AWS News ISSN 1543-205X Promoting Appreciation of Through Education Volume 33, No. 1 www.americanwinesociety.org February-March 2019 Meet the President

In This Issue This is a very exciting time for the Ameri- can Wine Society as we transition from two strong years of leadership under AWS Educational Foundation 11 Kristin Kraft to two more years of growth and progress under the new Board. I’m Chapter Events 8 very happy to be leading such a passion- ate group of wine enthusiasts. Government Affairs 7 The 2019 Board brings corporate business skills to our non- Member Service News 3 profit organization. Additionally, most members are gradu- ates of the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program and sev- National Conference 12 eral have advanced wine certifications from other organiza- tions. All of our Board members are already working dili- National Officer Elections 11 gently in their respective offices to further the AWS mission of Promoting Wine Appreciation through Education. National Tasting Project 4 In our National Office, David Falchek and Katie Kearney are starting their third year as Executive Director and Member Obituaries 3 Services Manager. David has been a champion of the AWS, in addition to running the National Office. Outstanding Member-John Hames 2 As your new President, I invite you to become a part of the Seeking Perfection () 5 growing and evolving AWS. A special way to show your support by taking advantage of the AWS Wine Judge Train- ing Program or enrolling in the WSET Level 2 training we Show Your AWS Spirit 4 will offer this year. These are both nationally and interna- tionally recognized wine certification programs where you Top 50 Amateur Winemakers 6 can learn more about wine and evaluating . WSET Lifetime Achievement Award 10 I especially urge every chapter to invite your Regional Vice President to attend at least one of your tasting this year— you will learn what benefits are available to make your chapter better and to stimulate growth. Finally, it’s not too early to start planning to join us in St. Get Certiied! Pete Beach, Florida, for the National Conference (Oct. 31-Nov. 2). Our New Videos Available! delightful venue is the Tradewinds Resort, This year, I made the New Year’s resolution to make no New right on the Gulf of Year’s resolutions. Of course, by making that New Year’s reso- Mexico, where we’ll be lution, I failed to keep my resolution before the year got start- taking advantage of its ed. It is good to get the year started off right. If you made a great water views. This New Year’s resolution to start or further your wine education. will be the furthest 2019 is a great time to do it! south we’ve every trav- eled for a National Con- Wine Judge Training—Spring Session ference. The AWS Wine Judge Certification Program will have a first- Diane Meyer, our dynamic Conference Chair, outdoes her- year spring session in Washington D.C. on April 27, 2019. self each year and is already working hard to once again Spring sessions are a great opportunity to cut a year off the make it truly memorable. If you want to help with the plan- program by completing year one in the spring and year two in ning, contact her at [email protected]. the fall at the National Conference. Like the conference ses- sion, the spring session is a one-day course including an ex- Both the major and smaller airlines offer amination. The cost of the spring session is $285. There is a bargain direct flights to nearby Tampa lot to do before taking the class in April, so if you are interest- airport, so the conference will be quite ed, please contact me soon. accessible for most of our members.

Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Cheers! This fall the American Wine Society will be offering our first Joe Broski WSET course at our conference. WSET [email protected] (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) is Cont. on Page 11 AWS National Ofice 2018 Outstanding Member John Hames P. O. 889 Scranton, PA 18501 We are delighted to introduce you to our 2018 Outstanding Phone (888) AWS-9070 Member, John Hames. He is (888) 297-9070 being honored for his long Fax (570) 344-4825 service to the society in a broad variety of positions. David Falchek Executive Director [email protected] John became an AWS member in 1995, after meeting other Katie Kearney Member Services Manager members at a craft fair in [email protected] Cleveland. He had a long- standing love of wine and Website www.americanwinesociety.org wanted to learn more. He found kindred souls in the Dayton (OH) Chapter and served as their Chairperson 2019 AWS National Oficers for several years. He went on to become Southern Ohio Re- President Joe Broski gional Vice President from Vice President JoAnn DeGaglia 2003-2008. Secretary Leanne Wheeler He was a Project Manager in his professional life and saw the opportunity to enhance our National Conferences, so in 2008 Treasurer Tom Wallman he became our multi-year Conference Chair. Before that we Directors at Large had a new Chair most every year and it was difficult to main- Competitions Joe Dautlick tain consistency in our gatherings. Education Aaron Mandel In 2010 our group needed to quickly replace its Executive Di- Membership Jay Bileti rector and John stepped up to take the role. His leadership and attention to detail brought the society out of financial difficulty and put us back on the path of growth and renewal. He also AWS News Staff recruited his daughter Diane, first to serve as Member Ser- vices Manager and now as Conference Chair. Pam Davey Editor—[email protected] When he turned over the National Office to David Falchek, David Falchek Publisher John didn’t stop working for AWS—he continues to recruit all [email protected] the wonderful speakers we have at our National Conferences. Adrienne Turner [email protected] As our Historian, he also took on the mammoth task of sort- Tom Cobett [email protected] ing, digitizing and organizing our records so they are now searchable and preserved for posterity. Sharyn Kervyn [email protected] Kevin Kourofsky [email protected] The Dayton Chapter is a close-knit group and John told me a story about a raft trip they took on the Colorado River a few Bonnie Lance [email protected] years ago. They were facing 7 days at the bottom of the Grand Diane Meyer [email protected] Canyon with no access to civilization and no glass could be carried on the trip. So, they saved 24 oz. plastic soda bottles, filled them with wine and packed them. Each evening at their campsite they enjoyed good wine together, which further en- hanced their adventure. AWS in Social Media When you belong to a group, John believes it is important to Like us on Facebook americanwinesociety give back. He said, “everyone needs something to be passion- ate about and for me, that’s wine. AWS has allowed me to Join us on LinkedIn American Wine Society make great friends who share this passion and have given me the opportunity to continue learning about wine along with them. Whatever I was able to give to the AWS, I received Follow us on Twitter @AmericanWineSoc much more.” Follow us on Instagram americanwinesociety Thank you John for serving the American Wine Society so gen- erously, and thank you for being our friend.

Ocean Isle Beach Wine Competition Enter your wine and compete for gold, silver and bronze med- als in various award categories. Your wine will be judged by an expert panel of AWS wine judges. This competition will be con- ducted in cooperation with the OIB Chapter of the American Wine Society and Silver Coast Winery. Gain recognition for your winemaking skills and get valuable feedback on your wine from the judging panel. Winners will be announced at Wine Fest 2019 on April 27, 2019. For questions, contact Stan Barwikowski at 910-579-5235 or by email at ocean- [email protected].

