Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire Celebrates the Maison's 200th Birthday]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/28/perrier-jouet-bi-centenaire-maison-200-birthday/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/28/perrier-jouet-bi-centenaire-maison-200-birthday/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/28/perrier-jouet-bi-centenaire-maison-200-birthday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pierrier-Jouet

In 1811, just a year after they were married, Pierre Nicolas Perrier and Rose Adélaїde Jouët released the first bottling of Perrier-Jouët champagne. Even at 200 it is among the youngest of the champagne brands that make Americans giddy: Moët-Chandon (makers of Dom Perignon), Veuve Clicquot and Roederer (makers of Cristal) are 18th century institutions.

When it comes to taste and quality, though, Perrier-Jouët can easily go bubble-for-bubble with its older compatriots. And when it came to celebrating its two-hundredth year, if you ask the house itself, it might have outdone them. Luxist attended the event in Paris, where we're told, "To celebrate its Bicentennary, Perrier-Jouët is initiating a conversation with time."

It is a conversation that begins with the Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire sculpture and that will last nearly 100 years. And it involves lots and lots of champagne...

Gallery: Perrier-Jouet Bi-Centenaire sculpture by Daniel Arsham


Gallery: Images from the Galerie Perrotin

Continue reading The Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire Celebrates the Maison's 200th Birthday

LuxistThe Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire Celebrates the Maison's 200th Birthday originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champagnedaniel arshamPerrier-JouetPerrier-Jouet Belle Epoqueperrier-jouet bi-centenairePerrier-Jouet Fleur de ChampagnewineMon, 28 Mar 2011 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The Swanson Late Bloomers: A Late Harvest Wine Trend in Napa Valley]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/26/swanson-vineyard-napa-valley/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/26/swanson-vineyard-napa-valley/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/26/swanson-vineyard-napa-valley/#commentsFiled under: ,

Swanson Winery
Swanson Winery Entrance

Napa Valley is an environment committed to preservation, populated with those who perfect the essence of multi-layered taste -- be it food, wine or both.

French Laundry and Bouchon are in Yountville, also known as nirvana for Thomas Keller pilgrims. Exceptional wineries are tucked away, often from highway view, in Rutherford, Saint Helena, Oakville, and Calistoga. Resorts are also hidden: The Inn at Carneros (up a side road, behind a garden wall), Calistoga Ranch (in a private canyon), Meadowood (at the end of Meadowood Lane and near the base of Howell Mountain) all removed from plain sight, all worthy of joyous discovery.

Those who retreat to Napa that often engage in wine tastings also discover trends. On a recent journey, I uncovered the emergence of late harvest wines that are becoming increasingly well-known and more appreciated than ever before. Swanson Vineyards makes three exceptional late harvest wines, and has evolved into one of the leaders in this field.

Continue reading The Swanson Late Bloomers: A Late Harvest Wine Trend in Napa Valley

LuxistThe Swanson Late Bloomers: A Late Harvest Wine Trend in Napa Valley originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaliforniaCalistoga RanchDessert WineInn At CarnerosLate Harvest WineMeadowood Napa ValleyMission GrapesNapa ValleyNapa Valley Wine TrendsSwanson Angelica WineSwanson Crepescule Late Harvest WineSwanson Late Harvest WinesSwanson Tardif Late Harvest WineSwanson WineryWine TrendsYountvilleSat, 26 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Riedel Endorses Miele as Dishwasher of Choice]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/25/riedel-miele-dishwasher/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/25/riedel-miele-dishwasher/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/25/riedel-miele-dishwasher/#commentsFiled under: ,

RiedelRiedel stemware are beautiful "tools" (in the words of CEO Maximilian Riedel) to help you get the most out of your wine varietal or spirit of choice. But they also come with a seven step "Cleaning Guide," which is about four to five more steps than I want to perform when doing dishes. The solution came from high-end German appliance maker, Miele, who overcame Riedel's skepticism to become the first automatic dishwasher approved by the 250-year-old Austrian glassmakers for cleaning their products.

