M E N D O C I N O / L A K E Welcome to Counties 60
WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | MENDOCINO/LAKE COUNTIES Parducci <strong>Wine</strong> Cellars Announces Full Transition to ‘Small Lot Blend’ Line of Varietal <strong>Wine</strong>s Parducci <strong>Wine</strong> Cellars announced the transition to its new Small Lot Blend line of varietal wines including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah that retail between $10.99 and $13.99. “The Small Lot Blend wines are crafted with an artisan winemaking approach, usually associated with very small production, and represent a level of both value and quality not typically found in this price point,” said Parducci winemaker, Bob Swain. The fruit for each Parducci Small Lot Blend varietal is sourced from distinct Mendocino vineyard parcels, or lots, each with its own microclimate and soil composition. In addition to its own vineyards, Parducci works with dozens of local wine growing families, many of whom have supplied fruit to Parducci for three generations, and all of whom share Parducci’s commitment to sustainable wine growing practices. Each lot is individually vinified and cellared to develop its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. After carefully gauging each lot’s characteristics, the winemaking team determines the final blend, adding and subtracting until achieving the right balance of flavor and texture. After the wine is bottled, additional aging adds complexity. Mendocino’s oldest winery, Parducci <strong>Wine</strong> Cellars has been making and selling wine since 1932. True to Parducci’s “deep roots and legendary wines” slogan, the Thornhill family continues the brand tradition of making quality wines using sustainable wine growing and land use practices. Parducci <strong>Wine</strong> Cellars is America’s greenest winery, twice (2007, 2009) receiving the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, California’s highest environmental honor. The winery operates with high standards and broad eco-practices: carbon neutrality, use of 100 percent green power, certified sustainable growing practices, support of local family growers and the Mendocino community, water reduction, reuse and recycling programs and earth-friendly packaging. Lake County <strong>Wine</strong> Adventure <strong>Week</strong>end The eighth-annual Lake County <strong>Wine</strong> Adventure, a two-day passport event, will be held July 28 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Lake County <strong>Wine</strong> Adventure is hosted by the Lake County <strong>Wine</strong>ry <strong>As</strong>sociation. Adventurous wine enthusiasts will have an opportunity to discover the “high elevation” wine region of California’s Lake County and sample many award-winning wines. Throughout the weekend, wine adventurers will taste wines from five of Lake County’s distinct viticulture areas (AV<strong>As</strong>) as they visit participating wineries. Adventure tickets can be purchased in advance online or at select participating wineries for $35 each or on the day of the event for $45 each. Each ticket is good for two days of activities including tours, music and art exhibits and entitles the holder to wine tastings and hors d’oeuvres at each winery, a logo wine glass and a four bottle wine bag. Event-goers will be entered into a raffle drawing when they leave their completed wine adventure tickets with the last winery they visit. Raffle prizes include a dozen choice Lake County vacation and entertainment packages and a special grand prize featuring a stellar collection of Lake County wines. Event organizers promote responsible hospitality and encourage all participants to designate a driver. Designated drivers are invited to participate free of charge at each site, compliments of the Lake County <strong>Wine</strong>ry <strong>As</strong>sociation. For more information, call (707) 355-2762 or visit the website at www.lakecountywineries.org. Sign up for our email newsletter at www.<strong>Wine</strong><strong>Country</strong><strong>This</strong><strong>Week</strong>.com 61
Change language