Poland is mainly associated with the production of beer and vodkas. After all, Poles are among the biggest consumers of both drinks. However, there is a slow, but insistent, transformation taking place with more and more wine on the tables.
It is also valuable to be aware of what some research suggests could attract consumer attention and what some brands are doing to encourage wine drinkers to “engage” with their bottle and (hopefully) share their experience with others.
Because it’s summer and because beer and ice cream are incredible bedfellows, we’ve come up with a few different beer float recipes for you to try at home. Dinner is served.
Buffalo Trace creates single estate barrels for Bourbon
Bourbon distiller Buffalo Trace has taken its single estate ambitions a step forward with the creation of barrels from American white oak trees grown on its premises.
If you want to talk about the history of immigration in America, or urbanization or the expansion of transportation networks, really any subject that you want to explore, you can talk about it through beer,
This new bottle cap from Crown has a built-in lever for easy opens (genius)
To remove the crown from the bottle, consumers simply hold the bottle in one hand, place their thumb under the lever and push the lever upward. Nothing else is need. Plus, much less torque needs to be exerted when compared to the removal of other bottle caps. In addition, the new crown is tamper-proof and can help brands combat counterfeiting.
Is Alcohol Good for You? An Industry-Backed Study Seeks Answers
And guess who is picking up most of the tab?
Five companies that are among the world’s largest alcoholic beverage manufacturers — Anheuser-Busch InBev, Heineken, Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Carlsberg — have so far pledged $67.7 million to a foundation that raises money for the National Institutes of Health,
HOW LONG IT TAKES TO BURN OFF WINE, BEER, OR A COCKTAIL
The Wine Neophobia Scale: A New Tool for Determining Wine Preferences and Purchase Behavior
The Food Neophobia scale, there isn’t a comparable scale for wine, though it is known that there exists a population of individuals who are hesitant to try new wines.
Funny how things happen. Until the 1990s, the term minerality didn’t appear in the most acclaimed guides, not even the Oxford Companion to Wine. For wine lovers all over the world, flavors were basically fruity, floral, spicy, herbal…
Then, suddenly, this new word – minerality – emerged to become the trendiest descriptor in the wine lover’s lexicon. Googling it produces more than a million results. The term itself is relatively new: according to a study examining the word’s evolution in French literature, associations between minéralité (minerality) and vin (wine) have increased since 1985. Yet, despite this recent explosion of popularity, a unique definition has not been created.
IS WINE GOOD FOR YOU? RUSSIANS TOLD TO DRINK MORE VINO, LESS VODKA
Russia may not be able to stop its citizens from drinking alcohol, but it is determined to at least change what Russians consume. In an effort to improve the health of people in a country that has the highest percentage of deaths caused by alcohol, Russians have now been encouraged to switch their tipple of choice from vodka to vino.
Sparkling wines are used in celebrating many life’s best moments. At this education/tasting event we will explore all things bubbly. What are the methods in making these wines? What is true Champagne? What makes Prosecco different from Cava? To answer these questions we will explore sparkling from all parts of the world.
Sign Ups Soon!
Medway Community Education Winter Programs
MORE SOON!
Tri-County Adult Education
French Wine Scholar Programs
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Let’s take a tasting tour around Italy. We will discuss regions, laws, and explore unique wines from all over Italy. Don’t let wines from Italy confuse you; learn what grapes grow best where and more!
WINE TASTING 101
Tuesday Oct 10th 7PM
This wine tasting and educational class will help you develop your wine profile.
We will explore the 5 steps in how to taste wine. The results of this will make you a better wine taster and buyer and develop your unique wine profile. With this profile you can walk into any store or restaurant and explain what you like.
What do you smell? Do you like oaked or unoaked wines? Why do we swirl and spit?
We will talk about wine technology that can assist in building your palate.
Exploring French Wine Regions
Thursday Nov 9th 7PM
Lets take a tasting tour around France.
We will discuss regions, laws and explore unique wines from Champagne to the Southwest. Don’t let wines from France confuse you, learn what grapes grow best where and so much more!
Popping The Cork On Sparking Wines
Tuesday Nov 21st 7PM
Sparkling wines are used in celebrating many life’s best moments. At this education/tasting event we will explore all things bubbly. What are the methods in making these wines? What is true Champagne? What makes Prosecco different from Cava? To answer these questions we will explore sparkling from all parts of the world.
Sign Ups Soon!
COMING SOON!
Foxborough
Milford
Franklin Library Book Club
Do you like wine? Do you like books? Join us for a special Wine Tasting & Book Club Meeting at Franklin Liquors. Kim Shipala, Assistant Library Director at the Franklin Public Library, will lead a discussion of the novel, while Kim Simone of Vinitas Wineworks and Mark of Franklin Liquors will do a tasting of the wines mentioned in the book.
The book discussion is free, but the wine tastings are $10 each. Space is limited to 40 participants. To register, either visit the library’s website or call Kim Shipala at 508-520-4943.
More Soon!
Wine And Chocolate Events
Franklin Liquors And The Sugar Shoppe Partners For
If you’ve never heard the term “natural wine” before, it might throw you for a loop—if this is natural, what the hell were you drinking before this? Have you been getting sloshed off of chemical wine-like product since college?
Sending Wine Back In Restaurants
~~A Case Study or Two
The bottom line here is this: If you encounter a wine that you think is corked or has turned volatile because of bad storage, you should send it back and the restaurant should take it back with no questions asked.
Survey Reveals That Cork Closures Seal 89% of the World’s Top Wines
According to a recent survey conducted on behalf of APCOR – The Portuguese Cork Association, 89 percent of the world’s top wines as selected by Wine Spectator in 2016 are sealed with cork closures.
Vermont’s WhistlePig Whiskey is said to be accepting formal bids from prospective buyers, reports Bloomberg. Unnamed buyers have expressed tentative interest in a buyout, with talks believed to be in the earliest stages. The news follows WhistlePig’s procurement of a $25 million asset-based line of credit from JPMorgan Chase in May, which the high-end whiskey brand plans to pour into expansion of its whiskey reserves and infrastructure. Earlier this year, WhistlePig released FarmStock ($90), its first label made with liquid distilled, aged and bottled at its Vermont farm.
Early Times unveils milestone bottled-in-bond Bourbon
Brown-Forman is launching a limited edition Bottled-in-Bond variant of its Early Times Bourbon to mark the 75th anniversary of the brand’s original recipe.
UNPASTEURIZED BEER IS HAVING A MOMENT: HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
There are many breweries in the U.S. producing unpasteurized beer. But what is it exactly? Here’s everything you need to know before drinking unpasteurized beer.
The Ongoing Attempt to Kill America’s Greatest Wine Retailers
If the smaller, specialty wine retailers across the country are to survive in this contracting retail environment and the consumer’s ongoing migration to online purchases, they must be able to offer their uniquely curated inventory to the smaller but significant cadre of wine lovers looking online for something unique, rare and authentic.
Yet the forces of regulatory inertia, lawmakers’ slavish devotion to the deep pockets of wine wholesalers who oppose retailer wine shipping, and a reactionary fear of change by most small retailers all stand in the way of giving America’s traditional specialty wine retailers their chance at survival.
WHY THAILAND IS THE WINE DESTINATION YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED
Asked to name the world’s best wine country and you’ll most likely tout the undulating vineyards of Italy, France or California. ButThailand? With its smouldering weather and chalky soil, Thailand is not top of a vinophile’s bucket list. But Tamara Hinson discovers why it should be.
Matua Launching Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé with Thermographic Label Technology
The revolutionary label features a snowflake symbol that appears when the bottle is optimally chilled, along with a color-changing Ta Moko symbol which darkens when the wine reaches its ideal temperature.
CRAFT FIGHTS BACK AGAINST ‘BIG BEER’ WITH INDEPENDENT SEAL
The new seal, accredited by the BA – which represents small and independent American craft brewers – signals that the brew has been produced by a brewery that is independently owned and “free of influence from other alcohol beverage companies which are not themselves craft brewers”.
Zinfandel has taken a strange and often twisted course in its evolution. Even more so than pinot noir, zinfandel’s route has enough ups and downs to make a sober person tipsy.
Flavored Whiskies Approach 10 Million Cases In The U.S. Market
New Kinky
Prestige Beverage Group has extended its Kinky Cocktails range with the launch of Sunshine. A new year-round offering, Sunshine features lemon and mandarin orange flavors and joins the brand’s core Red, Blue and Pink entries. Additionally, Kinky Cocktails is bringing back seasonal label Summer, which is infused with natural coconut, lime and pineapple flavors and will be available through August. Both Sunshine and Summer are priced at $6.99 a six-pack. Concurrent with their launch, Prestige has unveiled new packaging for the full Kinky Cocktails lineup, putting increased emphasis on the brand’s flavor profiles and colorful branding.
Bathing in Champagne can improve your chances on your first date, as per leading Millionaire Matchmaking expert Lisa Palmer, who looks after the love lives of the rich and famous.
Greek grapes: What to look out for Whether trying Greek wines abroad or finding imported wines, explore some of these Greek grape varieties that make these wines great
Sparkling wines are used in celebrating many life’s best moments. At this education/tasting event we will explore all things bubbly. What are the methods in making these wines? What is true Champagne? What makes Prosecco different from Cava? To answer these questions we will explore sparkling from all parts of the world.
Sign Ups Soon!
Medway Community Education Winter Programs
MORE SOON!
Tri-County Adult Education
French Wine Scholar Programs
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Let’s take a tasting tour around Italy. We will discuss regions, laws, and explore unique wines from all over Italy. Don’t let wines from Italy confuse you; learn what grapes grow best where and more!
WINE TASTING 101
Tuesday Oct 10th 7PM
This wine tasting and educational class will help you develop your wine profile.
We will explore the 5 steps in how to taste wine. The results of this will make you a better wine taster and buyer and develop your unique wine profile. With this profile you can walk into any store or restaurant and explain what you like.
What do you smell? Do you like oaked or unoaked wines? Why do we swirl and spit?
We will talk about wine technology that can assist in building your palate.
Exploring French Wine Regions
Thursday Nov 9th 7PM
Lets take a tasting tour around France.
We will discuss regions, laws and explore unique wines from Champagne to the Southwest. Don’t let wines from France confuse you, learn what grapes grow best where and so much more!
Popping The Cork On Sparking Wines
Tuesday Nov 21st 7PM
Sparkling wines are used in celebrating many life’s best moments. At this education/tasting event we will explore all things bubbly. What are the methods in making these wines? What is true Champagne? What makes Prosecco different from Cava? To answer these questions we will explore sparkling from all parts of the world.
Sign Ups Soon!
COMING SOON!
Foxborough
Milford
Franklin Library Book Club
Do you like wine? Do you like books? Join us for a special Wine Tasting & Book Club Meeting at Franklin Liquors. Kim Shipala, Assistant Library Director at the Franklin Public Library, will lead a discussion of the novel, while Kim Simone of Vinitas Wineworks and Mark of Franklin Liquors will do a tasting of the wines mentioned in the book.
The book discussion is free, but the wine tastings are $10 each. Space is limited to 40 participants. To register, either visit the library’s website or call Kim Shipala at 508-520-4943.
More Soon!
Wine And Chocolate Events
Franklin Liquors And The Sugar Shoppe Partners For
Beer, Wine or Liquor? Data Shows More People Are Turning to the Hard Stuff
The country drank 3.5 million fewer nine-liter cases of alcohol overall in 2016 than it did the year before, with total consumption down to about 3.39 billion cases last year, according to the annual IWSR US Beverage Alcohol Review. But the volume of wine and liquor bought both increased, especially for whisky, tequila and cognac.
‘Independence’ Matters to Beer Drinkers, Says New Survey
The terms “independent” and “independently-owned” are relatively straightforward in their meaning; however, the survey had an even more interesting finding: These terms also ranked second-highest among words drinkers said would be “more likely” to influence their purchases. Only “drinkable” ranked higher.
Why blending wine is one of the fastest growing trends in the industry
The wines, composed of three, four, five or more unidentified and often disparate red varieties, emblazoned with flashy names and at times lurid identity systems, represent one of the fastest-growing segments in the country.
YOUR FOOD PROBABLY HAS MORE SULFITES THAN YOUR WINE
Dried fruits, bottled lemon/lime juices, molasses, sauerkraut, and pickled onions all contain over 100 ppm of sulfites, with dried fruits potentially containing a whopping 2,000 ppm — that’s over five times an average non-organic bottle of wine!
Beam Suntory-owned Bourbon brand Knob Creek is celebrating its 25th year with the release of a cask strength single barrel expression, personally selected by master distiller Fred Noe.
Why Uruguay is one of the most exciting wine countries in South America
Uruguay is no doubt a small wine country. The human population is outnumbered four to one by cows and Uruguay produces less wine than Japan. Although it might be dwarfed by nearby wine countries Argentina and Chile in size and production, there are many reasons why Uruguay is one of the most exciting wine countries in South America.
What does moderate wine consumption mean as we age?
Moderation means to have enough wine to enjoy with company of family or friends. Drinking wine to solve problems will not work any better than drinking water or milk will. Ask yourself then, why is it you drink wine?
According to Drinkaware, a 175ml glass of standard red or white wine will set you back around 160 calories, while an average pint of beer contains around 180 calories.
You’re looking forward to enjoying a glass of wine but realise it’s not been chilled. Is the freezer your best option? And what happens when it goes wrong?
Your Guide to Becoming an Expert on Sparkling Wine
From Prosecco and Cava to vintage Champagne, learn to understand the differences among sparkling wines, how they’re made, and how to choose the right one.
Spill the Wine: How Trump is Using His Vineyards to Scam America
“Trump Winery is a registered trade name of Eric Trump Wine Manufacturing LLC, which is not owned, managed or affiliated with Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization or any of their affiliates.”
The Franklin Wine Club will take over the CraftRoots Brewery.
We will have a private event.
Price includes a sample rack of four 5oz beers to start.
We will have a private tour and an open discussion about craft beer, and CraftRoots Brewing.
Lets get together to support this brewery and enjoy time together over a few beers.
About CraftRoots
CraftRoots Brewing took root in April of 2014 in Milford, Massachusetts. Brewer + Founder Maureen Fabry is passionate about connecting craft beer back to local agriculture and crafting superfresh community-inspired brews.
CraftRoots Brewing is grounded in a genuine grassroots idea: focus craft beer back to its field-to-glass origins. We brew fresh and flavorful home-grown ales that connect you to local farmers and craft maltsters.
100% of their grain and hops are grown on family farms in the Northeast.
32-oz. Squealers are available for purchase to-go.
They cannot serve food at the brewery. However, they do have a Bring Your Own Grub (B.Y.O.G.) policy. Did you make some amazing chili and have leftovers – bring them in with you! Have a favorite pizza in mind – pick it up on the way! Can’t decide what you want just yet – it’s all good.They have binders on hand featuring menus from many great local restaurants.
Sparkling wines are used in celebrating many life’s best moments. At this education/tasting event we will explore all things bubbly. What are the methods in making these wines? What is true Champagne? What makes Prosecco different from Cava? To answer these questions we will explore sparkling from all parts of the world.
Sign Ups Soon!
Medway Community Education Winter Programs
MORE SOON!
Tri-County Adult Education
French Wine Scholar Programs
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Let’s take a tasting tour around Italy. We will discuss regions, laws, and explore unique wines from all over Italy. Don’t let wines from Italy confuse you; learn what grapes grow best where and more!
WINE TASTING 101
Tuesday Oct 10th 7PM
This wine tasting and educational class will help you develop your wine profile.
We will explore the 5 steps in how to taste wine. The results of this will make you a better wine taster and buyer and develop your unique wine profile. With this profile you can walk into any store or restaurant and explain what you like.
What do you smell? Do you like oaked or unoaked wines? Why do we swirl and spit?
We will talk about wine technology that can assist in building your palate.
Exploring French Wine Regions
Thursday Nov 9th 7PM
Lets take a tasting tour around France.
We will discuss regions, laws and explore unique wines from Champagne to the Southwest. Don’t let wines from France confuse you, learn what grapes grow best where and so much more!
Popping The Cork On Sparking Wines
Tuesday Nov 21st 7PM
Sparkling wines are used in celebrating many life’s best moments. At this education/tasting event we will explore all things bubbly. What are the methods in making these wines? What is true Champagne? What makes Prosecco different from Cava? To answer these questions we will explore sparkling from all parts of the world.
Sign Ups Soon!
COMING SOON!
Foxborough
Milford
Franklin Library Book Club
Do you like wine? Do you like books? Join us for a special Wine Tasting & Book Club Meeting at Franklin Liquors. Kim Shipala, Assistant Library Director at the Franklin Public Library, will lead a discussion of the novel, while Kim Simone of Vinitas Wineworks and Mark of Franklin Liquors will do a tasting of the wines mentioned in the book.
The book discussion is free, but the wine tastings are $10 each. Space is limited to 40 participants. To register, either visit the library’s website or call Kim Shipala at 508-520-4943.
More Soon!
Wine And Chocolate Events
Franklin Liquors And The Sugar Shoppe Partners For
Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM
Donald Trump’s Proposal to ‘Buy American, Hire American’ Could Cause Beer Prices to Rise
Should U.S. authorities decide to take action against foreign imports, the cans and overall prices of beer could rise, brewing companies said, according to Bloomberg.
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro has teamed up with Browne Family Vineyards of Walla Walla, Wash., to introduce two wines available only at the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based chain’s 215 restaurants.
Sometimes talking about wine can seem like dancing about architecture: impossible. Many people don’t quite know what they want or are looking for in a wine, and worse still, they may not use the right language to convey their meaning.
Prosecco has been enjoyed since Roman times, but only as a sparkling wine since the late 19th Century. Most consumers of Prosecco probably don’t know that it is a legally delimited region in EU and World Trade Organisation (WTO) law. Perhaps that is not surprising for a region that as a legal entity producing sparkling wine is less than a decade old
This story is all about discovering Tenerife, the largest wine area in the Canary Islands. You’ll learn about some unique varieties from a very special place.
