Mendocino’s oldest winery still in production, Parducci Wine Cellars, celebrated its 85th anniversary with the release of 85—a special cuvée created in honor of John “Mr. Mendocino” Parducci.
Parducci was a champion of the region, and the first to label bottles with “Mendocino County.” The winery was founded by his father and uncle in 1932. Parducci took over head winemaking duties in the 1940s, building the family winery into a well-known brand over several decades. He was also among the first to emphasize varietal wines. He died in 2014.
The bottling, created by head winemaker Bob Swain, who is celebrating his 20th anniversary as Parducci’s winemaker, blends “heartland varietals of Mendocino County”—namely Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
Direct-to-Consumers Winery Shipments Grow
There is good news for smaller U.S. wineries and the consumers who purchase wine from them. During the last year, Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) shipments have steadily increased throughout the nation.
During the 12-month period spanning April 2016 to April 2017, DTC shipments were $729 million, out of total U.S. wine sales of almost $40 billion, according to Wines Vines Analytics/Ship Compliant. For April 2017 alone, sales were $227 million, up a significant 13 percent from a year earlier.
By wine type, Cabernet Sauvignon (30 percent of sales), Pinot Noir (16 percent) and red blends (also 16 percent) led DTC shipments for the 12 months that ended in April 2017, followed by Chardonnay and Zinfandel.
New Zealand’s Invivo Wines Launching in U.S.
New Zealand’s Invivo Wines has partnered with U.S. distributor Seaview Imports to bring its wines to the United States.
Retail chain Kroger has picked up the line, which will include Invivo Sauvignon Blanc and Invivo Pinot Noir, along with additional Sauvignon Blanc created as a special collaboration with British talk-show host Graham Norton. It remains to be seen whether Norton’s appeal will translate to U.S. consumers, who are largely unfamiliar with the popular host.
The United States is now the number one market for New Zealand wine, with $307 million currently exported to American consumers.
Last Updated: May 4, 2023