Riedel, along with Miele USA CEO Nick Ord, convened at Miele's Manhattan gallery to announce the partnership, which they said went beyond brand synergy and represented an old-fashioned European alliance, sealed with a handshake. Ord said the goal of achieving Riedel's imprimatur was a personal, as well as, professional challenge for him, as he owns Riedel glassware and naturally uses a Miele machine at home. Extensive and rigorous testing ensued with an emphasis on Miele's patented water hardness-adjusting GlassCare function and the basket design of the G 5000 series (Riedel is especially sensitive about his glasses being placed too close together).

Satisfied that their Museum of Modern Art-worthy wine glasses were in good hands, Riedel gave its blessing. When used properly, Miele owners can expect their Riedel glasses to last 1,500 washing cycles, or about 20 years on average, according to Ord. That sure beats 20 years of the seven step method.

LuxistRiedel Endorses Miele as Dishwasher of Choice originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishwashergadgetsglassesglasswaremielenew yorkpartnershipriedelwineFri, 25 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Perrier-Jouet Celebrates Bicentennial with World's First "Living Legacy" Champagne]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/25/perrier-jouet-celebrates-bicentennial-with-world-s-first-living/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/25/perrier-jouet-celebrates-bicentennial-with-world-s-first-living/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/25/perrier-jouet-celebrates-bicentennial-with-world-s-first-living/#commentsFiled under:

Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire

Two hundreds years is an exceptional anniversary to celebrate, and having been founded in 1811, that's exactly what Perrier-Jouët is marking this year. And to celebrate the occasion, the French champagne house is launching what is termed as the world's first "living legend" champagne.

The Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire program involves a (presumably quite wealthy) buyer selecting a magnum of Perrier-Jouët's Belle Epoque 1998 champagne, which is then set down in the winery's cellars for as much as 100 years, after which the buyer's descendants are invited to pick up the finely-aged bottle. The entire process is limited to 100 bottles, each fetching a price of 10,000 euros.

The launch of the program was celebrated with a lavish feast attended by 200 guests -- including many local and international celebrities -- who enjoyed a recreation of the menu crafted for the company's centarian dinner a hundred years ago, prepared by French chef Jean-Louis Nomicos under the tutelage of his mentor Alain Ducasse.

LuxistPerrier-Jouet Celebrates Bicentennial with World's First "Living Legacy" Champagne originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belle epoquebicentenaireBicentennialchampagnePerrier-JouëtPerrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaireperrier-jouetFri, 25 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Indulge Wines Thinks Outside the Box]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/24/indulge-wines/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/24/indulge-wines/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/24/indulge-wines/#commentsFiled under:

Indulge Wines

Remember back in the day when wine came only in bottles? Then came boxed wine. But even that is essentially a bag inside a box. But now Californian vineyard Indulge Wines is cutting the box out of the equation with wine in a bag.

The winery based in Buellton, Santa Barbara County, is offering a 2009 Sauvignon Blanc and a 2009 Pinot Noir in 1.5-liter bags that are equivalent to two regular-sized bottles. And while they may not seem as classy, they do offer several benefits. One is portability, in that the bags are lighter to transport both for the buyer and for distribution, the "Astrapouch" accounting for only 2% of a full bag's total weight. There's also less waste, and the wine is set to keep for 30 days after opening.

[Source: Indulge Wines via Slashfood]

LuxistIndulge Wines Thinks Outside the Box originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxed wineindulgeindulge winespinot noirsauvignon blancwinewine in a boxwine in a sackThu, 24 Mar 2011 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Wine Review: Ponzi 2009 Pinot Noir Tavola‏]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/15/wine-review-ponzi-2009-pinot-noir-tavola/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/15/wine-review-ponzi-2009-pinot-noir-tavola/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/15/wine-review-ponzi-2009-pinot-noir-tavola/#commentsFiled under:

Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir
Ponzi Vineyards celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. It's a thriving family operation founded by Dick and Nancy Ponzi back in 1970 when Oregon's wine culture was just getting started. Their philosophy centers around respectful stewardship as well as innovation and experimentation, and four decades later the vineyard is a successful leader in its industry.