4 MYTHS ABOUT WINE MARKETING EVERY CONSUMER SHOULD KNOW
As we head into summer and begin thinking about buying wines for outdoor entertaining, let’s take a look at a few common wine marketing tactics (or misperceptions) that may be confusing and also affect your purchasing decisions.
RIOJA DOCA APPROVES SINGLE VINEYARD CLASSIFICATION
The move is a culmination in a long-running battle over Spanish terroir between The Regulatory Council of the Designated Origin Denomination of Origin (DOCa) and more than 150 producers, who argued that the current appellation system was “oblivious to soil differentiation and levels of quality” and calling for “deep changes” to boost the countries heritage and prevent it valuing quantity over quality.
Massachusetts is one of the very few states that wineries can ship to that does not require sales tax registration as a condition of receiving a direct shipping permit.
Champagne And Sparkling Wine Consumption Decreases
While consumption in the champagne and sparkling wine category may be less frequent than other types of alcohol, the more concerning aspect is the apparent drop-off in the consumption incidence for both alcohol types.
Bushmills Irish Whiskey has partnered with Lowden Guitars to create a limited edition guitar made from whiskey barrels and ancient bog oak, retailing at £8,500 (US$10.8k).
Most consumers judge a craft beer by its packaging, Nielsen finds
The craft beer shelf is getting more crowded with 1,800 new product launches in the category last year, making packaging and labeling one of the primary purchase influencers for craft beer consumers, according to Nielsen.
Diluted wine was the thing to drink in ancient Greece, as it was believed that only barbarians consumed pure wine, which would then make them drunkards who would then go on to rape and murder.
Diageo-owned vodka brand Smirnoff has caused a stir with its latest advertising campaign, which mocks US president Donald Trump’s alleged ties to Russia.
A short trip from Sacramento, in Lodi you’ll encounter gnarled Zinfandel and Cinsault vines along with under-the-radar wine grapes like Kerner and Albariño.
With news last week that the NFL will now be allowing distilled spirits suppliers to advertise during televised football games, it is a good time for a reminder about some of the special issues that come up when advertising alcohol.
NEBBIOLO HAS ‘UNIQUE’ POTENTIAL IN SOUTH AFRICA, PRODUCER CLAIMS
A South African winery is determined to realise the ‘unique’ potential of Nebbiolo in Elgin, despite its newly planted vineyard being devastated by a recent wildfire.
Every year Forbes publishes its list of the world’s wealthiest individuals – not those that have made millions, but billions – highlighting the movers and shakers of the business world and where they have made their money.
The Franklin Wine Club will take over the CraftRoots Brewery.
We will have a private event.
Price includes a sample rack of four 5oz beers to start.
We will have a private tour and an open discussion about craft beer, and CraftRoots Brewing.
Lets get together to support this brewery and enjoy time together over a few beers.
About CraftRoots
CraftRoots Brewing took root in April of 2014 in Milford, Massachusetts. Brewer + Founder Maureen Fabry is passionate about connecting craft beer back to local agriculture and crafting superfresh community-inspired brews.
CraftRoots Brewing is grounded in a genuine grassroots idea: focus craft beer back to its field-to-glass origins. We brew fresh and flavorful home-grown ales that connect you to local farmers and craft maltsters.
100% of their grain and hops are grown on family farms in the Northeast.
32-oz. Squealers are available for purchase to-go.
They cannot serve food at the brewery. However, they do have a Bring Your Own Grub (B.Y.O.G.) policy. Did you make some amazing chili and have leftovers – bring them in with you! Have a favorite pizza in mind – pick it up on the way! Can’t decide what you want just yet – it’s all good.They have binders on hand featuring menus from many great local restaurants.
Sparkling wines are used in celebrating many life’s best moments. At this education/tasting event we will explore all things bubbly. What are the methods in making these wines? What is true Champagne? What makes Prosecco different from Cava? To answer these questions we will explore sparkling from all parts of the world.
Sign Ups Soon!
Medway Community Education Winter Programs
MORE SOON!
Tri-County Adult Education
French Wine Scholar Programs
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Let’s take a tasting tour around Italy. We will discuss regions, laws, and explore unique wines from all over Italy. Don’t let wines from Italy confuse you; learn what grapes grow best where and more!
WINE TASTING 101
Tuesday Oct 10th 7PM
This wine tasting and educational class will help you develop your wine profile.
We will explore the 5 steps in how to taste wine. The results of this will make you a better wine taster and buyer and develop your unique wine profile. With this profile you can walk into any store or restaurant and explain what you like.
What do you smell? Do you like oaked or unoaked wines? Why do we swirl and spit?
We will talk about wine technology that can assist in building your palate.
Exploring French Wine Regions
Thursday Nov 9th 7PM
Lets take a tasting tour around France.
We will discuss regions, laws and explore unique wines from Champagne to the Southwest. Don’t let wines from France confuse you, learn what grapes grow best where and so much more!
Popping The Cork On Sparking Wines
Tuesday Nov 21st 7PM
Sparkling wines are used in celebrating many life’s best moments. At this education/tasting event we will explore all things bubbly. What are the methods in making these wines? What is true Champagne? What makes Prosecco different from Cava? To answer these questions we will explore sparkling from all parts of the world.
Sign Ups Soon!
COMING SOON!
Foxborough
Milford
Franklin Library Book Club
Do you like wine? Do you like books? Join us for a special Wine Tasting & Book Club Meeting at Franklin Liquors. Kim Shipala, Assistant Library Director at the Franklin Public Library, will lead a discussion of the novel, while Kim Simone of Vinitas Wineworks and Mark of Franklin Liquors will do a tasting of the wines mentioned in the book.
The book discussion is free, but the wine tastings are $10 each. Space is limited to 40 participants. To register, either visit the library’s website or call Kim Shipala at 508-520-4943.
More Soon!
Wine And Chocolate Events
Franklin Liquors And The Sugar Shoppe Partners For
The liquor industry is finally ready for some football. Whiskey, vodka, rum and other spirits will be allowed to advertise in NFL games this season for the first time according to new league rules that give liquor a boost in its long quest to be seen as socially acceptable as beer.
The Health Benefits Of White Wine, Because There Actually Are Some
Now that warm weather is on the horizon, and the need for something refreshing is upon us, it’s time to take a closer look at white wine. Lucky for all you chardonnay and pinot grigio lovers, it actually comes with its own host of good health benefits.
Ripe fruit make the best wine, but new research into why may surprise you
Harvest timing is always a balancing act between winemakers who want the best, most mature fruit flavors and growers who need to manage labor and protect the fragile, ripe fruit from damage and disease.
The weird hybrid wines that leave even the experts guessing at their origin
Some popular hybrid wines, such as baco noir, were created by accident. Others, such as a sauvignon blanc blended with gewürztraminer, meant to appeal to the Chinese consumer, are best forgotten
The mucky aftertaste generally known as ‘mousiness’ is a much more slippery pest. Poorly understood in the industry, virtually opaque to consumers, it has neither been conclusively researched nor openly acknowledged by some producers.
The average pour, or the amount of wine in a glass in a bar, is right around 5 ounces. If the bottle cost the bar, say, $20 wholesale, and they are charging you $10, a reasonable price for a premium pour (likely more at that bottle price), then they are grossing $50 on that bottle, or two and a half times more than they paid for it. The numbers start to add up.
A ‘Harry Potter’-inspired wizarding pub complete with moving pictures, levitating candles and wand-operated beer taps could be opening in London, if a fantasy fan’s Kickstarter campaign receives enough support from the franchise’s legions of fans.
THIS GENIUS BEACH BAG CAN SECRETLY HOLD AND POUR 2 BOTTLES OF WINE
A team of innovative bag designers has come up with a brilliant solution: a beach tote with a built-in insulated pouch that not only holds and chills up to two full bottles worth of wine, but sports a concealed spout on one side for easy on-the-go pouring.
An essential slice of Portugal is the Douro River Valley where the beloved port wine is produced. The winding, terraced, and scenic river valley, so famous for its wine, is a bit like Germany’s Rhine Valley — but much sleepier and without castles. The vineyards, called “quintas,” are known for their traditions and the welcome they offer travelers — with both accommodations and wine tastings.
Winery Waste Meets Betty Crocker: Using Grape Pomace Powder As A Replacement for Flour in Cookies
The researchers postulated that using winery waste in the form of grape pomace powder would add significant nutritional beef to cookies, as it is loaded with compounds like flavanols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, dietary fiber, and lignin.
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO
Learning about Italian reds can be a daunting task– but, if there’s one wine you need to know about, it’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Produced in the heart of Tuscany, Vino Nobile is a favorite amongst Italians all over the country; it’s smooth, easy-drinking, and best of all, super affordable.
A Colorado-based start-up has designed an innovative wine glass that incorporates a hand blown ‘corkscrew’ moulded at its base to trap sediment, which it says removes the need to decant the bottle.
In many parts of the ancient world, such as in Egypt, wine was drunk primarily by the kings and the upper classes. In Greece, however, it was drunk by everybody
ITALIAN DESIGNER CREATES VEGAN ‘LEATHER’ FROM WINE BYPRODUCTS
An Italian designer has combined the worlds of high fashion and wine with a love of the planet, creating a vegan-friendly “leather” made from the byproducts of winemaking.
How much sugar is hidden in your glass of wine? It’s more than you think
Just one glass of wine at 175 milliliters can contain up to two teaspoons of sugar, a considerable fraction of the recommended daily sugar intake, according to a report on DailyMail.co.uk.
Wine descriptions make people more emotional about wine
“Cleverly written wine and producer descriptions when coupled with unbranded wine tasting can evoke more positive emotions, increasing our positive perception of the wine, our estimation of its quality and the amount we would be willing to pay for it.”
DECANTER CLAIMS TO PRESERVE WINE FOR NEARLY TWO WEEKS
A wine decanter that promises to extend the life of an open bottle of wine by up to 12 days has been launched via the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter.
Federal Court Dismisses Antitrust Challenge To Connecticut’s Liquor Pricing Law
In dismissing a suit by retailer Total Wine & More, Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall said the laws and regulations establishing the complex Connecticut pricing system cannot be preempted by federal antitrust law that prohibits activities restricting interstate commerce and competition in the marketplace.
The Franklin Wine Club will take over the CraftRoots Brewery.
We will have a private event.
Price includes a sample rack of four 5oz beers to start.
We will have a private tour and an open discussion about craft beer, and CraftRoots Brewing.
Lets get together to support this brewery and enjoy time together over a few beers.
About CraftRoots
CraftRoots Brewing took root in April of 2014 in Milford, Massachusetts. Brewer + Founder Maureen Fabry is passionate about connecting craft beer back to local agriculture and crafting superfresh community-inspired brews.
CraftRoots Brewing is grounded in a genuine grassroots idea: focus craft beer back to its field-to-glass origins. We brew fresh and flavorful home-grown ales that connect you to local farmers and craft maltsters.
100% of their grain and hops are grown on family farms in the Northeast.
32-oz. Squealers are available for purchase to-go.
They cannot serve food at the brewery. However, they do have a Bring Your Own Grub (B.Y.O.G.) policy. Did you make some amazing chili and have leftovers – bring them in with you! Have a favorite pizza in mind – pick it up on the way! Can’t decide what you want just yet – it’s all good.They have binders on hand featuring menus from many great local restaurants.
Sparkling wines are used in celebrating many life’s best moments. At this education/tasting event we will explore all things bubbly. What are the methods in making these wines? What is true Champagne? What makes Prosecco different from Cava? To answer these questions we will explore sparkling from all parts of the world.
Sign Ups Soon!
Medway Community Education Winter Programs
MORE SOON!
Tri-County Adult Education
French Wine Scholar Programs
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Let’s take a tasting tour around Italy. We will discuss regions, laws, and explore unique wines from all over Italy. Don’t let wines from Italy confuse you; learn what grapes grow best where and more!
WINE TASTING 101
Tuesday Oct 10th 7PM
This wine tasting and educational class will help you develop your wine profile.
We will explore the 5 steps in how to taste wine. The results of this will make you a better wine taster and buyer and develop your unique wine profile. With this profile you can walk into any store or restaurant and explain what you like.
What do you smell? Do you like oaked or unoaked wines? Why do we swirl and spit?
We will talk about wine technology that can assist in building your palate.
Exploring French Wine Regions
Thursday Nov 9th 7PM
Lets take a tasting tour around France.
We will discuss regions, laws and explore unique wines from Champagne to the Southwest. Don’t let wines from France confuse you, learn what grapes grow best where and so much more!
Popping The Cork On Sparking Wines
Tuesday Nov 21st 7PM
Sparkling wines are used in celebrating many life’s best moments. At this education/tasting event we will explore all things bubbly. What are the methods in making these wines? What is true Champagne? What makes Prosecco different from Cava? To answer these questions we will explore sparkling from all parts of the world.
Sign Ups Soon!
COMING SOON!
Foxborough
Milford
Franklin Library Book Club
Do you like wine? Do you like books? Join us for a special Wine Tasting & Book Club Meeting at Franklin Liquors. Kim Shipala, Assistant Library Director at the Franklin Public Library, will lead a discussion of the novel, while Kim Simone of Vinitas Wineworks and Mark of Franklin Liquors will do a tasting of the wines mentioned in the book.
The book discussion is free, but the wine tastings are $10 each. Space is limited to 40 participants. To register, either visit the library’s website or call Kim Shipala at 508-520-4943.
More Soon!
Wine And Chocolate Events
Franklin Liquors And The Sugar Shoppe Partners For
In an effective pairing, the flavors in cannabis will either accentuate existing flavors in the wine and vice versa, or else complement them in a unique way.
The grapefruit flavoured ice cream, called ‘Gyeondyo’, which loosely translates as “hang in there”, is infused with a small amount of oriental raisin tree fruit juice, which has been considered a Korean hangover treatment since the 1600s
It marks the first time the producer has extended to Italian sparkling wines and comes at a time when Cava sales have seen more sluggish growth than the buoyant sales of Prosecco
One of the first quotes about Prosecco with “second fermentation in the bottle” goes back to before the 9th Century. This esoteric style is colloquially known as Col Fondo – which literally translates in Italian to “with the bottom,” meaning that sediment or lees are present.
National liquor chain pushing for changes in MA state law to allow discounting
The initiative will also pursue a change in Massachusetts law to allow alcohol retailers to offer customers coupons and loyalty programs, like offering $5 off a purchase of $50 or more, for example.
The rules governing gran reservas require that the wines be aged at least two years in barrels and three years in bottles — five years in all — before they can be released. Most good producers of gran reservas go beyond the minimum.
Many alcohol beverages subject to the FAA Act are produced without any ingredients that contain gluten. For example, a wine fermented from grapes, or a vodka distilled from potatoes, may not contain any gluten if the producer used good manufacturing practices, such as taking adequate precautions to prevent cross-contact, and did not use additives, yeast, or storage materials that contain gluten. Under the interim policy, TTB allowed the use of a “gluten-free” claim in the labeling and advertising of such products. TTB reminded industry members that it would be the responsibility of the importer or bottler of the product to ensure that the claim is truthful and accurate.
One of the most popular white wines in America these days is sauvignon blanc, made from a grape variety that had such little support in the 1960s that Robert Mondavi changed its name.
Mayflower Brewing Co. has released New World IPA, the latest expression in the brewery’s year-round lineup. New World IPA, a 6%-abv unfiltered American-style IPA, is citrus and tropical fruit-driven. The beer complements Mayflower’s IPA lineup, adding a third style following Mayflower’s English-style IPA and double IPA. The Plymouth, Massachusetts-based brewery’s newest beer is now available on draft and in six-packs of 12-ounce cans throughout the company’s New England distribution area.
The Science Behind Our Favorite Flavors
Things Can Taste Better With Practice, Science Writer Says
In Spain’s Rías Baixas region, crisp, mineral-driven albariño is king. Here, everything you need to know about Spain’s quintessential coastal white wine.
Bacardi Ltd. is launching a new limited edition of Grey Goose vodka to commemorate the brand’s 20th anniversary. The new Grey Goose Riviera bottle is intended to showcase the brand’s French heritage, featuring marinière stripes and imagery inspired by France’s Impressionist art style. Additionally, the package features a neoprene cover, designed to keep the bottle cool during the summer months.
Lambrusco Wines Worth Drinking
Apparently, Lambrusco still has a long way to go since it tarnished its reputation nearly 40 years ago (blame the wine boom of the 1970s). Fortunately, this means you can find great wines for obscenely good prices. Lambrusco is awesome and its story is more fascinating than probably imagined.
A brand new blue Spanish wine selection that is made with Chardonnay grapes is coming soon to the American market. Get yourselves ready for this amazing product of our shelves that will be serving your glasses soon.
Boston-based company published a list of the most popular beers at the end of 2016, according to its distributor order data and what has sold best on BevSpot; here are the top 10.
Energy drinks and alcohol: A risky mix psychologically
People who add energy drinks to alcohol have a higher risk of injury from car accidents and fights, compared to those who drink alcohol straight. This is the conclusion of a meta-analysis of 13 studies published in March in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
There are a number of ratings systems for describing wine quality, which use 100 points, 20 points, 5 stars, 3 glasses, etc. Unfortunately, there is usually no “gold standard” for these systems, and so no two wine commentators use these systems in quite the same way.
Women and young consumers broadly are willing to experiment with flavored alcoholic beverages
When wine grapes are medicine, forgotten varieties deserve a second look
Italian biologists have been scouring their countryside for “local, ancient ecotypes” and, beyond the usual business of documenting whether they’re genetically unique, a recent paper takes the extra steps of measuring their concentrations of antioxidant phenolic compounds and observing their effects against proliferating cancer cells.
There are two requirements of natural wine: First, the grapes must be sustainably farmed, which, generally speaking, means they are organic and/or biodynamic. Second, there should be nothing added nor taken away from the juice.
