Harvest | Vendanges | Vendemmia |Traubenernte

Early fall is the busiest and most important time of the year for wineries in the Northern Hemisphere- Harvest season. Long hours and intensive labor consume each and every member of the winemaking team. 

There is so much that goes into a bottle of wine that the consumer never sees. Take a peek behind the curtain and explore harvest season at a few Vineyard Brands wineries around the world. 

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FRANCE

Domaine de Courcel: A 400 year old family owned winery, located in the village of Pommard on the Côte d'Or, about four kilometers south-east of Beaune. 

Domaine Weinbach: Located at the foot of the majestic Schlossberg hill in Alsace, this family owned winery is run by Catherine Faller and her son, Théo. 

Les Alexandrins:  Located in the Northern Rhône Valley, Domaine & Maison Les Alexandrins is a collaboration among Nicolas Jaboulet, Guillaume Sorrel, and Alexandre Paso. 

Clos Triguedina: Found in southwestern France, Clos Triguedina is currently led by Jean Luc Baldes. 

Thibault Liger-Belair: Located in Nuits-St.-Georges, in the Côte de Nuits subregion of Burgundy, the domaine has been in the Liger-Belair family for 250 years.

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ITALY

Massolino: Located in northern Italy in the Piedmont region, the Massolino estate was founded in 1896. 

Gradis'ciutta:  Driven by Robert Princic, Gradis'ciutta is located in northern Italy and before carrying the name Gradis’ciutta, this place was known as Monsvini, which in Latin means “Mount of Wine.”

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GERMANY

August Kesseler: Situated in the Assmannshausen in the Rheingau region, the wine estate of August Kesseler consists of vineyard sites in Lorch (for Riesling and Silvaner wines), on the slopes of the hills around Rüdesheim and in the area called “Assmanshäuser Höllenberg.”

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UNITED STATES

Tablas Creek Vineyard: West of Paso Robles, on California's Central Coast, Tablas Creek is named after the small creek running through the property and the the 120-acre site sits twelve miles from the Pacific Ocean. You can find more detailed harvest updates on their blog.

Warre's Port: Saúde!

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Produced exclusively in the Duoro Valley of Portugal, Port is a fortified wine with a history reaching back to the times of the Roman Empire. The wine producing Duoro region is the third oldest protected wine region in the world. 

Warre's Port, like the wine it makes, has an extensive history. The firm that became what we know as Warre's was established in 1670 as a trading company, exporting wines, olive oil and fruit, and importing dried cod and English woolen goods. Over time the company grew and evolved. By the close of the 18th century, Warre's had become one of the leading companies exporting port. 

The Warre family, for whom the company is named, arrived in Portugal in 1729 when the first Warre joined the trading company. This William Warre was born in India where his parents and grandparents were members to the East India Company. The second William Warre made immense contributions, serving as a member of His Majesty's Consul. The third William Warre is known not only as an important figure in port, but in British and Portuguese military history. He was invaluable in the fight against Napoleon Bonaparte and his invading armies and in the recovery of Portugal's independence. Not to mention, this third William Warre supplied the Duke of Wellington with Port from Warre's. 

Today, the Symington Family (whose own history and involvement in Port spans over 350 years and 13 generations), are owners and managers of Warre's Port. Currently six members of the Symington Family are actively involved in Warre's day to day management. The family is part of the exclusive Primum Family Vini- a group of eleven leading wine families in the world (whose membership includes another member of the Vineyard Brands family, the Perrins).

Port has a rich, luscious style, with considerable aging potential. The fermentation of Port is suprisingly short- only about two days- as it is a fortified wine and a natural grape spirit is added to the fermenting juice. Warre's Vintage Ports are known for their elegance and finesse, intense red fruit flavors and floral violet and "esteva" aromas. 

“Warre’s remains one of the gems of Vintage Port and the Symingtons are continuously polishing it.”

