In this episode of Uncork Your Mind, I chat with David Sheldon, owner of Hampton Roads Winery in Surry County, Virginia, and author of You Can Wine Too, about how he and his wife Diane transformed retirement into a life of winemaking, farming, and creativity.

We talk about:
🍇 Lessons from starting a winery from scratch
🏠 Turning a Victorian mansion into a tasting room
🐐 Building the world's tallest Goat Tower
🐄 Raising cattle and saving a calf named Nicholas
💡 The passion that keeps them pouring

🎧 Listen & read more → https://hudsonvalleywinegoddess.com/
📘 Buy You Can Wine Too on Amazon or Barnes & Noble
🍷 Visit hamptonroadswinery.com

#DreamBuildPour #WinePodcast #UncorkYourMind #VirginiaWine #YouCanWineToo #HudsonValleyWineGoddess

Welcome to another episode of Winephabet Street, where we explore the world of wine one letter at a time! This episode features the elusive and extraordinary Usakhelauri – a rare Georgian grape known for its deep color, natural sweetness, and limited production.

Join us as we dive into:
✅ The history and origins of Usakhelauri 🍇
✅ What makes it so rare and highly sought after
✅ Tasting notes and food pairings 🍷🍽
✅ How it represents the rich winemaking traditions of Georgia 🇬🇪

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exciting wine explorations! Have you ever tried Usakhelauri? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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📍 Website: https://winephabetstreet.com/

If you missed the live episode of Winephabet Street's this month we talked all about Traminette, Our guest was Michael Migliore, owner and winemaker of Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery. Michael brought 45 years of winemaking expertise to the table, providing invaluable insights into this fascinating grape known for its floral, fruity, and spicy characteristics

What is Traminette?

Traminette is a hybrid grape, a cross between Gewürztraminer and a French-American hybrid. It boasts the aromatic intensity of Gewürztraminer while offering the hardiness and disease resistance of hybrids. Traminette thrives in regions with cooler climates, making it a popular choice in New York's Hudson Valley and the Midwest.

Key Highlights from the Webinar

The History and Development of Traminette

Michael shared the grape's unique origin story, developed as a resilient and flavorful alternative to traditional European varieties. Introduced in the 1990s, Traminette has gained a foothold in vineyards across the Northeast and Midwest due to its cold tolerance and disease resistance.

Vineyard and Soil Preferences

Traminette thrives in sandy loam soils and prefers slightly sloped sites for optimal drainage and sun exposure. Michael emphasized the importance of early leaf pulling to allow sunlight to develop the grape's flavor precursors, ensuring a rich and complex wine profile.

Winemaking Techniques

Michael detailed his winemaking process, highlighting the importance of cold fermentation and short skin contact to retain Traminette's signature floral and fruity notes. He also touched on experimenting with non-intervention wines, using natural yeasts to create unique flavor profiles.

Tasting Notes

Traminette's bouquet is a sensory delight, featuring aromas of rose petals, orange blossom, and jasmine. On the palate, expect notes of guava, lychee, Honeycrisp apple, and a medley of spices like ginger and cloves. Michael's description painted a vivid picture of a wine that's both elegant and versatile.

Food Pairings

One of the standout moments was the discussion on food pairings. Michael recommended pairing Traminette with:

• Spicy Asian Cuisine: Think Thai green curry or dumplings with chili oil.

• Seafood: Oysters and other light, briny dishes.

• Cheese: Gruyere is a perfect match for Traminette's nuanced flavors. For sweeter versions, desserts like cheesecake or roasted meats complement the wine beautifully.

Why Traminette Matters

Traminette is more than just a hybrid grape; it represents the innovation and resilience of modern viticulture. Its ability to thrive in colder climates while offering a sophisticated flavor profile makes it a valuable addition to any wine enthusiast's repertoire.

What's your experience with Traminette? Share your thoughts in the comments!

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Kopke 1638 Port House with winemaker Carla Tiago. Carla discusses the 400-year history of Kopke, from its German roots to becoming a staple of Portugal's port wine legacy. She explains the various port styles, including the unique Colheitas, aged solely in barrels and bottled only upon request, preserving their distinct vintages for decades. Carla also shares how Kopke is bringing port into the modern era, with innovative projects like their limited library collection of century-old vermouth and quinine-infused ports. With insights on pairing port with food, modern cocktails, and upcoming projects, Carla paints a vivid picture of the dedication and tradition that make Kopke a standout in the world of port wines.

In this episode of Uncork Your Mind, I chat with Shawn Pearce from Familia Vicente Pearce, a winery with roots in both Buffalo, New York, and Mendoza, Argentina. Shawn shares his fascinating journey from studying wine in college to creating a family-run vineyard with his wife, Celia, in Argentina's renowned wine region. We explore their sustainable vineyard practices, the artistry behind their wine labels, and their delicious range of wines, including a rare Gamay Rosé and a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. Tune in to hear more about how passion for wine shaped Shawn's path and what makes Familia Vicente Pearce so special!

