Steve Lutz of Oregon Wine’s Lenne’ Estate sells his iconic vineyard as he eyes: what’s next in wine career.
- Steve Lutz, vigneron and founder sells his iconic estate after 22 years
- Peavine soils certified worst in Yamhill County, proved to yield distinctive Pinot Noirs
- Lutz is said to be setting up next phase of his idiosyncratic wine career
- Purchasers Jory, LLC will release next stage brand name and concept for the estate
Lutz’s wine career spans 4 decades and includes hospitality management for part of the Mondavi Wines Group in Napa Valley among other Napa brands and heading up hospitality at Chateau Benoit (now Anne Amie) in Carlton, Oregon culminating in the discovery of his unique 20.9 acre estate vineyard.
Lenné is French influenced wordplay of Lenny, Steve’s father-in-law
The brand name Lenné’ was derived as a French influenced wordplay of Lenny, Steve’s father-in-law who reportedly was a chicken farmer in a suburb of London.
Having achieved cult wine status for over 20 years
Lenné’ produces only estate wines, with annual production ranging from 1,600 – 2,000 cases, most of which is allocated to local wine club and out of state wine enthusiasts. Having achieved what is essentially cult status over 20 years as a craft producer
Lutz quips:
“…Most people think that wine is a lifestyle business,
it most assuredly isn’t, although, of course,
we do enjoy some perks!”
When queried about what’s next, Steve offers “Lenné’s unique programs and experiences will exist in new formats for years to come, although you’ll have to get on our mailing and membership lists to take advantage of what’s coming up next.”
you’ll have to get on […] mailing and membership lists to take advantage of what’s coming up next
The Lenne’ tasting room closes at the end of 2022.
Steve Lutz of Oregon Wine’s Lenne’ Estate sells his iconic vineyard
Jory, LLC had been searching for a bespoke Pinot producing site and were delighted when approached by Steve.
Jory intend to further develop the existing property with a new brand name, marketing concepts, and larger facilities. Co-owner Eugene Labunsky has admitted to being thrilled to finally acquire a property he has had his eye on for years.
Lenné’ Estate
Lenne’ Estate grows death-defying Pinot Noir vineyards on steep slopes in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Steve Lutz planted his first vines in 2001, expanding the vineyard property to 20.9 acres. The estate is planted with five clones of Pinot Noir (Pommard, 777, 115, 114, and 667), and most recently Chardonnay.
Jory, LLC
Jory, LLC is a partnership between grower and wine enthusiast Eugene Labunsky and Jared Etzel, winemaker and co-founder of Domaine Roy, and son of Mike Etzel of Beaux Frere fame. The partnership was formed with the intent to grow a portfolio of fine wine brands produced from singular estates of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Additional information will be released in the upcoming months.
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LA Artist Victor Solomon Partners with Kendall-Jackson to Design NBA Co-Branded Wine Labels
Artist Victor Solomon Start Groundbreaking Partnership with Kendall-Jackson to Design NBA Co-Branded Wine Labels
Kendall-Jackson, renowned for producing America’s #1 selling Chardonnay and the NBA’s first official wine partner, is thrilled to announce a collaboration with celebrated artist and designer Victor Solomon, hailed for designing the NBA’s Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
Victor Solomon: Where Art Meets the NBA Hardwood
Victor Solomon is a Los Angeles-based contemporary artist who has carved out a unique niche at the intersection of art, design, and basketball culture. Known for his stunning, handcrafted works that reimagine iconic basketball symbols through the lens of luxury and fine art, Solomon has become a standout figure in the art world, particularly for his collaborations with the NBA. His work often explores the idea of basketball not just as a sport, but as a global cultural phenomenon, rich with symbolism, community, and artistry.
Solomon’s most notable project, “Literally Balling,” transforms traditional basketball hoops into breathtaking sculptures using materials like stained glass, crystal, and 24K gold. These pieces elevate the everyday aesthetic of the game into something sacred, almost cathedral-like, highlighting the deep reverence many fans hold for basketball. Beyond gallery installations, Solomon has worked directly with the NBA, designing custom trophies, court art, and luxury installations that blend the sport’s raw energy with high-end craftsmanship.