Their latest release is a 2009 Pinot Noir, Tavola, which is a "blend from our Avellana, Abetina, Linda Vista, Madrona, Aurora, Buteo and Estate vineyards, as well as fruit from sustainably grown vineyards located in the Dundee Hills, Yamhill-Carlton and Eola Hills AVAs." I was able to try it myself and found it to be delightful and surprisingly refreshing for a red, with bright fruity overtones and a definite lean to the sweet side. It's smooth, well-balanced, and has a soft, lingering finish. Raspberries, strawberries, and spices are prominent on both the nose and the palate. I imagine it would go well with a variety of meals but we paired it with pan-seared salmon and a butternut/pork belly hash and it was great. Overall it gets a 7.5 out of 10.

Ponzi Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir, Tavola, Willamette Valley, $25.

LuxistWine Review: Ponzi 2009 Pinot Noir Tavola‏ originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pinot noirponzi vineyardsreviewwinewine reviewTue, 15 Mar 2011 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Go Sideways With Author Rex Pickett In Santa Ynez]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/08/go-sideways-with-author-rex-pickett-in-santa-ynez/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/08/go-sideways-with-author-rex-pickett-in-santa-ynez/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/08/go-sideways-with-author-rex-pickett-in-santa-ynez/#commentsFiled under: ,

rex pickett verticalNovelist Rex Pickett just might have the best book tour ever. The author who brought us Sideways, leading to a popular movie and an epic Merlot kerfuffle, is back with a new novel, Vertical. Vertical brings us the same characters, schlubby and charmingly wine-obsessed Miles and vain but endearing Jack on a new adventure. The fortunes of both the author and his characters have changed quite a bit in the intervening years and the book is a rollicking read.

Of course there's plenty of wine involved and so Pickett has been making the rounds of both book stores and wineries. This coming weekend he's up in Oregon and future events take him to Los Angeles, New York and even London. But for the real Sideways style experience you might want to join Pickett in Santa Ynez, California at Gainey Vineyard on Friday, April 15. The event takes place between 5:30 - 8:30 pm and there is no charge. Wine will be available for sale by the glass and books will be available for purchase.

As long as you are there, why not make a weekend of it. The Sideways wine trail page has great suggestions for places to visit that are connected to the book and movie.


LuxistGo Sideways With Author Rex Pickett In Santa Ynez originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gainey vineyardrex pickettsidewaysverticalwinewine countryTue, 08 Mar 2011 01:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Anticipation Builds For LVMH's Nashik Sparklers from India]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/07/anticipation-builds-for-lvmhs-nashik-sparklers-from-india/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/07/anticipation-builds-for-lvmhs-nashik-sparklers-from-india/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/07/anticipation-builds-for-lvmhs-nashik-sparklers-from-india/#commentsFiled under:

Anticipation Builds For LVMH's Nashik Sparklers from IndiaThe global wine industry took notice when LVMH's Moet Hennessy bought its first 150 tons of grapes that were crushed in Nashik, India, where about 60 wine producers call home.

The Times of India quoted Indian wine writer, Alok Chandra as saying, 'Moet's move to enter India's wine sector is significant as it has a history of investing ahead of the curve in most big wine markets outside France.'

Moet's plan is to produce a local Nashik sparkling wine by 2012. In fact, the producer of Moet Chandon and Dom Perignon Champagne is buying land to construct a sparkling wine production facility over the next two years. [A Nashik vineyard pictured]

Continue reading Anticipation Builds For LVMH's Nashik Sparklers from India

LuxistAnticipation Builds For LVMH's Nashik Sparklers from India originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Moet-ChandonNashikNashik ChandonMon, 07 Mar 2011 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Pairing Acidic and Sweet Wines with Food (video)]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/05/pairing-acidic-and-sweet-wines-with-food-video/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/05/pairing-acidic-and-sweet-wines-with-food-video/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/05/pairing-acidic-and-sweet-wines-with-food-video/#commentsFiled under: ,


In the video above, wine expert Neil Smith explains
why special attention needs to be paid to thePairing wines with food (video) acidity and sweetness in wines when pairing wines with food.