AWS News December 2019 Page 2 Obituaries Member Service News Rio Vinos (NM) Chapter member Bill Buss died on Christmas morning 2018 at UNM hospital following a crisis on Christ- Happy New Year AWS members! We are coming to the end of mas Eve. In the words of his friend Dick Marsden, “We feel the renewal period for 2019 and if you have not renewed, now privileged to have known him, a blessing in so many ways. is the time. The process is easy. He showed us how to be gracious in every moment and un- 1. Go to our website www.americanwinesociety.org der all circumstances! I truly loved him and will miss him very, very much. I feel we shared much about life, and 2. Sign In to your account (upper right corner). Contact more recently in death. We talked about it and I could only me if you need help logging in. admire his sense of balance, and in his non-religious way, 3. Click Manage Profile (upper right corner) sense of peace. He will be greatly missed!” 4. You will see a banner that says ***Renew Your Mem- bership Now***. Click it and enter your information Alton Los “Al” Long, Jr. passed away peacefully on January 22 at the Elizabethtown Ma- If you do not renew by the end of February, your account will sonic Village in PA, after a long battle be put into “suspended” status, which means you’ll need to with cancer. He was born in Liberty, TX send an email or call the National Office (888-297-9070) to on Sept. 25, 1932, earned Bachelors renew. and Masters degrees in nuclear chemis- try from Carnegie Tech, and a Masters We saw a lot of growth in 2018 and I’m hop- in Organizational Dynamics from Penn. ing to see even more new members in 2019. Don married Dorothy Morgan in 1955 in Thank you for being a part of our great Pittsburgh, PA, where they raised their group. Call or email me if I can be of assis- family before retiring to Tiverton, RI. tance to you. He served in the Army Signal Corps in intelligence and nuclear weapons ef- Katie Kearney fects. Al was employed as a Sr. Engi- [email protected] neering Manager at Burrroughs/ Unisys. He helped create the ILLIAC IV computer, the larg- est in the world at that time, assisted in the discovery of the element Aluminum 26 and was listed in "American Men of Science." It’s Time to Renew Your Al was a wine educator, public speaker and certified wine judge. He was a very active AWS member since 1973, serv- AWS Membership! ing as AWS President, presenting many National Conference sessions and earning our Outstanding Member award in 1992. He was a member of the Premier Cru and Rhode Is- land Chapters. He was a member of the Rhode Island Acad- emy of Wine, German Wine Society, Portuguese Wine Socie- ty, Society of Wine Educators, American Institute of Wine and Food, and Association. He produced many wine, beer and food events, and was a regular con- tributor of wine articles to the Morning Call in Allentown, PA, the Suburban in Philadelphia and the New England Wine Go to www.americanwinesociety.org Gazette. Additionally, he served as the Vice-Conseillor of the Rhode Island Le Confrérie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs. We Log in & Manage Profile celebrate his life as he joins his beloved wife Dotty.

John M. "Jack" Johnston, 81, of Sykesville, MD died Nov. 7, 2018, at Dove House, of com- plications from a stroke. He was born in September 1937 in Beaver Falls, He AWS Award of Merit in 2013. According the daughter Janey, and Emily, his wife of 50 years, were his advice to aspiring wine makers was to “proceed slowly active growers, owning and oper- and lay a lot of groundwork, never stop learning and, above ating Copernica in Westmin- all, have fun! You’re making wine!” ster for nearly 30 years. He was editor of the Grape Growers Associa- tion quarterly newsletter for about 15 pioneer Bernard C. “Bernie” Rink died on years. Jack and Emily established a Nov. 29, 2018 at the age of 92. Ac- local chapter of the American Wine So- cording to the Leelanau Peninsula ciety in 1980, managed AWS National Wine Trail, "Leelanau's wine industry Conference logistics for many years, ignited in 1970 when Bernie Rink and were responsible for the wine-education seminars at planted 15 acres of grapevines and The Festival since its inception. Surviving are opened Boskydel , Lee- Emily, 2 children, 2 grandchildren and cat Willis. lanau's first tasting room." Accord- ing to MyNorth News Service, "Rink, who closed Boskydel Vineyard last Richard “Dick” Naylor passed away on Dec. 10, 2018, year at the age of 91, was the first at the age of 90. Dick started making in Northern Michigan to grow com- wine in the 1960s as a hobby. After mercial wine and Leelanau winning Best in Show 3 times at the Peninsula's first bonded winery. Rink planted his vineyard in York fair, he and his wife Audrey Naylor 1964 and opened Boskydel tasting room in 1976. In his role founded Naylor Wine Cellars in 1978. as library director at Northwestern Michigan College, a post He taught classes on grape growing he held for 30 years, he was instrumental in bringing Inuit art and winemaking at Penn” State, was to northern Michigan. Rink was born in Avon, Ohio, in 1926. Director of Wine America and President He attended John Carroll University and Case Western Univer- of the PA Wine Association. sity, where he obtained a master's degree in library science. Dick was a long-time member and con- He is survived by 5 children, including AWS Wine Journal Edi- tributor to the AWS. He received the tor Jim Rink, and 5 grandchildren.

AWS News December 2019 Page 3 Show Your AWS Spirit National Tasting Project 2019 It’s time to order your wines for the National Tasting Project! Many of us enjoy wearing clothing sporting the AWS logo as we attend our chapter meetings, Chapter Chairs should have wine competitions and various already received everything other wine events. But do you they need to conduct the NTP— have any shirts, hats or bags with the PowerPoint, reporting form the new AWS logo that was intro- and ordering information. If you duced in 2018? If you find yourself haven’t received it, please reach looking to update your AWS gear out to me or Dave Falchek at with the new logo and don’t have the AWS office. If you are host- an apparel provider you already ing the tasting for your chapter, work with, we have sourced a please obtain the materials from company that can provide a variety of gear to our members your Chapter Chair. across the country. Marketview Liquor, our online shipping source (Rochester, With an easy-to-use online platform, you can choose from an NY) and Wineworks (Marlton, NJ) have both expansive selection of merchandise. All purchases are agreed to stock the NTP wines for us. They shipped directly to your home. You can purchase just one both have a tab on their home page item for yourself, or perhaps place a larger order for the “AWSNTP” for ease of ordering the wines. chapter. They are giving us the best price available and no tax is added, which helps ease the You’ve likely seen the red wine AWS logo, but as we know, shipping costs. Both retailers also offer dis- white wines can be equally as good as red wines, right? A counts for case purchases to our “white” wine logo option has been created to provide a better members! These wines will be allo- contrasting visual on darker backgrounds. Both color logos cated to us for a limited time, so are available for use, and the online platform will automati- place your orders by April 30, 2019. cally choose the appropriate AWS logo color based on the color of the garment you select to ensure the logo is highly Now is the time to decide who in your chapter will conduct visible. In addition to the plethora of unique garments and this tasting and place your order before the deadline. Re- accessories to select from, silkscreen and embroidery logo member, the wines may not be available after April 30, 2019. options are also available on all items. The deadline to submit your scores to us for inclusion in the I invite you to explore the AWS shop final report has been extended to October 10, 2019. Unfortu- www.logosoftwear.com/shops/AWS. nately we are unable to accept any late reports. Thank you This link has been added to the AWS website under the for understanding. STORE tab. Free shipping over $99. The PowerPoint presentation is designed for you to sample If you have questions or want to further the wines as you go through the slides, and the tasting can customize an order, reach out to the help- still be conducted blind as an additional learning opportunity ful team at Logo Sportswear. They can for our members. Please maintain the integrity of this aspect assist you with any item specific questions of the tasting. The wines are revealed at the or special needs. I look forward to seeing end of the presentation, after the scores you at the conference in November sport- have been tallied. A big THANK YOU to Vince ing some new threads with our fresh AWS Williams for all his hard work putting togeth- logo. er a detailed and informative PowerPoint! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE Leanne Wheeler NTP 2019! [email protected] Sharyn Kervyn [email protected]

