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Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

Lafite Around the World
Date: Tuesday May 21, 2013
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker Jordan Ross, Pasternak ltd

"Chateau Lafite Rothschild has been a part of the Rothschild family since 1868 and is the cornerstone of the group. Since 1962, other prestigious Bordeaux properties have joined the group: Chateau Duhart-Milon, Chateau Rieussec and Chateau L’Evangile. In 1988, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) began its expansion with the acquisition of exceptional vineyards: Vina Los Vascos in Chile, Bodegas Caro in Argentina and most recently Chateau d’Aussieres in the Languedoc.

Please join with Taster's Guild who is proud to present a journey around the world with Lafite."

Reception: Bordeaux Blanc/Barons De Rothschild Champagne Brut

1st Course:
Blason d’Aussieres 2010
Amancaya 2011
Los Vascos Reserve 2010

2nd Course:
Chateau d’Aussieres 2010
Caro 2010
Le Dix 2010

Dessert: Chateau de Cosse

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00
Charge by card: $65.00

Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Jean-Luc Columbo Tour of the Rhone Wines
Date: Monday March 18, 2013
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Portfolio Director & Director of Wine Education: Ian Ribowsky

Hailed as “the winemaking wizard” of the Rhône, Jean-Luc Colombo has achieved a high-profile international reputation for innovative wines, bursting with personality. A native of Marseilles, Colombo developed a strong admiration for the wines of the Rhône Valley in the late 1970s. A devotee of the Syrah grape, he was convinced that the northern Rhône appellation of Cornas offered enormous potential for producing stellar quality Syrah. Following his conviction, he opened his own wine laboratory in Cornas and developed a thriving reputation as a wine consultant, breathing new life into the then-obscure wines of Cornas, producing the first vintage of his signature wine Les Ruchets in 1987.

Shortly after, Colombo began purchasing his own vineyards first in Cornas then throughout the Rhône Valley and Provence. The wines of Vins Jean-Luc Colombo are all highly personalized, sourced from Colombo’s own vineyards and from carefully selected domains under his direct consultation.

Jean-Luc Colombo has made a major impact on the evolution of modern French winemaking, and he and his wife Anne, have both received the French Legion of Honor Award reflecting this contribution.We will taste a vertical of Colombo’s signature vineyard Cornas wine Les Ruchets as well as prestigious appellations throughout the Rhone Valley including Cote Rotie, Crozes Hermitage, Hermitage, St Peray, Condrieu, Chateauneuf-du-Pape among others. Join us for this exquisite tour of the Rhone Valley!

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00
Charge by card: $65.00
Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY TORRES Portfolio
Date: Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker: Isaías López, Brand Ambassador, Miguel Torres S.A.

Torres, a fifth-generation, family-owned winery, is synonymous the world over with quality wine. A leader in wine production from Penedes, Spain since 1870, Torres has expanded its portfolio to include wines from Ribera del Duero, Priorato, and Rioja. The major producer in Spain's Penedes region, Torres also produces highly regarded, award-winning wines in Chile and California. We will taste over a dozen Single Vineyard, Noble, Reserve and Traditional wines including Sangre de Toro, Coronas, Gran Coronas, Grans Muralles, plus Mas La Plana, Black label, Cabernet Sauvignon ; the Torres family's iconic wine, is one of the most highly appreciated Spanish wines in the world.from Spain as well as several wines from the Torres family wineries in the New World. Join us for a fun and educational tasting.

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00
Charge by card: $65.00
Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Retrospective of Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Haut Brion, Chateau La Mission Haut Brion and more in the late 70's
Date: Tuesday December 4, 2012
Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (2nd/3rdAve)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, President Wine & Spirits Program, Wine Educator

We are tasting 10 Bordeaux from 1975, 1976,1978.and 1979 including 6 first growths. Join us in tasting Chateau Latour 1975 (93 pts WS), Chateau Margaux 1978 (92 pts, WA) and Chateau Margaux 1979 (93 pts, WA), Chateau Haut Brion 1978 (90 pts WS), Chateau La Mission Haut Brion 1979 (89 pts WA), and more. Each wine presented, costs more than the price of this event. Don't miss this fabulous tasting. We will sell out early, so please reserve your seat and join us for this incredible experience.

