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A celebri-quote

• Actress and mother-to-be Jessica Alba commenting to Gossip Girls.com on how pregnancy has changed her beverage choices.

"Sometimes I want a few glasses of wine. I get half a glass maybe once a week and I don’t even like it. It tastes different. My taste buds are different.

"I miss Scotch, too.”

You can get information on the affects of alcohol on pregnancy at the American Pregnancy Association Web site.

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Finger Lakes International topped by trio

A trio of wineries earned a pair of double gold medals each in last Saturday's Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

The double gold status, which means a unanimous vote of the judges sampling the particular wine, went to two entries each from Adobe Road Winery of Petaluma, CA, Hagafen Cellars of Napa, CA, and Penguin Bay Winery of Hector, NY.

The competition is an annual fundraiser for Camp Good Days and Special Times, is a non-profit organization that provides a camping experience and more for children and adults facing the toughest challenges of life such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and violence.

Here is the complete list of double golds. All other results are available elsewhere online.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Adobe Road Winery, Petaluma, CA, Adobe Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2003.
• Zinfandel (Red): Adobe Road Winery, Petaluma, CA, Adobe Road Zinfandel 2005.
• Traminette: Beans Creek Winery, Manchester, TN, Traminette NV.
• Baco Noir: Benmarl Winery, Highland, NY, Benmarl Baco Noir 2006.
• Chenin Blanc: Biltmore Estate Wine Co., Asheville, NC, Biltmore Estate Chenin Blanc NV.
• Cabernet Franc: Blue Sky Vineyard, Makanda, IL, Cabernet Franc (75% Cabernet Franc, 25% Chambourcin) NV.
• Icewine (naturally frozen): Casa Larga Vineyards, Fairport, NY, Casa Larga-Fiori Vidal 2005.
• Red Varietals: Chameleon Cellars, Saint Helena, CA, Chameleon Cellars Carignane 2005.
• Late Harvest White: Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Woodinville, WA, Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Late Harvest White Riesling 2006.
• Niagara: Earle Estates Meadery, Penn Yan, NY, Earle Estates Niagara NV.
• Riesling Sweet (>4.0%RS): Hagafen Cellars, Napa, CA, Hagafen Riesling 2007.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Hagafen Cellars, Napa, CA, Prix Cabernet Sauvignon 2003.
• Merlot: Jarvis Winery, Napa, CA, Jarvis 81% MR /13% CF 6% CS 2005.
• Viognier: Jefferson Vineyards, Charlottesville, VA, Jefferson Vineyards Viognier 2007.
• Cider (< 7% Alcohol): Les Vergers Petit et Fils, Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Petit Pomme Cidre Leger 2006.
• Merlot: M.A. Marketing, Tishbi Estate Winery, Zichron Yaakov, Israel, Merlot 2005.
• Zinfandel (Red): Maryhill Winery, Golendale, WA, Maryhill Classic Zinfandel 2005.
• Ice Wine (naturally frozen): Mountain Road Wine Co., Beamsville, Ontario, Mountain Road Wine Co. Vidal Icewine 2003.
• Ice Wine (naturally frozen): Oliver Winery, Bloomington, IN, Creekbend Vidal Blanc Ice Wine 2005.
• Riesling Semi-Sweet (2.0-4.0% RS): Penguin Bay Winery, Hector, NY, Penguin Bay Winery Riesling NV.
• Valvin-Muscat: Penguin Bay Winery, Hector, NY, Penguin Bay Winery Valvin / Muscat 2006.
• Rosé: Pinnacle Ridge Winery, Kutztown, PA, Pinnacle Ridge Winery Brut Rose Pinot Noir NV.
• Ice Wine (naturally frozen): Reif Estate Winery, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Reif Estate Winery Vidal Ice Wine 2005.
• Ice Wine (naturally frozen): Royal DeMaria Wines, Beamsville, Ontario, Royal DeMaria Ice Wine Cabernet Sauvignon 2002.
• Chardonnay: South Coast Winery, Temecula, CA, South Coast Winery Chardonnay Sans Chene 2007.
• Sherry: Summerside Vineyards & Winery, Vinita, OK, Summerside Vineyards Sherry NV.
• Riesling Dry (0.0-0.75% RS): Swedish Hill Winery, Romulus, NY, Swedish Hill Winery Dry Riesling 2006.
• Traminette: Tabor Hill Winery, Bridgman, MI, Tabor Hill Winery Traminette 2006.
• Lemberger: Torrey Ridge Winery, Penn Yan, NY, Torrey Ridge Winery Lemberger 2006.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: V. Sattui Winery, St. Helena, CA, V. Sattui Winery Preston Vineyard Cabernet 2005.
• Late Harvest White: Vignoble du Marathonien, Havelock, Quebec, Vignoble du Marathonien Vidal 2006.
• Vidal Blanc: Wagner Vineyards, Lodi, NY, Wagner Vineyards Vidal Blanc Ice 2006.
• Late Harvest White: Weingut Anita & Hans Nittnaus, Austria, Weingut Anita & Hans Nittnaus 50% Chardonnay / 30% Pinot blanc / 10% Sauvignon blanc / 10% Riesling 2004.
• Other White Varietals: Weingut Werner Anselmann, Edesheim/ Weinstrabe, Germany, Anselmann Ortega rockenbeerenauslese Ortega 2006.
• Late Harvest White: Whitewater Hill Vineyards, Grand Junction, CO, Whitewater Hill Late Harvest Chardonnay 2007.
• Marechal Foch: Winehaven Winery and Vineyard, Chisago City, MN, Winehaven Winery Marechal Foch St. Croix 2006.

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Nevada gets its first estate-bottled red

Nevada's oldest and largest winery has produced the state's first estate red wine, a first crush 2005 Zinfandel called "Nevada Ridge."

Owners Bill and Gretchen Loken's Pahrump Valley Winery usually produces wines from grapes purchased in California, specifically the Paso Robles, Monterey, Sonoma, Napa and Lodi grape-growing regions. "Nevada Ridge" was made completely from grapes grown on the Pahrump grounds.

In an interview with the local Pahrump Valley Times newspaper, Bill Loken said, "There's never been a bottle of wine ever made at the winery from grapes that were grown here -- ever."

However, "he qualified his remarks, adding it's 'believed to be' the first red estate wine ever grown in Nevada, since Frank 'Pop' Buol grew grapes in Pahrump in the 1930s. But little is known about Chateau Buol other than it was bonded by the federal government."

Pahrump Valley Winery currently produces about 10,000 cases of wine annually, or about 120,000 bottles.