"Sauvignon blanc has a high level of acidity, so you need to think about the food and whether it has the equal amount of acidity," he says. "Acidity in food can tame the wine and they can work well together."

Likewise, sweetness can make a highly acidic wine taste even sharper and even unpleasant. "A sweet wine, like a German reisling, can work well with spicy foods," he says. "The sweetness in the wines can tame the spicyness of the food." Watch the video above to learn what types of foods work well with sweet wines.

See our review of The Best Wine Clubs offered directly from wineries here.

LuxistPairing Acidic and Sweet Wines with Food (video) originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acidic winesawards-mainluxist-awardspairing food with winesweet wineswineSat, 05 Mar 2011 21:31:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Open a Bottle of Wine (video)]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/05/how-to-open-a-bottle-of-wine-video/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/05/how-to-open-a-bottle-of-wine-video/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/05/how-to-open-a-bottle-of-wine-video/#commentsFiled under: ,



What are the best ways to open a bottle of wine? In the video above, wine expert Brandon Walsh, president of Reston, Va.-based Hosted Wine Tasting will show you how to operate the most How to open a bottle of wine with a corkscrewcommon wine opening techniques, including a waiter's corkscrew, a winged corkscrew (also affectionately referred to as the two-armed bandit) and a lever corkscrew. See our related post on how to use a wine key.

See our review of The Best Wine Clubs offered directly from wineries here.

LuxistHow to Open a Bottle of Wine (video) originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awards-maincorkscrewluxist-awardsopening winevideowineSat, 05 Mar 2011 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Wine Clubs (with video)]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/04/best-wine-clubs-with-video/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/04/best-wine-clubs-with-video/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/04/best-wine-clubs-with-video/#commentsFiled under:

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
The best wine clubs in the U.S. include several award-winning wineries that produce some of the best wine this country has to offer. Luxist examined the benefits of some of the best, most popular ones, including those from Domaine Carneros, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Duckhorn Vineyards, Far Niente and Cakebread Cellars. There are certain advantages to be had when subscribing to a wine club offered directly from a winery. Here is what we learned:

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
Located just outside the historic town of Kenwood, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, is known for its intensely flavored and complex award-winning wines. St. Francis grows 100% of its grapes in Sonoma County and was among the first to plant Merlot in the Sonoma Valley, enduring many a raised eyebrow for daring to plant a blending grape on prime soil. In June, the winery was a Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Nominee for Best Domestic Red Wine.

Wine Club:
St. Francis offers three different wine clubs. Called "The Patrons Society", the difference between the three options are selections and shipping schedules. Its "red wine club" ships four, six or eight times per year. The "white wine club" includes six-bottle shipments four times a year (February, May, September and November). The Zinfandel Wine Club ships three bottles per shipment over a six month schedule (February, March, May, June, September and November).

Benefits of Membership:
Members are given the ability to sample small production wines before they are released to the public. Often, the wines are so exclusive, that only wine club members have the opportunity to purchase them, as most never hit store shelves.

Discounts:
Members receive a 20% discount on all Artisan wines and a 25% discount on all Sonoma County tier wines. They also receive a 20% discount on all retail merchandise and on reserve wine & food pairings for two (reservations required).

Freebies:
Complimentary wine tastings at St. Francis' Visitors Center and opportunities for "members only" activities at the winery. Members also receive recipes from the winery's Executive Chef, David Bush, for foods that pair well with the wines. Invitations are extended to members for St. Francis regional events around the country.

Cost:
Price varies, depending on size of shipment and does not include tax and shipping (which costs $14 to $21 for a three bottle shipment by UPS Ground). The white wine club ranges from $80 (for a four bottle shipment) to $91 (for a six bottle shipment). The zinfandel wine club ranges from $96 to $108 (for three bottle shipments). Click here to sign up for the wine club. For more information, call (800) 650-5437.

