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That’s Amore! The Wines of Italy

March 5, 2013 By

 

That's Amore! The Wines of Italy

Our wine appreciation class series continues at Quattro's Restaurant & Wine Bar with 

a journey to one of the most varied and exciting wine countries in the world ~ Italy.

Come explore what the various regions of Italy have to offer,

from the Veneto to Piemonte to Toscana…and beyond.

Basic wine tasting techniques will also be reviewed.

 

Advance registration required.

Each participant will receive a special coupon good for 1/2 off the price of one dinner at Quattro's

with the purchase of a regularly priced dinner. 

Limited to new students.

 

To sign up for this class and to see our full schedule, click here: 

https://wineinstituteofnewengland.com/wine-appreciation-classes/

Filed Under: Tastings & Events, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Become A Wine Expert By June

March 1, 2013 By

We are accepting students for 3 more days for our

Spring Certified Specialist of Wine Study Course

Classes begin Monday, March 11th, 2013

If you are in the food and beverage industry and want to bolster your resumé, if you're interested in entering the wine industry, or if you are just passionate about wine and want to learn more, then the Certified Specialist of Wine course is for you. The CSW is an internationally recognized accreditation.

Here are just a few of the careers people pursue with a CSW:

Food and wine writer

Wine expert for a restaurant

Wine store or wine distributor employee

Wine flash website owner

Professional chef

Wine educator

Wine critic

Wine judge

Wine bar owner

Wine enthusiast

Join our class now and become a wine expert by June.

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The ABCs of Wine

February 7, 2013 By

 

The ABCs of Wine

Our wine appreciation class series continues at Quattro's Restaurant & Wine Bar with an exciting look at six principal white and red varieties from around the world, including cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. We will explore the characteristics of these grapes and discuss regional variations.

Basic wine tasting techniques will also be reviewed.

Each participant will receive a special coupon good for 1/2 off the price of one dinner at Quattro's with the purchase of a regularly priced dinner. 

Limited to new students.

 

To sign up for this class and to see our full schedule, click here: 

https://wineinstituteofnewengland.com/wine-appreciation-classes/

 

Filed Under: Tastings & Events

Sipping with Singles

January 15, 2013 By

Sipping with Singles 

Our wine appreciation class series continues at Quattro's Restaurant & Wine Bar with our first class just for singles. Socialize with other singles while learning about some of the sexiest wines in the world, including seductive pinot noir, sensuous viognier and wine from the land of amore, Chianti Classico. 

35 years old and up, please.  

Each participant will receive a special coupon good for 1/2 off the price of one dinner at Quattro's with the purchase of a regularly priced dinner. Limited to new students.

 

To sign up for this class and to see our full schedule, click here: 

https://wineinstituteofnewengland.com/wine-appreciation-classes/

 

 

Filed Under: Tastings & Events Tagged With: , , ,

8 Under $12

December 17, 2012 By

 

Our new wine appreciation class series at Quattro's Restaurant & Wine Bar continues with an exciting evening featuring 8 excellent yet affordable wines. Forget about hitting the auction block or spending a fortune to get that perfect wine. And don't even think about giving up quality to save a buck. This class will show you how to find wines with an excellent PVR (price to value ratio). As always, learn wine tasting techniques in a fun and non-intimidating atmosphere while sampling great wines. One of our favorite classes.

 

Each participant will receive a special coupon good for 1/2 off the price of one dinner at

 Quattro's with the purchase of a regularly priced dinner. 

 

To sign up for this class and to see our full schedule, click here: 

https://wineinstituteofnewengland.com/wine-appreciation-classes/

 

Filed Under: Tastings & Events Tagged With: , ,

Connecticut Celebrates the End of a Dry Spell

December 4, 2012 By

Onyx Spirits Mixes a Batch of Bees Knees

Prohibition ended on this day, December 5, in 1933 when the 18th Amendment was repealed by the passage of the 21st Amendment. I could think of no better way to celebrate the anniversary of this historic event than with some hors d’oeuvres and local moonshine at CPTV’s screening of the documentary Prohibition: Connecticut Goes Dry. The screening was held on November 29th in a room at the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford replete with authentic tavern signs. The crowd arrived in good spirits, many donning period costumes such as flapper dresses and fedoras. And speaking of good spirits, Manchester’s own Onyx Spirits was on hand to pour authentic Prohibition era cocktails. The cocktail being served, Bees Knees, was just that – a delectable concoction of moonshine, lemon juice, orange juice and honey.  (see sidebar for more info on local moonshine) 