About 1.5 tons of zinfandel grapes were picked in mid-August of 2005, which amounts to about four barrels. The first crush will produce about 100 cases, or about 1,100 bottles, which will be priced at about $75 a bottle.

"To my knowledge this is the first commercial red wine ever produced in the state of Nevada. It marks the beginning point for an industry that has potential," Loken said in the interview.

An estate white wine was produced at Churchill Vineyards in Fallon, NV.

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Brunello flap gets results

The investigation into Brunello di Montalcino production levels for at least four major vintners isn't finished. However, a Tuscan trade organization already is taking action to blunt criticism.

Count Francesco Marone Cinzano (right), owner of Brunello producer Col d'Orcia and president of the consortium of Brunello producers, told Decanter.com that producers now will test some 20-25% of wine each year after reports that hundreds of thousands of top Brunello were impounded and sale of the 2003 vintage suspended.

"We will be a lot more severe in our controls to guarantee and certify the good work of the majority,'' he told reporters for the wine magazine during a conversation at the Vinitaly trade fair in Verona, Italy.

Major producers including Castello Banfi, Antinori, Frescobaldi and Argiano were being investigated after it was alleged they had mixed small amounts of other grapes with the Brunello, a violation of commercial law.

You can read the full Decanter.com story here.

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This time the label really is important

Sometimes it's difficult to juggle wine glasses when you're being spontaneous and, perhaps, hoping to share a touch of the grape with a significant other while out on a stroll through a meadow.

If you have a bottle of the Vinho Verde created by Viktor Pucsek for the PapaMama Design Competition, no problem. Simply slip off the label, which converts to a couple of paper drinking vessels.

You'll have to figure out for yourself how to open the bottle, although a screwtop would come in handy for anyone who decides to seriously manufacture what currently is a prototype design.

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Brunello di Montalcino production probed

Sometimes in business you can be too productive.

Think not? Check with the prominent Italian winemaker Castello Banfi. The Tuscan vintner has had 600,000 bottles of its 2003 Brunello di Montalcino confiscated by Italian authorities as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the quantity of bottles produced.

Enrico Viglierchio, a Castello Banfi executive, confirmed for reporters a story in the Tuscan newspaper Corriere Fiorentino that police had seized wine produced by Castello Banfi and three other vintners -- Antinori, Frescobaldi and Argiano -- on suspicion the high-end products had been cut with other grape varieties such as Sauvignon, which would be commercial fraud if true.

"It seems we produced more" than the vintner could have produced based on the calculation of acreage dedicated to grapes for Brunello, Viglierchio said in remarks carried by Italian state TV.

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Psst, think Canberra wine

If you're interested in checking out what its producers think will be a singular wine, you'd better start working your Australian contacts early.

This year's wine harvest is so impressive it will be bottled for the territory's centenary celebrations, according to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government.

ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope told the Canberra Times that a riesling and a shiraz would be created using some of this year's best fruit and the top skills of the local wine industry.

"The wine will be released in our centenary year, 2013," he said. "I understand the (local winemakers') association is looking to make this process as inclusive as possible so that a number of winemakers in the district will have the opportunity to be part of the unique project."

The Canberra Region Wine District has emerged as one of Australia's premier wine producing regions in recent years. There are 35 wineries within a 35-minute drive of Canberra city. Overall, there are 140 vineyards in the ACT, with most of them small boutique operations.

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The ultimate 'carding'

From the Canadian Press:

EDINBURGH, Scotland — An Internet campaign to ban Britain's treasury chief from the country's pubs seems to be striking a chord.

Earlier this month, treasury chief Alistair Darling (seen at right) raised taxes on cars and cigarettes. But it is his new alcohol duties -- which raised the price of a pint of beer -- that have Britons' backs up.

So, when a pub landlord here in Darling's hometown barred the chancellor from his establishment, drinking holes across the country followed suit. Many are posting pictures of the white-haired, bespectacled treasurer above the big red word "barred."

Bar manger Andrew Little at the Utopia pub, which kicked off the campaign, says the poster is "tongue in cheek." But, he says, it seems to have "touched a nerve."

Hundreds have joined Internet groups devoted to running Darling out of every pub in the country, and establishments from the Tap & Spile in the north England town of Lincoln to the Plough Inn in Finstock, near Oxford, said Darling would not allowed to partake of their booze.

The government has raised taxes on alcohol by 6% above the rate of inflation, which translates to an extra four pence (about eight cents Canadian) for a pint of beer, 13 pence (around 26 cents) for a bottle of wine and 55 pence (around $1.12) a bottle for spirits such as whisky.

The duties are scheduled to rise by another 2% above inflation in each of the next four years.

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Solving a liquidity problem

From The Times of London's Web site:

"In a cold, dark cellar in Paris lie some of the world’s finest wines: 12 bottles of Château d’Yquem, a case of Château Margaux and a 1985 bottle of Romanée-Conti, estimated to be worth almost £4,000. [Nearly $8,000 US.]

“ 'Don’t touch it,' snapped a broad-shouldered warehouseman as The Times reached for the celebrated burgundy. “If you dropped it, the insurance wouldn’t pay.”

His nervousness was understandable, for this is the first time in history that a French pawnbroker has accepted wine as a security against loans for its customers."

Here's the rest of the story.

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N.D. backs off punishing make-your-owns

When it comes to alcoholic beverages, many state authorities exhibit an almost-pathological need to tax, regulate, stifle and otherwise interfere with a business enterprise.

The latest such news comes from North Dakota. Not a place one normally thinks of when the subject is wine, but, like every other state, there are wineries and winemaking interest there.

The North Dakota State Tax Commission has reversed its previous opinion on two key issues.

One affected a business called Vintner's Cellar, a make-your-own-wine company with locations in Grand Forks and Fargo. Owners Tony and Judy Osowski said in January they would close their doors because the Tax Commission wanted to revoke its domestic winery licenses, saying it did not meet ingredient requirements or pay an alcohol excise tax on its wine sales.

An audit conducted last fall claimed the winery’s private-label wines failed to meet a state law requiring the majority if its ingredients — grapes, fruit or other sources — be North Dakota products.

The other case involved Lisa Gibson Archive Vintner’s, another make-your-own-wine business in which customers are allowed to taste wines and purchase wine kits that are made in the store or in the customer’s home. This one differs in that it also makes it owns domestic wine under the Dakota Prairie label.

The state Tax Commission also claimed that the franchise owed back taxes from 2005 and 2006, based on policy that state excise and alcoholic beverage taxes must be paid on all wine sales.

Now comes word that both decisions were reconsidered and reversed.

