Balfour Winery’s Post

“Wine makes blood”, as Florentines often say. Tuscany is an area rich in vineyards. The production and sale of wine was already strictly regulated in the Middle Ages, and a winegrowers' guild has existed here since 1288. No one but the guild members were allowed to sell wine. There was one small exception, however, for owners of vineyards who made wine on their land for themselves. Namely, non-members of the guild were only allowed to trade in "decanters" (or in Italian "a fiaschi") and only from a private house. In those days many influential Florentine families, such as the Antinori, owned vineyards and produced wine. What was the benefit of selling it privately? It's simple, wine destined for one's own cellar was not taxed on entry into the city. However, it was not such a simple task to organize "distribution points" inside the city walls. Times were turbulent, however, and the entrance to the properties was kept shut even during the day. As luck would have it, someone among the noble producers came up with the idea of a more convenient and secure way of selling wine - a small decanter-sized window carved into the outer wall of the palace, not far from the main entrance. A win-win situation, as the wine could be stored in a room next to the entrance, and it could be sold by the same servant who was supposed to watch the main gate. And it was a success. When the plague came to Florence in 1630, the sale of wine through the windows did not stop, although the coins now had to be thrown onto a special tray from where they were immediately sent for disinfection with vinegar. This was the medieval kilometer zero, from the producer directly to the buyer. By the 20th century, the tradition had gradually died out. But in 2020, at the height of the lockdown, bar and restaurant owners turned to the ancient tradition of "social distance" and began offering not only wine, but also coffee, gelatos and various drinks from those very medieval wine windows. An interesting tradition, isn’t it? *** Let us help you design your next trip around Italy. #aureatravelitaly #travelinspiration #italytravel #howitalyfeels

Opus One's legacy traces back to the late 1970s when Robert Mondavi, the visionary behind California's wine renaissance, and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, a titan of Bordeaux winemaking, joined forces. Their meeting, set against the backdrop of Hawaii's serene landscape, ignited a shared passion for crafting a wine that transcended geographical boundaries. The collaboration between Mondavi and Rothschild was more than just a partnership; it was a meeting of minds, blending Mondavi's pioneering spirit with Rothschild's centuries-old winemaking heritage. Together, they embarked on a quest to create a wine that would capture the essence of Napa Valley while rivaling the great Bordeaux blends. Years of meticulous planning and vineyard development culminated in the inaugural release of Opus One in 1980. This wine, born from the union of Napa's sun-drenched vineyards and Bordeaux's time-honored techniques, captivated palates with its complexity and finesse. Opus One quickly ascended to cult status, revered by collectors and enthusiasts for its unparalleled quality and distinctiveness. Its limited production and meticulous craftsmanship have elevated it to the upper echelons of the wine world, where each vintage is a testament to the enduring legacy of two visionaries who dared to redefine the art of winemaking. Having had the privilege of tasting this enigmatic elixir, I can attest to its spellbinding allure. Opus One transcends mere wine; it's an experience, a journey through the realms of flavor and sensation.

Check out Arkenstone Estate Winery and Neal Family Vineyards in Forbes "Your Guide To Napa’s Best-Kept Wine Secrets"

Shiraz day, a day we toast to the legendary red of the region 🍷 The Hunter Valley’s signature red variety generates a great deal of intrigue, consistently tops wine columns and shapes out wine shows and guides and has firmly secured the Hunter Valley’s position as one of the great Shiraz producing regions of the world. We delve into the evolution of three Hunter greats - Brokenwood Wines Graveyard Shiraz, Mount Pleasant Wines Maurice O’Shea Shiraz and Thomas Wines Kiss Shiraz – wines that have really put the Hunter Valley on the contemporary Shiraz map. Unlike the more staid styles of old, these producers have evolved the style and arguably the region’s reputation over the past decade or two.  These three examples of modern Hunter Valley Shiraz be they named after a person, a vineyard or a philosophy, all go to show that over time Hunter Valley Shiraz has evolved in style, personality and popularity, and that the Hunter Valley overall is a site sacred to Shiraz. #NationalShirazDay #HunterValleyShiraz #Shiraz

