The Wine Newsletter: Q4 2017

The Westin Kierland Villas is once again proud to present to you our quarterly Wine Newsletter.  It is our hope that this publication finds you in good spirits, happy, and healthy.  Your wine experience at your home away from home is important to us and we are pleased that we can continue to provide insight following your departure.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy our fourth quarter installment, authored once again by our resident Wine Expert, Mr. Tony Miller.

From my perspective, the best part of our weekly tastings and dinners is the conversation we have about all things wine. It is your questions, comments, and viewpoints that illuminate these conversations and, since I never know what questions are coming, our group Q&A causes me to study every day to be prepared to field your questions.  

In this newsletter, I will address (in more detail than we have time for at our events) two questions/topics that I'm asked about often:

1) Sparkling wines and how they differ from Champagne.

2) Petite Sirah and how it is different from Syrah. 

Let's explore these two issues and then look at two wines that exemplify these two topics. By sheer coincidence, the two featured wines are also perfect wines for the Holiday season.

Sparkling Wines

All wine with bubbles is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Champagne, which accounts for less than 10% of all sparkling wine, is made in the Champagne region of France from three grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Petite Meunier.  Champagne grapes go through the same crushing and fermentation process that all wine grapes do, but a second fermentation process called “Methode Champenoise”,which creates the bubbles, is employed.  The semi-finished dry wine is pumped into the same bottles from which you drink Champagne and the still wine is dosed with yeast and sugar to initiate a second fermentation. The yeast in the bottle consumes sugar and creates carbon dioxide bubbles in the bottle, which makes the wine sparkling.

Courtesy of www.ewineasia.com

Many other sparkling wines are made outside the Champagne region of France in the traditional method, including French Cremants, some Spanish Cavas, and some sparklers from the United State, Italy, and Australia. There are, however, other ways to produce sparkling wines.  The most widely used is referred to as the “Charmat Method”.  Invented in Bordeaux, France in the early 20^th century by Eugene Charmat, this process completes the second fermentation in a pressure tank instead of the bottle.  All of the same traditional steps are followed in Charmat but the secondary fermentation that creates the bubbles is done in the pressured tank. Once the wine is finished, the sparkling wine is pumped into bottles under pressure to maintain the effervescence.  Prosecco is perhaps the most widely known sparkling wines created via the Charmat Method. This method allows larger quantities to be produced in a shorter time with less cost. Charmat sparkling wines may not always show the same delicacy and complexities as the traditional method of bottle fermentation, but those potential drawbacks are more than compensated for by increased availability, a wider array of grapes from which to make interesting sparkling wines, (like Shiraz), and a consumer-friendly price.

A perfect example of a Charmat bubbly is Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz. My tasting notes below detail Bleasdale's long history in Australia. This 100% sparkling Shiraz was incredibly popular when we last featured it at our Monday wine tasting in December 2012.  It has limited availability in the United States and we have not been able to get it since, but we now have a good supply available and the current release of this special wine is simply wonderful.  The perfect wine for holiday entertaining, it is very dark purple/almost black in color, with bubbles. Whether used as an aperitif, with assorted appetizers or with a festive holiday meal, it’s a crowd-pleaser and a great conversation-starter. A purple-black bubbly.  $25.95 is the price. Try a bottle. But be warned: You will be hooked. 

Petite Sirah

What is it?  Is it the name of a grape or a marketing term, like Pinot Grigio, which is actually Pinot Gris.  Why is it called petite?  Why does Europe and some parts of Australia call this grape Durif?  These questions have come up regularly at our wine events so let us take time now to explore the backstory of  this intriguing grape.

This grape was created by Dr. Francois Durif in France during the 1880's.  He was trying to create a grape that was resistant to powdery mildew so he cross-pollinated Syrah with the obscure Peloursin grape and named this new breed after himself.  The new grape never really caught on in France for, although it was more resistant to downy mildew, this new grape has tight clusters, which proved more susceptible to bunch rot. Today very little Durif is grown in France.

This new grape was brought to the United States by way of Linda Vista Winery in 1884.  They brought vines of many dark purple/black varieties to California to make field blend red jug wine and among those vines was Durif.  Linda Vista called this grape “Petite Sirah” because it looks like a Syrah cluster except the grapes were smaller. Petite Sirah became quite popular during Prohibition because it has a thick skin which allowed these hearty grapes to survive a transcontinental train shipment to the East Coast for home winemaking. 

Courtesy of www.conclusionwines.com

As an aside, during Prohibition, it was legal for each head-of-household to make 200 gallons of wine for home use. Much of that home wine was made on the East Coast and Petite Sirah grapes were shipped across the country for that purpose. In fact, into the mid-1960's, Petite Sirah was the most heavily planted grape in California, but as tastes changed, vines were pulled and vineyards were re-planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other premium red grapes. Today Petite Sirah is making something of a comeback as, after falling from a high of 14,000 acres planted in California and a low of 2400 acres, there are now over 4000 acres planted.  This grape is typically characterized by high tannins and high acids that need plenty of time in bottle before drinking a premium Petite Sirah.  Patience during the wine's aging process is usually rewarded with a beautifully rich, very full-bodied red that is the perfect match for holiday prime ribs or a crown roast.

Our featured red for this newsletter is a truly unique Durif/Petite Sirah wine that was only recently released.  My tasting notes follow for the new Caymus Durif, but what sets this wine apart from most any Petite/Durif you have ever had is what you do not see in this wine. It is NOT tannic, it is NOT acidic.  It does NOT need time in bottle.  This wine is ready to drink right now and if you've ever had a bold but very tannic Petite Sirah, this wine will stun you with its smooth texture, its silky mouthfeel, its explosive aromas, its near-black color, and its endless and complex finish.

We've contracted for a good supply of this new Caymus-Suisan Petite Durif and we're offering it at $49.99, the lowest price in the country.  It is truly unique.