In the case of the Osowskis' business, the state panel ruled that its winemaking kit "is not subject to the majority ingredient requirement.”

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NY Wine Month more than a mere motto

April is many things -- among them, New York Wine Month.

As opposed to the usual pale occurrence such theme months might be (think National Lollipop Month), this one involves more than 300 restaurants and wine shops in the state that will feature New York wines all month long.

There are more than 230 wineries statewide, and wines from 92 of them are featured as part of the promotion from New York Wines & Dines.

Its Web site has a list of participating restaurants as well as a collection of recipes, information on wines, food and wine regions throughout the state to support the month-long event.

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Perrier-Jouet all bubbly over the super-rich

The latest entry in the "world's most expensive blah-blah-blah" competition demands our attention in the champagne category.

A personalized, limited edition 12-bottle boxed set of Perrier-Jouet Champagne will go on sale Thursday with a price tag of 50,000 euros, or $78,944 U.S.

if that seems a bit pricey, consider a single bottle at 4,166 euros, or $6,576 U.S.

First, of course, you have to qualify for the privilege of buying the bubbly. Pernod-Ricard, which owns Perrier-Jouet, said sales will be limited to "a community of super-rich" consumers in the U.S., U.K., Japan, China, Russia, Switzerland and France.

"We are going to sell these box-sets to 100 people around the world who will have a chance to customise their own champagne, the ultimate luxury," said Perrier Olivier Cavil, head of communications at Perrier-Jouet. "Each buyer will come to Epernay (in eastern France) for a one-on-one meeting with our cellar master Herve Deschamps, and will personally add a 'liqueur' to personalise the bottles."

The special edition champagne is a combination of sugar and wines from different years, and the liqueur will put the finishing touch on bottles of Perrier-Jouet's 2000 Belle Epoque champagne.

The previous price record was held by a limited edition of Dom Perignon champagne, which went on sale in 2005 for 12,000 euros, or $18,957 U.S., per three-litre bottle.

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Letters: PA wine shipping is a pain

Mr. Dowd:

Is it possible to buy Pennsylvania wine via an Internet order to ship to California in one week?

If so, who/what would you recommend? I'm throwing a bridal shower for a bride-to-be from PA.

-- Kathy in California

Kathy:

Sorry, but it is illegal to ship wine from Pennsylvania to a destination outside the state.

Pennsylvania is one of the more restrictive states when it comes to interstate sales. In fact, it has a very cumbersome process for in-state shipping as well: You have to order the wine to be shipped to a state-licensed store, then pick it up there rather than having what you purchased sent directly to you.

Thanks for writing. And best wishes for the shower.

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Terroir-categorized wine competition results

"Terroir" is a term perhaps more understood in parts of the world with a longer history of growing wine grapes than in the U.S., a comparative newcomer to the field.

But terroir's impact is beginning to be recognized. The annual Grand Harvest Awards judging in Santa Rosa, CA, for example, bills itself as "the only wine-judging event in North America that is based on terroir -- a group of vineyards (or even vines) from the same region, belonging to a specific appellation, and sharing the same type of soil, weather conditions, grapes and wine making savoir-faire, which contribute to give its specific personality to the wine."

The idea of hinging a competition on such criteria is "to acknowledge the influence of terroir" compared to other competitions in which the factor is ignored.

Gold medalists in the recent event:

AUSTRALIA
• Barossa Valley: Peter Lehmann, 2005 Shiraz, $15.
• Clare Valley: Wakefield, 2005 Riesling, $16.99.
• South Australia: Wakefield Promised Land, 2006 Chardonnay, Unwooded, $12.99.
• Southeastern Australia: Black Swan, 2006 Shiraz, $8; Black Swan, 2006 Shiraz/Merlot, $8; Black Swan, 2006 Riesling, $8.

BRITISH COLUMBIA
• Okanagan Valley: Burrowing Owl Estate, 2005 Cabernet Franc, $33; Burrowing Owl Estate, 2005 Syrah, $38; Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery, 2006 Vidal Ice Wine, $29.99; Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Wines, 2006 Riesling Ice Wine, Mission Hill Reserve, $59.99.

ONTARIO
• Niagara Peninsula: Heritage Series, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, $11.45; Hillebrand Trius, NV Brut, $24.95; Magnotta Winery, 2006 Sparkling Ice Wine, Limited Edition, $49.95.

NEW ZEALAND
• Marlborough: Kathy Lynskey Wines, 2006 Pinot Noir, Block 36 Reserve, Dry $39; Whitehaven, 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, $22.

SOUTH AFRICA
• Cape: Sebeka, 2007 Shiraz/Pinotage, Western Cape, $10.

