Why do we go to conferences? Well, I go to meet new people, network, learn something interesting, discover new ways of doing things, and get ideas. I recently attended the Wine Media Conference in Eugene, Oregon and did all these things. There were seminars, meet and greets and best of all, wine tastings. The variety of wine and the chance to try them was a great learning experience for me. I always advocate for everyone to go out and taste wine. They may discover something new or something that they never thought they’d like.
While at the conference, one of the coolest things that I found was a wine brand that is taking chances and going in a new (and hipper) direction. You just couldn’t miss or ignore their wine brand. Knotty Vines is a wine brand that definitely got my attention. The label, the unique marketing, and most of all…the wine! Knotty Vines is a new wine brand under the Rodney Strong Estates wine company. Rodney Strong, founded in 1959 and 13th bonded winery in Sonoma County, is well-known for its sustainably farmed vineyards and excellent wine.
The winemaker for Knotty Vines is Olivia Wright. She is passionate about winemaking and channels that passion into her Knotty Vines wines. She has created wines that will appeal to a younger, new wine drinking population as well as wine drinkers of all ages. Knotty Vines wine is very approachable and fruit forward with a complex, “knotty” edge to it. I love the label, the different way of approaching the entire marketing of this brand is focused on a contemporary, modern wine drinker.
“It’s time to stop denying your dark side and seduce it instead. Stimulate your wickedness, enjoy the electricity, and experience how good it feels to be Knotty.”
So okay, they have my attention! I’m sure that they will capture the attention of many of the younger wine drinkers looking to experiment with wine. And will surely attract an older, more seasoned wine drinking audience as well. The video on their website is awesome! Check it out! www.knottywines.com
The Knotty Vines brand is about encouraging sharing their wines with friends…I love this! It’s the way it should be. Life is about taking time to enjoy a nice glass of wine.
Their wines are excellent, and the price point is very affordable ($10-$15). Kudos to Olivia for her winemaking skills and forward-thinking, innovative vision and attitude.
Their offerings include:
Chardonnay – Green apple, peach, tropical fruit with vibrant acidity finishing with vanilla
Pinot Noir – Black Cherry, vanilla, berries with smooth complexity
Red Blend (Merlot, Malbec, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot) – Dark Cherry, plum, coffee, and chocolate with a smooth balanced finish
Cabernet Sauvignon – Dark cherry, chocolate, and blackberry with balanced, smooth tannin finish
Do I have your attention? I loved this wine and hope you do too!
Grab a bottle, get some friends together, “taste, tease, and try” …you’ll see what I mean…knotty or nice, I hope you’ll love the wine!
Cheers!