Autism Blog
Wines for Autism Who Is A Facebook ShopTab User Supports Therapeutic Sailing With Heart Of Sailing Foundation
by Jay Feitlinger, Founder of Facebook ShopTab Application
On March 12, 2010 Wines for Autism, Inc. and the Heart of Sailing Foundation announced multiple initiatives designed to enrich, strengthen and expand non-profit sailing programs benefiting children and adults with special needs.
Heart of Sailing’s rapid growth over the past four years is a testament to the sailing community’s willingness to volunteer as well as the desire of children and adults with developmental disabilities to go sailing.
Read more at ShopTab's site http://www.shoptab.net/blog/wines-for-autism-who-is-a-facebook-shoptab-user-supports-therapeutic-sailing-with-heart-of-sailing-
We will be serving two of our featured organic wines which will not break the bank. You will be able to order them at the event to help us support our cause.
WINES FOR AUTISM GIVES ONE THIRD OF ITS GROSS PROFITS FROM EACH SALE TO THE ORGANIZATION OF YOUR CHOICE FROM AMONG OUR CHARITY PARTNERS.
For delivery in time for Easter order by 03/27/2010
No delivery deadline to honor April Autism Awareness Month
Mar 26, 2010 at 8:06 AM
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Be the first to comment on this postRaising a glass of Ops to Pablo Casals and to Autism Warriors
2007 Loxarel OPS Penedes, Spain (91 Points)
From our wine director, Francis Sanders
“Just in case you missed this gem during past holiday season, we’re featuring this bargain for the last time, while we still have adequate wine on hand to emphasize this Spanish envelope-pusher. The $14.99 07 Loxarel Ops, D, unfiltered, from the Penedes, hails from Spain’s spiritual and ancestral home of Cabernet Sauvignon, the land of Jean Leon and Miguel Torres. The wine’s model, named for the Roman goddess of plenty, appears to be the Super Tuscans - indigenous Tempranillo, blended with Bordeaux grapes - but at a fraction of the price. Obviously, the Cabernet component has the right pedigree, and Merlot also works well in Spanish Cabernet Central – think Bordeaux and California’s North Coast. Brawny yet appealing, licorice, leather, tobacco, smoke, berries, vanilla oak cry out for big Mediterranean dishes, or if you’re a carnivore like myself, steak and mushrooms on the grill. And for you green scorekeepers, how many wineries do you know of that use sheep to trim their vines?”
This is one of our March featured wines and it will knock your socks off. It is an absolute steal for the price. I enjoyed Loxarel Ops with dear friends over Christmas dinner and everybody loved it. You get the quality without paying the high price tag of its neighbors in the Priorato appelation.
Granted that I may be slightly partial to this wine because it is from my native land in Catalonia 2007 Loxarel Ops (you say “ch” for the “x” in Catalan) comes from a small winery located in Alto Penedès (versus Bajo Penedès) a gentle rolling countryside where the rows of the vineyards are interrupted only by the scattered villages and medieval architecture.
The lower part of the region, called "Bajo Penedès" is better known for its Cavas (sparkling wines made either with the method champenoise or the Charmat method) and also the native land of famous cellist and pacifist, Pablo Casals.
Raising a glass of Ops (aka "hopes" pronounced with a thick French accent) to Pablo Casals’ fight for freedom, genius musical talent and to Autism Warriors.
WINES FOR AUTISM GIVES ONE THIRD OF ITS GROSS PROFITS FROM EACH SALE TO THE ORGANIZATION OF YOUR CHOICE FROM AMONG OUR CHARITY PARTNERS.
For delivery in time for Easter, order by 03/27/2010.
Spa Night at the Autism One Conference, May 28th, 2010
Ladies,
Hurry before our Tough Day Chardonnay is all gone!
Meet us at the Autism One Conference on Friday, May 28th, 2010 for a Spa Night which will delight your senses.
For more info on the event go directly to our partner's site at http://www.autismone.org/content/spa-night
If you missed us, come say hello in the exhibition hall and discover some of our other Wines for Autism including organic ones.
Wines for Autism is the proud sponsor of Autism One.
With your wine and/or wine club purchase One third of our gross profits will benefit our Autism One partner.
Cheers to Autism Redefined!
For more updates on events, "Fan us"
Organic Wines for All Budgets
Several of my Facebook Fans have been asking me for organic wines so I am happy to oblige with a white and a red from Napa Valley, a red from Spain and another red from Argentina.
