubs are rewriting the rules
Summer's almost here, which means it's time to bop around the city's best wine bars, sip chilled reds al fresco, and maybe—just maybe—learn something about vino along the way. But something deeper is uncorking in NYC's wine scene. The industry's loosening its corkscrew-tight grip on tradition, and a new generation is swirling in. According to Wine Enthusiast, the hottest trend in wine right now isn't cellaring—it's collecting experiences. And honestly? It's about time. Across New York, a wave of wine clubs are popping up in apartments, galleries and neighborhood bars, focused less on flexing tasting notes and more on creating connection. These aren't your rich uncle's dusty Bordeaux nights. They're intimate, welcoming and often run by women and members of the Queer community who are reclaiming wine culture—making it feel unpretentious, inclusive and actually fun. Whether it's blind tastings with prizes, sommelier-led deep dives or come-as-you-are hangs with really good pours, these clubs and events are proving that wine is for everyone. Wine For Me How it started: For Joan, wine wasn't just something to study—it was something to share. Though she earned her WSET certification, her real education happened outside the classroom, on stoops in Bed-Stuy, surrounded by friends and bottles. 'The traditional ways to engage with wine didn't feel exciting or welcoming enough,' she says. 'It didn't reflect who I was.' The wine world she encountered—one often shaped by and for older white men—felt disconnected from her lived experience. So in 2021, she created Wine For Me: a monthly intersectional wine party centering a new kind of wine consumer, with natural wine, curated DJs and a dance floor just as integral as the tasting notes. How it's going: Wine For Me has blossomed into one of NYC's most revolutionary wine gatherings and nightlife scenes—except that it's more of a wine day party (held during a reasonable 3pm-8pm window) where adulting meets unpretentious fun. 'I don't know if I can say 'grown and sexy' in this interview,' says Joan. 'But that's exactly our crowd.' Guests show up for the wine—and stay for the dancing, the conversations and the chance to meet someone new. Unlike traditional tastings led by a wine educator, Joan curates each lineup to be a jumping-off point for connection, whether you're sipping at the bar or moving to the beat. The vibe: 'Wine can feel exclusive, even intimidating—especially when it's surrounded by technical language or luxury price points,' says Joan. Wine For Me flips that script by expanding access, joy and knowledge through a lens of cultural relevance, inclusivity, community and joy. And the crowd? Many return month after month—some even leaving with new best friends. 'People are craving alternative wine spaces where they can find connections, not barriers to wine.' There's no gatekeeping—just guides and good grooves. Up next: The next Wine For Me party is June 7. Follow along on Instagram for updates. Past events have included custom wine glasses, curated DJ sets and of course, plenty of skin-contact sips. Vin Dealer How it started: Vin Dealer was born out of chaos—in the best possible way. After years working as a casting director, Amari found herself post-COVID, post-industry strike and mid-existential spiral. 'The only other thing I knew how to do was wine,' she says. Her dad, a first-level sommelier, raised her with a 'great nose and confidence' that came from casually calling out tasting notes like 'gasoline' or 'mom's fart'—and always being told she was right. That fearless, deeply intuitive approach evolved into a side hustle flipping bottles and hosting wine tastings with a twist: 'I wanted people to view wine like beer … something fun that makes you feel a bit silly and more comfortable letting go.' How it's going: These days, Amari is hosting buzzy tastings out of her apartment. Her crowd? Mostly 'black sheep women in their late 20s through 40s who want to feel seen, nurtured and excited to be around others of like-mind.' Her audience has grown fast—especially on social media—thanks to her refreshingly unpretentious tone, smart humor and dance moves during her swirl and sip rituals. 'IDGAF and I think that shows in my videos,' she says. If you're not already following her on Instagram or TikTok, do it now. The vibe: Approachable. Authentic. Fun. There's always a moment—usually a few pours in—when strangers start bonding and everything just clicks. 'That's when I know I've made it,' Amari says. 'I've reached my highest form of consciousness.' Up next: Vin Dealer's next tasting is June 7 (tickets to drop via Partiful soon). 