Wine For Pickleball Fans That Is Delightfully Delicious

Thanks to VICE Wines for inviting me to try these wines. They provided me with free wine in exchange for an unbiased review.

If you are like me, you have a few faves when it comes to wine. For instance, certain brands, winemakers, regions or grapes. However, I'm always excited to discover something new. Check out this unique orange wine for Pickleball fans that is delightfully delicious. It is today's Wine Wednesday pick and it is also great for the wine geek in your life.

The two may seem an unlikely pair at first glance. However, just like Pickleball, orange wines have seen an uptick in popularity. Orange wine is not made from oranges although some might have some citrus notes. It gets its color from skin contact with the grapes during maceration and fermentation. The time on skins can also add texture, tannins, flavors and structure. Many of these wines, including the ones here, are also unfiltered.

These selections both comes from The Vice Wine. Although I have tried numerous wines in their portfolio, this was a new one for me. Pickleball is made from viognier. This grape is typically floral and can leave an oily sensation in the mouth. This wine was aged 14 months in neutral French oak. It adds to the body. There are some floral notes but I get more summer stone fruit like apricot and peach. There is a hint of anise on the nose and palate.

The more it opens, the more complex it gets. It is fun to discover and mirrors the sport perfectly. Less than 500 cases were made so it is also on the exclusive side. $38

While we are on the orange wine train, check out this Gewürztraminer, Los Carneros, "Brooklynites 5.0" wine.  It is another floral one, think honeysuckle blossoms or jasmine. It's also floral on palate. The wine is juicy with flavors of ripe white peach and Asian pear. It is off-dry or slightly sweet, vegan and organic.

This would be great with Asian food, anything that is slightly spicy or salty. In addition, it has good acid to cut through fat. This is a super cool wine. It might not have the same name, but it would also qualify as a wine for pickleball fans. $35

Besides being unique, The Vice Wine also fits into my series on Women in Wine for Women's History Month. Torie Greenberg is the co-funder of The Vice Wine with husband Malek Amrani. She has a background in fashion and design and plays a big role in the branding of the wine. The Vice is gaining a reputation for it's quality orange wines and for producing wines that give back to various causes. Put it on your radar.

There is nothing like this event anywhere else in Southwest Florida. Heck, anywhere else in the United States. It's an exclusive event and it attracts people from around the country and also the world. Tickets start at $15,000. I've been fortunate enough to cover this event for several years as a food and wine writer. Just when I think I've seen it all, the wine God's surprise me. I'm taking you behind the scenes at the 33 Million Dollar Naples Winter Wine Fest (NWWF). Yes, $33 million was raised in one afternoon. Amazing.

The NWWF is one of the most successful wine auctions in the country and the world. The money is donated to 60 different charities that support underprivileged and at risk kids. The festival began in 2001 and over the years has raised $269 million. It's held on the lawn at The Ritz Carlton, Tiburon and begins with an epic food and wine tasting. Ritz Carlton chefs from around the country serve creative bites and there are tables full of breads, cheeses and desserts. Delicious.

Next, tables full of wine. Selections include many you'll never see on any wine list in Southwest Florida. They are rare vintages, large formats and from cult wine producers. Some are wines you will only see in the cellars of avid collectors. However, here you can taste them with abandoned. Go!

Those photos don't even scratch the surface of the wow wines that were served and the beautiful small bites. Besides the food, there was fashion under the tent. Dress to impress. That was the memo. Outstanding.

Finally, patrons were ushered into a huge auction tent. Ready, set, go. $320,000 was raised on the first lot. There were 50 lots and the $10 million mark was hit less than half way through. However, minds were blown at lot #29. It brought in $2.7 million. Six couples sail around the Mediterranean on a private yacht with a crew of 27 plus a few more perks. Wow.

Meanwhile, here are a few more photos. Check them out. Bravo on a job will done.