Eighth-grade student Riley Flanagan of Healdsburg, California, raised $15,000 at a philanthropic wine dinner she hosted to benefit The Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County. The council runs 12 preschools in Sonoma County for more than 550 children from low-income families. Local companies Flanagan Wines, Baci Café & Wine Bar and realtor Alain-Martin Pierret sponsored the event.
Bluesman B.B. King and Votto Vines Importing have released a line of red and white wines called the B.B. King Signature Collection. Produced by the Almansa, Spain-based Bodega Santa Cruz de Alpera, the collection consists of a red blend made from Garnacha, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, and a white wine made from 100% Verdejo. Retailing for $14, the wines are currently available in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, and will soon be on sale in other select national markets.
To commemorate the 2013 Kentucky Derby, which will take place May 4, Brown-Forman will release a limited-edition Early Times Mint Julep. The premixed, ready-to-serve cocktail will be available starting this month, and it will retail for $15/1L.
The Kobrand Corporation has signed a long-term marketing and sales agreement to exclusively represent the wines of Masi Agricola (including Masi Tupungato, Serego Alighieri and Bossi Fedrigotti) in the U.S. Prior to the new arrangement, Folio Fine Wine Partners represented the Veneto, Italy-based producer’s wines.
Napa Valley, California-based Clos du Val Winery has launched a new luxury 100% 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, JG’s Joie du Vin. The wine is made from grapes that were sourced from a single block in the Stags Leap District. Available only in magnum format, the wine retails for $400 per bottle. Eighty cases were produced, and less than 50% will be allocated to wholesale.
Due to popular demand, Scottish craft brewer Innis & Gunn plans to return its Irish Whiskey Cask Stout to the U.S. market. The beer first appeared in the U.S. early last year and sold out. According to Dougal Sharp, CEO of Innis & Gunn, twice as much of the Irish Whiskey Cask will be available in the U.S. this year. The beer will retail for roughly $10/4-pack, and it will be distributed in kegs for on-premise operations, with a suggested retail price of $6–$7/12-ounce pour.
Pernod Ricard USA has launched Mama Walker’s range of breakfast-flavored liqueurs, featuring Blueberry Pancake, Glazed Doughnut and Maple Bacon variations. The selections are now available and retail for approximately $13/50 ml.