Luxury Alaska Talon Lodge Announces 2016 Wine Series Vineyards
Talon Lodge stands out from the competition and truly is a luxury fishing lodge by not only offering comfortable, deluxe accommodations but elevating the experience with a Chef and Wine Maker series throughout the summer season. Talon Lodge has invited some of the most exclusive vineyards to host the wine maker series and include the finest of wines to pair with gourmet cuisine designed by Talon’s team of chefs. Next year’s wine makers are all from the West Coast but originate from different regions of wine country – Sonoma, Napa, Monterey and Willamette Valley and specialize in various red, white, reserve and blended wines.
Galante Vineyards
With a history of cattle ranching and as a direct descendants of the founder of Carmel California, Jack Galante is recognized as one of the leading wine makers in Monterey County and all of California. All the wine crafted on the Galante Vineyard is estate grown – a distinction that requires that the wine be made entirely of grapes from a viticultural area as well as never leave the vineyard throughout the process of picking, fermenting, bottling, finishing and aging. Galante Vineyards is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon wines, they also make limited amounts of estate grown Malbec, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and several blends. The long growing season in the Carmel Valley cause the grapes to ripen slowly which intensifies the flavor of the wine. You will definitely notice the difference.
Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards
After almost four decades in Sonoma’s cool coastal climate Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards are known for their extraordinary Chardonnay. These well-crafted white wines are a subtle balance of fruitiness and acidity, each distinct in its own right, Late Harvest, Founders Reserve or Russian River Ranches are just a few of the exceptional Chardonnays created by Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards. They also have a separate vineyard that crafts Pinot Noir using the most delicate of techniques, ensuring elegant complexity from this red wine. Their philosophy combines specific vineyard character for each wine, attention to detail, the finest of wine making processes and continued excellence with each step.
Saddleback Cellars
For nearly 35 years Nils Venge has been creating award winning wine at his vineyard Saddleback Cellars. The focus of the winery is their acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon but they also craft Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Zinfandel. Before Saddleback Cellars became known for its own wine, Nils Venge, as the wine maker for Groth Vineyards and Winery, won the coveted perfect 100 point score from Robert Parker Jr., the first American to ever receive that distinction. Nils Venge has been lauded as one of the pioneers in Napa Valley wine making. The vineyard continues traditional winemaking including hand-picking the grapes. Saddleback Cellars will be celebrating their 30th anniversary by releasing a special commemorative Cabernet.
Ponzi Vineyards
Ponzi Vineyards, located in the Willamette Valley southwest of Portland Oregon led the revitalization of the winemaking industry in the state in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Forty-five years later, this sister-run winery continues to innovate white, Italian and specialty wines. Their recently renovated facility was one of the first Oregon facilities awarded the LIVE Winery Certification, given to vineyards that meet stringent environmental and sustainability goals. Luisa Ponzi, Ponzi Vineyards’ wine maker, was the first American woman to receive her certificate in enology and viticulture in Beaune, France. She has introduced unique variables such as elevation and soil type to her blends that differentiate them from similar wine types.
A fishing trip to Alaska is certainly an experience you will not soon forget. When you add in luxury accommodations, first class service and succulent cuisine from award winning chefs paired with wines from some of the most prestigious vineyards – your Alaska vacation will be like no other.