Members by State 1/16/2019

Did you know that AWS can receive a contribution AL 139 IL 96 NC 435 PA 1156 from Amazon every time you place an order? It doesn’t cost you a thing … the prices are the same; AR 8 IN 53 ND 57 RI 31 you have the same selection of merchandise; your account history, shopping cart and wish lists remain the same. All you have to do is sign up and then go to AZ 154 KS 9 NE 24 SC 220 smile.amazon.com when you shop. It’s easy and you can help AWS with every purchase. CA 451 KY 116 NH 15 TN 83

CO 289 MA 108 NJ 402 TX 156

CT 171 MD 208 NM 58 UT 8

DC 12 MI 433 NV 94 VA 502

DE 64 MN 39 NY 545 WA 59

FL 330 MO 37 OH 301 WI 10

GA 127 MS 18 ONT 13 Other 37 March 19-21, 2019 Syracuse, NY Discounts available for AWS members. Contact the National HI 11 MT 68 OR 110 Total 7251 Office for more information.

AWS News December 2019 Page 4 3.21 and he used, in separate batches, three different yeasts: Seeking Perfection Laffort’s F-33; X5; and VLI. These are yeasts that I am not familiar with, but I will seek them out. Amateur Competition Winners Lou Piancone told me that he thought red wines make them- selves and that aromatic whites were the challenge. Steve Share Their Secrets seemed to think the opposite, that with proper fruit and prop- er care, the whites come more easily. I struggle with both, but I must say that reds might be a tad more forgiving. Steve told me that he didn’t think he did more work than oth- er winemakers, but that he did it in a “timely” manner. He strongly advises winemakers to “do the work,” rack the wines more than once and as necessary, add the appropriate sulfite and keep your carboys topped up. As an AWS certified judge, he sees too many wines that are oxidized with an orange tint and too many “tired” wines that are bottled too late. “I was shocked,” John Koempel told me about his Best in Class, white Vinifera, a 2017 semi-dry Columbard. He had seen Columbard on a list of grapes from California and was intrigued, but he never thought a Columbard could win Best in Class. John is a resident of Pennsylvania and has been making wine seri- Re-learning something you have forgotten can be more im- ously since 2000. He remembers portant than learning something new, especially if it involves a the difficulty then of obtaining basic technique. I discovered this when I was asked to do a good wine grapes or juice. His first column featuring some of our 2018 competition “best in class” wines were made from Finger winners. What an exciting prospect for me—a chance to speak Lakes juice delivered by a tanker with some extraordinary individuals and to garner some of truck. When he asked what the their secrets. After speaking with these very fine winemakers, grapes were, he was told ”red.” I learned what they thought was very important to their suc- cess maybe isn’t a secret after all. John fermented his Columbard to dryness using BA-11 yeast. But, with a TA of .8 (.75 after cold stabilization), he didn’t like What each of them conveyed to me, in their own way, was the strong acids in the wine and felt he need to back-sweeten that to make good wine you must start with good fruit and to bring the wine into balance. Apparently, he succeeded! then you must “do the work.” Each of them also continually seeks to take their winemaking to a new level. Important in John had made Columbard before but the difference, he told that process is entering wine in competitions and especially me, was that he had “upped his game.” He spends more time the valuable feedback from the American Wine Society judges. testing his wine and considering the proper yeast to best bring As part of the competition, the judge’s comments are provided out the wine’s flavors. He keeps better records now. His ad- to the winemaker. vice is to “test and know what you want to get out of the wine.” AWS wine judges are some of the best trained judges in the country. They are only certified after a three-year course of For Bill Stefan, matching flavors and aromas is a passion. So, study, including considerable self-study, extensive training it’s not surprising that his Best in Class, Dessert wine was and rigorous testing. The panel that evaluates an entry are made with passion fruit as well as mango and pineapple. In experts who use the same exacting evaluation, whether the talking with him, it also didn’t surprise me that he would de- wine is professionally made or is an amateur wine. cide to take on the grueling challenge of becoming an AWS certified judge. What did surprise me, and he has agreed to Louis and Madeline Piancone are a me sharing this information, is that after he contracted a seri- making duo. Their 2016 was awarded ous disease in 2016—he lost his sense of smell. That is, not Best In Class, Red Vinifera in the 2018 competition. Lou de- his ability to smell, but his ability to perceive and recognize scribes himself as the scientist and Madeline compared herself what he is smelling. He told me that he is systematically re- to a sous chef. “Madeline has a keen nose,” says Lou. learning to connect an aroma with the underlying object. What Their 2018 Cab is 80% Cabernet, 12% , 4% Petite Sirah an accomplishment to win Best in Class! and 4% . They made it as a field blend using the Bill started wine making with flavored kit wines. But after he ICV-D-21 yeast. Interestingly, it only received a silver medal made a white wine his wife didn’t like, he realized that he in the 2017 competition, but in 2018 a double gold and Best in could use that as a base and experiment with flavors to make Class, a lesson in how a wine can improve with age. a dessert wine. So began his quest for the perfect flavor com- Their advice to winemakers is to be as clean as possible and binations, though not without some errors. He discovered that “do the testing.” Lou also revealed that they try to enter wines coconut left his wine cloudy. in the AWS competition every year. The judges, he says, are Bill also believes success comes from good wine making prac- hard but fair. They even enter wines that they know won’t win tices. He emphasized keeping good winemaking notes and the medals just to receive the judges’ comments. importance of sulfite additions. Sound familiar? He doesn’t just Best in Show is really quite a prize. In 2018 that honor went analyze his wine, but also his technique. He asks himself every to Stephan “Steve” Kampers. I caught year, “What did I learn this year?” He also asks, “What went up with Steve just after he finished wrong this year?” Clearly nothing went wrong with his mango, pressing off a couple hundred pounds of passion fruit and pineapple dessert wine. West Coast grapes. I think that is a great Anyone familiar with AWS wine competitions knows Mickey way to celebrate the holidays! (Marion) Krauss. Many competitors receive multiple His entry was a 2016 semi-dry . medals. Mickey receives his medals in bags. Mickey is the Steve lives in Toronto Canada and has “winningest” amateur winemaker in AWS history. And that access to the wonderful Riesling of the looks to continue. When we spoke, he couldn’t recount how Ontario, Beemsville Bench re- many medals he has received, but in 2018 he entered 20 gion. In my opinion, it is one of the best wines and received 20 medals. wine regions of Canada. The PH was Cont. on Page 6

AWS News December 2019 Page 5 Top 50 Amateur Winemakers The 2018 Amateur Winemaking Competition awarded 24 double gold, 8 gold, 131 silver and 172 bronze med- als. The list below shows the top 50 winemakers over the many years of our annual competitions. Cumulative points are calculated by giving 100 points for each double gold or gold medal, 58 for each silver and 34 for each bronze. Points have been accumulating since 1975 when our records begin. Thanks to Mickey Krauss for compiling this list. Congratulations to our top amateur winemakers!