Featured Wines

N.V.  Bleadsdale The Red Brute Sparkling Shiraz 

Born in England in 1815, Frank Potts joined the Royal Navy at age nine as a "powder monkey". He worked on several warships until arriving in Australia in 1836.  He worked as a harbormaster and boat builder until 1850 when he and his new wife bought 120 acres of land in the Langhorne Creek area near Adelaide, at $1.00 per acre, and cleared the land for farming. He planted his first 30 acres of vineyards in 1858 and sold his grapes for the first few years until the mid-1860's when he began making wine for the local market. He died in 1890 but his sons and, eventually, his grandchildren, took the family business forward and now the fifth and sixth generations of the Potts family farms over 4000 acres and operates the winery.  They make a wide variety of acclaimed wines but perhaps their most unique is their "Red Brute" sparkling Shiraz. Frank's youngest son Richard named this wine after their huge wooden wine press because as a small child, he loved watching the now 125-year-old red gumwood lever wine press gently crush the grapes. To honor Richard, later known as "Uncle Dick”, that same old wooden wine press is still used to make The Red Brute.  It is 100% Syrah, handpicked and fermented in stainless steel before brief aging in oak. The final wine is then transferred to tanks for final sparkling fermentation and eventual bottling under pressure. The resulting wine offers aromas and flavors of black plums, black cherry, black raspberry, and blackberry along with slight hints of black pepper, lavender, and roses. The very dark purple color, medium effervescence, soft acids and overall richness expertly balanced between sweet and dry makes this unique sparkler the perfect wine to intrigue any holiday guest. Greet your guests with a glass as an aperitif or pair this versatile wine with holiday turkey or ham, goose, grilled shrimp, duck, grilled salmon, game hens, pizza, red-sauced pastas, aged cheeses, assorted holiday appetizers or perhaps even cheesecake. A totally unique wine that's perfect for holiday entertaining all the way through to Valentine’s Day and beyond. Drink it now and over the next 15-18 months.

2015 Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif

The Wagner family founded Caymus Winery in Napa Valley in 1972 as the culmination of an eight-generation grape growing family history that began in Europe.  They bought 70 acres in Rutherford Napa in 1906, planted wine grapes and were producing 30,000 gallons of bulk wine within a few years.  Prohibition devastated the Wagner's business and by 1941 they were invested more in fruit trees than wine grapes, but by the 1960’s, they decided to go "all in" on grapes, so they pulled their fruit trees and replanted wine grapes.  In 1972, they formed Caymus and it has been a spectacular success and is now a very large family-owned winery operation that produces a multitude of popular wines at every price.  The Wagner's newest project is their first-ever Durif.  Named after the French scientist who crossed Peloursin with Syrah in the 1880's to create a red grape with better resistance to mildew, Durif never really caught on in France but it's become  popular in Australia and in the U.S., where it's known as “Petite Sirah”.  Drawn from old vines in the Suisun Valley east of Napa Valley, these handpicked grapes have yielded a beautifully soft and rich wine unlike any Petite Sirah in the market.  The grapes were handpicked and fermented in barrel before 12 months aging in new and seasoned French oak. This dark red-almost-black wine shows classic flavors of espresso, black plums, dark chocolate, dried blueberries, black cherries and mocha along with a caramel, plums, a floral note and plenty of vanilla.  It’s an elegant and expansive expression of the Petite Sirah grape with it's soft, plush, full-bodied texture, smooth fine-grained tannins, balanced acids and it's very long, complex and lingering black-fruit finish.  One might call this unique wine an iron fist in a velvet glove whereas, generally speaking, Petite Sirah is usually just the iron fist until the tannins subside after years in the bottle. Pair it with grilled steaks or beef in any form, holiday turkey, lamb, goose, pork tenderloin, prime ribs, duck breast, crown roast, a premium cheese plate or by itself. It's an easy-drinking, fruit-forward crowd-pleasing BIG red that needs no special occasion to be enjoyed. Drink it now and over the next 3-5 years. (Wine Spectator 93 points) 

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If you desire any further information or would like to purchase the wine, please contact The Westin Kierland Villas Food, Beverage, and FUN Manager John Voita directly at john.voita@westin.com. Please note that deliveries are not available to all areas.  

Wine Event Information

It is always a pleasure hosting the wine events for you.  Please be sure to register prior to your arrival to ensure you are a part of the experience.  Thank you.

Tony Miller

Resident Wine Expert

The Wine Newsletter: Q2 2017

The Westin Kierland Villas is once again proud to present to you our quarterly Wine Newsletter.  It is our hope that this publication finds you in good spirits, happy, and healthy.  Your wine experience at your home away from home is important to us and we are pleased that we can continue to provide insight following your departure.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy our second quarter installment, authored once again by our resident Wine Expert, Mr. Tony Miller.

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The two topics of this newsletter are both popular Q&A subjects at our weekly Wine Tastings: rosé wines and the wines from the Evergreen State, Washington.  Our discussion of rosé is quite timely seeing as summer is the perfect time to try a new rosé.  One can't pick up a wine magazine or look at a wine column anywhere in the United States, Australia, or Europe without seeing numerous articles about the explosive sales growth and great quality that rosé has achieved over the past few years.  Advances in stainless steel temperature-controlled fermentation and a better understanding of the importance of picking grapes early, when grapes have a bit more natural acid, have made modern rosé a joy to drink.  Sales statistics show that Americans are now catching up with the rest of the world in appreciating this much-maligned wine.