We have quite a range to satisfy all palates and all wallets. From 9.99 dollars to 99.99 dollars a bottle...
2007 Bodegas La Purisima Old Hands $11.99/Bottle
Okay, I have talked at length about this beauty from the Monastrell grape better known under the name of Mourvèdre. The grape is believed to have been introduced to my native land of Catalonia by the Phoenicians in around 500 BCE. Yecla is a little known Appelation in Spain on the rise. Quoting from our winemaker, Daniel Gimenez,
“In a tiny region hidden in the south of Spain, Yecla, grows a unique grape, Monastrell. Here the grape growers have learned generation after generation to manage this difficult variety. You’ll discover in this wine the subtle character of this grape, like figs, chocolate, black pepper and the aromas of the little aromatic herbs that naturally grow in the sunny hills that surround our vineyard, like rosemary and thyme."
And more personal... Barbara Fischkin’s comments
“This one was great and despite Christine's fears it tasted nothing like tofu. Tofu should taste so good. Well Mafou Tofu (sorry about transliteration) is great but only when eaten in Hong Kong”.
2008 Stone Briar, Sauvignon Blanc, California (90 Points)
$9.99/Bottle
Oh! my! The winemaker must have fallen into a vat while en route to market his Stone Briar Sauvignon Blanc now almost one-half of its metro Napa retail price.
While it lasts, this wine temporarily eliminates any need to explore affordable New Zealand, Chilean, South African, Loire Valley and Northeast Italian Sauvignon Blancs.
2006 Oakville-East Exposure Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (96 Points) $99.99 / Bottle
Excerpt from the Napa Wine Project
"Oakville East is an exciting project coming from a specific hillside region in eastern Oakville dubbed by some as "the magic hill" or "magic mountain". This small section of the appellation contains some of the most well known high-end wineries in Napa including Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, and the Phelps Baccus vineyard.
Owner and founder Elliot Stern tells a funny story of when all the participating vineyard growers/owners were gathered and were listening to Philippe talk about Biodynamic farming. Philippe then passed around a closed bag of a manure type compound as an example of what he uses in the vineyards. Everyone kept the bag shut except for one lady who opened it to the chagrin of the others and she then commented that it smelled just like her garden while growing up in Italy. This was the ice breaker and opened up the discussion to the many advantages of Biodynamic farming."
2007 Caligiore Bonardo Reserve Mendoza $14.99/Bottle
Gustavo Caligiore, the winemaker, is pouring his heart while crafting his wines. He is not after large volumes he is after quality and authenticity. He will talk to you at length about the virtues of organic viticulture preserving the character of his old vines in Mendoza just like I like to talk my friends’ ears off about autism, hope and recovery.
Raising a glass to hope!
Sail-A-Thon and Wine Tasting in Jacksonville, Florida
Save the date: Sail-a-Thon time in Jacksonville Florida, Sunday, March 28th, 2010.
Come join us for a day filled with fun on the water and get a chance to discover some of our great wines at the beautiful Jacksonville Landing.
Wines for Autism, a proud sponsor of Heart of Sailing, will host a free Wine Tasting during the Sail-a-thon.
What is Heart of Sailing?
Heart of Sailing is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to enhancing the lives of developmentally challenged children and their families through sailing. People with disabilities are often excluded from our society because of their differences.
Heart of Sailing is determined to end social isolation for people with developmental disabilities by establishing a recreational activity with their non-disabled siblings and parents. These activities empower them, help increase self-esteem, social interaction, confidence, teamwork, communication, comprehension, motor skills, coordination, environmental awareness, relaxation, concentration, focus, adventure, exploration, imagination and the abilities of all involved.
What is a Sail-a-Thon?
The Sail-a-thon features short day sails, activity and vendor booths, celebrity guests, live entertainment and free food and beverages.
It is an international event held in more than 40 regions across the U.S., Canada and Europe including sailing excursions, boat
parties, beach picnics, and cookouts, as well as door prizes and awards for fundraising to benefit Heart of Sailing’s Daysail
program, enabling special needs children and their families to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of sailing at no cost.
Sign up for the event on Facebook if you can attend if not spread the word.
With your wine and/or wine club purchase One third of Wines for Autism gross profits will benefit Heart of Sailing and help us keep the dream alive.
Cheers!
March Featured Wines
Besides our "Autism Wine", 2008 Vides del Este, Reserve Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina this month’s featured wines also include a perfect Italian duo, an unfiltered Spanish blend, a scrumptious South African Shiraz and a to-good-to-be-true Napa Valley Meritage.
