Sunstone Winery Newsletter

Sunstone Vineyard & Winery Quarterly Newletter

By Betsy Crowfoot

The Big Chill

A cold spell that swept the west coast last spring has resonated throughout California’s wine country, and seemingly cast a shadow over Sunstone’s 2008 harvest.

The unusual cold snap struck at a critical time when the berries were still young and developing, resulting in a loss of clusters.

“The frost we had in March was not indicative of this growing region,” says winemaker Brittany Rice. Brittany has been involved in making the Rice Family’s wines since 1999 and in that time has never witnessed such a severe dip in temperature. Unaccustomed to such frosts, Sunstone was unable to protect the new clusters.

The adverse effects were especially dramatic in the low-lying areas. Strolling the vineyard as the season progressed, it became evident that there were fewer, smaller clusters, containing berries of all different sizes. “We’re definitely seeing a lesser yield, about two tons per acre versus the normal three or three-and-a-half tons per acre,” Brittany notes.

But there’s a silver lining in this act of Mother Nature. With fewer bunches per vine, each of the clusters received more attention and benefit from the nutrients and photosynthesis. The end result is a high quality harvest, with intense concentrations of flavor which will lend a bold and structured character to wines crafted from the 2008 harvest.

So, despite an unusual growing season, Brittany expects the 2008 estate and reserve releases will be the same superior quality Club Members have come to expect from Sunstone. “The quantity of grapes might be less,” she summarizes, “but the quality is extraordinary.”

Grape Stomp and annual romp draw sell-out crowd

The annual harvest Grape Stomp was held at Sunstone on two successive Saturdays, to a sold-out crowd of Club Members and their guests.

Intrepid revelers arrived as the morning fog was dissipating, and were met by Club Sunstone ‘Divas’ Carol Treat (Club Administrator) and Nicole Sattler (Events Manager). Energized with Sunstone Sunrises (a blend of orange juice and Viognier), coffee and pastries, they trekked through the lush vineyards on an in-depth tour led by vintner Bion Rice, and winemaker Brittany Rice. Trying on the role of apprentice winemakers, participants tested the readiness of the fruit with a refractometer, and learned about the unique geography of the region and our atypical 2008 growing season.

Wending their way to the production facility, Brittany gave the group an overview of wine-making techniques. Then all enjoyed a sneak-preview barrel tasting of the 2006 Rapsodie du Soleil − confirming that the newest version of this Rhone-style blend will be another winner.

But before they could clamber into the vat of grapes for the much anticipated stomp, our guests were put to work! A bottle-opening contest pitted the red team against the blue team, in a battle to uncork four cases of wine. Foils were flying and corks were popping as each squad raced through a dozen bottles of 2005 Eros, 2006 Estate Merlot, 2006 Syrah Rose and 2007 Chardonnay.

The impressive group effort of the ‘contestants’ paralleled the extraordinary teamwork required to bring the wine from the earth to the table. Bion recognized the cellar crew of Jose, Elena and Lupe, who have been with Sunstone over a decade, and extended thanks to all our patrons for their genuine support over the years.

And our members reciprocated. “It’s heartfelt,” said Colleen Burow, who was attending her third Stomp. “Hearing the kids (Bion and Brittany) talk about the vineyards, their family, and the wines: it’s a feel-good event.”

“The personal touch from the Rice family was wonderful,” said Joseph and Rina Lee, who added that the day’s festivities and warmth of friendships old and new “sealed the deal” in their decision to join Club Sunstone.

And at last: the Stomp! As grapes were delivered to the lawn our members pitched in, shoveling the fruit into the waiting vat; then squealing with laughter as their toes hit the juicy mass. There was picture-taking, and prancing, and a conga line (or two), as guests leapt feet-first into the age-old ritual. Afterwards they enjoyed music and dancing while John and Martha Poulis kept the wine flowing, and individual apple basket picnic lunches quelled their appetites.

“We love this one-on-one time with the members,” Brittany reflected. “When people come celebrate and enjoy the harvest, it motivates us to get out there and make more great wine."

Something for everyone

Club Sunstone’s monthly events offer something for everyone – from the casual movie-goer to the connoisseur of elegant dining.

Our inaugural Cinema Alfresco took advantage of a balmy summer night to screen the romantic comedy “A Good Year.” Members made a day of it, picking up their new releases and wine-tasting, before capping off the perfect day with the perfect evening. Seated amidst the ambience of Sunstone’s courtyard, beneath a starry sky, guests could easily fancy themselves part of the cast of the movie, which was filmed at a vineyard in Provence. A complimentary buffet of Eros, cheeses, Doce de Alma port, chocolate and coffee added to the great reviews. Cinema Alfresco is sure to become a perennial favorite and plans are already in place to screen “A Walk in the Clouds” – set in Napa Valley, and called “a glorious romantic fantasy” by Roger Ebert – next August.