2017 2018 State/ Cum. 2017 2018 State/ Cum. Rank Rank Name Prov. Points Rank Rank Name Prov. Points 1 1 Krauss, Marion PA 10,590 28 26 Westman, Michael B. PA 2,190 2 2 Oren, Rett PA 8,384 32 27 Schlachter, Mel IA 2,180 4 3 Beers, Lamont NY 7,750 25 28 Mulfinger, John PA 2,178 3 4 Gauntner, Donald PA 7,488 26 29 Hauser, Jeff OH 2,096 5 5 Traxler, Tim PA 7,438 27 30 Nettles, Donnie R. & Betty FL 2,096 6 6 Kampers, Stephen ONT 6,240 35 31 Koempel, John PA 2,034 7 7 Stopper, Edward PA 6,172 29 32 LaPointe, William PA 1,948 10 8 Gribble, Gordon W. NH 5,750 30 33 Deman, John ONT 1,934 8 9 Spaziani, Gene CT 5,664 31 34 Bubb, Scott PA 1,928 9 10 Fiola, Joe MD 5,630 33 35 Sperling, Leslie PA 1,892 11 11 St. Pierre, Barry & Sissy CT 5,088 36 36 Frellsen, David & Betty AR 1,830 15 12 Capotosto, Luke & Barbara Medeiros RI 4,136 37 37 Steinacker, Warren PA 1,644 12 13 Browning, Doug & Joanne NJ 4,120 38 38 Cobett, Jan & Tom OH 1,582 14 14 Gower, Chuck & Cheryl DiPanfilo CO 4,112 39 39 Maimone, Thomas P. NJ 1,570 13 15 Shulman, Eli MD 3,784 40 40 Chirichillo, Dominick NJ 1,476 16 16 Szaro, Robert MA 3,126 41 41 Calcagni, Dominick NY 1,432 17 17 Piancone, Louis & Madeline NJ 3,116 42 42 Wilen, Bill OH 1,404 21 18 Roccograndi, Francis Jr. PA 3,072 43 43 Shively, Carl NY 1,342 20 19 Sperk, Jim OH 2,624 44 44 Diehl, Mark GA 1,308 18 20 Petuskey, Tom NJ 2,574 50 45 Carson, Frank MI 1,304 19 21 Mikals, Jack OH 2,542 58 46 Guber, Albert Jr. VA 1,302 34 22 Fisher, Jeffrey & Donna Lombardo PA 2,324 45 47 Knap, James VA 1,248 22 23 Klapetzky, Jan NY 2,248 46 48 Coombs, Fred PA 1,240 23 24 Furfaro, Darrell PA 2,238 47 49 Kirkpatrick, Jim PA 1,230 24 25 Seluk, Larry MI 2,210 48 50 Hastings, Charles FL 1,200

When Mickey told me that he said that he would be writing an Seeking Perfection article, he said that he would be sharing his secrets there. He added that they probably weren’t secrets at all. I think he was Cont. from Page 5 telling me that there is no secret formula to wine making, but His winemaking journey there is winning formula: Do the work, do it in a timely way started when he was sta- and seek objective evaluation of your wine. tioned in Germany in 1973. He was attracted to German I think all the winemakers, who were kind enough to make white wines, especially those time for me said the same thing. To find perfection do the with some sweetness. When work. One last word of advice from John Koempel, “If you he returned to the States, really want to know good wine, buy a corkscrew and ignore he wasn’t able to obtain the books.” grapes he liked to make wine that he liked, so he Kevin Kourofsky began to make fruit wines. Kevin is a Rochester area amateur winemak- Over the years, Mickey has been asked to share some of his er and grape grower. He is a Certified Spe- wine making secrets and write an article. He finally decided to cialist in Wine from the Society of Wine Edu- sit down and write that article and he is close to completing cators. He also holds the Advanced Certifica- his treatise in the art of making fruit wine. His secrets? Well tion, with distinction, from the Wine and he says we’ll have to wait for the article to be completed. But I Spirits Education Trust. He can be reached did get him to share a few tips. He grows his own fruit or through his blog at Kourofskywine.com. sources some from people he knows and trusts. The fruit is under his control from blossom to harvest. A further hint was Please join our winemakers forum on the given: He plants multiple varieties of each fruit for ripening AWS website, built for you to ask ques- time, sweetness or volume. Though he warns that it’s a never- tions and share. It’s for all levels of ending job of pruning, weeding, harvesting, making and… expertise. repeat. Maybe it’s not such a bad way to spend one’s time.

AWS News December 2019 Page 6 U.S. E.P.A. UPDATE: When California farmer John Du- arte plowed a wheat field north of Sacramento, he paid a Government Affairs $1.1 million fine to the federal government for his efforts. The political unrest created by farmers has culminated in a WASHINGTON, D.C.: Nothing happens in Washington victory for farmers and land developers throughout the west. any more. WineAmerica staff and lobby- The Trump administration announced a broad rollback of ists have been hearing reports of a rules designed to protect wetlands and other small bodies of "technical corrections" amendment to water. This decision overturns EPA regulations put in place in the current tax bill, which they hoped 2015 by the Obama administration. The regulations were might fix the glitches in the alcoholic part of the federal Clean Water Act known as “Waters of the beverage excise tax reform bill. It looks United States,” or WOTUS. The new rules will allow property like that discussion has been kicked so owners to stand on their property and determine what is fed- far down the road that we can no longer see it. eral water without having to hire outside professionals.