Members: $195.00 limited to 20 attendees
Non-Members: $205.00
Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Marques De Caceres A Brand of International Renown!
Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker: Luis Burgueño, Export Manager, Marques De Caceres

Founded in 1970 by Enrique Forner, at Cenicero in the heart of Rioja Alta, the bodega is today considered one of the top ambassadors of Spanish wines in the world. Having contributed towards increasing the potential of Rioja’s vineyards and having spread its notoriety to all corners of the globe, year after year, this family bodega continues to be a reference for the region. "Wine means everything to us" is the family motto.

Marqués de Cáceres is presently managed by Cristina Forner, Enrique Forner's daughter. Cristina was born in the Loire Valley (France) and graduated at the “Ecole Supérieure de Commerce” in Bordeaux where she also took part in various courses at the Oenological Institute. At the age of 30, she arrived in Logroño to join the family bodega, Marqués de Cáceres, for which she is now responsible.

From the outset, prestigious oenologists have supported and co-operated with the bodega. Firstly, Emile Peynaud who was Enrique Forner’s right-hand man, since the bodega was founded until 1992 and now, his successor, Michel Rolland. Both have contributed towards positioning the bodega within the wine sector as a leading company in innovation and wine technology.

Christina Fornier continues to apply the rigorous standards of quality that have merited the prestige it still enjoys today. Marqués de Cáceres is so successful that it has been recognized in various studies as both Spain’s and Rioja’s most international brand of quality wines. For example, the Forum of Renowned Spanish Brands ranks the bodega amongst the most renowned and well-known wine brands world-wide.

Marqués de Cáceres 40th ANNIVERSARY!
It has taken forty years of commitment and efforts to create unique wines and to position Marques de Caceres brand in over 120 countries worldwide. Please join us in tasting 10 of these award winning wines including Gaudium, 90 pts Wine Enthusiast, MC. Rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast, Marques des Caceres Gran Reserve 2005, rated 91 by Wine Spectator, and Marques des Caceres Reserva, Marques des Caceres Antea Barrel fermented and more.

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00
Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Familia Zuccardi Premium Argentine Wines
Date: Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker: Ken Dane, Tri-State Regional Mgr

Familia Zuccardi, Argentina's largest family-owned winery is one of the leading exporters of Argentine wines. For over 40 years, Familia Zuccardi has produced wines of exceptional quality and value from the soils of Maipu and Santa Rosa. Every wine at Familia Zuccardi is from estate grown, hand-picked fruit and is estate produced in a state-of-the-art facility. In total, there are 1,600 acres of noble grapes under cultivation. Innovation is a trademark of Familia Zuccardi. Experimentation with new plantings is vital to their quest for quality. Successful experiments have yielded the first Viognier from Argentina as well as a popular Pinot Grigio and a port-styled Malbec (called Malamado).. While the entire estate operates under sustainable agricultural practices, half of the vineyards are certified organic. At Familia Zuccardi, when it comes to producing world class Argentine wine, they take their job seriously. Their philosophy is simple. As Jose Zuccardi puts it, "The word 'family' is central to the way in which we have always run our business. To guarantee the quality of our Familia Zuccardi brand, we believe in using people rather than machines whenever possible." Workers at Familia Zuccardi are employed year-round. There are several distinct lines under the Zuccardi brand available in the US: Santa Julia Varietal, Organicica, Reserva: Zuccardi Serie A, Zuccardi Q, and Zeta an icon wine made from Tempanillo/Malbec blend, Zuccardi Serie A, Zuccardi Q, and Zuccard Zeta are the premium ranges of wines produced by Familia Zuccardi. The grapes for these ranges come from 100% Estate owned high altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley and Salta regions. Each vineyard site is selected for its unique micro-climate, soil, and overall quality. On March 2012, Wine Enthusiast gave 92 points and June 2012, Wine and Spirits gave 91 points to Zuccardi Zeta 2008, and Wine and Spirits gave 90 points to Zacardi Q Malbec 2010.

