Wine News: August 2010 Archives

By Courtney Cochran

It seems obvious to eco-conscious winos that wine packaging should be shrinking, but until lately that idea has been little more than just a soupçon of wishful thinking.  But Nor Cal's TastingRoom.com is turning that hunch into reality, thanks to the company's innovative new line of 50mL bottles (compare to a standard wine bottle's 750mL) that allows consumers to taste tiny amounts of wines from a growing roster of winery partners.

Looking for some great tasting wines from the Mendocino wine region? Check out the latest winners of the recent 34th Annual Mendocino Wine Competition There were 194 entries in 20 categories representing all 12 growing regions in the county.

Five wines were awarded double gold medals:

• Yorkville Cellars 2009 LH Semillon
• Yorkville Cellars 2009 Sweet Malbec
• Bonterra Vineyards 2009 Riesling
• Navarro Vineyards 2009 Muscat Blanc
• Harmonique 2006 Pinot Noir

Since Mendocino is known as "America's Greenest Wine Region", it's only fitting that wineries compete for the "green" award as well. Two wineries tied for first place for this coveted award:

• Husch Vineyards ~ Sauvignon Blanc ~ 2009 La Ribera
• Handley Cellars ~ Pinot Noir Rose ~ 2009 AV Estate

For a complete list of winners, visit www.truemendocinowine.com. You can taste these winning wines at the upcoming Mendocino County Fair in Boonville on Saturday, September 18, 2010. Or you can plan your next wine tasting trip to Mendocino Wine Country!