Afghanistan

Angola

Albania

United Arab Emirates

Argentina

Armenia

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Australia

Austria

Azerbaijan

Burundi

Belgium

Benin

Burkina Faso

Bangladesh

Bulgaria

The Bahamas

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Belarus

Belize

Bolivia

Brazil

Brunei

Bhutan

Botswana

Central African Republic

Canada

Switzerland

Chile

China

Ivory Coast

Cameroon

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Republic of the Congo

Colombia

Costa Rica

Cuba

Northern Cyprus

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Germany

Djibouti

Denmark

Dominican Republic

Algeria

Ecuador

Egypt

Eritrea

Spain

Estonia

Ethiopia

Finland

Fiji

Falkland Islands

France

Gabon

Georgia

Ghana

Guinea

Gambia

Guinea Bissau

Equatorial Guinea

Greece

Greenland

Guatemala

Guyana

Honduras

Croatia

Haiti

Hungary

Indonesia

India

Ireland

Iran

Iraq

Iceland

Israel

Italy

Jamaica

Jordan

Japan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kyrgyzstan

Cambodia

Kosovo

Kuwait

Laos

Lebanon

Liberia

Libya

Sri Lanka

Lesotho

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Latvia

Morocco

Moldova

Madagascar

United States

Balzac is helping Troon Vineyard to craft compelling messaging, media pitches, press kit development, and marketing consulting.

Troon Vineyard

Email Marketing

Reputation Management

Public Relations

Copywriting

Balzac Communications & Marketing is helping LOCALISM Wines to craft their unique story, increase brand awareness, add to their DTC customer base, and increase sales conversion.

LOCALISM Wines

Social Media Marketing

Search Engine Optimization

Content Marketing

Growth Strategies

Brand Management

LOCALISM is about bringing everything together. From music to art, food to family and community, our wine brings it all together. Wine is life to us, but our wine encompasses all of these things and more.

#wine #community #wineislife

Happy bees mean a happy vineyard. 🐝 
Although grapevines self pollinate, bees add to the biodiversity and in turn, create a healthier ecosystem. Thanks to Rob @napavalleybeeco for safely relocating the hive (sans protective wear!) 
#sustainablefarming #welovebees #springbees #coombsvilleava #napacab #wineislife

Are you following us on  Instagram? Find out what you're missing. #winesofinstagram #winelife 

https://www.instagram.com/localismwines/

Question: What music album would you pair with our LOCALISM Kerner? 

#musicandwine #winefun #wine

Ziggy is obviously settling in nicely with the LOCALISM family. He's brought additional joy to our lives. Do you have a special furry friend?  Take a snapshot and post it in the comments. We'd  love to meet them. 
#dogsofnapa
#winerydogs
#vineyardpup
#furbaby

facebook

LOCALISM Wines on Facebook

googlebusiness

LOCALISM Wines on GoogleBusiness

Happy bees mean a happy vineyard. Although grapevines self pollinate, bees add to the biodiversity and in turn, create a healthier ecosystem. Thanks to Rob @napavalleybeeco for safely relocating the hive (sans protective wear!) 🐝 
#sustainablefarming #welovebees #springbees #coombsvilleava #napacab #wineislife

We like the qualities we get from Sauvignon Blanc harvested in the north of Napa Valley. The warm Calistoga AVA boasts the largest diurnal shift between daytime and nighttime temperatures in Napa Valley. This allows for optimal ripeness in the fruit in addition to maintaining its natural acidity. It pairs beautifully with lighter fare, such as salad or roasted veggies. #wine #sauvignonblanc #napavalley #calistogawine

And It’s GO time.....the 2021 vintage has burst onto the scene #budbreak #napavalley #coombsville #2021vintage #winegrowing #wineislife

After a decade of experience working with some of the industry’s greatest winemakers and viticulturists, our winemaker Ryan balances out his dedication and passion for making great wine with a number of other interests. He’s an avid snowboarder, soccer buff, aspiring golf nut, he loves to cook (especially if he doesn’t have to do the dishes after), and he loves traveling the world. No matter what he’s doing or where he’s going, Ryan applies his dedication and attention to detail to everything. #meetthewinemaker #winemaking #napavalley #wineislife

A gourmet meal in your own home! Join us via Zoom on Saturday, April 24th at 4:00 pm Pacific Time, for our first ever virtual event. We have partnered with TRUFFLE SHUFFLE, a local Bay Area company that specializes in guided culinary experiences, led by their Michelin Trained chefs. 