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In this episode of 'Winephabet Street,' co-hosts Lori and Deb welcome guests Jim Quarrella and Larry Coia from Bellview Winery in New Jersey. The discussion revolves around the San Marco grape, a unique variety being cultivated by Bellview Winery in the United States. Jim and Larry share the grape's history, how they imported it from Italy, and its resilience and characteristics that make it promising for New Jersey's climate. The conversation touches on the grape's disease resistance, vibrant acidity, and fruit structure, drawing parallels to well-known varieties like Syrah. As they taste different vintages of the San Marco wine, they discuss its flavors and potential food pairings, emphasizing its versatility. Additionally, they delve into the challenges of grape farming and winemaking during varying seasons and the importance of lesser-known Italian varieties in American vineyards. Throughout, the passion for innovation and collaboration in wine production is evident, as Bellview Winery emerges as a pioneer for this new grape variety in the U.S.

So excited about this episode of Winephabet Street. We are exploring the letter 'R' with one of the wine world's hidden gems, the Rkatsiteli grape. This ancient varietal, which hails from the storied vineyards of Georgia, offers a captivating blend of history and unique flavors that few other wines can boast.

Joining us is a very special guest, Meaghan Frank from Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery located in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Meaghan represents the fourth generation of her family's winemaking legacy, bringing both a deep respect for tradition and a fresh perspective to the craft.

The Journey of Rkatsiteli

The Rkatsiteli grape is considered one of the oldest known to viticulture, with origins that trace back over 3,000 years in the Republic of Georgia. This grape has survived and thrived through millennia, making it a testament to the resilience and enduring appeal of indigenous varietals.

At Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, the journey of Rkatsiteli is intertwined with the personal history of the Frank family. Dr. Konstantin Frank, a visionary viticulturist and Meaghan's great-grandfather, first introduced Rkatsiteli to the Finger Lakes, recognizing the region's potential to nurture this robust and versatile grape.

Tasting Notes and Pairings

Rkatsiteli produces a wine that is vibrant and aromatic, with a crisp acidity that makes it incredibly food-friendly. It exhibits flavors ranging from ripe apple and pear to herbal and floral notes, making it versatile for pairing with a wide array of cuisines. The wine's high acidity cuts through the richness of fatty foods and complements spicy and aromatic dishes, making it an excellent match for everything from Indian curries to traditional Georgian recipes.

We were spoiled and got to taste 3 types of Rkatsiteli Dr. Frank produces.

2021 Amber Rkatsiteli - Spent 2 weks on skins. Fresh floral with orange blossom and chamomile

2022 Rkatsiteli - Bright acidity, notes of pear and nice salinity on the finish

2021 Rkatsiteli Extra Brut - it has a touch of dosage and spent 3 years aging. Nice floral notes and fresh and exciting.

Sustainability and Innovation at Dr. Frank Winery

Under Meaghan's stewardship, the winery continues to focus on sustainable viticulture practices, including the use of solar energy and participation in New York State's Sustainable Winegrowing program. This commitment ensures that the legacy of Dr. Konstantin Frank not only preserves the environment but also continues to innovate and lead in the American wine industry.

Experience and Education

Meaghan's approach to winemaking is deeply rooted in both tradition and science. With a background in wine business and enology, she blends practical experience with academic knowledge, enriching the winery's offerings with both classic and innovative wines. Her involvement in teaching local WSET courses further reflects her commitment to educating others about wine, ensuring that the passion for viticulture is passed on to the next generation.

Visiting Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery

For those intrigued by the story of Rkatsiteli and the rich history of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, a visit to the Finger Lakes offers a picturesque setting to experience these exceptional wines. The winery provides a range of tasting experiences that showcase the diversity of their wine portfolio, from their traditional method sparkling wines to their exquisite Rkatsiteli.

Rkatsiteli is not just about a grape, but about the enduring legacy of a family that changed the American wine landscape. Meaghan Frank continues this legacy with a dedication to quality, sustainability, and education, ensuring that the history of Rkatsiteli will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

We hope you enjoyed this exploration of Rkatsiteli on Winephabet Street. Join us next time as we uncover another exciting chapter in the world of wine. Cheers!

In this episode of Winephabet Street, Debbie and Lori tackle the questions you've been hesitant to ask about wine. Remember, in the world of wine, no questions are considered foolish. Whether you've been pondering about tannins, wine pairings, or curious about corks, now is your opportunity to gain clarity without hesitation.

We had such a good show and didn't get to all the questions, we have a part 2 coming up.

I hope you enjoy!