CPTV spent months soliciting black and white photos and other memorabilia for the documentary from Connecticut residents. In attendance for the screening were many people associated with the making of the film including the grandchildren of two people shown in some of the period footage. Approximately one hour long, the film was fast-paced and fun, while still providing the essential information one would expect of a documentary.  I could not help but smile at the fact that the temperance movement in Connecticut is believed to have begun in Litchfield in 1789 by a group of farmers who banned alcohol while working. Litchfield County is now home to six farm wineries including Connecticut’s oldest winery, Haight-Brown Vineyards, as well as host to the Connecticut Wine Festival. But don’t let this beginning fool you. Connecticut as a whole was far from endorsing temperance and was one of only two states that refused to ratify the amendment. According to the film, the popular thinking at the time was “Work was an effort made between parties.” The film showed scenes of Connecticut residents enjoying themselves in a way that would make the most popular frat houses of today envious. One particularly amusing scene showed several people exiting a home after the men and women had apparently exchanged clothing with each other. One man was being carted off in a wheelbarrow. These types of scenes were sharply juxtaposed with ones showing staunch supporters of temperance such as Presbyterian minister Lyman Beecher and P.T. Barnum.

The documentary touched on several important aspects of this time period, including the relationship between the temperance movement and the women’s movement, chronicling the evolution of the involvement of women throughout the period. Mention was also made of the power of grassroots efforts such as sermons and protests to effectuate change. To illustrate the power these efforts can wield, the film returned briefly to present day Connecticut to show current grassroots activists fighting for GMO labeling with Fairfield Green Food Guide’s Analiese Paik pictured leading the way.

 

Traveling back in time once again, a particularly exciting segment detailed the bootlegging and rum running that occurred as a result of Prohibition. Connecticut’s position along the coastline, as well as its proximity to Boston and New York, made this state the perfect hotbed for these illegal activities, ones that the nascent 5-year old coast guard could not adequately combat. “Rum Row” provided opportunities for those willing to take a small amount of risk with astonishing amounts of money. Whether it was a lack of police power or simply a lack of zeal on the part of the authorities to provide resistance, smugglers and other enterprising business people, such as famous innkeeper Nellie Green, continued to flourish during the Prohibition years earning Connectiuct the reputation of the wettest state in the union. In fact, there was one square block in Hartford that had more saloons on it than the states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and South Carolina combined.

 

Connecticut may no longer have the reputation as the biggest party state in the union – let’s face it, it took a long time for grassroots activists to accomplish a repeal of Connecticut’s archaic blue laws banning the sale of alcohol on Sunday– but we can all raise a glass this December 5th in recognition of the end of a dry era, virtual though much of it may have been. Happy Repeal Day, Connecticut. Cheers!

 

Connecticut Moonshine
So what exactly is moonshine? Moonshine is a high proof, unaged liquor made from grains such as corn and was sold illegally in an effort to evade taxes or bans. Often associated with the Prohibition era, moonshine was produced in homemade distilleries under the light of the moon. Drinking the illegal alcohol could be risky as it was often contaminated by the distillery parts, such as car radiators, or made toxic by the addition of substances like embalming fluid. According to their website, Onyx Spirits are the producers of the first and only legal moonshine in Connecticut. Today, free from the constraints of Prohibition, owners Adam and Pete take their time to handcraft small batches of high quality spirits that taste great. So what does it taste like? Onyx Moonshine begins softly, opening up to reveal pronounced vegetal layers that culminate with a hint of birch sap and ends with a supremely smooth finish. Maybe moonshine this good should be illegal. To find out more about local moonshine, visit Onyx Spirits at www.OnyxSpirits.com

 

 

Filed Under: Connecticut Corkers, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Uncorking Your Inner Wine Expert

November 25, 2012 By

Our new wine appreciation class series at Quattro's Restaurant & Wine Bar continues with an excitng evening of hands-on tasting. Learn wine tasting techniques in a fun and non-intimidating atmosphere while you try several highly rated wines. We will also share several excellent tips for optimizing your wine drinking experiences. This class will provide the information you need to feel more confident when selecting and tasting wines at home, with friends, or while entertaining clients.

