Big Fat Wine

Official State Portal

The French have a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ about their wine, and they are the first to let you know about it. And why shouldn’t they? So when American Steven Spurrier challenged France to a blind taste test, they were quick to accept. But the French didn’t know that Napa Valley is one of the best places in the world to grow wine grapes. So the stage was set, a face off between France and California.
A tasting panel of 8 French men and 1 French woman was assembled to judge the competition. Six California Cabernet Sauvignons were pitted against four of the top red wines from Bordeaux and six California Chardonnay competed against four highly regarded whites from Burgundy in the 1976 blind taste test.
As the tasting began, people who witnessed the competition realized that something unexpected was occuring as the judges couldn’t tell which wines were from California. One judge noted, “That is definitely California. It has no nose.” He was speaking of the 1973 Batard Montrachet, which at the time, was regarded as one of the finest wines in the world.
The end results was a “shot heard round the world.” The 1973 Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon won the red category. The 1973 Chateau Montelena from Calistoga was voted the best white. A must read is “Judgement of Paris” by George Taber. I am in the middle of this book and the story is intriguing and factual for you history buffs.

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California has more than 107 AVA’s (American Viticultural Areas). An AVA, or American Vinticultural Area, is a specific grape – growing area within a state or a region recognized by and registered with the federal government. AVA designation began in the 1980′s and is a system styled after the European system (AOC).

*NOTE: If an AVA is listed on the label, at least 85% of the grapes must come from that region

Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the most widely planted varietals. More than 2,600 wineries (check out our list) are bonded in the state, up over 200% from 1990. In 2007, over 192 million cases of California wine were sold. Land planted to grapes now tops 527,000 acres.

California Wine Facts at a Glance

Number of wineries in California
2,843
Number of winegrape growers in California
4,600
Varieties of winegrapes grown in California
More than 110
Counties in California where winegrapes are grown
48 out of 58
Number of jobs created by California wine
820,000 U.S. jobs, of which 330,000 are in California
Bottles produced with one ton of California winegrapes
Approx. 797 or 65 cases
Amount of winegrapes in one (750ml) bottle of wine
600-800 grapes or 2.8 lbs.
Bottles produced by one grapevine
Approx. 5
Percent of wine sold in U.S. purchased by women
55.4%
People who visit California wine regions every year
20.7 million

For current tourism and seasonal happenings, contact the below organizations;

 

 

 

 
Northern California

Alexander Valley Winegrowers Association Contact Person: Vicky Robinson Phone Number: 707 431-2894 Email: info@alexandervalley.org

Lake County Winegrape Commission Contact: Shannon Gunier 707/995-3421, FAX: 707/995-3618 email: central@lakecountywinegrape.org

Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley Contact: Diane Johannsen PH/FAX: 707/433-3031

Napa Valley Grape Growers Association Contact: Joelle Gallagher 707/944-8311 FAX: 707/224-7836 email: nvgga@i-cafe.net

Napa Valley Vintners Association Contact: Linda Reiff 707/963-3388, FAX: 707/963-3488

North Coast Grape Growers Association Contact: Rhonda Hood 707/578-8331, FAX: 707/5-6771

Oakville Winegrowers Contact: Kathy Meinhardt707/944-0216, FAX: 707/945-0229 email: sealight@ix.netcom.com

Mendocino Winegrowers Alliance Contact: John Enquist 707/468-9886, FAX: 707/468-9887 email: mwa@mendowine.com

Russian River Valley Winegrowers Contact: Kirk Locca 707/521-2534, FAX: 707/546-3277 email: rrvw@sonic.net

Russian River Wine Road 800/723-6336 FAX: 707/433-4374 email: info@wineroad.com

Silverado Trail Wineries Association

Sonoma County Grape Growers Association Contact: Nick Frey 707 206-0603 FAX: 707-206-0313 email: frey@scgga.org

Sonoma County Wineries Association Contact: Jaimie Douglas 707/586-3795, FAX: 707/586-1383  email: info@sonomawine.com

Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance Contact: Claudia Glade 707/935-0803 FAX: 707/935-1947 email: info@sonomavalleywine.com

Stag’s Leap District Winegrowers Association Contact: Nancy Bialek 707/255-1720, FAX: 707/255-1760

Central California

Central Coast Winegrowers Association Contact: Victoria LeBlanc 805/928-4950 FAX: 805/928-2201 email: ccwga.mail@gte.net

Edna Valley – Arroyo Grande Valley Vintners Assn. Contact: Archie McLaren 805/541-5868, FAX: 805/541-3934 email: sanluiswines@aol.com

Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association Contact: Rhonda Motil 831/375-9400, FAX: 831/375-1116 email: info@montereywines.org

Paso Robles Vintners & Growers Association Contact: Sheila Griffie 805/239-8463, FAX: 805/237-6439 email: web@pasowine.com

San Luis Obispo Vintners’ & Growers’ Association Contact: Archie McLaren 805/541-5868, FAX: 805/541-3934 email: sanluiswines@aol.com

Santa Barbara County Vintners Contact: Sao Anash 805/688-0881, FAX: 805/686-5881 email: info@sbcountywines.com

Santa Clara Valley Winegrowers Contact: Valerie Brockbank Phone: 408/778-2979

Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association Contact: Karen & John Hibble 408/479-WINE, FAX: 408/688-6961 email: info@scmwa.com

Santa Maria Valley Wine Country Association Contact: Cynthia Stanfield 866 480-5194 Email:info@santamariavalleywinecountry.com

Southern

Ramona Vineyard Association email: rva@ramonavalleyvineyards.org

San Diego County Vintners Association Contact: Dave Wodehouse 760/720-7499 FAX: 760/720-7498

Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association Contact: Linda Kissam 909/699-3626, FAX: 909/699-2353 email: winecountryinfo@aol.com

Central Valley

Amador Vintners Association Contact: Jill Murphy Phone: 209/267-2297, 888/655-8614 FAX: 209/267-2298

Calaveras County Wine Association Contact: Clayre Quick 800/225-3764 ext. 25, FAX: 209/728-3418

Clarksburg Winegrowers Association Contact:  Elizabeth G. Merwin Phone: 916/448-7282

Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association Contact: Sblend Sblendorio 925/447-9463, FAX: 925/447-0433

Lodi Appellation Winery Association

Lodi District Grape Growers Association Contact: Elizabeth Giannini Phone: 209/339-8246

Lodi Woodbridge Winegrape Commission Contact: Mark Chandler 209/367-4727, FAX: 209/367-0737

El Dorado Winery Association Contact: Betty Young-McIntire 800/306-3956, FAX: 530/295-2009

Sierra Grape Growers Association Contact: Joan Hughes 530/432-4894, FAX: 530/432-5737

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Many continued “thank you’s” to all of your suggestions and comments! We’ve added more celebrities to our page and will continue to add more as we find more!

Celebs sure know what to do when they want to enjoy life!  Below is another addition to our extensive listing of celebrities who own commercial wineries, wine brands or vineyards.

Makaziwe Mandela
Daughter of Nelson Mandela
House of Mandela
South Africa

The first three wines in the House of Mandela range were launched by Mandela’s eldest daughter Makaziwe, her daughter, Tukwini and Mandla Mandela, the new chief of the Mandela clan. When Makaziwe Mandela was first approached with the idea four years ago by her Norwegian friend, Camilla Bernal, her first instinct was to say no, especially since the Norwegian company was keen to put Mandela’s face on the label. Makaziwe made it clear that it just wasn’t done in Africa to put the face of one member of the family forward in that way. At the age of 92, Mandela will not be personally involved with the project, but he has given it his blessing.  This venture brings the rich cultural roots of the country into the wine industry, but also enriches the wine lifestyle by enveloping the historical roots of the South African people. 