Due to Congressional inability to fund the government, the ILLINOIS: A ruling issued by the U. S. Court of Appeals Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has shut down for the Seventh Circuit says a District Court everything except their website. However, they still expect mistakenly refused to hear a case involving you to file electronic payments, returns for federal excise tax- the ability of retailers to ship wine to Illinois es and operational reports. TTB made it clear that no person- residents, saying the Granholm decision only nel will be available to respond to any inquiries. TTB has di- applied to wineries and was a threat to the rected employees NOT to report to work and said they are three-tier system. The District Court decision that Granholm prohibited by federal law from volunteering their services dur- applied only to wineries (not to retailers) is now in question. ing any lapse in appropriations. Remind me again why should be paying federal taxes during a time when there are no fed- INDIANA: The Southern District of Indiana recently eral services? granted the state’s motion for Summary Judg- ment in the challenge by E.F. Transit to the S.C.O.T.U.S. UPDATE: The U.S. Supreme Court is consid- state’s denial of their transportation services. ering arguments in a case centered around the 21st Amend- E.F.Transit wanted to transport liquor, despite ment and the three-tier alcoholic beverage distribution sys- Indiana law prohibiting the holder of a beer per- tem. Oral arguments for and Spirits Retailers mit from engaging in liquor business and vice (TWSR) v. Zachary W. Blair et al. were heard on Jan. 16, versa The court found that the federal interests, defined in 2019. The Supreme Court has been asked to determine the the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, do not outweigh the constitutionality of a state law that requires a retailer to be a state interests of Indiana in this case. The court noted that resident of the state of Tennessee for two years, in order to upholding these prohibited interests protected “core powers” get a license to sell wine, beer or distilled spirits. reserved to the state under the 21st Amendment. Really? National beverage retailer Total Wine and More opened a store in Knoxville after the residency requirement for wine shop NEW YORK: The New York State Liquor Authority re- owners was struck down by a lower court. Doug and Mary cently fined Wegmans Food Markets and 5 of Ketchum are the other retailers fighting for a license for their its affiliated liquor stores $1.125 million for small wine shop in Memphis. They moved from Salt Lake City violations of state liquor laws. At issue is and didn't think getting a license would be a problem since the when someone who is not listed on a liquor TN Attorney General had published opinions in the last 4 years license owns, manages or controls the licensed business. New saying that the residency requirements were unconstitutional. York law says this is illegal and regulators warned the gro- cery chain they will be watching for future violations, which Total applied for a license at about the same time the Ketch- could mean cancellation of the stores' licenses. ums. TWSR, a local group that didn't want competition from the national chain, threatened to sue the state if it upheld the The state accused the food market chain of illegally control- license to Total or the Ketchums. And now, all of this is due to ling the 5 liquor stores by managing operations like purchas- be decided by the Supreme Court. ing, dealing with wholesalers and setting prices. All are owned by members of the Wegmans family and are located There a few precedents that may be important in this case. In near Wegmans food markets. State law forbids grocery 2005, the Supreme Court ruled that laws in New York and stores from dealing in wine or liquor and prohibits one person Michigan, which permitted in-state wineries to ship wine di- or corporation from operating more than one wine or liquor rectly to consumers, but prohibited out-of-state wineries from store. Chain liquor stores are illegal in New York. doing the same, were unconstitutional (Granholm). The 14th amendment, adopted in 1868, may also come into play. It TEXAS: Texas liquor giant Spec's has sued the Texas guarantees equal privileges and protection to all born or natu- Alcoholic Beverage Commission for "abusive" ralized U.S. citizens residing in the state. enforcement attempts. The federal lawsuit al- leges that the TABC “wrongfully and malicious- Anyone who is in the alcohol beverage industry, or con- ly” attempted to “extort” money from Spec’s by sumes alcoholic beverages, needs to pay very close at- threatening to effectively shut the company tention to the anticipated Supreme Court ruling, some- down or by making the family-owned business fork over time this spring. If you want to follow all of the legal pro- more than $700 million in civil penalties. Judges said the ceedings related to this case, go to https://nawr.org/ agency failed to prove dozens of allegations and chastised issues/tennessee-v-byrd/ the agency for failing to disclose evidence to their own wit- ness (and the court). The judges recommended no fines be WINE EXCISE TAX REBATES: A few good things did hap- assessed against the liquor chain. pen before the government shutdown. The Trump administra- tion has finalized regulations that will limit tax breaks for alco- Spec’s is seeking an unspecified amount of money for dam- holic beverage companies that import and export wine. Cur- ages that include lost profits, more than $1 million in attor- rently, excise taxes are imposed on US-made wines, but they ney’s fees and harm to its reputation. State lawyers argued get tax refunds on wine imported from overseas, if they ex- that the company can’t sue because the port “similar or matching” US-made products. Importers can agency is a governmental entity that en- offset the tax and claim a refund when exporting US wines to joys “sovereign immunity.” They said that overseas markets. The government is concerned that compa- Spec’s already fought for and received nies are choosing imports over domestic products to receive relief from the enforcement action when that tax back. the administrative law judges ruled in its favor. The new regulations would fix this, raise around $600 million from the wine industry, prevent large spirits companies from Tom Cobett recouping billions of dollars in refunds and could benefit small- [email protected] er US wine producers and exporters.

AWS News December 2019 Page 7 NV Bosco di Gica Prosecco Superiore (Italy) 20 NV Gruet Blanc de Noir (New Mexico, US) 21 (2) Chapter Events 2014 Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvee (California) 33 (1) NV Bouvet Cremant de Loire Excellence (France) 20  The November meeting of the Cleveland (OH) Chapter was NV Voirin-Jumel Brut Champagne (France) 35 (2) held at Urban Vintner. Jo Ann Solnick and Joyce Palinkas were NV Banfi Rosa Regale (Italy) 19 the hosts and organized the tasting. Ed Trebets, owner of  The Hartford (CT) Chapter held their first event of 2019 at Urban Vintner, shared his Herd Restaurant in Middletown, wines and story. Ed started CT. It was a two-hour Tenuta Tor- his wine career at Debonne ciano Wine Class presented by Vineyards, where he honed Guiseppe Tortorella from the Vine- his craft for 13 years. He yard in Tuscany Italy. We followed came up with the Urban Vint- up with a dinner. Everyone had a ner idea after visiting a great time and we plan on doing cousin in San Francisco who this again next year. We were able showed him a winery nestled to order wines from the Vineyard within the city limits. Ed’s in Italy at a discounted price. mission was to create an ur- ban winery that sources the best grapes globally, but produc-  The Heritage Hunt (VA) Chapter October tasting spotlighted es all wines locally. The Trebets are proud of their “Muddy pinot wine. Jason Wauer of Global Wines conducted a vertical Paw” brand since it has been a dream to have their own label. tasting of 3 pinot grigio wines and 3 wines. For pi- The name honors their dog Paisley and also lets them give not lovers, this was a real treat! After a New Zealand spar- back to the community—for every bottle sold, Urban Vintner kling wine to get members in the mood, Jason presented pinot gives a donation to the Geauga County Humane Society. grigio from Italy, California and Oregon. For a second act (and 2017 , Clear Lake, CA $19 after a social Pinot Noir from France), Jason presented pinot Muddy Paw Semillon, WA 18 (2) noir from California, Oregon and New Zealand. The 57 mem- Muddy Paw Paisley Riesling, WA 12 bers in attendance had the opportunity to experience the simi- Muddy Paw Trigger Rouge Zin, CA 12 larities and differences between pinot grigio and pinot noir Muddy Paw Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile 18 from various states or countries. The evening was a lot of fun! 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vintner’s Reserve, CA 30 (1) Highfield Elstree Cuvee, New Zealand $72 2017 Carmenere, Chile 19 (3) Bel Vento Pinot Grigio, Italy 18 Philo Ridge Pinot Grigio, California 45  The Eastern Connecticut Chapter Coelho Pinot Grigio, Oregon 42 held a holiday gourmet wine dinner Scarlet of Paris Pinot Noir, France 26 at the elegant Il Pomod’Oro Restau- Philo Ridge Pinot Noir, California 72 rant and Pizzeria in East Lyme on Coelho Pinot Noir, Oregon 89 December 9. The delicious seven- Highfield Pinot Noir, New Zealand 66 course meal was matched with sev- en premium and costly wines. The  On January 27, the Keuka (NY) Chapter met at Tabora memorable wine dinner took over Farm & Winery in Dundee. Linda and Dean Schuler arranged three hours to for us to com- the event. While sitting comfortably in plete. The chapter co-chairs are Tabora’s bakery/deli restaurant, we sam- Rhonda Spaziani and her husband pled some of their 2017 vintage, the first Gary Schaefer. that winemaker Kelly Miller had ever pro- 2014 Newton Napa Valley duced commercially. Then we toured the 2015 Savigny les Beaune cellar where we barrel-tasted the red 2018 2016 Belle Glos Pinot Noir wines. All wines are made from grapes that 2010 Ch. Costera Cru Beaujolais are estate grown and the 2017 vintage is 2016 Quilt Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon modestly priced $15-20. The riesling, the 2016 Caymus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon first made from their 3-year old vines, was 2017 Castillo Banfi Rosa Regale voted the overall favorite. The 2018 reds are expected to be bottled in the spring  The December 9 tasting of the Emerald Coast (FL) Chapter 2019. We are looking forward to the release of the excellent was hosted by Pam and Bill Davey in their Gulf Breeze home. pinot noir and that tied for our favorite reds. The event featured sparkling 2017 Semi-sweet Riesling $18 (1) wines from five different coun- 2017 15 tries. Most were dry, but we 2017 DeChaunac 20 wrapped up with a sweet spar- 2018 ?? ker. Bill’s presentation included 2018 Pinot Noir ?? (2) information on the origin of 2018 Syrah $?? (2) champagne, how sparkling wines are made, what they are  On the cusp of its first major snow event, 26 members and called in different countries 2 guests of the King George (VA) Chapter met at Oakcrest and how to open the bottle. He Winery on Jan. 11 to bring in the also demonstrated using a saber to open champagne. Bill ex- New Year with 6 sparkling wines. The plained the special 20-point champagne-rating form that he event was conducted by guest Hailey developed (evaluating sparkling wines is different!). Lawrence, who took us through a tour of different production methods In addition to comparing the styles from different countries, for sparkling wines as we tasted bub- we were also able to contrast a French Cremant with a real bly from Italy (Prosecco), Spain Champagne. Although the Champagne received more votes, (Cava), France (Champagne) and the Cremant was a good value. We also re-sampled the Argentina. We started with what was aperitif Kirkland Prosecco after the de Gica because we all purported to be the first sparkling enjoyed the aperitif. We found that the de Gica was more produced in 1513 and she enlight- complex so it was hard to go back to the inexpensive wine. ened us about major contributors to making of this type of After the tasting, we enjoyed a selection of member-prepared wine—the French Benedictine monk Dom Perignon and the appetizers—smoked trout, mini beef sandwiches, brie in phyllo Widow Cliquot. Paired with Italian cheese with merlot rind, shells, meatballs and ended with Moscato cake. Swiss and brie, strawberries, cinnamon brioche, truffle chips NV Campo Viejo Cava Brut Reserve (Spain) $13 and caviar, the group tasted the following: 2018 Bird In Hand Sparkling Pinot Noir (Australia) 23 2015 Saint-Hilaire Blanquette De Limoux Brut $20