2005 Corte alle Mine, Cuvee CEP, Toscana IGT, Italy $19.99 / Bottle
"Very Good", "Robert Parker's Wine Advocate"
"This ruby red Tuscan with garnet reflections begins on a wonderful nose of balsamic scents followed by mint, eucalyptus, and Mediterranean-spiced flavors of bergamot, sage and rosemary. A delicious blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot delivers flavors of dark fruits, blackberries, aniseed, and a gentle acidity in the mouth with a long, persistent finish."
2007 Salvano, Sognante, Langhe Chardonnay DOC, affinato in barrique, Piedmont, Italy (92 Points) $24.99 / Bottle
"Produced in the hills overlooking Alba comes a Chardonnay from the Langhe shining a lustrous straw yellow color. It exudes a delicate and fruity bouquet reminiscent of fresh-cut flowers. This young fragrant wine is perfect as an aperitif and matches beautifully with fish dishes and soups. A beautiful addition to our Prestige Collection, a fantastic line of premium, special occasion wines."
2007 Loxarel OPS Penedes, Spain (91 Points) $14.99 / Bottle
With this month’s 2007 Loxarel, Ops, D, unfiltered Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend from Penedes, you’ll see how the Spanish have achieved greatness from this area known for its Cabs while still respecting tradition. At under $15 for this much quality, it’s a wine that should sell like it’s free.
2007 Rietvallei Estate Wine Robertson Shiraz, South Africa (91 Points) $17.99 / Bottle
We came upon the scrumptious 2007 Rietvallei Estate Wine, Robertson Shiraz while in South Africa. Shiraz is fast becoming one of that country’s leading red varietals. Its spicy berry fruits will convert even the most devout Aussie Shiraz lover.
South Africa may seem like a new player in the wine world, but don’t be fooled. Yes. Because of apartheid, South African wines were unavailable throughout much of the rest of the world until trade sanctions were lifted in 1991. However, with its perfect terroir (growing conditions), the country is capable of producing a wide range of wines. In a stunning turnaround, South Africa’s wine industry is one of the primary beneficiaries of the multi-racial democracy that has prevailed since 1994, so that it is now amongst the world’s top 10 wine producers.
2005 San Valencia Winery Napa Valley Meritage (93 Points) $24.99 / Bottle
Gold, World Wine Championships
"Aromas of dried currants, black pepper, and nuts follows through on a round entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with vanilla, spice, and earth notes. Finishes with supple, tangy, oak kissed finish. A smooth, flavorful, but understated and elegant Old World styled Meritage. that will excel at the table."
WINES FOR AUTISM GIVES ONE THIRD OF ITS GROSS PROFITS FROM EACH SALE TO THE ORGANIZATION OF YOUR CHOICE FROM AMONG OUR CHARITY PARTNERS.
For delivery in time for Passover order by 3/22/2010 and for delivery in time for Easter, order by 03/27/2010.
When a “Corked” bottle is a good thing…
By our Wine Director, Francis Sanders (aka "A face for radio... but a nose for wine")
The first two Mira Luna bottlings totally integrated with our comic strip http://www.corkedthecomic.com are now available, and they’re both drinking and looking fine. Creative Director Dave Griffin, (Basement Boy to the cognoscenti), and myself have been regularly polluting cyberspace since 2008, but started the current continuity, in embryonic form, back in 2006. While poking fun at the wine industry – easy enough to do - the strip chronicles the staff adventures of fictitious Russian River Valley cult winery, Isinglas Cellars.
CAL914, $12.99 Mira Luna, Crusher & Stemmer Red, California, is a field blend that features the Isinglas dogs on the label. We bottled this in Western Sonoma after we modified-for-the-better an existing bottle blend. My mid-June notes on the base wine, originally a Bordeaux blend follow: “looks less than attractive; over-ripe red/brown berry, pepper, leathery, stewed vegetables - some dimension in the nose; lots in the mouth - tangy nose berries from nose - sort of cranberry, herbaceous, pepper, black tea; almost OK weight, almost OK structure, too alcoholic, nice texture”
By mid-September, our version, at the time about 13% Syrah to improve color and temper the herbaceous and over-ripe elements, was on its way:” bit murky deep red; touch of oxidation, stewed fruit, leather, vanilla, plums and red berry nose - pretty complex! pleasant, some acid-driven vif, adequate tannins, light-to-medium-bodied brown and red berry fruit, short finish though”
The final January release, buttressed with other material like Zinfandel, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Primitivo, improved the color, unearthed more ripe fruit aromas and flavors, added structure, balance, and lengthened the finish. All of these different vintage and varietal components throughout the process eliminated any legal appellation beyond California and vintage on the label, so Crusher & Stemmer Red 
evolved from a Bordeaux blend to a field blend. Since 1997 I have been bottling a successful non-vintage field blend as Backyard Red for a partner wine company, for G&W we required a new name. The “field blendish” name came since the Isinglas dogs were already named for winemaking equipment, so the strip tie-in was perfect for this new red.