The vast majority of imbibers allocate their wine drinking to winter. This statement isn’t just an assumption, it’s true. Over 90% of search traffic around the topic of wine (in the Northern Hemisphere) happens from November to January. So, if you’re researching wine any other time of year, consider yourself in the top 90th percentile of people interested in wine.
Big Machine Label Group, which counts Taylor Swift and Florida Georgia Line among its talent, has released its first spirit product – Big Machine Platinum Filtered Premium Vodka.
Additives are a normal part of the process and bring the people what they want. Here’s a list of some of the most common additives and their significance:
“Napa Valley Rocks” , Napa Valley Vintners’ Unique Educational Program, digs deep into what makes Napa Valley America’s premier wine growing region. For years, wine lovers have extolled the virtues of ripe Cabernet Sauvignons or rich, buttery Chardonnays from Napa. Travelers flock there for stunning cuisine while they laze the day away tasting the Valley’s handsome collection of wines. To truly appreciate Napa Valley, we need to thoroughly penetrate the surface. The convergence of an ideal climate for grape growing, a unique geology, a compelling wine history, a pioneering, innovative spirit, a respect for the environment, and a tradition of giving back contribute to what makes Napa Valley unique. Napa Valley most definitely has a story to tell.
About Jo Ann
Jo-Ann Ross is Napa Valley Vintners’ Greater Boston Wine Ambassador. She was selected to attend the Napa Valley Vintners’ “Napa Valley Rocks” program in 2010 and the “Napa Valley Vintners’ Wine Writers Academy” in 2012. In addition, she holds the coveted Diploma of Wine and Spirits (DWS) from Great Britain’s Wine and Spirits Education Trust. Jo-Ann is also New England’s First French Wine Scholar and Italian Wine Scholar Instructor issued by the Wine Scholar Guild of Washington, DC. She is always eager to champion world wide wine regions through organizing and conducting successful marketing promotions for restaurants and retail stores throughout New England. Jo-Ann created the unique “Edu-Tasting℠”, a 5 minute mini-class to accompany a standard wine tasting.
The Franklin Wine Club will take over the CraftRoots Brewery.
We will have a private event.
Price includes a sample rack of four 5oz beers to start.
We will have a private tour and an open discussion about craft beer, and CraftRoots Brewing.
Lets get together to support this brewery and enjoy time together over a few beers.
About CraftRoots
CraftRoots Brewing took root in April of 2014 in Milford, Massachusetts. Brewer + Founder Maureen Fabry is passionate about connecting craft beer back to local agriculture and crafting superfresh community-inspired brews.
CraftRoots Brewing is grounded in a genuine grassroots idea: focus craft beer back to its field-to-glass origins. We brew fresh and flavorful home-grown ales that connect you to local farmers and craft maltsters.
100% of their grain and hops are grown on family farms in the Northeast.
32-oz. Squealers are available for purchase to-go.
They cannot serve food at the brewery. However, they do have a Bring Your Own Grub (B.Y.O.G.) policy. Did you make some amazing chili and have leftovers – bring them in with you! Have a favorite pizza in mind – pick it up on the way! Can’t decide what you want just yet – it’s all good.They have binders on hand featuring menus from many great local restaurants.
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Do you like wine? Do you like books? Join us for a special Wine Tasting & Book Club Meeting at Franklin Liquors on Tuesday, June 6 at 7:00 p.m.! We will be discussing Sweetbitter, by Stephanie Danler. Kim Shipala, Assistant Library Director at the Franklin Public Library, will lead a discussion of the novel, while Kim Simone of Vinitas Wineworks will do a tasting of the wines mentioned in the book.
The book discussion is free, but the wine tastings are $10 each. Space is limited to 40 participants. To register, either visit the library’s website or call Kim Shipala at 508-520-4943.
The first ten to register will receive a free copy of the book! Register
Wine And Chocolate Events
Franklin Liquors And The Sugar Shoppe Partners For
Monday, May 29, 2017 – Memorial Day is now a legal business day
Please be advised that the law was changed at the end of last year’s legislative session. Massachusetts’s law now permits us to open Monday, Memorial Day, beginning at 12:00 noon
Matchbook Wines began in the rolling pastures of Dunnigan Hills in 2004. Dunnigan Hills, one of California’s newest AVA’s is located in northern California, east of Napa Valley. It was first planted to grapes in the late 70’s when John and Lane Giguiere returned home from college to save their family’s wheat and sheep farm. Realizing that the wheat market could no longer sustain their farm financially, and that sheep are really not that smart, the couple planted Dunnigan Hill’s original vines. These vines would be the foundation of RH Phillips Winery and the famed Toasted Head Chardonnay. Years after selling the RH Phillips label, John and Lane returned to Dunnigan Hills to begin a new venture: Matchbook Wines.
Matchbook Winery is a small, family owned winery focusing on the production of high-quality, yet affordable wines that rival the world’s best.
Some of what was said is already well-known: wine has some heart-protecting benefits, but drinking too much is bad for you. Other points were less obvious, so I’ll list them in bullet points below.
11 QUESTIONS ABOUT IPA YOU’RE TOO EMBARRASSED TO ASK, ANSWERED
If you’ve purchased a beer in the last five years, there’s a very high likelihood that you’ve come across an IPA. It seems like every craft brewery has a flagship IPA in its lineup, and beer store shelves are crammed with beers with pictures of hops on the label.
Has some jerk wineshamed you? Let us help you fight back
Welcome to Wineshaming 101. Today we will learn the best ways to counteract wineshaming — you know, when friends, family and pushy acquaintances mock your dubious drinking habits.
Ever-acquisitive Constellation Brands may be lining up its next target. Forbes reports that Constellation may be eyeing a potential purchase of Washington’s leading winemaker, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE). The speculation follows a recently released Wells Fargo report highlighting the fact that SMWE’s business only accounts for around 3% of sales and 2% of profits for brand owner Altria, whose core business is in tobacco. Some believe that Altria will eventually offload Ste. Michelle at a price estimated to fall between $3 and $4 billion.
With revenues totaling $7.3 billion in its fiscal year through February, Constellation is considered a prime bidder for the Ste. Michelle business. The upstate New York-based company has been one of the most acquisitive players in the drinks industry over the past few years, with recent purchases including craft brewer Ballast Point, Utah distiller High West, Joe Wagner’s Meiomi wine brand, Washington-based Charles Smith Wines and California’s The Prisoner Wine Company. SMWE, whose core brands include Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands and Columbia Crest, among others, posted a net revenue rise of 7.8% to $746 million in 2016.
Rhubarb wine, ‘the new Moxie’ comes to Portland
Two Mainers say the crimson plant that grows prolifically in the spring makes the perfect elixir. In the former Rockingham Electric Supply Co. in Portland’s East Bayside, Pete Dubuc and Amanda O’Brien are making rhubarb wine in small batches using simple ingredients from Maine.
The Wine Flavour Tree is a new aid to help consumers identify flavour profiles found in wine. The tree includes 40 different flavours, divided into 10 different branches (five for white wines and five for reds.)
State House Representative Randy Hunt of Sandwich has filed a Bill (House Bill H3528) that would add a 5-cent deposit on the sale of “nips.” The Bill will give consumers an incentive to return empty nip bottles for the 5 cent deposit, rather than toss them onto the streets.
The Bill defines a nip as “any sealable bottle, can, jar or carton which is primarily composed of glass, metal, plastic or any combination of those materials that has a capacity of not more than 100 milliliters and is produced for the purpose of containing an alcoholic beverage.”
Brewery Ommegang’s Next Game of Thrones Release is Bend the Knee Golden Ale
While the wait for each new season of Game of Thrones® can seem longer than the wait for winter in Westeros, fans can now quench their thirst for all-things-Thrones with the newest beer in the Game of Thrones series from Brewery Ommegang and HBO Global Licensing: Bend the Knee Golden Ale.
Sommeliers Weigh In on Wine Gimmicks, from Blue Wine to Rosé Forties
We asked three professional wine geeks about the year’s wackiest, most Instagram-forward trends, from fluorescent blue wine to rosé sold in forties. Their responses were as colorful as the wines themselves.
Did the English invent bubbly before Dom Perignon?
People in France will indeed tell you they invented the stuff – they maintain the ‘methode champenoise‘ was discovered by Dom Pierre Perignon at the abbey of Hautvilliers in 1697.
Constellation Reportedly Makes Offer For Brown-Forman
Constellation Brands has reportedly made an offer for Brown-Forman, in what would be a blockbuster industry deal. According to CNBC, who cited several people with knowledge of the matter, Brown-Forman responded that it was not interested in a deal, but did refer the offer to its board.
In its most recent fiscal year, Brown-Forman had sales of $4 billion and operating income of $1.5 billion. Its enormous whiskey stable—led by Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve and others—is doubtless attractive to potential acquirers given the U.S. market’s American whiskey boom. Brown-Forman is majority controlled by fifth-generation owners the Brown family.
With revenues totaling $7.3 billion and operating income of $2.4 billion in its fiscal year through February, Constellation has been one of the most acquisitive players in the drinks industry over the past few years. Recent purchases have included craft brewer Ballast Point, Utah distiller High West, Joe Wagner’s Meiomi wine brand, Washington-based Charles Smith Wines and California’s The Prisoner Wine Company. The company has also been recently named as a potential suitor for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.
The Best Way to Chill Wine, According to Science
If you poke around certain corners of the Internet, you’ll find all sorts of tricks for speeding up the wine-chilling process.
For years Rosé was given a bad name in the wake of the sweet White Zinfandel surge. Don’t be confused and don’t be prejudiced by those sweet, cloying wines.
Put down that wine cork: Why sniffing gets you nowhere
Your job when that first small splash of wine gets poured into your glass is to let the server know whether the wine is spoiled or not. She doesn’t expect you to say whether you like the wine or not. All she wants to know is whether it is in good condition or bad condition.
Matchbook Wines began in the rolling pastures of Dunnigan Hills in 2004. Dunnigan Hills, one of California’s newest AVA’s is located in northern California, east of Napa Valley. It was first planted to grapes in the late 70’s when John and Lane Giguiere returned home from college to save their family’s wheat and sheep farm. Realizing that the wheat market could no longer sustain their farm financially, and that sheep are really not that smart, the couple planted Dunnigan Hill’s original vines. These vines would be the foundation of RH Phillips Winery and the famed Toasted Head Chardonnay. Years after selling the RH Phillips label, John and Lane returned to Dunnigan Hills to begin a new venture: Matchbook Wines.
Matchbook Winery is a small, family owned winery focusing on the production of high-quality, yet affordable wines that rival the world’s best.
Daniel O’Connor began working with John and Lane in 2016, and after years of working for much larger, more corporate wine companies, he has found a home. Dan’s passion for wine began early in the restaurant business as he worked to earn his graduate and undergraduate degrees. He lives in Boston’s North End and represents John and Lane’s interest here on the East Coast.
During our tasting and seminar, We will focus on “Old World Wines in the New World,” discussing the history of the grape varietals that we will taste and their roots in France and their success in California.
“Napa Valley Rocks” , Napa Valley Vintners’ Unique Educational Program, digs deep into what makes Napa Valley America’s premier wine growing region. For years, wine lovers have extolled the virtues of ripe Cabernet Sauvignons or rich, buttery Chardonnays from Napa. Travelers flock there for stunning cuisine while they laze the day away tasting the Valley’s handsome collection of wines. To truly appreciate Napa Valley, we need to thoroughly penetrate the surface. The convergence of an ideal climate for grape growing, a unique geology, a compelling wine history, a pioneering, innovative spirit, a respect for the environment, and a tradition of giving back contribute to what makes Napa Valley unique. Napa Valley most definitely has a story to tell.
About Jo Ann
Jo-Ann Ross is Napa Valley Vintners’ Greater Boston Wine Ambassador. She was selected to attend the Napa Valley Vintners’ “Napa Valley Rocks” program in 2010 and the “Napa Valley Vintners’ Wine Writers Academy” in 2012. In addition, she holds the coveted Diploma of Wine and Spirits (DWS) from Great Britain’s Wine and Spirits Education Trust. Jo-Ann is also New England’s First French Wine Scholar and Italian Wine Scholar Instructor issued by the Wine Scholar Guild of Washington, DC. She is always eager to champion world wide wine regions through organizing and conducting successful marketing promotions for restaurants and retail stores throughout New England. Jo-Ann created the unique “Edu-Tasting℠”, a 5 minute mini-class to accompany a standard wine tasting.
The Franklin Wine Club will take over the CraftRoots Brewery.
We will have a private event.
Price includes a sample rack of four 5oz beers to start.
We will have a private tour and an open discussion about craft beer, and CraftRoots Brewing.
Lets get together to support this brewery and enjoy time together over a few beers.
About CraftRoots
CraftRoots Brewing took root in April of 2014 in Milford, Massachusetts. Brewer + Founder Maureen Fabry is passionate about connecting craft beer back to local agriculture and crafting superfresh community-inspired brews.
CraftRoots Brewing is grounded in a genuine grassroots idea: focus craft beer back to its field-to-glass origins. We brew fresh and flavorful home-grown ales that connect you to local farmers and craft maltsters.
100% of their grain and hops are grown on family farms in the Northeast.
32-oz. Squealers are available for purchase to-go.
They cannot serve food at the brewery. However, they do have a Bring Your Own Grub (B.Y.O.G.) policy. Did you make some amazing chili and have leftovers – bring them in with you! Have a favorite pizza in mind – pick it up on the way! Can’t decide what you want just yet – it’s all good.They have binders on hand featuring menus from many great local restaurants.
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Do you like wine? Do you like books? Join us for a special Wine Tasting & Book Club Meeting at Franklin Liquors on Tuesday, June 6 at 7:00 p.m.! We will be discussing Sweetbitter, by Stephanie Danler. Kim Shipala, Assistant Library Director at the Franklin Public Library, will lead a discussion of the novel, while Kim Simone of Vinitas Wineworks will do a tasting of the wines mentioned in the book.
The book discussion is free, but the wine tastings are $10 each. Space is limited to 40 participants. To register, either visit the library’s website or call Kim Shipala at 508-520-4943.
The first ten to register will receive a free copy of the book! Register
Wine And Chocolate Events
Franklin Liquors And The Sugar Shoppe Partners For
“Napa Valley Rocks” , Napa Valley Vintners’ Unique Educational Program, digs deep into what makes Napa Valley America’s premier wine growing region. For years, wine lovers have extolled the virtues of ripe Cabernet Sauvignons or rich, buttery Chardonnays from Napa. Travelers flock there for stunning cuisine while they laze the day away tasting the Valley’s handsome collection of wines. To truly appreciate Napa Valley, we need to thoroughly penetrate the surface. The convergence of an ideal climate for grape growing, a unique geology, a compelling wine history, a pioneering, innovative spirit, a respect for the environment, and a tradition of giving back contribute to what makes Napa Valley unique. Napa Valley most definitely has a story to tell.
About Jo Ann
Jo-Ann Ross is Napa Valley Vintners’ Greater Boston Wine Ambassador. She was selected to attend the Napa Valley Vintners’ “Napa Valley Rocks” program in 2010 and the “Napa Valley Vintners’ Wine Writers Academy” in 2012. In addition, she holds the coveted Diploma of Wine and Spirits (DWS) from Great Britain’s Wine and Spirits Education Trust. Jo-Ann is also New England’s First French Wine Scholar and Italian Wine Scholar Instructor issued by the Wine Scholar Guild of Washington, DC. She is always eager to champion world wide wine regions through organizing and conducting successful marketing promotions for restaurants and retail stores throughout New England. Jo-Ann created the unique “Edu-Tasting℠”, a 5 minute mini-class to accompany a standard wine tasting.
Monday, May 29, 2017 – Memorial Day is now a legal business day
Please be advised that the law was changed at the end of last year’s legislative session. Massachusetts’s law now permits us to open Monday, Memorial Day, beginning at 12:00 noon
The finding could explain some of the variation in wine vintages available to consumers and open the door to refining wine flavors and crafting all new vintages.
Beer is as versatile as it is diverse, providing both complementary and contrasting experiences when paired with food. In fact, a good beer can bring out the best in any dish — if you know which kind to choose. Here are a few pairing suggestions for the most commonly-found beer types:
SUPERIOR SNIFFERS: CAN WE SMELL WINE BETTER THAN DOGS?
In a recent article entitled ‘Poor human olfaction is a 19th century myth,’ published in the Science journal, Dr McGann, a Psychology professor at Rutgers University, has argued that the notion that the human sense of smell is inferior to other mammals is ‘an unproven hypothesis.’
Changyu, China’s winemaking powerhouse, is building French-style chateaus and Italianate castles around the country—and an entire “Wine City”—to encourage the country’s passion for the grape.
Container transport has become the method of choice for shipping wine around the globe, and not only in Italy. In some countries, more than 50% of production is shipped in bulk. Much of this wine is sent to Germany, the UK and other European counties where big bottling plants are located. Some European bottlers are so efficient, that it costs less for a South American country to bottle the wine in Germany or the UK and then send the wine back, than to bottle it in the country of origin.
Tax Break For High-Alcohol Wine Sours Health Activists
At the heart of the matter is a quirk of oenology.
The pending legislation would drop the federal tax to $1.07 per gallon for all wines with less than 16 percent alcohol. That’s the same rate that has applied for decades to wines under 14 percent.
The history of wine is over 6,000 years old. But what is wine, if it isn’t just a liquid beverage sold in a glass container? What sets one wine apart from thousands of others?
Story is what moves wine from being a static item to something people can get emotionally involved with. Emotions are a strong driver for both purchasing decisions and long-term brand loyalty.
Wine country looking more like cannabis country in California
The grapevines that line rolling hillsides and sweeping valleys in Northern California’s wine country have become iconic – a symbol of the region’s rustic charm that helped California earn its reputation as a world-class wine and food destination.
NOT JUST FOR DRINKING: WINERY WASTE FINDS NEW USES
Each year, California wineries produce more than 100,000 tons of pomace. Now, that waste is being turned into everything from cooking oil to cosmetics.