Gallery: St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

St. Francis Winery & VineyardsSt. Francis Old Vines ZinfandelA bottle of St. Francis wineA bottle of St. Francis merlotThe dining room at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

Continue reading Best Wine Clubs (with video)

LuxistBest Wine Clubs (with video) originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awards-mainbest wine clubsbest+winebest+wine+clubbestwinebestwineclubcabernet sauvignoncakeCakebreadCakebread Cellarscakebread+winerycakebreadwinerychardonnayDomaine Carnerosdomaine carneros brut rosefolie a deuxle+reve+domaine+carneroslerevedomainecarnerosluxist-awardssparkling wineSt. Francis Winery Vineyardswhats+difference+between+champagne+and+sparkling+winewhatsdifferencebetweenchampagneandsparklingwinewhich+is+the+best+wine+in+the+worldwhich+winery+has+the+best+wine+clubwhichisthebestwineintheworldwhichwineryhasthebestwineclubwine clubwine clubswine-tastingFri, 04 Mar 2011 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Pair Wine with Food (video)]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/03/how-to-pair-wine-with-food-video/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/03/how-to-pair-wine-with-food-video/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/03/how-to-pair-wine-with-food-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Pairing red and white wines with food.How to pair wine with food? The old adage that white wine pairs well with fish while red wine works with meat, serves as a good basis to start from, according to wine expert Brandon Walsh, president of Reston, Va.-based Hosted Wine Tasting (see video below).

Wines should always be served at their optimal serving temperatures, as well.

Another consideration, he suggests is the concept of matching weights of the wine with the food.

Lighter-bodied white wines include reisling and pinot grigio. Medium-bodied wines include sauvignon blanc while chardonnay is a fuller, heavier-bodied wine, he says.

Lighter-bodied wines go well with salads, as well as light fish, such as sushi. Medium-bodied wines works well with light and flakey fish as well as poultry. Heavier-bodied whites, such as chardonnay, pair very well with salmon or swordfish.

Red wines also range from light to heavier, fuller-bodied wines. A lighter-bodied red wine is a pinot noir or beaujolais. A medium-bodied red is a merlot, syrah (shiraz). Heavier, fuller-bodied wines include cabernet sauvignon. Pinot noir pairs well with salmon as well as some poultry. Syrah and merlot pairs well beef or pork. A cabernet sauvignon pairs well with beef, lamb and game.

See our review of The Best Wine Clubs offered directly from wineries here.

LuxistHow to Pair Wine with Food (video) originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awards-maincabernet sauvignonfood pairingsluxist-awardsmain-pediapinot grigiored winewhite winewinewine and food matchingwine and food pairingswine-pediaThu, 03 Mar 2011 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Fetzer Wine Sold To Chilean Company]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/03/fetzer-wine-sold-to-chilean-company/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/03/fetzer-wine-sold-to-chilean-company/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/03/fetzer-wine-sold-to-chilean-company/#commentsFiled under:

fetzer chardonnayCalifornia-based Feztzer Vineyards has a new owner. Brown-Forman Corporation has announced it is selling Fetzer Vineyards to Chilean wine producer Viña Concha y Toro S.A. for $238 million. Brown-Forman had acquired Fetzer in 1992 from the Fetzer family. Fetzer sold more than three million cases in 2010 and the winery has a focus on sustainable viticulture.

The sale includes the Fetzer winery, bottling facility, and vineyards, as well as the Fetzer brand and other Hopland, California-based wines, including Bonterra, Little Black Dress, Jekel, Five Rivers, Bel Arbor, Coldwater Creek, and Sanctuary as well as a facility in Paso Robles, California. The sale doesn't include the Sonoma-Cutrer brand or the company's long-term agency relationship with Korbel California Champagnes.

The sale is expected to close in April 2011. Viña Concha y Toro S.A. is Latin America's leading producer and exports wine to 135 countries worldwide. Viña Concha y Toro S.A. is Latin America's leading producer and exports wine to135 countries worldwide. Eduardo Guilisasti, Chief Executive Officer of Viña Concha y Toro said: "The Fetzer acquisition is the largest transaction of this type in the company's history. It represents a continuation of our business strategy, which has been carried out successfully over time and enabled us to enjoy steady growth. We believe that this transaction opens additional growth opportunities globally, as well as in the American market, with its main brands Fetzer and Bonterra."

