Wine Country International Magazine

Wine Country International Magazine Wine Country International® Magazine is dedicated to increasing the
knowledge and enjoyment of wine

08/25/2026

Coming Soon! Wine Country International© Issue 2026 V2
Wine Works
Bosco De’ Medici Wine Resort in Pompeii
Story and photography by Christopher J Davies
Visiting Pompeii should be on every adventurer’s bucket list. We flew into Naples in February and made the beautiful, cliff-steeped town of Sorrento our base. We researched hotels in Pompeii and were excited to find the Bosco De’ Medici Wine Resort. Bosco translates to “woods,” so Bosco De Medici means “The Woods of the Medici’s.” Yes, the famous Medici of Tuscany also owned property in Pompeii.
The resort has vineyards, a winery, lodging, and a restaurant that offers wine-pairing flights with delicious appetizers, as well as lunch and dinner, six days per week. The property also features an equestrian center near the once history-altering Mount Vesuvius.
The town may seem touristic, especially near the gates of the Archaeological Park. We found the locals to be kind and respectful of Pompeii’s historical prominence. There were many businesses and great restaurants scattered throughout the town.
Bosco De’ Medici uses old-world, Vesuvian winemaking techniques, such as fermenting in Impruneta terracotta amphorae (clay vessels). Their main vineyards are located on the slopes of Vesuvius. Before departing on this trip to Italy, we watched several shows about the recent discoveries around Pompeii.

Bosco De’ Medici Wine Resort in Pompeii
For more, visit: https://www.boscodemedici.it/en/

08/24/2026

2026 Polaris Pour, Bourbon at the Gate| Bourbon and Whiskey Festival
MASTER CLASS SERIES

Saturday, August 22, 2026| Session One: 1-1:45 pm
Malt Sensory: Understanding Malt and its impact on Single Malt Whiskey
Hosted by Heyward Gualandi, Root Shoot Malting and Spirits

Root Shoot Malting and Spirits is a 100-year-strong, 5th-generation, family-owned farming business owned by the Olander family. From the 1980s through the early 2010s, Olander Farms grew malting barley for Coors and Budweiser, supplying grain to some of the largest breweries in the country. Fast forward to today, they supply barley to several Colorado-based distilleries and produce their own range of whiskey, delivering a farm-to-bottle product. In 2026, the London International Spirits Competition awarded Root Shoot Spirits the “2026 American Single Malt Whiskey of the Year” award.

This seminar began with a basic understanding of the ingredient in its raw form, whole kernel. Then moved to sensory on the Malt Hot Steep, which is, in effect, malt tea: a fermentable, sweet, warm liquid produced by mashing and lautering malt before fermentation. The attendees learned about the liquid before fermentation, distillation, aging, wood contact/char choice, etc.
The presentation concluded with tastings of American Single Malt Whiskey from 10th Mountain Whiskey and Root Shoot Spirits.

08/23/2026

thank you Hotel Polaris what a great location and fabulous hotel we love the service. We love the views and we will be back.

08/22/2026

Polaris Pour, Bourbon at the Gate, Day Two!
Hotel Polaris, Colorado Springs. Day one was a great success. The Art of the Cocktail, presented by bartender Reagan, provided an inventive take on an Old Fashioned and Navigator.
The kickoff reception at the rear of the hotel was fabulous, despite a brief downpour.
The big day today promises even more excitement for Bourbon lovers! Experience a Grand Tasting, the Taste of Polaris, and one of the largest silent auctions of rare and collectible Bourbons and spirits, all benefiting the Colorado Veterans Project. This is a unique opportunity to discover exclusive bottles, bid on limited editions, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
2026 Polaris Pour, Bourbon at the Gate- Saturday, August 22, 2026| MASTER CLASS SERIES
1:00 pm Malt Sensory: Understanding Malt and its impact on Single Malt Whiskey
Hosted by Heyward Gualandi, Root Shoot Malting and Spirits

2 pm: The Art of Special Barrel-Finished Whiskey.
By Chip Tate, Master Distiller and Blender, Ampersand Spirits

Tickets are available at https://www.thehotelpolaris.com/polaris-pour/

The Canned Challenge-Plus is the world's first professionally judged competition dedicated to defining excellence in rea...
08/20/2026

The Canned Challenge-Plus is the world's first professionally judged competition dedicated to defining excellence in ready-made alcoholic drinks. Now in its 6th year, it's judged double-blind by a panel of mixologists, bartenders, sommeliers, buyers, and beverage trade professionals — people who understand this category, not generalists borrowed from wine or spirits judging.