'There may be a performance from one of my many talented friends? IDK ;)' Just bring your curiosity—and maybe a pair of walk-up-friendly shoes. Sooner than that, CutLoose BK is hosting a Wine Twirl event on May 23 where Amari will walk guests through a tasting of six wines against a backdrop of DJ beats. Chardonngay How it started: On any given week in New York, there's a niche club for nearly everything—but when passionate wine lover Megan Utter moved here from Chicago, she realized something was missing. 'I was walking by a wine bar in my neighborhood and thought, 'Is there a Queer wine club in this city?'' After doing some research, she discovered there weren't many. How it's going: Enter Chardonngay, the wine club that's grown from a posting on Lex (a Queer-owned and operated social app) into a thriving community where over 600 people have clinked glasses, swapped notes on pét-nats and formed real friendships. 'After our first event, I knew this needed to continue. Thirty-five people showed up, and nearly everyone mentioned they had always wanted to explore and learn more about wine but felt intimidated by the classist nature of the wine world,' Utter says. 'That's when I realized—I didn't just want to create a space to hang out. I wanted to make wine approachable, easy and exciting.' The vibe? Chardonngay isn't your stiff swirl-and-sniff affair. 'It's more of a social club than a formal tasting,' Utter explains, with an 'inviting, fun, and friendly' vibe. Think open-house-style events at Queer-friendly wine bars, casual convos and zero pressure to know what tannins are. Whether you're a Chenin Blanc devotee or still figuring out your favorite varietal, there's room for you. With a focus on connection over expertise and a welcoming atmosphere that centers the FLINTA crowd (Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans and Agender individuals), Chardonngay is reshaping what wine culture looks like. 'People are craving authentic, offline connection,' Utter says. 'That's why we've created a space where we're stripping away the jargon, encouraging curiosity and focusing on how wine makes you feel rather than what you think you're supposed to taste.' Up next: On May 16, Chardonngay is teaming up with Wine & Pine for A Desirous Reading Series, where Queer authors will read excerpts from their books. Later in the month, they're collaborating with Sun Moon Rising and Met Through Friends for Star Crossed, a dating event that pairs guests based on their astrology elements while also exploring astrology-themed wines. They also have a stacked lineup of Pride events coming up in June. All event details are posted first on their Eventbrite page and then shared on Instagram. Sun Moon Rising How it started: After years working in Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City and earning her WSET sommelier certification, Kate Webb, Co-Founder and CEO of Sun Moon Rising, wanted to create a new kind of wine experience—one where identity, astrology and wine aligned. 'Our Monthly Zodiac Series was a natural extension of Sun Moon Rising,' she says. 'We wanted to build events where wine, astrology and community come together, giving our audience an elevated and meaningful way to connect with our brand's spirit.' The idea clicked early on: 'Soon after launching Sun Moon Rising, we noticed how excited people were to learn about their zodiac sign's wine. We thought—why not take it even further?' How it's going: Sun Moon Rising's Monthly Zodiac Series is now one of the city's most immersive, no-snobbery wine events. Each month, guests gather to sip through the brand's full twelve-bottle zodiac wine collection while engaging in experiences tailored to the current astrological season—think birth chart readings, manifest stations, zodiac-inspired cocktails and, yes, even flash tattoos for the current sign. 'Each event embodies the current zodiac season, with activations curated to reflect that sign's characteristics,' Webb says. 'Just like no two wines are the same, no two events are either.' The vibe? Celestial, experiential, elevated. The crowd? Inclusive, diverse and astrology-curious—especially women, LGBTQ+ folks, BIPOC, and wine-loving men, mostly in their twenties and thirties. 'People crave real-world experiences, places to gather, celebrate, and be seen,' says Webb. 'Wine and astrology are two languages that naturally bring people together. BABE Wine Bar How it started: For Ren Peir and trent, BABE was born out of a desire to sip, sit and socialize—without the thumping bass. 'We've seen a lack of Queer spaces outside of a club or party scene,' the duo explains. 