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Calwineries Blog

BREAKING: Gary V to Appear on Conan O'Brien Show!

Conan O’Brien is a celebrity talk show host; movie stars, models, professional athletes, famous authors, politicians, Nobel laureates, and … Gary Vaynerchuk … What?!? About a month ago, we covered a story about a wine v-logger going mainstream. Well, it turns out that Gary V’s article in TIME was only the beginning. On Wednesday, August 1st, Gary is scheduled to be one of the featured guests on the Conan O’Brien Show.

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Light Brown Apple Moth Combated with Pheromones Instead of Pesticides

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has changed tactics in combating the light brown apple moth. Rather than spraying affected parts of Napa with a pesticide called bacillus thuringinsis, pheromone twist ties are being attached to fences and trees. Officials believe these pheromones will confuse moths looking for a mate and lessen the possibility of reproduction.

The change in strategy is the result of environmental and health concerns raised by some members of the local community. A. G. Kawamura, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, said, “This is among the most advanced and environmentally sensitive eradication tools ever used in California.”

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EU Pushes to Reform European Wine Industry

EU Farm Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel is leading an effort to change the wine subsidy system which has led to over production in many European regions. In response to increased competition from the New World over the past few decades, the EU has been purchasing and distilling wine from member countries that will not sell.

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Favorite Napa Valley Vineyards Pictures

The Napa Valley is a beautiful place. And with good reason, it has become one of the premiere tourist destinations in the United States. If the wine doesn’t inspire you to come out and visit, hopefully these pictures will.

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Update: Vintners are Getting Closer to Pouring at Charity Events

A few months ago, we covered an ongoing story about wineries pouring at charitable events. At that point, we thought that the bill was about to be signed by the governor, but it apparently wasn’t.

But the bill did pass another hurdle in the process, as the California state Senate approved it by a 36 – 0 vote. The bill, AB 323, would permit holders of Type 17 and 20 licenses to pour wine at charitable events. AB 323 will now go back to the Assembly for agreement on the amendments.

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Stags’ Leap Winery Released Book about Estate

There’s a story behind every wine you drink. Some are about the long history of a vineyard, battling through prohibition and phylloxera infestation; and others describe the journey from vine to bottle.

However compelling the story may be, it’s rare that you know about it. But wineries are realizing that many of their consumers are interested in their stories. This is evident if you visit winery websites, where the first link is to the winery’s “story” or “history.” This is a great way to get the public to associate with your wine.

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Recent News from California’s Wine Country

A truck carrying 6,500 gallons of red wine crashed on Tuesday afternoon just south of the town of Napa. The impact ripped a large hole in the tank and about half of the wine was lost. Luckily, the driver escaped the wreckage with only minor injuries.

The 21st Annual Wine Country Film Festival begins this weekend (July 19-22) in American Canyon. This is a three part event that will also visit Napa on July 26-29 and Sonoma on August 1-5. The American Canyon Films will be shown at Cartlidge and Browne Winery and the Gaia Hotel. For more information, call (707) 935-3456.

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Napa Food and Wine Event to Raise Money to End Childhood Hunger

On Wednesday, July 18th, some of Napa Valley’s top chefs and restaurants will gather for Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Napa Valley. The event, sponsored by American Express, will raise funds for Share Our Strength’s fight to end childhood hunger across America.

The festivities will begin at noon with a golf tournament at Silverado Country Club, followed by a tasting and live auction from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. There will be more than 30 restaurants and wineries participating, hosted by Silverado Resort Chef Peter Pahk.

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Sparkling Wine Grapes may be Harvested Soon

2007 has been a warm growing year in California, and the harvest of sparkling wine grapes may begin as soon as early August. This would be about 2 weeks earlier than normal but is not unprecedented; the 2004 harvest began in late July.

Grapes used to make sparkling wine, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, are picked earlier than those used to make still wines. This ensures that acidity is high and sugars are low. The grapes are then made into a low alcohol base wine during the first fermentation.

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Controversial Calistoga AVA Remains Stalled

The proposed Calistoga AVA continues to hit road blocks, primarily because of objections from Calistoga Cellars and Calistoga Estates. At issue is the fact that because these two wineries do not use at least 85% Calistoga grapes in their wine, they would have to stop using their brand names if AVA status is granted.

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