PGWA Newsletter
Issue: #44
May 2016
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
Petaluma Gap in the News!
Wine Thought for the Day
Riedel Wine Glass Seminar
Petaluma Gap AVA
Member News
Annual Grower Seminar

 

 

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Upcoming Events

Riedel Wine Glass Seminar

June 22, 7-9 pm

See article at right!

 

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend

September 2-4, 2016

More info HERE

 

Rhone River Wine Cruise

March 2017

Click HERE for details!

 
Petaluma Gap in the News!
Petaluma Gap : Going Rhone!



Wine Thought
for the Day

 
Riedel Glass Seminar Back by Popular Demand!

Join Riedel Crystal and the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance for a Journey of the Senses featuring Riedel glasses and Petaluma Gap wines. 

Does the shape of a glass influence our perception of wine? Can the shape of a glass impact our enjoyment of food? Join us Wednesday, June 22nd from 7 to 9 pm at the Petaluma Woman's Club for an informative and interesting wine and glass experience. The wines being explored will be award-wining wines from Petaluma Gap wineries!

Riedel experts will demonstrate the effect that the shape of a wine glass has on each unique varietal and how stemware translates and delivers the bouquet, taste, balance, and finish of a wine to the senses. 
 
Tickets will go on sale Monday, May 2nd for PGWA members only. Members will receive an Evite invitation with a link and instructions on how to purchase their discounted tickets. SPACE IS LIMITED TO 50 ATTENDEES! If there is still space available after May 15th, tickets will be available for purchase by the general public. Ticket prices are $85 for PGWA members and $105 for non-members. Each participant will leave with three Riedel wine glasses -- a $130 retail value!
The Petaluma Gap AVA:  Are We There Yet?

So, we're an approved American Viticultural Area (AVA), right? Well, not quite yet.

As we have reported previously, the PGWA submitted a petition to the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in February 2015 seeking formal designation as an AVA. Very quickly -- in March 2015 -- the TTB determined that our petition "meets TTB's regulatory requirements for AVA petitions." During its more detailed review and analysis, the TTB asked for some additional information in May 2015 and then again in August 2015, which we promptly submitted. Subsequently, in October 2015, with all their questions resolved, the TTB drafted a "proposed rulemaking" that would be circulated within their organization for review before being published for public comment. And now we wait.

Some have described the AVA designation process as being longer than a one-ended rope. There appear to be no technical or procedural obstacles in our path other than the wheels of government grinding slowly. Both Congressman Huffman and Congressman Thompson have written glowing letters of support to the TTB on behalf of the Petaluma Gap petition, and urging an "expeditious" review. At this point, we keep checking in but do not yet have an estimated date for the proposed rulemaking to go public. As soon as we have any additional information, we will let you all know. In the meantime, thanks for your continued support.

Cheers!
Member News

Agnitio Wines
There is more than meets the eye when admiring the powerful images on every bottle of Agnitio wine. The labels, which feature various key members of the Atlas Vineyard Management team, were created specifically for the "Together We Grow" give-back program which honor vineyard farm workers and their families by providing educational opportunities. The photos, which have also been produced as limited-edition prints, are accompanied by an in-depth story that highlight the achievements and challenges that have shaped each person's life. A full 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these prints supports "Together We Grow", and a percentage from every Petaluma Gap bottle of Agnitio Sunchase Vineyard Pinot Noir & Agnitio Sunchase Vineyard Chardonnay sold also benefit the give-back program. Check it out at www.agnitiowines.com.
 
SmallBizHelp4You
As a business are you compliant with new April 1, 2016 Employee Poster? Gisele has a few extras on hand if you need one. She also has some free HR links on her website at www,SmallBizHelp4You.com. If you have any questions, you can contact Gisele Rue at 707-658-3887.
 
Sonoma County Winegrowers Annual Grower Seminar, Tradeshow & BBQ -  Friday, June 3

Don't miss the Sonoma County Winegrowers Annual Grower Seminar, Tradeshow and Barbecue on Friday, June 3, 2016, from 7:30 am - 1:00 pm at the SRJC Shone Farm located at 7450 Steve Olson Lane, Forestville, CA.

Each year, the seminar covers issues of importance to grape growers and the wine industry community. The event is open to all wine industry, allied industry members and the public. The tradeshow will feature over 50 vendors. Lunch with Sonoma County wines is included with the ticket price. The annual Viticulture Award of Excellence will also be presented.

For general questions on the event or registration, please contact Karen Thomas at 707-522-5862 or karen@sonomawinegrape.org.