Below is a very compelling writeup on The House of Mandela homepage;

The Relevance of Ancient Wisdom
Through our ancestors we too embrace and promote a spirit of human solidarity, cooperation, compassion, courage, and a sense of community; engaging in dialogue, not just in terms of confronting humanity’s problems today, but to a vision of a better future where we can be all we can be as friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and
citizens of the world.

In drawing the contours of our roots we are being loyal not just to our history but to whom we are, deep in our souls. Lineage is like the ocean that returns each time to the shore, it liberates and empowers us to trust fully the rhythm of life. Like a welcoming circle of friendship and sharing, it shelters us from the loneliness and isolation of life. It gives us a mooring, a center in our life as we crisscross the world.

To succeed in our current and future endeavors, we must take cognizance that we are treading the already trodden path. Our lineage is ancient and eternal, and weaves us into the great tapestry of spirit, which connects us to everything, and everyone everywhere.  Our ancestors showed us the way, and inspire us to live up to our highest ideals and for that we are grateful.

So today, in keeping with the changing times we are called to redefine our role and carry the ancient wisdom into everything we do, whether commercial or charitable. We are committed and passionate to create or be involved in projects with a soul.

The time has come for The House of Mandela to “Make Dreams Possible” and ensures that The House of Mandela transcends the past and preserves a place in the future.

We have chosen wine as a bridge into the future…

“From Mvezo on the banks of the mighty, magnificent, winding Mbashe river, through the beautiful rolling hills, pure grass, colourful thatched huts of Qunu, to the vibrant rich melting pot of Jozi, and finally resting in a magical place of wonderful flavours, iconic Mountains and surrounded by two mighty oceans The House of Mandela courageously walks with pride, knowing that our forefathers walk and celebrate with us and climb the mountains and cross rivers with us.

Ah! Madiba, Yem, Yem, Zondwa Zintshaba, we are here” Dr. Maki Mandela

(If you are a celebrity who owns a winery, wine brand or vineyard or you know of one that we missed, let us know and we will add you/them to the list)

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This has been the longest duration between posts since we started BigFatWine and what a strange trip it’s been. It has been extremely difficult to concentrate on writing ever since our oldest daughter shared the fantastic news that she is engaged to be married!

We are all beside ourselves and exuberant as we anticipate what the next 12 months will bring! The “topping of the cake” was when she asked me to walk her down the aisle! I think I have cried every day since! Here I go again….This isn’t a right of passage. Nor is it something I personally consider something that has been earned. It is a gift of honor and I cannot think of anything more special and heartwarming. Enough mushiness.

The wedding is taking place at Maragas Winery just north of Bend, OR. What a cool place to get married. The two of them are wine lovers as well so it obviously meshes with the wine lifestyle. Hopefully we will make the journey soon to visit the winery. They appear to have a great selection of affordable wines and I can imagine the excitement as our daughter and her fiance show us around the property. We promise to share once we check it out!

They are such a cute couple! We are so proud of them both. A few months ago, our  future son-in-law met us for dinner, shared his intentions and asked for our blessings. What an honorable young man! He’s got a great family as well and the two families I hope will be a perfect “blend”. My daughters future mom-in-law couldn’t have stated it better when she said…

My Awesome, Handsome, Amazing Son asked his Awesome, Beautiful, Amazing Girlfriend to Marry him today…..and she said YES!!!!!!!!!

Dittos!

Many “thank you’s” to all of your suggestions and comments! We’ve added more celebrities to our page and will continue to add more as we find more!

Celebs sure know what to do when they want to enjoy life!  Below is a partial listing of celebrities who own commercial wineries, wine brands or vineyards.