CALIFORNIA
• Geyser Peak Winery, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, $12; Korbel Cellars, NV Champagne Chardonnay, $11; Pepi, 2006 Pinot Grigio, $11; Redtree, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, $8; Sutter Home, 2006 Pinot Grigio, $5; Sutter Home, 2006 White Zinfandel, $4; Trinity Oaks, 2006 Pinot Noir, $8.
• Alexander Valley: Wattle Creek Winery, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Select, $85.
• Central Coast: Bonny Doon Vineyard, 2006 Le Vol des Anges, Beeswax Vineyard, $30; Bonny Doon Vineyard, 2007 Albarino, Ca' del Solo Vineyard, $20; Bridlewood Winery, 2006 Viognier, Reserve, $20; Bridlewood Winery, 2004 Syrah, Reserve, $24; Cycles Gladiator Wines, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry, $9.99; Five Rivers Winery, 2006 Pinot Grigio, $9.99; Hahn Estates Wine, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry, $14; Kendall-Jackson, 2005 Syrah, Alisos Hills, $35; Michael Grace Wines, 2004 Syrah, Paradise Vineyard, $22; San Saba, 2006 Chardonnay, $20; Saucelito Canyon Vineyard, 2006 Zinfandel, $23; Saucelito Canyon Vineyard, 2006 Zinfandel 1880, $68; Sunstone Winery, 2005 Merlot SBC, Estate, $28.
• Central Valley: Dancing Coyote Wines, 2006 Rhumba, $10.99.
• Cucamonga Valley: Rancho De Philo, NV California Triple Cream Sherry, $34.95.
• Dry Creek Valley: Dutcher Crossing Winery, 2006 Zinfandel, Maple Vineyard, $39.
• Lodi: California's Jewel, 2005 Merlot, $10.99; Earthquake Petite Sirah, 2005 Petite Sirah, $28; Hamilton Oaks Vineyard, 2003 Barbera, $27; Harlow Ridge Winery, 2006 Chardonnay, $6.99; Incognito, 2006 Viognier, $19.50.
• Los Carneros: Fleur de California, 2006 Pinot Noir Vin Gris, $13; Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, 2004 Blanc de Blancs, $24.
• Mendocino: Bonterra Vineyards, 2006 Chardonnay, $12.99; Bonterra Vineyards, 2005 Merlot, $14.99; Brutocao Cellars, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Hopland Ranches, $22; Brutocao Cellars, 2005 Zinfandel, Hopland Ranches, $22; Claudia Springs Winery, 2005 Pinot Noir, $20; Claudia Springs Winery, 2005 Zinandel, Vassar Vineyards, .$24; Navarro Vineyards, 2006 Pinot Noir, Deep-End Blend, $52; Navarro Vineyards, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, $35;
Navarro Vineyards, 2006 White Riesling, Cluster Select, $59; Three Families Winery, 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, $16; Wattle Creek Winery, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, $17.
• Napa Valley: Bell, 2006 Chardonnay, $26; Casa Nuestra Winery & Vineyard, 2005 Tinto St. Helena, $30; Napa Cellars, 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, $18; Rutherford Ranch, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Dry, $48; Rutherford Ranch, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, $18; Ryham Estate Vineyards, 2005 Malbec, Ryhan, $14.99; Terremoto Cellars, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Asbill Vineyard, $35; V. Sattui Winery, 2006 Chardonnay, $24.
• North Coast: 39 Degrees, 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, $10; Brassfield Estate Winery, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, High Serenity Ranch, $23.99; Charles Creek Vineyard, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Las Pasiones, $39; Charles Creek Vineyard, 2005 Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon, Miradero, $32; Dutcher Crossing Winery, 2006 Chardonnay, Stuhlmuller Vineyard, $39; Geyser Peak Winery, 2006 Chardonnay Reserve, $23; Geyser Peak Winery, 2006 Chardonnay, $13; Hughes Family Vineyards, 2005 Syrah, Savanah Vineyard, $40; Leveroni Vineyards, 2006 Pinot Noir, $18; Little Vineyards, 2005 Cabernet, Little Vineyards, $40; Rosenblum Cellars, 2005 Syrah, Hillside Vineyards, $25; Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19; Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery, 2006 Chardonnay, $24; Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery, 2006 Wrangler Red, .$17; Stonestreet Alexander Mountain Estate, 2005 Chardonnay, $23; Trecini Cellars, 2005 Syrah, Ladi Vineyard, $25; Wildhurst Vineyards, 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, $11; Wildhurst Vineyards, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, $16.
• Paso Robles: Jeff Runquist Wines, 2004 Syrah, Three Way Vineyard, $40; Sculpterra Winery, 2006 Red Blend, Maquette, $40;
The Midlife Crisis Winery, 2005 Syrah, $22; Victor Hugo Winery, 2006 Viognier, Estate, $18.
• Russian River Valley: Amphora, 2006 Pinot Noir, Windsor Oaks, $45; Bogle Vineyards, 2005 Pinot Noir, $13; Hawley Wines, 2006 Chardonnay, $22; J. Lynne, 2006 Chardonnay, $19; Longboard Vineyards, 2006 Pinot Noir, $28; Longboard Vineyards, 2004 Syrah, $28; Pug Wine, 2006 Pinot Noir, Amber Ridge, $35.
• San Benito: Kenneth Volk Vineyards, 2005 Negrette, Caleri Vineyard, $24.
• San Francisco Bay: Sycamore Creek, 2005 Petit Verdot, Uvas Creek, $24.95.
• Santa Maria Valley: Kenneth Volk Vineyards, 2005 Chardonnay, Sierra Madre Vineyard, $24.
• Sierra Foothills: Bell, 2006 Syrah, Canterbury Vineyard, $26; Bray Vineyards, 2007 Barbera Rosato, $16; Conti Estate/Charles B. Mitchell Vineyards, 2005 Sangiovese, Bella Rossa, $18; Jeff Runquist Wines, 2006 Barbera, Dick Cooper Vineyard, $24; Mount Aukum Winery, 2006 En Fuego/Red Rhone Blend, $26; MV. Miller Vineyards, 2005 Barbera, Rancho Olivo Vineyards, $20; MV. Miller Vineyards, 2005 Petite Sirah, Rancho Olivo Vineyards, $35.
• South Coast: Callaway Vineyard & Winery, 2005 Opera d' Arte, $28.

COLORADO
• Grand Valley: Balistreri Vineyards, 2006 Cabernet Franc, Whitewater Hill Vineyard, $28.

ILLINOIS
• Lynfred Winery, 2007 Seyval Blanc, $18.

MICHIGAN
• Lake Michigan Shore: St. Julian, NV Seyval Vidal Blue Heron, $7.99; Tabor Hill Winery, NV Grand Mark, $28.95.

MISSOURI
• Crown Valley Winery, 2004 Fine Old Chandonel, Crown Estate, $16; Stone Hill Winery, 2007 Vignoles, $15.99.
• American: Crown Valley Winery, 2005 Meritage, Mc, $30; St. James Winery, NV Sparkling Blush, $7.99; St. James Winery, NV Friendship School White, $7.99; St. James Winery, NV Velvet Red, $6.99.
• Hermann: Stone Hill Winery, 2005 Cross J Norton, Estate Bottled, $24.99.

NEBRASKA
• Mac's Creek Vineyards, 2007 Edelweiss, $13.

NEW YORK
• Oak Summit Vineyard, 2005 Pinot Noir, Estate Bottled, $49.
• Finger Lakes: Heron Hill, 2005 Riesling, Ingle Vineyard, $17.99; Hunt Country Vineyards, 2006 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, Estate Bottled, $39.99.
• North Fork of Long Island: Lieb Family Cellars, 2006 Pinot Blanc, $19.

OHIO
• Grand River Valley: Chalet Debonne Vineyards, 2006 Riesling, Reserve, $11.99; Ferrante Winery, 2006 Riesling, Dry Siganture Series, $15; Ferrante Winery, 2006 Vidal Blanc, $10.

OREGON
• Rogue Valley: Volcano Vineyards, 2005 Syrah, Lakeside Vineyard, $32.
• Willamette Valley: Oak Knoll Winery, 2006 Pinot Gris, $14; Willamette Valley Vineyards, 2006 Pinot Noir, $25; Willamette Valley Vineyards, 2006 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, $40; Winter's Hill Vineyard, 2005 Pinot Noir, $29.

SOUTH DAKOTA
• Prairie Berry Winery, 2007 Frontenac Gris, Lewis and Clark, $15.