LuxistFetzer Wine Sold To Chilean Company originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Classic Cars, Fine Wine & Cool Design: The Duncan Quinn Appellation Rally]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/classic-cars-and-more at-duncan-quinn-appellation-rally/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/classic-cars-and-more at-duncan-quinn-appellation-rally/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/classic-cars-and-more at-duncan-quinn-appellation-rally/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Classic Cars, Fine Wine & Cool Design: The Duncan Quinn Appellation Rally
Dashing designer Duncan Quinn, known for his roguish take on Savile Row style, is hosting the ultimate gentleman's getaway on Saturday, March 26 for those who appreciate classic cars, fine wine and gourmet meals as much as razor-sharp threads. The Duncan Quinn Appellation Rally features a fleet of wicked wheels from Manhattan's Classic Car Club - including a 1968 Porsche 911, an AC Cobra, Austin Mini (think The Italian Job), Jaguar E-Type roadster, and Ferrari Dino (above) - leaving the city for an overnight jaunt to a 2,500 acre spread in upstate New York via scenic byways and state parks in one hell of a stylish convoy.

There guests will be treated to cocktails followed by an impressive meal from celebrated chef Neil Ferguson accompanied an amazing selection of vintage wines, retiring afterwards to rustic suites. Following breakfast on Sunday also by Ferguson there will be a spot of skeet shooting before another scenic drive back to town. "Tweeds are an option, but style is a must," Quinn tells us. There are only 14 spots on the list, and several have already been filled; the price is $2,000 for singles and $3,000 per couple including the cars and everything except gas and speeding tickets. Call the designer's New York store at 212 226-7030 to reserve.

Gallery: Duncan Quinn Appellation Rally March 2011

Duncan Quinn

LuxistClassic Cars, Fine Wine & Cool Design: The Duncan Quinn Appellation Rally originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AC CobrachefClassic Car Clubclassic carscool+classic+carscoolclassiccarsDuncan QuinneventsFerrariJaguar E-Typeluxury carsmens styleneil+ferguson+chefneilfergusonchefNew YorkPorscherallySavile Rowskeet shootingsportingvintage+carvintagecarWed, 02 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New iPad Wine Lists Help Wineries Get Creative]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/new-ipad-wine-lists-help-wineries-get-creative/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/new-ipad-wine-lists-help-wineries-get-creative/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/new-ipad-wine-lists-help-wineries-get-creative/#commentsFiled under: ,


The iPad may have forever changed the wine list. Now instead of providing their guests with a book-length wine list they can hand over a slim tablet. But the iPad adds more than mere portability, part of the appeal is that the iPad can also serve as an educational tool to learn more about the wine as you choose. Tech-savvy wineries who are already using multimedia platforms have a jump on this technology. One of them is Jordan Vineyard & Winery which has created a winemaker tasting note video series, created for iPad wine lists, as well as smart phones. The ready-made videos of winemaker Rob Davis offer taste profiles for specific wines. Chicago Cut Steakhouse was the first restaurant to premiere a video on its iPad wine lists in February, which features the winemaker discussing 2006 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon and signature Chicago Cut dishes.

Jordan Vineyard & Winery has invested in technology, becoming the first family wine estate to create an in-house department for high-definition web video production. The winery began integrating video into all aspects of its sales and marketing beginning in early 2010 and is ready to provide custom videography services to key restaurateurs and retailers. The ready-made digital wine list videos are two-minute vignettes where the winemaker briefly describes the style and taste profile of the wine, as well as cellar life span and suggested food pairings. Custom videos of similar length include subtitles to accommodate restaurant noise levels and can be tailored to suggest specific restaurant dishes that would pair with Jordan Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon.