There is Prosecco and then there is Valdobbiadene Prosecco
The area of prosecco production is located in northeastern Italy within the Veneto region, but some of the top quality prosecco come from the hillside areas of Conegliano Valdobbiadene.
Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) officials have accused an AB InBev-owned wholesaler of providing nearly $1 million of illegal incentives to Boston-area bars to promote Budweiser and other AB products over the competition. The charges, filed Tuesday, allege that AB gave branded draft towers (worth up to $3,500) and refrigerators (worth anywhere from $500 to $5,700) to 441 licensees. The Boston Globe reports that the ABCC has set a June 20 hearing date. AB maintains that the company followed all laws and regulations for distributing branded merchandise.
Natural vs. Synthetic Foods: What’s Really Safe?
I realized that I was biased against anything non-natural. I assumed that if it’s natural, then it’s better. Apparently that’s not the truth.
How to Capture a Bold Wine Bottle Photo with a Single Speedlight
If you’re interested in product photography, Dustin Dolby‘s channel workphlo is definitely worth a bookmark. Using minimal equipment, he’s able to capture distinct looks like this makeup shot, and in this tutorial he’ll show you how a single speedlight can produce a bold beautiful wine bottle photo that looks 100% pro.
SCREWCAPS ALLOW WINE ‘TO AGE GRACEFULLY’ SAYS WAKEFIELD MD
In 2015, Maturation tests conducted on top Australian wines, aged both under cork and screwcap, yielded “ground breaking results,” with an international panel of judges voting in favour of screwcap-aged expressions in a blind tasting at Vinitaly.
Paso Robles has 11 distinct wine regions. Here’s what makes each one different
The federal government approved dividing up the massive Paso Robles American Viticultural Area, or AVA, into 11 smaller sub-AVAs in November 2014. But it’s only more recently that wineries, trade professionals and enthusiasts have really begun paying attention to the designations.
Known as a major coal mining province in China, Shanxi’s coal production has fuelled the country’s fast-track economic development for decades. Its ancient courtyards, traditional Yaodong or cave dwellings are dotted around the landscape of the arid Shanxi Plateau, part of the Loess Plateau in northwestern China. Winemaking in the northern province is limited but the province is said to be among the first places in China to experiment with winemaking; Qingxu County, south of its provincial Capitial Taiyuan, has records showing winemaking history that dates back to 2,000 years.
If Barbera d’Asti is the King of Pop Wine in Northern Italy, and Babera d’Asti Superiore is the underrated muscular superhero of Barbera, then the Nizza DOCG is the suave, serious. international man of mystery… it’s the James Bond of Barbera.
Like time travellers and Yogi Berra’s mind-bending witticisms, organic wine seems stuck in a paradox. It keeps growing in popularity, yet most consumers are disinclined to pay more for it. In fact, in the case of highly rated wines, those that are explicitly labelled organic often fetch lower prices versus comparable-quality cuvées made via conventional means.
A Print Magazine All About Natural Wine Is In The Works
The world of niche food magazines just got a little bigger. Terre, an art-driven publication dedicated to all things natural wine, recently launched a crowdfunding campaign.
Alcohol does not alter personality, say scientists as they debunk myth of ‘happy drunk’
Although many people blame drinking for alterations in their usual behavior, new research shows that there is little shift in character between sober and squiffy.
A couple of wine writers have recently tried to make the case that bad wine should be tolerated, if not embraced. They argue that it can’t be entirely bad if it appeals to large numbers of people. Drinking bad wine encourages the love of all wine, and, really, nothing is harmful about bad wine, so why not live and let live?
Growth in rosé consumption has been mind-boggling. The latest figures from Nielsen Research and French Customs indicate that sales in Provence rosés alone increased 55% by volume and 60% by absolute value during the twelve months ending July 2016, as compared to 34% on volume and 40% on value for the same period a year earlier. In France, one of every three bottles of wine consumed is a rosé.
Here’s Why You Should Think Twice Before Refrigerating Your Champagne
“If it sits in the fridge for weeks, the cork can dry out due to no humidity,” she said. “As corks dry out, the seal between the bottle and the cork loosen up and the Champagne will oxidize faster, changing its aromas.”
Vouvray (“voo-vray”) is a white wine made with Chenin Blanc grapes that grow along the banks of the Loire River in the Touraine district of France. Wines range in style from dry to sweet, and still to sparkling, each with its own distinct character. Regardless of style, Vouvray is loved for its delicate floral aromas and boisterous taste that will pucker your lips and make you immediately wish for another sip.
There is perhaps no more contentious term in the wine world than terroir. The mere mention of the word can send the listener into a state of uncertainty, confusion, trance, or agitation–even fury. Trying to nail down the definition of terroir can be just as challenging. Over the years, I’ve heard the word defined as microclimate, soil type, brettanomyces, poor winery hygiene, old barrels, even disposable income.
There’s a beer which gives you mystical sexual powers (apparently)
A union between Dorset based beer makers Cerne Abbas Brewery and The Watercress Company, Watercress Warrior’s sexual powers are no doubt increased by the famous Cerne Giant, which will feature as it’s label logo.
Residual sugar is and what makes a sweet wine sweet. And that residual sugar is the sugar from the grapes that’s left over after fermentation; more residual sugar makes a sweet wine, and the absence of residual sugar makes a dry wine.
Matchbook Wines began in the rolling pastures of Dunnigan Hills in 2004. Dunnigan Hills, one of California’s newest AVA’s is located in northern California, east of Napa Valley. It was first planted to grapes in the late 70’s when John and Lane Giguiere returned home from college to save their family’s wheat and sheep farm. Realizing that the wheat market could no longer sustain their farm financially, and that sheep are really not that smart, the couple planted Dunnigan Hill’s original vines. These vines would be the foundation of RH Phillips Winery and the famed Toasted Head Chardonnay. Years after selling the RH Phillips label, John and Lane returned to Dunnigan Hills to begin a new venture: Matchbook Wines.
Matchbook Winery is a small, family owned winery focusing on the production of high-quality, yet affordable wines that rival the world’s best.
Daniel O’Connor began working with John and Lane in 2016, and after years of working for much larger, more corporate wine companies, he has found a home. Dan’s passion for wine began early in the restaurant business as he worked to earn his graduate and undergraduate degrees. He lives in Boston’s North End and represents John and Lane’s interest here on the East Coast.
During our tasting and seminar, We will focus on “Old World Wines in the New World,” discussing the history of the grape varietals that we will taste and their roots in France and their success in California.
“Napa Valley Rocks” , Napa Valley Vintners’ Unique Educational Program, digs deep into what makes Napa Valley America’s premier wine growing region. For years, wine lovers have extolled the virtues of ripe Cabernet Sauvignons or rich, buttery Chardonnays from Napa. Travelers flock there for stunning cuisine while they laze the day away tasting the Valley’s handsome collection of wines. To truly appreciate Napa Valley, we need to thoroughly penetrate the surface. The convergence of an ideal climate for grape growing, a unique geology, a compelling wine history, a pioneering, innovative spirit, a respect for the environment, and a tradition of giving back contribute to what makes Napa Valley unique. Napa Valley most definitely has a story to tell.
About Jo Ann
Jo-Ann Ross is Napa Valley Vintners’ Greater Boston Wine Ambassador. She was selected to attend the Napa Valley Vintners’ “Napa Valley Rocks” program in 2010 and the “Napa Valley Vintners’ Wine Writers Academy” in 2012. In addition, she holds the coveted Diploma of Wine and Spirits (DWS) from Great Britain’s Wine and Spirits Education Trust. Jo-Ann is also New England’s First French Wine Scholar and Italian Wine Scholar Instructor issued by the Wine Scholar Guild of Washington, DC. She is always eager to champion world wide wine regions through organizing and conducting successful marketing promotions for restaurants and retail stores throughout New England. Jo-Ann created the unique “Edu-Tasting℠”, a 5 minute mini-class to accompany a standard wine tasting.
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Do you like wine? Do you like books? Join us for a special Wine Tasting & Book Club Meeting at Franklin Liquors on Tuesday, June 6 at 7:00 p.m.! We will be discussing Sweetbitter, by Stephanie Danler. Kim Shipala, Assistant Library Director at the Franklin Public Library, will lead a discussion of the novel, while Kim Simone of Vinitas Wineworks will do a tasting of the wines mentioned in the book.
The book discussion is free, but the wine tastings are $10 each. Space is limited to 40 participants. To register, either visit the library’s website or call Kim Shipala at 508-520-4943.
The first ten to register will receive a free copy of the book! Register
Wine And Chocolate Events
Franklin Liquors And The Sugar Shoppe Partners For
Italian wines can be some of the most confusing to understand. This tasting/education will cover history, geography, laws, regions and grapes. Come explore Italy!
Monday, May 29, 2017 – Memorial Day is now a legal to sell alcohol
Please be advised that the law was changed at the end of last year’s legislative session. Massachusetts’s law now permits us to sell beginning at 12:00 noon
Our First Wine Book Club Event
Do you like wine? Do you like books? Join us for a special Wine Tasting & Book Club Meeting at Franklin Liquors on Tuesday, June 6 at 7:00 p.m.! We will be discussing Sweetbitter, by Stephanie Danler. Kim Shipala, Assistant Library Director at the Franklin Public Library, will lead a discussion of the novel, while Kim Simone of Vinitas Wineworks will do a tasting of the wines mentioned in the book.
The book discussion is free, but the wine tastings are $10 each. Space is limited to 40 participants. To register, either visit the library’s website or call Kim Shipala at 508-520-4943. The first ten to register will receive a free copy of the book!
The brew is made with malting barley fertilized by the contents of urinals at the largest music festival in Northern Europe. The 50,000 liters of human waste liquid was used as an alternative to traditional animal manure or factory-made fertilizer products.
The Latin American nation produced 105 million hectoliters of beer in 2016, an 8.1 percent increase from a year earlier, according to the country’s beer chamber, vaulting past Germany as the world’s fourth-largest producer.
Wines with names like Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc and Vignoles aren’t all that well known, certainly not like their cousins Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay. Why is that, and why do Missouri winemakers choose to grow these lesser known wine grapes? The answer is fairly simple… weather and disease.
Warren Buffett Takes On Texas’ Three-Tier Drinks System
Not only may a company not operate in more than one of the three tiers, but state regulators have taken the position that a company that manufactures or distributes alcoholic beverages may not own even a single share of stock in any company that sells alcohol or vice versa.
IN THE WINE INDUSTRY, BOTTLE AND CLOSURE CHOICES ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF BRAND MESSAGING.
Even modern-day bottles adhere to centuries-old standards of shapes, sizes, and colors. “The wine market has historically been very conservative when it comes to packaging
Though it’s common to ferment Chardonnay wines in oak barrels to impart texture and flavor—and fermenting reds in large upright wooded casks was once standard—fermenting red wines in oak barrels is a fairly new practice.
How Wine Labels Influence Purchase Decisions Using Eye-Tracking Technology
The decision to what the label should look like can arguably be just as important as the growing of the grape and other winemaking processes prior to the wine even going into the bottle.
The Wine Group’s Cupcake Vineyards has launched two new rosé offerings. Cupcake Vineyards California Rosé, retailing at $12.99 a 750-ml., is a blend of Grenache, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot and will be a permanent addition to the lineup. At $15.99, Cupcake Vineyards Sparkling Rosé is a seasonal entry made from Chardonnay and Pinot Nero grapes in Italy. It will be available from April through September. Both new Cupcake rosés are rolling out nationwide.
The Dogpatch winery that is making synthetic wine
Ava Winery doesn’t look much like a winery. In fact, according to the government, it isn’t a winery.
This Dream Job Will Let You Road Trip Across The Country And Drink Canned Wine
They’ll hit the road in a vintage 1972 Citroën mobile wine bar and travel across the United States, making pit stops at various festivals and events along the way.
Here’s how many calories are in your glass of wine
Ever wonder what that glass of wine is costing your waistline? Without nutrition labels on most alcohol, many of us don’t notice how many calories we’re really consuming.
7 Things Only People Who Drink More Rosé Than Water Will Know
The wine industry in the United States isn’t as heavily regulated as much as the food industry is. As a result, some producers get away with loading rosé with dyes and other random chemicals
Jordan Debuts First Jordan Cuvée by Champagne AR Lenoble
Jordan Vineyard & Winery is excited to announce the official launch of our first Jordan Cuvée, 100 percent produced by Champagne AR Lenoble, owned and operated by the Malassagne family in the Champagne region of France. The Jordan Cuvée by Champagne AR Lenoble is a special bottling of non-vintage brut that celebrates the shared business values and common winemaking philosophies of both families.
It’s in your head: Wine flavors come from your brain
Where does the taste of wine come from? While most of us would refer to the grapes, winemaking techniques or vintages, few approach wine tasting from the neurological perspective. In his new book and paper, Gordon Shepherd of the Yale School of Medicine provided an explanation of how our brain mechanisms help form our perception of wine flavors.
Crémant is a group of sparkling wines made with the same technique as Champagne, but from outside the Champagne region. This article details the nine different Crémant wines of France and Luxembourg.
Once tainted, Portugal’s cork industry fights back
Cork has raised its U.S. market share to around 60 percent, and its share of the global market, which Amorim estimates is worth about $1.3 billion a year, stands closer to 70 percent.
Young, French and Angry: Winegrowers in Southern France Are Struggling
Dozens of winegrowers from France’s Languedoc region swept through three supermarkets in Nîmes on March 30, in search of wine they believe is threatening their livelihood: low-priced Spanish wine. To the dismay of supermarket staff, who stood watching, the vigilante vignerons climbed the shelves, smashing wine bottles and emptying boxed wine cartons onto the floor of the aisle. They piled shopping carts with more bottles, which they subsequently dumped on the pavement of the parking lot.
Matchbook Wines began in the rolling pastures of Dunnigan Hills in 2004. Dunnigan Hills, one of California’s newest AVA’s is located in northern California, east of Napa Valley. It was first planted to grapes in the late 70’s when John and Lane Giguiere returned home from college to save their family’s wheat and sheep farm. Realizing that the wheat market could no longer sustain their farm financially, and that sheep are really not that smart, the couple planted Dunnigan Hill’s original vines. These vines would be the foundation of RH Phillips Winery and the famed Toasted Head Chardonnay. Years after selling the RH Phillips label, John and Lane returned to Dunnigan Hills to begin a new venture: Matchbook Wines.
Matchbook Winery is a small, family owned winery focusing on the production of high-quality, yet affordable wines that rival the world’s best.
Daniel O’Connor began working with John and Lane in 2016, and after years of working for much larger, more corporate wine companies, he has found a home. Dan’s passion for wine began early in the restaurant business as he worked to earn his graduate and undergraduate degrees. He lives in Boston’s North End and represents John and Lane’s interest here on the East Coast.
During our tasting and seminar, We will focus on “Old World Wines in the New World,” discussing the history of the grape varietals that we will taste and their roots in France and their success in California.
Do you know 5 corporations own 80-90% of wines for sale? Many people buy wines based on label only. Do you? This wine tasting/education will explain what is on a wine label and how it can help you find the best for your dollar. After this event buying wine will never be the same!
Italian wines can be some of the most confusing to understand. This tasting/education will cover history, geography, laws, regions and grapes. Come explore Italy!
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Do you like wine? Do you like books? Join us for a special Wine Tasting & Book Club Meeting at Franklin Liquors on Tuesday, June 6 at 7:00 p.m.! We will be discussing Sweetbitter, by Stephanie Danler. Kim Shipala, Assistant Library Director at the Franklin Public Library, will lead a discussion of the novel, while Kim Simone of Vinitas Wineworks will do a tasting of the wines mentioned in the book.
The book discussion is free, but the wine tastings are $10 each. Space is limited to 40 participants. To register, either visit the library’s website or call Kim Shipala at 508-520-4943.
The first ten to register will receive a free copy of the book! Register
Wine And Chocolate Events
Franklin Liquors And The Sugar Shoppe Partners For
Do you know 5 corporations own 80-90% of wines for sale? Many people buy wines based on label only. Do you? This wine tasting/education will explain what is on a wine label and how it can help you find the best for your dollar. After this event buying wine will never be the same!
Winery, vineyard cyber attack risk grows with web-connected systems
Your property insurance may well cover it, if the policy is of the all-risk variety. But if you have a policy that specifies the perils such as fire, flood etc., it is possible that you’re not covered for property losses resulting from a cyber attack.
THOMAS JEFFERSON IS PROVEN RIGHT AS VIRGINIA WINE COMES OF AGE
Just 30 miles as the crow flies from the U.S. capitol in Washington D.C., Virginia winemakers have leapt forward with wines of finesse and originality since the turn of the last century.
Shaken by 2014 quake, Napa winery again standing tall
Only now, more than 2½ years after the quake, has that restoration work been finished. And on May 7, Trefethen will finally re-open the McIntyre doors to the public — reinforced, re-insulated and, yes, seismically retrofitted.
Meet Joe Wagner, the man shaking up the Sonoma County wine world
Less than two years ago, Constellation Brands Inc. bought his Meiomi brand for a whopping $315 million, a figure that jolted analysts because it included no hard assets such as vineyards or a winery.
Draft vs. Bottle: A Data Breakdown of Beer Ordering Habits
The following data represents on-premise order data from the 12 months ending in March 2017. While the majority of retailers covered here are located outside of New England and New York, these particular regions are strongly represented in the data. Figures represent percentages of orders from distributors in dollar terms.
Science reveals what progressively happens in your body & brain as you drink
What Makes a Good Wine Label?
Before even tasting a wine, labels are what immediately draw us to a bottle. One critic shares his opinion on the good, the bad and the ugly of wine labels.
RIEDEL TEAMS UP WITH ELTON JOHN ON RAINBOW DECANTER
Each decanter has been mouth blown in Riedel’s Kufstein glassworks in Austria, handcrafted to display the colours of the rainbow and shaped to mimic the form of the harp.