His artistry extends beyond aesthetics—Solomon’s work often reflects the evolution of basketball as a symbol of aspiration, community, and resilience. Whether through a stained glass backboard or a reimagined championship trophy, he bridges the gap between the streets and the art world, honoring the game’s history while pushing creative boundaries. In a league where storytelling is key, Victor Solomon’s art tells the NBA’s story through a lens of beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.
Artist Victor Solomon Start Groundbreaking Partnership with Kendall-Jackson
This collaboration, rooted in mutual connections with the NBA, will feature Solomon’s artistic vision in designing the labels for the league’s first co-branded wines with Kendall-Jackson in Sonoma County, California.
The partnership will officially kick off during NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, where Kendall-Jackson and Solomon will unveil the wine label designs at NBA Crossover, a multi-day fan fest event that celebrates basketball culture, part of All-Star Weekend, taking place in San Francisco February 14 – 16, 2025. Kendall-Jackson will launch a co-branded Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, a Monterey County Chardonnay and a Lake County Sauvignon Blanc in August 2025.
“When we partnered with the NBA, we set out to uniquely blend the culture of wine with the excitement of the game,”
Chris Jackson
Co-Proprietor of Kendall-Jackson
“We are excited to partner with Victor Solomon and bring his extraordinary talents in connecting art with sports culture to the look of our first NBA co-branded wines. This partnership is a natural fit as we expand our relationship with the league and continue to explore unique ways to engage our audiences.”
The partnership brings together Kendall-Jackson’s legacy of craftsmanship and Solomon’s signature design aesthetic, which blends traditional artistry with modern inspirations. Victor Solomon’s prior work—including his acclaimed “Literally Balling” series that reimagines basketball through the lens of stained glass and fine craftsmanship—has earned him a reputation for pushing the boundaries of design in sports and culture.
“My work has always been about elevating the artistry within sport,”
Victor Solomon
“Partnering with Kendall-Jackson allows me to extend that vision by creating and celebrating a shared spirit of craftsmanship. My work has included collaborations with the NBA on bespoke trophies and immersive installations that celebrate the league’s iconic legacy. Through the tactile beauty of a wine label, this collaboration offers an opportunity to unite these worlds in a meaningful way.”
Solomon’s meticulous design process involves months of research and hands-on experimentation to craft pieces that are both visually stunning and deeply resonant. Recent projects include a Swarovski crystal basketball installation for the NBA’s 75th Anniversary celebration and his “Journey” sculpture series, which explores the evolution of the game through iconic materials. Upcoming works include collaborations with international museums and luxury brands, and a court refurbishing project throughout California, further cementing his role as a leader at the intersection of art and sports.
For more information about this partnership, visit www.kj.com/NBA. Follow Kendall-Jackson on all social platforms with handle @KJWines.
Join Us: DTLA’s Boomtown Brewery Celebrates 10th Anniversary Feb 21 – 23 with 3 days of Craft Beer, Food, Fun
Join Us: DTLA’s Boomtown Brewery Celebrates 10th Anniversary Feb 21 – 23 with 3 days of Craft Beer, Food, Fun
Boomtown Brewery, L.A.’s iconic craft beer haven nestled in the heart of the DTLA Arts District, is pulling out all the stops to celebrate 10 Years of brewing excellence with an unforgettable Boomtown Brewery 10th Anniversary Weekend!
Boomtown Brewery 10th Anniversary Weekend Feb 21 – 23
From Friday, February 21st through Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, beer lovers, locals, and visitors alike are invited to raise a glass (or several) in honor of a decade of incredible brews, community vibes, and epic events!
Patrons will enjoy three action-packed days of Craft Beer, Live Entertainment, LA’s Top Food Vendors, and good times.
