Coming to America

Behind the wine
Virginia Gov. Mark Warner recently appeared in Wine Spectator magazine for his support of the vine. Described as “Virginia wine industry’s most prominent advocate
Owning a winery and getting involved in year-round operations is some people’s fantasy. But for consumers interested only in the custom-made finished product, a new service is available through Australian Interactive Winemakers in Beechworth, Australia. From setting a budget based on wine style and quality to choosing a region in Australia where the grapes will come from, the customer can enter the world of wine-making from the comforts of home. The service even allows groups of people to pool resources to make a custom-made qupRE-Newsbriefsbodyer barrel. Think of the potential for this selling technique for vineyards around the world that want to attract curious drinkers with a penchant for something unique.

Getting people personally involved in wine is one of the key reasons wine-makers are making wine more tangible. I recently attended a preview presentation for this year’s Vinexpo, which will be held in Chicago in June. This is only the second time that Vinexpo has considered a U.S. city as a host for the conference, with the first show being held in New York in 2002. According to a study compiled by the International Wine and Spirits Record and Global drinks Record for Vinexpo Americas, the United States is the largest retail market for wine, and has per capita consumption rates lower than Europe. As a result, the U.S. market will continue to be a target for international producers. Whether it’s directly through trade shows or indirectly by inspiring creativity online, producers will continue to entice U.S. consumers to discover the world of wine.
since Thomas Jefferson,” Warner’s Wine Study Work Group has been instrumental in passing wine legislation in the state. Rappahannock Bend brand wines are produced on Warner’s farm in Virginia’s Northern Neck in five varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Viognier.
Humanitarian donation
To celebrate this year’s EpRE-Newsbriefsbodyh Day, Jim’s Organic Coffee will be donating 10 cents per pound sold of its single-origin coffees to WaterAid, an international non-government organization dedicated to providing safe drinking water to people living in Asia and Africa. Jim’s Organic Coffee will launch its “Coffees of the World” promotion April 1.
Stone celebrated
Courvoisier recently hosted a birthday ppRE-Newsbriefsbodyy for Grammy Award Nominee Angie Stone at the Falcon restaurant in West Hollywood. Guests such as pop-music singer Brandy, Cedric the Entertainer and Denver Nugget Carmelo Anthony toasted the R&B singer with Courvoisier VSOP and XO.
Cause championed
New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey is the latest public figure to get involved in the fight against underage drinking. Teaming with the National Beer Wholesalers Association, McGreevey’s public service announcement is being broadcast on local radio stations.
Chefs salute institute
Celebrity chefs recently teamed with Pine Island Grill in Bayville, N.Y., to host three events to benefit The Diabetes Research Institute. Chefs Joe Ciminera, Bryan Naylor, Anthony Cinicola, Seth Caswell and Osteria Del Circo as well as master sommelier Richard Plutzer led diners through each course paired with wines.
Queen Mary Serves Wente
Wente Vineyards 2001 Riva Ranch Chardonnay and 2001 Reliz Creek Pinot Noir were selected for Queen Mary II’s wine list for its maiden voyage last month. Owned by Cunard Line, the QM2 boasts 14 bars and restaurants, four swimming pools, the 20,000-square-foot Canyon Ranch spa, and can accommodate more than 2,600 passengers.
Hitting the slopes
Cold weather has inspired Otter Creek Brewing to give away Vermont ski vacations, beer and Elan skis and snowboards through its latest promotion. By visiting ottercreekbrewing.com, consumers can enter to win one of six trips to ski Sugarbush, Smugglers’ Notch or Mad River Glen mountain.