This experience includes a lavish meal for two and a bottle of our 2018 Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is expertly paired with a gorgeous Snake River Farms NY Strip, Balinese truffle salt and more. All ingredients will be measured out for you so that you can relax, kick back and enjoy your time cooking and drinking with us! You will be blown away once you see what a delightful meal you will be creating with just a little help from Truffle Shuffle's Chefs.

1 BOTTLE 2018 LOCALISM CABERNET SAUVIGNON
1 TRUFFLE SHUFFLE CULINARY KIT FOR 2 PEOPLE
$195 - Ground shipping included

instagram

LOCALISM Wines on Instagram

For 20 years, Balzac Communications & Marketing has been helping the UGCB promote their members' wines to a United States trade audience. We've done this with an annual roadshow tour that hits five cities in a week, that attracts roughly 3000 trade contacts and buyers, and through ongoing public relations activities.

Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux

Event Marketing

Balzac helps David Paige Wines expand brand awareness, with customer outreach and media relations.

David Paige Wines

Graphic Design

Web Development

Many thanks to @patcisco and Wine & Spirits Magazine]!   Posted @withregram • Wine & Spirits Magazine] Our Spring issue's Wineries to Watch are J.C. Somers, David Paige Wines, Riecine, & Hannes Sabathi. ⁠
⁠
These four made the WTW cut because their wines were both impressive and newsworthy during our spring tastings—either due to their novelty or to changes the producers have made in their approach to winemaking.⁠
⁠
Read more of Patrick J. Comiskey's, Tara Q. Thomas's and Stephanie Johnson's thoughts on the Wineries to Watch at the link in our bio.⁠
⁠
#WineriesToWatch #WineTasting #WineCritic #WINE⁠ #ChiantiClassico #DundeeHills #EolaAmityHills #Styria
⁠
@jcsomers.wine @davidpaigewines @riecine1971 @hannessabathiwein

Good to get out and see these wines in the rest of the country!  Thanks to @vin_chicago and @finevineswine, and everyone else in Chicago that made this trip so great!

#oregonwinemonth #willamettevalleywine #pinotnoir

Inside the Winery:  We're making this as open as possible, so we can keep coming up with new ways to do things.  
One of our core beliefs is that there isn't just one magic formula for winemaking.  Making the winery as open and adaptable as possible is a key to staying open to new ideas.  I'm sure we'll reconfigure this space several times throughout the year, and it might not look the same way twice!
#comingsoon #walnuthill #eolaamityhills

The building now wrapped up in its “tighty-whitey” weatherproofing. Photo 2 shows the visitor’s entrance and tasting area, with the rest of the winery in the background. Who else is excited?

Things really got going in January! With the ground all prepped, now you can see the foundation taking shape. It doesn’t look like much yet, but things started moving fast after this. The second photo shows Dave and Dysthe Paige standing in what will be the rollup doorway from the crushpad to the winery.

David Paige Wines on Facebook

Many thanks to @patcisco and @wineandspirits!  Posted @withregram • @wineandspirits Our Spring issue's Wineries to Watch are J.C. Somers, David Paige Wines, Riecine, & Hannes Sabathi. ⁠
⁠
These four made the WTW cut because their wines were both impressive and newsworthy during our spring tastings—either due to their novelty or to changes the producers have made in their approach to winemaking.⁠
⁠
Read more of Patrick J. Comiskey's, Tara Q. Thomas's and Stephanie Johnson's thoughts on the Wineries to Watch at the link in our bio.⁠
⁠
#WineriesToWatch #WineTasting #WineCritic #WINE⁠ #ChiantiClassico #DundeeHills #EolaAmityHills #Styria
⁠
@jcsomers.wine @davidpaigewines @riecine1971 @hannessabathiwein ⁠

April showers can’t stop or slow us down! The tasting room now has been skinned and is showing hints of what the finished outcome will look like. One step closer to welcoming you all!