VIRGINIA
• Gray Ghost Vineyards, 2007 Late Harvest Vidal Blanc, Adieu, $20.
• Broad Run: Pearmund Cellars, 2005 Viognier, $16.

WASHINGTON
• Columbia Valley: Basel Cellars, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, $36; Chateau Ste. Michelle, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Indian Wells Vineyard, $18; Chateau Ste. Michelle, 2006 Chardonnay Canoe Ridge Estate, $24; Chateau Ste. Michelle, 2006 Riesling, Indian Wells Vineyard, $18; Coeur D'Alene Cellars, 2006 Viognier, $18; E.B. Foote Winery, 2006 Zinfandel, Wahluke Slope, $24; Gamache Vintners, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Gamache Vineyards, $28; Jones of Washington, 2005 Merlot, Jones Vineyards, $18; Kiona, 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, $34.99; LaVelle Vineyards, 2006 Chardonnay, Wahluke Slope, $16; Mary Hill Winery, 2005 Cabernet Franc, Classic, $20; Mary Hill Winery, 2005 Grenache, Proprietor's Reserve, $26; Robert Karl Cellars, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, $30; Saint Laurent Estate Winery, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mrachek Vineyards, $28; Tsillan Cellars Winery & Vineyard, 2006 Riesling, Estate, $20.
• Walla Walla Valley: Cougar Crest Estate, 2006 Viognier, $20.

Go here for a look at the silver and bronze medalists in all categories.

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Brit pubs on endangered list

The iconic image of pubs as a part of England that will always endure is in trouble.

The number of pub closings last year hit a rate 14 times higher than the prior year, according to a new report just released by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

The BBPA says 1,409 pubs closed in 2007, a rate of 27 per week.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has published its own survey showing a slightly slower pace -- 57 a month -- but notes that 31% of those closed are being demolished, 36% are converted to shops, cafes and restaurants and 33% are converted to some other use, mostly residential.

It is this changeover that is concerning people who want to preserve the country's pub structure. CAMRA is pushing for changes to planning laws to prevent pub demolitions and change of use without planning permission.

So, what is causing the phenomenon?

BBPA Chief Executive Rob Hayward said he blames rising costs, falling sales and the impact of the smoking ban.

“These figures show the reality of the pub trade today," he said, "in contrast to the hype surrounding the myth of '24 hour drinking'."

BBPA statistics say beer sales in pubs are at their lowest level since the Depression in the 1930s. Today's pubs are selling 14 million fewer pints a day than they did when sales were at their peak in 1979.

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Marylanders still can't buy wine via 'Net

You may be able to enjoy a glass of wine while you're on your computer in Maryland, but don't try getting the two any closer.

As reported by Baltimore Sun:

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 8) -- A House of Delegates committee yesterday rejected a bill that would let Maryland consumers buy wine directly from Internet merchants and wineries, as is permitted in at least 35 other states.

The bill was also debated yesterday in the Senate, though its chance of passage appears slim.

Wine lovers and Maryland wineries have been battling the state's liquor distributors for several years over the issue. Under current law, online direct-to-consumer sales of alcohol are largely prohibited because they circumvent the "three tier" regulatory system in place that requires producers to sell to wholesalers, who distribute cases of wine to retail stores.

Sen. Jamie B. Raskin, the Montgomery County Democrat sponsoring the bill, yesterday railed against "antiquated economic protectionism" that benefits liquor distributors and merchants. Though a self-described "teetotaler," Raskin exhorted his colleagues to "create a free market in wine. ... Free the grapes!"

Bruce C. Bereano, a lobbyist representing the Licensed Beverage Distributors of Maryland, argued that Raskin's bill would hurt Maryland wineries, reduce distribution-related jobs in the state, hamper tax collection and make it easier for minors to obtain alcohol.

"If you make it so profoundly easy for national wine brands to get their product directly to consumers, they're going to take out Maryland wineries," Bereano said.

The association representing state wineries disagrees.

"The ability to ship wine to a consumer is one of many methods provided by law in other states to encourage the growth and prosperity of small wineries," said Maryland Wineries Association executive director Kevin M. Atticks in his written testimony. Maryland's current laws are "frustrating for consumers and almost impossible to explain to customers," he said.

(You can see the rest of the story here on the Sun's Web site.)

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Letters: 'Crucifixion' wine?

Dear Mr. Dowd:

I was recently treated to a Ukrainian wine that had a rendition of the crucifixion of Christ as the label. Are you familiar with this wine?

It was wonderful (but) with the entire label unreadable to my American eye we have no idea what the name is or where it is made. Just wondering if you are able to shed some light.

-- Rebecca Reynolds, Salt Lake City, UT

Becky:

I've been researching your question, but haven't come up with a specific name. Several sources say putting such imagery on wine at certain times of the year is commonplace and not restricted to any one label.

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Seyval Blanc leads way for new NY designation

One of my favorite wines from New York's Hudson Valley is a Seyval Blanc from Clinton Vineyards in Dutchess County.

Obviously, Clinton Vineyards co-owners Phyllis and Ben Feder and other members of the Hudson Valley Wine & Grape Association feel strongly about the grape as well. So much so, in fact, that the group has selected Seyval Blanc (shown at right) as the primary grape for wines that will qualify for the new "Hudson Heritage White" designation, with Vignoles, Vidal or Cayuga White allowed for blending.

Seyval Blanc grapes have a long reputation as a good cool-climate fruit. The French-American hybrid is the second most planted vine in England, behind Müller-Thurgau. In the U.S., the regional appellations producing the most Seyval Blanc wines are the Hudson River and the Finger Lakes in New York, and the state appellations producing the most are New York, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Illinois, Maryland and Virginia.

The grape is an early ripener, usually mid- to late September. It is highly susceptible to botrytis bunch rot.

Seyval Blanc wine is a pale yellow color, with a light but fragrant nose, usually with hints of lemon, pineapple and a bit of acidic apple on the finish.

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Letters: Drinks list for a new restaurant

Bill:

I am opening a "global" themed restaurant north of Boston in two months and am attempting a beverage/whiskey list that represents accordingly, and strays from the norm of same ol' menu selections.

Any direction you could provide would be appreciated. Thank you.

-- Scott Plath, Lowell, MA

Dear Scott:

I'd suggest keeping really "up" on what is going on in emerging markets such as the tequilas of Mexico, the sochus of Korea, the caçhascas of Brazil and neighboring lands.

Each can do wonders for cocktail recipes when used with always-fresh ingredients (fruits, herbs, the occasional veggie like cucumber) and creating such a list not only would pair nicely with global cuisine, but would be a great selling point in getting noticed.

