Tag: vanwinefest

Grupo Marqués del Atrio, a respected name in Spanish winemaking, combines tradition and innovation to craft high-quality wines from some of Spain’s most renowned regions. With deep roots in Rioja, the winery produces elegant, terroir-driven Tempranillo-based wines that showcase rich fruit, balanced oak, and refined structure. Expanding beyond Rioja, Marqués del Atrio also works with vineyards in Navarra, Utiel-Requena, and…

Justin Vineyards & Winery, a benchmark producer in Paso Robles, California is renowned for crafting bold, Bordeaux-style wines that showcase the region’s rich soils and warm climate. Led by winemaker Scott Shirley, Justin focuses on producing structured, expressive wines with depth and elegance. Their flagship Isosceles blend—crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc—delivers layers of dark fruit, spice, and…

Today we were able to taste California wines crafted on the edge – coastal cliffs, mountain tops, and rugged valleys – where adversity breeds greatness.  This seminar at the VanWineFest 2025 showed us bold wines born from unforgiving terrains and regenerative farming.  Our Moderator was Elaine Chukan Brown.  Winery Principals to tell us about their wines: Kori Butler, Andrew Gouveia,…

LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards, located in the heart of Lodi, California, is a family-owned winery dedicated to crafting sustainably grown, estate-driven wines that capture the essence of the region. With a deep commitment to land stewardship, the Lange family has been farming in Lodi for five generations, producing exceptional wines that reflect their rich heritage. Zinfandel, Lodi’s flagship grape,…

The second seminar I attended at VanWineFest 2025 was the “Three Rings of Sustainability“. Dr. Monique Bell (Professor of Marketing, Fresno State University) and Dr. Damien Wilson (Hamel Family Faculty Chair of Wine Business, Sonoma State University) lead a panel of principals as they explored the three rings of sustainability – environmental, social, and economic. We learned how sustainable wine…

Citation Winery, based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is dedicated to crafting age-worthy, small-production wines that reflect the region’s cool-climate elegance. With a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery’s approach emphasizes patience, often releasing wines with extended aging to showcase their full potential. Earthy, red-fruited Pinot Noirs and balanced, mineral-driven Chardonnays define its style, making Citation a hidden gem…

We all love to get good value from our purchases, especially in wine when the quality of the wine exceeds bottle price. In this VanWineFest 2025 seminar, “Value & Variety, West Coast Style“, we were introduced to 10 different wineries along the USA west coast. This trio of states offer every climate, terroir, grape, and wine style to tempt wine…

Bodegas Salentein, located in Argentina’s renowned Uco Valley, is a winery that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation to produce world-class wines. Situated at the foothills of the Andes, its high-altitude vineyards benefit from intense sunlight, cool nights, and well-drained soils, creating ideal conditions for expressive, terroir-driven wines. Malbec takes center stage, showcasing rich dark fruit, floral notes, and refined tannins,…

McPrice Myers Winery, nestled in California’s Paso Robles region, is a standout producer known for crafting expressive Rhône-style and Bordeaux-inspired wines. Founded by McPrice “Mac” Myers, the winery focuses on small-lot, terroir-driven bottlings that highlight the richness and complexity of the Central Coast. Sourcing fruit from top vineyards, including its own estate in the Adelaida District, McPrice Myers produces wines…

This was my first dinner to attend at the Vancouver International Wine Festival.  Justin Seidenfeld, Senior Vice President of Winemaking & Winegrowing, of Rodney Strong Wine Estates spoke at the dinner providing us insights into the excellent wines that they brought to pour at this dinner. This dinner was hosted at Riley’s Fish & Steak, providing us both seafood, beef,…