'We wanted to create that safe space for Queers like us to still want to find community and also be able to take a seat.' With Peir deep in her WSET diploma training and Trent a seasoned creative and wine educator, the two fused their talents to start a wine salon prioritizing joy and conversation—especially for Queer folks of color. The first Instagram post announcing BABE triggered an immediate and overwhelming response. 'We knew we were onto something special—something our community both wanted and needed.' How it's going: Since then, BABE has built a devoted following of 'cuties' (their affectionate nickname for guests), many of whom have attended every event. Each gathering features a curated lineup of low-intervention wines—"a balance between complex and chuggable'—selected by Peir and trent through direct tastings with distributors. The wines are poured by top-tier Queer sommeliers of color, flipping the script on what wine culture traditionally looks and feels like. 'We're challenging the notion that fine wine should be for only a certain type of person,' says the duo. 'And that it should only be curated and served by a certain type of person too.' The vibe? Vibey, sexy, joyful, and catering to women, trans and nonbinary Queer folks of color seeking connection, comfort and conversation. 'As we evolve as beings, so do our desires and tastes,' they both explain. 'We still want to be outside, we still want to gather, we still want to have a good time—and we want back support (seats), elevated sips and a conversation with the person across from us.' Up next: BABE returns May 12 to the Ace Hotel Brooklyn with their signature lineup of thoughtfully made wines—and the warm, come-as-you-are energy that keeps the cuties coming back. Non-alcoholic options are also available. Tickets are sold out, but keep an eye on Instagram and BABE's website for the upcoming lineup. On Cloud Wine How it started: When Mira Hobbs moved to New York City in 2021, her social calendar was bursting—but something was missing. 'I had a lot of individual friends, but I didn't have a community,' she says. So in 2023, she merged two personal missions—branching out from her longtime love of rosé to deepen her wine knowledge (earning her WSET Level 2 certification) and building meaningful connections—with one idea: a wine club hosted in her apartment. Each month, guests would bring a bottle, prepare a mini presentation and gather to taste, rank and connect. It was low-stakes, high-vibe and surprisingly nourishing. Soon, Hobbs opened applications to the public—and discovered just how many others in NYC were craving the same kind of experience. How it's going: On Cloud Wine NYC has grown into a beloved, ever-expanding community of wine lovers in their 20s and early 30s who want more than just a buzz—they want belonging. 'Everyone joins for their interest in and love of wine, but they stay for the friendships,' Hobbs says. The events are intimate and deeply welcoming—held everywhere from members' backyards to restaurants and wine bars across the city. Whether it's a casual tasting, a plated dinner or a Focaccia Art & Wine night in a Williamsburg garden, Hobbs' events prioritize good vibes and zero pretension. 'Whether you're a certified sommelier or you strictly drink Barefoot Moscato, all wine levels are welcome.' The vibe: Warm, friendly, inclusive, genuine. It's less about terroir talk, more about thoughtful connection—and a little healthy competition (someone always leaves crowned the winner of wine club). Up next: Follow On Cloud Wine NYC on Instagram to snag your spot for wholesome and intimate apartment-hosted events. On May 13, On Cloud Wine is teaming up with Cecily Wine School for an in-depth and educational tasting of obscure U.S. wines. Tickets are $70 and include five glasses of wine and snacks. No Wine Left Behind How it started: Like many of the best ideas of late, No Wine Left Behind began during lockdown. Fallon Schlossman was staying with her mom in Long Beach Island when she hosted a socially-distanced blind wine tasting for her birthday—complete with 'a crown, bragging rights and (friendly) arguments.' It was part game night, part wine education, all good vibes. Post-COVID, those gatherings followed her back to NYC. What began as eight friends guessing flavor notes turned into 60 people crammed into an Upper East Side gallery for a bubbles tasting. 'It was pretty clear this was scratching an itch,' she says. How it's going: Now, with Schlossman's WSET Level 2 certification and with creative director Louisa Alter onboard, NWLB is part curated wine tasting, part trivia night—accessible, community-forward and delightfully competitive. 