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As the heat of summer starts to give way to the cool breezes of fall, vineyards across the world prepare for one of the most anticipated times of the year: wine harvesting season. Wine harvesting season is a time of celebration, dedication, and creativity. It’s a period when winemakers carefully monitor the ripening grapes, evaluating sugar levels, acidity, and flavors to determine the optimal moment for picking. The hands-on process of hand-harvesting ensures that only the finest grapes make their way into each bottle, allowing the true character of the vineyard and the region to shine through.

During this captivating time, indulge in the beauty of wine harvesting by enjoying one of these three exceptional wines:

Benton Lane Pinot Noir

Vibrant, Rich, and Balanced: The Benton Lane Pinot Noir offers an aromatic journey from ripe cherries and cranberries to dried blueberries and summer herbs. With a plush and balanced texture, this wine delights with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Complex and layered, it reveals a symphony of flavors that reflect the essence of the land.

Growing Season: The journey of this wine begins with a mild Oregon winter, followed by warm spring temperatures that lead to an early bloom. Despite sometimes having challenges during flowering, the vines still thrive, resulting in exceptional ripening of flavors. The autumn rains finally arrive and the last grapes are safely harvested, ensuring each grape was brought in with precision.

Knudsen Dundee Hill Chardonnay

Aromatic Elegance: Knudsen Dundee Hill Chardonnay delights the senses with bursts of freshly peeled orange, crisp pear, and tuberose. Its gripping acidity complements hints of lemon curd, rosemary, and vanilla cream.

Knudsen Vineyards, an enduring family endeavor for over half a century, cultivates grapes with unwavering passion. Nestled in the heart of Dundee Hills AVA, this vineyard is a testament to the Knudsen family’s dedication to crafting wines that resonate with the unique terroir of the land.

Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé

Exquisite Sparkle: Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé is a sparkling treasure made exclusively from Alsatian Pinot Noir. Its brilliant pink color complements the aromas of red fruits, while fine bubbles and a pleasant roundness grace the palate.

Continuing Tradition: With a legacy tracing back to 1698, the Maison Lucien Albrecht epitomizes the authenticity of Alsace wines. Eight generations of the Albrecht family have tirelessly worked the land, creating wines that are celebrated and cherished worldwide.

Prepare to embark on a journey of elevated wine enjoyment as we explore the expert glassware suggestions of Michael McNeil, Georgia’s only Master Sommelier and Georgia Crown’s Director of Fine Wine. With over 18 years of experience, McNeil has honed his expertise in the art of wine appreciation. We will delve into McNeil’s expert recommendations for wine glass shapes and sizes, uncovering how these suggestions can enhance the flavors and aromas of your favorite wines. Get ready to discover the magic of wine through the lens of McNeil’s insightful glassware suggestions.

Trade: Presenting Wines with Panache

For trade professionals, McNeil emphasizes the importance of having high-quality stemware on hand to present wines in their best light. His suggestions for glassware shape include a wider chimney at the bottom, gradually slanting inwards towards the mouth of the glass. This design allows for optimal tasting and aroma experiences, maximizing the wine’s potential. McNeil also highlights the significance of pouring the right amount of wine into the glass. Filling it over half or near the top can diminish the wine’s aroma. So, trade professionals looking to make a lasting impression should consider McNeil’s suggestions to showcase their wines with panache.

Restaurants: Aesthetics and Essential Shapes

In restaurants, McNeil offers valuable insights into glassware aesthetics and essential shapes that can enhance the wine experience. 

1. Sparkling Wine Glass: Often underestimated, McNeil recommends an inverted glass shape that brings out the nuanced qualities of great sparkling wines. Take advantage of the opportunity to amplify the magical effervescence of bubbles.
2.  White Wine Glass: With the exception of very rich, full-bodied whites, McNeil suggests a narrower chimney for white wines. This design accentuates the wine’s freshness, allowing delicate aromas and flavors to shine.
3. Burgundy Glass: McNeil’s expert advice includes using a versatile Burgundy glass, often referred to as a “fishbowl” or “Burgundy glass” in the trade. Its wide bowl showcases the complexity of robust varietals like Pinot Noir, Syrah, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and Reserva wines from Spain, enhancing their flavors.
4. Cabernet or Bordeaux Glass: For Cabernet family grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Carmenere, McNeil suggests a narrower chimney compared to the Burgundy glass. This shape highlights the bold characteristics of these varietals, delivering a balanced and delightful tasting experience.

By incorporating McNeil’s expert suggestions, restaurants and stores can enhance the visual appeal and flavor profiles of the wines they serve, ensuring a memorable experience for their guests.

Whether you plan on enjoying a backyard barbecue, watching fireworks light up the sky, or simply relaxing with friends and family, these drinks are the perfect companions to elevate your 4th of July celebration.

Goat Island Blood Orange 

With its stunning orange-to-pink hue, Goat Island Blood Orange Berliner-Weisse is not only visually appealing but also incredibly refreshing and drinkable. As you take your first sip, a wave of lush sweet orange aroma greets your senses, setting the stage for a truly enjoyable experience. But the magic doesn’t stop there! The well-crafted wheat ale backbone of this beer shines through, adding depth and balance to each sip.

Jack’s Abby Post Shift

As the clock strikes the end of the work day and you’re getting ready for the holiday weekend, it’s time to clock out, post up, and crack open a cold Post Shift Pilsner. Its classic pilsner profile offers a clean and crisp flavor, with a slight hop finish that adds just the right amount of character. This beer goes down smoothly, making it an easy choice for any 4th of July gathering. 

As the weather starts to warm up and we spend more time outside, there’s nothing better than enjoying a refreshing beer with friends. And when it comes to craft beer, Jack’s Abby Brews does it right.

Blood Orange Wheat 

First up, the Blood Orange Wheat is a must-try for any beer lover. This brew is bursting with juicy blood orange flavors that are perfectly balanced with a light wheat base. It’s the perfect beer to sip on a hot summer day, whether you’re hanging out at the beach or lounging in your backyard.

Post Shift

Next, we have the Post Shift, a classic pilsner that’s sure to satisfy. This beer is crisp, clean, and refreshing with a slight hop finish. It’s easy to drink and pairs perfectly with your favorite summer foods, from burgers and hot dogs to fresh salads and grilled veggies.

House Lager

Last but not least, we have the House Lager, a beer that’s brewed with simplicity and tradition in mind. This brew is smooth, crisp, and easy to drink with a touch of sweetness from the malt. It’s the perfect beer to enjoy with friends on a lazy afternoon, whether you’re grilling up some burgers or just hanging out on the porch.