— James Suckling, Vintage Port

Warre's Port has certainly come a long way from its days as a trading company. Today the company makes a variety of excellent Ports. Port, too, has come a long way over the years. Today it is a popular drink and can even be used in cocktails. 

White Port: Produced from white grape varieties, aged for an average of three years. Fresh and invigorating, an excellent aperitif. In summer, it may be served over ice.

Ruby: A robust, young, fruity port aged an average of three years in wood.

King's Tawny: An elegant, mellow tawny aged three years in casks.

Warrior: Vintage character port is oldest brand port in the world. It is a blend of top quality ports matured in wood for six years then bottled.

Otima 10-YearTawny Port: An outstanding 10Year OldTawny Port with a light delicate palate. Aged all of its life in wooden casks, it has a nose of dried fruits and walnuts, and flavors of nuts highlighted by mature fruit: well-balanced and with a long, fresh finish. Needs no decanting and can be served slightly chilled as an accompaniment to cheese, nuts or dried fruit after a meal.

20 Years Old Tawny Port: Cask-aged for 20 years, this tawny port has the classic hallmarks of Old Tawny, namely delicous soft raisiny fruit, a glorious nutty bouquet, superb balance and a long, lingering finish.

Otima 20-Year Tawny Port: This more modern style of tawny port epitomizes everything that is great about a superbly balanced Twenty Year Old Tawny; the translucent copper-colored tone of the wine is matched by the beautiful soft nutty aromas gained by a full twenty years aging in seasoned oak casks. Otima20 is rich and delicate, but never cloying, the tannins and acidity ensure balance and perfect length.

Late-Bottled Vintage Port: Selected casks from a particularly good vintage, but bottled four years after the vintage rather than two years. Warre’s produces a traditional LBV which is neither fined nor filtered. The result is a wine that has true vintage character but because of the extra barrel age is sooner ready to drink.

Quinta da Cavadinha: Vintage port from the 35 hectare “quinta” or vineyard of this name owned by Warre’s. “Cavadinha” means “well tilled” or “well nurtured”, and this property is one of the nest in the Alto Douro. This single quinta wine is vinified, matured and bottled separately. In vintage years, it forms a substantial part of the Warre’s vintage blend. The 1978 was the first unblended vintage from Quinta da Cavadinha.

Vintage Port: In outstanding years, port shippers declared a “vintage”. The best casks are selected and after eighteen months, the wines are blended and bottled. The wines are not ned or ltered and with bottle age will throw a sediment, hence the name “Crusted Port”. In recent years, 1977, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2007 and 2011 have been declared “vintage”.

Marqués de Cáceres: ¡Salud!

It seems for many wine-making families, wine rather than blood flows through their veins. This is especially true for the wineries Vineyard Brands imports considering they are all family owned, including Marqués de Cáceres.

The Forners are a 5th generation wine family who have revolutionized wine growing in the Rioja region of Spain. Founded in 1970, the story of Marqués de Cáceres starts much earlier, in 1920, when Enrique's father and grandfather owned "Vinicola Forner," in Valencia, Spain. 

The Spanish Civil War forced the Forner's into exile in France. Although the family was forced to leave their home, they were immersed in one of the oldest wine growing regions in the world. While in France, the Forners purchased two châteaux in the Haut Médoc- the Bordeaux region. These two châteaux- Château Camensac and Château Larose-Trintaudon- are now recognized as two of the finest properties in Bordeaux. 

When Enrique Forner returned to his Spanish homeland he was armed with a wealth of wine knowledge and experience. He had learned from the best in France and was ready to establish a bodega. He selected the finest viticultural area Cenicero in Rioja Alta. In gently rolling hills bordered by the Ebro River, the region is as beautiful as it is fertile. 

Forner's first Rioja red wine was a 1968 vintage. Two years later Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres was officially founded, with the reputed oenologist from Bordeaux, Emile Peynaud, as wine consultant. 

