Drinking Locally
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While staying home, all of us are being encouraged to support local businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak. No industry has been harder hit by the virus’ economic challenge than the restaurant and hospitality sector. Part of that is our beloved wine industry – which in California can describe everything from huge companies with dozens of brands to small family wineries. The former, given their national distribution chains and presence in “essential” places like supermarket shelves, are probably feeling the current downturn less acutely than small producers. For them this could be an existential threat. So here are a few things the concerned wine drinker might do to make a difference:
DTC – It stands for “Direct to Consumer,” and it’s a boon to small producers. When a winery sells directly to you, they bypass a level of the “three-tier” distribution system – and receive the revenues they would have lost by discounting for wholesale. The easiest way to help your favorite small brand is to go on their website and buy some wine directly from them (assuming you live someplace where they can ship it to you!) Consider joining the email lists (or even the wine club!) of a few of your favorite wineries – many are promoting special deals to help increase sales during this downturn.
LOCAL RETAILERS – Seek out the smaller, locally-owned shops in your area. Some have websites where you can plan your purchases. Curb-side pick-up is sometimes available.
L.A. WINE – Lately I have been obsessing about Los Angeles area wine. Our state’s wine industry began here. In the second half of the 19th century, “California wine” meant wine from in and around Los Angeles. A few intrepid folks are reclaiming that history and producing wine from rediscovered sites around the area. I will be writing more posts about this general topic. In the meantime, if you live in the area and are interested in experiencing something different, check out these three producers I met recently:
Patrick Kelly partners with vineyards in Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties and produces delicious, classic expressions of familiar varieties – and more. I’m a big fan of his Grenache!
Sourcing fruit from “beautiful, remote corners of Los Angeles County,” Angeleno offers a line of unique wines that fit in well with the current interest in low-intervention, fresh and “natural” wines. As of this writing they are offering “contactless” delivery options.
This is the place for palates that crave bold, full-bodied reds. Rhône and Bordeaux varietals are sourced from family-owned, sustainably farmed Los Angeles area vineyards.