“Decadence” was the buzzword for Chef Jeff Olsson’s tribute to fall splendor at our annual Harvest Dinner October 4. Since ancient times people have gathered to celebrate and give thanks for a successful growing season, and Sunstone’s opulent fête followed in this tradition. The extraordinary, upscale menu was especially crafted by the experts at New West Catering to pair with our premium wines. Set in the Cuvee Cave, warmly decorated to reinforce the dynamic relationship of sun and earth that Sunstone honors, it proved an unforgettable evening for all.

Coming up, and back by popular demand, is our second annual Taste of Autumn luncheon, November 9. This three-course plated feast is also hosted in Sunstone’s Cuvee Cave, festively dressed in the harvest theme. Come bask in the gold and umber glow of the vineyard while you indulge in an elegant menu ($65 per person).

Wrapping up the season is the complimentary Open House, December 6. With our bucolic estate decorated for an old-fashioned holiday, it’s sure to get you in the spirit of the season. In addition to the tasting list, you’ll be treated to Doce de Alma port and spiced mulled wine throughout the day.

Indeed, Nicole points to our upcoming calendar as having “something for everyone – and a nice way to celebrate the year and enter the holiday season.” Make plans soon to pamper your loved ones, as our array of events is becoming increasingly popular. “Some people join us to celebrate a romantic occasion or birthday,” Nicole adds, “but many others bring out-of-town guests and friends they simply want to enjoy good times with.” Contact Nicole for reservations at nicole@sunstonewinery.com or 1-800-313-WINE, ext. 227. Must be 21 or over to attend.

Making a List? Checking it twice?

Santa’s Helpers have been busy with gift ideas for the wine enthusiasts on your list:

* A Gift Membership to Club Sunstone reminds your loved ones they’re thought of all year long. Select two, four or six bottle shipments; standard or reds only. Recipients enjoy all the benefits of membership including wine shipments, complimentary tastings, discounts, and events. Why not begin with our Holiday Bonus Shipment? As laws vary by state, please check with Carol Treat (ext. 234) when placing your order.

* The greatest gift we can give is the gift of time. Invite your guests to join you at one of Sunstone’s top-notch Special Events in 2009. Choose from theater outings, films, gourmet dinners, picnics, and more. See the enclosed order form, or contact Nicole Sattler (ext. 227) for details.

* In a hurry? Pre-packaged gift-boxes are available now from Sunstone. Recipients will be delighted with this clever assortment of wines, condiments, and other merchandise ... and you’ll be thrilled with the ease of shopping and shipping. Pick up your selection in the Tasting Room or order direct via our website or the enclosed form. Customized gift sets also available upon request.

Let Sunstone Winery put the “Joy” back in your holiday preparations! Orders placed by December 17 will be shipped in time for Christmas [12/25] or Chanukah [12/21], where permissible by law, within the continental United States.