'It's a game night for wine lovers and a wine night for game lovers,' they say. Guests sip blind flights and answer trivia on their phones. Winners walk away with bottles or merch. One past champion? A 21-year-old college student who beat out industry pros. The vibe: Inclusive. Irreverent. Unforgettable. 'We love those moments when total strangers high-five because they both guessed 'green bell pepper' as a flavor note.' Up next: Expect day trips, multi-day wine retreats and their 'Tournament of Champions' in June. They're also planning a fall getaway to Austin—'four to five days of amazing food and drink (all celiac-safe),' plus vineyard visits and community hangs. Until then, keep an eye on their Instagram and Eventbrite for happenings, and as always: no wine left behind. Vin Collective How it started: Vin Collective began with a craving—for connection, curiosity and conversation. After dipping into a few wine clubs around New York, Madison Geist realized none quite hit the sweet spot. 'Each one had its strengths, but I kept thinking, 'What if there was a space that was both relaxed and educational—without the pressure?'' A producer by trade and wine lover by nature, Geist finally stopped asking, 'Who am I to start a wine club?' and started building the thing she wished existed. How it's going: Now, Vin Collective is quietly cultivating a loyal following of wine-curious New Yorkers. Think: a mix of thoughtful, eager-to-learn folks who want to drink something interesting and talk about it—without feeling like they need a degree to participate. 'I love opening the door for people who want to know more about wine,' Geist, who is a WSET Level 1, says. 'It warms my heart to see that spark of excitement.' Each tasting comes with a theme, discussion prompts and approachable info sheets that make the night feel like a fun, smart dinner party you didn't know you needed. The vibe: Curious. Inviting. Unpretentious. The energy is warm and collaborative, with everyone encouraged to ask questions, share impressions and take up space—even if they're just learning the ropes. 'It's not about expertise,' Geist says. 'It's about exploring together.'
Associated Press
12-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Wine Enthusiast Companies Launches Cork+Compass Travel, Offering Exceptional and Exclusive Wine Adventures in Fall 2025
VALHALLA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 12, 2025-- Wine Enthusiast Companies, a media and commerce company that stands as the leading source of innovation and information around wine, has launched Cork+Compass Travel, a new endeavor for the travel division of the company offering exceptional wine travel and tourism typically reserved for editors and journalists. Starting in fall 2025, Cork+Compass Travel will host its premiere trips to Sonoma, Tuscany and Burgundy with exclusive, expertly curated wine journeys to some of the best vineyards in the world and only accessible through Cork+Compass Travel's parent company, Wine Enthusiast. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: (Photo credit: Lina Kivaka/Pexels) High-Caliber Expectations Without Pretense Hosted by Wine Enthusiast's renowned Tasting Panel and industry experts, each Cork+Compass Travel trip will provide insider access to top-of-the-class wineries, private tastings, and behind-the-scenes experiences that are not typically available to the public. The Cork+Compass Travel philosophy is rooted in the Wine Enthusiast mission to enhance the wine experience for all. Travelers can trust that the Wine Enthusiast Tasting Panel, participating wineries and restaurants, and travel partners have put together unforgettable adventures designed for wine lovers who crave authenticity without pretense. Renowned Wine Critics as Travel Guides The Wine Enthusiast Tasting Panel consists of a cohort of diverse wine critics with collective experience of more than 140 combined years in the wine and spirits industry. The Tasting Panel blind tastes and rates 25,000 wines and spirits every year from across the world and every U.S. state. Every Cork+Compass Travel trip will be joined by one of these wine authorities from the Tasting Panel with a global reputation for excellence. 'We are thrilled to launch Cork+Compass Travel and invite everyone to experience wine tourism with unmatched passion and prolific expertise leading the way,' said Jacqueline Strum, President of Wine Enthusiast Media. 