In addition, for the non-cocktail portion of your drinks list, I'd strongly suggest getting into a wide range of teas. They're becoming extremely popular all over the U.S. and wildly popular in many European and Asian markets.

Good luck with your project.

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NY's newest wine will come from ... Staten Island?

If non-New Yorkers know anything about Staten Island, it usually involves its storied ferry service from Manhattan or wisecracks made about it on "The Sopranos." Lush vineyards don't usually figure into the equation.

Now, however, the enclave across the Verrazano Narrows Bridge from the Big Apple proper is about to make a change.

With a little help from its Italian sister city, the borough often remembered for its former landfill is preparing to open the only large-scale and educational vineyard in New York City. And its creators are looking forward to producing their very own nectar of the gods -- the Super Staten Island Red.

Go here for the full story.

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Women's Wine Competition, round 2

The 2nd annual National Women's Wine Competition is nearly upon us.

The nation's only wine competition judged solely by women is scheduled for March 16-19 in Santa Rosa, CA. The field is expected to be 2,500 entries from 30 U.S. states and seven foreign countries. Medal-winning wines will be published in a "Wines Women Love Shopping List" that will become available April 1 online. The complete list of judges already is available online.

Judith Oppenheimer, event co-founder and director, said, "The point of the competition is to have top women identify and recommend top wines. With our Shopping List, you have the assurance of knowing the wine you select has impressed extremely discerning women palates.

"Many Americans love wine, but are unsure of what to buy. The choices are enormous, and most people don't want to risk tossing the dice on a $10, $20, $30 or more bottle of wine without some recommendation from a source they can trust. The Wines Women Love Shopping List takes the guesswork out of buying wine."

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French facing wine bottle shortage

We hear about the ongoing problems besetting the French wine industry -- erratic weather, overproduction, mounting global competition, regulatory battles -- but a new one is being felt: A bottle shortage.

"The issue is glass supply. We have a big problem, we cannot get bottles to put our wine in," said Jean-Claude Mas, director of Domaines Paul Mas, which sold nine million bottles of wine from the southern Languedoc region last year.

In an interview with Agence France Presse (AFP), Mas was asked about his plans for lighter, eco-friendly glass bottles and packaging he had spoken about last year.

"It is not a question of lighter or not" anymore, he said. "As of this month, for my top selling white sauvignon blanc wines, I have zero glass stock and an order for 36,000 bottles. I have no plan B."

The problem of bottle supply has been a nagging one for French wine producers across the board, according to AFP, "but in the Languedoc, where wine sales are picking up rapidly after a slump at the beginning of the millennium, the issue now appears more critical. Another Languedoc producer with supply problems said he was ready to move bottling to Britain.

"I have bottles all right. I had to commit to requirements of two million bottles this year," said David Rowledge of Alchemy Wines, a Britain-based company that sold 1.7 million bottles of Languedoc wine last year. But he is still without the particular bottle he needs for his white wine.

"The other option is to get bottles from China, and that's not eco-friendly at all," Rowledge said.

Several months ago, Castel, another major French producer which produces at least 110 million bottles of Languedoc-Roussillon wines annually, said if glass bottle supply problems continued it would consider a move to PET plastic bottles.

"The situation has not changed," said Franck Crouzet, Castel communications director, at Vinisud. "We have been told there will be supply problems in 2008 as there were in 2007."

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Inaugural Wine Expo set for Big Apple

The New York Wine Expo, which its organizers say will be an annual event, debuts Friday, March, 7 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

The three-day event, co-located with the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, is an exposition that will cater to both the general public and the trade. Visitors will be able to sample from among 600 different wines from more than 150 winemakers, as well as take in demonstrations, panel discussions and seminars.

For consumers, the event will be open from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. will be dedicated to the trade. Ticket prices change after Feb. 29. Full details are available on the Web site.

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California wine pioneer dead at 81

From Wine Spectator:

Peter Newton, founder of Sterling Vineyards and Newton Vineyard in Napa Valley and a pioneer of Bordeaux-inspired red wines in California, died Feb. 4 in St. Helena after a long illness. He was 81.

There were fewer than 25 bonded wineries in Napa in 1964 when Newton, an Englishman who worked as an executive for the Sterling International Paper Co., co-founded Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga with his business partners.

---

(Go here for the full story.)

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Wine startup takes tips from beer world

Excerpted from the online Fog City Journal:

The MAS Wine Co., which brews its red and white wines MAS Vino and MAS Vino Blanco at the Jepson Winery in Hopland, CA, is seeking to spread the word about its unusual products.

MAS distributes nearly all its wines in something near and dear to the beer brewers' and lovers' hearts -- stainless steel kegs, a far cry from cork and bottle and screw tops in the wine domain. ...

"Through our colleagues in the beer industry, we've placed our red and white kegs in stores and restaurants in all of the Bay Area's nine counties, Eureka, Mendocino and Sacramento County. We're off to a great start," said MAS President Andy Woehl.

MAS is an 18-month-old startup with officers and investors based in San Francisco, Sacramento and Sonoma County. The company has a Web site and a mailing address in Cloverdale where its winemaker and production chief live.

"No bricks and mortar. Just wine," Woehl says.

The company's airtight, 15-liter kegs hold 20 bottles of wine and keep wine fresh for 60 days. The company is also introducing 11-liter kegs that hold 15 bottles of wine. The kegs are manufactured in Germany and reduce energy consumption and waste associated with packaging, delivering and storing glass bottles. The kegs are delivered in a just-in-time distribution system. The wines are blended with grapes grown in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

"We went to the beer industry because they are the people who know all there is to know about selling beverages in kegs to a large customer base," Woehl said.

The company's main product is wine by the glass from kegs directed at a target audience of young professionals 25-40 years old who are educated, interested in wine and eat out several times a week. The kegs are at two-dozen restaurants, hotels and other eating and drinking establishments in the Bay Area.

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Heavy medal the tune in Florida judging

The results are in from this year's Florida State Fair International Wine and Grape Juice Competition, held in Tampa.

