Two Tastings This Week

Jones von Drehle Wines
Friday, December 2nd
5:30 - 7:00

We'll be honest - here at HVWB we have struggled over the years to find North Carolina wineries that we can honestly stand behind.  It is wonderful to say that we've finally found one that has us excited - Jones von Drehle.   They are a family owned vineyard and winery that sits on the rising slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Thurmond, NC. Jones von Drehle was founded in 2007 when the 65 acre property was discovered. Their vines were planted in early 2009. Most of their vineyards are at about 1500 feet elevation, one of the things I think make their wines stand out.  The wines are estate grown and produced and have now been awarded over 130 international, national, regional and state awards. In 2015, Jones von Drehle was named the Wine Grower of Excellence from the NC Winergrower's Association.  We will be joined by Diana Jones, one of the winery owners, for this exciting tasting, which will change how you view North Carolina wines!

Jones von Drehle Estate Chardonnay
Yadkin Valley, NC, 2014

Jones von Drehle 'Rosa Dia' Estate Rosé
Yadkin Valley, NC, 2015

Jones von Drehle Estate Tempranillo
Yadkin Valley, NV, 2014

Jones von Drehle Estate Petit Verdot
Yadkin Valley, NC, 2012

Jones von Drehle 'Rock & Rail' Estate Bordeaux Blend
Yadkin Valley, NC, 2012
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc

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Weekly Saturday Tasting:

Beaujolais
Saturday, December 3rd
4:30 - 7:00

The wines of Beaujolais are associated with the Fall and early Winter for many wine lovers.  It is not simply because of the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau every November, but because the flavor and weight of these wines go so well with the foods and weather of the season.  Beaujolais is the very southern portion of France's legendary Burgundy region, and the only portion where the red wines are not made of Pinot Noir, but intstead of the Gamay grape.  While it is technically still a part of Burgundy, to many minds it is individual enough that it is in essence its own appelation with its own identity.  The standard Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages wines are a wonderful balance of fruity and spicy, with brisk acidity and fleshy texture.  The most serious wines of Beaujolais come from the 10 Beaujolais 'Crus' - ten vineyard areas long recognized as the finest in the region. Each of these ten (Brouilly, Chenas, Chiroubles, Cote de Brouilly, Fleurie, Julienas, Morgon, Moulin-a-Vent, Regnie and Saint-Amour) has its own appellation title.  The Beaujolais region's rise to prominence began in the 19th Century, and was earned by its youthful, fruity nouveau wines. With no barrel ageing at all, these are sold and consumed only weeks after harvest, and are officially released on the third Thursday in November. Such fresh, vibrant wines proved very popular in 19th Century London and Paris, and were enjoyed through the winter months until their more serious, well-structured cousins were released onto the market.  We featured our Nouveau selections on the day of their release, but we heard from many customers who were not able to attend that evening, yet were still interested, so we decided to devote a Saturday tasting to this delicious wines as well.  To give some balance, we also decided to taste two Cru Beaujolais this Saturday, to let you see the more serious side of Beaujolais.  These are great wines for Holiday parties and meals, and we hope you'll come out and see for yourself!

Pierre-Marie Chermette 'Les Griottes'
Beaujolais Primeur Rosé 2016

Pierre-Marie Chermette
Beaujolais Primeur 2016

Domaine du Vissoux
Beaujolais Primeur 'Cuvée vieilles vignes' 2016

Domaine Ruet
Morgon 'Les Grands Cras' 2014

Domaine du Vissoux
Moulin à Vent 'Les Trois Roches' 2015