Enrique Forner's impact can be seen throughout the Spanish wine industry we know today. Influenced by his time in France, Forner introduced the system of estate-bottling by limiting his source of grapes to those of the immediate area - a departure from the local practice of using more widespread sources of supply. He established the Union Viti-Vinicola, together with a selection of growers who supply the Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres with grapes; this restricted source of grapes gives a consistent style and character to the wine. He along with six other bodegas, the "Magnificent 7", was instrumental in reforming the rules of the Rioja D.O. (Denominación de Origen). This ensures quality and high standards for the wines of Rioja. 

Marqués de Cáceres gained its distinctive name from the actual Marqués de Cáceres in 1974 who became a founder-shareholder of the Bodega. The marquesado has its origins in the XVIII century and was granted by the King of Spain to the Captain of the Royal Spanish Navy Don Juan Ambrosio García de Cáceres and Montemayor in gratitude for his outstanding services to the Crown in the war of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Enrique Forner retired in 2007, and his daughter, continuing the family legacy, took over control of the bodega. Marqués de Cáceres celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2010 as a leading brand in Spain and around the world and is available in more than 120 markets.

The Cáceres portfolio has grown extensively since that first red in 1968. Wines include: 

Marqués de Cáceres White is made from 100% Verdejo grapes from Rueda. Very fresh bouquet with citrus and floral notes. Deliciously refreshing in the mouth with pleasant vivacity and long-lasting flavours.

Marqués de Cáceres Antea Barrel Fermented White, produced from Viura grapes, with a small percentage of Malvasia. This fine wine is elegant and complex, with a bouquet of ripe apples, and a hint of vanilla in the rich fruit.

Marqués de Cáceres Satinela is a delicate, fruity, slightly sweet white wine, made from Viura grapes, with a small percentage of Malvasia. The grapes were harvested late in their maturity, very ripe and concentrated. Aromas of apricot, peach, and acacia flowers.

Marqués de Cáceres Deusa Nai Albariño from Rias Baixas. The name Deusa Nai means “mother goddess”, referring to the bounty of the earth. A fresh and fragrant bouquet with mineral notes and a hint of grapefruit and mandarin orange. With refreshing acidity and good length, ready to be enjoyed now but will continue to develp in bottle.

Marqués de Cáceres Rosé is dry, very fruity, fresh and light, with a delicate pink color. It is made from Tempranillo grapes (80%) and Garnacha (20%) selected from the highest slopes of the Rioja Alta. It is cold-fermented and undergoes a brief maceration, which imparts to the wine its pink color.

Marqués de Cáceres Excellens Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Red A selection of wines tailored to on-premise accounts with limited production, sourced from premium vineyards in Rioja for the Red and Rosé, and in Rueda for the Sauvignon Blanc.

Marqués de Cáceres Crianza, noted for its spicy varietal character, its balance and lingering finish, is made from 85% Tempranillo grapes, with the balance split between the Graciano and Garnacha Tinta varieties. The wine is aged in small barrels of French oak for 12 months and in the bottle for at least 14 months.

Marqués de Cáceres Reserva Tempranillo (85%), and Graciano and Garnacha Tinta (15%). The grapes are selected form vineyards that are well exposed to the sun, and from a considerable portion of older vines, that produce lower yields. The Reservas are aged in barrels from central France for 22 months, followed by 2 years or more in bottle. It is made only in the best vintages, a rich and velvety wine with great depth.

Marqués de Cáceres Gran Reserva from old vines, Tempranillo (85%), and Graciano and Garnacha Tinta (15%), aged up to 26-28 months in oak and up to 4 years in the bottle. Produced only from vintages classed as “excellent” or “very good”.

Marqués de Cáceres MC 100% Tempranillo, this choice wine is made from a selection of grapes grown in vineyards of very limited production. Aged in new French oak for 15 months, the MC has a fresh bouquet that opens out with notes of blackberries, violet and delicate spices. Rich and full in the mouth with good structure, wrapped in delicious, rounded tannins.