Most people — including Millennials and GenX — would not recommend buying alcohol online
Calif Wine Retail Sales Value Soars 25%
How a Wine Brand Advanced Digital Ad Measurement
Constellation Brands wanted to measure the impact of digital ads on in-store purchases of its Black Box Wines mid-campaign, rather than waiting until after the ad push
What are our expectations for wine service amid huge shifts in restaurant and sommelier culture? Jon Bonné looks at three New York sommeliers who are confronting the question in all its complexity.
Trump, Trudeau Talk, and Readouts Are Very Different
Meanwhile, one site thinks US will go after Canadian wine next
A post at the Canadian site Maclean’s thinks Trump is going to go after wine sales in British Columbia next, arguing that the Canadian product has an unfair advantage over US wine because of grocery store rules.
U.S. says “discriminates against the sale of U.S. wine.” B.C. does allow U.S. wine to be sold under the “store within a store” option, but no grocery chain will go to the trouble or expense to do it. The situation also applies in other provinces like Ontario. Don’t be surprised when Trump soon starts talking about Canada’s “disgraceful” wine policy. It is all about America First.
Why Uruguay could be the new Jura And could Tannat by the new Malbec? Jane Anson looks at Uruguay’s adoption of the Tannat grape and learns about fresh initiatives that could help to get the country on restaurant wine lists.
Hunt & Ryde in partnership with winemaker Guy Davis of Davis Family Vineyards. Named for his sons, Hunter and Ryder Fieri, the brand produces Pinot Noir from the family’s organically farmed estate vineyard in the Russian River Valley and old-vine Zinfandel from well-known sites in Sonoma County.
Petit Verdot is a red grape that was traditionally reserved as a minor blending grape in the world famous Bordeaux wine blend. However, as the grape has spread to warmer climates, winemakers have realized that Petit Verdot can make intensely bold, fruity-yet-floral, red wines that can and do easily stand on their own.
As the other wine producing country, Italy also has laws to indicate wine quality. Essentially, there are four classifications known as “The Pyramid of Quality”. The highest quality wines, characterized by strict production rules and the highest value, are at the top of the pyramid. Low quality wines characterized by the fewest restrictions and lowest value are at the base.
Jose Cuervo and Fender build ‘world’s first’ agave guitar
All traditional wood elements on the guitar – the body, 21-fret neck and fingerboard – are replaced by agave plant-based material, and features Fender hardware, a custom-engraved neck plate with a Jose Cuervo inscription, and hand-wound Fat ‘50s neck, RWRP middle and bridge pickups.
Everything You Need To Know About Tuscan Wine in 600 Words
Tuscan wines are some of the most popular produced in Italy, and also arguably some of the very best. If you want to find out why they’re so beloved and which ones to try, you need this three-minute guide.
In Nissan’s case, they ingeniously found a way to showcase the numerous capabilities of their NV200 compact cargo van by embracing two attractions their chosen location of San Diego, California was renowned for – surfing and yes, beer.
Boston Beer misjudges spring seasonal approach, sales decline
In its first quarter earnings report for 2017, Boston Beer reported a $27.1 million decrease (14 percent) from the same period last year, mainly due to a decline in shipments of 15 percent. Depletions decreased 14 percent from the comparable 13-week period in 2016.
What makes Chardonnay crisp over creamy? How do tannic reds evolve in barrel? From the effects of French versus American oak, here’s what you need to know.
Santa Carolina is Carolina Wine Brands’ flagship brand. With a history spanning over 140 years, Viña Santa Carolina was established in 1875 by Luis Pereira, who named it after his wife, Carolina Iñiguez. Located in Santiago, the winery’s facilities and underground cellar are a National Monument and are open to the public at large. With sales in excess of 25 million bottles, Santa Carolina’s wines are available in over 90 countries. In 2015, Santa Carolina celebrated its 140th anniversary and was chosen the New World Winery of the Year by the prestigious American magazine Wine Enthusiast.
Amazing value in wine! We will explore reds and whites.
About Mark
New England Regional President For Carolina Wine Brands USA
Do you know 5 corporations own 80-90% of wines for sale? Many people buy wines based on label only. Do you? This wine tasting/education will explain what is on a wine label and how it can help you find the best for your dollar. After this event buying wine will never be the same!
Italian wines can be some of the most confusing to understand. This tasting/education will cover history, geography, laws, regions and grapes. Come explore Italy!
Ever found yourself staring at a wine label and been confused about what it’s telling you? You’re not alone! Join Mark and Kim as they decode the language on that bottle of wine. You’ll learn how to tell if a wine is dry or sweet, what might be in a blend, and so much more!
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Santa Carolina is Carolina Wine Brands’ flagship brand. With a history spanning over 140 years, Viña Santa Carolina was established in 1875 by Luis Pereira, who named it after his wife, Carolina Iñiguez. Located in Santiago, the winery’s facilities and underground cellar are a National Monument and are open to the public at large. With sales in excess of 25 million bottles, Santa Carolina’s wines are available in over 90 countries. In 2015, Santa Carolina celebrated its 140th anniversary and was chosen the New World Winery of the Year by the prestigious American magazine Wine Enthusiast.
Amazing value in wine! We will explore reds and whites.
About Mark
New England Regional President For Carolina Wine Brands USA
Could that glass of Chardonnay affect the condition of your skin?
“We found white wine and liquor were significantly associated with a higher risk of rosacea,” said study senior author Wen-Qing Li. He’s an assistant professor of dermatology and epidemiology at Brown University.
Will the US’s three-tier distribution system survive?
Booze has been almost entirely regulated and taxed by individual states, with everything from dry counties like Moore County, the home of Jack Daniel’s, to the drive-by Daiquiri stands of Louisiana.
A couple years ago, Bianca Bosker became so fascinated with wine and the experts running the cellars at New York’s finest restaurants that she quit her editor job to become one herself. “To taste better is to live better,” she writes in her bestselling new book, Cork Dork,
Narragansett Beer is relaunching summer seasonal Del’s Shandy, a mix of Narragansett lager and Del’s lemon concentrate. The 4.7%-abv brew is available across Narragansett’s East Coast distribution area in six-packs of 16-ounce cans and 12-packs of 12-ounce cans. Six-packs will retail at around $10 and 12-packs will sell at around $15. Narragansett Del’s Summer Shandy will be available throughout the summer season.
SEVERE FROSTS WREAK HAVOC IN CHAMPAGNE
The mercury also dipped to dangerous levels in Burgundy and the Loire Valley the night of Wednesday 19 April, but Champagne appears to have been the worst hit.
Today, the most ubiquitous way to sell wine is to say “such and such” gave it a 90 points-plus rating. And those ratings are based on folks sitting in a controlled environment, much like my tasting, taking a sip from a glass, making their own personal determinations of what the wine was like and making notes.
Castilla y León, just north of Madrid. Ribera del Duero is known for its lush, Tempranillo-based red wines, while Rueda is famous in the country for its bright, Verdejo-based whites
The brand launched globally in 1987 and was selling more than 120 million bottles and cans in 60 countries by 1995. However, the brand came under fire from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for ‘promising poison and plague but delivering only vodka’.
5 Things Altria Group Investors Should Know About Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Most people reasonably think of Altria Group(NYSE:MO) for its Marlboro brand of cigarettes, which has gained worldwide renown and is a marketing colossus. Yet what many people don’t know about Altria is that it owns a wine business, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Although Ste. Michelle is quite small compared to its tobacco operations, Altria still sees substantial sales and profit from the unit, and it provides useful diversification. Below, you’ll find five things you should know about Altria’s wine business.
Sales of Calif wines priced over $10 show healthy growth
You Can Now Drink Your Prosecco With Rose Gold Glitter
A U.K.-based kitchenware store (think of it as a British Sur la Table), is offering up edible glitter designed for prosecco. Add a dash to the bubbly beverage and it’ll impart a pretty rose-gold hue.
Beer at Target’s Fenway store was too cheap, state says
Regulators at the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission have cited Target’s store in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston for violating a longstanding state rule that bans retailers from selling alcohol for less than what they paid.
The Precision Approach to Enhancing Wine Flavors with Oak
Vivelys, offering innovative solutions to precision winemaking, has developed a range of 11 different Boisé oak chips that each departs unique organoleptic characteristics to the wine. Each oak chip has its own set of characteristics developed through diligent research and reproduced by precisely analyzing and measuring the wood’s organic compounds, and then carefully controlling toasting time and temperature to create a consistent product
People won’t drink wine that tastes like this, finds new study
Researchers from Brock University in St. Catherines, Ontario, tested the link between alcohol consumption and people’s responsiveness to different taste sensations and found that those who are good at perceiving sensations like bitterness and astringency in foods are more likely to be drinkers of all kinds of alcoholic beverages while those of who respond strongly to qualities such as sourness and umami (a savoury, meaty taste) are less likely to drink wine in particular.
Dating back to the Bronze age, India has a long tradition of winemaking. Today, primarily in Nashik and Nandi Hills, interest and investment are growing.
The 20-Something’s Guide To Buying Cheap Wine — The Right Way
A good wine store has staff that loves working within your budget and requirements. Just be prepared to tell them if you want if you want red, white, still or sparkling, what kinds of wines or flavors you like, and what you want to spend.
Believe it or not, Mexico makes wine too! The first vineyards in North America were planted in Mexico. Here’s a little overview of what’s to know about modern Mexican wine country.
Today, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines includes more than 1,300 acres of cool-climate estate vineyards in the Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands regions of Monterey County, with an emphasis on Chardonnay, Riesling, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir, over 2,300 acres in Paso Robles dedicated to Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah and other red varieties, and 33 acres in Napa Valley, highlighting Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc. From this rich and diverse palette of sustainably farmed estate fruit, J. Lohr crafts wines showcasing bold, concentrated flavors and a vibrant sense of place. The winery offers four tiers of award-winning wines – J. Lohr Estates, J. Lohr Vineyard Series, J. Lohr Cuvée Series and J. Lohr Gesture
We will explore the J.Lohr Vineyard series wines. Showcases the finest fruits from vineyards in Paso Robles, Monterey County, and Napa Valley. Very limited in production!
Santa Carolina is Carolina Wine Brands’ flagship brand. With a history spanning over 140 years, Viña Santa Carolina was established in 1875 by Luis Pereira, who named it after his wife, Carolina Iñiguez. Located in Santiago, the winery’s facilities and underground cellar are a National Monument and are open to the public at large. With sales in excess of 25 million bottles, Santa Carolina’s wines are available in over 90 countries. In 2015, Santa Carolina celebrated its 140th anniversary and was chosen the New World Winery of the Year by the prestigious American magazine Wine Enthusiast.
Amazing value in wine! We will explore reds and whites.
About Mark
New England Regional President For Carolina Wine Brands USA
Do you know 5 corporations own 80-90% of wines for sale? Many people buy wines based on label only. Do you? This wine tasting/education will explain what is on a wine label and how it can help you find the best for your dollar. After this event buying wine will never be the same!
Italian wines can be some of the most confusing to understand. This tasting/education will cover history, geography, laws, regions and grapes. Come explore Italy!
Ever found yourself staring at a wine label and been confused about what it’s telling you? You’re not alone! Join Mark and Kim as they decode the language on that bottle of wine. You’ll learn how to tell if a wine is dry or sweet, what might be in a blend, and so much more!
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Today, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines includes more than 1,300 acres of cool-climate estate vineyards in the Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands regions of Monterey County, with an emphasis on Chardonnay, Riesling, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir, over 2,300 acres in Paso Robles dedicated to Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah and other red varieties, and 33 acres in Napa Valley, highlighting Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc. From this rich and diverse palette of sustainably farmed estate fruit, J. Lohr crafts wines showcasing bold, concentrated flavors and a vibrant sense of place. The winery offers four tiers of award-winning wines – J. Lohr Estates, J. Lohr Vineyard Series, J. Lohr Cuvée Series and J. Lohr Gesture
We will explore the J.Lohr Vineyard series wines. Showcases the finest fruits from vineyards in Paso Robles, Monterey County, and Napa Valley. Very limited in production!
A Woman’s Death Sorting Grapes Exposes Italy’s ‘Slavery’
More than 40,000 Italian women, as well as migrant and seasonal laborers — that remains at the core of Italy’s agricultural economy, especially here at the country’s jagged heel.
Getting to Know California’s Best Unsung Wine Regions
Largely overlooked, the Arroyo Grande and Edna Valleys illustrate the triumphs and challenges faced by California’s many wine regions. Here’s what to know.
Samuel Adams Celebrates Homebrewers, Releases LongShot American Homebrew Pack
The Samuel Adams LongShot American Homebrew Competition was started in 1996 by Jim Koch, founder and brewer of Sam Adams, to recognize and support the homebrewing community where he and many other professional brewers got their start.
Italy seen benefitting the most from rising wine consumption worldwide in next four years
Worldwide wine consumption will grow by 4.3% over the next four years, led mainly by buyers in China (21.6%) as well as Russia (6.1%) and the United States (5.7%).
SCIENCE CONFIRMS WINE REALLY IS GOOD FOR THE HEART
A recent large-scale study conducted by the University of Cambridge in England suggests that having a drink of wine every day could help protect your heart from disease. Considering millennials consumed nearly 36% of all wine purchased in the last year, the results of this study should be happy news for an entire generation of wine drinkers.
Our country’s third president was also the first unofficial sommelier for our country — specifically for the first two presidents and the three who followed him.
Entire Burgundy wine region to be covered by hi-tech ‘hail shield’ to kill storm clouds
By June, the entire area will be protected by a network of 125 ground generators that cause tiny particles of silver iodide to rise to the clouds above, where they stop the formation of hail stones, and thus reduce the risk of damage.
But even if the extent of your beer education stops and starts with Miller Lite, you might still enjoy learning these 10 little-known facts about the world’s favorite alcoholic beverage. Bottoms up!
Between Turin and Milan lies the southern portion of the Alto Piemonte region. It extends north in the foothills of the Alps but well short of the Swiss border.
14 OF THE MOST UNUSUAL GRAPE VARIETIES IN NAPA VALLEY
Napa Valley is world-famous for its Cabernet and Chardonnay, but did you know that there are at least two dozen other red and a dozen white varieties that are planted there?
Why is Trader Joe’s Wine Cheaper Than Bottled Water?
To understand how Charles Shaw sells wine for pocket change, it helps to know who Charles Shaw is—and why he has absolutely nothing to do with this story.
This Vintage Truck Brings Ridiculously Good Beer, on Tap, to Private Events
Anyone can throw some shoddy keg lines on a truck and call it a beer truck. But TAPPED will be pouring beers out of the kind of sophisticated tap systems that marquee chef-driven beer-focused restaurants like Row 34 and Brewer’s Fork do. Only in your backyard.
Both games attempt to offer a simulation of the experience of being a winemaker in France or Italy, respectively. You know, deceiving appellation authorities about your yields and secretly acidifying your overripe Grenache while haemorrhaging as much money as possible.
New Zealand Wine Nears 5 Million Cases In U.S. Market
BASIL HAYDEN’S BOURBON MOVES INTO STRAIGHT RYE
Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey is “inspired” by the brand’s core expression, which has a high rye mash bill and uses twice as much rye as traditional Bourbons, creating a spicy finish.
Currently, the famous singer produces six wines from a Chianti estate called Il Palagio, some of which take their name from his songs, such as Message in a Bottle or his flagship Super Tuscan blend, which is called Sister Moon.
If wine is made from just grapes, why can some people can taste different fruits such as cherry, pear, or passion fruit? There are also flavor descriptions like butter, vanilla, clove, and even bacon used in many wine tasting notes. So, where do these flavors come from?
Is Champagne Still Champagne if It Doesn’t Have Bubbles?
Few people outside France have ever tried a sparkle-free wine from Champagne, but these still wines, known as Coteaux Champenois, aren’t hard to find locally.
Riesling is a grape you either love to love or love to hate. Those who love Riesling appreciate it for its pronounced aromatics and food-friendliness. Sweeter style Rieslings make a perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes, such as Asian foods. The often overlooked drier styles of Riesling pair well with light meats and fish.
Boston Beer Co.’s Traveler Beer has released three of its shandies in cans for the first time. Traveler Grapefruit Shandy, Aloha Traveler Pineapple Shandy and Curious Traveler Lemon Shandy are now available in the 12-can Traveler Refreshment Variety Pack. Traveler Grapefruit Shandy is also available in its own 15-can pack. All three beers are 4.4%-abv wheat beers with added fruit flavors. The 12-can variety pack and 15-can pack of Grapefruit Shandy will be available nationwide from April through August.
Languedoc-Roussillon Infographics: Biggest Wine Region in the World!?!
It is relatively little known outside of the French borders, but the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the South of France, is one of the very biggest wine regions in the world.
Wine label descriptions influence consumers more than shop staff, awards: report
Australian consumers pay more attention to the flavour descriptions on the back of a wine bottle than to shop staff recommendations, according to a report by global market research firm Wine Intelligence.
It also found that style and flavour descriptions on wine labels had more influence than whether the wine has won a medal.
Lets take an educational adventure while tasting wines and explore labels.
Do you know the truths and lies on the labels?
We will get back to our original club roots at this event. Talking and tasting while giving you tips and tricks.
You will leave a better wine buyer and a little scared!
Whats in that bottle can all learned with a few tips.
Today, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines includes more than 1,300 acres of cool-climate estate vineyards in the Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands regions of Monterey County, with an emphasis on Chardonnay, Riesling, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir, over 2,300 acres in Paso Robles dedicated to Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah and other red varieties, and 33 acres in Napa Valley, highlighting Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc. From this rich and diverse palette of sustainably farmed estate fruit, J. Lohr crafts wines showcasing bold, concentrated flavors and a vibrant sense of place. The winery offers four tiers of award-winning wines – J. Lohr Estates, J. Lohr Vineyard Series, J. Lohr Cuvée Series and J. Lohr Gesture
We will explore the J.Lohr Vineyard series wines. Showcases the finest fruits from vineyards in Paso Robles, Monterey County, and Napa Valley. Very limited in production!