Pleasant Holidays says “Aloha” to Hawaii World

>AS SEEN IN PACIFIC COAST BUSINESS TIMES

Betsy Crowfoot July 11, 2003 -- Pleasant Holidays LLS, a Westlake Village company that has brought six-million tourists to the Hawaiian Islands, has purchased high-end tour wholesaler Hawaii World. But instead of pitting Davey against Goliath, the acquisition was described as a union long in the making.
“We didn’t have to get married, we wanted to,” said Mary Twist, who will continue as president of Hawaii World. “We have always been the twinkle in their upscale eye.” Ed Hogan, CEO and founder of Pleasant Holidays, confirmed that he has had an eye on Hawaii World for some time. “I knew Rick when he was seven years old,” said Hogan of Hawaii World founder Rick Corbett. Hogan and Corbett’s father, Jim, were colleagues at now defunct Trans-Ocean Airlines. “As time went on I could see the consolidation of businesses. I saw the dotcomms coming in and shrinking down the business of the regular travel agents,” said Hogan. “I’d call every two, three years and say, ‘Rick, if you’re ever thinking of selling …” That time came earlier this month when Pleasant Holidays, which is owned by the Automobile Club of Southern California, purchased 25-year-old Hawaii World for an undisclosed amount. Each company will continue to operate independently, with Hawaii World headquartered in Livermore, about 45 miles east of San Francisco.	Ed's tips on providing po'okela (the best) service to malihini (tourists) “A big mistake business people make is they chisel down their suppliers so much, they can’t deal with them. We don’t believe that. Never put your supplier out of business by chiseling him down. If I get good quality I will pay for it, and we have great suppliers we’ve dealt with for years and years. “We’re able to buy good because suppliers know we deliver. We put together all the components in a package and don’t destroy the integrity of their pricing. The customers don’t know how much the components cost – they just says, ‘Isn’t this a good deal?!’ You wouldn’t be able to buy all the components individually as cheaply.”
Twist denied that the sale was a result of economic factors. Instead, she said, “This is a way for us to get access to their greater resources in the area of automation and online booking.” In addition she said Hawaii World’s strength has been in upscale travel including very deluxe destinations such as Maui’s Kea Lani or Four Seasons resorts, and will lend this image to Pleasant Holidays. “This acquisition strengthens our position relative to the upper end of the Hawaii market,” said Pleasant Holidays president Tim Irwin. “Pleasant Holidays is the number one travel company to Hawaii and with the purchase of Hawaii World is now poised for further, more rapid growth.” In the 40 years since its inception, Pleasant Holidays has indeed grown to become a leading economic factor in Hawaiian tourism, sending nearly half-a-million visitors to the islands each year. The company was founded in 1959 by Ed Hogan in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, after his earlier efforts to promote the Hawaiian Village Hotel there “flopped.” “There were no jets, and Hawaii was a long ways away,” said Hogan. “Most East Coast people had relatives in Europe and went back to visit their roots.” But three years later Hogan revisited his dream of bringing people to Hawaii, when he was offered consulting work and office space in Panorama City and made a cross-country leap of faith. He developed a scheme to promote Hawaii as a destination for mainland chamber of commerce conventions, touting the trip as a membership drive. “And if you got the chamber to go, it was like getting the Good Housekeeping magazine seal of approval,” Hogan said. Pleasant Holidays would drive traffic to chamber members by making them the point-of-purchase for a Hawaii vacation contest; to further whet the appetite, Hogan would encourage newspaper advertising and even provide the editorial staff free tickets to Hawaii. It worked. Despite the 12-hour flight in a non-pressurized DC4 airplane, momentum for trans-Pacific travel was building. “People would see an Aloha shirt and think, ‘Wow, Hawaii!’ They’d hear Arthur Godfrey, or Hawaii Calls on the radio, and think, ‘Wow, Hawaii!’ It was charming, building up this exotic, South Pacific paradise. It really was, and still is.” Hogan said Hawaii remains the perfect spot for vacationing, as he made a hang loose gesture with his hand. “It’s really laid back.” “Travel is a precious thing. You work all year and now you have one or two weeks vacation time. You want no hassle; you want a quality product, with continually good service, at a proper price.” Hogan said those three keys have kept Pleasant Holidays’ business up even as economic, health and social factors have devastated other areas of the travel industry. “We had a heck of a year last year [2002]. From here [US] and Canada they’re going over plenty. We’re loaded up, running hotels at 92 percent occupancy. Europe is dead; people are really angry at France. “But Hawaii,” he said with a snap of his fingers, “that’s America. It’s safe. The next two years, you’ll see a lot more domestic travel: people going to New York, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone. They think, ‘Live today, thank God you’ve got your health and your family. Embrace it.’ People are a lot more family oriented, and also thinking, ‘Let’s take care of America. And that’s one of the benefits of Hawaii: the 50th state. Even if it is way out there.” In 1999 Pleasant Holidays sold its tour operations to the Automobile Club. “My kids were in the business but not going to take it over, and this offered solidarity and a future for our good employees who had been with us for years,” said Hogan. The family retained several properties throughout the islands, which they operate as Pleasant Travel Service. It was then that Hogan approached Hawaii World’s Corbett again. “I told him, ‘The Auto Club has a heck of a database, 46-billion all over the US, and only 10 percent of them take air trips! Let’s covert that to more and more. Together we can really do good.” Hawaii World serves 40,000 to 50,000 visitors annually. The company will continue to operate out of Livermore and maintain all existing agency agreements, as well as its’ staff of 57.
Pleasant Holidays, LLC Desc: Wholesale and retail tour operators providing air, hotel and car rental packages since 1959. Eight-percent of Pleasant Holidays’ business is to the Hawaiian Islands; the company also serves Mexico, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Bahamas and Caribbean. Headquarters: 2404 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village, CA 91361 Revenue: Annual sales approach $500 million. Employees: 750 employees on the U.S. mainland and in Hawaii CEO: Ed Hogan President: Tim Irwin

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