Vina Robles Summer 2018 Newsletter

n e w s l e t t e r SUMMER 2018

A New Home

FOR HARVEST

Inside this

ISSUE 3 A Note From Hans Nef 4 Featured Wine 5 New Release 6 Behind the Vine 7 From the Cellar 8 Featured Recipe 9 Happenings

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DEAR FRIENDS, June brought warmer weather to Paso Robles as usual, a reliable precursor to summer and a sign that the harvest season will be here before we know it. As we anticipate the coming vintage, we are not only busy in our vineyards and winery, but also at our hospitality center.

We have a host of upcoming events for you to experience, from world-class shows at our amphitheater to specialty wine and food pairings at our tasting room—more information is included in this newsletter.

We hope to see you this summer, whether at an event or just enjoying a glass of wine and the sunshine on our terrace.

Best regards,

Hans Nef

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FEATURED WIN

Featured Wine

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2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC JARDINE VINEYARD

The 2017 Sauvignon Blanc comes from a small, sandygravelly block at our estate Jardine Vineyard in the Estrella District of Paso Robles. Here—as noted in detail in this newsletter’s “Behind The Vine” story—the Sauvignon Blanc grape thrives amid the warmer growing conditions and vigor-limiting soils. The grapes for the 2017 vintage were gently pressed, then cold fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve delicate aromatics.

Following fermentation, the wine was left on the lees to enhance mouthfeel. The result is a vibrant, full-flavored Sauvignon Blanc with a vivid sense of place.

TASTING NOTES The 2017 Sauvignon Blanc offers mango and peach aromas with hints of citrus and passion fruit. Lively acidity and fruitforward flavors are followed by a vibrant finish.

PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS The 2017 Sauvignon Blanc is highly food-friendly.

Recommended pairings include fresh seafood, citrus shrimp tacos and lemon-grilled chicken breast.

2017 ROSÉ

HUERHUERO VINEYARD Our 2017 Rosé is inspired by the refreshing, dry rosés of southern France. With its sun-soaked slopes and coastal influences, Paso Robles boasts an ideal terroir for echoing the flavor and spirit of these popular Mediterranean wines.

The 2017 vintage is composed of Syrah from our estate Huerhuero Vineyard, with a small contribution of Viognier to add aromatic lift and complexity. Boasting a beautiful coral hue, this wine is loaded with rich plum and cherry flavors that converge into a clean, quenching finish. This is ultimately a wine built for summertime enjoyment—pack it with a festive picnic to enjoy on a warm afternoon.

TECHNICAL NOTES AGING: BOTTLING DATE: RELEASE DATE: ALCOHOL:

STAINLESS STEEL 02.16.17 03.17.17 14.9%

NEW RELEAS

New Release

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Behind the Vine with Viticulturist Sukhy Sran JARDINE VINEYARD Jardine Vineyard is the vineyard that started it all for Vina Robles more than 20 years ago—back when our entire region was simply known as the Paso Robles AVA. When 11 separate Paso Robles sub-appellations were recognized in 2014, Jardine Vineyard was included in the Estrella District.

The uniqueness of this sub-appellation has always been obvious to us. Summer afternoon temperatures are often five to 10 degrees warmer at Jardine than they are just a few miles south at our estate Huerhuero Vineyard in the Geneseo District.

Also, the soils at Jardine tend to be lighter, dryer and more porous.

The geography of the Estrella District ranges from flat to gently rolling hills studded with oak trees. The soils are alluvial in composition and belong to the Estrella River plain. They contain elements of sand, decomposed granite and calcareous substrate.

Back in those early years, it did not take us long to learn that Sauvignon Blanc thrives in the distinctive conditions of the Estrella District. The warmer conditions at Jardine Vineyard allow the clusters to ripen fully and to shed the variety’s vegetal characteristics.

The temperatures dip sufficiently by nightfall, contributing to a vibrant acid structure.

The result is a perfect balance for Sauvignon Blanc.

WELCOME SARAH HARRIS—OUR NEW ASSISTANT WINEMAKER We are pleased to introduce Sarah Harris as our new assistant winemaker.

Sarah was born and raised in Los Alamos, New Mexico and earned a masters degree in Food Science and Enology at Cornell University. She comes to Vina Robles with broad experience in both enology research and small-lot craft winemaking.

“What first attracted me to Vina Robles was the fact that it is such a well-known and a well-regarded name,” Sarah says. “Once I learned more, it was clear how much thought and conscientiousness went into both the winemaking and the company itself.

It showed me this was a place that would be a great fit for growing as a winemaker.”

Adds Winemaker Kevin Willenborg, “Sarah’s combination of research expertise and winemaking experience is going to make a big impact as we move into our new winery.”

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From the Cellar

with Winemaker Kevin Willenborg

A NEW HOME FOR HARVEST Just in time for the coming harvest, we are set to move into our new winery—and it will not be a moment too soon for Winemaker Kevin Willenborg.

“I am really excited about it, because the impact on quality is going to be huge,” he says.

Located near both our Hospitality Center and estate Huerhuero Vineyard, our new winery is loaded with the most advanced winemaking technologies, including an optical grape sorter and fermentation tanks with automated pumpover systems.

The grape-sorting equipment by Bucher Vaslin includes an Oscillys destemmer and Vistalys berry sorter—both set industry benchmarks. Historically, grape destemmers tend to be rough on the grapes, but the Oscillys destemmer manages to gently separate grapes from their stems, resulting in nothing but whole, unscathed berries. Additionally, the Vistalys berry sorter precisely and quickly culls unwanted berries, eliminating the imperfect science of manual fruit sorting. “Even if we had a team of 30 people sorting fruit, they still couldn’t pick out the details that this optical sorter can,” Kevin says.