Spain has long been regarded as a haven for viniculture enthusiasts. Yet among its many wine regions, Rioja stands apart. This northeastern locale leads visitors through a unique sensory journey across vine-covered landscapes and down into historic cellars sure to impress even the most seasoned oenophile. Rioja boasts panoramic scenery adorned with picturesque vineyards stretching across rolling green hills. This history and culture are celebrated in dozens of vibrant wine festivals such as the Batalla del Clarete, where participants engage in playful wine battles. Wineries like Marqués de Riscal, the oldest winery in Rioja, allow you to watch the winemaking process firsthand, offering a peek behind the curtain as you sample the best of their varieties. Vineyards aside, Rioja is also a treasure trove of historic landmarks and natural wonders. Medieval estates abound throughout the region, including the Castle of Cornago, which is believed to date back to the 11th century. Visit Logroño, the capital of Rioja, and spend time walking among the many shops, restaurants, monuments, and museums of Calle del Laurel. Hiking trails crisscross the rolling landscape, rewarding adventurous souls with the stunning vistas of the Najerilla Valley and Erbo River. Rioja's culinary scene, like its wines, is a gastronomic delight. Pair your glass with hearty stews like Rioja-style potatoes and chorizo. Sample local specialties like Piquillos de Lodosa, sweet red peppers stuffed with seafood or meat, which pair perfectly with white varieties. Rioja wines are classified into several categories, each offering a distinct experience. Crianza wines are aged for a minimum of two years, with at least one year in oak barrels. Reserva wines undergo longer aging, enhancing their structure and flavor. Gran Reserva, the pinnacle, is aged for extended periods, resulting in wines of exceptional maturity and elegance. 📷: @lariojaturismo #RiojaWines #SpanishWineHeritage #VineyardCulture #RiojaCulinaryDelights #WineTraditions

Make this July extraordinary with a visit to Quinta da Vacaria! 🔸 Historic charm: with its first recorded mention dating back to 1616, Quinta da Vacaria is steeped in rich history and tradition. Walking through this estate is like taking a step back in time. 🔸 Breathtaking landscapes: marvel at the stunning vistas of the Douro Valley and the picturesque Casa da Vinha. 🔸 Guided vineyard tours: enjoy a guided walking tour through the vineyards. Learn about the winemaking process, the estate’s history, and the unique characteristics that make Douro wines so special. 🔸 Wine tasting experiences: from robust reds to elegant whites, savor the flavors that have made Quinta da Vacaria a renowned name in the wine world.

Can you believe it has been a week since we closed the doors on the final event of our national, five-city tour of LANGTONS Classification of Australian Wine Eighth Edition? Over 2500 guests, RIEDEL glass in hand, took to the red carpet, passed the Vintec Wine Cabinets and tasted from the 4837 opened bottles of Australia's best and finest wines as we landed what are, without doubt, the best wine-tasting events in Australia. We are immensely grateful to our winery and industry partners for helping us deliver this mammoth effort. We have been waiting to host these events since we last did so in 2018. And the wines. Oh! The wines. Over 100 of them. A is for Arras EJ Carr Late Disgorged. We like to open our events with fizz, and, naturally, we were at the top of the tree for the Classification series. B is for Bass Phillip tasted next to Bindi, an elite-level masterclass in distinct Australian terroirs. C is for Classified Chardonnay, a tasting that took us from east to west with the deep energy of Cullen Kevin John to the tense, acrobatic balance of Tyrrell's Vat 47. Next to Shiraz. But where to start? Barossa Valley? Eden Valley? Hunter Valley? Or Beechworth or Canberra or Sunbury or Yarra or Grampians. Australia does Shiraz well and in many different styles and places. Following that with Cabernets felt like artillery being rolled out as Coonawarra and Margaret River staked their claims for regional dominance. Yarra Valley and Tasmania asked serious questions with flagship offerings that had punters sniffing, sipping, oohing and aahing as they got into deep discussions with one eye on the clock. Being in the fine wine auction business, we know what rarity does for demand. Six years since our last Classification event feels like a very long time. However, LANGTONS Classification is a guide for buyers to secondary market trends for Australian fine wine. The time between drinks allows us to map great changes in Australian fine wine rather than vintage variation. And what a pleasure it was to spend time with the Australian fine wine community, makers and tasters alike. RIEDEL - The Wine Glass Company Vintec The Australian