Photo Credit: Nick Gingold / Craft Media LA
The Boomtown Tap Room—just steps from their cutting-edge brewery—will be buzzing with over eighteen Craft Beer selections, including fan favorites like BAD HOMBRE Mexican-Style Lager, Nose Job IPA, Chavez Ravine Hazy IPA, Mic Czech Pilsner, plus a rotating selection of styles including IPAs, Stouts, Sours, Gluten-free Seltzers, and more.
DTLA’s Boomtown Brewery’s Head Brewer Amber Sawicki // Photo Credit: Nick Gingold / Craft Media LA
With Head Brewer Amber Sawicki and Production Manager Benjamin Turkel leading the charge, guests can expect some exciting new releases to mark the occasion.
Friday, February 21st, 2025: Look-Alike Contest & Karaoke Kickoff (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Come Dress as an LA Icon from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and compete in Boomtown’s Look-Alike Contest!
Maybe we will see Fast & Furious-hero Dominic Toretto, pop sensation Billie Eilish, or Dodgers’ legend Fernando Valenzuela coming to the party and winners will receive a Boomtown Hat, Shirt, and Gift Card, with One Ultimate Winner crowned to receive a Boomtown Golden Glass Membership!
Food Vendors Correas Mariscos and Word of Mouth Truck will be onsite to fuel everyone up for Karaoke Night which will start at 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, so step up to the mic and get $2 off your next beer just for belting out your favorite tune!
Saturday, February 22nd, 2025: The Official 10th Anniversary Party (12:00 PM – 1:00 AM)
It’s Boomtown Brewery’s 10th Birthday, and guests are invited to partake in everything Boomtown has to offer!
Sip on a full lineup of new and innovative Craft Beers while enjoying a showcase of Live Bands, Stand-Up Comedy, and Trivia from the afternoon until late at night.
Food Vendors Taqueria Frontera and Vegan Hooligans will be serving all day and night, and Tripp Burger will be serving from 6:00 pm to 12:00 Midnight. At 9:00 pm, The Funk Freaks will perform, getting everyone on their feet to dance the night away.
Sunday, February 23rd, 2025: Boomtown Brewery 10th Anniversary: INFMS Beer Hip Hop Concert & Hazy Panda IPA Beer Release (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Boomtown Brewery and INFMS Beer team up once again to bring the best Hip Hop show in town, featuring the return of the Hazy Panda IPA!
Boomtown will be open to the public from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm. Boomtown will close briefly before reopening at 6:00 PM for ticketed guests attending Boomtown Brewery’s 10 Anniversary – INFMS Beer
Hip Hop Concert & Exclusive Beer Release featuring DJ Nu-Mark (Member of Jurassic 5), Bad Neighbor (Blu & MED), DJ C-Los, DJ Mishaps, Psycho Les & Big Twins, and Food Vendor The Wingman Official, and more.
Photo Credit: Nick Gingold / Craft Media LA
This is a 21+ Event and Tickets are required.
There is limited availability, so Get Yours Now here at Boomtown Brewery’s 10th Anniversary: INFMS Beer Hip Hop Concert & Beer Release.
BOOMTOWN BREWERY: A DECADE OF COMMUNITY, CREATIVITY & CRAFT BEER:
Since its inception, Boomtown Brewery has proudly represented Los Angeles, creating unfiltered, full-flavored craft beers with integrity. As a fixture in the DTLA Arts District, Boomtown is more than just a brewery—it’s a community hub for artists, makers, and beer lovers to connect and celebrate the creative spirit of the city.
From live music and trivia nights to open mic events and food festivals, Boomtown Brewery continues to bring people together in meaningful, memorable ways.
Photo Credit: Nick Gingold / Craft Media LA
As they celebrate this milestone, the team behind Boomtown Brewery—Owners John Rankin, Alex Kagianaris, and Samuel “Chewy” Chawinga—invite you to be part of the magic.
So, mark your calendars, spread the word, and come toast to 10 years of Boomtown Brewery!
