"Cheers" from Vintage Connections
Dean and Lisa Foster, Wine Educators and Consultants

This week we are previewing our Wines of the USA course and an easy-to-drink red blend from Shelton Vineyards in the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina.


Wines of the USA 102 (or part II) - Almost every winery in almost every state produces Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, and many wineries in many states produce Riesling and Pinot Noir. In this class, we’re going to sample and learn about what may be unexpected wines from unexpected places.

Georgia. Hot, muggy, clay soil, not an ideal climate or environment for wine grapes (vinifera grapes anyway). But in the North Georgia mountains, spanning from Dahlonega to Clayton is the North Georgia Wine Highway. You never know what you might find at a winery here.

North Carolina. Some of our favorite wines are produced in the Yadkin Valley and we’re shopping for something special to taste and share in class.

Virginia. Virginia produces some signature wines, especially Viognier and Norton (also know as Cynthiana) as well as the usual vinifera grape wine.

Maryland. One of our all-time favorite wineries is Fiore, just outside Pylesville, Maryland. We hope to stop there and bring back something special.

Pennsylvania. We have some older vintages of some excellent Pennsylvania wines aging in our cellar (OK, a closet in the basement). We may just bring one of our favorites to share with the class.


Madison Lee Red Table Wine - 2006


From Shelton Vineyards in North Carolina, this easy drinking red table wine is a Bordeaux style blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvginon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. We often suggest this wine to our friends who aren’t sure if they like red wine. It is medium-bodied, rich deep red in color. It has aromas of ripe red fruits and flavors of berries, vanilla and a hint of spice. Alcohol is 13.5% by volume. Available only at the winery for $11.99.





Upcoming Wine Events in the Pottstown Area

Wines of the USA, Thursday, April 22. A one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown.
6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52 per person.

Wines of the World, Thursday, April 29. A one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Additional information about these classes is available on page 30 of this brochure.

Register for these classes by going to the College's non-credit registration webpage.


Cinco de Mayo, Wednesday, May 5. Wines from Spain, Chile, and Argentina at the Gallery School of Pottstown. Begins promptly at 6:30 PM. $45 per person.

Register for Cinco De Mayo by going to the Gallery School's website.


American Wine Society Educational Foundation Wine Tasting and Appetizer Pairing, Saturday, September 18, at the Perkiomen Library in Schwenksville. Time and Cost TBD. See the AWS Perkiomen Chapter website.


Mom's House Benefit Wine Tasting Dinner, Saturday, 6:30 PM, October 23 at the Kimberton Arts Center. $75 per person or $525 for a table for eight. See Mom's House website.

Contact us to schedule an event in your home, at your business, or for your organization.

Vintage Connections
Lisa and Dean Foster

"Cheers" from Vintage Connections
Dean and Lisa Foster, Wine Educators and Consultants

This week we are recommending Baldor Syrah 2004 and Franklin Hill Vineyards' Chardonnay.

Baldor Tradicion 2004 Syrah

From Bodega Castiblanque in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. This is an excellent Syrah made from 100% syrah grapes then aged in 100% medium toast new French oak, where it undergoes forced malolactic fermentation followed by aging for 6 months.

It has a gentle, but “very expressive” nose with hints of licorice, cocoa and coffee. Deep purple plum in color, it has flavors of ripe red fruits and balanced tannins and a long satisfying finish. Great with lamb and other rich red meats.

Alcohol is 14% by volume. PLCB product code is 26270 and costs $12.99. It is available at many Wine and Spirits stores. Check with your local store and if not available there, have them request one of the other stores to ship it in.

For more information about Baldor Syrah, visit our Vintage Connections Wine Info blog.


Franklin Hill Vineyards Chardonnay NV

From Bangor, PA, in the Lehigh Valley, this Chardonnay was a pleasant surprise. A beautiful amber color delights the eye as you swirl and then sniff the fruit forward aroma. Hints of butterscotch, apples and pears. The finish is fairly long lasting with a pleasant oakiness. Franklin Hill Vineyards was one the first PA Wineries we visited (often) when we got serious about wine tasting many years ago. Their Chardonnay is available for $12 at the vineyard and at the three Franklin Hill Vineyard outlet stores in the Lehigh Valley.

For more information about our experience at Franklin Hill, visit our Vintage Connections Wine Info blog. For more information about the Vineyard and its many wines, visit their website.


Upcoming Wine Events in the Pottstown Area

Wines of the USA, Thursday, April 22. A one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown.
6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52 per person.

Wines of the World, Thursday, April 29. A one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Wine Making and Tasting Appreciation, seven Wednesdays, March 31 through May 19, 6:30-8:30 PM (no class April 21). Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, $189 per person.

Additional information about these classes is available at

http://www.mc3.edu/Media/Website%20Resources/pdf/coned/brochure.pdf


Register for these classes by going to the College's website at

http://www.mc3.edu/workforceDevelopment/register.aspx


Cinco de Mayo, Wednesday, May 5. Wines from Spain, Chile, and Argentina at the Gallery School of Pottstown. Begins promptly at 6:30 PM. $45 per person.