AWS News December 2019 Page 8 Blanc de Blancs 2013 Falesco Tellus Merlot, Umbria, Italy 15 NV Isaac Fernandez Biutiful Cava 13 2014 Long Shadows Pedestal, WA 60 (3) 2017 Le Rive di Ogliano Extra Dry, DOCG 22 (3) 2014 Darioush Merlot, Napa Valley 70 (1) NV Champagne Trouillard, La Cuvee Brut 50 (1) 2015 Chateau Haut Brisson, Bordeaux 40 Extra Selection 2012 Lapostle Cuvee Alexandre, Chile 20 NV Jaqueline Leonne Rose 15 2014 Chateau Sansonnet, Bordeaux 40 NV Gouguenheim, "Bubbles" 14 (2) 2010 Chateau Plince, Bordeaux 45 Sparkling Rose  Fifteen members and guests of the Princeton (NJ) Chapter  The Lehigh Valley (PA) Chapter’s November tasting was gathered at Joe Broski’s house on January 18 for a tasting of “Wines to Serve with Turkey.” It was hosted by Andrea Smith Southern Rhône wines. Wines from 10 AOCs were sampled, and Tom Edinger at the beautiful Steel Club in Hellertown, PA. including the 5 Southern Rhône cru. The group followed along Thirty members enjoyed with an educational PowerPoint Joe made showing the ap- a eclectic mix of wines. Ice- proved grapes, wines tasted with tech sheets and photos from breakers included rosés his recent trip. The wines were paired with a potpourri of from Macon and Tavel. Both homemade pâtés, Chicken Cassolette and Carrot Cake muf- are bone dry and good val- fins. ues. The winner was Marti- 2016 Chat. d’Aqueria Tavel Rose $10 nelli Red Barn Ridge Red, a 2016 Dom. de Beaurenard Rasteau 20 blend of and Sy- 2015 Dom. Des Bosquets Gigondas 30 rah, a portion of which is 2015 Dom. De la Charbonniere Vacqueyras 25 (3) derived from 135 year-old 2015 Brotte Barville Chateauneuf-du-Pape (red) 40 (2) vines from the steepest 2017 Dom. Du Pere Caboche Chateauneuf-du- 25 (1) hillsides in the county. Sec- Pape (white) ond place went to the Valdez 2015 Chat. la Canorgue Luberon 14 Zinfandel, 90 pts. in Wine Enthusiast, "This soft, subdued wine 2014 Chat. de Nages Costieres de Nimes 25 is pervasive in barbecue smoke, black licorice and toasted 2015 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cote-du-Rhône 45 marshmallow. It's made from mostly Zinfandel, with smaller (magnum) pockets of petite sirah and carignane. Intense, especial- 2016 Dom. De la Mordorec Lirac 20 ly toward the finish, it finds a thread of acidity in the back- ground to lift itself up.  The San Luis Obispo (CA) Chapter met on November 16 to taste from Amador County and Paso Robles. Our A big surprise was the third place wine, a white Verterra Ries- guest speaker was Don Arndt, own- ling at 16.3 points. An even bigger surprise is it’s from Michi- er and winemaker at Arndt Cellars gan, where this dry riesling won Best Dry White Wine in the in Paso Robles, which is a boutique 2018 Michigan Wine Competition. Following the tasting, we winery that produces 500-700 cases were treated to the Steel Club Pasta Bar, with made-to-order each year. Don explained that one pasta. of the challenges to making zinfan- 2015 Balandras Macon $14 del is the grapes stay on the vine 2016 Marquis D'acqueria Tavel Rose 13 until late in the season to build 2015 Bot Geyl Les Elemente Gewürztraminer 30 maximum flavors. This long “hang 2014 Charles Bahr Gewurtz Pfersigberg 30 time” also builds the sugar in the 2017 Verterra Riesling 18 (3) fruit, which is measured as brix level. The brix can continue to Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling increase after the grapes are crushed. Don had a recent expe- Kabinett 32 rience with must going from 23o brix at crush to 26o overnight. 2018 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 11 Since there is a direct correlation between the brix level and 2015 Domaine De La Fleurie Roche Guillon 32 the resultant alcohol in the wine, it must be carefully managed 2015 La Chapelle Des Bois Grand Pre Fleurie 25 to maintain the wine’s balance. Three of the wines we tasted 2015 Harper Voit Pinot Noir Strandline 56 were grown in the Grandpere Vineyard in Amador County, 2016 D'Edouard Bourgogne Cotes D'Auxerre 40 which was planted in 1869, and is the oldest documented Zin- 2014 Martinelli Red Barn Ridge Red Russian River 30 (1) fandel vineyard in the United States. 2012 Valdez Sonoma Zinfandel 15 (2) 2014 Scott Harvey Grandpere Vyd, Amador $45 (3)  The Lone Star (TX) Chapter met on November 3 in the 2012 Andis Grandpere Vyd, Amador 36 home of David and Diane Szydlik with the theme “You Had me 2014 Arndt Cellars Benito Dusi Vyd, Paso Robles 34 (1) at Merlot.” We tasted a 2014 Easton, Amador 19 (2) variety of either single 2016 J Dusi-Dante Dusi Vyd, Paso Robles 40 varietal or merlot- 2014 Stephan Ross Dante Dusi Vyd, Paso Robles 40 dominant blends from 2015 Ancient Peaks Sta Margarita, Paso Robles 14 around the world. Our 2014 Noceto, Grandpere Vyd, Amador 32 hosts began with back- 2014 Adelaida-Adelaida District, Paso Robles 40 (3) ground on merlot, which  The Shallotte (NC) Chapter met on January 2 at the home in French means Little of Ed & Suzanne Gurski for a tasting of Sparkling Wines. There Blackbird, and is the were 15 members present. We learned second most popular that besides France's Champagne, grape in America. Known there are many other regions around for being elegant, ripe and soft, it is a very approachable the world that produce good sparkling grape. We learned how and why merlot has been overlooked wines. We learned that ancient Greeks by wine consumers in recent years, yet still remains one of the and Romans believed that bubbles in world’s greatest grapes, as exemplified by the many regions in sparkling wine represented good and which it thrives. Our evening included comparisons of merlot evil spirits and phases of the moon. We discovered how to chill from warm and cool climates, Old and New World, and St. sparkling wines in a bucket and serve at 45 degrees—anything Emilion vs. Pomerol. We even enjoyed a Paradigm Rosé of colder will mute the flavor. On a more esoteric level, it was Merlot. All of these differently-styled display a fresh revealed that there is a genre of sparkling wine, now known as minerality, ripe juice, big, oaky, restrained, earthy and/or pétillant natural, or pét-nat, which is made by a method so old jammy flavors. This wonderful tasting for 17 members and that the French term for it is “methode ancestrale.” We tasted guests concluded with our hosts’ savory Croatian veal risotto wines from Austria, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, California and and side dishes that paired beautifully with the wines. Bravo France. We also sampled a pét-nat from Oregon (2015 Anne David and Diane! Amie Cuvee A Amrita, $16) but did not rate it. The wines we 2017 Paradigm Merlot, Napa Valley $30 tasted are listed in order of preference. 2016 Molly Dooker The Scooter, South Australia 28 (2)