Marqués de Cáceres Gaudium (Latin: “satisfaction, joy, pleasure of the senses”) is made exclusively from Rioja’s finest vineyards that are planted with old vines which produce a very limited yield. A rigorous selection of the best grape varieties - 95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano - are handpicked to ensure optimum maturity. Aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months and a minimum of 24 months in bottle, thus achieving the elegance which characterizes this great wine. 

Global Champagne Day

"Champagne! In victory, one deserves it, in defeat, one needs it."
Napoleon Bonaparte (who knew well both victory and defeat)

“Champagne is the one thing that gives me zest when I feel tired” 
Brigitte Bardot

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right.” 
Mark Twain

“My only regret in life is that I didn’t drink enough Champagne” 
John Maynard Keynes

“Remember gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne!” 
Winston Churchill

With a history dating back over 300 years and adoring fans ranging from Napoleon Bonaparte to John Maynard Keyes to Brigitte Bardot, champagne is unique. The U.N. gave the Champagne region of France world heritage status in 2015.

But did you the know the beloved bubbles were originally not so in demand? The bubbles were once unwelcome and considered by winemakers to be a sign the wine had gone bad.

Now champagne and its trademark bubbles are used to christen boats, celebrate huge sports wins (like the French national team’s win guaranteeing their place in the World Cup), toast happy couples at weddings, and the celebration of life events large and small.

To be Champagne, the wine MUST come from the Champagne region of France. Champagne Salon and Champagne Delamotte are two of the most well respected houses in the region. The two joined forces in 1988.

Champagne Delamotte was founded in 1760, making it the sixth oldest Champagne house.  Nicolas Louis Delamotte assumed management of the House of Delmoatte in 1828 and hosted spectacular events, including the coronation of France’s last King, Charles X. Today just ten people manage the annual production of 750,000 bottles. The golden rules for the business: ensure a consistent quality by purposefully limited production and maintain at least three harvests in the cellars at all times. The wine is truly a labor of love for the small production team, which offers four bruts: Delamotte Brut, Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Vintage, Delamotte Blanc de Blancs, and Delamotte Rosé.

Champagne Salon is one of the most exclusive and most prestigious makers of Champagne. The first known vintage was 1905. The 1928 vintage of Salon was unanimously accepted by connoisseurs and the requirements have remained constant every since: only in exceptional years are the great vintages made, a feature unique to Salon, with limited production and traditional Vinification.

Champagne Salon is rare on all counts: always a single harvest, single cru, single grape variety, and only produced in the best vintages. In the 20th century, only 37 vintages were declared with an average production of 60,000 bottles per declared vintage. 

Albariño: The Audacious

Photo: SpanishWineCountry

Far away from the hustle and bustle of Madrid, the art and architecture of cosmopolitan Barcelona, and the sun-soaked beaches of Valencia, there lies the small wine region of Rías Baixas tucked away in the northwestern corner of Spain. Known as “Green Spain”, this hilly area located in the autonomous community of Galicia shares very little in common with the dry, desert-like conditions of the rest of the country.  The climate is decidedly maritime, and rainfall (and humidity) is plentiful here.  Historically, the area is closely tied to the culture of the early Gallic people who settled here.  Today traces of this distinct culture are still observed in the fair skin of the population, the native Gallego language which is still widely spoken, the regional seafood-dominated cuisine, and the traditional dress, music, and dances of the region.  This uniqueness is also evident in the fascinating and delicious wines of the region, especially its distinct native treasure, Albariño.

Tradition dictates that the ancestor of the modern Albariño vine was brought to the region in the 12th century by Cistercian monks of the wealthy Cluny Abbey located in Saône-et-Loire, France (an area in Burgundy).  Although the translation of the name Albariño (“white of the Rhine”) seems to support this tradition, today many ampelographers believe the vine may be indigenous to the region due to its prolific presence in the wild growing along the trunks of poplar trees and there being no genetic evidence of parentage by vine species north of the Pyrenees.  