Boomtown Brewery’s 10th Anniversary Celebration will take place Friday, February 21st, 2025, through Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, with Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, being their official 10th Anniversary Celebration, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 am. Saturday, February 22nd is a 21+ Event after 8:00 pm and this event is Free to attend, and no tickets are needed.
For more information and to purchase Tickets to Boomtown Brewery’s 10th Anniversary: INFMS Beer Hip Hop Concert & Beer Release on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, please visit Boomtown Brewery’s 10th Anniversary: INFMS Beer Hip Hop Concert & Beer Release!
Cheers to 10 years of Boomtown Brewery—here’s to many more!
Social Media: Follow Boomtown Brewery on Instagram @boomtowmbrewery, Facebook @Boomtown.Brewery, andTikTok @Boomtown.Brewery
Boomtown Brewery
700 Jackson Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
T: 213.617.8497
Los Angeles Superbowl Parties: Best Places to Watch the Super Bowl LIX in Los Angeles: Top Bars, Rooftops, and Watch Parties
Celebrate the Superbowl with parties in Los Angeles at the Best Places to Watch the Super Bowl LIX in Los Angeles: Top Bars, Rooftops, and Watch Parties
Super Bowl LIX is shaping up to be an epic showdown, and there are plenty of reasons to be excited—especially for football fans in Los Angeles.
The game will be played at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans in 2025, bringing the championship back to one of the most electric football cities in the country. With potential powerhouse teams in contention, star quarterbacks in their prime, and evolving offensive schemes redefining the game, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Plus, the Super Bowl’s return to New Orleans means an unmatched atmosphere, with a city known for its legendary food, music, and nightlife turning the event into a week-long festival. Whether you’re watching for the game, halftime show, or just the excuse to throw an epic party, Super Bowl LIX is set to deliver in every way.
Now if you’re not interested in all the sports socializing, and would rather stay home, don’t worry — Super Bowl LIX is airing live on FOX, and Kendrick’s performance will be available on Tubi, NFL+, the NFL mobile app, and SiriusXM. The halftime performance will showcase Kendrick’s iconic raps, and SZA will be joining him as well.
The Ultimate Super Bowl LIX Food and Drink Pairings
The Super Bowl is as much about the food and drinks as it is about the game, with fans across the country indulging in classic comfort foods paired with the perfect beverages.
Buffalo wings and ice-cold beer are the undisputed MVPs of game-day dining—whether it’s a crisp lager, a hoppy IPA, or a smooth wheat beer, the carbonation and bitterness help cut through the heat of the spicy wings.
Nachos piled high with cheese, jalapeños, and seasoned meat call for a refreshing margarita or a Mexican lager, both of which enhance the bold flavors while keeping the palate refreshed.
For barbecue lovers, smoky pulled pork sandwiches or ribs are best paired with a bourbon-based cocktail like an Old Fashioned or a rich, malty brown ale to complement the deep, caramelized flavors.
For those who prefer snacks that are easy to grab between plays, loaded potato skins or classic onion dip with chips pair well with a smooth pilsner or a light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness. If pizza is on the menu—another Super Bowl staple—a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or a classic pale ale enhances the tangy tomato sauce and gooey cheese.
On the sweeter side, chocolate chip cookies or brownies go great with a dark stout or a creamy espresso martini, making for a winning dessert combo. No matter who you’re rooting for, the right food and drink pairings make the Super Bowl an even more enjoyable experience, ensuring that every bite and sip is as satisfying as a game-winning touchdown.
Superbowl with parties in Los Angeles
Now, on to the L.A. Super Bowl watch parties…
Grandmaster Recorders to Watch Super Bowl LIX
Grandmaster Recorders is the place to be for the Super Bowl, offering two incredible spaces to catch the big game. Their rooftop bash is legendary, letting you soak in all the action with the Hollywood Sign as your backdrop, making for a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Downstairs at Studio 71, you’ll find a cozy, dark ambiance with a state-of-the-art sound system and massive screen, perfect for an immersive game-day vibe. Whether you’re looking for high-energy rooftop views or an intimate, cinematic football experience, Grandmaster Recorders delivers an unforgettable way to watch the Super Bowl.