The gold medalists, by state:

CALIFORNIA
• 10 Knots Cellars, Paso Robles, 2005 Moonraker
• Adobe Road Winery, Petaluma, 2005 Herrerrias Vineyard Pinot Noir
• Adobe Road Winery, Petaluma, 2004 Bavarian Lion Vineyard Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
• Adobe Road Winery, Petaluma, 2005 Cabernet Franc
• Adobe Road Winery, Petaluma, 2005 Finish Line Meritage
• Al-Bi Winery, Dellroy, Lakeside Red
• Barefoot Cellars, Healdsburg, N/V Shiraz
• Bianchi Winery, Newport Beach, 2004 Single Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
• Black Box Wines, San Francisco, 2006 Merlot
• Blackstone Winery, San Francisco, 2005 Reserve Pinot Noir
• Campus Oaks, Stockton, 2005 Old Vine Zinfandel
• Cass Winery, Paso Robles, 2005 Estate Late Harvest Cabernet Franc
• Castoro Cellars, Templeton, 2005 Reserve Tempranillo
• Chameleon Cellars, St. Helena, 2005 Zinfandel
• Clautiere Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2004 Estate Bottled Mon Rouge
• Concannon Vineyard, San Francisco, 2005 Limited Reserve Petite Sirah
• Conn Creek Winery, St. Helena, 2004 Anthology
• Cypress Vineyards, San Jose, 2007 White Zinfandel
• Cypress Vineyards, San Jose, 2006 Shiraz
• Cypress Vineyards, San Jose, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Domenico Wines, San Carlos, 2005 Syrah
• Dominari, Napa, 2005 Merlot
• Edward Sellers Vineyards, Paso Robles, 2005 Cuvée des Cinq
• EOS Estate Winery, Paso Robles, 2005 Estate Bottled Petite Syrah
• Filsinger Winery Inc., Temecula, 2007 Estate Bottled Gewurztraminer
• HRM Rex Goliath, San Francisco, N/V Cabernet Sauvignon
• Hunt Cellars Winery, Chatsworth, 2003 Destiny Vineyard Cabernet Bon Vivant
• Hunt Cellars Winery, Chatsworth, 2003 Duets Red Wine
• J. Lohr, San Jose, 2006 Arroyo Vista Vineyard Chardonnay
• J. Lohr, San Jose, 2007 Wild Flower Valdiguie
• Jodar Vineyards & Winery, Placerville, 2004 Estate Reserve Apollos Lyre
• Langtry Estate & Vineyards, Middletown, 2005 Tephra Cabernet Sauvignon
• Montevina Winery, St. Helena, 2005 Terra d'Oro Zinfandel Home
• Montoya, San Martin, 2006 Petite Sirah
• Napa Cellars, St. Helena, 2005 Zinfandel
• Napa Cellars, St. Helena, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Napa Cellars, St. Helena, 2006 Chardonnay
• Oak Leaf, San Francisco, N/V Chardonnay
• Opolo Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2004 Rhapsody
• Opolo Vineyards, Paso Robles, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Peirano Estate Vineyards, Lodi, 2006 Estate Grown Petite Sirah Heritage Collection
• Peju Province, Rutherford, 2004 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pepi, Santa Rosa, 2004 Sangiovese
• R & B Cellars, Alameda, 2004 Saxy Syrah
• Richard Partridge Wines, Cerritos, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Robledo Family Winery, Sonoma, Red Hills El Rey Cabernet Sauvignon
• Robledo Family Winery, Sonoma, 2005 Rancho Emilliano Merlot
• San Marcos Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2004 Estate Zinfandel
• Sextant Wines, Paso Robles, 2006 Night Watch Proprietary Red
• Shannon Ridge Winery, Clearlakes Oaks, 2006 Syrah
• Shasta View Vineyards, Montaque, N/V Estate Grown Unfiltered Armonia Rossa Red Blended Wine
• The Hogue Cellars, San Francisco, 2006 Riesling
• Three Thieves, St. Helena, 2006 The Show Cabernet Sauvignon
• Toasted Head, San Francisco, 2004 Shiraz
• Trecini Cellars, Santa Rosa, 2005 Syrah
• Trentadue Winery, Geyserville, 2004 La Storia Estate Meritage
• Trentadue Winery, Geyserville, 2005 Estate Merlot
• Trinchero, St. Helena, 2005 Family Merlot
• Trinitas Cellars, Napa, 2004 Old Vine Petite Sirah
• V. Sattui, St. Helena, 2006 California Muscat
• WTJ Grahams, San Francisco, N/V 20 Year Tawny Port

CONNECTICUT
• Sharpe Hill Vineyard, Pomfret, N/V Ballet of Angels

FLORIDA
• Empire Winery and Distillery, New Port Richey, N/V All Natural Royal Mead Honey Wine
• Florida Orange Groves Winery, St. Petersburg, N/V Mango Mamma Sparkling Mango Wine
• Florida Orange Groves Winery, St. Petersburg, N/V Mango Manna
• Florida Orange Groves Winery, St. Petersburg, N/V White Sangria Hurricane Class 5
• Henscratch Farms, Lake Placid, N/V Foot Stomp
• Henscratch Farms, Lake Placid, Snow Bird
• Henscratch Farms, Lake Placid, N/V Country White
• Henscratch Farms, Lake Placid, N/V Country Walk
• Henscratch Farms, Lake Placid, N/V Country Blush
• San Sebastian Winery, St. Augustine, N/V Vintners Red
• SeaBreeze Winery, Panama City Beach, N/A Palmetto Red
• Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery, Spring Hill, N/V Blanc du Bois
• Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery, Spring Hill, N/V Blanc du Bois Select
• Tangled Oaks Vineyard, Grandin, N/V Noble Red

GEORGIA
• Georgia Wines Inc., Ringgold, N/V Tarabella
• Still Pond Vineyard & Winery, Arlington, 2004 Batch Number 1 Noble Late Harvest

IDAHO
• Bitner Vineyards, Caldwell, 2006 Late Harvest Riesling

ILLINOIS
• Coopers Hawk Winery, Orland Park, 2006 Barbera
• Lynfred Winery, Roselle, 2007 Seyval Blanc
• Oliver Winery, Bloomington, N/V Soft Red
• Oliver Winery, Bloomington, N/V Mango
• Oliver Winery, Bloomington, N/V Black Cherry

INDIANA
• Ertel Cellars Winery, Batesville, N/V Foch
• Ertel Cellars Winery, Batesville, N/V Blackberry Wine

KANSAS
• Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery, Basehor, N/V Kaw River Rhine

MICHIGAN
• Braganini Reserve, Paw Paw, 2006 Reserve Riesling
• St. Julian Wine Co., Paw Paw, N/V Passionate Peach Spumante
• St. Julian Wine Co., Paw Paw, N/V Cathermans Port

MISSOURI
• Augusta Winery, Augusta, 2004 Estate Bottled Norton
• St. James Winery, St. James, N/V Country White
• St. James Winery, St. James, 2004 Reserve Norton
• Stone Hill Winery, Hermann, 2005 Chambourcin
• Stone Hill Winery, Hermann, Steinberg White
• Stone Hill Winery, Hermann, 2007 Vignoles
• Stone Hill Winery, Hermann, Double Gold
• Stone Hill Winery, Hermann, N/V Concord