Please join us in tasting 10 of Familia Zuccardi superb wines.

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00
Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Concha y Toro World Class Wines of Distinction
Date: Monday September 24, 2012
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker: Filippo Di Belardino, Director, Fine Wine Development Banfi Vintners and Excelsior Wine Company

Join us for a tasting of the finest wines from South America’s largest wine producer, Concha y Toro. We will be tasting 11 World Class wines, including Carmin de Peumo Carmenere 95 pts Robert Parker, Terrunyo Carmenere 95 pts, Wine &Spirits, Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 93pts Wine &Spirits, Terrunyo Cabernet Sauvignon 93pts Wine Spectator, Terrunya Sauvignon Blanc 90 pts Wine Enthusiast, Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 90 pts Wine Spectator and more.

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00
Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersguildNY Joseph Drouhin And Domaine Drouhin Portfolio
Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker: William R. Short, Regional Manager, Dreyfus Ashby & Co.

Since 1880 Maison Joseph Drouhin has built a reputation for wines that primarily reflect their individual terroir and vintage. Faithfully preserving individuality of each appellation, the Drouhin firm constantly strives for wines of breed, finesse and elegance.

Today, the Drouhin firm markets the whole gamut of Burgundy Appellations (more than a hundred different red and white wines), from Laforet Bourgogne, a high-quality regional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to the rare and much-coveted Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche often referred to as the best dry white wine in the world. This great estate has evolved over the years, with important holdings in Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Chablis and, most recently, Oregon. Vineyards total 150 acres in Burgundy, and more than 125 acres in Oregon. As a result of its historic location deep in the heart of Beaune, its size and quality of vineyards, Maison Joseph Drouhin is uniquely placed to uphold the true Burgundian style.

Join us in tasting 10 superb wines including some tres cher!

Send your check made out to TastersGuildNY to Vivian Tramontana 108 west 78st #3

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00
Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Piccini Tuscan Award Winning Wines
Date: Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker: Will Comotto, Piccini Sales & Marketing, United States

The family-owned Piccini Winery was established in 1882 by Angiolo Piccini. In 1920, his son Mario continued its development by extending the company’s business across the domestic market in Italy. Piccini entered a second phase of rapid growth in the early 1960s, under the leadership of third-generation Pierangiolo Piccini. In 1983, Mario Piccini joined his father and helped make the U.S. market a priority, in a successful effort that strengthened the Piccini name. Through the use of personal visits to American markets, on top of the production of high-quality wines, the Piccini Winery has solidified the family stronghold on the Tuscan wine segment in the United States. The Piccini winery is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone and possesses strong Tuscan traditions. Now in its 126th year of business, the Piccini Winery torch has been passed down to the fourth generation of Piccini’s. New DOCG wines now complete the entire Tuscan portfolio including Chianti, Chianti Superiore, Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva and a new Super Tuscan, Sasso al Poggio and soon-to-be-released Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino. Please join us for a fabulous tasting of these award winning wines.

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00

Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Montefalco Indigenous Wines
Date: Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speakers: Guido Guardigli (President of Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco), Representatives for Adanti, and Scacciadiavoli

The Consortium of Montefalco is an association with the role of safeguarding the wines and the denomination 'Montefalco'. The Montefalco Consortium currently has 213 members, representing more than 82% of the certified production of Montefalco Sagrantino and Montefalco Rosso in the most promising denomination of the emerging Umbria region.