Learn more: Grandmaster Recorders
Location: 1518 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Paragon Bar and Grill
Paragon Bar and Grill, a favorite in the 818, is the go-to spot for an epic Super Bowl watch party every year. With delicious food, a huge selection of beers on tap, and bucket specials, it’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the game with fellow fans.
But the fun doesn’t stop at food and drinks—giveaways and special promotions make the atmosphere even more exciting, so it feels like everyone walks away a winner. Whether you’re there for the football, the food, or just the electric energy, Paragon Bar and Grill knows how to throw a Super Bowl party done right.
Learn more: Paragon Bar and Grill
Location: 8319 Louise Ave, Northridge, CA 91325
Barney’s Beanery to watch Super Bowl LIX
All Barney’s Beanery locations across Los Angeles are turning into the ultimate Super Bowl hotspots, with the game playing on 40+ TVs and multiple projectors with full sound. No matter where you sit, you’ll have a prime view of all the action.
With their lively atmosphere, great food, and plenty of drinks to go around, Barney’s is the perfect place to post up with friends and watch every play, touchdown, and commercial. Whether you’re there for the game or just the good vibes, you won’t miss a moment of the action!
Locations:
- Santa Monica: 1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
- West Hollywood: 8447 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
- Pasadena: 99 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
- Burbank: 250 N 1st St, Burbank, CA 91502
3rd Base
3rd Base is bringing sports fans the ultimate Super Bowl bash, combining upscale dining, craft cocktails, and their famous two-tier tequila trees for a next-level game-day experience. Whether you’re there for the big plays or just the top-notch food and drinks, this spot knows how to do game day right.
This year, they’re offering general admission, seat reservations, and table reservations, so you can lock in your spot for the action. Just keep in mind—food and beverage minimums apply, but with their killer menu and drink selection, meeting the minimum won’t be a problem!
Learn more: 3rd Base
Location: 1562 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Best Places to Watch Super Bowl LIX in Los Angeles
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Actress Erin Michele Soto Rises Through Her Trauma to Return to Her Hit TV Series
Erin Michele Soto Rises Through Her Trauma to Return to Her Hit TV Series
Audiences know Erin Michele Soto from her work in the miniseries Shirley and Shelly and the TV series Studio City, the smash hit and Emmy – winning drama.
Around the world audiences see stars on red carpets, TV and movie screens; and often never consider the challenges these performers face to live their dreams.
So many people recognize a star’s good looks, their talent, the laughs and tears from the characters they portray. But the audience doesn’t really get to know the person behind that work. Today Erin is sharing a deeper look into her journey.
Erin Michele Soto Reveals Her Bright and Her Dark
Recently we had a chance to sit down with Erin Michele Soto and she revealed the brightest and the darkest moments of her story and the excitement yet to come.
Like so many, Erin moved to Southern California with big Hollywood dreams. But she did not become the struggling cliche. She had the talent and good fortune to quickly find work as an actress and as a dancer.
Tragedy on a Celeb-Filled Dance Floor
Erin Michele Soto’s grace on the dance floor quickly brought her attention. She found A-list work immediately in Modern, Ballet, Jazz dance genres. Stars of the stage, small screen and silver screen all demanded her time, attention and help.
Actress Erin Michelle Soto
Then as her star was rising, suddenly it all crashed down. Literally. One day in the middle of dancing, Erin fell, hit her eye and the trauma from the fall punctured her brain.
The next moments created a chronic ailment that took Erin over a year for her to recover. The glitz and glamour lifestyle was replaced with being bed-ridden and living a small, dark, lonely life.
Hearing Soto reflect back today, there’s still a pain in her eyes and her voice. But a growing strength and courage in her soul.
Was her journey hard? Yes. Painful? Yes. Encouraging? No.
But, Erin wasn’t done yet.
Ironically, her body really thought she was finished. She rarely left the house. She couldn’t socialize with friends. She forgot how to do the smallest tasks constantly, things like closing her house door; she would routinely black out as she walked through her neighborhood.