Wine production in Galicia and Rías Baixas is well over 90% white and, of that, about 92% is Albariño.  The humidity of the region can be problematic for producing healthy grapes, so several viticultural practices have evolved to allow the grapes to have maximum exposure to sunlight and maximum circulation of air to prevent mildew and ensure even ripening.  The vines are traditionally widely spaced and trained on granite pergolas with a wire trellis called a parra.  The workers often stand on grape bins to harvest the high hanging fruit.  Low yields and temperature-controlled winemaking have revolutionized the style of wines produced in the region in the past several decades.

Albariño wines display a very unique and exuberant aromatic and flavor profile.  Generally the wines are dry with high acidity and a light body.   There is a very strong botanical element to these wines, which can border on that of many aromatic varietals such as Petit Manseng or Viognier.   The botanical aromas and flavors, along with those of rich stone fruits, citrus, tropical fruits, and the characteristic touch of saline sea spray are characteristic of these beautiful wines, which are perfectly suited to the fresh seafood cuisine of the region. 

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A wonderful example of Albariño is produced by the Marqués de Cáceres winery of Rioja legend.  They call their 100% Albariño wine Deusa Nai (“mother goddess”) in honor of the goddess of fertility who was highly worshipped by the early Gallic habitants of the region.  Cristina Forner, owener of Marqués de Cáceres, says that they seek to transfer the magic of this ancient myth and the romance of the Rías Baixas region to this wine.  The crafting of this wine from vineyard to bottle is exceptionally artisanal.  The grapes come from the the O Rosal area (one of three main sub-regions in Rías Baixas) where the undulating, granitic vineyards are very close the ocean.  The harvest is 100% by hand, and the fermentation and less maturation are done in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to maximum the vivacity and freshness of the varietal.  The resulting wine is a pale golden color with a distinct mineral character emanating from the terroir.  Characteristic notes of ocean minerals and sea spray intertwine with deep floral and citrus tones.  Stone fruits, such as pear, white peach, and nectarine, further convey the unmistakable character of the grape.  It is truly a white wine of pedigree and distinction. 

When pairing Albariño with food, the first clue is the native cuisine of the Galician region.  This wine simply sings with fresh, simple preparations of high quality seafood.  Fresh white crab, mixed shellfish platters, ceviche, simple grilled fish, and sushi and sashimi immediately come to mind for the younger wines that emphasize the fruit and freshness of the varietal.  More mature examples with perhaps some oak influence are excellent partners for richer dishes such as seafood stews or scallops.  In pairing Albariño wines, do as the Spanish do and consider them “the Manzanilla sherries of the North”, as both wines contain distinctive ocean notes and pair so seamlessly with seafood.  And don’t forget this fruity, vivacious wine as a wonderful aperitif before dinner!

Albariño is truly a special, distinctive grape grown in a special, distinctive place.  It has the broad appeal of favorite mainstays such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio but with a certain uniqueness of place that really distinguishes it from all others.  And people are starting to catch on.  Albariño has enjoyed a surge in popularity in the US for the past two decades.  This popularity has now taken the grape to vineyards in California in the regions of Los Carneros, Napa, and the Edna Valley and even to Oregon and Washington.  In the end, however, the truest expression of Albariño will always come from its ancestral home in Green Spain.

Port Cocktails

Port is a fortified wine, produced in the mountainous eastern reaches of the Douro Valley of Portugal. Arguably the most famous fortified wine with a rich history, Port is experiencing something of a resurgence.

Curious about port? Maybe a little hesitant to try it? Try a port cocktail! We’ve rounded up a few recipes that are perfect for port first timers and those well-versed in the wine.

With all of these recipes, we highly recommend Warre's Ports. Founded in 1670, Warre & Co. is the oldest and one of the most highly esteemed port shipping firms in the world.

