 |
|
|
Kimpton Hotels requires Flash Player 8 or higher. Please download and install the latest version of Flash Player before continuing. |
| ||||||||||||||||||
 |
Back in 1981, Bill Kimpton personally supervised every aspect of each guest's stay in his hotel. He made sure Kimpton beds were comfortable, the water pressure was strong, the lobby was sparkling, and the employees were friendly. And he made a point of greeting each guest personally at the hotel's Hosted Evening Wine Hour. Today, all of our hotels continue to honor this tradition, with a social hour, hosted by the General Manager*. This is a relaxing opportunity for guests to mingle with each other, and taste unique wines from around the world. We're still the only hotel company that offers guests this quality time at the end of each day.
Leslie Sbrocco is a nationally-recognized wine writer, consultant, speaker, and television personality. Author of The Simple & Savvy Wine Guide and Wine for Women: A Guide to Buying, Pairing, and Sharing Wine, Leslie is the Tasting Notes columnist for Epicurious.com. Her writing appears in national magazines such as Redbook, Family Circle and Real Simple. Sbrocco appears regularly on NBC's Today Show and is host of the Emmy-award winning show on PBS television, Check Please!
Washington state is home to some of our country's top wines. Ranking second in fine wine production after California, the sunny climate of eastern Washington is perfect for growing grapes. This month's picks highlight the state's vibrant, fruit-driven style of wines. Avery Lane is inspired by a picturesque road of the same name winding through wine country and it's a brand sure to please. Avery Lane Chardonnay Creamy yet with a crisp finish, this juicy white captures the essence of Chardonnay. Sip alongside cheeses, fleshy fish dishes, or simply by itself in the sunshine. Avery Lane Merlot Soft and smooth with ripe fruit flavors, this supple Merlot is ready to pair with everything from chicken to steak. Avery Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Showcasing spicy aromas with fresh dark berry fruitiness, the Avery Lane Cab will put a smile on any red wine lover's face.
Fetzer Vineyards opened their doors in bucolic Mendocino, California more than forty years ago. They're now a well-known name in the wine business due to quality, value, and their commitment to growing grapes sustainably. Producing earth-friendly wines that showcase a mouthful of delicious fruit is their primary goal. As Fetzer's winemaker Dennis Martin says, "we strive to create harmony with both our palates and our planet." Fetzer Vineyards "Valley Oaks" Chardonnay, California Packed with loads of tropical fruit flavors, this smooth, juicy Chardonnay is a crowd pleaser. Crisp enough to pour alongside salads and fresh cheeses, but rich enough to hold up to fleshy fishes, roast chicken and hearty soups. Fetzer Vineyards "Valley Oaks" Cabernet Sauvignon, California Cabernet Sauvignon is called the King of Grapes for a reason: it's perfumed yet powerful. Fetzer's Cab explodes with bright cherry aromas and finishes with a spicy kick. When ribs on the grill beckon...this is the wine to sip. For more information, check out: www.fetzer.com
Located in Australia's world-famous Barossa Valley, the historic Jacob's Creek winery was founded in 1846 when Johann Gramp planted the region's first vineyard on the banks of Jacob's Creek. Since then it has proven one of the top Aussie brands worldwide. But you don't have to jet Down Under to enjoy a taste of Jacob's Creek. We're serving two of their winning wines this month. Jacob's Creek Pinot Grigio, South Eastern Australia Pinot Grigio has captured American wine drinkers' hearts. Most versions hail from northern Italy, but this one comes from the southern hemisphere where sun shines in abundance. With zesty, lemon/lime freshness, this is an ideal summer sipper. Jacob's Creek Shiraz, South Eastern Australia This classy grape variety is grown all over the globe, but it is definitely Australia's vinous leading man (along with Hugh Jackman, that is). The Jacob's Creek is lush with dark berry fruit flavors and a spicy finish. When steak on the grills calls, answer it with this smooth Shiraz. For more information, check out: www.jacobscreek.com