The things most people find common, this talented star was suddenly struggling to complete.
“No One Can See My Pain”
Even worse, her mind was playing tricks on her.
This normally proud, healthy, optimistic person was suddenly having thoughts of self-harm. It was a dark time. The good news is, she knew better. Luckily, she never acted on those dark, harmful thoughts.
Your Village Supports Your Recovery Journey
To meet Erin is to fall in love with her. Her energy, her spirit, her intelligence, her motivation. Luckily, even in her darkest moments after her trauma, Erin’s community rallied to cheer her on and find ways to help her while she struggled to live daily life. She bravely chose to get professional mental help which also supported her and returned her closer to light and happiness.
She learned to over-power her own thoughts and regain positivity. She now meditates daily and credits that mental strength with her return to courage and creativity.
“I used my imagination
to get back into the world”
Back on Set
Just over a year after her life-changing trauma, Erin was itching to get back to performing. The injury focused her true passions in using her voice in acting. Performing, acting, dancing. But she was dealing with a very foreign feeling: insecurity. Could she remember her dialogue? Could her body move as gracefully as it used to? Would she feel as comfortable acting as she did before?
As a performer, Erin had to “learn to walk” again.
Erin was eager to return and try. She chose a small, local theater in SoCal’s modest San Fernando Valley.
“To her surprise, relief and excitement,
all of her worries went away.”
To her surprise, relief and excitement, all of her worries went away. Her mind and body cooperated and she had a blast performing again in front of huge crowds.
“If something brings you joy,
push through your fears”
Today, Erin is busier than ever. She’s currently working on projects for both stage and screen, taking meetings as an actress for both tv and film.
She credits her friends, family, health professionals and community with helping her overcome her dark moments. Her continued meditation keeps her mind clear and strong.
As a performer, she’s excited to be in front of an audience – whether you’re watching her in-person on stage, on your television or on the big screen.
With confidence, motivation, discipline and support from your community, everyone can rebound from their challenges and return to what they love. Erin Michele Soto is a brilliant and inspiring example of this.
Follow Erin Michele Soto on her social media at:
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialErinMicheleSoto
https://www.instagram.com/erinmichelesoto
https://twitter.com/erinmichelesoto
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For Passover: Carmel Winery Launches New Signature Series Wine for Passover: Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon
For Passover: Carmel Winery Launches New Signature Series Wine for Passover: Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon
Carmel Winery Launches New Signature Series Wine for Passover: Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon
Carmel Winery, the largest and leading winery in Israel is launching a new wine from the Signature series – Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon
Kosher for Passover & All Year Long
Israel’s Carmel Winery will launch the USA premier of new CARMEL BLACK, a Signature Luxury brand, February 2024, just in time for the Passover season.
Carmel Winery – the largest winery in Israel – adds the new vintage to its distinguished SIGNATURE series, a portfolio of luxury wines from the highest-quality producing vineyards known for its long tradition of winemaking knowledge and expertise.
The new wine joins the brand’s highly successful Carmel Mediterranean Vats ($30 SRP), Single Vineyard ($45 SRP), Carmel Mediterranean ($60 SRP), and Carmel flagship wine Limited Edition ($99 SRP).
Carmel Black, a sign of strength and elegance, is a mysterious marvel that exudes prestige and sophistication.
Inspired by its boundless depth and signature timelessness, created Carmel Black, a new exclusive edition in the distinguished Carmel Signature series.
This full-bodied velvety wine epitomizes Carmel’s artistry and innovation and encapsulates the vast expertise and philosophy of Carmel Signature: to nurture and enhance the unique qualities of the grapes, extracting their best attributes and realize their full potential with love, care, and minimal interference.
Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee 2021 boasts a rich, dark crimson hue and delights the senses with aromas of ripe fruit, cassis, and hints of tomato leaf, complemented by subtle notes of warming spices.
This wine offers a full-bodied, silky texture, with flavors of luscious ripe red fruits that linger through a satisfying medium finish.
