Final days for whiskey book discount

My new book, "Barrels & Drams: The History of Whisk(e)y In Jiggers and Shots," will officially be released on September 6.

The retail price then will be $18.95, but you can get a hefty 33% pre-release discount from Amazon.com by going here.

It is a collection I co-wrote and edited with essays from numerous writers famous in the field, from F. Paul Pacult to David Wondrich to Tom Wolfe.

You'll discover the spread of whiskey throughout the world and how it helped build countries. Read profiles of some of the most famous giants of the industry as Jack Daniel, George Smith and the Beam family.

Plus, go behind the scenes of Prohibition to check out the legendary gangsters, small-time rumrunners, a famous NASCAR champion who made his mark as a moonshine runner. And, you'll get insiders' looks at legitimate whiskey-making in such diverse spots as Scotland, Ireland, the U.S., South Africa, India and Japan.

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Massaschusetts wine industry branching out

• From the Quincy (MA) Patriot-Ledger:

PLYMOUTH, MA -- Rising consumer demand for locally-grown products and a gradual relaxation of alcohol regulations are helping increase the ranks of Massachusetts wineries and launching second careers for a new generation of vintners.

There are now a record 36 wineries operating across the state, including seven that have opened since 2007. Wine production increased by 21% from 2007 to 2010, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

The industry ranges from 80-acre vineyards, such as Westport Rivers, to small "urban" wineries that buy grapes and fruit from farmers and manufacture just a few thousand bottles a year. The industry has continued to expand throughout the economic downturn as entrepreneurs used e-commerce sites, tasting rooms and farmers’ markets to introduce their products to the public.

"The interest in buying local products has been a big reason," said Scott Soares, commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture. "Another part of it is the quality. Once people try some of those local wines, they’re realize it’s some pretty good stuff."

Michael and Pam Carr of Boston acquired the 18-year-old Plymouth Bay Winery this summer from founder Tim Cherry. Fans of fruit wines in particular, the couple saw a niche product they could promote as a sweeter alternative to mainstream varieties such as merlots and cabernets.

The winery will introduce its ninth variety -- a blackberry wine -- this fall. Cranberry wine -- made with products bought from southeastern Massachusetts growers – is a perennial best-seller for the winery.

The winery has turned a profit for all of its 18 years, said Carr, a former salesman for an apparel company. Sales have increased in recent years thanks to shipments to 23 states.

[Go here for the full story.]

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?? mpg on wine and cheese at ?mpg

• From San Jose Mercury.com

Imagine pulling up to a gas station, and rather than being offered the usual choice between regular or premium unleaded, the gas pump instead read "chardonnay" or "pinot noir." Not for you, of course, but for your car!

Well, if one new experimental car, called the Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel, ever catches on, this scenario may not be so far-fetched. The specialized Exige is capable of running on an ethanol fuel made from wine that isn't up to drinking grade, or whey, which is a byproduct of the cheese or chocolate-making process.

It was one of several new cars showcased recently at an eco-rally sponsored in part by the Prince of Wales' environmental initiative, Start, according to the London Independent.

The car also can run on conventional gasoline (just in case you're out of fuel and still miles away from wine country), as well as methanol, a fuel that can be made by extracting CO2 directly from the atmosphere -- potentially the ultimate carbon neutral fuel. The car is also capable of reaching 60 mph in less than four seconds, making it among the fastest road-legal cars in the world.

A few of the other cars featured at the eco-rally, which began in Oxford and finished at the Mall in central London, included the Lightning GT, an electric vehicle that can run 200 miles on a 10-minute charge, and the Biobug (also lovingly called the "Dung Beetle"), which runs on methane generated from human sewage.

"Vehicles that use fuels other than petrol or diesel are no longer concept cars of the future, but production cars of today," says Andy Dingley, a spokesman for Bridgestone UK, which also sponsored the event. As the global recession continues, more and more people are looking at greener cars, he adds.

Although wine and cheese may seem like alternative fuels better suited for those with a prince's salary, the concept cars nevertheless represent a growing diversity of choice available to car buyers of the future.