 

To sign up for this class and to see our full schedule, click here: 

https://wineinstituteofnewengland.com/wine-appreciation-classes/

 

Filed Under: Tastings & Events Tagged With: ,

Wines for the Holidays

October 22, 2012 By

Wine Institute of New England

is pleased to announce our new Fall 2012-Spring 2013 wine appreciation class schedule.

Our first class, Wines for the Holidays, will take the mystery out of deciding which wines to serve with your holiday meals and will give you great ideas for holiday host/hostess gifts that will earn you repeat party invitations. Some wine tasting techniques will be discussed.

To sign up for this class and to see our full schedule, click here: 

https://wineinstituteofnewengland.com/wine-appreciation-classes/

 

Filed Under: Tastings & Events

Press Release: Connecticut Wine Festival

July 21, 2012 By

 

FOURTH ANNUAL CONNECTICUT WINE FESTIVAL IS “GETTING

BETTER WITH AGE,” SAY PARTICIPATING WINERIES

 

More Music, More Entertainment, and More Wine at the Goshen Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, July 28th and 29th

 

Farmington, CT (July 18, 2012) –Connecticut wines will be on full display at the fourth annual Connecticut Wine Festival, Saturday and Sunday, July 28th and 29th, at the Goshen Fairgrounds, in Goshen, Connecticut. Featuring some of the finest, award winning local labels, thirteen participating wineries – all members of the Connecticut Vineyard and Winery Association (CVWA) – will be offering samplings of their many wines, while surrounded by music, artisan crafts, and wine lovers from all around the East Coast.

Daily admission to the CT Wine Festival is $25 in advance, available until July 21st at participating CVWA wineries, online, or by phone; $30 at the door.  These tickets include free wine tastings, a commemorative festival wine glass (for the tastings) and a tote bag. Guests under 21 and Designated Drivers can attend for a reduced admission price of $10.  Photo ID with proof of age is required for the wine tasting.  Hours of the Festival are 12:00 Noon to 7:00 PM, Saturday, July 28; and 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM Sunday, July 29.  More information and a complete list of participating wineries can be found at www.ctwine.com.

Among the special events at the Festival is a wine class on Saturday, July 28th, conducted by Renée Allen, founder and Director of the Wine Institute of New England, which promotes wine appreciation and education at every level.  Renée is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a member in good standing of the Society of Wine Educators, the internationally recognized accrediting organization. "We are looking forward to Renée joining us this year and are excited about the wine expertise she brings to the attendees," says Sherrie Palmer, Festival Manager.

 

Connecticut Wines – Winning Friends, Influencing People

Connecticut wines are making their marks in the world and growing in popularity.  Last year’s festival drew a record number of attendees, including one special visitor, Governor Dannel P. Malloy.  This year, a representative from the Governor’s office will be on hand to receive a special “Certificate of Appreciation” for his ongoing support of the local wine industry and its important contribution to the state’s tourism effort. 

“The CVWA is proud to be recognized by Governor Malloy as a contributor to Connecticut tourism through our CT Wine Trail and CT Wine Festival, as well as through the individual efforts of the many participating wineries and vineyards whose award-winning labels are ‘putting Connecticut wines on the world map,’” said George Motel, Festival Chairman and owner of Sunset Meadows Vineyards.  “The Festival is a great place to see what all the excitement is about.  From Chardonnay to Merlot, attendees can taste some of Connecticut’s best wines from 13 participating vineyards.”

 

Purchasing Tickets

Tickets can be purchased in advance until July 21 at: Bishop’s Orchards Vineyards, Gouveia Vineyards, Jones Winery, Hopkins Vineyard, Miranda Vineyard, Sharpe Hill Vineyard, Sunset Meadow Vineyards, and Taylor Brooke Winery. Advanced tickets are also available at Adams Hometown Market, a Platinum Sponsor of the Festival.