Do you know 5 corporations own 80-90% of wines for sale? Many people buy wines based on label only. Do you? This wine tasting/education will explain what is on a wine label and how it can help you find the best for your dollar. After this event buying wine will never be the same!
Italian wines can be some of the most confusing to understand. This tasting/education will cover history, geography, laws, regions and grapes. Come explore Italy!
Ever found yourself staring at a wine label and been confused about what it’s telling you? You’re not alone! Join Mark and Kim as they decode the language on that bottle of wine. You’ll learn how to tell if a wine is dry or sweet, what might be in a blend, and so much more!
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
STUDY FINDS ORGANIC WINE ACTUALLY DOES TASTE BETTER
The organic wines scored higher than the conventional wines. Like, a lot higher. An average of 4.1 points higher, in fact, which is pretty statistically significant.
Are vineyards just farmland, or are they cultural treasures? F&W’s Ray Isle goes inside the fight to save some of California’s oldest grapevines from the bulldozer.
Bourne Police Chief Dennis R. Woodside read the Bourne Board of Selectmen the riot act during the board’s meeting Tuesday night, April 4. Chief Woodside criticized the board for retroactively approving a liquor license for a reception at Massachusetts Maritime Academy that was held earlier that day.
In an effort to live a healthy lifestyle amidst a job where indulgence is encouraged, many in the wine business are trading in wine glasses for yoga mats.
The official definition of biodynamic farming according to the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association is “a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture, gardens, food production and nutrition.”
As with most things, not all wines are created equal. Enter natural wine, an elusive variety that challenges traditional conventions of what wine looks and tastes like, why we drink it and, most importantly, how it’s made.
Why England’s Sparkling Wines Can Now Rival Champagne
How often does the world give birth to a brand-new wine region? Every 50 years? Every 100? And yet southern England, of all places, has just arrived as one. New, exciting, unprecedented—the best sparkling wines being made here, less than 75 miles from London, hold their own alongside those of Champagne, and 30 years ago they didn’t even exist.
What exactly is cork taint? A taint can be defined as an undesired character that is completely foreign to a beverage or food, normally coming from an exterior source.
16 Top Celebrity Wines and Wineries in Sonoma & Napa
From rock stars to movie makers, race car drivers to football players, click through the gallery above to see the VIPs that are making wine in Sonoma and Napa.
FRENCH OAK VERSUS AMERICAN OAK: HOW DO BARRELS AFFECT WINES?
French and American oak offer different flavor characteristics, as do Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchong. French oak tends to taste of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans and exotic, savory spices. American oak leans toward dill, coconut, vanilla extract and sweet spices.
Beginning with the 2017 Major League Baseball season, the sponsorship includes the launch of a new right field grandstand bar for games and special events at Fenway Park, serving signature Tullamore Dew drinks.
Global drinking: What do other countries drink … and how much
How Does Wine Relate to Our Sense of Touch?
Tasting notes often include words relating to our tactile sense—silky, firm, muscular or brambly. We look at 8 fabrics and the types of wine they represent.
Champagne Science: There’s a Lot Going on in That Bottle of Bubbly
Don’t let the effervescence fool you. Not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Authentic Champagne is named for the French region in which the sparkling wine is produced using a special fermentation method that creates seemingly endless carbonation.
The notion of drinking seasonally offers a convenient means of organizing the wine world, but the approach is largely flawed. Jon Bonné on why it’s time to roll forward our rhetoric.
In response to the upward sales trends of Rosé and the continuing growth of Bota Box in the industry’s fastest growing segment, premium 3-liter bag-in-box, Delicato Family Vineyards has introduced the highly anticipated Bota Box Dry Rosé.
New Study Finds Glyphosate Increases Risks for Pregnant Women and Babies
A new study being released today at the Children’s Environmental Health Network (CEHN) conference in Washington, D.C. says that higher glyphosate levels in pregnant women’s urine correlated with shorter pregnancies and lower birth weights.
Last year California wine grape growers used more than 700,000 pounds of glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) on vineyards.
Here are some highlights of glyphosate use on wine grapes in leading counties. The numbers featured are the number of pounds applied to wine grapes, per 2014 California State Dept. of Pesticide Regulations reports.
Northern California
Napa: 43,000
Sonoma: 76,000
Central California
Madera: 88,000
San Joaquin (including Lodi): 93,000
San Luis Obispo (including Paso Robles): 42,000
Santa Barbara: 24,000
An entry-level guide to mezcal, the smoky Mexican liquor that’s lowbrow no more
Mezcal is the umbrella name given to liquor distilled from any species of agave plants native to Mexico.
Heaven Hill Brands’ Admiral Nelson’s rum will expand this month with the release of Admiral Nelson’s Pineapple Rum. The pineapple-flavored rum is bottled at 35% abv and is the tenth addition to the Admiral Nelson brand, which contains a mix of flavored, spiced and traditional rums. The rum is priced at around $11 a 750-ml. Admiral Nelson’s has seen substantial growth since 2007 and the brand was acquired by Heaven Hill in 2011. In 2016, the brand depleted 851,000 cases, up 0.8%, according to Impact Databank.
Beaujolais Sees Life After Nouveau
The focus on cheap-and-cheerful light reds is affecting the better producers in this conflicted wine region.
Marked by a vast expanse of parched land and the Gobi desert, quality winemaking is made possible by a rolling mountain range called the Helan Montains that block cold winds blowing in from the northwest and Tengger desert.
Those of us who love wine are not always aware of how our appreciation changes the way we view the world. Sure, we might limit our vacations to areas near wine regions or spend a little more time reading the fascinating histories of certain wines. But sometimes we might take things a step further too–a step into the silly side!
2016 World wine production down 3%, US up 10%, global consumption holds steady
Global wine production declined 3.2 % in 2016, down to 7 billion gallons (267 million hectolitres – mhl) from 7.3 billion in 2015 according to an International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV)) news conference in Paris.
Champagne’s Last Taboo Falls: It’s Now Fine to Drink Bubbles on Ice
For many years, champagne was seen as something ceremonial and rigid, only served at a precise temperature and with specific glassware. Now winemakers are introducing new blends of bubbles that are casual, fun, and meant to be served bracingly cold.
Whether you’re sipping Negronis at the annual office bash or polishing off a bottle of Merlot on your couch, you’re a lady who appreciates a stiff drink. But is everything you know about holding your liquor actually a lie? Let’s investigate.
Atlanta Braves stadium to sell beer made with baseball bat shavings
With some help from the Terrapin Beer Company of Athens, Ga., SunTrust Park will be offering a brand-new “Chopsecutioner” beer which is aged atop wood from real Mizuno baseball bats.
Lets take an educational adventure while tasting wines and explore labels.
Do you know the truths and lies on the labels?
We will get back to our original club roots at this event. Talking and tasting while giving you tips and tricks.
You will leave a better wine buyer and a little scared!
Whats in that bottle can all learned with a few tips.
Do you know 5 corporations own 80-90% of wines for sale? Many people buy wines based on label only. Do you? This wine tasting/education will explain what is on a wine label and how it can help you find the best for your dollar. After this event buying wine will never be the same!
Italian wines can be some of the most confusing to understand. This tasting/education will cover history, geography, laws, regions and grapes. Come explore Italy!
Ever found yourself staring at a wine label and been confused about what it’s telling you? You’re not alone! Join Mark and Kim as they decode the language on that bottle of wine. You’ll learn how to tell if a wine is dry or sweet, what might be in a blend, and so much more!
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
The Abruzzo region today is on the cutting edge of grape growing and winemaking in all of Italy. We will talk about the special set of climates and soils that makes Abruzzo unique. We will talk about the grape varieties that have evolved in Abruzzo for over a thousand years. And we will talk about Gianni Masciarelli, the curious skeptic, biological savant, and energy management genius who took Abruzzo from a sleepy wine backwater to the cutting edge.
About Dave:
Dave Abbott began his wine career in 1985 with the Big Y Wine superstore in Northampton, Massachusetts just in time to taste all of the 1982 Classed Growth Bordeaux, and most of the to 1983 Burgundy Premier and Grand Crus. This is when he became vitally interested in the geography, geology, topography, climate, agriculture, history, culture, wine traditions and culinary traditions of the European wine lands. Dave has been liberally overeducated at Dartmouth (BA English 1972), University of Michigan (MA English Language and Literature 1977), and University of Massachusetts (PhD/ABD 19th and 20th Century Novel leaving in 1985). A teacher at heart, Dave has long been fascinated by all the factors that make every wine unique. A salesman by trade, Dave has worked for Consumer Programming Services selling encyclopedias door-to-door in the West Virginia coal fields, as Sales Associate and Italian and German Brands Manager for Big Y Wines, as the founder of Wine Diamonds wine brokerage, for MRR Traders as Western Mass Wholesaler’s Rep, and since 1998 for Masciarelli Wine Company as Western Mass Rep, and later as a Regional Sales Manager. In 2007 Dave became Regional Sales Manager for the imports division of Masciarelli Wine Company serving North Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and Delaware later adding Ohio, Illinois, Colorado, Montana, Washington, Oregon and Northern California. In 2012 Dave also became Masciarelli’s Wine Educator, and Sales Trainer for both the Massachusetts and Florida divisions.. Since 2015 Dave has handled Regional Sales Manager duties for Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Marylnd, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio and Illinois. Since 2012 he has been National Brand Manager for Valori, Castello di Cacchiano, La Caplana, and the Masciarelli Estate in Abruzo. Summer 2015 marked Dave’s 25th trip to Italy.
Today my business involves making connections with 9 distributors, traveling to 13 states, doing ride-alongs with 85 sales people a year teaching them about the things that make our wines so very special, calling on 1000 retailers and restaurants projecting the voice, character, style and passion of the Masciarelli Wine company and the wine families we represent. Always fascinated by the intricacies of Italian wine, Dave aspires to be the World’s Best Italian Wine Salesman.
Lets take an educational adventure while tasting wines and explore labels.
Do you know the truths and lies on the labels?
We will get back to our original club roots at this event. Talking and tasting while giving you tips and tricks.
You will leave a better wine buyer and a little scared!
Whats in that bottle can all learned with a few tips.
Do you know 5 corporations own 80-90% of wines for sale? Many people buy wines based on label only. Do you? This wine tasting/education will explain what is on a wine label and how it can help you find the best for your dollar. After this event buying wine will never be the same!
Italian wines can be some of the most confusing to understand. This tasting/education will cover history, geography, laws, regions and grapes. Come explore Italy!
Ever found yourself staring at a wine label and been confused about what it’s telling you? You’re not alone! Join Mark and Kim as they decode the language on that bottle of wine. You’ll learn how to tell if a wine is dry or sweet, what might be in a blend, and so much more!
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
A bill in Massachusetts is seeking to double excise taxes on alcohol. All funds would be used for various substance-abuse treatment and awareness programs. Another proposal would allow Bay Staters to buy booze on Thanksgiving Day. (Bans on Sunday and Christmas Day sales would still stand.)
How To Take Advantage Of The Expanding World Of Wine
For many wine consumers, the temptation to drink the same few grape varieties, from the same places where those wines are most well-known, is overwhelming.
HOW TRADER JOE’S WINE BECAME CHEAPER THAN BOTTLED WATER
The company’s white zinfandel is one of 83 California wines that tested positive for high levels of inorganic arsenic. Our conclusion is that something is going on inside the winery, not in the field where grapes are grown. More likely than not, they’re adding something to the wine
Guinness Irish Wheat has a typical wheat haze and notes of citrus, clove, and banana. It’s brewed with wheat sourced in Ireland with the same yeast that is used for Guinness Stout.
This north-westerly region boasts many indigenous grape varieties that each bring a unique character to the table. Wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco are examples of fine wines to savour for special occasions, but Piedmont’s everyday drinking wines hold a charm of their own.
To stay well and healthy in this industry, particularly when travelling to markets where tasting and drinking is part of the job, is not easy, as it requires restraint, mindfulness of environment, body awareness, and knowledge of self
The most popular alcoholic drink in 31 countries around the world
Are We Overly Influenced by Wine Labels?
Wine labels play an important role in our decision making process, even if we don’t realize why. Let’s take a look at how wine labels influence our choices and affiliation with brands, along with some tips on how to look past the design on the bottle for pertinent information.
Your Illustrated Guide to Pairing Fashion and Wine
Armani, Versace, Wang, Gaultier—we check out eight designers and find the wine that suits their style. Also, which fashion icons have turned to winemaking?
To get to the most extreme winemaking region in Spain, you’ll have to travel a bit farther south than the country’s mainland – just off the coast of southern Morocco, to be exact. It’s here that the volcanic archipelago of the Canary Islands, or Las Canarias, sprung up over the course of several million years and became home to some of Europe’s oldest vines.
7 Wine Rules You Officially Have Permission to Break
If you think wine is snobby, expensive and difficult to understand, it’s time to forget everything you’ve ever heard right this second. Today, the world of wine is more exciting than ever, so we’re ditching the old adages. Presenting seven outdated wine rules you’re officially allowed to break.
Diageo has expanded its Cîroc Vodka line with the launch of a limited edition Summer Colada expression, infused with flavours of pineapple and coconut.
Perusing old wine bottle labels offers tasty glimpse into evolution of California winemaking
Anyone still collect wine labels? For decades after the repeal of Prohibition, people enamored with the history, romance and art of wine patiently would steam or soak off labels from bottles.
Not intended to be a Millennial thing, per se; although, Millennials are still very exploratory and are the age demographic to be more open to anything new. They’ve all recently left home and are out on their own, mostly bucking “the establishment.” Their enjoying wine in a can certainly says, “This is NOT your daddy’s wine,” right?
Pairing wines with Easter can be tricky due to the variety and volume of food on the table. However with our picks, you’ll be able to hop along with your choices rather quick!
China’s Weilong aims to beat Treasury Wine Estates at own game
China’s third biggest wine company is aiming to have an $80 million winery up and running by 2019 near Mildura to mirror the export strategy of big Australian rivals
The average Indian wine drinker can’t tell a Cabernet Sauvignon from a Sauvignon blanc
There is an old webcomic that punchily describes the two kinds of wine drinkers in the world. There’s the snob who revels in swirling the glass, sniffing the bouquet, and identifying the tones and undertones. And then there’s the drinker, for whom it’s just, well, wine to glug down
Guide to Wards, Districts, Regions and all that of South Africa
outh Africa has a clear and logical demarcation of land for wine growing. It is based, says the governing body, the Wine & Spirit Board and its relevant sub-committee, the Demarcation Committee, on ‘nature and the human hand’.
TOTAL WINES OVERTURNS ‘UNCONSTITUTIONAL’ SOUTH CAROLINA LIQUOR LAWS
US wine retailer Total Wines has successfully challenged the traditional liquor laws of South Carolina, after the state’s supreme court branded a cap on the number of stores a retailer can have as “unconstitutional”.
The Taste Of Wine Isn’t All In Your Head, But Your Brain Sure Helps
What do listening to music, hitting a baseball and solving a complex math problem have in common? They all activate less gray matter than drinking wine.
TTB Alcohol Beverage Sampling Program 2016 Results
Each year we purchase products from the marketplace and bring them to our offices for label assessments, where we first evaluate them for compliance with our labeling regulations. Following the label assessments, we send the products to our laboratories for a series of chemical analyses to assess whether the products themselves comply with the information displayed on the product labels.
Here are the wine findings:
Featured Wine: Nebbiolo
The most popular Nebbiolo-based wines, Barolo and Barbaresco, are quite expensive. Luckily, you can get your cherry, tar, and rose-fix from a few other regions where there are more pocketbook-friendly options
Natick MA selectmen approve Wegmans’ liquor license
Kentucky Spirits in Natick Center plans to close later this year. Ercole Ubaldino, the store’s owner for the past 27 years, said he is sad to be shutting down.
Wegmans agreed to pay $1.32 million for the liquor license, according to records included in the transfer request application.
When it comes to pricing, quality and customer expectation both matter, finds a study co-authored at Cambridge Judge Business School that focuses on wine.
Although it has a long history as a producer of Rhône Valley wines—it was especially prominent during the Avignon Papacy—Ventoux has mostly been somewhat quiet and relatively ignored in recent centuries.
The vast majority of wine does not involve genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Let me repeat, the vast majority of wine does not involve GMOs. On to the rest of the story:
No California red wine today is generating more buzz than pinot noir. And Sonoma County is ground zero for the widest range of cool-climate styles of pinots, like the ocean-influenced wines of Sonoma Coast, foggy and cool Green Valley, gentle rolling hills of Carneros Sonoma and the extensive vineyards throughout the Russian River Valley.
This refreshing golden lager is flavored with a hint of natural coconut for a light tropical note and features 5% ABV. The product is slated for a select market roll-out beginning May 1st 2017 in Miami/Fort Lauderdale (FL), San Diego (CA) & Ann-Arbor/Lansing (MI). Produced in the Caribbean, Malibu® Beer will be imported into the U.S. market by United States Beverage under exclusive licensing from the Malibu® brand.
The Abruzzo region today is on the cutting edge of grape growing and winemaking in all of Italy. We will talk about the special set of climates and soils that makes Abruzzo unique. We will talk about the grape varieties that have evolved in Abruzzo for over a thousand years. And we will talk about Gianni Masciarelli, the curious skeptic, biological savant, and energy management genius who took Abruzzo from a sleepy wine backwater to the cutting edge.