This Lotus is still in the research and development phase, so it isn't available for purchase yet.

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Report: South African wine workers abused

• From BBC News

Workers helping to make South Africa's renowned wines are subject to unsafe working conditions and inadequate housing, a report has said.

Human Right Watch says workers on wine and fruit farms face exposure to pesticides and are blocked from forming labor unions.

The reports also says these workers are some of the worst paid in the country despite strict labor laws.

A trade body for wine producers said the report was unfair. But, the head of Wines of South Africa said the study's claims would be investigated.

Most of the abuses apparently happened in the Western Cape Province, home to six of the country's nine wine (grape) growing regions.

"I spoke to a worker who has been living in a pig stall with his family for more than 10 years," HRW's Kaitlin Cordes told the BBC.

The respondents were identified by trade unions and NGOs [non-government organizations] who have a vested interest in producing the very worst examples”

The 96-page report,"Ripe with Abuse," is based on more than 260 interviews with farmworkers, farm owners, civil society members, industry representatives, government officials, lawyers and union officials. It calls on the government to do more to make sure the labor laws are being respected, following previous similar warnings.

[Go here for the complete story.]

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Give a hoot, or 3, about wildlife

ST. HELENA, CA -- The Davis & Dyke Winery is for the birds. Literally.

The winery produces Three Hoots wine and donates 5% of its net proceeds to the Audubon Society to help support efforts to preserve wildlife. It also offers free shipping to customers purchasing 12 or more bottles of wine at a time.

Gustavo A. Gonzalez is the winemaker, who creates a wide variety: Consilium Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 and 2008, Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009 and 2010, Reserve Chardonnay 2010, Hyde Vineyard Syrah 2009, Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir 2010 and an extra virgin olive oil 2010.

Its founders call Three Hoots "a passion project, driven by a love of wine and nature. Charles 'Jiggs' Davis produced his first private vintage in 2006. Inspired by its success, he went on to form a partnership with friend Jim Dyke. Davis & Dyke Winery became a formal business in 2009 and in 2010 released its first Three Hoots wine."

You can more details on the philanthropy and the winery by clicking here.

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9/11 wine getting rocky reception

CUTCHOGUE, Long Island, NY -- The folks at Lieb Family Vineyards obviously thought they were on to something when they had the brainstorm to produce a 9/11 commemorative wine.

I haven't seen anyone commenting online who thinks it is anything better than a "brain fart," however, be they celebrities, winemakers or the drinking public.

As we bear down on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist aerial attacks on New York and Washington, DC, and thwarted flight that crash-landed in Pennsylvania, the Long Island winery has unveiled its “9/11 Memorial" commemorative Merlot and Chardonnay.

Gary Madden, Lieb general manager, says the winery lost many friends in the attacks and this is a way of honoring them. The winery plans to donate up to 10% of the $19.11 retail price to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. (It should be noted that in 2004, Lieb introduced a cheaper bottle, the $9.11 September's Mission merlot, and donated 9.11 cents for every bottle sold to the September's Mission foundation. Lieb estimates it has raised $25,000 off that wine so far.)

New York City Councilman Peter Vallone asked, "What's next? A 9/11 pastrami sandwich?"

Always-outspoken chef/writer/TV host Anthony Bourdain erupted with the tweet, "911 Wine?!!? Are you out of your fucking MIND?!! EPIC FAIL."

What's your view?

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Finger Lakes organic vinifera vineyard sold

Main building at Silver Thread.

LODI, NY — What is called the only organically-farmed vinifera wine estate in the Finger Lakes has new owners.

Shannon and Paul Brock said today they have entered into an agreement to purchase Silver Thread Vineyard from Richard Figiel, owner and founder. Final sale is pending license approval from the New York State Liquor Authority.

Figiel founded the 10-acre, organically-farmed vineyard on the east side of Seneca Lake. The estate winery has been operating since 1991, producing small quantities of vinifera wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer and Cabernet Franc.

“We are very excited to have this opportunity to create high-quality wines using the well-established Silver Thread label,” said Shannon Brock, who had been wine coordinator for the New York Wine & Culinary Center (NYWCC) in Canandaigua.