Premium Washington wines have also grown in popularity, especially with wine critics.  Washington’s first wine grapes were planted in the 1860’s and by the 1920’s 42 wineries had sprung up.  Unfortunately the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, better known as Prohibition, hit Washington wineries as severely as in California and it took until the 1960's for the wine industry to regain its footing.  The immediate predecessors of today's Columbia Winery and Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery began in the 60's on a very small scale.  From very humble beginnings, Ste. Michelle today dominates the Washington wine scene, an industry worth nearly $5 billion to the state.  But beyond the big players like Ste. Michelle are smaller, more entrepreneurial winemakers that are making their presence felt in Washington. Among those, perhaps even leading that movement, is Charles Smith.  And, typical of him, Mr. Smith’s strong feelings about rosé tie our two newsletter articles together quite nicely.

Rosé 

The hottest wine category in the U.S. market today is Dry Rosé.  Sales of rosé in the U.S. has increased by 26% in the past 12 months while total U.S. wine sales increased by just 3%. More interestingly, sales of rosé retailing for more than $20.00 increased by nearly 80%.   Premium rosé is the hot wine these days, with good reason. 

Courtesy of www.winecurmudgeon.com

Once Americans get past the White Zinfandel-like pink color, a realization sets in that premium rosé is a near-perfect food wine that offer surprising depth of flavor along with a bright, crisp, clean taste.  The wine pairs with a wide variety of foods very well. The best rosé can be treated almost like a good medium-body red when considering food pairings but, since it's lighter and brighter than a typical red, it’s more versatile and in many instances far more interesting.  Perhaps (finally) the stigma associated with being caught drinking "pink wine" has disappeared. Famous Washington state wine legend Charles Smith, a man with a reputation for making big reds, perhaps said it best. Printed on each case of rosé made by Charles Smith is his rosé motto:  "Yes, you can drink rosé and still be a badass”. Well said Mr. Smith, well said.

Rosé wines are not new to the world's wine scene.  Rosé was not created by Sutter Home Winery in 1975 by "inventing" so-called White Zinfandel.  Rosé was not invented in Portugal with Lancers or Mateus in the 1950's.  Wine historians suggest that early wine making techniques in Greece and Imperial Rome tended to produce rosé wines instead of reds and that most wines we consider today to be a "red wine" were actually rosé until the recent few hundred years.  Emphasis in early winemaking was to achieve fresh flavors.  Heavily extracted, heavier, dark-colored reds were considered inferior.  Well into the late Middle Ages and beyond, Bordeaux wines, called Claret in the important British wine market, were pale-colored.  But tastes changed and red wines slowly became red.  However, in France's extreme southern Rhone Valley and in the nearby Languedoc region, excellent and purposeful rosé wine with plenty of depth, richness and minerality have been famous for centuries.  This region gets plenty of warm Mediterranean sun which allows red grapes to come to fill ripeness and phenolic maturity.  Rosé from this region is justifiably world-famous. A wine that demonstrates all the traits of excellent rosé and the style that help lead to such an increase in rosé sales is the 2016 Campuget 1753 Rose.

The Chateau de Campuget is a vineyard property dating back to 1640 near Nimes, France.  It has been owned and operated by the Dalle family since 1942.  They make a variety of value wines but it is their "1753" designated wine that has created industry buzz as of late.  Vines were originally planted in this vineyard in 1753 and although none of the original vines remain, this vineyard's history of premium grape cultivation contributes excellent grapes to make a truly world-class rosé.  In 2016 the rosé blend is 90% Syrah and 10% Vermentino, a crisp white grape.  Each grape was picked, crushed, and fermented separately with minimum skin contact before settling and brief aging in stainless steel.  The final blend was assembled and bottled with a Vinolok closure; a glass "cork".  This newly released, beautiful rosé exhibits classic French rosé aromas and flavors of strawberry, peach, cherry, raspberry, rhubarb, and tangerines along with crisp acids, complex minerality and a refreshingly bright finish.  Pair it with grilled shrimp, fried chicken, barbecue ribs, pizza, smoked salmon ,chicken salad, crab cakes, lobster ravioli, steak tacos, ham, calamari ,pork tenderloin, oysters, lemon chicken, sushi/sashimi, avocado salad, roasted turkey or a fruit/cheese plate.  To fully appreciate it's bright fresh fruit flavors, drink it now and over the next 9-12 months.  The 2016 vintage wines from this region are already considered superior to the very good 2015 wines, and although the 2016 hasn't yet been reviewed by any critics, the 2015 received 90 points from Robert Parker.  Expect this wine to earn high scores, but by the time the critics have weighed in, the limited national supply of this wine will be gone.  If you are interested in this wine, we are currently selling it for $34.00 per bottle.

Charles Smith

Courtesy of www.austinchronicle.com

Charles Smith is a true phenomenon in the Washington wine industry.  The immense popularity of his wines is evidence of the enterprising spirit that makes Washington wines, when made by aspiring and committed winemakers, special.  Smith went from working in the Los Angeles produce district as a teenager delivering oranges on the 2:00am-noon shift and sleeping on the beach to working in restaurants to going to Denmark with a Danish girlfriend and eventually working in Copenhagen bars just to have a job.  There he met many musicians which lead to a nine year stint as a band manager with tours throughout Europe.  He returned to the United States in 1999 to open a wine store in metro-Seattle.  It is here he met winemakers who convinced him to make his own wine.  He released his first wine, 330 cases, in 2001. 

In 2006 he created his Charles Smith brand and acclaim quickly followed, including 2008 Wine and Spirits "Winery of the Year" and 2009 Food and Wine magazine "Winemaker of the Year".  The list of personal accolades is endless and wine critics pretty much agree that self-taught winemaker Charles Smith makes stupendous wines.  Smith is known for his big, rich reds that display structure and body but with crowd-pleasing soft, supple tannins.  He and his wine group now make over 60 wines under various trade names even after recently selling one of his value-priced product lines for $120 million.  After that huge sale, he referred to his life as a "dream come true”.  As he said, “I started out with a borrowed $5,000.00 and an Astro van.  And someone writes you a check for an ungodly amount of money.  It's a dream come true".  With that "ungodly amount of money”, he continues to look  at new projects to find ways to expand his creative wine reach.  Just in the past few years, he’s created several new brands, in addition to his Charles Smith, Charles and Charles and K Vintners wines, including Sixto, Vino, Secco, Wines of Substance, Casa Smith and B. Leighton. 