'When a Wine Enthusiast editor visits a winery, the experience is more than just memorable, it's impossible to replicate – until now. We want to share the 'red carpet treatment' and welcome everyone to walk through those doors with a glass in hand.' Premiere Cork+Compass Itineraries Below is a sneak peek into the first three Cork+Compass Travel itineraries. Participating wineries, restaurants, and dates are subject to change until details are confirmed. Sonoma, California September 10-13, 2025 Hosted by Tom Capo, Wine Enthusiast Writer-at-Large and Reviewer for Sonoma County This never-before-done Sonoma itinerary kicks off with a festive welcome dinner at The Matheson, where Chef-Vintner Dustin Valette's expertly crafted dishes are paired with a curated tasting of acclaimed wines from the Valette portfolio. The special tours and intimate tastings throughout this Sonoma journey include Ridge Vineyards - Lytton Springs, Hamel Family Wines, Three Sticks Wine, Sangiacomo Family Wines, Williams Selyem and J Vineyards & Winery. With over two decades of hospitality and wine experience, Capo will take travelers through tasting notes at each winery. Additionally, there will be personal interactions with winemakers including Jesse Katz at Aperture Cellars and Phil Coturri at Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery. At Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards, the group will enjoy a guided tour through the estate's lush gardens before a delicious lunch with wine pairings. Travelers will stay at the chic Farmhouse Inn. This California dream will wrap with a lively farewell reception where award-winning sparkling wines will be flowing. Tuscany, Italy October 16-21, 2025 Hosted by Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast Writer-at-Large and Reviewer for Tuscany and Southern Italy This Tuscan immersion will be unforgettable with exclusive access to charming family estates and wineries including Enoteca Baldi, Tenuta Sette Ponti, Col d'Orcia, Argiano, Bindi Sergardi, and Avignonesi. Travelers will taste some of the best wines Italy has to offer: Super Tuscans, Oreno, Crognolo, Lamelle Chardonnay, Il Borro Toscana IGT, Brunello di Montalcino, Brunello Vigna Nastagio, Poggio al Vento Riserva, Calidonia Gran Selezione, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Desiderio Merlot, Occhio di Pernice Vin Santo, and Chianti Classico Riserva to name a 'few.' Castello di Gabbiano will serve as home for the trip and day activities span from tasting exquisite olive oil to dining at Dario Cecchini's celebrated restaurant to wandering through the picturesque towns of Panzano, Valdarno, Arezzo, Il Borro, Montalcino, Siena and Montepulciano while learning about the region's rich culture and history from Dr. Callegari who is a Dartmouth professor of Italian studies and a published author of books on Dante. Burgundy, France November 3-9, 2025 Hosted by Anna-Christina Cabrales, Wine Enthusiast Tasting Director and Reviewer for Burgundy, Champagne and Rhône Valley This wine adventure is a must for anyone who dreams of getting an insider's deep dive into Burgundy's iconic wine country. Travelers will be treated to private tastings at Château du Moulin-à-Vent, Château de la Crée, Maison Moillard, Maison Louis Latour, Château du Clos de Vougeot, Château de Marsannay, Domaine Laroche, Louis Bouillot, Domaine du Clos Saint Louis, Bouchard Père & Fils, and candlelit cellar visit at Domaine Marguerite Carillon. Accommodations include the luxurious Hotel de la Poste and Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge. The group will learn interesting and lesser-known facts about French wines and indulge in culinary experiences with Cabrales, a graduate and sommelier from The French Culinary Institute. In addition to decadent meals at Le Bouillon and Loiseau des Vignes, there will be an exploration of the medieval streets of Beaune, visits to artisanal local cheese shops, a hike through the scenic Nuits-Saint-Georges area, and a one-of-a-kind mustard workshop at Moutarderie Fallot. Wine Enthusiast Shop Gifts To elevate the excitement even further, every person traveling on the three premiere Cork+Compass Travel trips will receive a Vino-Voyage TSA-Approved 12-Bottle Wine Suitcase. Additionally, enthusiastic globetrotters who book within the early-bird window will receive a $250 gift card for the Wine Enthusiast Shop. Click here for a preview of what's to come with Cork+Compass Travel. For more information about Wine Enthusiast Companies, Cork+Compass Travel by Wine Enthusiast, or for interview requests with the Wine Enthusiast executive team, contact Bonnary Lek. ABOUT WINE ENTHUSIAST Wine Enthusiast Companies is a Certified B Corporation and the ultimate source of innovation and information around wine. Founded in 1979 by Adam and Sybil Strum, the family-owned company is composed of Wine Enthusiast