Proceeds from the Festival will go toward promoting the CT Wine Trail and the Connecticut wine industry.  The CT Wine Trail is a state approved winery and vineyard awareness program that provides visitors with route suggestions to all participating members of the CVWA.  Visitors enjoy special wine tours and tastings, and can have their CT Wine Passport stamped at each winery along the trail for the possibility of winning prizes – all while enjoying the beautiful Connecticut countryside. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit a participating winery or log on to www.ctwine.com.  You can also email info@ctwine.com or call (860) 677-5467.

 

Participating Wineries

The following wineries will be present at the Connecticut Wine Festival.  They are all members of the Connecticut Vineyard and Winery Association, and are dedicated to promoting Connecticut as a wine-producing region.

Bishop’s Orchards Vineyards – Owned by Keith B. Bishop, this unique winery is located in the historic town of Guilford. Winner, Gold Medal, 2010 Grand Harvest Competition; and Gold Medal: 2009 International Eastern Wine.  Log on to: www.bishopsorchardswinery.com/

DiGrazia Vineyards – Founded in 1978 and owned by Paul DiGrazia, DiGrazia Vineyards produces over 15 different wines, ranging from dry to sweet.  Located in Brookfield, DiGrazia is known for offering a wide variety of unique wines, including Connecticut grown pear dessert wines.  Log on to: www.digrazia.com/

Gouveia Vineyards – Owned by Joe and Lucy Gouveia, located in Wallingford, Gouveia offers 11 different wines.  Voted Best Rose in Connecticut 2010 by the Specialty Food Service Awards and Gold Medal Stone House Red winner at the 2008 Big E Wine Competition, Gouveia offers 11 different wines.  Log on to: www.gouveiavineyards.com/awards.html

Hopkins Vineyard – Located in the heart of Litchfield Hills, Hopkins Vineyard has been making wine for over 30 years. With more than eleven different varieties of award winning wines, Hopkins Vineyard has received gold, silver, and bronze medals in National and International competitions, alike.  Log on to: www.hopkinsvineyard.com/

Jonathan Edwards Winery– Located in the quaint village of North Stonington, the winery is owned by the Edwards family. With vineyards in both Connecticut and Napa Valley, it prides itself on having “New England Charm and Napa Style.”  Log on to: www.jedwardswinery.com/

Jones Winery – Spanning 150 years and six generations of the Jones family, owner Jamie Jones carries on the tradition in the White Hills of Shelton. Connecticut Magazine said the Jones Winery had “the Best Connecticut Wine” in 2010 and 2011.  Log on to: www.jonesfamilyfarms.com/

Miranda Vineyard – Owned by Maria and Manny Miranda, Miranda Vineyard uses the perfect blend of Old World wine-making techniques with modern techniques to keep any connoisseur happy.  Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Amenti del Vino International Wine Competition for its Vinho Fino.  Log on to: www.mirandavineyard.com/

Priam Vineyards – Founded in 1998 by Gloria Priam and Gary Crump, Priam Vineyards has quickly become a favorite in New London County.  Producing wines styled after Northern France and Germany, Priam Vineyards’ Late Harvest Riesling was a Double Gold Medal winner at the 2011 International EasternWine Competition.  Log on to: www.priamvineyards.com

Sharpe Hill Vineyard – Located in the historic town of Pomfret, Sharpe Hill Vineyard features a Zagat-rated restaurant and boasts over 250 medals in International tasting awards. The winery is just minutes from the scenic Route 169, as well as the Putnam Antiques District. Log on to: www.sharpehill.com

Stonington Vineyards – Established in 1987 by Nick and Happy Smith, Stonington Vineyards has become known for producing quality, European-style table wines. The winery is best known for its barrel fermented Chardonnays and its proprietary blends Seaport White and Triad Rose.  Log on to: www.stoningtonvineyards.com/

Sunset Meadow Vineyards – Located in the scenic town of Goshen and owned by George and Judy Motel, Sunset Meadow is among New England’s largest producing vineyards. It was voted “New England’s Best Family Winery” by Yankee Magazine and has been featured in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Seven different wines have won Gold medals, including its 2010 Chardonnay, which took home the Gold in the 2012 International Eastern Wine competition. Log on to: www.sunsetmeadowvineyards.com.”