B. Leighton is Brennon Leighton, Director of Winemaking for all wines made under the Charles Smith banner.  The B. Leighton line began in 2012 to showcase a few specific Yakima vineyards planted to Petite Verdot, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre.  These wines received immediate critical acclaim and among those highly touted wines was the first release, from the 2013 vintage, of Gratitude. 

The 2013 B. Leighton Gratitude is a GSM.  Made famous in France's Rhone Valley and then in Australia, GSMs are Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, with either Grenache or Syrah being the majority grape. However, Gratitude is unique: 70% Mourvedre, 25% Grenache, and 5% Syrah.  This wine has much more structure and more body than a typical GSM because Mourvedre, a very full-bodied black grape, is 70% of the blend. These three grapes were handpicked, sorted, crushed and allowed a 25-day maceration.  Each lot was fermented separately before aging 21 months in French oak.  Final blending was completed and bottling was done unfined and unfiltered.  This jet-black soft, rich, full-bodied wine shows aromas and flavors of blackberry, black plum, black currants, Kalamata olives, black cherries, dried strawberry, and vanilla along with hints of violets, lavender, sage, and white pepper.  It's soft, lush texture and long, layered black-fruit finish pairs well with grilled steaks, lasagna, crown roast of pork, bison burgers, Italian sausages, French onion soup, leg of lamb, grilled sirloin with blue cheese butter, mushroom risotto, duck breast, prime ribs, roast turkey, short ribs, dark chocolate or a hearty cheese plate.  Drink it now and over the next 2-4 years.  (Parker 93 points) (Wine Spectator 92 points) We are selling this wine for $44.00 per bottle.

Thank you all for your continual interest in the wine program at The Westin Kierland Villas.  Enjoy your summer and a glass of rosé!

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If you desire any further information or would like to purchase the wine, please contact The Westin Kierland Villas Food, Beverage, and FUN Manager John Voita directly at john.voita@westin.com. Please note that deliveries are not available to all areas.  

Wine Event Information

It is always a pleasure hosting the wine events for you.  Please be sure to register prior to your arrival to ensure you are a part of the experience.  Thank you.

Tony Miller

Resident Wine Expert

The Westin Kierland Villas

Play Ball!

Your Guide to Cactus League Baseball From the FUN Manager.

Spring in Arizona is quite the experience.  The Greater Phoenix Area is vibrant after a rash of winter storms.  The desert is alive.  The hills and mountains surrounding the Valley of the Sun have an emerald tint upon them that allure you to explore their grounds.  The mornings are crisp, the evenings are comfortable, and the days are pleasantly inviting.  From hiking to festivals, lazy pool days to exploration, there is no shortage of things to do.  Spring brings a diverse community to State Forty Eight seeking to enjoy all that it has to offer. 

And it brings baseball.

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

Spring Training baseball is a favorite of mine.  The smell of the grass, the sound of the crowd, the taste of the suds and the hot dogs, the sights of the stadium, the feeling and hope a fresh season brings; baseball tingles all of one’s senses.  Yes, I am one of those drawn to America’s Pastime even when the games don’t count.  The closeness to the game is unparallel.  I once asked Tommy Lasorda if he’d like to sign my nachos.  (did I mention the taste of the suds?)  He chuckled, slyly looked in my direction, and politely declined.  This is one of many memories that showcase how close you get to the game and how fun it is for the players.

Although born in Phoenix, I grew up in Los Angeles, California.  Two days shy of my sixth birthday I remember sitting close to the television set, watching a gimped Kirk Gibson flick a ball of his bat and over the right field fence to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 1-0 led over the Oakland Athletics in the 1988 World Series.  I’ve bled Dodger Blue ever since.  When I moved back to Phoenix with my family in January of 1995, there were no Arizona Diamondbacks.  I was a 12 year old baseball enthusiast without a stadium to go to.  When March rolled around my mom let me know that I would not be going to school one Monday morning.  “We’re going to go see the Angels instead”.  It is then that a fell in love with the process of Spring Training.  Not so much for the ditch days from school, but for how the game is presented and how the game made me feel.  I have been going to Cactus League games ever since.

Am I a Spring Training expert?  No.  But I have been going to games for years and have my opinions about how to maximize your experience.  People attend for many reasons, as do I.  I hope I can answer some questions for you and assist in providing a memorable Spring Training experience.  

Allow me to present my Cactus League Tips to you:

When to go?

When is it best to attend a Cactus League game?  I’m not so much talking about the time; generally all Spring Training games commence at 1:05pm.  I am referring more to when during the week to go.  Are the weekends ideal?  Is Thursday the best day?   My recommendation is attend Spring Training games during the week.

Phoenix is a big city.  Including all suburbs, the metropolitan area is home to roughly 4.49 million people (we liked to be called, “Phoenicians”).  That does not include any of our guests staying in roughly 450 hotels and 62,000 rooms.  What I’m saying people is that there are a lot of people here!  With so many residents looking to enjoy the spoils of Spring Training baseball, many can only attend on weekends.  Some play “hookie” and go during the week, but it pairs in comparison to those who don’t.   If you attend a game on the weekend, expect it to be busy.

There is a weekday disadvantage: typically games end as rush hour traffic begins.  But for me personally it beats what the weekend has to offer: traffic into and out of stadiums become a parking lot on Saturday and Sunday.  A line for the beer, a line for the hot dog, and a line for the restroom?  I’d prefer to pass.  All of this can be avoided by attending on a Tuesday afternoon. 

Why to go?