Commerce and Wine Enthusiast Media. Wine Enthusiast Shop provides premium wine-lifestyle products, reaching millions of consumers globally via direct mail, an e-commerce site, and a business-to-business division. Wine Enthusiast magazine is an award-winning print publication and online resource that showcases wine news, food trends, and more than 25,000 ratings and reviews annually. Wine Enthusiast events include the annual premier Wine Star Awards gala. In 2024, the company launched a travel division, which includes the Tasting Room Directory and Cork+Compass Travel. Together, Wine Enthusiast Companies is the indisputable hub for everything wine. We bring wine to life. 240-997-9695 SOURCE: Wine Enthusiast Companies Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 03/12/2025 11:00 AM/DISC: 03/12/2025 11:00 AM
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alto Adige Wines Earn Outstanding Recognition in Global Wine Guides with 145 Top Scores
Diversity and excellence define Alto Adige's latest ratings success BOLZANO, Italy, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest editions of some of the world's most renowned wine guides, including Wine Enthusiast, James Suckling, Decanter, Falstaff Weinguide, Gault&Millau, and VINUM Weinguide, have reinforced Alto Adige's reputation as a premier Italian wine region, awarding an impressive 145 top ratings (95 points or higher on a 100-point scale), a significant rise from 99 last year. "We are naturally delighted with this increase," said Andreas Kofler, President of the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines. "But what pleases us even more is the fact that the top is becoming ever broader—more and more Alto Adige producers are successfully winning top scores." The number of top-rated wineries has grown significantly, with 38 producers achieving the highest accolades compared to 29 last year. Additionally, 105 different wines received top scores—an increase of over 50% from last year's 68. The recognition highlights Alto Adige's extraordinary diversity, with 15 different grape varieties among the top-rated wines. "Despite being a relatively small region, Alto Adige's remarkable diversity is evident in both its producers and its wines," Kofler added. "It is this diversity that impresses wine experts all over the world." While Alto Adige produces more white than red wines, Pinot Noir led the rankings with 20 top-rated wines, followed by Chardonnay (18) and Sauvignon Blanc (13). In total, 80 top marks were awarded to 58 different white wines, while 42 red wines received 55 top ratings. Additionally, sweet wines were recognized with ten top ratings across five wines. Among the most celebrated wineries, Cantina Terlano led with 19 top scores, followed by Cantina Tramin (11), St. Michael-Eppan Winery (10), Alois Lageder Winery (9), Cantina Girlan (8), and Manincor, Elena Walch, and Nals Margreid, each with seven top ratings. This achievement underscores the significant role of Alto Adige's cooperative wineries, including Cantina Terlano, Cantina Tramin, St. Michael-Eppan Winery, Cantina Girlan and Nals Margreid. Unlike traditional cooperatives focused on volume, Alto Adige's cooperatives, which account for 70% of the region's total production, prioritize meticulous vineyard management and small-lot winemaking, ensuring that each wine reflects the region's unique terroir. Their success is a testament to the strength of collective expertise, rigorous quality standards, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Among top ratings, Cantina Terlano's 2021 Terlano Primo Grande Cuvée Alto Adige DOC received a perfect 100 points from the prestigious European guide Falstaff and was named "Best White Wine." Meanwhile, Decanter awarded its prestigious "Best in Show" title to the 2022 Gewürztraminer Passito Juvelo Alto Adige DOC from Cantina Andriano. This growing recognition in leading wine publications solidifies Alto Adige's unique position in the global wine industry, showcasing both its winemaking excellence and its remarkable varietal diversity. About The Consorzio Alto Adige WinesThe Consorzio Alto Adige Wines was formed in 2007 to promote and strengthen the image of the wines from Alto Adige. One of Italy's smallest wine-producing regions, Alto Adige is also one of its most multifaceted. Twenty grape varieties are cultivated on vineyards stretching from Mediterranean-influenced valleys to Alpine hillsides, tended by individual growers, small family-wineries, and cooperatives alike. For media enquiries:press@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consorzio Alto Adige Wines Sign in to access your portfolio