Register for Cinco De Mayo by going to the Gallery School's website at http://www.galleryonhigh.com/wineafter5.html

Mom's House Benefit Wine Tasting Dinner, Saturday, 6:30 PM, October 23 at the Kimberton Arts Center. $75 per person or $525 for a table for eight.

Contact us to schedule an event in your home, at your business, or for your organization.

Vintage Connections
Lisa and Dean Foster

Wine Tip of the Week - Brancott Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and Brandywine Valley Wine Trail

"Cheers" from Vintage Connections
Dean and Lisa Foster, Wine Educators and Consultants

This week we are providing one Wine Tip and Wine In Depth about the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail.

Brancott Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - From Marlborough, New Zealand.


We are constantly looking for good Sauvignon Blancs and those from Marlborough seem to be consistently good. The Brancott Reserve is no exception. As the chief wine maker Jeff Clarke states about the 2008 vintage “the flavors are bold, ripe and zesty, exactly what you’d expect from a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc”. Light straw color with slightly green highlights, the aroma is full of tropical fruits and grapefruit. The flavor is full of fruit and has well-balanced acidity for a long and lingering finish. Brancott feels that this wine could be cellared for 2 to 3 years to develop its complexity. Alcohol is 13.5% by volume. PLCB product code is 9326 and is currently on sale for $16.99. Available a most PA Wine and Spirit Stores.


Brandywine Valley Wine Trail

For additional information and photos, go to the Vintage Connections Wine Info blog at http://vintageconnectionswineinfo.blogspot.com/

Consisting of eight wineries in the Chester County area of PA, this is a wine trail worth the trip. Each of the eight wineries has something unique to offer. From the brand new Black Walnut Winery to the well-known Chadds Ford Winery, there is something for everyone in the Brandywine Valley. All but Patone Cellars offer tastings throughout the year in beautiful settings at unique and tasteful tasting rooms.

Just in time for trips to ease the winter “cabin fever”, the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail is having their annual Barrels on the Brandywine wine tasting during the month of March. A passport, good for tastings at all eight wineries, is available on-line for $25 per person and at the wineries. Only a limited number of passports are sold, so we recommend calling your closest participating winery to make sure they still have passports available. Order by Tuesday on-line for delivery before the following weekend.

Brandywine Valley wineries’ hours of operation and tasting fees vary. Check their websites or give them a call for details.

The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail website is http://www.bvwinetrail.com/

You can link to all eight of the wineries’ websites and find their phone numbers from there.


Up-coming Wine Events in the Pottstown Area

Wines of the USA, Thursday, April 22. A one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown.
6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52 per person.

Wines of the World, Thursday, April 29. A one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.


Wine Making and Tasting Appreciation, sevens Wednesdays, March 31 through May 19, 6:30-8:30 PM (no class April 21). Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, $189 per person.

Additional information about these classes is available at

http://www.mc3.edu/Media/Website%20Resources/pdf/coned/brochure.pdf


Register for these classes by going to the College's website at

http://www.mc3.edu/workforceDevelopment/register.aspx


Cinco de Mayo, Wednesday, May 5. Wines from Spain, Chile, and Argentina at the Gallery School of Pottstown. Begins promptly at 6:30 PM. $45 per person.

Register for Cinco De Mayo by going to the Gallery School's website at http://www.galleryonhigh.com/wineafter5.html

Mom's House Benefit Wine Tasting Dinner, Saturday, October 23. Location, Time and Cost TBD.

Contact us to schedule an event in your home, at your business, or for your organization.

Vintage Connections
Lisa and Dean Foster

"Cheers" from Vintage Connections
Dean and Lisa Foster, Wine Educators and Consultants

This week we are providing one Wine Tip and Wine in Depth about grape leaves.

This Week’s Wine Tips!

The Wishing Tree 2006 Shiraz


Named for a beautiful old oak tree in a park that owner John Larchet used to play in as a child and would make wishes under, this 100% shiraz (syrah) wine is from Western Australia and embodies all the best characteristics of a good Australian Shiraz. It has the “classic notes of black pepper and leather” with rich red and dark berry flavors. With a smooth, almost sweet finish, this dry ruby red wine exhibits almost no tannins and is ready to drink now. It is one of the Australian Premium Wine Collections. Great with lamb dishes. Alcohol is 14% by volume. PLCB code is 10536. Cost is $10.99. We found this wine at the PA Store at Berkshire Mall West. Check your local stores and if they do not have it, ask if they can get a bottle for you (at the $10.99 price).

Wine in Depth - Grape Leaves

Now that spring is nearly upon us and the grape vines will soon be budding, we thought we would give some thought to the grape’s leaves.


Did you know that leaf shapes and sizes vary from grape to grape? They all have the same general shape, but many are deeply lobed and some barely lobed at all. Some leaves are quite large while others are fairly small. Many viticulturalists use leaf identification to ascertain whether they are planting the correct wine grape in their vineyards.



