News & Press
A Vivid View of Vintage Variation
A Vivid View of Vintage Variation
By Jonathan Cristaldi, The SOMM Journal, May 16, 2023
Heinrich and his team are able to make “more elegant, less aggressive wines that are easy to drink” thanks to practices such as farming by hand—from pruning and thinning to harvest—and planting cover crops.
Best Wine Cave – B. Wise Vineyards in Sonoma Valley
“The underground caves of B. Wise Vineyards on Moon Mountain are functional, housing the winery’s fermentation and aging areas. Beyond that, they offer one of the wine country’s most unique, inviting spaces. The space is the creation of owners Brion and Ronda Wise. It represents their mutual eclectic aesthetic.
“The caves tunnel to various private alcoves decorated with vintage furnishings, art posters from the 1920s, and mementos acquired during the couple’s travels abroad. A grand central salon features bronze sculptures depicting the Wild West, leather club chairs, and walls filled with whimsical paintings, all lying under a canopy of twinkle lights. The warm, inviting space is the perfect environment to taste the stellar wines from B. Wise.”
Vintner Brion Wise Acquires Mark Herold Wines
Famed Cabernet winemaker just sold his second Napa winery—but this time it’s different
By Jess Lander, The San Francisco Chronicle, May 16, 2023
Brion Wise, proprietor of BRION and B. Wise Vineyards, today announces the acquisition of Mark Herold Wines. Founded by Mark Herold, one of California’s most respected winemakers and consultants, his namesake project now joins an established, critically acclaimed portfolio that includes B. Wise Vineyards and BRION – two Sonoma and Napa Valley wineries for which Herold has already been consulting for 13 years.
7-Night Cruise: From Porto back to Porto on the River Douro
Countries: Portugal, Spain
Update: The B. Wise Douro River Cruise, from June 1 through June 8, 2024 is SOLD OUT.
Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to Port country—the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Sail roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; visit Regua, the “capital” of the Douro Valley; and marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated “Golden City.” Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes.
Bordeaux River Cruise 2022
On our Bordeaux River Cruise in 2022, guests joined Brion & Ronda Wise as they traveled to France’s legendary wine capital, Bordeaux, and toured the region on the river boat, AmaDolce. This voyage was an exclusive full-ship charter—by invitation only—for friends, family, and guests of B. Wise Vineyards and not comparable with other charters through Ama Waterways Bordeaux Cruises. Numerous special events, meals, and excursions were included in this custom itinerary, along with enhancements in food, wine, and entertainment. The journey began on June 16th and continued through June 23rd, 2022. Experiences with iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards, and one of a kind wine tastings were all part of the experience. This trip was a must for anyone interested in the best of French culture, lifestyle, wine, and food.
To learn more about the wines of the Bordeaux region, see our 2020 Bordeaux Wine Series, which includes four wine video segments with special guests and experts on the wines, regions, and history of Bordeaux.
Bordeaux Virtual Wine Series Video 4: “B. Wise Winemaking Team”
Hosts: Colin Heinrich & Elizabeth McDermott
Winemakers Massimo Monticelli and Julien Fayard and Master Cooper Ramiro Herrera, of the B. Wise and BRION winemaking teams, discuss how the regions of Bordeaux and French traditions have influenced our vines, wines, and barrel cooperage, a fun, and lively presentation. Colin Heinrich is the Sommelier and General Manager of B. Wise Vineyards. Elizabeth McDermott is the Director of Wine Clubs and Special Programs.
Bordeaux Virtual Wine Series Video 3: “The Revenge of the Merlot”
Hosts: Paolo Zaccaria & Camilla Carrega-Bertolini
Paolo Zaccaria and Camilla Carrega-Bertolini walk you through the wines of the Bordeaux region as they discuss the flavor and taste of the different areas. Paolo Zaccaria has been a Sommelier since 1986. He teaches wine culture and tasting techniques at Gambero Rosso Academy with a special focus on French wines. Camilla holds a master’s degree in Enology, she has been a wine instructor, Wine Department Chair, and Academic Coordinator of Food and Wine Studies at Apicius-International School of Hospitality in Florence, Italy. Paolo and Camilla were both on the B. Wise Vineyards Bordeaux River Cruise.
Bordeaux Virtual Wine Series Video 2: “The Flavor of Bordeaux”
Host: Jeffrey Davies
Once referred to by English wine writer and wordsmith Andrew Jefford as the “Six Million Euro Man,” Jeffrey Davies is an expert on Bordeaux. He has lived, studied, and worked in Bordeaux for nearly 40 years, creating his “négociant” (wine merchant) company, Signature Selections, in 1986. He has been recognized by the world’s top wine writers for his capacity to ferret out, refine, and successfully “launch” countless Bordeaux wines from appellations both famous and less so. Together, we will celebrate old world and new world wines while focusing, in particular, on those of the Right Bank: Fronsac, Pomerol, and Saint Émilion.
Bordeaux Virtual Wine Series Video 1: “Bordeaux Bootcamp”
Host: Wendy Narby
Do you want to learn what makes Bordeaux such an iconic wine region? Join wine educator Wendy Narby as she gets us started.
Bordeaux Bootcamp covers the history, the geography, the appellations, the different styles of wine produced and the classifications. It also helps you read a Bordeaux label and introduces you to wine making techniques. Leading Bordeaux wine educator, Wendy Narby, shares the information you need to know about this iconic region, a perfect introduction to Bordeaux and its wines.
