Tasting Notes: from the road {Rhode Island}

Let me start by saying “Ok Mother Nature!”

I couldn’t rightfully start a blog entry today without saying something to the effect. There are many out there with an unfortunate situation. Our hearts go out to you. Having said that, the winery is open and Mark and I are on the road.

Let’s backtrack a tiny bit. Mark Scherer and myself, Susan Denice are the core team who handle distribution. Many of us at the winery and beyond, spread the good word about the experience and wines at Jonathan Edwards Winery. To that, we say thank you.

So, On the Road in Rhode Island...

Spring is here, and the number one thing restaurants are doing is revamping their menus from winter warmers to summer coolers. This includes the wine list! I have a lot of fun showing up on the doors of hundreds with good news about Connecticut wines. The best feeling is when I meet someone who says “oh I have been to your place, it’s fantastic!”

Planning a wine list for me is like a kid in a candy shop. I have the luxury of helping a few restaurants in RI with their list, and making sure there is a bit of everything their customers need. Our wines serve many purposes. Our subtle to vibrant Estate grown whites compliment fish, and your favorite poultry dish, and our Napa Valley reds bring out all the beauty of a duck or steak dish. Rhode Island is one of those states that really prides itself on its culinary expertise. We have some of the best restaurants on the East Coast. It is a pleasure to do business with such creative minds.

One thing I have noticed in the wine industry in RI is how establishments are educating their staff more on wines and better assisting the consumer to find what they may be looking for. Wine education classes are also quickly becoming “in vogue”, and can range from “How to Read a Wine Label and Shop for Wine” to “Napa Valley Cabernets of 2004”. Check out if your favorite wine shop offers these and find a seminar that fits you. The more you know, the less stressful it becomes, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s what were here for!

Now… things to look forward to on the road. We have some great new partnerships in Rhode Island and I can’t keep them back anymore. We have joined forces with the newly renovated Ocean House in Watch Hill. Not only do they have an amazing staff and location- they have a carefully selected and edited wine list! Look forward to a Napatree Point Chardonnay and Zinfandel as the house wine private labeled and made by Jon himself. Also you will find about six JE Wines on the list as a staple for all four dining areas of the hotel. Look for our patio pourings and more all summer long...

Second and third, which almost go hand in hand, is The International Tennis Hall of Fame and Russel Morins Fine Catering. We have been a two- year sponsor of the Champions Cup in Newport, and have signed onto three years for the Campbells Tournament. We look forward to increasing our Newport clientele this year to tennis lovers from all over the world and enjoying a match or two while we’re at it. With this comes the great company of Russell Morin who has done all of the catering for the Tennis Hall of Fame and throughout the region, now will cater events here at the winery. Now that’s taking things full circle! One way or another you will be at a Newport fundraiser, enjoying a tennis match, or attending a wedding and Jonathan Edwards Wines will be there for you.

Thanks to all my customers for making Rhode Island such a great state to work in. Please let us know where your favorite place to enjoy wine is, and I will take a drive and pay them a visit. Stay dry, Rhode Island!

Susan Denice

{susan.denice@gmail.com}