And of course, there is the delicious custom that most middle eastern countries have of stuffing grape leaves and eating them. The grape leaves for this tasty treat are usually purchased at your local store already brined, but many purists want the fresh leaf for their recipe. If you find yourself wanting to try this, just be sure the leaves you choose have not been sprayed, but are completely organic, or you’ll end up with toxins in your stuffed grape leaves. Also, be sure to check with your local vineyard before you start clipping leaves. Some leaves need to be left on the vine and the vineyard owner will know which ones can be safely clipped and which ones not. For more information, go to our Vintage Connections Wine Info blog at


Up-coming Wine Events in the Pottstown Area

Thursday, April 22, Wines of the USA, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown,
6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Thursday, April 29, Wines of the World, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Wednesday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo, wines from Spain, Chile, and Argentina at the Gallery School of Pottstown. Begins promptly at 6:30 PM. Cost TBD.

Saturday, October 23, Mom's House Benefit Wine Tasting Dinner. Location, Time and Cost TBD.

Many other events are TBD. Contact us to schedule an event in your home, at your business, or for your organization.

Vintage Connections
Lisa and Dean Foster

"Cheers" from Vintage Connections
Dean and Lisa Foster, Wine Educators and Consultants

This week we are providing a tip about J. Lohr Syrah and a tip about the American Wine Society - Perkiomen Chapter, a wine-tasting group we participate in that you can join if you are interested.

This Week’s Wine Tips!

J. Lohr South Ridge Paso Robles Syrah


We've enjoyed this wine several times and recommended it to friends who have enjoyed it as well.


This remarkably well-balanced Syrah is made from 2 clones: French Chapoutier and Australian Shiraz #2 grown in the Estrella Hills area of Paso Robles, CA. With aromas of black cherry and blackberry, it is rich, dark and fruity with a light toasted oak flavor. It underwent primary fermentation in stainless steel, then malolactic fermentation in French and American oak barrels for 14 months. A great wine with grilled meats. The J. Lohr Syrah is available at most PA Wine and Spirit stores for $15.99. PLCB product code is 6311. Alcohol is13.5% by volume.


J. Lohr Vineyard was first started in Monterey’s Aroyo Seco region of California. Jerry Lohr then bought land and started a vineyard in San Jose` and finally moved into Paso Robles. His wines are divided into different series: the Cuvee` Series which is his “artistic” approach to wine-making; the Vineyard Series which is his “luxury” wine; the Estate Series which is his line of estate produced varietals; Cypress Vineyards which is his series of everyday wines; Painter Bridge series which he considers “entry level” wines, and the Aerial series of non-alcoholic wines. If you ever visit J. Lohr Vineyards in California, you may even get a guided tour of the winery by Jerry himself.




American Wine Society - Perkiomen Chapter


The American Wine Society (AWS) was created in 1967 as a non-profit organization to promote wine education, wine-making and wine appreciation. Its first meeting was held at Dr Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York.



AWS membership is open to the general public and attracts members from all aspects of the wine community, from educators to wine-makers to just those of us who like a good glass of wine and would like to know more about what we’re drinking.



There are many local AWS chapters in Pennsylvania. Some chapters have very formal tastings while others are very relaxed. Most chapters have a visitation policy where you can visit a wine tasting to see if their style suits your needs. All chapters promote wine education. Attending wine tastings allows members and visitors a chance to sample various wines and to learn a little more about each wine. There is usually a tasting fee that helps with the costs of the wine. Some wine tastings are all the same type of wine, but from different vineyards while other tastings may be different wines from a particular wine region. Many chapters meet in individual members’ homes. It is often up to the host of the tasting to choose the wines and the theme of the tasting.



The local chapter that we attend and fits our needs is the Perkiomen Valley Chapter. This group is informal. Between 20 and 30 of us gather on the 4th Sunday of each month at 3:30 PM at someone's home, taste 4-5 wines and some snacks that the hosts have paired with the wines. Guests can attend up to three tastings before joining. If you are interested in attending a tasting, let us know. We are hosting a tasting at our home on Sunday, April 25. Tastings are usually $15 per person.



See the AWS website at http://www.americanwinesociety.org/


The Perkiomen Valley Chapter's website is
http://sites.google.com/site/americanwinesocietyperkiomen/


If you want more information about the Perkiomen Chapter, please email us.



Upcoming Events

March Madness is sold out according to the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail website http://www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com/

Many wineries may still allow regular tastings but most wineries will be very crowded on week-ends during March. If you don't have a ticket, we recommend you don't go to Lehigh Valley wineries on weekends in March. Check each winery's website for their weekday hours of operation. Some are open seven days a week while others are only open on the weekends.

Thursday, April 22, Wines of the USA, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown,
6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.


Thursday, April 29, Wines of the World, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown,
6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Wednesday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo, wines from Spain, Chile, and Argentina at the Gallery School of Pottstown.
Begins promptly at 6:30 PM. Cost TBD.

Saturday, October 23, Mom's House Benefit Wine Tasting Dinner. Location, Time and Cost TBD.

Many other events are TBD. Contact us to schedule an event in your home, at your business, or for your organization.


Vintage Connections
Lisa and Dean Foster