The answer to this question is as unique as the individuals who are reading this.  Many factors come into play when attending a game:

Are you here for your favorite team?  Ever since the Dodgers moved here from Vero Beach in 2009, I find myself at Camelback Ranch more and more.  Heck, I’ll be there Monday!   Many flock to the Valley of the Sun and follow their team around, evaluating upcoming prospects and see their favorites play.  Others make the journey and attempt the “Spring Training Gauntlet”.  10 stadiums.  Can you see them all?

Do you want to attend the closest game?  Some love to commute.  For those who come to Scottsdale form the Midwest, a pleasant drive through the Valley allows you the opportunity to see some of our lovely mountain ranges.  Others do not like the traffic and are looking for the closest place to watch the game.

Is there a specific player you desire to see?  Does your team have a new draft pick who you’d like to see?  Is there an aging veteran that you’ve watched for years and know well?  When Ken Griffey, Jr. was in his last year as a pro, I did all I could see him play once last time. 

Are you there for the game or for the environment?  The concessions can play a big part in your experience.  A long line takes you away from the game and the company you came to enjoy.  If you are a “foodie” you may be passionate about the variety a ballpark provides.  The environment is a big part of the game. 

How much are you willing to pay?  The games don’t count.  Your money does. 

Where to go?

Once you determine the “why”, then you can choose the “where”.  Although I have not been to all facilities (I’d like to make it to a Cubs game, but Chicago invades Phoenix for a month and it’s hard to get a good seat at their new facility.  And they just won the World Series!) I have been to 7 of the 10 stadiums.  Perhaps my thoughts on the different stadiums will assist you in making your decision as to where to attend a ball game during the spring. 

Allow me to start with the three stadiums I have yet to visit:

Photo credit: azgolfhomes.com

Sloan Park – Chicago Cubs:  I love where this park is located.  At the intersection of the Loop 101 and Loop 202 you will find the spring home of the 2016 World Series champion Chicago Cubs.  I actually used to play golf at a little 9 hole executive course called Riverview that Sloan Park now rests upon.

 

From the outside the park looks amazing.  It’s new, it’s fresh, and it houses a champion.  Guests who attend games tell me that it is a giant step up from Hohokam Stadium where the Cubs used to reside (and now houses the A’s).  Sloan Park opened in 2014 and houses 15,000, the most in all of Spring Training baseball.

You’d think with that many seats that you’d be able to get a ticket.  Think again.  Availability is slim at Sloan.  That being said, you tend to pay a higher price for a comparable seat versus other Cactus League parks.  If you can get in, do it.   I plan to.  One day.

Click here for ticket information.

Photo credit:ballparksofbaseball.com

Hohokam Stadium – Oakland A’s:  I have yet to visit this stadium because, well, the Chicago Cubs played in it before!  It was hard to get a seat.  That being said, the A’s moved in when the Cubs moved out in 2015.  HoHohokam is a step up from their prior home at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, although I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Phoenix Muni throughout the years. 

From what I gather Hohokam is a respectable stadium with a fantastic Spring Training vibe.   The stadium is a large one as it houses 10,500 seats.  I’m not sure if there are 10,500 fans who want to see the A’s.  If you enjoy visiting a stadium that is not crowded, this is the one for you!  Granted, as stated above, the weekends will be busier.  But there is plenty of availability for tickets.

One thing the Oakland A’s organization does very well is play the “nostalgia” card.  They are an organization with great history and have always done well on having players around that were part of their success.  You may meet Rickey Henderson in the stands or have an opportunity to have Rollie Fingers sign a picture.  You never know.  Thus is the allure of spring ball.

Click here for ticket information

Photo credit: goodyearbp.com

Goodyear Ballpark – Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds:  I have vowed to myself this year to catch a ball game at this park this year.  I have been to park for other events in the past and the overall facility looks amazing.  The parking is ample, the facility looks clean and modern (it was opened in 2009), and it appears to have numerous concessions offerings.  The stadium houses the 2016 American League Champion Cleveland Indians, so I am sure there will be much more of a draw this year to make the trek to Goodyear.

As I read differing reviews of the stadium on various social media sites, the overall consensus seems to be that the stadium, although not the finest cosmetically, offers plenty for the baseball fan.  Great sight lines, friendly staff, and open concourses make for a pleasant experience.  There could be a tad bit more shade though.  On a cloudless Arizona March day, which is typical weather during our spring (and rest of the year for that matter), bring your sunscreen!

The only downside of this stadium and experience is the commute.  Located in the far west valley, Goodyear Stadium is 40 miles away from The Westin Kierland Villas.  If you plan to catch a game, leave early.  Very early.

Click here for ticket information.

And now to the ballparks I have visited, some on many occasions:

Photo credit: mlb.com

Surprise Stadium – Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers:  When it comes to parking, Surprise Stadium tops my list.  It’s easy, it’s convenient, and it’s free!  It can be a journey getting to the point of parking, however, as Surprise is a 45 minute drive from North Scottsdale.  Once you park your vehicle and head inside, you are welcomed to a ballpark that is classic Spring Training.  The facilities are well maintained and clean, which is always welcomed.  

I am a fan of their scoreboard, as odd as that may sound.  When attending a ballgame, you always note the scoreboard as the point of reference.  You may be talking, sharing stories with friends, and need a place to quickly glance to note the score, inning, pitch count, and who is at bat.  Surprise Stadium’s scoreboard is easy to read and had plenty of information.  A big thing?  Maybe not.  But noted.

The concessions could definitely use improvement.  The staff is friendly, but every concession has a line and their food is underwhelming.  Horror stories of their concession experience are legend of Cactus League lore.  Go early, because you are going to be there a while.  The seats are rather odd as well.  No matter where you sit, you face forward.  Not second base (like most facilities).  Forward.  This is not a dissatisfier but an odd way to build a stadium.

Click here for ticket information.