“We have great respect for what Richard has contributed to the Finger Lakes wine industry and will continue to develop the winery in keeping with his vision.”

Silver Thread is rated among the top six Finger Lakes wine producers in the latest “Robert Parker Wine Guide.” Its Riesling label is featured in the sixth edition of “The World Atlas of Wine.”

The Brocks say sustainable farming practices and hand-crafted wine production will continue under their ownership. Shannon will be the general manager. Paul will be consulting winemaker while maintaining his position as instructor of viticulture and wine technology at Finger Lakes Community College. He previously worked as the winemaker at Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars in Lodi. Although Shannon has resigned from the NYWCC, she will continue to instruct Wine & Spirit Education Trust courses there.

Figiel, who will be available as a consultant during the first year of transition, plans to return to fulltime writing. He is working on a history of New York wine for Cornell University Press.

“I turned down the offer of a prestigious Rhone Valley winemaker,” Figiel said, “in favor of the talent, energy and skills of the Brocks and the knowledge that another Finger Lakes family will be taking stewardship of this patch of paradise on Seneca Lake. I’m confident the future of Silver Thread is in good hands.”

Silver Thread is located at 1401 Caywood Road. Phone: (607) 582-6116.

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Moscato fastest growing varietal wine

Sutter Home brand Moscato

It is doubtful that Moscato would be among the top five or so wines anyone will list as their favorites, but the folks at E&J  Gallo Winery are working to change that.

Gallo reports it is selling at least six times the amount of the sweet tasting wine than it did just three years ago. In fact, Moscato, a take on its Muscat origins, is the fastest-growing varietal in the U.S. wine business, helping sales figures rise at such labels as Beringer, Sutter Home and Woodbridge.

According to The Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch online report, "Moscato’s phenomenal rise in America has been stunning. It’s revived prices for the once-lowly grape, strained available vine supply in central California vineyards, and lured a new generation of wine drinkers.

"Big wine companies are scrambling to make as much as possible, with some buying bulk Moscato wine from Spain and Italy to quench demand. ...

" 'I've never seen something like this in my professional career,' said Stephanie Gallo, who joined the family business in 1994. 'What makes this so exciting is that it's bringing new users to the wine category.' "

[Go here for the full story.]

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The remaking of Constellation Brands

Richard (left) and Rob Sands. (AP photo)

• From The Associated Press:

VICTOR, NY -- Richard and Rob Sands took their father's little wine company on a two-decade buying binge, turning a regional purveyor of low-pedigree plonk into an alcoholic-drinks powerhouse with moderately priced wines, spirits and imported beers like Robert Mondavi, Svedka and Corona Extra.

Along the way, the brothers acquired one other seemingly enviable label in 2003: world's biggest vintner.

Even in a highly fragmented industry in which Constellation Brands Inc. claimed just 4% of global wine production, it was a high point for a family business with post-World War II roots in the Finger Lakes grape-and-wine country in western New York.

But size doesn't trump success. Constellation has been pruning methodically for five years as it strives to invigorate profits in a choppy economy and refocus on solidifying its supremacy in the sweet spot "premium category" -- higher margin wines priced from $5 to $20 a bottle.

In January, it dropped to No. 2 in the vintner-by-volume rankings behind longtime leader E&J Gallo of Modesto, CA, when it offloaded a once-promising Australian wine business that had gone badly awry.

[Go here for the full story.]

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Cornell wine analysis lab re-launches

Inside the Cornell lab.

GENEVA -- The New York State Wine Analytical Laboratory has re-launched with new equipment and broader capabilities.

The facility, located in the Department of Food Science at Cornell’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station here, offers more than 25 different chemical, microbiological, and sensory analyses of juice, wine, and distillates for quality assurance, trouble shooting, and federal regulatory compliance.

It also has a hotline for winemakers needing immediate assistance.

Analyses are offered at a discount to all New York bonded wineries, home winemakers, and craft distilleries because approximately one-third of testing costs are subsidized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF).

The facility, which is a quarter-century old, does not offer the discount to wine distributors or out-of-state wineries because of the nature of NYWGF funding.