It has been meticulously aged for 14 months in French oak barrels within its wine cellars. Bottle aging potential: 5-7 years under suitable storage conditions.
Yiftah Peretz, Chief Winemaker of Carmel Winery, “Our new Carmel Black is meticulously aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. Grown in the Galilee, its climate provides comfortable temperatures which offer excellent conditions for nurturing and enhancing the unique qualities of the grape.
Etti Edri, Carmel’s Export Manager, “Israel is naturally the historical homeland of kosher wines, and we are excited to introduce our exclusive Carmel Black in the USA in time for Passover, when more than 40 percent of all kosher wine sales occur.”
Carmel BLACK Signature will be launched in the USA at the NJ Kosher Food & Wine Experience (KFWE), February 26, 2024. This important trade show regularly drives trends for Passover holiday wines and spirits, as well as year long forecasts. The trade event at the Meadowlands Hilton in Rutherford NJ is open to wine and spirits industry buyers, caterers, and restauranteurs.
Carmel BLACK Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Galilee (SRP: $30) can be purchased at specialty wine stores and online sites.
CARMEL SIGNATURE is Carmel Winery’s most prestigious wine category. The wines are produced from grapes nurtured and selected with strict precision from Carmel’s top vineyards, with an emphasis on elegance and harmony between all the elements.
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Passover Wines for 2024! Taste these Beverly Hills Wine Suggestion from Kosher Expert
Wine Expert Jay Buchsbaum from Kosher.com Reveals Perfect Passover Wines Pairings for Passover 2024
Passover starts Monday April 22 at sundown and ends April 30th. But today’s conversation is about the flavors of Seder dinner.
Jay Buchsbaum
Royal Wine and Kosher.com’s Jay Buchsbaum visits to talk about flavor, tradition, tastes for every family member and what’s exciting in the wine world for 2024.
This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. For the full, unedited conversation, visit our FlavRReport YouTube channel.
Joe Winger: Jay, welcome back. I appreciate that you’re returning. Last time was great and we learned alot.
Jay Buchsbaum: Thank you for having me. Wow. This is great. So getting invited back for a second date, that’s really cool.
Joe Winger: Passover is just around the corner and we want to talk about different over wines to enjoy during the celebration and some great wine pairings.
I wanted to start off with what might be one of the popular new bottles – Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon.
Jay Buchsbaum: It’s very hot and the reason it’s very hot is because people want something that’s rich and flavorful, especially the American palate, what we call the New World style.
Opulence, fruit forward, but they don’t want to spend a fortune like you’d have to from some fancy vineyard in Napa or from Judean Hills. When it comes to Israel or the Golan Heights, and this is one of those wines where they’ve put together this at the beginning of opulence, lots of fruit forwardness, 14 months in oak and about $25.
So it’s really one of those really wonderful wines. What I noticed, and they say they forgot to do it, but I noticed that it does not have an appellation specific, except for Israel. The reason I believe the winemaker did that – I don’t know for sure – he talks about it on the back [of the bottle] that they brought the grapes from some of the finest vineyards. He chose small amounts [of grapes] from the best vineyards from different places and put them all together, carefully crafting it so that it’s big and rich and flavorful and still under $30 bucks.
Joe Winger: That sounds amazing. What are some good food pairings that you’d recommend with it?
Jay Buchsbaum: A roast would be great. On the first and second night of Passover, we don’t officially roast anything because we don’t want people to think that it was a sacrificial lamb that was done in Egypt because we don’t have it today yet.
Until the reestablishment of the temple on the Temple Mount at some future time.
So people cook a roast in the oven, it’s not barbecued. That’s what they’re talking about from a historical, spiritual sense – but a delicious roast, maybe chicken marsala, where you have mushrooms and caramelized onions, you have a really rich flavor to go with that.
A lot of the Sephardic foods are like that too. We talked about traditional foods. Traditional foods from where? Sometimes it’s Eastern Europe, sometimes it’s Middle Eastern, and sometimes it’s Sephardic.