LuxistNew iPad Wine Lists Help Wineries Get Creative originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ipadjordan winerywinewine listswinesWed, 02 Mar 2011 01:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Napa Valley Wine Auction Sets New Record]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/28/napa-valley-wine-auction-sets-new-record/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/28/napa-valley-wine-auction-sets-new-record/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/28/napa-valley-wine-auction-sets-new-record/#commentsFiled under:


Another sign that people are back to spending on luxury goods was the record-breaking result at the 15th annual Napa Valley Vinters wine futures auction to the trade over the weekend. The event, which brought together a crowd of around 1,000 vintners, retailers, restaurateurs and others, brought in nearly $2.4 million, beating 2008's record-setting $2.2 million bidding on rare and highly desirable wine lots.

The event at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St Helena beat last year's take by more than 23%. A total of 68 successful bidders purchased 1530 cases at an average case price of $1546, a 37% increase over the recession-stressed take of 2009 and 20% more than 2010. A record was also set for a single lot. A Japanese wine company paid $125,000 for five cases of Scarecrow Wine, easily beating the record of $80,000 set in 2007. For wholesalers, retailers and restaurant owners the auction is a chance to buy wines from top wineries that are often hard to acquire. Other top lots of the day include Schrader Cellars, Ovid, Levy and McClellan, Shafer Vineyards, Robert Mondavi Winery and Reynolds Family.

[via Decanter]

LuxistNapa Valley Wine Auction Sets New Record originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>napa valleyscarecrow winewinewine auctionMon, 28 Feb 2011 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Napa Valley School Benefit Offers Wine Lots For A Good Cause]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/27/napa-valley-school-benefit-offers-wine-lots-for-a-good-cause/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/27/napa-valley-school-benefit-offers-wine-lots-for-a-good-cause/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/27/napa-valley-school-benefit-offers-wine-lots-for-a-good-cause/#commentsFiled under: , ,

casbah in the caveWe like the way they raise money in wine country. The 12th annual fundraiser for The Young School in Napa Valley's St. Helena includes silent and live auctions with a wine focus. This year's event takes place on Saturday, March 12 at Failla Winery.

The winery's elaborate caves make a dramatic setting for the evening, which is called Casbah in the Cave. The evening features a Moroccan feast by Alex's Catering as well as a classical Middle Eastern dance performance. There will be a wide selection of auction lots featuring splendid adventures and truly fine wines from a variety of local wineries including Abreu, Blackbird, Colgin, Robert Foley, Harlan, Ovid, Joseph Phelps, Shafer and Silver Oak. Many wineries such as Far Niente and Smith-Madrone are offering event lots and travel lots offer getaways to Portugal, Nantucket and more.

The Young School is a private non-profit non-denominational Montessori-derived program for children ages 6 through 12 years old/first-sixth grades. The name of the school is taken from two sisters named 'Young' who were well-known Sonoma teachers several decades ago. The first Young School was founded in their home in downtown Sonoma. In 1997 the school moved from its Sonoma location to St. Helena in the Napa Valley. It operates as a 'one-room schoolhouse' in quarters rented from a church in a residential neighborhood of St. Helena and has an enviable 12-1 student-teacher ratio.

Tickets are $100 per person in advance and available at the benefit website.

LuxistNapa Valley School Benefit Offers Wine Lots For A Good Cause originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>napa valleyst helenathe young schoolwine eventsSun, 27 Feb 2011 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[First Taste: Scion Pre-Phylloxera Port]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/18/first-taste-scion-pre-phylloxera-port/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/18/first-taste-scion-pre-phylloxera-port/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/18/first-taste-scion-pre-phylloxera-port/#commentsFiled under:

First Taste: Scion Pre-Phylloxera PortAs the room of tasters, a veritable varsity squad of New York wine writers, took their respective places, the publicist for Portuguese port house, Taylor Fladgate, announced that this was a first: not a single invitation offered to the morning's event had been declined. It wasn't out of courtesy. The 17th-century port purveyor was here at Manhattan's Eleven Madison Park to taste through its line-up of vintage and tawny ports, culminating in a rare treat, an 1855 pre-Phylloxera port called Scion.