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PORT OF CALL
The Clover Club in New York City makes a delicious cocktail combining the bright, acidic notes of cranberry and lemon with the rich, warm flavors of port and cinnamon. Perfect for the upcoming season, this cocktail has all the holiday flavors you know and love with a unique twist.
Ingredients:
1 oz gin
1 oz Ruby Port
¾ oz lemon juice
½ oz cinnamon syrup (can be made by simmering some simple syrup with cinnamon sticks or bark)
1 spoonful of cranberry preserves
Instructions:
Shake and strain into a glass over crushed ice and garnish with a blackberry, a raspberry, and a mint sprig.

Recipe & Photo: GQ Magazine

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MANHATTAN
Port can also be used in some of your favorite, best-known cocktails, like a Manhattan. Use tawny port instead of sweet vermouth and orange bitters rather than Angostura and you have a fantastic seasonal cocktail- no pumpkin spice in sight.
Ingredients:
2 ounces rye whiskey
1 ounce port
2 dashes orange bitters
Instructions: 
Stir all ingredients with cracked ice until cold.  Strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with an orange twist.

Image: Port Cocktails, Recipe: Cocktail Enthusiast

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WHITE PORT & TONIC
Gin and tonics are a perennial favorite, but if you're looking for a new classic, try a white port and tonic. Popular in Portugal, white port adds a different flavor that pairs nicely with either a lemon or lime twist. 
Ingredients: 
1 ½ ounces white port
3 ounces tonic water
Wedge of lime or lemon
Instructions:
Fill a tumbler with ice. Add white port and top with tonic. Stir briefly. Depending on your taste, squeeze a wedge of either lime or lemon over the drink and drop into the glass

Photo & Recipe: New York Times Cooking

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THE ROBERT FROST COCKTAIL
Created for one of the Obamas' White House holiday parties, this aromatic cocktail also uses white port.
Ingredients:
3/4 ounce bourbon
3/4 ounce dry amontillado sherry
3/4 ounce white port
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1 dash orange bitters
Instructions:
1.    Combine ingredients and shake with ice.
2.   Strain into chilled cocktail glass.
3.   Garnish with thinly sliced orange and lemon wheels.

Photo: OhSoBeautifulPaper Recipe: Punch Drink

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Do you have any favorite port cocktails? Have you tried any of the above? Let us know!

Iberian Focus Month

All of October we’ll be spotlighting the Vineyard Brands portfolio of wines of the Iberian Peninsula. Spain and Portugal have a storied history- from famous kings and queens like Isabella and Ferdinand to landmarks like the Sagrada Familia. The wine of the peninsula is as rich as its culture and just as varied.

Photo: Business Media Mags

The Rioja region in northern Spain is one of the most celebrated wine-growing regions in the world. With mountains and rivers, provides a unique terroir for the production of a variety of wines. You can read more about Rioja here. 

Marques de Caceres is one of the leading wineries of Rioja. The Forners, an enterprising family devoted to the wine trade for five generations brought the Bordeaux concept to Rioja, revolutionizing the production and business model.

Marques de Caceres has one objective: the quality to obtain the best wines.

Further south you’ll find Warre & Co.- the oldest and one of the most highly esteemed port shipping firms in the world. Founded in 1670,  Warre’s has established itself as one of the most forward thinking Port producers, balancing its long tradition with total dedication to premium quality and successful innovation. 

This month we’ll be featuring recipes and pairings, winery history and insight into what makes Iberian wines so special. Stay tuned to the blog and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Wine Down

Fresh off the Emmys we've been thinking more about what wines our favorite TV characters drink. 

More and more it seems wine is synonymous with strong female characters on TV shows. While Sex and the City made the cosmo famous, the 21st century has ushered in a new generation of wine drinkers. 

We know we aren’t the only ones who see a glass of wine on TV (or during a Netflix binge) and feel inspired to drink like the character. We’ve rounded up a few wine lovers from our favorite shows and wines inspired by their taste and personality.