Inside the Winery:  We're making this as open as possible, so we can keep coming up with new ways to do things. 
One of our core beliefs is that there isn't just one magic formula for winemaking.  Making the winery as open and adaptable as possible is a key to staying open to new ideas.  I'm sure we'll reconfigure this space several times throughout the year, and it might not look the same way twice!
#comingsoon #walnuthill #eolaamityhills

David Paige Wines on Instagram

Our 2018 Chard was the first of our wines to sell out earlier this year. We 
have a little room to plant more, but those vines wouldn’t be producing 
grapes for several years. Since we have over 22 acres of mature Pinot Noir, 
we decided to graft an acre of Pinot over to Chardonnay to increase our 
production more quickly.

Grafting Chardonnay

There's been a lot of talk Oregon’s recent record-setting heat wave. Now 
that a week has gone by and we’ve had a few chances to walk the vineyard, I 
can honestly say the vines seem to have shrugged it off.

Handling the Heat

As a winemaker, I am thrilled to be learning more and more about this clone 
as we get to know our new home. We only made 135 cases of the 2020, but 
look for more in the future!

A BRIEF HISTORY OF PINOT BLANC

Join Anne and Dave for a joint event with David Paige Wines and Helioterra 
Wines. Listen to them trade tales about making wine and the joys of 
starting your own labels. Join them and hear their stories and ask a few 
questions of your own!

We’re pairing up with Helioterra Wines for a Virtual Tasting

When you hear us talking about vineyards, we're always looking for balanced 
vines. How we train, trellis, and prune our vines is key to establishing 
this balance.

Preparing for the next vintage

Dysthe and David Paige walking through the Gemini vineyard

IT ALL BEGINS IN THE VINEYARD

Pinot noir is all about subtlety, and needs to be handled with care to show its full range of aromas and textures.&nbsp; When the fruit gets to the winery, the TLC starts at the sorting table.&nbsp; We inspect the fruit as it moves over conveyer belt, looking for anything we don’t want in the fermenter.&nbsp; In some years we are focused on botrytis or bird damage, but in 2020 the fruit was so clean we were mostly just pulling out leaves.&nbsp; A great wine starts with great raw materials, so we make sure everything is perfect. &nbsp;This harvest, partners George Rickus and John Gorup each had their turns at the table. “It was fun,” said George. “It’s very satisfying to get my hands (literally) in the process and contribute as much as I can. I’m looking forward to tasting the finished product in a few years.” 


















 

 
 
 

 

 
 <figure class="
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 <img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f6cd18456d24626f380968f/1602270379328-686JNPQ8V6BF8D9PSM0J/IMG_20200930_160903087.jpg" data-image-dimensions="2500x2169" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="Partner George Rickus enjoys his time at the grape sorting table." data-load="false" data-image-id="5f80b4a73f9d3b63eafe3bab" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f6cd18456d24626f380968f/1602270379328-686JNPQ8V6BF8D9PSM0J/IMG_20200930_160903087.jpg?format=1000w" />
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
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 Partner George Rickus enjoys his time at the grape sorting table.
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HANDLING PINOT NOIR WITH KID GLOVES

The 2020 growing season has been ideal. We had a brief rain during bloom that limited the number of berries per cluster, leaving us with a perfect sized cropload for the vines to ripen. A lot has been made of the fires that blew up in September, but we also need to remember what went right this year. those of us who weren’t lose enough to the fires to be hurt by smoke are still looking at beautiful, small clusters with loads of flavor.

THE OTHER STORY OF 2020: A PERFECT GROWING SEASON

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Chardonnay this close to perfect. Loose clusters in pristine condition, somehow managing both rich tropical flavors and citrus zest acidity. - David Paige


















 

 
 
 

 

 
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 </figure>

2020 RPG VINEYARD CHARDONNAY FRESH OFF THE VINE

This photo shows 2 clusters of Pinot noir from Block 3 of our RPG Vineyard, clone 667. You can see how much variability there is in how the clusters look. Bloom has recently finished, and the berries are still tiny and green, with some smaller than others. Next to the right cluster you also see a small pile of especially small berries that have fallen off that cluster, a phenomenon known as shatter. We will watch to see how many of these developing grapes fall off in the weeks ahead. That will help us predict how much fruit we are ripening, and whether we should drop some crop in order to keep the yields low enough to be sure to keep the quality high.


















