Wine Business Monthly unveils their list of Hot Small Brands of 2008
We are proud to announce that Wine Business Monthly recently recognized two of our winery partners as Hot Small Brands of 2008. WBM selects ten wineries every year, and this year, Trio Vintners and Sojourn Cellars were on the list. WBM selects one wine from each winery that their editors feel are important for winemakers to taste, and these wines are poured at the annual reception hosted by Wine Business Monthly at the Unified Wine and Grapes Symposium. Congratulations to Sojourn Cellars and Trio Vintners!
Sojourn Cellars was born on the tennis courts of Sonoma, when Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley started volleying winemaking ideas rather than tennis balls. Sojourn Cellars produces high-end Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon in limited quantities. Winemaker Erich Bradley takes a “hands-off” approach to winemaking, a luxury afforded by having access to fruit from some of the best vineyards in California. The winery very recently opened up a tasting salon where, by appointment, you can meet the winemakers and be guided through a 45-minute seated tasting.
Wine Business Monthly selected the 2006 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir as a representation of Pinot Noir that appeals to the full range of Pinot Noir lovers, from the finesse style of Burgundy to the bolder style that is emerging in the States.
Trio Vintners is a collaboration of three Walla Walla winemakers – Tim Boushey, Steve Michener, and our very own marketing director, Denise Slattery! Trio is committed to producing wines that exude both the personality of the grape variety and the sense of place unique to the Columbia Valley. Visit the Trio Vintners tasting room (which doubles as their winemaking facility) on weekends from 11-4:30, or contact the winery to make an appointment. I can tell you from personal experience that Denise is a real treat to drink wine with.
Trio’s 2006 Columbia Valley Zinfandel was selected by Wine Business Monthly due to the inherent element of surprise that comes from the words “Washington” and “Zinfandel” in the same product name. The wine is now sold out, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get to know the other unique wines coming from this “Hot Small Brand.” My three Trio favorites are all housed in one great deal – Trio Vintners’ 3 Shipped for 1¢ offer!
Again, a huge congratulations to Trio Vintners and Sojourn Cellars for their recent successes! You’ll want to get on their mailing lists fast… hot small brands don’t stay small for long, but we’re sure that these two wineries will continue to be HOT!