Photo credit: Tim Roberts Photography

Camelback Ranch – Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox:  Am I a Dodger fan?  Yes.  But that has nothing to do with my perception of this ball park.  Until Salt River Fields was opened in 2011, this was my favorite ball park.  I love the rustic iron scaffolding, the presence of the host team’s logos in each corner of the outfield over their training facilities, and the alluring grounds surrounding the park.  It feels like Spring Training when you walk through the gates.

Architecturally I feel that they got it right.  Camelback Ranch is a sunken stadium that allows for great sight lines to view the game.  The look and feel of the stadium compliments the desert surroundings on the west side of town.  Glendale, the town in which this stadium is located, is less developed than the east side of town.  You feel like you are journeying into the desert when commuting to this stadium. This is definitely a Cactus League stadium.

A bit more shade would be nice.  Who am I kidding; a lot more shade would be nice!  Parking should be re-imagined as well.  One road in, one road out.  If you attend on the weekend and are running late, you’re going to find yourself rather frustrated.

From a food and beverage standpoint, Camelback Ranch is best in class.  Dodger Dogs are offered for the Dodger fans, making them feel as a part of Chavez Ravine made its way 363 miles to Glendale.  A beer garden in right field offers the chance to socialize with fellow fans during the game.  The All You Can Eat Bullpen Patio tickets are a favorite of mine. 

Camelback Ranch has a similar commute time as Surprise Stadium does.  From The Westin Kierland Villas you have to travel 45 minutes to get to the stadium.  Go around the Loop 101, pass the stadium in which the Arizona Cardinals play, and get off on Camelback.

Overall I feel that time spent in Glendale will be time well spent.  This is one of the stadiums I feel you have to see if you are making the Spring Training circuit.

Click here for ticket information.

Photo credit: arizonafoothillsmagazine.com

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick– Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies:  The same architect who designed Camelback Ranch designed Salt River Fields.  And it shows.  It was as if Michelangelo made another Michael…and perfected the perfection.  Okay, I’m being a tad bit dramatic here.  But I do believe that Salt River Fields is the best the Cactus League has to offer.  Whatever lessons were taught at Camelback Ranch were applied when designing this park.  And it shows.  This is my favorite park to watch a baseball game in March.

The location and parking of this stadium is well thought out.  There are numerous entrances to the stadium, and if you feel like going down early, parking at The Pavilions is yet another option.  I personally like to go to the Buffalo Wild Wings for some lunch before walking over to the ball park.  Parking is plentiful which makes getting in and getting out user friendly and easy.

Walk into the park and prepared to be amazed.  Much akin to Camelback Ranch, the clubhouses and training facilities for both the Rockies and the D’Backs are visible in the outfield, majestically complimenting the field below.  If Camelback Ranch compliments the desert, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick feels like it is a part of it. The McDowell Mountains are off in the distance and, if attending a night game, you will be mesmerized by how the sunset creates a red hue upon them.

If you choose to go to the ballpark early, the accessibility to the players in top notch.  There are 12 total fields and you can see everything from veterans taking batting practice to prospects doing drills.  Visit the pitching cages and maybe you’ll see Zach Greinke on the hump working on his curveball.  The complex was designed with the insight that children are the future of the game.  The facility is child friendly and leaves them dreaming that one day they too can be a big leaguer.

The food options are plentiful and delicious and it is easy to find a local beer at the concessions. San Tan Brewery (Chandler) and Four Peaks Brewery (Tempe) are featured beers at this location.  This is also a great park to get a margarita at!  You are in the southwest, after all.  Why not partake in the all the local has to offer?!

This is the closest park to The Westin Kierland Villas as well.  A quick drive down the Loop 101 and you are in your seat, enjoying the best of what the Cactus League has to offer.  If you happen to be a guest at our lovely vacation ownership property, it is a must to attend this ballpark. 

Click here for ticket information.

Photo credit: mlb.com

Maryvale Baseball Park – Milwaukee Brewers:  Let’s talk about the other side of the coin, shall we?  Do not go to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on one day and then Maryvale Baseball Park the next.  You will feel like you are attending two different sports.  Because it is two different contrasting experiences.

Of all the stadiums I have attended, this is the one I like the least.  Many factors play into this: I don’t care for the Brewers (sorry, Brew Crew fans), I do not like the part of town in which this stadium resides, and the facility feels like a high school stadium to me.  Again, this is all merely my opinion.  I know plenty of guests who adore this facility and have their reasons to do so. 

Parking isn’t bad here.  Yes, the neighborhood could be better, but once in the complex it is easy and user friendly.  You would think that in a landlocked urban area you’d have difficulties.  No, not really.  Friendly attendants guide you to your parking spot and the process is quite swift.

You walk into the stadium and are surprised that a professional ball club plays here.  I was expecting the Arcadia Titans!  Shade is plentiful at this stadium but it is quite tired.  The park was opened in 1998 and is not the oldest park in the Cactus League.  But it feels like it.

That being said, the fan experience is enjoyable.  The lawn seats have more of a slant than most, which makes for a better view from the grass.  I do feel that the fan experience is worth the trip.  Similar to Miller Park in Milwaukee, the Sausage Race occurs during each game.  I tip my cap to management for staying true to the team’s roots.

The food is standard ball park fare.  You would think the brats would be best-in-class seeing as Wisconsin is known for a delicious beer brat.  They are standard, however, as is much of the menu.  There is no “wow” food offer for the foodie.  I did notice that there are plenty of bathrooms at this facility.

The commute from The Westin Kierland Villas isn’t too bad.  The stadium is located approximately 25 miles away and takes a little over half an hour to reach.  I recommend taking Interstate 10 to 59^th Avenue, go north.  Approach from the south rather than the north.

