Rivers-Marie Winery, Sonoma Coast

The creation of a new winery is always an exciting thing, especially when it is founded with the goal of being small, conscientious, and expressive of a particular place and grape. Like turning the corner in a new neighborhood and discovering a tiny shop that sells exquisite crafts, or finding a hole in the wall restaurant that serves the perfect version of a favorite dish, tasting great wine from a recently begun boutique winery is one of my favorite experiences in the world.

We hear a lot (and I certainly write a lot) about wineries or wine labels that represent the realization of a lifelong dream. Or equally as often they are the expression of someone's ultimate vision, usually something like: "I want to make the most awesome [fill in the blank with varietal or appellation] ever." These wineries and wines begin with a story already formed within them -- a story of the life and trials and tribulations involved in getting the opportunity to pursue the dream or that vision, and the wines are the first chapters of its completion.

California Wineries Prepare for the Worst

The Wine Institute, which represents more than 1,100 wineries and related businesses, recently released its position on Schwarzenegger’s proposal. “The restaurant and hospitality industry as a whole is already reeling from declining sales and many in the industry, including wineries… [And] wineries would be forced to either absorb the tax increase, which would drive down or eliminate profit margins, or “pass through” the tax, raising the price of many popularly priced wines by 25 percent,” it stated. “We understand the [budgetary] need and will support broad-based revenue measures to help solve the budget crisis.”

Another publication released by the Wine Institute, titled “The Impact of Excise Tax Surcharge,” noted just how large an impact a tax hike could make on the wine industry. It estimated that wineries would experience a drop in sales and revenue that would lead to a job loss of anywhere between 6,756 and 11,545. Ironically, the state (and respective county) would also see a decrease in tax revenue that could total $73.55 million to $125.7 million.

Wine Country Tour News

When you think of northern California’s wine country tours, what comes to mind is attending the local wineries and imbibing world-class Napa County and Sonoma County wine along with great food. But with this week’s Tour of California cycling race highlighting the area scenery during its first of nine stages, climbing the surrounding mountains and whizzing through the Napa Valley vineyards and past the stately wineries, the area is quickly gaining recognition as something of a Mecca for cycling as well. Northern California wine country is establishing itself as the premier US location for cycling enthusiasts to go for their vacations or training.
Along with the Amgen Tour of California event which has brought television coverage to the area, the fact that three American professional cycling teams – including that of Lance Armstrong, now make their base in wine country () is also playing a large role in painting the wine country as cyclists’ dream location. But the area is also working on creating a more bike friendly setting for locals and tourists – pleasure riders, with the recent approval of another 70 miles of bike path through the valleys’ vineyards and wineries and many more miles in the works around the various towns in three counties.

CALIFORNIA WINE FAIR BALLROOM TASTING

Tasted Any California Wine Lately? The California Wine Fair Ballroom Tasting on March 3rd, will feature over 350 wines from over 100 wineries at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. A fun filled social evening of wine tasting which includes vintages never seen in Canadian cellars as well as the rare opportunity to converse with the vintners and suppliers. Don’t miss the incredible silent auction items that will include many of the hard-to-find wines featured at the tasting. In support of the Arts Club Theatre Company.

For tickets and more information, call 604-687-1644 or CLICK HERE.