 

 
 
 

 

 
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 <img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f6cd18456d24626f380968f/1601579080669-70YUIXF5BFHL5FA7GW10/IMG_20200705_220711712.jpg" data-image-dimensions="750x750" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_20200705_220711712.jpg" data-load="false" data-image-id="5f762848011d003eda353713" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f6cd18456d24626f380968f/1601579080669-70YUIXF5BFHL5FA7GW10/IMG_20200705_220711712.jpg?format=1000w" />
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 </figure>

AN EARLY LOOK AT THE DEVELOPING CLUSTERS, AND AN INDICATION OF 2020 CROP SIZE.

blog

David Paige Wines on Blog

Founded in 2005, the TEXSOM conference was started by Master Sommeliers James Tidwell to help promote professional wine service standards, outline paths for further wine education and certification, and raise public awareness about the professional standards and certifications for sommeliers. Today the conference draws more than 1,300 attendees, of whom more than 800 are sommeliers and other beverage industry professionals. In addition to the conference, the group also manages the TEXSOM Intern

TEXSOM

TEXSOM AWARDS ENTRY SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED

There’s still time to submit wines and spirits for judging and awards consideration. We are extending our FINAL online submission deadline and fee rates from April 24th to May 1st. All entries must arrive in our warehouse by May 5th.

SUBMISSION LINK
There are similarly named competitions. Please be advised we do not use the Enofile submission platform. Please use the TEXSOM Awards customized platform submission link: https://app.texsom.com/

RETURNING ENTRANTS
If you have had personnel changes or have not received your account information, please contact us by emailing info@texsom.com or by calling (214) 886-1665. 

SHIPPING ADDRESS
TEXSOM Awards
5621 Parkdale Drive
Dallas, TX 75227

Local deliveries are accepted Monday through Friday from 10am to 3pm.

EXTENDED DEADLINES AND ENTRY FEES
 
Submission Period: Now through Sunday, May 1, 2022
Entries Received by May 5, 2022

WINE, CIDER, MEAD, and SAKE: $95 + 4 bottles per online entry (750ml)
SPIRITS: $190 + 2 bottles per online entry (750ml)
 
Additional Entry Details and Wine Awards information can be found at texsom.com.

We look forward to receiving your entries!

We enjoy geeking out over the entries and thought you might too! We'll share some updates on some of the general data information as we make our way to the judging: May 15-17, 2022.

We have been working hard behind the scenes to organize our warehouse, plan our production team activities, and receive shipments. 

Entries have been coming in fast and furious, and we are excited to see so much diversity in entries from all over the world. 

Week five highlights:
➡️ Counts increased to 15 countries and US states are holding at 8 states.
➡️ Entries are coming in strong from companies that did not enter in 2021. Welcome back!
➡️ Exciting to see fruit wines, fortifieds, and dessert wines on the dashboard.
➡️ Texas is trying to keep pace with California in entries. We love to see it.
➡️ Several regional marketing boards are offering discounted shipping and/or consolidated shipping for entrants. We will highlight some of them next week!

Non-Imported Entries
The deadline for entry submissions from non-imported wines and spirits entrants is coming up on March 27th. Wines and spirits do not have to be distributed in Texas in order to be included in the judging. However, you will need documentation to clear customs and we can help. Please contact us at info@texsom.com to inquire about the process.

General Deadlines and Fees
Submission Link: https://app.texsom.com
Submission Period: Now through April 24, 2022

WINE, CIDER, MEAD, and SAKE
$95 + 4 bottles for each online entry (750ml)

SPIRITS: $190 + 2 bottles for each online entry (750ml)

Please let us know if we can help you access your existing TEXSOM account. We look forward to receiving your submissions!

Thank you to everyone who has entered submissions! We are excited to see so many return for awards consideration. In addition, we extend a warm welcome to all new entrants. 

Wines and spirits are expected entries. Please consider entering non-alcoholic beverages, wines in alternative packaging (cans, boxed wines, and tetra packed), as well as mixers, pre-mixed beverages, and bitters for awards consideration. 

Submission Period for Entries
Now through April 24, 2022
Wine: $95 + 4 bottles (750ml)
Cider: $95 + 4 bottles (750ml)
Mead: $95 + 4 bottles (750ml)
Sake: $95 + 4 bottles (750ml)
Non-Alcoholic Wines: $95 + 4 bottles (750ml)
Spirits: $190 + 2 bottles (750ml)

Fees for all entries increase on April 25th. All entries must arrive by May 5, 2022. 