The wine producers being represented are Arnaldo Caprai, Antonelli San Marco, Scacciadiavoli, Adanti, Colpetrone and Perticaia.

10 of the producers best wines will be presented for your tasting pleasure.

Wines poured will be the following:
  • Two Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG 2005 vintages
  • Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG 2006, and 2007 vintages
  • Two Montefalco Rosso 2008 vintages
  • Montefalco Rosso 2009
  • Montefalco Bianco 2010
  • Passito 2007
  • Grechetto 2010
Please join us for a fabulous tasting of these wines.

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00

Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Tour of German Rieslings from one of the Leading German Estates Portfolio: Winesellers, Ltd, National Importers
Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker: Valerie Lynch-Giroux, East Coast Sales, Winesellers, Ltd

Germany is a nation of small growers. The estate and wine maker is a key ingredient in the selection process in German wine. We will taste 10 wines selected from the greatest estates Germany. Dr. H Thanisch, Mosel, Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler, Mosel, Georg Albrecht Schneider, Rheinhessen, Dr.Heyden, Rheinhessen and Fitz-Ritter, Pfalz Region. Please join us for an exciting adventure with the best of German wines including two higher quality pradikats: Auslese and Beerenauslese.

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00

Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Chateau Ste Michelle Estates Wines
Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker: George A. Foote, National Wine Educator, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates; Brian Strauss, Business Development Manager- LI, NY

Founded in 1934, Ste. Michelle Winery pioneered grape growing in Washington State. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates established in 1986 produces and markets a broad portfolio of premium wines from vineyards around the world with more than 4,200 acres of vineyards in Washington, Oregon and California. In addition to Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates today includes: Columbia Crest, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Snoqualmie, 14 Hands, Red Diamond, Col Solare, Northstar, Spring Valley Vineyards, Erath, Conn Creek, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Villa Mt Eden and Hawk Crest. They are also the importers of the wines of Antinori, Nicolas Feuillatte and Villa Maria Estates. The company has quickly grown to rank among the top ten premium wine companies in America and sells more than 30 million bottles of wine annually. The Wine Advocate said,” Chateau Ste Michelle, Washington's largest winery, continues to demonstrate that being big is not incompatible with high quality”. Their wines continue to win awards from Wine Spectator, Parker and Wine Enthusiast.

Join us in tasting 12 superb wines of Ste Michelle Wine Estates.

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00

Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Argentina Monteviejo Portfolio
Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker: Emilie Dombey Riebel, Director for North America for Bodegas Monteviejo

Bodega Monteviejo is located in Vista Flores, south of Mendoza, one of the greatest terroir in this area. The winery benefits from great facilities to make some of the most elegant Malbec of the Mendoza region. Bodega Monteviejo is owned by Catherin Pere-Verg' who also owns Chateau le Gay & Chateau la Violette in Pomerol. The same technical team managed by winemaker Marcelo Pelleriti and Michel Roland is doing the same "haute couture" work both in Pomerol and Mendoza.

We will taste 10 elegant wines, including Lindaflor La Violetta, Festivo Malbec, Lindaflor Malbec, Gran Moneviejo, and their new introduction to the United States, Calypso Malbec and more.

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00

Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Torres Portfolio
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker:
William R. Short, Regional Manager Dreyfus Ashby & Co.
Albert Medina Brand Ambassador, Miguel Torres S.A.

The Torres family is synonymous with quality the world over. The major producer in Spain's Penedes region, Torres also produces highly regarded, award-winning wines in Chile and California. We will taste over a dozen Single Vineyard, Noble, Reserve and Traditional wines including Sangre de Toro, Coronas, Gran Coronas, Grans Muralles, from Spain as well as several wines from the Torres family wineries in the New World.