About Dave:
Dave Abbott began his wine career in 1985 with the Big Y Wine superstore in Northampton, Massachusetts just in time to taste all of the 1982 Classed Growth Bordeaux, and most of the to 1983 Burgundy Premier and Grand Crus. This is when he became vitally interested in the geography, geology, topography, climate, agriculture, history, culture, wine traditions and culinary traditions of the European wine lands. Dave has been liberally overeducated at Dartmouth (BA English 1972), University of Michigan (MA English Language and Literature 1977), and University of Massachusetts (PhD/ABD 19th and 20th Century Novel leaving in 1985). A teacher at heart, Dave has long been fascinated by all the factors that make every wine unique. A salesman by trade, Dave has worked for Consumer Programming Services selling encyclopedias door-to-door in the West Virginia coal fields, as Sales Associate and Italian and German Brands Manager for Big Y Wines, as the founder of Wine Diamonds wine brokerage, for MRR Traders as Western Mass Wholesaler’s Rep, and since 1998 for Masciarelli Wine Company as Western Mass Rep, and later as a Regional Sales Manager. In 2007 Dave became Regional Sales Manager for the imports division of Masciarelli Wine Company serving North Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and Delaware later adding Ohio, Illinois, Colorado, Montana, Washington, Oregon and Northern California. In 2012 Dave also became Masciarelli’s Wine Educator, and Sales Trainer for both the Massachusetts and Florida divisions.. Since 2015 Dave has handled Regional Sales Manager duties for Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Marylnd, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio and Illinois. Since 2012 he has been National Brand Manager for Valori, Castello di Cacchiano, La Caplana, and the Masciarelli Estate in Abruzo. Summer 2015 marked Dave’s 25th trip to Italy.
Today my business involves making connections with 9 distributors, traveling to 13 states, doing ride-alongs with 85 sales people a year teaching them about the things that make our wines so very special, calling on 1000 retailers and restaurants projecting the voice, character, style and passion of the Masciarelli Wine company and the wine families we represent. Always fascinated by the intricacies of Italian wine, Dave aspires to be the World’s Best Italian Wine Salesman.
Lets take an educational adventure while tasting wines and explore labels.
Do you know the truths and lies on the labels?
We will get back to our original club roots at this event. Talking and tasting while giving you tips and tricks.
You will leave a better wine buyer and a little scared!
Whats in that bottle can all learned with a few tips.
Do you know 5 corporations own 80-90% of wines for sale? Many people buy wines based on label only. Do you? This wine tasting/education will explain what is on a wine label and how it can help you find the best for your dollar. After this event buying wine will never be the same!
Italian wines can be some of the most confusing to understand. This tasting/education will cover history, geography, laws, regions and grapes. Come explore Italy!
Ever found yourself staring at a wine label and been confused about what it’s telling you? You’re not alone! Join Mark and Kim as they decode the language on that bottle of wine. You’ll learn how to tell if a wine is dry or sweet, what might be in a blend, and so much more!
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
From amphorae to eggs and even glass, winemakers are experimenting with techniques and materials, some ancient, to push the boundaries of fermentation.
Why Millennials love wine packaging that is not in a bottle
We know cans are all the buzz, but what are Millennials top reasons for alternative packaging? Plus, the social media channel that can best target Millennials.
Massachusetts: In a case dating back to early 2016, the Craft Brewers Guild of Massachusetts (CBD; a beer wholesaler) was indicted by the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (MABCC) in a “pay-to-play” scheme alleging that CBD paid retailers monthly payments in exchange for their beer being on-tap at the retail accounts. Following a threatened 90-day license suspension, the MABCC fined CBD $2.6 million dollars. The cases continue, however, against the retailers who received the payments. The retailers’ defense is that this is normal activity and “everyone does it.” If that defense prevails, I’ll be astounded. As it stands, I’m watching this case carefully.
Which at the end of the day is the wine equivalent of saying that McDonalds deserves the affection and respect of food critics and gourmets the world over for having engineered such tasty eats that can be sold at prices everyone can afford.
Liquor manufacture tasting rooms; OPEB liabilities a concern in Franklin
The Town Council will be considering a zoning change that would allow microbreweries or wineries with tasting rooms in vacant spaces in non-residential areas of town.
In theory, this pyramid of wine classifications is meant to combine two concepts: 1) quality regulations regarding how the wine is made, and 2) indications of where the wine originates.
In practice, this pyramid can puzzle the hell out of the average wine lover. Why are the wines at the top more expensive than those at the bottom? If I like a wine in the middle, does that make me uncouth? And so on…
The region is patchwork of vineyards on the flat high plains south of Valladolid, that’s home to a rare indigenous white grape called Verdejo (“vurr-day-ho”).
Doing more than sipping on gin and juice isn’t highly recommended for us gym rats. Still, if wine or beer is your libation of choice, it pays to know the better option.
Do experts rate red wines more highly than white wines, regardless of price, vintage, and region? Does this mean there is a critical bias in favour of red wines? Is it a flaw in the 100-point scoring system used by the major wine magazines?
Game of Thrones wines make sense as a promotional item: wine, sometimes poisoned, is a major prop on the show. What’s surprising is that, like the show itself, these new wines are quite ambitious.
Pinotage – it’s a word that runs easily off the tongue and, thanks to winemakers’ greater understanding of how to get the best out of it, including planting vines in cooler areas, it’s a wine that today runs more easily down the throat.
From humble beginnings in London, Tanqueray has grown to be one of the biggest gin brands in the world, especially in the US, writes Nicole Mezzasalma.
UK wine merchant Laithwaite’s has launched a new campaign dubbed ‘Save Our Wines’ after research shows UK households throw the equivalent of 624 million bottles a year down the drain.
GROWTH OF US CRAFT BEER SLOWS AS ‘BIG BEER’ SNAPS UP BREWERS
The US craft beer industry added 1.4 million barrels to its production volume in 2016, growing the segment by 6%, despite losing 1.2 million barrels to ‘big beer’ producers that have snapped up numerous craft brewers throughout the year.
For those totally unfamiliar with the term, Cicerone is to beer what sommelier is to wine. They are experts in beer styles, quality and service. Think about your biggest beer nerd friend. Now multiply that person by 10. That’s a cicerone.
Westfield MA liquor store to close, sells license to Walmart
If the mega-retailer’s plan comes to fruition, Westfield will be its third Massachusetts location selling alcohol, joining stores in Raynham and Ware, according to the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
RUMOR in Franklin has Walmart coming to town soon!
The Abruzzo region today is on the cutting edge of grape growing and winemaking in all of Italy. We will talk about the special set of climates and soils that makes Abruzzo unique. We will talk about the grape varieties that have evolved in Abruzzo for over a thousand years. And we will talk about Gianni Masciarelli, the curious skeptic, biological savant, and energy management genius who took Abruzzo from a sleepy wine backwater to the cutting edge.
About Dave:
Dave Abbott began his wine career in 1985 with the Big Y Wine superstore in Northampton, Massachusetts just in time to taste all of the 1982 Classed Growth Bordeaux, and most of the to 1983 Burgundy Premier and Grand Crus. This is when he became vitally interested in the geography, geology, topography, climate, agriculture, history, culture, wine traditions and culinary traditions of the European wine lands. Dave has been liberally overeducated at Dartmouth (BA English 1972), University of Michigan (MA English Language and Literature 1977), and University of Massachusetts (PhD/ABD 19th and 20th Century Novel leaving in 1985). A teacher at heart, Dave has long been fascinated by all the factors that make every wine unique. A salesman by trade, Dave has worked for Consumer Programming Services selling encyclopedias door-to-door in the West Virginia coal fields, as Sales Associate and Italian and German Brands Manager for Big Y Wines, as the founder of Wine Diamonds wine brokerage, for MRR Traders as Western Mass Wholesaler’s Rep, and since 1998 for Masciarelli Wine Company as Western Mass Rep, and later as a Regional Sales Manager. In 2007 Dave became Regional Sales Manager for the imports division of Masciarelli Wine Company serving North Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and Delaware later adding Ohio, Illinois, Colorado, Montana, Washington, Oregon and Northern California. In 2012 Dave also became Masciarelli’s Wine Educator, and Sales Trainer for both the Massachusetts and Florida divisions.. Since 2015 Dave has handled Regional Sales Manager duties for Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Marylnd, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio and Illinois. Since 2012 he has been National Brand Manager for Valori, Castello di Cacchiano, La Caplana, and the Masciarelli Estate in Abruzo. Summer 2015 marked Dave’s 25th trip to Italy.
Today my business involves making connections with 9 distributors, traveling to 13 states, doing ride-alongs with 85 sales people a year teaching them about the things that make our wines so very special, calling on 1000 retailers and restaurants projecting the voice, character, style and passion of the Masciarelli Wine company and the wine families we represent. Always fascinated by the intricacies of Italian wine, Dave aspires to be the World’s Best Italian Wine Salesman.
Do you know 5 corporations own 80-90% of wines for sale? Many people buy wines based on label only. Do you? This wine tasting/education will explain what is on a wine label and how it can help you find the best for your dollar. After this event buying wine will never be the same!
Italian wines can be some of the most confusing to understand. This tasting/education will cover history, geography, laws, regions and grapes. Come explore Italy!
Get ready for Easter by join Franklin Liquors and Hillside Nursery for an evening of flowers and wine! Design a garden basket of Easter Bulbs for yourself or as a gift, and welcome Spring by tasting through an assortment of seasonal wines
Ever found yourself staring at a wine label and been confused about what it’s telling you? You’re not alone! Join Mark and Kim as they decode the language on that bottle of wine. You’ll learn how to tell if a wine is dry or sweet, what might be in a blend, and so much more!
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
In MA There Were 3 Days A Year You Could Not Buy Liquor:
Christmas
Thanksgiving
Memorial Day
Say Goodbye To Memorial!
In a last minute push to pass an economic development bill during the late hours of the last day of the session, the Legislature inserted an additional section that would allow liquor stores to open on Monday, Memorial Day, this year and in future years. Sales hours will be restricted to allow for stores to open at 12 noon. The latest allowable closing hour will be 11:00 PM, as it is for all other days of operation
According to Wine Business Monthly, roughly 90 percent of wine sold in the U.S. comes from the 30 top producers, and more than half of the wine sold domestically comes from E. & J. Gallo, The Wine Group and Constellation Brands. The fact that most of the domestic wine sold in this country is produced by a handful of companies is not shocking. What is shocking is that there are now more than 9,000 domestic wineries competing for the remaining 10 percent of sales.
We will discuss regions, laws and explore unique wines from Champagne to the Southwest. Don’t let wines from France confuse you, learn what grapes grow best where and become an expert!
Giving a cat real alcohol is a terrible idea, so these products are just filtered water mixed with catnip and things like salmon oil and organic beet juice.
How Costco’s Wine Guru Picks The 250 Labels That Will Sell $4 Billion A Year In Booze
The idea is to price most everything some 20 percent below the competition. And they turn to their own private label, Kirkland Signature, when the wine they want isn’t available on the open market.
How to Order Wine in a Restaurant: 14 Alternatives to Panicking
Do you freeze up when handed a wine list at a restaurant? This guide will steer you towards the easy way to make the perfect selection, glass or bottle.
Kevin O’Leary sells wine on U.S. home shopping channel amid leadership campaign
O’Leary writes on his website that he created O’Leary Fine Wines “to help give Americans access to amazing wine at an amazing price.” A three-bottle set of O’Leary’s wine was sold by QVC for $43 U.S. with free shipping and handling.
How to enjoy the smooth taste of aged liquor at a fraction of the cost
Until the bourbon bubble bursts, bottle-aged liquors and cocktails may be the solution
Beyond Barrel’s bottle-aging stave is a round, wooden post the size of a standard cigar. The staves are made out of the same barrel wood used to age high-end bottles of wine, and they’re hand-milled by Harrigan in his family’s woodshop.
Makeover time for Busch beer as it unveils new look
The new beer labels debuting on store shelves in April emphasize a mountain stream as a backdrop behind the logos for Busch, Busch Light, Busch Ice and Busch NA.
The bigger the bottle, for instance, the longer the wine will age well. There’s less space (not oxygen, because that was removed and refilled with Nitrogen) at the top of the bottle. With less space at the top, it gives the wine a longer time to age.
How do you tell if a wine will improve with age? Oddly enough–and thank goodness, just spending more money on a bottle won’t guarantee that it will age well. Instead, there are a few key characteristics to look for in cellar-worthy wines.
Italy’s Chianti Classico region is expected to receive Chinese trademark rights for its Black Rooster emblem this year, as it gears up for anticipated sales growth in China’s Year of the Rooster
Fireball whiskey, accused a Florida spirits company Wednesday of gearing up to launch a product that closely mimics the trade dress of the popular cinnamon liquor.
The MC Ratings system defines and integrates the six critical elements of a wine’s overall quality – Taste, Terroir, Viticulture, Vinification, Vintage and Value, also known as 2T4V™. With MC Ratings, a wine can now be assessed holistically like never before.
Traditional Bordeaux Wine Labels Are Getting A Makeover
A 2007 study from the University of California, Berkeley, identified that the image on a wine label has a stronger impact on market success and brand personality than the color or layout of the label. Images of grape motifs or chateaux and vineyards scored well, while those of ‘unusual animals’ ranked lowest.
The 2016 Survey of American Wine Consumer Preferences showed similar results—with 64% of Americans favoring traditional labels over ‘modern’ or ‘fun/whimsical’ labels.
What is Malolactic Fermentation? The Buttery Taste in Wine
Ever wondered why some wines have a creamy or buttery taste? The process of Malolactic Fermentation is a winemaking process that gives both red and white wines a richer and creamier texture. Oddly enough, Malolactic Fermentation isn’t technically a fermentation at all.
America’s taste for Prosecco, while it has grown astronomically, has entered into a new phase. It has become a colossus, but it also has nowhere left to go. It’s kind of like King Kong on top of the Empire State Building.
Stories sell – which is why storytelling is marketing’s hottest new trend. Anyone who’s been to a wine conference lately will certainly have heard the cry go up for the wine trade to ‘tell its stories’. But what is ‘storytelling’, and how can the wine trade do it effectively? New research has uncovered some surprising answers.
Brown-Forman has unveiled a new website providing nutritional information for its portfolio of brands. While Brown-Forman has previously provided nutritional info to consumers on request, the new site will offer easier access to nutritional facts such as calories, fat, sodium and carbohydrates, as well as alcohol content per standard drink. The company’s consumer branded websites and social media pages will be adding a link to the nutrition website over the next several months. Early last year, Diageo also moved to increase consumer access to nutritional info on its brands, debuting a revamped DRINKIQ site devoted to the subject.
BREAKING BAD’S AARON PAUL TO PLAY JACK DANIEL IN TV DRAMA
Actor Aaron Paul has been confirmed to play the founder of Jack Daniel’s, Jack Daniel, in a new TV drama based on a 2004 biography of the distiller’s life, Blood and Whisky: The Life and Times of Jack Daniel.
Rosé may have a reputation of being a fun drink with little sophistication but a new wave of winemakers are bucking the trend by using various methods to add complexity to the wine. We consider the five styles on the market today.
The AMERICAN WINE SPECIALIST® covers each of the 50 American states. Classic wine regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma will be covered, in addition to all other California American Viticultural Areas. Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Washington’s Columbia Valley – both home tosignificant investment by Old World wine families – will be explored at length. We will study the rapidly upcoming regions of New York’s Finger Lakes, Texas Hill Country, and Virginia’s Piedmont. We will also taste a number of native and hybrid varieties from all over the country…this will be an enlightening experience with depth of information and diversity of American wines.
The course consists of 24 hours (4 full days) of class time and tasting, with a final written exam (5th day) required to achieve the official AMERICAN WINE SPECIALIST® certification and pin, issued by the North American Sommelier Association and recognized internationally by the Worldwide Sommelier Association (www.worldwidesommelier.com).
WHEN: 2017 MAR 25th, 26th, APR 1st & 2nd – 9:00AM to 4:00pm (with break)
Exam: 2017 MAY 7th (9:00am – 1 hour)
WHERE: Franklin Liquors – 363 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
It will be a treat to feature wines from two legendary wine figures in Napa Valley history, Anthony Bell (Bell Wine Cellars) and Walter Schug (Schug Vineyard & Winery). Walter Schug grew up in Germany and his experience was sought out by Joseph Phelps in 1973. Walter made California’s first proprietary Bordeaux-Style blend, their well known Insignia label. However, Walter’s passion was Pinot Noir and when Phelps cut their Pinot Noir program, Walter purchased land in Napa’s Carneros District and Schug Vineyard and Winery was born in 1980.
Anthony Bell, came to America by the way of South Africa. He immediately made his mark on the California wine scene by taking over from legendary wine maker Andre Tchelistcheff. Anthony would now be in charge of making the Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) “Georges de Latour” Private Reserve Wines. Anthony would eventually grow his responsibilities to become BV’s General Manager. However, as Napa became more corporate, Anthony wanted to return to his true passion, wine making. In 1991 Bell Wine Cellars was founded and has produced Award Winning wines on his terms.
In the wine world there is no better stories than this regions history, wines and agriculture.
Did you know there is more Merlot and Cabernet grown here than anywhere else in the world?
Vincent will be speaking about the different aspects of Bordeaux regions tasting wines from the various areas.
About Vincent
Vincent Mareel, French born, living in Lille and south of France. He began his US career in Washington, DC with twelve years in the food and wine scene in DC catering to residence and patrons on Capitol Hill. He continued in DC representing both French and prestigious American wines in the DC Metropolitan area, working with elite country clubs and restaurants. Today he has worked for Luneau USA representing the Group Castel as leader in French wines, for 15 years, as well as wineries all over Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal).
An Introduction to Irish Whiskey – a tasting/education
Wednesday, March 8
Franklins own Walsh Family, an Irish Whiskey Importer
This evening is designed to promote the sensible enjoyment of Irish whiskey, Ireland’s indigenous spirit. We believe there is something extra-special about Irish whiskey in its many varieties.
So whether you’re a discerning aficionado or whiskey, or simply partial to the occasional sup, plan to join local Irish whiskey importer of Flaming Leprechaun for this interesting, informative and fun evening in a friendly, casual environment at Franklin Liquors. This is and Irish Whiskey Tasting experience you are sure to enjoy, savor and remember.
Do you know 5 corporations own 80-90% of wines for sale? Many people buy wines based on label only. Do you? This wine tasting/education will explain what is on a wine label and how it can help you find the best for your dollar. After this event buying wine will never be the same!
Italian wines can be some of the most confusing to understand. This tasting/education will cover history, geography, laws, regions and grapes. Come explore Italy!
