Best Press Releases for 11.08.24

This Week’s Best Press Releases

Why Attend Alentejo’s Amphora Wine Day

Written by my friend L. M. Archer, I’ve been thinking about creating my own blog story about this very subject. L.M. and I were with a group of wine writers last year, in Alentejo, Portugal. I’ve been anticipating the anniversary, due to the date we left, coinciding with St. Martin’s Day. We attended Herdade do Rocim‘s Amphora Wine Day together, as a result of a planned media tour.

Her title in Drinks Business, “Why Attend Alentejo’s Amphora Wine Day” jut came into my phone. L.M. gives everyone “everything you need to know about the event. For me, there was so much going on, so much to see, so much to learn. It’s still unfolding as a lotus for me, with L.M. being a pivotal character. She wrote, “Launched by Rocim in 2018, Amphora Wine Day coincides with St. Martin’s Day, a celebration of Alentejo’s patron saint, and sees more than 60 international producers and wine cognoscenti coverage.” Continuing, attendees talk about clay pots and taste wine from Alentejo, Armenia, Georgia, and beyond.

Paul J. White, whom I’ve also written about, is quoted, “In essence, this gathering brings together 6,000 year-old wine making traditions,” he says. “Modern minds are spinning entirely new wine styles out of ancient technology.”

You can visit Drinks Business to read her whole story, which is highly informative and a really great read. I’m going to add an image of how diverse the Talhas have become over the years.

Wine Writer and Wizard with Words Gerald D. Boyd

I’m on Gerald D. Boyd‘s Email newsletter list. This past week, when reading it, I thought “Gerald D. Boyd, what a great short story that would be.” He’s a walking wine legend. I stated PS I Love You in 2002, and Gerald D. said to me regarding PS I Love You. “Jo, you aren’t going to be anybody with PS I Love You, until Stags’ Leap Winery is a member.” I pondered, “Okay. I have my walking orders,” and I had to get them on board.

My Walking Papers From Gerald D. Boyd

Deciding to go after the winemaker, who was Robert Brittan, at the time, I called him, and he was hesitant. So, I had to call him again, and it was the same hesitancy. But, this time he said, “Why don’t you come over (from Sonoma to Napa), and we’ll have lunch. Replying to him, I said, “In the same time we do and have lunch, it’s awash. “Look,: I replied, “lunch could cost you the same as a membership. Why don’t we just do a membership?’ Being practical is important, right? Robert Joined PS I Love You, and it’s still a great relationship, all thanks to Gerald D.

I went back to Gerald to thank him for the lead. Of course, I’m forever thankful, and on his Email list for his newsletters, now. He set the my standard for PS I Love You from the onset, and he’s a gem of a wine writer. You can sign up for some good ole’ fashioned honesty at Gerald D. Boyd.

Magician in cloak with magic stick, standing in fog landscape illuminated by blue moon light. Fantasy, wizard… Gerald D. Boyd.

San Francisco Gay Men’s Choir ~ Holiday Performances

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Choir has evolved over time, beginning as a 100-person singing group. Today, there are 300 strong, joyful voices! The event will be held at the Chan National Queer Arts Center, due to having their own residence. I’ve attended an event in the past, both for celebrating December holidays and just pure enjoyment. Music takes us into another dimension of pure joy, and this group has that prefect formula.

There is an MTV documentary film called, “Gay Chorus Deep South.” The film tells the story of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus tour of the American Deep South. The documentary was created in response to a wave of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The story of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus touring the American Deep South to promote unity and acceptance is a powerful example of the impact that music and storytelling can have on building bridges and breaking down barriers. This is the kind of story that’s inspiring, by all means making them a delightful topic of hope and resilience.

San Francisco Gay Men’s Choir for the holidays

Native American & Indigenous Peoples’ Month

From the Sonoma County Library, I’m reminded that November is Native American & Indigenous Peoples’ Month. Last weekend, we celebrated this lively culture, tradition, and history with Geyserville’s El Dia de Los Muertos. This is a day of remembrance of love ones, due to their passing on. Our Sonoma County Library has made it a month of learning, since that is what libraries are for, right?

In recognizing Native American & Indigenous Peoples’ Month, Sonoma County Library honors the past, present, and future. They express our respect for local tribes including the Miwok, Wappo, Wintun, Pomo, and Patwin. This also includes Indigenous Peoples from across the world, who now make Sonoma County their home.

You are invited to join the celebrations and explore their events, books, and more.

Native American and Indigenous People Month

Ask Wine Spectator’s Q & A

Great resources are a tremendous benefit, when coming into the business of wine. Wine Spectator has provided useful insights and information for the last 30 years. This is most important when I have a burning question. An email arrived and it caught me eye, chiefly  due to with wine and health. Wine Spectator has this Ask Wine Spectator’s Q & A feature. And if it makes sense to you, an online subscription is highly recommended.

This caught my eye, because it had to do with wine and health. A person asked, “I was recently diagnosed with stomach ulcers. Is it OK for me to drink wine?” Despite a lack of clinical trials to support it, a prohibition movement is growing in popularity. The answer was going to hold importance, clarifying what direction Wine Spectator was taking.

The answer was reassuring and not intimidating. “Stomach ulcers are painful sores that can occur when the stomach lining’s protective layer of mucus deteriorates exposing the lining to too much stomach acid. Then it got clinical: “There are many potential causes, but the two most common are infections of Helicobacter pylori bacteria and frequent use of anti-inflammatory pain relievers.” It named aspirin and ibuprofen. Continuing, “Stomach ulcers are treatable with medications, most of which do not have interactions with alcohol.”

Wine & Health Question from Wine Spectator Magazine