Wine Tasting at Hellams Vineyard: Daqopa Brands

We're thrilled to have Keith Johnsen, founder of Daqopa Brands, at the shop this Saturday, June 4th from  1- 5 p.m.  Keith worked with beloved English beer writer Michael Jackson where he was exposed to the wonderful enchantment of social beverages and the people, places, and stories that spawn them. In his view,  anyone can pay the price to buy a 90+ point something because a magazine or generally self-proclaimed expert told them to, but not everyone takes the time to try something offbeat, learn about a lesser-known grape varietal or region or production method, and discover treasures that are affordable enough for everyday enjoyment. In 2008 Keith founded Daqopa Brands (a Georgian word that means "to share").  He seeks out limited delicious treasures that have a reason to exist other than to build a brand name and corporate revenues, or to just throw more of what the masses already want into the mix. Keith's initial passion was for Georgian wines, where he helped established trade via a government contract. In recent years we've become enamored with Georgian wines, with a winemaking history dating back over 4,000 years. Ancient techniques are still employed, including the use of clay pots called "qvevri", where the wine is aged underground, then transferred to barrels for continued aging.  Many have credited Georgia with the original "orange wine"; white wines that obtain color from extended aging via skin contact.
Featured will be four Georgian wines, a Cava Brut sparkling, French red and Portuguese red. $5 for the flight of all seven wines.  20% case discounts offered; mixed cases ok.   RSVP not required.  Glass pours and bottle sales available for your onsite enjoyment!
 
We hope to see you!
The Vineyard Crew