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00

Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Pomerol Tasting; La Ferme de Rougefort Portfolio
Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker: Emilie Dombey Riebel

Director for North America for La Ferme de Rougefort

La Ferme de Rougefort is owned by Catherin Pere-Verg’ who owns some of the great names of Pomerol; Chateau le Gay & Chateau la Violette. The vineyards are managed by winemaker Marcelo Pelleriti and Michel Roland who is doing the same “haute couture” work both in Pomerol and Mendoza.

We will taste 10 elegant Pomerols, including Chateau La Violette, Chateau Le Gay, Chateau Montviel and more.

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00

Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Conway Family Wines "Introduces Deep Sea Wines to New York"
Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker: Gillian Conway

Conway Family Wines, founded in 2007, is the award-winning Central Coast producer of Deep Sea Wines and Rancho Arroyo Grande Wines. Listed in Wine Spectator Wines of the Year 2010; and named "Most Likely to Succeed in the 2010 Tasting Panels's Yearbook of the Most Outstanding Wines and Spirits of the Year" (www.conwayfamilywines.com)

The Conway family includes Chris and Ann Conway and their five children, Gareth, John, Sally, Tom and Gillian. All seven share ownership in Conway Family Wines.

They are committed to protecting and preserving the land and wildlife of the beautiful and historic Rancho Arroyo Grande property by using sustainable agricultural and vineyard practices. We believe that the success of our winery is dependent on the passion and dedication of the talented people who have joined us in our commitment to produce outstanding wines.

"Truly a family affair, Conway Family Wines is a labor of love for Chris and Ann Conway and their five children. The Rancho Arroyo Grande wines are made from three estate vineyards totaling more than 200 acres, set amid some of California’s most beautiful coastal scenery - a rugged landscape where wildlife, vines and humans interact in a natural way. The soil is rich in fossil shells that give the wines a distinct terroir and prove that this appellation can produce some of America's finest and most distinctive varietals.

Many of the world’s great wines are blends. Oftentimes, a blended wine transcends the individual varietals from which it is made. They have great depth of character and a certain vibrancy not always found in single-varietal wines. Blends are also quite complex, and have multiple layers of flavors and aromatics, and often pair very well with food because the breadth of their flavors is varied and interesting. The family all believe in making the best wine possible. They are proud to share their wines with you today, and hope you'll enjoy a glass or two with us!

Join us in tasting 10 exceptional wines including:
2008 Deep Sea Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco
2008 Deep Sea Chardonnay, Central Coast
2008 Deep Sea Viognier, Central Coast
2009 Deep Sea Viognier, Santa Barbara County
2009 Deep Sea Rose, "Sea Flower", Arroyo Grande Valley
2009 Deep Sea Pinot Noir, Central Coast
2008 Deep Sea Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Santa Rita Hills
2009 Deep Sea Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast
2008 Deep Sea Red, Central Coast
2008 Deep Sea Syrah, Whitehawk Vineyard

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00

Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Tour of German Rieslings from one of the leading German Estates Portfolio: Winesellers, Ltd, National Importers
Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speaker: Valerie Lynch-Giroux, East Coast Sales, Winesellers, Ltd

Germany is a nation of small growers. The estate and wine maker is a key ingredient in the selection process in German wine. We will taste 10 wines selected from the greatest estates of Germany. Dr. H Thanisch, Mosel, Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler, Mosel, Georg Albrecht Schneider, Rheinhessen, Dr.Heyden, Rheinhessen and Fitz-Ritter, Pfalz Region. Please join us for an exciting adventure with the best of German wines including two higher quality pradikats: Auslese and Beerenauslese.

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00
Tasters Guild NY, New York City Wine Tasting Events

TastersGuildNY Oregon: Small Pinot Noir Producers from the Willamette Valley
Plus a highlight of the highly acclaimed Eola-Amity Hillls AVA

Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd)
Time: 6:30 PM

Speakers: Dr. Mauricio Collada Jr., Owner/Manager of Cubanisimo Vineyards; Dr. John Zelko, Founder/Winemaker of Z'IVO Wines

In just 40 years Oregon has evolved into a world-class wine growing state with 15 approved winegrowing regions, and more than 300 wineries producing wine from 72 grape varieties. As a wine region it will continue to grow and evolve, but Oregon will always be a place where small, handcrafted wines reign, where collaboration and community are key. And where the growers and winemakers are never far away from the tasting room.