Image: Buzzfeed

Alicia Florrick
In the Good Wife Alicia faces on challenge after another, but through it all she keeps a steady hand while pouring a glass of red wine. A lawyer with a life as complex as the cases she faced, Alicia would enjoy a bottle of Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir- not overly fruity with hints of savory primal character.

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Claire Underwood
First lady turned Vice President Claire Underwood is cunning and plays by her own rules. No doubt she would appreciate MAAL winemaker Alfredo Merlo’s desire to produce “unique, elegant, and intense Malbec wines.” Claire would be right at home drinking a glass of bestial or rebellion.

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 Skylar White
Few characters that grace our TV screens have been through more than Breaking Bad’s Walter White’s long-suffering wife Skylar White. While much changes over the course of the show, one things doesn’t- Skylar’s love for white wine. Pour yourself a glass of Marqués de Cáceres Verdejo or Cono Sur Bicicleta Sauvignon Blanc and cheers to the fact YOUR significant other isn’t cooking up meth.

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Image: DailyMail

Cersei Lannister
Plotting, scheming, and downright dangerous, Cersei casually enjoys a glass of wine while blowing up part of a city. So if you too have similarly large plans (though hopefully less destructive) and are looking for the right wine to pair with said plans, pour of glass of Gradis’ciutta Merlot- the intense bouquet, dry taste, and slightly bitter taste will have you thinking of Cersei to the last drop.

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Blair Waldorf
Queen B of the Upper East Side knows the best way to celebrate any success- whether personal or professional- is with a glass of bubbly. Treat yourself like our fabulously wealthy heroine and toast your latest success with a glass of the incomparable Champagne Salon or Champagne Delamotte. 

#WineforGood: MAN Family Vitners

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”- Nelson Mandela

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Mandela Day is celebrated internationally every year on July 18. The day celebrates Madiba’s (Nelson Mandela’s clan name) life and legacy by promoting acts of service and positive community change. Nelson Mandela fought for social justice for 67 years, so Mandela Day asks for individuals to start with 67 minutes.

South African winery MAN Family Vitners, located in Stellenbosch, knows the importance of giving back to the community.

Like the saying goes, “charity starts at home,” so last year, MAN decided to devote their #67 minutes to one specific charity in the immediate community.  Just down the road from MAN offices in Jonkershoek is Akkerland pre-school.

Akkerland pre-school, or crèche, cares for two age groups: babies and toddlers up to three years old, and ages 3-6.

July is South Africa’s coldest month, so much of MAN’s work for Mandela Day was centered on ensuring the preschool was prepared for the cold weather. Everyone from the farm workers at MAN to the office staff came together to serve the preschool in a variety of ways—from buying carpets to cover the floors to donating educational toys and books to buying warm blankets and clothing.

While volunteering at the preschool, one of MAN’s employees, Maia Bezuidenhout, noticed two young brothers, Imbo (2 years old) and Sohiso (5 years old). These two brothers, raised by a sickly single mother, were especially unprepared for the cold weather. So Maia went to the mall to buy them a few pairs of warm clothing and shoes. A few months after Mandela Day, Maia ran into Imbo, Sohiso, and their mother. The boys’ mother had not forgotten and was so grateful for the help.

This year MAN visited Akkerland in June to prepare for and see how they could best serve on Mandela Day. There, they learned Imbo and Sohiso’s mother had passed away and they were being raised by an aunt far away. While not every story has a happy ending, and while often an act of service might feel like only a drop in the bucket, the smallest devotion of time and the smallest act of service can truly make a difference and have a ripple effect. 

This Mandela Day, MAN again spent time at Akkerland, fixing cots, preparing the school for winter, and making sure they had supplies, from nappies to blankets. But MAN’s relationship with the preschool doesn’t stop after 67 minutes or even after a day. The team plans to make monthly visits to the preschool to spend time with the children, to take them to lunch, and perhaps to focus on specific families in need (inspired by Imbo and Sohiso).