Get ready for Easter by join Franklin Liquors and Hillside Nursery for an evening of flowers and wine! Design a garden basket of Easter Bulbs for yourself or as a gift, and welcome Spring by tasting through an assortment of seasonal wines
Sign ups soon
The Language of Wine Labels
May 10
Ever found yourself staring at a wine label and been confused about what it’s telling you? You’re not alone! Join Mark and Kim as they decode the language on that bottle of wine. You’ll learn how to tell if a wine is dry or sweet, what might be in a blend, and so much more!
Sign ups soon
Tri-County Adult Education
French Wine Scholar Programs
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
We will discuss regions, laws and explore unique wines from Champagne to the Southwest. Don’t let wines from France confuse you, learn what grapes grow best where and become an expert!
Mark C Lenzi CSW,CSS,CWAS,FWS,IWS*,SWS,IWM owner of Franklin Liquors, is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Spirits( CSS) by the Society of Wine Educators. The first in MA to hold a California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS) title from the San Francisco Wine School. French Wine Scholar(FWS)/instructor and Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS) by the Wine Scholar Guild. Italian Wine Specialist (IWS*) by the North American Sommelier Association. Oregon Wine Expert (OWE) by the Napa Valley Wine Academy, Italian Wine Maestro (IWM) Vinitaly International (First USA Class), Italian Wine Scholar (IWS*) by The Wine Scholar Guild
Co Host-Podcast/Radio Show The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
It will be a treat to feature wines from two legendary wine figures in Napa Valley history, Anthony Bell (Bell Wine Cellars) and Walter Schug (Schug Vineyard & Winery). Walter Schug grew up in Germany and his experience was sought out by Joseph Phelps in 1973. Walter made California’s first proprietary Bordeaux-Style blend, their well known Insignia label. However, Walter’s passion was Pinot Noir and when Phelps cut their Pinot Noir program, Walter purchased land in Napa’s Carneros District and Schug Vineyard and Winery was born in 1980.
Anthony Bell, came to America by the way of South Africa. He immediately made his mark on the California wine scene by taking over from legendary wine maker Andre Tchelistcheff. Anthony would now be in charge of making the Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) “Georges de Latour” Private Reserve Wines. Anthony would eventually grow his responsibilities to become BV’s General Manager. However, as Napa became more corporate, Anthony wanted to return to his true passion, wine making. In 1991 Bell Wine Cellars was founded and has produced Award Winning wines on his terms.
Sammy Hagar and Adam Levine Debut New Santo Mezquila Liquor
The spirits industry has been pretty good to Sammy Hagar over the years, and he’s just added a new alcoholic venture to his portfolio — with an assist from Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine.
Dogfish Head to Debut Draft System That Lets You Drink Beer Straight from the Barrel
A draft system design and installation company based in Annapolis, Maryland, partnered to create the Rack AeriAle, a draft system designed for bars that transports barrel-aged beer straight from the cask to the glass (and better still, on nitro).
SIERRA NEVADA TO LAUNCH BEER CAMP ACROSS THE WORLD
In June, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. will release Beer Camp Across the World, a variety 12-pack featuring collaboration beers with six American breweries and six international breweries.
YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN WHO’S MAKING YOUR WINE
Today’s number one hot-button issue may very well be immigration policy. As opinions from both sides abound on a daily basis, at least there’s wine to get us through it all. But the funny thing about our favorite beverage is that immigrants actually play a huge role in American agriculture, an umbrella that covers winemaking and grape growing.
Targeting Mainland China and Hong Kong’s wine drinkers, an Italian winery has launched a red wine rich in procyanidin – a powerful antioxidant found in tannins.
Without getting too bogged down in science, according to the research, red wine actually has compounds that stimulate our erogenous zones. Drinking two glasses a day gives women a higher sex drive, and in men, seems to increase testosterone in the blood.
Sparkling wine – or beer, or soda, or seltzer* – triggers an unmistakable set of sensations, addictive or repellent depending on your predilection. But is that sensation a taste? A physical sensation? Something else? Probably some combination of the above, though figuring all of that out is trickier than you might imagine.
Wine was introduced to Hungary by the Romans, and the country was known for its excellent wines until the devastation of World War II and the Communist era. Recently Hungarian wines have had a renaissance and garnering prizes in international competitions.
The 89th Academy Awards Ceremony will be aired on February 26, 2017, and you’ll want to make sure you have a lot of beer on hand to get through the evening of glitz and tedium. So without further ado, let’s open the envelope and see what beers have been selected to pair with these nine nominees, while we watch their trailers.
Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) have partnered to launch a new interactive website offering economic impact statistics for California wine and winegrapes at: www.wine‑economy.com.
You walk into a wine store and the little shelf tag on a chardonnay screams that it got a 90 from the Wine Spectator or Robert Parker, which sounds great. But what exactly does 90 mean?
Lawsuit against Walmart claims nothing crafty about its ‘craft’ beers
A Cincinnati-area man has filed a lawsuit against Walmart over what he says is the retail giant’s “fraudulent, unlawful, deceptive and unfair” marketing of craft beers that aren’t really craft beers.
Angry Orchard Introduces Tapped Maple Seasonal Cider
New seasonal hard cider Angry Orchard Tapped Maple, available now through April. Tapped Maple blends American culinary apples with a hint of maple syrup from Vermont maple trees for a not-too-sweet cider with a big, bright apple taste.
The AMERICAN WINE SPECIALIST® covers each of the 50 American states. Classic wine regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma will be covered, in addition to all other California American Viticultural Areas. Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Washington’s Columbia Valley – both home tosignificant investment by Old World wine families – will be explored at length. We will study the rapidly upcoming regions of New York’s Finger Lakes, Texas Hill Country, and Virginia’s Piedmont. We will also taste a number of native and hybrid varieties from all over the country…this will be an enlightening experience with depth of information and diversity of American wines.
The course consists of 24 hours (4 full days) of class time and tasting, with a final written exam (5th day) required to achieve the official AMERICAN WINE SPECIALIST® certification and pin, issued by the North American Sommelier Association and recognized internationally by the Worldwide Sommelier Association (www.worldwidesommelier.com).
WHEN: 2017 MAR 25th, 26th, APR 1st & 2nd – 9:00AM to 4:00pm (with break)
Exam: 2017 MAY 7th (9:00am – 1 hour)
WHERE: Franklin Liquors – 363 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
It will be a treat to feature wines from two legendary wine figures in Napa Valley history, Anthony Bell (Bell Wine Cellars) and Walter Schug (Schug Vineyard & Winery). Walter Schug grew up in Germany and his experience was sought out by Joseph Phelps in 1973. Walter made California’s first proprietary Bordeaux-Style blend, their well known Insignia label. However, Walter’s passion was Pinot Noir and when Phelps cut their Pinot Noir program, Walter purchased land in Napa’s Carneros District and Schug Vineyard and Winery was born in 1980.
Anthony Bell, came to America by the way of South Africa. He immediately made his mark on the California wine scene by taking over from legendary wine maker Andre Tchelistcheff. Anthony would now be in charge of making the Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) “Georges de Latour” Private Reserve Wines. Anthony would eventually grow his responsibilities to become BV’s General Manager. However, as Napa became more corporate, Anthony wanted to return to his true passion, wine making. In 1991 Bell Wine Cellars was founded and has produced Award Winning wines on his terms.
An Introduction to Irish Whiskey – a tasting/education
Wednesday, March 8
Franklins own Walsh Family, an Irish Whiskey Importer
This evening is designed to promote the sensible enjoyment of Irish whiskey, Ireland’s indigenous spirit. We believe there is something extra-special about Irish whiskey in its many varieties.
So whether you’re a discerning aficionado or whiskey, or simply partial to the occasional sup, plan to join local Irish whiskey importer of Flaming Leprechaun for this interesting, informative and fun evening in a friendly, casual environment at Franklin Liquors. This is and Irish Whiskey Tasting experience you are sure to enjoy, savor and remember.
Do you know 5 corporations own 80-90% of wines for sale? Many people buy wines based on label only. Do you? This wine tasting/education will explain what is on a wine label and how it can help you find the best for your dollar. After this event buying wine will never be the same!
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Exploring Italian Wines
Tuesday, May 23rd
Italian wines can be some of the most confusing to understand. This tasting/education will cover history, geography, laws, regions and grapes. Come explore Italy!
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Medway Community Education Winter Programs
Easter Garden Bulb Basket and Spring Wines
April 6
Get ready for Easter by join Franklin Liquors and Hillside Nursery for an evening of flowers and wine! Design a garden basket of Easter Bulbs for yourself or as a gift, and welcome Spring by tasting through an assortment of seasonal wines
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The Language of Wine Labels
May 10
Ever found yourself staring at a wine label and been confused about what it’s telling you? You’re not alone! Join Mark and Kim as they decode the language on that bottle of wine. You’ll learn how to tell if a wine is dry or sweet, what might be in a blend, and so much more!
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Tri-County Adult Education
French Wine Scholar Programs
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
We will discuss regions, laws and explore unique wines from Champagne to the Southwest. Don’t let wines from France confuse you, learn what grapes grow best where and become an expert!
The scientists flowed distilled wine through American oak chips. As the wine seeped past the wooden chips, the researchers blasted it with ultrasound waves. The researchers found that after only three days of ultrasound treatment, they produced spirits that were similar to brandies aged for years.
Game of Thrones’ latest beer is called ‘Bend the Knee’
It’s called Bend the Knee Golden Ale, and its flavor is described as a mixture of “maltiness and citrus” with a “light sweetness,” dry finish, and “firm hop bitterness.”
Iran had a tradition of wine-making which stretched back centuries. It centred on the ancient city of Shiraz – but is there a connection between the place and the wine of the same name now produced and drunk across the world?
Baby Throwing Tantrum Until She Gets Her Red Wine Is All Of Us On Friday Night
OK, OK… she’s not actually a vino-drinkin’ baby, but judging by a video her father shared on Facebook, it sure looks like she’ll be a wine lover when she’s older.
This is a common problem for students—even professionals; when something in the wine dominates to such an extent it becomes difficult to find anything else in the glass.
Extended maceration is a red wine technique that has been around for some time, but it’s a winemaking trend that you’re likely to hear more about in coming years.
The U.S. Wine Industry Focuses On A Sustainable Future
Through its Sustainable Winegrowing Program CSWA offers third-party certification that recognizes the adoption of and ensures improvement of sustainable grape and wine practices to include environmental stewardship, natural resource conservation and responsible business practices.
Keep Your Beer Away From Light to Avoid That “Skunked” Flavor
If you leave a beer out, it can take on a gross, “skunked” taste. It’s not because of the temperature, though. It’s because your beer is absorbing extra light. Keep it away from the sun to make sure your beer stays fresh.
These New England beers were rated among the world’s 100 best
RateBeer just released its list of best beers in the world, and it’s good news for anyone who lives in Patriots territory. Of the 100 beers that made the list, which was released as a part of the annual RateBeer Best Beer Awards, 25 are produced in either Massachusetts, Vermont, or Maine.
Kosher wine is a beverage trend that continues to grow in popularity, especially among mainstream consumers, because of its perceived higher-quality image due the exacting process the wine must go through to receive the kosher seal.
How much will Super Bowl viewers spend on wine, beer & spirits?
Lady Gaga launching wine range
The ‘Born This Way’ singer’s company have filed paperwork to produce wine, wine coolers, wine cocktails and wine punches with the name Grigio Girls, TMZ reports.
Beer is still America’s favorite alcoholic beverage
Beer is still the number one beverage of choice for Americans over the age of 21, data and measurement company Nielsen announced Friday. Four out of 10 regular drinkers prefer the frothy beverage over wine and liquor.
An ongoing trade dispute swirling around liquor sales in British Columbia reached new heights as the United States filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization last month, accusing the Canadian province of discriminating against American wine.
Italian wine group Mezzacorona has unveiled Mezza di Mezzacorona, a new sparkler targeted toward Millennial consumers. Sourced from Northeastern Italy’s Trentino region, Mezza di Mezzacorona is comprised of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Bianco and 10% Müller-Thurgau and features an eye-catching label designed to appeal to social media users. The new entry, which will be available nationwide this spring, is positioned as a casual, everyday sparkler and retails at $15 a 750-ml. It will be handled in the U.S. by Prestige Wine Imports, a Mezzacorona subsidiary.
Premium Boxed Wines Are Smoking Hot 3-liter category
With so many wines out there and so many taxes that pair well with them, how do we find the wine that fits us best and gives us the most bang for our buck?
If you’ve been lucky enough to sip on the more nationally recognized labels like Hedges CMS, Ste. Michelle, or the wines from the Charles Smith dynasty, then you’ve had a nice little introduction to Washington wine. It’s time to go deeper.
Dolcetto has long been in the shadow of Piedmont’s much more famous Nebbiolo grape. But for wine lovers, that’s good news: Top Dolcettos are among the best bargains around
Pabst Blue Ribbon has been around since 1890 and it’s still going strong. Every so often, it seems to get rediscovered by a new generation, and it’s currently the beer of choice among hipsters, a coveted market we’re sure Bud wouldn’t mind breaking into.
It’s always good to know a little something about the beer you’re drinking, so here are five interesting facts about PBR.
Looking enviously across the border at France, Italy has just launched a $21 million government-financed campaign to get Americans to buy more expensive Italian wines. The Italians want you to buy something other than Chianti and Prosecco.
As the expression of a specific country or region, wine celebrates local heritage as part of a diverse global whole. This is what we mean when we refer to the “world of wine.
The AMERICAN WINE SPECIALIST® covers each of the 50 American states. Classic wine regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma will be covered, in addition to all other California American Viticultural Areas. Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Washington’s Columbia Valley – both home tosignificant investment by Old World wine families – will be explored at length. We will study the rapidly upcoming regions of New York’s Finger Lakes, Texas Hill Country, and Virginia’s Piedmont. We will also taste a number of native and hybrid varieties from all over the country…this will be an enlightening experience with depth of information and diversity of American wines.
The course consists of 24 hours (4 full days) of class time and tasting, with a final written exam (5th day) required to achieve the official AMERICAN WINE SPECIALIST® certification and pin, issued by the North American Sommelier Association and recognized internationally by the Worldwide Sommelier Association (www.worldwidesommelier.com).
WHEN: 2017 MAR 25th, 26th, APR 1st & 2nd – 9:00AM to 4:00pm (with break)
Exam: 2017 MAY 7th (9:00am – 1 hour)
WHERE: Franklin Liquors – 363 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
Franklin Liquors Class At The Creative Sewing Studio
Saturday, February 18th, 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Do you really know what’s in a bottle? How about if it’s really organic? Do you know only 5 corporations own 80-90% of wines for sale? Do you know how to get more value for your money or find the best for your specific palate when shopping for wines?This year we are re-opening after our winter break with a new and exciting Creative Arts Workshop, The Art Of Wine Buying! There is no better time for lively, educational conversation and the warmth created by sipping on wine than in the chill of winter!
Mark Lenzi, co-owner of Franklin Liquors will provide us with information on Wine Buying Tips Using Wine Labels that mostly only those in the industry know. No longer will you purchase a bottle solely based on its label design. This sit down wine tasting/education will explain all the truths and lies on a wine label. After this event buying wine will never be the same! http://www.franklinliquors.com
Cost: $38 includes cheese, meats and crackers, wine and information.
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the Fall session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don’t have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Date: 9 Tuesdays: February 28 – November May 30; Review May 16; Exam date: May 30, 2017
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Franklin Liquors, 363 E. Central Street, Franklin MA
Explore the world of truffles and a minimum of 6 fabulous wine pairings. The Sugar Shoppe’s Courtney Nappa and Franklin Liquor’s Mark Lenzi and show you the way for this educational sit-down tasting.
We will discuss regions, laws and explore unique wines from Champagne to the Southwest. Don’t let wines from France confuse you, learn what grapes grow best where and become an expert!
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 328 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Wine In The Word With Randy Frazee The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with Randy Frazee — pastor, coach, and co-author of the book “Wine in the Word”. No […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 327 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Matchmaking & Premium Cocktails with Erik Segelbaum In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the incredibly accomplished Erik Segelbaum. With an extensive wine background that […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 326 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Drink, Eat And Do With Monique Soltani In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with broadcast journalist, media personality, and wine expert Monique Soltani. As the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 325 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Adapting, Judging, and Unlearning Wine with Joe Roberts In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down for an engaging conversation with Joe Roberts, the creative force behind […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 324 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Inside the Mind of a Master Sommelier with Michael Meagher What does it actually take to reach the absolute pinnacle of the wine world? In this powerhouse episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 323 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin Get ready for an enchanting journey through the heart of Italy! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 322 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! A Masterclass With Deborah Parker Wong 🍷 Prepare to be inspired! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with one of the most influential figures in […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 321 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Crushin’ It in Boston: Redefining Wine Culture with Gabrielle Malina Grab a glass and settle in! This week on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark are joined by the powerhouse behind Boston’s […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 320 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Unveiling Perfection: Napa’s New Icon with Jayson Hu From a world-class collector to a visionary creator, Jayson Hu is redefining the pinnacle of Napa Valley luxury. In this episode, Kim and Mark sit down with […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 319 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Wine Digital Marketing With Molly Bossardt In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with Molly Bossardt of Bread & Butter Digital Marketing to pull back the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 318 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Sip, Sense, and Savor: Unlocking the Mindful Glass with Carrie Boyle Cheers, wine lovers! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), your hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the incredibly multi-talented […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 317 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Tariffs, Triumphs, and the Supreme Court: A Conversation with Victor Owen Schwartz In this landmark episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with a true titan of the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 316 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! From Food Critic to Wine Titan With Meridith May In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with a true powerhouse of the industry: Meridith May. As the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 315 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Sustainability with Sandra Taylor In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark dive deep into the world of sustainable viticulture with special guest Sandra Taylor. As the author of […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 314 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! From Prescriptions to Stills with GlenPharmer Distillery In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with Beth and Patrick Downing, the visionary owners of Franklin, Massachusetts’ own […]