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More research says wine a health-plus

• From Medical News Today

For over 30 years research has been done and much debate has carried on about the benefits or risks associated with drinking alcohol and wine in particular. After an analysis of research since 1977, it has been determined that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol, especially wine, may lower the risk of dementia which often leads to severe Alzheimer's Disease. Too much increases the risk so balance is necessary.

As a matter of fact, the association between moderate drinking and reduced risk of dementia and cognitive impairment was statistically significant in 14 of 19 countries, including the United States.

Resveratrol, found in wine at fairly high levels, is a naturally occurring antioxidant too that decreases the stickiness of blood platelets and helps blood vessels remain open and flexible. It is also known that it inhibits the enzymes that can stimulate cancer cell growth and suppress immune response. ...

Edward J. Neafsey, a professor in the department of molecular pharmacology and therapeutics at Loyola University Medical Center said:

"We don't recommend that nondrinkers start drinking. But moderate drinking, if it is truly moderate, can be beneficial."

[Go here for the full story.]

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Make some noise for AC/DC The Wine!

AC/DC, the longtime Australian rock band, has joined a long list of celebrities and groups putting their names on commercial wines and spirits.

The new line of wines, called AC/DC The Wine, has been created in a partnership with Australian winemaker Warburn Estate.

Included in the portfolio are such labels as "Highway to Hell Cabernet Sauvignon," "Hells Bells Sauvignon Blanc" and "You Shook Me All Night Long Muscat," named for several of the group's hits.

The wines initially will be sold only in Australia but, like AC/DC's music, may eventually go global.

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Heron Hill screw cap device in operation

HAMMONDSPORT, NY -- Heron Hill Winery has put its new screw cap machine into service.

The Keuka Lake facility will release its next bottling of the Game Bird Series with the new closure.

"As part of Heron Hill’s continuing effort to make the freshest, purest Rieslings and Chardonnays, we have invested in an Italian-made Fimer machine capable of bottling wines with either cork or screw cap closures," said owner John Ingle. "We believe the screw cap option will provide the best storage for select products and that it ensures these wines will retain their profile so that consumers may enjoy the wines as our winemaker intended.”

The Game Bird Series will be the first wines on the shelves at Heron Hill’s three locations, restaurants and wine stores. It was developed to honor co-owner Jo Ingle’s father, Wally, a hunter and sportsman and gentleman.

"Our production team has not used a screw capper in past experiences, so we are all very anxious to learn it’s intricacies and see it work," said winemaker Bernard Cannac.

Cannac said screw caps also will be used on the white wines from the Heron Hill Classic line.

"We are choosing wines that do not require bottle aging, like the Chardonnay, Riesling and Muscat," he noted. "The Classic Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc will continue using natural corks because these wines benefit from bottle aging. The Game Bird and whites in the Classic series are ready-to-drink wines, which makes them the perfect candidates for our new screw cap bottling machine. It’s a nice start I think.”

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More woes for PA wine kiosk experiment

• From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Pennsylvania may be ending its one-year experiment with wine vending machines in grocery stores amid a dispute with a contractor over whether it owes the state almost $1 million.

The Liquor Control Board notified the contractor, Simple Brands LLC of Conshohocken, PA ... that it owes the state nearly $1 million and gave it 45 days to "cure the outstanding debt," said LCB spokeswoman Stacey Witalec. If a payment is not made, LCB officials said they will "cease all kiosk operations."

"We are hopeful we will receive some sort of payment from them," Witalec said.

The kiosks are owned by Simple Brands, Witalec said. The LCB approves the applications for the kiosks in the stores.

There are 32 wine kiosks operating in the state, including 14 in Giant Eagle supermarkets in western Pennsylvania. Giant Eagle spokesman Dick Roberts said its wine kiosk program remains in operation and the company is monitoring the situation.

"It's really a PLCB (Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board) problem," Roberts said.

[Go here for the full story.]

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NJ legislators get time to change wine laws

• From the Gloucester (NJ) County Times

A U.S. District Court judge has given New Jersey lawmakers a shot at salvaging profits for the state’s wine industry.

