We have shared the story of Marin County in the 1970’s , hot tubs and peacock feathers.  Articulated how Napa Gamay flowed freely during the sexual revolution and became a symbol of California Wine Culture.  We’ve researched how it all began – with a 1948 gold medal in the world’s fair… and of course the Elvis Prestley movie, filmed on the Battuello Ranch.  Quickly the strawberry shortcake of wines became the most abundant grape grown in Napa Valley, but not for long!

And we’ve fielded a lot of opinions and feedback from our customers.

Conclusion.  Our “deep rose” celebration of harvest needs reinvention.  A Western style -  Cali Nouveau with a dash of Zin…

How?   ON DRAFT.     Pushed by nitrogen.         Cali  N2         Tap that C (ass) K and be dazzled.

Yep.  This is the future.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/04/01/DD051CKU43.DTL

Well, in the long run the larger wine houses may resist this change due to  investment in glass supply companies which in the past have brought favorable price advantage vs. small wineries who must pay-up for bottles, corks and foils.  The reality ” glass recycling is expensive and the format, antiquated” – anonymous.

Glass bottles were invented in Great Britain circa 1700’s and plugged with tree bark.  Before that it was the Amphora.    O’ Taste and See.

The Spark>>

Rumor of workers in our Mexican border towns inhaling clouds of glass dust on a daily basis could begin to spread like wild fire.  The SF Chronicle skips the humanitarian value of kegs in order to articulate “green” aspects.  After all, wine is for the well heeled, no?  Akin to the 1990’s when one golf course per day was being built in America, everyone may also afford themselves premium wine if the cost savings trickle down.   An abundance of  California premium grape (acreage) and no bottle necks from packaging companies? Halaluia!

Click on the link above and/or drive around the back alleys of San Francisco about 1am to see for yourself.  The amount of wine bottle recycling is astounding.  In fact it is contributing to the bankruptcy of our California cities (and Las Vegas)!

Most of the empty bottles spilling out of dumpsters are not presented to the restaurant patron at all, rather they are served by-the-glass.

 ”Bridal showers are often morning brunch or early-afternoon celebrations, so you want wines that impress with elegance not overwhelm with power. No bridal party would be complete without bubbles, and in this situation think pink. Rosé sparkling wine is fun, festive, and goes with everything from eggs Benedict to angel food cake. You can pour bubbly throughout the meal, but I recommend offering a delicate Riesling as well. Aromatic, fresh, and racy, it is the ultimate daytime white. For a red, uncork strawberry-scented Gamay. Wines made from this juicy red grape are found in France’s Beaujolais region, as well as select spots around the world. Gamay-based wines are a match for honey ham or quiche Lorraine. Instead of simply serving wine, why not wrap it up too? Start a cellar for the bride and groom by asking each guest to bring a special bottle.” -L.S.   www.Epicurious.com

Andrew Lane Gamay Noir Multi-Vintage ($19)

Not many people plant Gamay outside France, and this rare Napa Valley version comes from 30 year-old vines. Its vibrant acidity is softened by raspberry-jam richness. 

www.andrewlanewines.com

-  Jordan Mackay, Wines & Vines, Febuary 2005 describing Pinot Noir that was fermented whole cluster, stems and all

Here here!   A “lip smacking” D- Day for the over planted Pinot farm.    Your twenty- ten ”License to Chill”.

*brought to you by Crooked Vine Films, click on the hyper link above for LIVE video footage