AWS News December 2019 Page 9 NV Anna Brut Champagne Rosé Codorniu $19 2017 Villa Maria Bubbly 17 WSET Lifetime Achievement NV Black Bubbles Shooting Star 18 NV Terre di San Venanzio Fortunato 16 Award NV Aubry Brut Champagne 45 2016 Pratsh Grűner Veltliner 13  The Southport (NC) Chapter met on January 11, at the St. James Community Center, for a tasting hosted by Dave and Vicki Caruso (Co-Chairs). Our meet- ing had 74 members in attendance. We learned about the history, viticul- ture, and the tasting of wines from the Campania Region of Italy. South- port member Alan Hess discussed the terroir and winemaking of the region. He reviewed the Italian wine laws (DOCG, DOC, IGT and Vino require- ments) as well as the wine bottle label laws. We enjoyed a frizzante, 3 whites and 3 reds during our tasting. Our chefs Mary Ewing-Mulligan MW, leading US wine educator, owner/ provided Crab Dip with Crackers, Shrimp Chowder, Buffalo President of International Wine Center and the first woman in Chicken Dip, Pasta with Red Meat Sauce, White Chili and Beef North America to become a Master of Wine, was presented Brisket to pair with the wines. The membership had a great with WSET’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 Wine & time tasting the wines and the food pairings were excellent. Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Awards and Graduation Cere- 2013 Nativ Aglianco Irpina $16 mony in January. 2007 Molettieri Taurasi 34 Hosted by WSET Honorary President Steven Spurrier and 2015 Terredora Lachryma Christi Rosso 18 Chief Executive Ian Harris, the event at London’s historic 2015 Terredora Greco di Tufo 19 Guildhall was attended by over 500 wine and spirits profes- 2016 Terredora Fiano di Avellino 17 sionals and industry influencers. It was the first event in 2017 Gragnano Monteleone 25 WSET’s 50th anniversary year. This year saw WSET’s largest 2017 Terredora Irpinia Falanghina 13 ever graduating class of Diploma candidates—532 new gradu- ates, representing a 21% increase over 2018. There were 68  The Triangle (NC) Chapter met on November 11 at the graduates from the US this year, compared to 53 in 2018. home of Fred and Kathy Brack in Raleigh for our tasting fea- turing GSM Harris said, “We are delighted to honour Mary with this award Wine. GSM in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the develop- stands for the ment and growth of WSET in the USA. Today we not only con- 3 grapes gratulate all our scholarship and award winners and the larg- found in this est ever class of Diploma graduates, but also mark the start Rhone-style of our 50th year providing education and qualifications in wine blended and spirits. With over 750 Approved Programme Providers and wine: Grena- three offices across the world, WSET’s global presence is che (also stronger than ever. We will use our 50th anniversary to contin- known as Garnacha), Syrah and Mourvèdre (also known as ue to inspire and support wine and spirits professionals and Monastrell). The Syrah contributes the full body, dark fruit enthusiasts worldwide. We are confident that we will be cele- flavors, tannins, and “backbone.” Grenache, a lighter wine, brating the success of WSET students for another 50 years contributes alcohol (which extends the finish), warmth, red and beyond.” fruit flavors and often a bit of cinnamon, without tannins. Mourvèdre contributes elegance, structure, acidity, some inter- Receiving her award Mary responded, “I am honoured beyond esting flavors and tends to extend the finish. These wines are words to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from WSET. generally known for bright fruit and aroma. Classically, GSMs When I introduced WSET’s courses to the US in 1994, I be- come from the Rhone Valley in France; but GSM is now pro- lieved that the programs could change the face of wine and duced in many other parts of the world, including Australia, spirits education in my country. After almost 25 years spent Washington (Columbia Valley) and California (notably Paso promoting WSET’s expansion across America, my early hopes Robles), with smaller productions in other countries. After ex- have come to fruition. I am grateful for the opportunity to periencing our delicious welcome wine from Rickety Bridge support WSET’s mission to make academic excellence accessi- Winery, The Foundation Stone Rosé, 26 AWS members and ble to wine and spirits professionals not only in New York but one guest had the pleasure of enjoying this outstanding after- also across much of the US.” noon of wine! 2012 Burgess Cellars Grenache $15 The following US candidates were also honoured with awards 2015 Vigilance Cimarron 12 for outstanding results on their L4 exam: Corissa Funk 2016 Gemtree Vineyards Cinnabar GSM 15 (Chicago, IL), Katy Long (Santa Rosa, CA), Yuri Shima (San 2013 Ridgeback Winery SGMV 19 Francisco, CA) and Trent Stewart (AL). 2015 Beckman Vineyards Cuvee Le Bec GSM 23 (2) 2013 Big Basin Vineyards Gabilan Mountain GSM 49 (3) 2016 Guarachi Bacon Red Blend 22 (1) To be included in the AWS News, e-mail your tasting results Letter to Editor to [email protected] I'm sorry but I must post an objection to your article. To Please follow the format specified for Chapter Events. me it is an endorsement by AWS of Total Wine. Download it from the AWS website-Publications-AWS News. I'm finding this article and others leading to a creeping commercialism of AWS. I understand the benefit to AWS Include the cost of the wines you tasted, chapters you're bringing out in your article however plus scores or rankings. This information spotlighting only Total Wine upsets me. A broader lets other members know what you liked article indicating many other options for AWS chapter and what wines were good values. events would, in my mind, be appropiate.