In December, a federal Court of Appeals ruled it unconstitutional to allow in-state wineries to sell directly to retailers and in tasting rooms while requiring wineries from other states to go through wholesalers.

(State) Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney backed a bill that would allow state wineries to keep their tasting rooms open and ship their products directly to consumers’ homes. The bill was not passed by the time lawmakers departed for their summer recess.

Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan supports the tasting room business, but wants to require New Jersey wineries to work through distributors.

But, on Monday, Judge Katherine Hayden granted an administrative stay on the matter until March 31, 2012, following a request from the Attorney General’s office on behalf of all parties for a stay “based on their belief that the matter is best resolved through a legislative solution that addresses the constitutional infirmities found by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.”

Assemblyman John Burzichelli said the stay is positive for the industry as a whole.

“It’s a very good thing,” he said, adding that he supports direct shipping. "That’s the 21st Century. In order for our vineyards to really compete in the global market, they have to be able to ship."

[Go here for the full story.]

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'Trends' that make you say 'Huh?'

OK, so what are the "experts" telling you that you'll be drinking for at least the next year?

The Food Channel, CultureWaves and the Mintel research firm teamed up to create the TV channel's annual "Top 10 Beverage Trends" list released this week.

Kay Logsdon, editor-in-chief of The Food Channel, said the list confirmed what the network has seen in the marketplace.

"It indicated we're drinking more water these days, although we like to dress it up a little. And, it told us that coupons have little or no influence on whether we purchase a beverage at a fast-food restaurant."

Here are the "trends," in the words of the great seers.

1. D.I.Y. Flavor: Many of us are taking flavor matters into our own hands.

2. Parental Discretion Advised: We're still seeing lots of buzz around beverages and kids.

3. Iced Coffee Is Scalding Hot: Consumption of this cold caffeinated beverage has heated up.

4. For Medicinal Purposes Only: There's certainly no shortage of ways to "drink to your health."

5. Sipping Seasonally and Simply: In much the same way we're eating local and choosing foods when they're in season, we're making a more conscious effort to drink that way, too.

6. Fast Food Beyond the Fizz: There are changes happening here, too, with specialty drinks getting as much play as burgers and fries.

7. Craft Beers: The Buzz Is Back: While overall beer sales are flat these days, sales of craft brews are seeing double-digit increases.

8. Bourbon Booming: The retro revival of the classic cocktail has hip, young consumers bellying up to the bar for whiskey.

9. Show Biz: While the food generally takes center stage in restaurant exhibitionism, beverages are being offered more starring roles.

10. Drinking Ourselves Thin: We want to enjoy our drinks without drinking in the extra calories."

If most of these 10 "trends" leave you saying "Huh?," you're not alone.

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NY wine label OKs to come faster

Sample label from Millbrook Winery.

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, who has been pushing the federal government to speed up the process of approving labels for New York State wines, has announced real progress.

Schumer says the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is streamlining the process of approving labels, something that must be done before the products can be sold. Many of the state's 300-plus wineries have complained that it has been taking months to get such approval.

The senator now says the agency has agreed to immediately begin approving template labels for custom winemakers. That will be good news for those wineries that have complained they need approval each time they make even small changes to artwork or names on labels designed for special events such as anniversaries, weddings and birthdays.

In explaining the delays, the agency has said that over the past decade its staff has been reduced due to budget cutbacks while label-approval applications from wineries nationwide have almost doubled.

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Wineries, Jim Beam form tourist trail

Shaded area is Bullitt County.

LOUISVILLE, KY -- Four small wineries have joined with distilling giant Jim Beam to create the new Bullitt County Wine and Bourbon Tour, which county tourism officials will unveil here next week at the Kentucky State Fair.

The county will have a booth at the fair, which will run from August 18 through 28, at the Ketucky Exposition Center. Brochures and tour "passports" will be available there as well as at the wineries. They are:

• Brooks Hill Winery in Brooks.
• MillaNova Winery in Mt. Washington.
• Wight-Meyer Vineyard & Winery in Shepherdsville.
• Forest Edge Winery in Shepherdsville.

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