Lots of seders have a mix of all [cuisines] because you have melded families.
Joe Winger: Royal Wine currently has a wide roster of wine suggestions for Passover Something for every adult at the table, from Grandpa to 25 year old Grand-daughter and her boyfriend.
Jay Buchsbaum: That’s a great point. I’m going to give you the last one first only because I thought this was so much fun when I thought about it and I actually might do it.
Let’s say the boyfriend is coming over. He wants to bring you something and he doesn’t know what to get you because, he’s not that observant..
So I thought, why don’t you end the meal with something Sparkling. The Momentous Rosé. That might be fun. You go out with a pop, so to speak. There’s Vera Wang’s Prosecco Rose that’s also wonderful. Both around $20.
But if you want to go really high end, why not go with the Rothschild Brut Rosé from Champagne, which is magnificent. It’s 100% Pinot Noir, and about $100 a bottle.
So you have great diversity and accessible and quite delicious sparkling wines.
Grandpa, or if you have a real fine wine guy. You have beautiful wines from the Rothschild vineyards, the Haute Medoc. which is in the upper $30s, and then you even have Grand Cru’s LesCombes, Grand Cru Margaux as an example, and some amazing wines from the Herzog Winery in California like the Alexander Valley Herzog Reserve, or the Napa Valley Herzog Reserve.
We have a beautiful Lake County Reserve Cabernet from California. Big, opulent, delicious, mouth filling.
I start my Seder usually with a rosé. The reason for that is because you’re starting your Seder, having eaten nothing pretty much since the morning. So you’re on an empty stomach and the tradition is to finish at least the first glass. So I try to start with a rosé. It’s a little lighter, a little lower in alcohol, a little lighter in texture and, and I like to start with an Israeli wine first.
Joe Winger: Iis there a hidden gem as far as just high quality with amazing value?
Jay Buchsbaum: There’s a really wonderful wine from New Zealand.
It’s a white wine, not a red wine. It’s made by the Rothschild family, but it’s made in New Zealand, called Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc. Less than $30 for sure. Fresh, sweet lemons, but with enough acidity and structure, almost like a palette cleanser.
Joe Winger: Anything that you’re looking forward to in the next few months that wine lovers should be getting excited for?
Jay Buchsbaum: We were missing rosés from Israel for a whole year because of the sabbatical year. We skipped that vintage of roses, and so they’re back for the first time in 24 months for this Passover.
I love some of the new Italian wines. One of them to take a look at is Cantina Giuliano. it’s a boutique winery. They make 3,000 – 4,000 cases maximum. It’s run by a young couple and I just had them over at my house for Sabbath Shabbat. His wines blew people away.
I think the most exciting thing is our new winemaker and what our new winemakers is doing with our grapes. His selection and his final product over at the Herzog Wine Cellars. And that could be
Our new winemaker, his name is David Galzignato. He’s with us about three years and he has a background that is with some of the finest and smallest, medium sized boutiques.
He was going to be moving to France, going to go for his MW [masters of wine] and they asked him if he’d come and consider working with us and he did. He has been making literally blow your brains out wonderful wines so our Napa Cabernet, our Alexander Valley Cabernet are just up and down the line, the wines, especially the reds are just rich and opulent.
He got Joseph Herzog to buy a visual sorter, they range in cost between a $100,000 – 1 million dollar machine.
What they do is when the grapes come in [during harvest] and there’s something called sorting tables.
Done by hand [vineyard workers literally sorting through the harvested grape bunches, looking for] damaged or a little beat up or whatever, and they only allow the perfect grapes to go through.
This visual sorter does this electronically by computer, so nothing is missed, zero. As a result, the grape quality is much higher
Famously said in The New Yorker Years ago, “There’s only three things that matter in good winemaking. Good grapes. Good grapes. Good grapes.”
So, the fruit that we get and the fruit that we end up making wine out of is literally the most important thing.
By using these kinds of methods, which are not inexpensive. But the quality is through the roof. We’re looking to make a 100 point wine one of these days and I think it might we might get close this year.