Please also send us sharp, interesting Mike Botwin pictures from your event. Chapter Director Adrienne Turner San Luis Obispo [email protected] (AWS member since 1973)

AWS News December 2019 Page 10 AWS Educational Foundation National Oficer Elections

25th Anniversary Endowment Fund Do you know someone who would be a good AWS Campaign Ended December 31, 2018 National Officer? How about you? Thank you to all who donated to our 25th Anniversary Endow- This year, our membership will be electing a Director ment Fund Campaign! With the help of individuals, AWS chap- of Competitions for a 3-year terms, which begins ters/regions and corporations who donated, plus raffle ticket on January 1, 2020. Nominations must be received sales at the national conference, we raised $15,000! That cou- by June 1, 2019. For more information or to submit pled with the generous anonymous donor matching $15,000, our endowment fund just received a $30,000 boost! THANK a nomination, contact YOU FOR INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF THE AWSEF AND THE Joe Broski, [email protected], or STUDENTS WHO ARE STUDYING TO IMPROVE EVERYTHING WE LOVE ABOUT THE NORTH AMERICAN WINE INDUSTRY! David Falchek, [email protected] Just a side note, an endowment is a fund that is restricted. This means that we cannot touch the principal balance, but WTSO Rafle rather only the interest and dividends that it generates from the fund can be used. The endowment is our legacy and pro- With help from past president Kristin Kraft and a random vides for the long-term future of the AWSEF. On our financial number generator, we selected three members who joined or statements the endowment, special scholarships (i.e. named renewed before the end of the 2018 to receive a $100 Wines scholarship accounts) and operations funds are all separate. ‘Til Sold Out gift card. Here are the winners: 2019 AWSEF Board of Trustees • Of the 1144 members who renewed: Gerald Gibson of King George, VA Here are the members of the 2019 AWSEF Board of Trustees: • Bonnie Lance President Of the 237 who joined or renewed for 3-years: Ken- Kristen Lindelow Executive VP & VP Scholarships neth Grezlik, Sarasota, FL Christine Murphy VP Corporate Development • Of the 272 new AWS members: John Smiljanik, Larry Jackson Secretary Sarasota, FL Walt Rachele Treasurer Danny Klein VP Private Development Thanks to everyone who participated in our renewal cam- Joe Broski AWS President paign. If you haven’t renewed yet, please do so right away. Eric Feldhake General Counsel We are here to help. Please feel free to reach out to any of us if there is anything that we can do – our contact information is Get Certiied! New Videos! listed on our website at www.awsef.org/Board. Cont. from Page 1 2019 Scholarships—Applications Open the world largest wine education program, providing educa- The 2019 scholarship application process is now open to quali- tion to more than 90,000 students around the world each fied candidates. Applications from graduate school students in year. WSET is a globally recognized, well respected program. wine-related fields will be accepted through March 31, 2019. We will be offering WSET 2 at the conference on Oct. 31. You Complete applications include: are NOT required to take level I before taking level 2. Indeed, 1. Online application with professional letter of intent and most students take level 2 without first taking level 1. research project importance (parts A and B). WSET 2 provides beginning to intermediate level education regarding viticulture, winemaking, the major wine grapes and 2. Three letters of recommendation, including one from wine regions. WSET 2 also includes an introduction to WSET’s your academic advisor. systematic approach to wine tasting, an international stand- 3. Graduate academic transcripts. ard. Registration for the program will include a book, which must be read before attending the class in November. While If you, or anyone that you know, meets the criteria to be certainly there will be instruction provided at the conference, awarded a scholarship, please refer them to our website this is a course which requires extensive preparation outside www.awsef.org for complete instructions on how to apply. Re- of the classroom. If you are interested, please contact me or member, you can apply more than once and can be awarded the national office. up to two scholarships! Last year we awarded seven scholar- ships valued at $3,500 each. New Wine Video—Sparkling Wines AWSEF Elections – New Term Begins January 1, 2020 We are continuing to offer our wine education videos and PowerPoints on the “American Wine Society Now” YouTube The next election for AWSEF Trustees will be held this summer page. I recently uploaded a new video introducing tank and via Survey Monkey for a four-year term beginning January 1, traditional method sparkling wines. It explains how to proper- 2020. Per the AWSEF bylaws, the Board of Trustees consists of ly open a bottle of sparkling wine and the production tech- seven Trustees, one of whom is the current AWS President. niques for traditional and tank method wines. The video can be used to learn how to tell the difference between the two The following Trustees will be either completing their four-year production methods based upon a wine’s taste and texture. term and/or are up for re-election at the end of this year: Dan- ny Klein, Kristen Lindelow and Walt Rachele. We soon will be uploading PowerPoint presentations concern- ing the Rhone Valley, to be followed by a Nothing to do at this time except ponder PowerPoint about how to read wine labels. if running (or running again) for a posi- These presentations will join our current tion on our board would be something PowerPoints about Bordeaux and Burgun- you would be interested in. More to fol- dy. Please use them at your tastings and low on this in the coming months. share them with your friends. Bonnie Lance As always, I welcome any suggestions for [email protected] future video presentations. Aaron Mandel [email protected]

AWS News December 2019 Page 11 AWS News American Wine Society® P. O. Box 889 Scranton, PA 18501

Address Service Requested

National Conference Pittsburgh Wine Experience

Oct. 31– Nov. 2, 2019 On behalf of the American Wine Soci- ety Chapters of Western Pennsylva- nia, CFP Winemakers and Presque Isle Cellars, it is my pleasure to invite you to our 36th annual wine confer- ence and amateur winemaking com- petition on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

BIG NEWS…We have moved! We are now going to be at the Comfort Inn and Suites, located in the Harmar- ville, RIDC Park, 180 Gamma Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.

We are glad once more to serve the Pittsburgh and tristate area with what has become a spring tradition for wine lovers and winemakers! We also welcome back CFP Winemakers and Presque Isle Wine Cellars as co-sponsors. This year, we have new seminars to enhance your winemak- ing skills. Don’t forget to enter your wines to see if you can win one of our coveted gold, silver or bronze medals to boast about. A new competition is being added for wine labels. So, submit your wine and your favorite homemade label too. As usual, we will be presenting wine tasting seminars for the novice, as well as experienced wine appreciators. Of course, it all ends with the Showcase of Wines, a commercial winery walk-around tasting. All of this at the great price of $65.00! The entire list of seminars will be posted soon on our Face- book page (Pittsburgh Wine Experience) and the website, www.pghwinexp.com. We look forward to seeing you. Richard Ryba RVP American Wine Society Chairman, Pittsburgh Wine Experience