In celebration of California Wine Month, we're shining the spotlight a classic brand from the Golden State. Produced by Beringer, one of Napa Valley's most historic and highly-regarded wineries, the Stone Cellars brand focuses on approachable, fruit-forward wines. Taking the name from the famous cellars where Beringer's 125 years of winemaking began, the wines combine history with a sense of fun. Stone Cellars by Beringer Pinot Grigio, California The appeal of Pinot Grigio lies in its easy-drinking style. This sun-drenched California version packs a fruit wallop with aromas of orange blossom followed by citrusy freshness. Chill down then chill out while enjoying a glass. Stone Cellars by Beringer Merlot, California "Make mine a Merlot" is what Americans say. As one of the top wine types in this country, the grape's dark berry fruit notes and smooth texture make it a favorite to sip alone or pair with dishes as diverse as roast chicken or roast beef. For more information, check out: www.beringer.com
Fall is in the air. That means transitioning from easy-drinking summer sippers to hearty yet still refreshing wines. October's selections highlight a serious brand that doesn't take itself too seriously. Dubbed Twisted, this California producer combines a focus on high quality with a sense of whimsy. Untwist the top and enjoy getting Twisted. Twisted Chardonnay, California Ripe fruit flavors kissed with a touch of oaky complexity make this a Chardonnay you'll reach for again and again. Ideal as a cocktail to ease from work hours to off hours, but with a vibrant, racy quality it pairs with dishes from grilled salmon to Dijon-rubbed veal chops. Twisted "Old Vine" Zinfandel, California Packed with juicy dark berry fruit flavors and a spicy kick, this Zin expresses the gnarly, twisted old vines that give the wine its name. A perfect cool-weather red to pair with fiery chili, burger sliders, or pastrami sandwich. For more information, check out: www.twistedwine.com
The name is famous for not only award-winning films, but award-winning wines. Francis Ford Coppla Winery in Sonoma County, California, is a place where enjoying life takes center stage. This month Kimpton is proudly pouring Coppola's Bianco and Rosso wines. As the famed director says, "My family has always made wine. To hear it from my father Carmine, these were not fancy wines, they were everyday wines, wines that were on the dinner table each night." Francis Ford Coppola Bianco Pinot Grigio, California With a mouthful of juicy fruit flavors and ping of freshness, this is a wine that will make you crave more. Made with a dash of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay for complexity, it's a white with style. Pour with salads, fish dishes and tangy cheeses. Francis Ford Coppola Rosso, California You can almost imagine Francis Ford Coppola's Italian grandfather making vino like this is the basement of their New York apartment. It's a hearty yet smooth blend of Zinfandel, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon with appealing smoky aromas and dark berry fruit flavors. Uncork and enjoy with burgers, pizza and pasta smothered in marinara. For more information, check out: www.franciscoppolawinery.com
Have a sparkling evening by joining us for a glass of holiday cheer. From an elegant Spanish bubbly to a soothing Spanish red, this month's wines take you on a vinous trip to the Iberian Peninsula. We're offering the internationally-lauded Cava from Segura Viudas (Cava is the famous sparkling wine from Spain), and complementing the fizz is a seductive red. Named for the lively energy abounding in tapas bars throughout Spain, Tapeña, is made with the country's famous red grape variety, Tempranillo. Grab a glass and share it with friends. These sumptuous sippers are an ideal way to celebrate the season and ring in the New Year. Cheers! Segura Viudas "Reserva" Cava, Spain Native grapes Macabeao, Parellada, and Xarel-lo combine seamlessly in a classically-styled Cava that highlights honey and pear notes wrapped with a lush texture. Pair with olives, almonds, sliced ham, or any salty nibble. Tapeña Tempranillo, Spain Spicy, fresh, and oh-so-easy to sip, this lovely red wine evokes images of sitting in a bar in Barcelona enjoying friends, food, and fun. Ideal to drink simply as a cocktail, the Tapeña Tempranillo also sings when paired alongside dinner. For more information, check out: www.seguraviudas.com For more information, check out: www.tapenawines.com
* The following hotels don't participate in wine hour: Morrison House, Hotel Palomar Arlington, Hotel Monaco Alexandria, Lorien Hotel & Spa, Sir Francis Drake Hotel |
|
|||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||
 | |||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