Non-imported entrants who may request COLA waiver assistance are instructed to contact info@texsom.com for further instructions on fees, deadlines, and requirements. All COLA waiver requests must be submitted by March 27th in order to allow time for the approval from the TTB, customs clearance, and a timely arrival to our warehouse.

Entries for awards consideration do not have to be distributed in Texas.

We look forward to receiving your entries. If you need assistance in accessing and navigating your existing account or creating a new one, please contact us at info@texsom.com.

The TEXSOM Awards press release for 2022 includes entry details, benefits for Award-winners, and quotes from 2021 judges, Retreat participants, and Production Team members. Please visit our website for more information on entry submissions, judging procedures, and access to our online submissions page.

New and returning entrants who require assistance may contact the TEXSOM team at info@texsom.com.

TEXSOM on Facebook

Wines of South Africa has helped sponsor TEXSOM events for eight years. Today, Jim Clarke showed us a range of ten wines that exemplified the diversity and potential of what South Africa has to offer. A new, exciting PetNat from Cinsault by Lubanzi was sampled next to a stunning Cap Classique Ultra Brut by Graham Beck. Cabernet Sauvignon by Babylonstoren and Merlot by Mischa both showed lovely roasted bell pepper, mint tea, and tobacco notes at the other end of the spectrum.

It’s incredibly special for our attendees to be able to sample an array of wines that showcase the talent of an entire winemaking country—one we don’t often get to experience. But, we know that should change! 👌🏻

📝: @thewestvillagewino @leaanne_ingendorf

We were joined for dinner by Mark Davidson of Wine Australia who treated our judges and production team with some wines from some of the country’s most iconic and innovative wineries. Meanwhile, our Retreat participants received a deep dive from Amy Thurmond into the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG.

These are the perks of our TexSom Awards—the ability to taste delicious, quality, and sometimes hard-to-find wines. All the while exploring countries (from McLaren Vale Grenache to Tasmanian bubbles) and regions and their diverse offerings (From Sui Lieviti to Cartizze…ask our retreaters!) 

Thank you Mark, Amy, and Kimberly for joining us and providing invaluable experiences for our TexSom Awards team!

The sommelier retreat is an exciting opportunity to explore different facets of the industry. They spend their two days here in rotation with mentors who present on the various aspects of the connected wine world. 

Melissa Monosoff MS sits with small groups to discuss to blind tasting while Nathan Prater and Cat Nguyen discuss service protocols and wine buying. Rachel DelRocco Terrazas presented on the ins and outs of wine writing and a day in life. Then they get to put these into practice by spending time with media professionals and experienced writer-editors.

“There’s a diversity of grape varieties—whites, reds, rosés, sparkling wine made throughout the country. Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking that the only dish the Portuguese can make is bacalhau. There’s a lot more to the culture, the country. These wines should be drunk with food, although the high-acid white porch pounders, just drink those.” 

Eugenio Jardim and Wines of Portugal brought allll the styles of wine for our sustenance at lunch—something to pair with everything and something for everyone. He presented an overview of the region, which packs a lot of diversity and winemaking to an area only 1/8th the size of Texas! Thank you, Wines of Portugal, for being with us at the TexSom Awards.

This is an incredible lineup of sherries. These are just a few perks that our retreat participants get to experience. In addition to mentoring and exploring ethics and community, there’s also SO MUCH wine education. 

The first seminar was an epic tasting through this incredibly diverse and iconic lineup from Fino to Oloroso sherries, from multiple vintages. A big thank you to Christopher Bates MS for sharing the deep dive and educating us on the nitty-gritty of Jerez and its wines.

TEXSOM on Instagram

Balzac delivers tailored solutions for clients with values that align with our own. We guide clients through the process of achieving their vision and transforming their business through sustainable growth, teamwork, transparency and inclusivity.

We know our audiences and how to work with them. The success of our campaigns is achieved by working with these key gatekeepers to not only gain their support, but convert them into ambassadors for our clients. These relationships make our programs more visible, credible and effective.

Balzac Communications & Marketing

The Solutions Partner Program is for agencies and service providers looking to expand their offerings and build expertise in HubSpot. Whether your expertise is marketing, sales, customer service, web design, CRM, or IT services—if you want to accelerate your growth, we want to help.