The best part of the experience when attending Maryvale is the pricing.  I feel you get the most bang for your buck at this stadium.  Maryvale is not Salt River Fields at Talking Stick or Sloan Park.  And they know it.  It is a pleasant surprise to see a professional franchise that understands what it is and what its offerings are, pricing accordingly.  The feel of the game is intimate (the stadium houses 7,000 seats) and you can walk away from the experience with a smile. 

Click here for ticket information.

Photo credit: TIm Roberts Photography

Tempe Diablo Stadium – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:  I grew up going to this park.  I once dropped a foul ball off the bat of Ken Griffey, Jr. at this park.  I love this park. I hate this park.

Tempe Diablo Stadium is nestled snuggly up against Interstate 10 and The Buttes in Tempe.  The stadium points to the east and, seeing as the Buttes surround the park, you feel like you are in immersed in the desert.  It is as if you were hiking on a trail and BAM!  Baseball stadium. Why not sit down and enjoy a game?  The steps leading up to the entrance showcase the “Big A” with the halo, welcoming you to the Spring Training home of the Los Angeles Angels.  Of Anaheim.  Of California.  Of North America. 

 I love the look and feel of this stadium.  The stadium points to the east, which allows the sun to provide more shade as it sets in the west as the games progress.  Is it the most technologically advanced?  Not by any means.  It is old and tired, seeing as it was built in 1969 (renovated in 2002).  The stadium could use some more love.

What do I hate about this stadium?  The parking.  I once was three innings late as I sat in traffic into the stadium, which began backing up on the interstate.  With a stadium that is land locked up against mountains and a freeway, it makes for a different parking situation.  If you plan to go to a game here, go early.

Angels games are typically full.  The stadium holds around 10,000 and many Los Angelinos make the trek across the Mojave and Sonoran Desert to see their Angels play.  The stadium resides next to the Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes hotel, which makes it an easy for guests staying there to walk to games, filling the seats.  Even during weekdays it feels too crowded.

The commute is acceptable, as this venue is similar to Maryvale in time and distance from North Scottsdale.  I do recommend coming up from the south, if possible, to avoid traffic jams.

Click here for ticket information.

Photo credit: mapio.net

Peoria Sports Complex – San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners:  I once lived on the west side of town and found myself attending numerous games at this facility.  I enjoyed my days spent taking in games here.  When they designed this facility and opened it in 1994, they did it right.  The best shaded park in all of the Cactus League, Peoria Sports Complex has beautiful lawn seating (no shade there) and the grounds crew maintains this field pristinely.

Parking can be an adventure if you don’t know what you are doing.  That is why I am here!  There are ways around the traffic jams that lead into the stadium.  Rather than exiting at Bell Road, exit at Thunderbird and work your way up 83^rd Avenue.  Once there, it’s $5 and you are in. 

The stadium itself is classic Spring Training.  The ease of accessibility to the players highlight the offerings at this stadium.  I have had numerous guests return with pictures with their favorite Padre or Mariner, showcasing how close and friendly the confines are. I seem to always sit on the first base side at this stadium and have always enjoyed this view.

The drive isn’t too bad either.  Taking the Loop 101 from The Westin Kierland Villas gets you there in about a half and hour.

Click here for ticket information.

Photo credit: mlb.com

Scottsdale Stadium – San Francisco Giants:  Last on my list of Cactus League parks is Scottsdale Stadium.  One question comes to mind when I think of this stadium.  Do you like to party?  Perhaps it’s the fact that I grew up near the ballpark and spent many spring afternoons in my mid-20’s in attendance, but I always feel that when you go to Scottsdale Stadium, you’re going to have a good time and see something funny.

The surrounding area is the best in the Cactus League.  You are in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, known for its shopping, art, and entertainment districts.  If you desire to make a day of going to the game, sandwiched by lunch and dinner in the area, it is not only feasible, it is recommended.  There are a couple of local bars that will provide you with transportation to and from the stadium.  The entire experience is user friendly, which makes for a great time!

One of my favorite aspects of this ballpark is the crowd.  The crowd is engaged, vibrant, and alive.  Whereas some stadiums carry the “ooh’s” and “aah’s” from a great play, the crowd is into every pitch here.  I would compare it to being at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.  You are surrounded by people who understand the game at appreciate the little things baseball offers.  Beware of fans that may have had one too many beers though…rowdiness is also normal in Scottsdale.

The parking can be a bit bothersome as the stadium is near Old Town Scottsdale, which is packed with people.  But seeing as there are many different routes into the stadium, I have never had a negative parking experience.   The shade, like a lot of stadiums, can be sparse.  Bring sunscreen.  The seating could be redone; bleacher seating throughout makes it hard to get in and out of your seat at times.  Concessions are basic and I feel like there could be more of them.  The stadium has 12,000 seats.  It should have a few more spots to grab a hot dog.

I truly enjoy going to Scottsdale Stadium, especially bathed in Dodger Blue.  It is fun to talk baseball with the enemy and they never cease to take their chance to do so.  Tickets are a tad more expensive here, and you are paying for the environment and recent success of the team.  It is the second closest stadium to The Westin Kierland Villas and it a “must see”.

Click here for ticket information.

I could go on and on about each individual stadium.  These are broad overviews of what they have to offer.  Each park has unique quirks and offerings.  You have to experience them to appreciate them.  You don’t have to love baseball to enjoy an experience at one of these fine ballparks. 

There is one thing I always like to remind my guests of: take advantage of what the area has to offer.  Our offerings on property and service are best-in-class, but go out and see the Valley of the Sun.  

When we are blessed with our spring weather and Major League Baseball in town, you have to catch a few games, if time permits.  Spring Training days are the best days. 

I can smell the fresh cut grass.  It is time to play ball.

John Voita, III

Food, Beverage, and FUN Manager

john.voita@westin.com

The Wine Newsletter: Q1 2017

Current Trends

How many states in the United States produce wine? 

