Spring is here, and in celebration of the passing of Tax Day, we are hosting a Washington State and Italian Wine Tasting. Join us on 4-6pm on Thursday, April 16.
We will be tasting one white and three reds. The white will be a lively and refreshing Villarini Grillo, and the reds will include a Villarini Nerello Mascalese, a Kion Lemberger and a Kion Estate Cuvee.
This is a free event and very casual. Come anytime between 4pm and 6pm and stay for as long as you like. Of course we will be providing a well appointed charcuterie board to help to cleanse your palate.
Make a night of it in Sunapee Harbor by using the tasting as a starting point to finish at Wildwood Smokehouse, the Blue Canoe or Hoptimystic.
LembergerEstate Bottled | Red Mountain
Vineyards: 100% Kiona Estate
Composition: 97% Lemberger, 3% Merlot
Kiona Vineyards and Winery produced the first commercial bottling of Lemberger in the United States in 1980. Since then, our original 1.8 acre planting has grown to 13.1 acres. Lemberger is typically grown in cooler regions; Red Mountain is a blast furnace by comparison, which results in a riper, rounder profile not found in cooler areas.
An intrinsically drinkable cult classic over the last 40+ vintages, Kiona Estate Lemberger revels in its unorthodoxy. This compelling, medium-bodied, fruit-forward bottling pairs easily with food, offering a rewarding break from the mundane. An extremely gentle neutral oak èlevage for the 2022 version translates to minimal oak influence, allowing the fruit to shine.
Estates CuvéeColumbia Valley
Vineyards: 31% Sunset Bench®, 28% Kiona Estate, 23% Ranch at the End of the Road®, 11% Heart of the Hill, 4% Artz Vineyard, 3% Red Heaven (Sourced)
Composition: 28% Malbec, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Syrah, 8% Lemberger, 4% Zinfandel, 4% Merlot, 3% Grenache, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Mourvèdre, 3% Sangiovese, 1% Carmenère, 1% Cabernet Franc
The name ‘Estates Cuvée’ is also a definition: this high end glass pour-oriented blend originates from all five of our estate vineyards. Each site contributes in a special way, resulting in a declassified estate-grown wine that’s uniquely representative of the region. This bird’s eye view of our farm showcases the vibrant fruit and balancing acidity our region is known for, layered in with serious depth, structure, and color.
In a world of contrived red wine blends with obfuscated sourcing, Estates Cuvée stands apart as a breath of fresh air. We’re blending this approachable, food-friendly cuvée from our estate Red Mountain vineyards, respected by top winemakers from across the Pacific Northwest as some of the best in the business. Expect ample red and blue fruit, framed by generous acidity and barreled down for more than three years. We’re not entirely sure this wine pencils out, but it’s too tasty to stop making.
Blended to be the perfect glass pour for that corner bistro you really enjoy, we want Estates Cuvée to be a food-pairing superstar while offering plenty of layering and depth. To that end, we chose Malbec to headline the 2021 iteration, as its plush, easy-to-pair sensibilities shine in this application.
Villarini Nerello Mascalese
Certified Sustainable | Vegan-Friendly
Key Selling Points:
- Classic Sicilian varietal – “The Sicilian Pinot Noir”
- Sustainably Made – Certified, vegan, and environmentally conscious practices.
Varietal: 100% Nerello Mascalese
Vintage: 2023
Origin: Terre Siciliane, Sicily, Italy
TASTING NOTES
Villarini Nerello Mascalese hits your mouth with aromas of blackberries, blueberries and mulberries, that leads into spice notes of cinnamon and dried herbs. With the elegance of Pinot Noir and the explosive exuberance of Zinfandel, this Nerello Mascalese is delightfully easy to drink, with a round and fruity finish and well integrated tannins.
FOOD MATCH
A great food pairing wine! The red fruits of Nerello pairs wonderfully with tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and the like. Thanks to its acidity, it also pairs with tangy flavors and tomato bases sauces. Its delicate florals also work well with lighter pork dishes, as well as duck confit.
AWARDS
Luca Maroni “Annuario dei Migliori Vini d’Italia”/”Best Italian Wines” 2025, 93p James Suckling 2025: 90p
Villarini Grillo
Organic Grapes | Vegan-Friendly
Key Selling Points:
- Classic Sicilian varietal –Crisp & Refreshing
- Sustainably Made – Organic, vegan, and environmentally conscious practices.
Varietal: 100%
Grillo Vintage: 2024
Origin: Sicilia DOC, Sicily, Italy
TASTING NOTES
Villarini Grillo displays aromas of ripe melon with hints of gooseberry, rounded off with fresh mint. Yellow fruit aromas of apricot and mango balanced with invigorating citrus notes.
FOOD MATCH
Ideal with fish, seafood, white meat and antipasti, as well as salads.
AWARDS
Washington Post 2024: Extraordinary / Great Value New York International Wine Competition 2024: Silver Luca Maroni “Annuario dei Migliori Vini d’Italia”/”Best Italian Wines” 2025, 93p Gilbert & Gaillard 2024: GOLD James Suckling 2025: 89p
