Two of your questions in the wine section were composed of two parts "I will ... but not if". That makes answering them difficult. To which part are the responders agreeing? Poor set-up there.
Completely agree. Next time. Thank you for the reminder. Have you switched? Or, how much less wine do you drink in favor of spirits? 20%? Just an estimate, I know.
A wild guess here, but I probably drink 80% spirits and 20% wine these days. Scotch has always held a place in my heart (or palate?j, but I found myself shifting the balance from wine to spirits five or six years ago. The exception is gatherings with friends. Wine always wins out on that one, although in the summer, beer raises its frothy little head. I should mention the plethora of artisanal gins that have appeared on the scene in the last few years has also made inroads into the wine market.
Mostly prices, yes, but the culture as well. I've been in Napa Valley since 1978 and was involved in the hospitality industry for the first twelve years.
In those days each of the fifty wineries in Napa Valley was represented on our wine list and we had personal relationships with many of the wineries. Wines were more affordable for most income levels of the population and the no-cost/low-cost tastings at wineries were geared toward wine education and appreciation rather than the current trend of status building and entertainment.
All that being said, l do appreciate the fine wines produced in Napa Valley, l am completely unwilling to pay anywhere near the "$100 average per bottle of Napa Valley Wine, or pay $81...on average for a standard tasting" (San Francisco Chronicle, August 16, 2023).
My palate, and my wallet are perfectly happy exploring French Bordeaux as well as Irish and Kentucky Whiskeys.
I look for small wine producers, most of whom I've known for years. However, I'm interested in lower alcohol wines now that I'm older and would like to try more of these. But it's hard to beat a good Zin with a little aging on it.
The technology you describe in your questions destroys the art of wine which is dependent on the terroir, the palate, natural climate, and the nuances of the grapes. It would be a tragedy to turn all of that over to technology. Wine making is not following a recipe; it's art and the nuances of talent.
Frustrating to read that you believe consumers are going to be looking for less expensive dining experiences, and in the next paragraph read that customers are looking for comfort foods that are elevated with lobster & truffles. Food costs continue to rise, insurance & utilities are out of control in Napa Valley, and labor in the UpValley is as tight as ever due to lack of affordable housing options.
The high price of Napa cabs has caused me to pay more attention to the Sierra Foothills and Paso Robles but or a real value I look for Chianti Classico Riservas or Rhone varietals.
Thank you for your interesting and, as always, provocative thoughts and perspective. They are well-phrased and provide food for thought. I would like to see more perspective on hard spirits. You noted a trend toward them, but did not elaborate. I am noticing that some of the innovative bartenders/bar programs are starting to pull from several of the trends you mentioned to find locally sourced, regionally unique products to create economically reasonable cocktails. The cocktails bring together the nostalgia of the classics as well as intriguing ethnic spins on ingredients and spirits.
I'm wondering if men are answering the question about seeking out products tailored to women's health needs. If so that would definitely skew your results. Based on the women I know I would say they are very interested in food products tailored to their health needs yet so far the answers in your poll are not reflecting that.
Many times it is difficult to know if the grapes in a certain wine are grown organically, using regenerative techniques or certified Green or CCOF. Unless the winery also owns and farms the vineyards, it is rarely stated. I would also like to support B Corps wineries and those whose facilities are certified Green, but that is not always on the label either.
This poll is very relevant in my opinion. I enjoyed participating. New to the "industry" but having a long love of wine, my husband and I are thoroughly enjoying discovering small family owned wineries and comparing them. Personally, I enjoy the broader wine experience of the lower ABV wines found in many old world wines, but in very few wines made here in the valley. Just a personal comment.... Cheers, G. Hendee
Two of your questions in the wine section were composed of two parts "I will ... but not if". That makes answering them difficult. To which part are the responders agreeing? Poor set-up there.
Thank you for the feedback. Want to help with the next one?
You need to add one more poll option: I find myself shifting more toward hard spirits (or cocktails) and away from wine.
Completely agree. Next time. Thank you for the reminder. Have you switched? Or, how much less wine do you drink in favor of spirits? 20%? Just an estimate, I know.
A wild guess here, but I probably drink 80% spirits and 20% wine these days. Scotch has always held a place in my heart (or palate?j, but I found myself shifting the balance from wine to spirits five or six years ago. The exception is gatherings with friends. Wine always wins out on that one, although in the summer, beer raises its frothy little head. I should mention the plethora of artisanal gins that have appeared on the scene in the last few years has also made inroads into the wine market.