Boz Scaggs
American singer, songwriter and guitarist
Scaggs Vineyards
Oakville, California

(If you are a celebrity who owns a winery, wine brand or vineyard or you know of one that we missed, let us know and we will add you/them to the list)

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Official State Portal

Arkansas is the home of three AVA’s (American Viticultural Areas); all located in the northwestern portion of the state—the large OZARK MOUNTAIN AVA (which Arkansas shares with MISSOURI and OKLAHOMA) and the smaller AVAs of ALTUS and Arkansas Mountain, both subzones of the Ozark Mountain AVA. In the early 1900s, Arkansas enjoyed abundant vineyards, mostly of CONCORD grapes, an indigenous American variety of the VITIS LABRUSCA species. Unfortunately, wines from these grapes don’t have the popular appeal of VITIS VINIFERA species (the basic European varieties like CABERNET SAUVIGNON and CHARDONNAY). Today, Arkansas winemaking is mostly from HYBRIDS and Vitis vinifera grapes.  Area wineries produce a variety of STILL WINES from Cynthiana (NORTON) grapes or hybrids (like NIAGRA and SEYVAL BLANC), as well as from Cabernet Sauvignon, MERLOT, and Chardonnay grapes. Arkansas also produces SPARKLING WINES. The Wiederkehr Winery, which was started in the late 1800s, is in operation today by the founder’s descendants. It has shifted from American varieties and hybrids to grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, RIESLING, and MUSCAT.

Back in 1880, two European families settled in the Arkansas River Valley, attracted by its fertile sandy soil and moderate climate. The two pioneers of the American wine industry were Jacob Post, who came to America in 1872, and Johann Wiederkehr, who immigrated to Altus from Switzerland in 1880. (*Check out this short 6 minute video of an interview at Post Familie Vineyards in Altus). Area conditions reminded them so much of the fine wine-making regions of Germany and Switzerland that they each established vineyards, which was the beginning of a wine heritage and viticulture in Arkansas. Wine was made from grapes, berries and fruit native to their new homeland. Since those early years, each added new grape varieties, and cultivated, improved and expanded their vineyards. Today, fourth and fifth generations of these two families, plus Robert Cowie and Audrey House, have contributed to making Arkansas the largest and oldest wine producing state in the South. Paris, Ozark and Altus are located in Arkansas Wine Country, just off Interstate 40 northwest of Little Rock and east of Ft. Smith, near where the Arkansas River winds between the Ozark Mountains and the Ouachita Mountains.

Several area wineries that offer free tours, wine tastings and special events are: Chateau Aux Arc, (pronounced “ozark”) established in 1998 by Audrey House, is known for chardonnay and cynthiana grapes; tasting room open daily 479-468-4400 or 800-558-WINE.

Mount Bethel Winery, owned and operated for more than 100 years by a Post family member, produces a wide variety of locally-grown fruit wines: sip some blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, elderberry, peach, wild plum and, of course, grape! 479-468-2444.

Post Familie Vineyards & Winery, Taste some wine, shop for gifts and local wine, juice, jelly and vinegar; tours available by request. Established in 1880. Open daily. 479-468-2741

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars and Vineyard Tour the original wine cellar (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), which has been converted into the Weinkeller Restaurant, which serves Swiss and European specialties, and wine. Closed major holidays. 800-622-9463.

In Paris, Cowie Wine Cellars Vintner Robert Cowie began making wine in 1955; free wine tastings following tours of the cellars; wine making supplies for sale; amateur wine making competition held in April; home to the Arkansas Historic Wine Museum. 479-963-3990. Visitors to the area can also learn more about the region’s coal mining history at the Altus Heritage House Museum 479-468-4684.

Keels Creek Winery opened in 2006 in Eureka Springs in the Northwest Arkansas Ozark Mountains. In addition to its own label, Keels Creek offers one of the largest selections of Arkansas wines in the state. The 10-acre vineyard contains more than 10 varieties of grapes. Co-owners Doug Hausler and Edwige Denyszyn estimate that the optimal production from the vineyard will be about 40 tons of grapes which will make about 5,000 gallons of wine. The retail wine sales and tasting room are located in a Spanish-style building that is shared with Keels Creek Art Gallery. 3185 East Van Buren. 479-253-WINE (9463)

Arkansas’s newest small farm winery, Raimondo Family Winery, operates its tasting room and produces its wines at Blue Lady Resort in Gamaliel. The Raimondo Family Winery has been producing wine in California for more than two decades.

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