Using our Mira Luna label allowed us to take advantage of our cast’s full-moon-crazy behavior.
Originally the dogs were to function as a Greek chorus in the strip, but they developed personalities of their own. Crusher, the Chihuahua, drawn in a Ren Hoek less realistic style (I served my Spumco time) feels he’s the baddest banger on the planet, and thinks in Cheech Marin’s voice. Stemmer, the French poodle, thinks he’s Cary Grant in “To Catch a Thief”, with Maurice Chevalier’s voice.
SON573, $17.99 2009 Mira Luna, Tough Day Chardonnay, features Isinglas Tasting Room Manager and all around Uber-Babe (sorry KP, you’ve been relegated to Garbo status), Chenin Meunier. Again, we used our Mira Luna label, but hedged our bets – we wanted a more timeless label concept - one that would not live and die only with the strip. We continued to work in black and white as essentially we’re producing a variation on a newspaper strip.
Chenin and her twin sister Rose (no fan boy fantasies from this creative team)
are clearly the favorite characters of the straight male demographic, as BB has spent plenty of research time with Gil Elvgren and Alberto Vargas. Originally the Chenin label was a 100% swipe from http://www.corkedthecomic.com, episode 2, but, strictly in the name of culture, we homaged the still of Jean Peters in the bathtub from Sam Fuller’s classic “Pickup on South Street”, coincidentally enough, screened at January’s Noir City 8, http://www.noircity.com program 3. Anticipating potential label approval difficulties and delays if we drew a prude as a clerk at the TTB, we changed the image to a profile.
The bottling occurred at one of the greatest estates in Carneros, tweaking Sonoma Carneros Chardonnay fruit with a touch of Muscat for more accessibility. My mid -
October notes follow: “tank-sample needs-to-settle look, light copper; difficult to identify aromas and flavors at this stage; difficult-to-find tropical fruits, figs/dates/nuts, toast, under the yeast nose”.By late October, we felt we had nailed it “same visual; finally, a nose! floral golden delicious apple, tropical fruits; adequate apples, acidity and heft, tropical fruit notes - mango & kiwi.”
By the February release we had a Chardonnay exhibiting pristine varietal fruit proudly framed in Sonoma Carneros terroir, accessible to a rank beginner while providing value to the most jaded connoisseur.
Geerlings & Wade’s Mira Luna, “Corked” the comic wines – so delicious they don’t need to take themselves seriously.
Supporting Families and People with Autism through the Autism Trust
BUY A BRICK TODAY, BUILD THEIR TOMORROW.
All too often I hear the ominous expression “Window of Opportunity” with the word autism and it disturbs me greatly.
Ideally, the younger a child, the earlier he/she receives massive biomedical interventions and therapies the better prognosis for his/her future will be.
Unfortunately, the reality is quite different. Not everybody will receive massive biomedical interventions and therapies at an early age because most of us cannot afford them and because most of them are not reimbursed by insurance companies. Not everybody will improve significantly let alone recover from autism.
So what do we do with all of those people who missed their “Window of Opportunity”?
Do we throw in the towel and call it quits? Do we stop treating them biomedically, do we stop giving them therapies because they are now too old? Do we lock them up in institutions or day hospitals because they cannot function properly in our society?
There is not a single family affected by autism that is not haunted with the fear of what is going to happen to their loved ones with autism when they are no longer around to care for them and protect them.
Polly Tommey, the Founder of The Autism Trust could not have described in better words how we all feel:
“My son, Billy was diagnosed with having severe autism at age two and a half; we have come a long way since then. Eleven years on and he is a happy boy who still has autism, but now he is described as ‘high functioning‘ and his improvement is ongoing.
Through preliminary research into what lay ahead for my son, I was devastated to find that his future, like a great many other children with autism was ‘bleak’. There simply isn’t enough provision and support for these children as they approach adulthood.
Please help me and the Autism Trust in any way that you can: help us build a real future for the great many children that have autism today.”
Help us buy those bricks faster with your wine purchase.
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