This becomes more and more of a menu choice since (high priced) cocktails are becoming less expensive than the lowest priced glass of wine!
Absolutely. I can get a decent 10-year-old single malt Scotch at Safeway for about $23 as opposed to a low end Cabernet for $40.
Top trend, curated NA options. Lots of people are ditching alcohol these days.
Why do you think that is?
Agreed! My restaurant in Calistoga, Lovina, has a full mocktail list and it's been very popular.
I will absolutely come check that out!
In the past couple of years I have shifted away from Napa Valley and Sonoma County wines toward French and Italian wines and distilled spirits.
Why is that? Price? Adventure? Other? Thank you.
Mostly prices, yes, but the culture as well. I've been in Napa Valley since 1978 and was involved in the hospitality industry for the first twelve years.
In those days each of the fifty wineries in Napa Valley was represented on our wine list and we had personal relationships with many of the wineries. Wines were more affordable for most income levels of the population and the no-cost/low-cost tastings at wineries were geared toward wine education and appreciation rather than the current trend of status building and entertainment.
All that being said, l do appreciate the fine wines produced in Napa Valley, l am completely unwilling to pay anywhere near the "$100 average per bottle of Napa Valley Wine, or pay $81...on average for a standard tasting" (San Francisco Chronicle, August 16, 2023).
My palate, and my wallet are perfectly happy exploring French Bordeaux as well as Irish and Kentucky Whiskeys.
I look for small wine producers, most of whom I've known for years. However, I'm interested in lower alcohol wines now that I'm older and would like to try more of these. But it's hard to beat a good Zin with a little aging on it.
What are you sifting to for lower alcohol? And, yes, there are definitely moments when a Zin is in order in my world.
I'm a fan of lighter wines- say 12% or so. And as I get older, even lighter wines are good as long as they don't sacrifice flavor and aroma.
The technology you describe in your questions destroys the art of wine which is dependent on the terroir, the palate, natural climate, and the nuances of the grapes. It would be a tragedy to turn all of that over to technology. Wine making is not following a recipe; it's art and the nuances of talent.
Thank you. Would you be equally opposed to technology helping pick a wine for you to buy based on your profile? Or, is this the same issue?
Frustrating to read that you believe consumers are going to be looking for less expensive dining experiences, and in the next paragraph read that customers are looking for comfort foods that are elevated with lobster & truffles. Food costs continue to rise, insurance & utilities are out of control in Napa Valley, and labor in the UpValley is as tight as ever due to lack of affordable housing options.
So, are there any good alternatives?
The high price of Napa cabs has caused me to pay more attention to the Sierra Foothills and Paso Robles but or a real value I look for Chianti Classico Riservas or Rhone varietals.
Same issue.
Thank you for your interesting and, as always, provocative thoughts and perspective. They are well-phrased and provide food for thought. I would like to see more perspective on hard spirits. You noted a trend toward them, but did not elaborate. I am noticing that some of the innovative bartenders/bar programs are starting to pull from several of the trends you mentioned to find locally sourced, regionally unique products to create economically reasonable cocktails. The cocktails bring together the nostalgia of the classics as well as intriguing ethnic spins on ingredients and spirits.
I'm wondering if men are answering the question about seeking out products tailored to women's health needs. If so that would definitely skew your results. Based on the women I know I would say they are very interested in food products tailored to their health needs yet so far the answers in your poll are not reflecting that.
Looking for population data, but, yes, there are refinements to that question in the future. Thank you for the feedback.
Many times it is difficult to know if the grapes in a certain wine are grown organically, using regenerative techniques or certified Green or CCOF. Unless the winery also owns and farms the vineyards, it is rarely stated. I would also like to support B Corps wineries and those whose facilities are certified Green, but that is not always on the label either.
This poll is very relevant in my opinion. I enjoyed participating. New to the "industry" but having a long love of wine, my husband and I are thoroughly enjoying discovering small family owned wineries and comparing them. Personally, I enjoy the broader wine experience of the lower ABV wines found in many old world wines, but in very few wines made here in the valley. Just a personal comment.... Cheers, G. Hendee
Thank you.