Taylor Brooke Winery – Located in the quiet northeastern part of Connecticut, Taylor Brooke Winery, which started as a hobby, grew into one of Connecticut’s favorite wineries.  Owned by Richard and Linda Auger, Taylor Brooke is winner of Raspberry Rendezvous – 2009 Big E Wine Competition Silver Medal. Log on to: www.taylorbrookewinery.com

White Silo Winery – Known for being a small specialty winery, White Silo was established in 1990 and housed in a 19th century dairy barn.  Owned by the Gorman family, it has received awards such as the Big E: Gold; Silver awards. Log on to: http://whitesilowinery.com/

For more information and to purchase tickets, log on to www.ctwine.com.  You can also email info@ctwine.com or call (860) 677-5467.

 

# # #

 

Editorial Contact:

Mario Almonte

212-616-1190, ext. 267

malmonte@herman-almontepr.com

 

Filed Under: Connecticut Corkers, The Press, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Shifty Shades of Grey: Sustainability Simplified

July 16, 2012 By

Most of us are familiar with the word “organic” and have a fairly knowledgeable idea of what it means with respect to agriculture. However, in spite of the fact that the word “sustainable” is becoming an equally familiar term, fewer of us have a clear understanding of what that actually means in relation to agriculture generally, and to growing wine grapes specifically. The criteria for organic growing are black and white and organizations exist around the world to monitor and police these rules, but when it comes to sustainability, one must abandon the notion of black and white and instead adopt a philosophy made up of many shades of grey that takes into consideration the impact on our environment of various farming practices. Sustainability also includes an analysis of social goals as well as economic viability. Although this lack of a specific definition may seem frustrating at times, it is exactly this amorphous quality that is the essence of sustainable agriculture.

The very nature of the concept of sustainability means that the term will have different definitions at different times and in different places. For simplicity, the definition can be thought of as a balancing test: What at this given moment in time at this specific location would have the least negative impact on the environment and on our society, taking into consideration alternative solutions and factoring in the importance of maintaining a viable business.

Many wineries advertising sustainable farming publicize examples that include such things as beekeeping, free-range chickens and goats, and the erection of bird nesting boxes and raptor perches. All of these efforts are meant to strengthen and enhance the surrounding ecosystems with the desired result of creating a stronger and healthier environment in which to grow vines. Although these efforts can have a positive impact on the environment, the less glamorous balancing test is in fact the heart of sustainability. Take, for example, the issue of weeding. Organics eschew the use of chemical herbicides to control the growth of weeds between the rows of vines. An organic farmer might opt instead to mulch these areas. Our sustainable farmer, on the other hand, will take into consideration not only the effect of agrochemicals on the environment but also the effect of using diesel fuel during the mulching process. This farmer might reasonably decide that it is more environmentally sound overall (more sustainable) to use infrequent applications of a mild herbicide to control weeds than it is to use additional diesel fuel to take extra passes with a tractor.

Like organic growing, sustainable agriculture attempts to leave the land for the next generation in better condition than it was when it was inherited. But sustainability goes one step farther in its consideration of the environment’s long-term future by addressing issues that organic principles do not, such as global warming, water usage and greenhouse gases. There is currently a movement to create certification standards for sustainable practices. And while this will be a positive step toward giving recognition to those implementing these procedures, I can only imagine the enormity of the task of codifying the many shades of grey that make up sustainable agriculture. While I wait, I will continue to support my environment by seeking out and enjoying sustainably grown wines.

 

Want to support the environment with every sip? Why not start with one of these sustainable vineyards:

 

  • Bliss Family Vineyards, Mendocino, California
  • Michel-Schlumerger, Dry Creek Valley, California
  • Bodegas Carrau, Montevideo, Uruguay
  • Benziger Family, Carneros, California
  • Kunde Family Estate, Sonoma Valley, California
  • Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen, Connecticut
  • Château Tanesse, Cadillac, France

Filed Under: Connecticut Corkers, Organic Wine Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
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