Come meet two of Oregon's unique, and highly educated, personalities and taste at least 10 wines from the most well known region of Oregon, the Willamette Valley. Your hosts will be Dr. John Zelko, General Surgeon and Dr. Mauricio Collada Jr, Neurosurgeon. Let's just say we’re confident they'll be able to handle any of your technical questions!

Cubanisimo Vineyards: Mauricio Collada started his venture in the wine industry back in 1986 with a purchase of a 21 acre parcel just outside of Salem, OR in what is now the Eola-Amity Hills. He planted Pinot Noir and focused on vineyard management, as excellent wines are made in the vineyards. They initially sold their fruit to larger wineries and through these relationships had the opportunity of meeting their winemaker, Rob Stuart.

In 2003, they decided to forge ahead with the dream of producing their own wines under the label of Cubanisimo Vineyards. Cubanisimo means "very Cuban", and is homage to Mauricio's Cuban Heritage. He was born in Havana and came to the U.S. with his family in 1962. His fascination with wine began while in pre-med attending the University of Miami in Florida by making wines at home from mangoes, and bananas.

"We have been fortunate that our efforts are being so well received by many who come and visit us in Oregon, and get to know us first hand. We continue to see phenomenal growth in the popularity of our wines as we pursue expansion of our distribution. Our award winning wines are getting increasing recognition in fashionable wine circles. We relish the opportunity of sharing the passion, and pride we have for our wines, and our heritage through your enjoyment of Cubanisimo Vineyards wines."

Z'IVO Wines: They say it's all about the dirt! The Z'IVO Pinot Noir is produced entirely from their estate vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The shallow volcanic soil in this rocky, east-facing hillside produces Pinot Noir with intense black fruit, spice and earth tones. Their vineyard is densely planted with five clones of Pinot Noir designed to provide a balance of complex flavors: Dijon Clones 114, 115, 667, and 777 and Pommard.

The founder and winemaker, John Zelko, established the vineyard in 1995. He collaborated from the beginning with John Davidson and John Gilpin, veteran vineyard managers and co-owners of WineWorks Oregon, a consortium of like-minded winemakers who grow their own grapes. John works alongside the winemaking staff at WineWorks Oregon to showcase the best of each harvest through minimal handling in small lots and wild yeast fermentations.

John Zelko admits "he drank the Kool-Aid". He and his wife Kathy had a friend who owned a wine shop, and then started a winery, and in 1990 she needed help. Intrigued, they became part-time cellar rats and helped as much as a surgeon and lawyer could; they cleaned, crushed and bottled.

The Zelko's learned great wine requires great grapes, which requires great money to buy great land and great help. In 1995 they bought 40 acres in the northern tip of what is now the Eola-Amity Hills sub-AVA of the Willamette valley. "We drank a lot of Kool-aid as kids. What’s a little more?"

John also enjoys creating unique white blends that pair well with the great seafood of the Northwest and Hawaii, his childhood home. He sources various white varietals from vineyards in Oregon and Washington.

Join us in tasting these award winning wines:
2009 Cubanisimo Pinot Grisv 2008 Z'IVO Mika – Chardonnay/Pinot Gris blend from the Willamette Valley
2008 Z'IVO Riesling Columbia Valley, WA
2009 Cubanisimo Rosado de Pinot Noir
2006 Z'IVO Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills
2007 Z'IVO Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills
2008 Cubanisimo Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
2008 Cubanisimo Estate Pinot Noir
2008 Z'IVO Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills
2008 Z'IVO Whole Cluster Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills

Members: $55.00
Associate Members: $65.00

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