It's a topic that we've often discussed at our Wine Tasting events and, since the latest figures showing the expansion of wineries across the country have recently been released, perhaps it's a good time to look at the current top ten winery states and what this information says about the American wine industry in general.

All fifty states in the union produce wine from grapes and, as of January 1, 2017, there were 9091 wineries in the United States.  Some of the top ten winery states might be a bit surprising.

In order, the top ten are:

1. California (4202 wineries)
2. Washington (747)
3. Oregon (713)
4. New York (385)
5. Texas (287)
6. Virginia (269)
7. Pennsylvania (229)
8.  Ohio (194)
9. Michigan (156)
10. North Carolina (142)

Tied for last in the state rankings are Alaska, Hawaii, and Mississippi, each of which hosts a mere four wineries.

For our Canadian friends, British Columbia has 309 wineries, Ontario has 236, and Quebec has 95 wineries.

The biggest change in the U.S. Top Ten list is the elevation of Texas into the #5 spot over Virginia. Texas wineries have shown explosive growth over the past few years. In fact, Texas is the only state in the U.S. to show a double digit percentage increase (26%) in the number of new wineries last year. They added 59 wineries in 2016, second to California's 148 new wineries, but the percentage growth in Texas wineries far outpaced all other states. Ohio had the second largest percentage growth of new wineries in the United States in 2016.

The United States has only 65 wineries that produce over 500,000 cases annually, and those 65 wineries produce 81% of all domestic wine.  94% of domestic wineries produce less than 50,000 cases annually, and it's these relatively smaller wineries that have always been the focus of our wine program.

The trends show that the American wine industry continues to flourish, especially in states not formerly associated with grape growing and wine making. We'll leave the discussion of the overall quality of wine from these new wine states to another newsletter, but for now, the U.S. consumer has never seen more wine diversity and Americans have never had so many domestic wine choices from across the entire country. That's a good thing, both for the consumer and for the overall health of the U.S. wine industry. 

Featured Grape: Zinfandel

This grape has a long and often misunderstood history and how it found its way to Northern California is quite interesting. 

Many theories exists as to where Zinfandel came from and when, but due to extensive research by Californian historian Charles Sullivan and U.C. Davis professor Carole Meredith, the truth is now known. What we know as Zinfandel is actually a Croatian grape called Crljenak Kastelanski from the island of Kastela off the coast of Split, Croatia. From Croatia, this vine found its way to other European countries including southern Italy, where it's known today as Primitivo.

In 1829 the initial vines, without any grape name attached to it, were imported to the United States from Vienna, Austria to Long Island and Massachusetts to produce table grapes. History doesn't tell us exactly how the name Zinfandel was attached to this grape although it seems to have happened in the 1830's in New England.  From there the vines were sent to California in 1852 after the initial 49er gold rush as many would-be miners turned to producing and selling agricultural products and wine to other miners and homesteaders. 

This grape thrived in the hot dry weather of the gold rush country of eastern California and its ability to produce high quantity per acre made it a prized vine. By the beginning of the 20th century, Zinfandel vines occupied many premium vineyard locations on the North Coast, and, although delayed by the onset of Prohibition, the realization that cooler sites produced much better Zinfandel changed the evolution of this grape from one of jug-wine quality to being capable of producing an ultra-premium red.

Although still grown extensively in the hot and dry northeastern California foothills, most of the best Zins come from cooler locations near the Pacific Ocean, often from the Russian River region of Sonoma County. It’s a difficult grape to grow as the vine produces compact clusters that ripen unevenly with many green and harshly tannic grapes mixed on the same cluster with ripe grapes. Once ripe, the grapes turn to raisins very quickly so rapid picking and ruthless whole-cluster hand-sorting at the winery are required to produce premium Zinfandel, but if all goes well, it is a glorious wine that can be among the best reds produced in California.

Wines of the Quarter

2014 Hartford Russian River Valley Old Vine Zinfandel

There is one particular producer of Zinfandel that's been the favorite of The Westin Kierland Villas for many years; Hartford Family Winery. Hartford produces several fantastic single vineyard old vine Zinfandel's but for our newsletter readers, we have a particularly special offering.

We have a very limited supply of the 2014 Hartford Russian River Valley Old Vine Zinfandel. The Russian River Zin has received 90 points or higher every year since 2007, but the 2014 is the highest scoring Hartford RRV Zin ever made, 94 points, from famous critic Robert Parker. 

In addition to Parker's review, Wine Spectator Magazine stated in their December 2016 issue, which detailed their Top 100 Wines of 2016, that the 2014 Hartford RRV Zin as the 10^th best wine in the world for 2016. 

Most of the Wine Spectator's Top 10 wines are sold out long before their December issue goes to press, so we're thrilled to be able to offer a limited amount of this spectacular wine for $43.99 per bottle. The winery sold this wine out in a matter of days after the Top 10 list was announced, so get some quickly as our very limited inventory won't last long. Our order limit is 3 bottles.

2013 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 

We're also featuring a truly great Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon blend from the exclusive Jackson Estate product line. This 2013 Cab has no retail distribution and is meant to be sold in restaurants only. We offered the 2012 Jackson Estate Cab last year at our tasting events and it was wildly popular. The 2013 has a much higher score, 94 points from Robert Parker, and is a far superior wine in every way. An Alexander Valley Cab with this pedigree, this score and this exclusivity (no retail distribution) doesn't typically sell for as low as our $44.00 price, so get some while quantities last. This represents a tremendous value in California Cabernet Sauvignon.

If you desire any further information or would like to purchase the wine, please contact The Westin Kierland Villas Food, Beverage, and FUN Manager John Voita directly at john.voita@westin.com.  Please note that deliveries are not available to all areas.  

Wine Event Information

It is always a pleasure hosting the wine events for you.  Please be sure to register prior to your arrival to ensure you are a part of the experience.  Thank you.

Tony Miller

Resident Wine Expert

The Westin Kierland Villas