Recap of Our Favorite Charity Wine Auctions in 2010 and Announcements of 2011 Plans

While most of the charity wine auctions have been struggling in this tough economic climate for the last couple of years, it seems that some have rebounded in 2010. Here are five of our favorite auctions which began rallying last year. The sixth auction listed here was in its successful first year. The 2011 schedule for each of these auctions is also announced.

A Tasting of Grower Champagnes

The Vienna Wine Company and WineWise Oakland, California presented a tasting of 86 Grower-Producer Champagnes from Terry Theise Estate Selections and WineWise in October at Campanile Restaurant in Los Angeles.

The Champagnes are delicious, hand-crafted and estate-bottled, grown and produced by a vintner or by a family. Generally, the Champagnes imported by Terry Theise sell for about $45-100 for non-vintage and $60-145 for vintage. Theise calls these Grower Champagnes Farmer Fizz because the wines are made by a farmer and offer the individually distinctive flavors of terroir-driven wines.

A Tasting of Grower Champagnes and Sparkling Wines

The Vienna Wine Company and WineWise Oakland, California presented a tasting of 89 Grower-Producer Champagne and 11 Sparkling Wines from Terry Theise Estate Selections and WineWise in November at Campanile Restaurant in Los Angeles.

Brancott Celebrates 30 Years of Winemaking

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first vintage of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, a landmark celebration for Brancott and for the New Zealand wine industry.  To mark this milestone, Brancott Vineyards, which is made by Montana Wines in Blenheim, is showcasing its range of world-renowned, vibrant, intensely-flavored, fruit-forward wines at various venues in the [...]