"When I run into people not using Tripleseat, I bend their ear and tell them it will change their life. I meet with a lot of venues here in Northern California, and I tell them what a timesaver it has been, how helpful it has been with reporting, how it has helped us bring so much more revenue in, how it helps us communicate with clients - it’s such a valuable tool, and I can say with confidence that our event program would not be where it is without Tripleseat." - Johanna Holm, Director of Marketing and Events at Elusa Winery Locals and travelers alike visit Napa Valley’s Elusa Winery to experience its incredible wines through wine tastings, facility tours, and private events. Elusa Winery has grown its private event offerings – hosting wine dinners, receptions, and private tastings - for social and corporate clientele. Since implementing Tripleseat to streamline the event management process, Elusa Winery has tripled its annual private event revenue, cementing private events as a substantial part of its business. We sat down with Johanna Holm to learn about her experience using Tripleseat to manage Elusa Winery's growing private events program. Check out the full case study below. https://bit.ly/3JEK5Dt #eventindustry #hospitalityindustry #eventsales #wineryevents #winery #wineindustry #eventmanagement #eventplanning #eventexperiences

Behind the Lable *Vette di San Leonardo* is a Sauvignon Blanc produced by the San Leonardo winery in Trentino, Italy, a region known for its high-altitude vineyards and cool climate. The story behind this wine intertwines centuries-old winemaking traditions with the passion for crafting elegant, terroir-driven wines. The San Leonardo estate itself dates back to 1724, when it was established by the Marchesi Guerrieri Gonzaga family. The estate is located in the Vallagarina Valley, where the Dolomite mountains tower above, creating a unique microclimate that is ideal for producing refined and aromatic white wines. The name "Vette" refers to the peaks of these mountains, which not only provide a striking backdrop to the vineyards but also influence the wine’s character. The high-altitude vineyards, situated around 400-600 meters above sea level, benefit from the cool winds that blow down from the mountains, allowing the grapes to retain freshness and acidity while developing complex flavors. Vette di San Leonardo is known for its vibrant and crisp profile, showcasing the purity of Sauvignon Blanc with notes of citrus, green apple, and herbs, underpinned by the minerality of the region's stony soils. This wine is often seen as a tribute to the land and the environment that shape it, reflecting the estate’s commitment to sustainable practices and respect for the natural surroundings. Over the years, San Leonardo has gained recognition for both its red and white wines, with Vette standing out as an expression of the estate’s dedication to quality. It is not just a wine but a representation of the harmony between tradition, innovation, and nature in one of Italy's most picturesque wine regions. #italianwine #winediary #wineknowledge #winestory

Promontory 2013 Promontory is a high profile Napa Valley wine label consisting of a single red wine from Cabernet Sauvignon vines growing on Oakville's southwestern ridge. It is one of the highest priced wines made in California. The 840 acre (340 hectare) property, isolated from other vineyards in the region, was purchased by the Harlan family in 2008. H. William Harlan had discovered it in the early 1980s while hiking the ridge but had been unable to acquire it. The fruit had previously been sold to other wineries. There are now around 80 acres of vines split across numerous plots. Though only one Cabernet Sauvignon wine is made, it is a complicated blend. Because of the variations of soil, exposure and elevation, up to 70 different passes are made through the vineyard to pick fruit in optimum condition. This results in 30 or more distinct component wines being made and aged in barrel for a year before blending. The blended wine is then further aged for several years. Unusually for the USA, Promontory use large casks from Austrian oak. A large winery was opened in 2017. It combines industrial practicality with large spaces designed to host visitors and events. This represents a deliberate departure from the less accessible production facilities of Harlan Estate and Bond, the other labels owned by the family. Tasting Notes Aromas are diverse and complex, with no single primary scent standing above the rest. Some of the more subtle facets are beginning to surface: wet stone, graphite, leather, and fresh spices. Brighter notes create a tension in the nose that then transfers to the palate. In the beginning it is gentle and silky, developing slowly and purposefully into a synthesis of minerality, freshness, and vibrancy.The wine shows its potential for aging with a balance of structure and lightness, as well as a latent potential only to be revealed with time. #wine #sommelier #dubai #Gaia #NapaValley #hospitality