The Scoop On Orange Wine For Summertime

It's been trending in wine geek circles for some time. For Wine Wednesday, here is the scoop on orange wine for summertime. Spoiler alert. It is NOT made with or from oranges in any way. Orange wine goes back some 4500 years to the country of Georgia. Grapes were not pressed before fermentation as is the tradition today. This means they sat in vats with seeds, skin, stalks, everything.   As the stalks and skins of the grapes broke down, they released a color that was orange.

There is some kind of wine for everyone from low calorie, to sparking, and from sweet tannic. Now, wine shops are carrying more of these wines...orange.

I first tried Orange Gold by Gerard Bertrand at a release party at one of his estates in France.  I wondered at the time if I loved it because I was so caught up in the location, the event, the 'Frenchness' of it all. But then I tried it again, getting caught up with a friend over cheese and cured meats one hot Southwest Florida afternoon. I closed my eyes, remembered tasting it in the vineyard. It transported me back. And it was just as good I had imagined.

This one is blend of chardonnay, muscat, viognier, grenache blanc, chenin, and roussanne. It is dry and mysterious. If you didn't know what it was, most people would never guess. A very versatile wine, fresh with flavors of apple, orange and peach. A fun discovery. Yes, I'm still a fan. Find in the $25 range

The Vice Wine makes two orange wines; a viognier and gewurztraminer. I recently tried the later and it is summer in a glass with flavors of melon, and juicy white peaches and nectarines. The wine is on the sweet side if that is your jam. It is perfect with spicy food like Indian or Asian. In addition to its flavors, it is also from organic vineyards, is vegan, and low in sulfites. Find it in the $30 range.

Now that you have the scoop on orange wine for summertime, don't be afraid to purchase a bottle for your next brunch, lunch or dinner party. Cheers to orange wine.

Drink responsibly.

In Southwest Florida, Naples is synonymous for luxury.  Whether it be real estate, golf courses, jewelry, shopping, cars, dining, it's going to be top notch.

Wine Spectator recently released their honorees for this years prestigious awards, and 15 well known Naples restaurants have earned recognition for 2023.  Are we really surprised?

Each year Wine Spectator awards three different tiers of awards.  This year, restaurants in Naples are represented in all three categories, the Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Awards.

To even be considered for an award, a restaurant must meet specific expectations.  The wine list must present complete and accurate information, and Wine Spectator requires complete producer names and correct spellings.  Overall presentation of the wine list is also a contributing factor.  I wouldn't suggest a wine list simply printed on a sheet of paper.

For 2023, the Award of Excellence was presented to only 2,001 establishments across the country.  If you think about the amount of places serving wine in all 50 states, that's not a lot.  These restaurants offer a minimum of 90 selections, featuring an assortment of producers and a pairing option for their food menu.

Next up, the Best of Award of Excellence went to just 1,411 restaurants this year. Again, that's not many.   The restaurants receiving this honor offer a selection of at least 350 wines.  These destinations are for a more serious wine lover.

Lastly, only 93 locations were exclusively presented with a Grand Award.   ONLY 93!!!   And one of those 93 is right here in Naples.   Restaurants receiving the most prestigious recognition are offering the highest level of wine service. The wine lists features over 1,000 selections from top producers with a menu that compliments the wine to near perfection.

Of the 15 Naples restaurants receiving awards this year, only two are new to the list.  I would say that's not surprising to those from Florida who are familiar with Naples.  We've got some really impressive dining options down South.

So, without further ado, these are the Naples restaurants that have been recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine for 2023.

These restaurants offer a minimum of 90 selections, featuring an assortment of producers and a pairing option for their food menu.

698 Fourth Avenue South

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466 Fifth Avenue South

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1490 Fifth Avenue South

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8930 Tamiami Trail North

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The restaurants receiving this honor offer a selection of at least 350 wines.  These destinations are for a more serious wine lover.

301 Fifth Avenue South

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1186 Third Street South

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1300 Third Street South

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9005 Mercato Drive

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Of only 93 restaurants across the country receiving this honor, one Naples location is part of this exclusive group.

1234 Eighth Street South

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