NEBRASKA
• Soaring Wings Vineyard LLC, Springfield, 2007 Vignoles
• Whiskey Run Creek, Brownville, 2007 Edelweiss

NEW HAMPSHIRE
• Candia Vineyards, Candia, N/V Vault Reserve Noiret

NEW JERSEY
• Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Pennington, 2005 Porto Bianco

NEW MEXICO
• Black Mesa Winery, Velarde, 2006 Estate Grown Velarde Merlot
• Black Mesa Winery, Velarde, 2006 Seyval
• Luna Rossa Winery, Deming, 2003 Nini

NEW YORK
• Anthony Road Wine Co., 2006 Cabernet Franc/Lemberger
• Casa Larga Vineyards, Fairport, N/V Estate Bottled Pallido
• Chateau Frank, Hammondsport, N/V Methode Champenoise Célèbre Crémant
• Dr. Konstantin Frank, Hammondsport, 2006 Riesling Dry
• Duck Walk Vineyards, Water Mill, N/V Boysenberry Fruit Wine
• Earle Estates Meadery, Penn Yan, N/V Raspberry Reflections
• Goose Watch Winery, Romulus, N/A Diamond
• Goose Watch Winery, Romulus, Melody
• Goose Watch Winery, Romulus, N/A Golden Spumante
• Goose Watch Winery, Romulus, N/A Classic Cream Sherry
• Hunt Country Vineyards, Branchport, 2006 Simmons Vineyards Cayuga White
• Knapp Winery, Romulus, 2006 Estate Bottled Cayuga White
• Knapp Winery, Romulus, N/V Superstition
• Lakewood Vineyards, Watkins Glen, 2006 Chardonnay
• Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, Lodi, 2006 Estate Bottled Chardonnay
• Penguin Bay Winery, Romulus, N/V Percussion
• Pindar Vineyards, Peconic, 2005 Estate Bottled Cabernet Franc
• Torrey Ridge Winery, Penn Yan, N/V Diamond
• Torrey Ridge Winery, Penn Yan, N/V Catawba

OHIO
• Breitenbach Wine Cellars, Dover, N/V Roadhouse Red
• Chalet Debonne Vineyards, Madison, 2005 Chambourcin
• Ferrante Winery, Geneva, 2006 Signature Series Riesling

PENNSYLVANIA
• Antler Ridge Winery, Mertztown, N/V Raspberry Bramble
• Arrowhead Wine Cellars, North East, N/V Dazzleing Niagara
• Flickerwood Wine Cellars, Kane, N/V Tribute
• Flickerwood Wine Cellars, Kane, N/V Sweet Angel
• Flickerwood Wine Cellars, Kane, N/V Flickerberry Dew

SOUTH DAKOTA
• Prairie Berry Winery, Hill City, 2007 Frontenac
• Prairie Berry Winery, Hill City, N/V Chokecherry Medley

TENNESSEE
• Mountain Valley Vineyards, Pigeon Forge, N/V Muscadine
• Mountain Valley Vineyards, Pigeon Forge, N/V Mountain Valley

VERMONT
• Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne, 2006 Whimsey Meadow Rosé
• Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne, 2006 La Crescent Semi-Dry

VIRGINIA
• Winery At LaGrange, Haymarket, 2005 Meritage

WASHINGTON
• Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, 2005 Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon
• Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, 2006 Dry Riesling
• Kestrel Vintners, Prosser, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Northstar Winery, Woodinville, 2004 Merlot
• Saint Laurent Estate Winery, Malaga, 2005 Mrachek Vineyards Merlot
• Sandhill Winery, Ridgefield, 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon

WEST VIRGINIA
• Watts Roost Vineyard, Lewisburg, 2006 Landot Noir

WISCONSIN
• Chateau St. Croix Winery, St. Croix Falls, 2006 Martell Vineyard Frontenac
• Wollersheim Winery, Prairie du Sac, N/V Dry Riesling

FOREIGN
• Alice White, Australia, 2007 Shiraz
• Angoves, Australia, 2006 Vineyard Select Riesling
• Domaine Pinnacle, Cowansville, Quebec, 2006 Apple Ice Wine
• Magnotta Winery, Vaughan, Ontario, 2005 Meritage L.E. VQA
• Magnotta Winery, Vaughan, Ontario, 2006 Gewurztraminer VQA
• Viña la Playa, Chile, 2004 Axel Primero

Go here for a list of all medals awarded. And, go here for a guide to America's wine trails.

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Oregon wine competition heavy on the gold

Zerba Cellars swept the maximum of three gold medals as well as best-of-show in the 31st annual Newport (OR) Seafood & Wine Festival's Commercial Wine Competition.

Zerba is the only winery in the Walla Walla Valley. Its vines were planted just five years ago by owners/partners Cecil and Marilyn Zerba and Mark and Dana Rentz. The competition restricts the number of entries per producer to three, and this year's record field of 156 came from 54 wineries.

Doug Nierman, Zerba's winemaker, saw his cabernet sauvignon take the best-in-show award as well as a gold in its class, and his merlot and syrah each won golds.

Overall, the five-judge panel awarded 25 gold, 31 silver and 43 bronze medals.

The Seafood & Wine Festival will run Friday-Sunday this week.

The gold medalists (go here to see all awards):

• Anthony Dell Cellars, Willamette Valley, 2005 Pinot Noir
• Anthony Dell Cellars, Rogue Valley, 2005 Red Blend
• Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley, 2006 Chardonnay
• Coleman Vineyards, Willamette Valley, 2006 Pinot Noir
• Columbia Crest, Washington State, 2005 Red Blend (cab, merlot)
• David Hill Vineyards & Winery, Willamette Valley, 2006 Chardonnay Reserve
• Griffin Creek Vineyards, Rogue Valley, 2005 Cabernet Franc
• Griffin Creek Vineyards, Rogue Valley, 2004 Syrah
• Henry Estate Winery, Umpqua Valley, 2006 Riesling (4.5% RS)
• Honeywood Vinery, Willamette Valley, 2004 Pinot Noir
• Melrose Vineyards, Umpqua Valley, 2005 Merlot
• Sagelands Vineyard, Columbia Valley, 2005 Chardonnay
• Sagelands Vineyard, Columbia Valley, 2004 Red Blend, "Freddie's Blend"
• Sienna Ridge Estate, Red Hill-Douglas Co., 2003 Pinot Blanc
• Silvan Ridge, Oregon, 2006 Pinot Gris
• Spangler Vineyards, Southern Oregon, 20