Kevin is also looking forward to automated pumpovers. Typically, a pumpover requires a cellar worker to move a pump around the winery to circulate juice through a red wine fermentation tank for enhanced extraction. The built-in pumpover systems will allow Kevin to dial in the process with remarkable precision and frequency, allowing him to manage the extraction process at a level once thought impossible.

At the end of the day however, Kevin is mindful that these cutting-edge technologies are best harnessed by hands-on winemaking. “I don’t want to get caught up in being a ‘techno winery,’” he says. “We will continue to hold on to traditional methods that are tried and true, but we are incorporating and embracing new innovations that allow us to have a direct impact on quality.”

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Featured Recipe CAJUN SALMON TACOS WITH FRESH MANGO SALSA Pair with Vina Robles 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Jardine Vineyard

SALSA 1 Mango, peeled, seeded and chopped 1/4 cup Tomato, chopped 1/4 cup White onion, chopped 1 JalapeĂąo, finely chopped 1 oz Garlic, chopped 2 ozs Cilantro, chopped 1 oz Lime juice 1 tbsp Salt 1 tbsp Pepper, ground

SALMON

2 ozs Canola oil 6 ozs Salmon filet 2 tbsps Cajun seasoning 4 Corn tortillas Cabbage, shredded

DIRECTIONS

1. Open a bottle of Vina Robles Sauvignon Blanc and pour yourself a glass!

2. Mix together all ingredients of the mango salsa and set aside for 20 minutes.

3. In a frying pan, preheat canola oil and cover salmon filet with Cajun seasoning on both sides.

4. Place filet skin side down in hot frying pan and cook for 3 minutes on each side until done.

5. Cut filet in half and place each on two grilled corn tortillas.

6. Serve tacos topped with shredded cabbage and mango salsa and enjoy together with the rest of the Sauvignon Blanc.

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Happenings EXPERIENCE THE TALENT OF TOMORROW AT “YOUTH SATURDAY LIVE” Soak up the musicianship of the next generation as local children share their gifts at “Youth Saturday Live” on August 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Come support these emerging musicians and relax with your family in our beautiful tasting room—all while savoring award-winning Vina Robles wines by the glass or bottle as well as lunch items that are available for purchase. No reservations are required for this complimentary event. Know a child who would like to perform? Contact events@vinarobles.com.

IT FEELS LIKE SUMMER: “GRILL & CHILL SERIES” AT VINA ROBLES Relax on our Petite Terrace and make the most of your summer at our “Grill & Chill” events happening August 18, September 15 and October 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a chance to relax on our Petite Terrace while enjoying live music, refreshing wine and mouthwatering grilled fare prepared by our Executive Chef Randal Torres.

Tickets are $14/pp. Signature Wine Club Members may purchase up to six tickets for $12/pp.

WIN THE WEEKEND WITH “SATURDAY LIVE” Saturdays can be even sweeter as we invite you to enjoy live music while savoring awardwinning Vina Robles wines. No reservations are required for these complimentary events.

Tastings, wines by the glass and food offerings are available for purchase.

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Happenings UPCOMING SATURDAY LIVE SCHEDULE: John Zamora on August 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A California Central Coast singer/songwriter, John Zamora uses folk and folk-rock melodies and words to reflect on life, love and the world in which we live.

Jason Cade on August 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Country artist Jason Cade has written and co-written several original songs and is currently working on releasing his first album. His strongest influences are George Straight and Chris Ledoux.

Ron Papes on September 1 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Musician Ron Papes and his band regularly charm audiences throughout the Central Coast with their artisanal blend of folk, blues and rock ‘n roll.

Nataly Lola on September 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A young and gifted singer, songwriter and guitarist, Nataly Lola is beloved for her distinctive folk-jazz repertoire coupled with lyrics and melodies that embody the spirit of Americana.

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Happenings

Amphitheatre Calendar Vina Robles Amphitheatre Upcoming Show Schedule

JACKSON BROWNE AUGUST 01

GIPSY KINGS AUGUST 04

LA ARROLLADORA BANDA EL LIMÓN DE RENÉ CAMACHO AUGUST 10

WILLIE NELSON AND ALISON KRAUSS AUGUST 11

ROGER DALTREY AUGUST 12

ALICE IN CHAINS AUGUST 28

LOS LOBOS AND THE MAVERICKS SEPTEMBER 13

KANSAS SEPTEMBER 15

ANJELAH JOHNSON SEPTEMBER 16

NEEDTOBREATHE SEPTEMBER 19

SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO SEPTEMBER 22

BROTHERS OSBORNE OCTOBER 07

KIP MOORE OCTOBER 30

Visit the Amphitheatre website for tickets and an up-to-date schedule: vinaroblesamphitheatre.com

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ABOUT VINA ROBLES We craft wines that represent a stylistic bridge between the Old and New worlds, capturing the finesse associated with European wines while celebrating the bold natural flavors of our estate vineyards in Paso Robles. Here, proprietor Hans Nef and managing partner Hans—R. Michel bring their Swiss heritage to California’s Central Coast, where they aim to unite the best of both experiences.

Our wines are available across the United States and overseas, and can be enjoyed at our hospitality center in the heart of the Paso Robles wine country. Please visit us soon to taste the Vina Robles difference.

P.O. Box 699 Paso Robles, CA 93447 tel: 805-227-4812 fax: 805-227-4816

www.VinaRobles.com