Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/670021
1 0 V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T | M a y - J u n e 2 016 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m A couple months ago, I attended a seminar in San Francisco called "The State of Washington Wine." It featured presentations by sommeliers and wine- makers, followed by a tasting with more than 75 wineries. I didn't make it to all the tables, but one that stood out to me was 14 Hands. One of its wines I sam- pled was the…wait for it…2013 Limited Release Kentucky Derby Red Blend. Turns out 14 Hands has an ongoing partnership with the Kentucky Derby. The 2013 label features American Phar- oah and jockey Victor Espinoza, and inside is an easy drinking ride featuring Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It, along with other 14 Hands wines, will be poured at Churchill Downs the first weekend of May as well as at the seventh-annual Taste of Derby food and wine event on the Thursday prior. Speaking of food and wine events, the first weekend in June marks the 36th annual Auction Napa Valley, which raises millions of dollars each year in support of community health and education. Pre- sented by Napa Valley Vintners, it's truly one of my most favorite happenings. I'm a huge fan of Friday's barrel auction, which features previews of Saturday's auction lots, live music, outstanding peo- ple watching, top chefs serving incred- ible delights alongside wineries pouring the best they have to offer, as well as specially crafted wines poured straight from the barrel and auctioned off by the case to the top 10 bidders on each. It's truly a must-attend wine and food lovers' experience. And you thought I was all about horses and mint juleps. Cheers! Yep, you read it right. I don't talk poli- tics and won't be writing about them here — ever. You're welcome. That said, welcome to the packaging and closures issue of Vineyard & Winery Manage- ment. I'm not going to write about those things, either. It'll be much more excit- ing for you to read about them in the features we've put together for you this month. There are many other subjects to read about, too, so grab some wine and see what suits your fancy. As May approaches each year, my research begins. You may think I mean researching articles, but you'd be wrong. That happens year-round for me. No, what I mean is researching potential con- tenders for the Kentucky Derby. Now, I do realize horse racing isn't everyone's cup of tea (or, really, mint juleps if you're going to get technical about this event's signature beverages) — but it's mine. I was raised around race horses. My dad, John Fadda, co-owned and trained a couple of them with his brother, Hank. Some of my earliest memories are of being at the track. I was even lucky enough to own some horses (none of them rac- ers, although I did consider becoming a jockey at one point). I think they're some of the most beautiful animals in the world. If you don't believe me, just come visit my office. There's a three-dimensional, bronze horse head framed and hanging behind my desk. His name is Gus. Last year was the ultimate horse rac- ing fan's year: American Pharoah won the Triple Crown. It had been a 37-year wait since the last time a horse achieved that honor (Affirmed in 1978). It was kind of like when the San Francisco Giants won the World Series in 2010 (the first since 1954): Something I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever get to see. I cried after both events. What does this have to do with wine? Nothing, really. But I'm getting to that. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. JULIE FADDA POWERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF I Don't Talk Politics EDITOR'S DESK