WINE CLUB | CHEESE CLUB

ALL CLUB MEMBERS GET TO ENJOY:

For our 3-bottle club this month, we’re highlighting local producers that give BIG. Not only do these makers produce wines of the highest quality, but they also think beyond the bottle. Ranging from B Corp certification to a sweet homage to their loyal employee, cin cin!

2022 Upsidedown Wine Rescue Rosé

Grape: Nebbiolo
Region: Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, USA
Retail: $22

Upsidedown Wine gives back 20% of their net proceeds with every bottle sold. That’s generous for a boutique winery, but Seth and Audrey’s giving spirit is at the heart of this passion project. Become a member, and they are able to give back double.

“We believe we are not only here to make the best quality wine possible to share with friends but also have an impact on others. For some they are able to give time and for us it is through wine. We sponsor a variety of non-profits that we have been involved with over the years. From the National Kidney Foundation to the fight to end human trafficking with A21. The organizations listed below have always stayed close to our hearts and we always look forward to doing our part in helping them flourish.”

The rescue Rosé benefits the Humane Society. They rescued their dog Turk a while back.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Sunshine and charcuterie

David Hill Farmhouse Red NV

Grape: Syrah blend
Region: Washington + Oregon, USA
Retail: $18

The Farmhouse Red is crafted to reflect the balance and intriguing flavors found in old-world style blends. The philosophy is to create a blend based on Syrah and complimented by Rhône and Bordeaux varieties. The wine is intentionally made from Pacific Northwest fruit that is non-vintage and non-appellation to create a consistent product. On the palate our Farmhouse Red is medium-bodied with forward fruit and a complex finish.

​Over the last decade, David Hill has sought to improve business and farming practices for the benefit of both the land around us and our community. Becoming a certified B Corporation helped us to evolve into a more conscious brand that positively impacts both our staff and the community that supports us. B Corporations are part of the larger movement towards environmental sustainability. By giving back to our community, staff, and environment, we join the innumerable B Corps who pledge to use business as a force for good.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Pasta with Bolognese sauce

2020 Gard The Don

Grapes: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 10% Merlot, 5% Malbec
Region: Royal Slope, WA
Retail: $28

In honor of our vineyard manager, Isidro Mondragon, this Cab-dominate wine continues to impress year over year. Great for every day. This release was dedicated to their tenured and loyal vineyard manager. Gård Vintners wines are 100% estate grown sustainably at Lawrence Vineyards, featuring 14 distinct vineyard sites. With elevations that range 870 feet to 1,675 feet and primarily south-facing slopes, Lawrence Vineyards provide a great framework for grape production, while the diversity of each of the locations delivers a high level of complexity to Gård wines. Lawrence Vineyards is certified sustainable.

The Winery Gård, meaning "farm" in many of the Scandinavian languages, is a tribute to our family's Scandinavian heritage and farming tradition. Founded in 2006, Gård Vintners is a family-owned and operated estate winery in the heart of Washington’s Royal Slope AVA, with vineyards on the Royal Slope, wine production in Prosser, tasting rooms in Ellensburg, Walla Walla and Woodinville and Gård Public House restaurant in Royal City.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Lamb shank

6-BOTTLE MEMBERS ALSO GET TO ENJOY:

During Women's History Month and International Women's Day, we recognize those who have shattered barriers and revolutionized all facets of winemaking. The increasing presence of women in wine is a nod towards the broader societal changes in acknowledging and honoring women's professional accomplishments. Let’s celebrate these badass ladies of wine!

2022 Quinta de Santiago

Grape: 100% Alvarinho
Region: Vinho Verde, Portugal
Retail: $21

Quinta de Santiago is owned by the family since 1899. For about 100 years, Quinta de Santiago's main activity was the production of wines, olive oil, lupine, cereals, milk, meat, fruit, etc, for self-consumption. The main destination of the grape produced was the sale to large companies in the region and that was until 2011. In 2009, from the determination and passion for wines of the children and grandchildren and the then owner, Grandma “Mariazinha”, aged 86, the project Quinta de Santiago “boutique winery” was born.

Sometimes a little provocation can create an entirely new reality, as in the case of Quinta do Santiago. The wildly energetic Joana Santiago took up the challenge from her Grandmother: to take their humble farm, which was only selling grapes to the local co-op, and present it’s unique soul to a wider world by bottling wines embossed the family name. Her area was already known for quality grapes, specifically within Menção e Melgaço, so she knew the quality was in her vines to express excellence. That assured, without a specific identity so to speak, to allow for something new would take certain self-reflection, dedication and a generous sense of humility.

Most in the region crank out casually-consumed sprtizy Vinho-Verde. She made one too, but used it as a first way to raise the bar. Her main focus however, has been Alvarinho, which excels as a singular grape here (see Rias Baixas within view acrosss the border). Through this lens she could express her terroir, her farm, her family ideals and a way to attract attention to the region at large. Happily Joana is nothing if not tenacious and driven. Given a few years of trial and error, guided by instinct (as there are still few local references) she believes now that she has made Mariazinha (at age 86!) a very proud grandma indeed.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Delicate spring greens and herb vinaigrette

El Porvenir 'Amauta Absoluto'

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Cafayate, Argentina
Retail: $18

This sustainably farmed, single vineyard estate wine is composed of 100% hand harvested Cabernet Sauvignon from the Calchaqui Valley, Salta. This fruit driven wine shows notes of black cherry, cassis, and plum with a hint of black licorice on the nose. Good structure and solid tannin with touches of black olive and cedar on the finish.

Today, the winery based in Cafayate is managed by Lucía Romero- Marcuzzi, who works with a distinguished team following the legacy of their ancestors with a remarkable innovative spirit. We are working to proudly show Argentina and the world the footprint of Cafayate in each of our wines.

The Romero Marcuzzi family took its first steps in the wine world when Roberto Romero started his first winery four decades ago in Tolombón, a few kilometers from Cafayate. There, among the vineyards and long family summers, began the development of the pillars of the current project: a strong commitment to the site, the highest dedication to the work and a great love and respect for the terroir that has grown through the years. It was in that first winery that Lucía, grand daughter of Roberto Romero and today Director of El Porvenir de Cafayate, took her first steps.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Grilled chicken thighs

2017 Lar de Maria

Grape: Tempranillo
Region: Lar de Maria
Retail: $22

Farming: Organic, sustainable, hand harvested, old vines 80-100 years

Lar de Maía is a family winery producing quality wines in a traditional way, taking care of each part of the process carefully to get the best results. Coming from the wine industry herself, owner / winemaker Maria Burgoa’s journey began in 2010 with a desire to start afresh in the world of wine. She called her project “Lar”, meaning “home”, and “Maía”, the goddess of spring whose name is also given to the month of May, a special time of the year because it is when they bottled their first vintage ever. This bottle comes with a fun tag around the neck of the bottle that you can use for your own tasting notes, and to gain some more info about the wine. Same thing on the label, a tongue in cheek checklist for your own personal notes about the wine.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Steak salad with blue cheese

Looking for past lineups? We got you.

REMINDERS

• As always, our food suggestions are just starting points. Wine is nostalgic and we’re big fans of making what you like, drinking what you like, and not giving a damn if they “go” together.

• Email us at info@halfseaswine.com to buy more single bottles or a 12-bottle case with special pricing.

• Wine pairs best with friends. Tell your friends.