Sagaponack Winery

Close to my home and located right in the heart of farm country at the Hampton's East End - which was once mostly miles of potato fields, now inhabits more than fifty acres of grapevines at Wölffer Estate Vineyard. The loamy soil coupled with the Atlantic Ocean air were ideal conditions for the grapevines, planted some twenty-five years ago. 

In keeping with European traditions, including the dedication to winemaking; Wölffer's stately Tuscan style villa was built in Old World traditions overlooking the acres of vines.

Come with me as we meet up with my friends; wine writer & enthusiast Michael Braverman, and Wölffer Estate Winemaker Roman Roth for a fun and informative segment from my TV show, George Hirsch Living it UP!

It's going to be another great summer in the Hamptons! Cheers..

George Hirsch Living it up! TV segment: Wölffer Estate Vineyard

Vintage, Old Farm

La Vieille Ferme, literally translates 'old farm'. The vines of a Vieille Ferme are growing on the southern side of the slopes of Mont Ventoux; the location which you immediately think, ahh the Tour de France. Both the vines and tour bikers require strength to contend with the heat and the fierce winds of that region which creates winning wines and champions.

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This is a good pouring red wine, very drinkable medium weight for lunch or dinner, and for any occasion. There is also a great story here, twenty-five years in the making. 

Pair with my Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Honey Pork Sauce Recipe

Grilled Pork Tenderloin as seen on George Hirsch Lifestyle

Oops

Mistakes do happen; OOPS Winery adopted its name for this very reason, only the results were actually magnificent. Opps is a Chilean winery with varietals from France and one of the oldest wineries in Chili. The Carmenère, considered the lost grape of Bordeaux is ideal with beef; pair with skirt steak, short ribs or chili. Oops, another bonus it's under $12.


There’s a good reason the Merlot of Chile doesn’t taste like other Merlot. Many are not entirely Merlot, but instead a blend of Merlot and a far more exotic grape: Carmenère, a.k.a., The “Lost Grape of Bordeaux.” Carmenère root stock had been transplanted from France over a century ago before the particularly nasty root louse threatened its very existence. Soon forgotten, the Carmenère grapes grew freely with Merlot grapes and were assumed to be Merlot until, suddenly in 1994, viticulturist Jean-Michel Boursiquit revealed the mistake. Oops!

Hospices de Beaune

2011 marks the one-hundred-fiftieth year for the Hospices de Beaune Charity Auction; an annual event in the midst of the Trois Glorieuses, Burgundy's most important three day wine celebration. Hospices de Beaune Auction has and continues to support the healing and the dedication to wellness at the hospice de Beaune, the way its benefactors intended since the 15th century. Most buyers will focus on barrels and not the cause though. This event is considered one of the most important wine events of the year held annually on the third Sunday in November. More than forty of Burgundy's Cuvées will be offered. If you are doing the math; buying a barrel corresponds approximately to 288 bottles, so 24 cases of 12 bottles, or 6 magnums.

November 21, 2011 Hospices de Beaune Charity Auction, Beaune France