MAN sees the importance of giving back to the community, keenly aware of the overwhelming needs of the underprivileged and underserved in the community.
MAN believes in promoting change and constant progress.
MAN is #WineforGood.

Vineyard Dogs

National Dog Day was August 26. In celebration we're sharing some of our favorite vineyard dogs. After all, dogs are traditionally man's (and woman's!) best friend, and we like to think wine is too. 

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Tablas Creek: Located just west of Paso Robles in California's beautiful Central Coast, Tablas Creek farms organically and received their organic certification in 2003. Much of the vineyard uses Biodynamic techniques, including a herd of sheep, alpacas and donkeys. These friendly dogs try to keep their other four legged friends in line, as well as welcome visitors to the vineyard. 

Domaine Alain Gras:  over 12 hectares, primarily located in St. Romain, Domaine Alain Gras produces beautiful whites and reds. 

Alain and his two dogs

Ernesto Catena Vineyards: Fourth generation winemaker Ernesto Catena founded Ernesto Catena Vineyards in Argentina to truly make art. Both the farm and vineyard are biodynamic, allowing for plenty of friendly farm animals and dogs. 

Hamilton Russell Vineyards: Hamilton Russell Vineyards is known for making some of the best wines South Africa has to offer. Owners Olive and Anthony also have some of the best dogs South Africa has to offer. 

Chamonix: Deep in the wine growing region of Franschhoek in the Western Cape of South Africa, Chamonix makes well-respected wines. Winemaker Thinus Neethling has a beautiful dog that makes an appearance at the vineyard from time to time. 

Drink & Know Things

In the hit HBO show “Game of Thrones,” Tyrion Lannister uttered a line that spawned a thousand memes (and tshirts, Instagram bios, and catchphrases). “I drink and I know things.” Rarely is there an episode where the clever Hand of the Queen doesn’t have a glass of wine in his hand.

This got us thinking. How many other characters are fans of a glass or two of vino? And how can you drink like your favorite character?

Photo: The Telegraph

First up, the one and only Tyrion Lannister.
Game of Thrones films in a variety of exotic locations including Croatia, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Morocco, and Malta just to name a few. This current season Tyrion finds himself in the fictional Dragonstone, filmed on location in Spain. So to drink like Tyrion, grab yourself a glass of Spanish red. Our favorites Spanish producer is Marqués de Cáceres. You can't go wrong with any of their wines. Tyrion may prefer red, but Marqués de Cáceres makes a delicious white and rosé in addition to their red offerings. 

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Photo: Pinterest

Olivia Pope
Like Tyrion, Olivia is a fan of a generous glass of red wine. From her white wardrobe to clean lines and classic style, our white-hat wearing protagonist is a fan of classic and quality. She isn’t drinking two buck chuck. Complex like her character (and the storylines woven by Shonda Rhimes!), Olivia would be one to pour a glass of Triguedina “The New Black Wine.”

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Photo: Pinterest

Hannibal Lector
Unlike our previous characters, Hannibal Lector is not a protagonist in any sense of the word. (And yes, Hannibal is also a TV character!) He is famed for enjoying Chianti. So if you’d like to emulate any part ofHannibal Lector, let it only be his taste in wine. A glass of Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico would hit the spot quite nicely.

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Now most TV characters drink red because it looks better on camera (no pesky condensation to deal with like a chilled white wine!) But one of our favorite television characters knows that a crisp, cool white is worth the extra filming hassle.

Photo: Pinterest

Tami Taylor
When you think football you likely think beer, but our favorite football coach’s wife Tami Taylor from Friday Night Lights knows wine is an excellent choice. She wasn’t afraid to make her love of wine known. A bottle like Mohua Sauvignon Blanc or Famille Perrin La Vieille Ferme Blanc would endear you to Mrs. Taylor forever.

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So as Tyrion says, drink and know things. Just be sure you're drinking Vineyard Brands.