Christie's Head of Wine-Asia, Charles Curtis MW, made some opening remarks about Taylor Fladgate, port wine and the auction market before handing the host duties over to Adrian Bridge. The CEO of Taylor Fladgate, Bridge cut an English gentleman's mien as he guided the assembled group through such bottlings as a vintage 1992 (sweet and earthy with slightly tannic finish), vintage 2003 (like a big Cabernet, with dark fruit and a huge nose) and a 30-year-old tawny (fig cookie, bitter orange and lightly floral).

Continue reading First Taste: Scion Pre-Phylloxera Port

LuxistFirst Taste: Scion Pre-Phylloxera Port originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christies+auctionchristiesauctionEleven Madison Parkfirst+taste:+scion+pre-phylloxera+portfirsttaste:scionpre-phylloxeraporthttp://www.luxist.com/2011/02/18/first-taste-scion-pre-phylloxerNew YorkPort WineScionscion+pre-phylloxera+portscionpre-phylloxeraportTastingTaylor Fladgatetaylor+fladgate+scion+porttaylorfladgatescionportWineFri, 18 Feb 2011 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Delaire Graff Estate, A Diamantaire's South African Paradise]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/13/delaire-graff-estate-a-diamantaires-south-african-paradise/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/13/delaire-graff-estate-a-diamantaires-south-african-paradise/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/13/delaire-graff-estate-a-diamantaires-south-african-paradise/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Perhaps the world's most famous living diamantaire, Laurence Graff,is also in the resort and wine business. The Delaire Graff Estate is luxury South African resort in the Stellenbosch area, home to some of South Africa's best vineyards. Graff opened the estate last year but has owned the land for years. The estate has just 10 overnight lodges but also includes a state-of-the-art spa, Indochine--an Asian fusion restaurant and a fully operational vineyard producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz and other wines.

Continue reading Delaire Graff Estate, A Diamantaire's South African Paradise

LuxistDelaire Graff Estate, A Diamantaire's South African Paradise originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaire graff estatedelaire graff spalaurence graffsouth africasouth africa travelsouth african winestellenboschSun, 13 Feb 2011 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxist Guest Post: George Miliotes, Master Sommelier at The Capital Grille Picks Valentine's Day Wines]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/12/luxist-guest-post-george-miliotes-master-sommelier-at-the-capi/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/12/luxist-guest-post-george-miliotes-master-sommelier-at-the-capi/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/12/luxist-guest-post-george-miliotes-master-sommelier-at-the-capi/#commentsFiled under:

capital grille wine picksWine can be an important part of your Valentine's Day celebration but choosing the right wine is a combination of making sure that the wine matches both the food and your beloved's preferences. George Miliotes, Master Sommelier at The Capital Grille restaurant group, offers up a few recommendations and romantic finds - including basic food pairing advice to help ease the course of true oenological love.

Best Wines for Romance
There is no magic wine that does it for everyone, as tastes vary. Find out what type of wine your special someone likes. Then research and find the best of that type. Come armed to impress with the story of why the wine is the best of its type so you can wow your loved one with the knowledge as you drink it. Nothing says romance like I care enough to get you the best. Few suggestions (across price points) are below:

If they love Red, my faves are:

  • LOW ON DOUGH: Juan Gil Monastrell...there is no other red wine as flavorful for less than $20 and it pairs amazingly well with a Filet.
  • IN THE MIDDLE: De Toren Z $40...Merlot/Cab blend at a world class flavor level. Partial to a Delmonico? The plush yet strong tannins here will match perfectly with the marbled richness of the steak.
  • IN THE MOOD TO SPLURGE: Lewis Cellars 2007 Reserve Cabernet ...can run $175+ depending upon market. Is there anything more American than a dry aged New York strip sirloin? Have this great American Cabernet with the great American steak.

Continue reading Luxist Guest Post: George Miliotes, Master Sommelier at The Capital Grille Picks Valentine's Day Wines

LuxistLuxist Guest Post: George Miliotes, Master Sommelier at The Capital Grille Picks Valentine's Day Wines originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabernet sauvignonredvalentines daywhite housewinewine selectionSat, 12 Feb 2011 10:02:00 EST