We just added a bonus feature: all winners get listed in an RTD Trailblazer list!

Visit: www.cannedchallenge.com

It seems that RTD's are having a resurgence! Better quality ingredients, proper alcohol percentages, and balance! We are...
08/14/2026

It seems that RTD's are having a resurgence!
Better quality ingredients, proper alcohol percentages, and balance!
We are creating the 2026 "Best of the Best" RTD Trailblazer List, which will be emailed directly to 9,500 concert venues, arenas, amphitheaters, and stadiums.
www.cannedchallenge.com

New Issue! Coming SoonWine Country International © MagazineWine Business on Long Island:“The only way this works is to f...
08/11/2026

New Issue! Coming Soon
Wine Country International © Magazine

Wine Business on Long Island:
“The only way this works is to focus on quality. Long Island cannot compete with the Central Valley (California) or Argentina.
I call it a minority issue: if you are a minority, you must be a great student, play the violin, and sing.”

Roman Roth, Winemaker and Partner
Wölffer Estate Vineyards

Cover photo © 2025, by Christopher J Davies

08/08/2026

We are excited to look back at December 2019, when Wine Country International© co-founders, Darcy and Christopher, visited Chianti Classic. Sergio Zingarelli warmly welcomed them to Rocca della Macìe in Castellina in Chianti. Marketing Director Thomas Franconi provided a VIP tour of the estate and vineyards. They made a stop at Relais Riserva Fi Fizzano, a restored medieval village where visitors may stay at rustic apartments overlooking vineyards and enjoy creative Tuscan cuisine.
The Davies joined RDM President Sergio Zingarelli and family for a delicious lunch of homemade pasta paired with a selection of the estate’s wines.
Rocca della Macìe stands out as one of Chianti Classico’s most renowned and distinctive estates, celebrated for its dedication to quality and tradition. Founded by Sergio’s father, famed film producer Italo Zingarelli, the estate has built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and authentic Tuscan character that sets it apart in the region.
Sergio’s children, Giulia and Andrea, were born and bred in Rocca della Macìe and have been passionately involved for some years now. His nephew Fabio and his mother Sandra not only manage film rights but also handle certain commercial aspects.

Photos (c) by Christopher J Davies.

08/06/2026

An Invitation for the True Connoisseur:
What: The Second Annual Polaris Pour, an intimate Bourbon and Whiskey Gathering
Where: Hotel Polaris, 8989 North Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
When: Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, 2026
The Polaris Pour, Bourbon at the Gate, is your invitation-only, two-day celebration featuring America’s most elusive, highly-awarded, and nearly impossible-to-find whiskies—all gathered for a select group of discerning guests.
Discover award-winning Bourbon, Rye, Special Barrel Finished Whiskey, American Single Malt Whiskey, and delicious whiskey-friendly cuisine.
Immerse yourself in exclusive, hands-on masterclasses on cocktails, distilling, and the art of special barrel finishing. Enjoy private, up-close conversations with the makers and partake in intimate tastings designed for true aficionados. The Bourbon Baron Silent Auction will present rare and highly allocated spirits—including Eagle Rare 17, Eagle Rare 12, and William Larue Weller—offered only to our esteemed attendees, with proceeds benefitting the Colorado Veterans Project.
Meet Master Blender Chip Tate, the founder of Balcones Distilling
Beverage Partners:
•Sazerac (Buffalo Trace, Traveler, Sazerac Rye)
•Stranahan’s American Single Malt
•Pendleton Whisky
•Marble Distilling
•10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits Co
•Laws Whiskey House
•Root Shoot Spirits
•Foley Family Wines and Spirits (Ampersand, Gambit No. 6, Champagne Piaff)
•Axe and The Oak Distillery
•Distillery 291
•Rocker Spirits
Tickets Available Here: https://www.thehotelpolaris.com/polaris-pour/

08/02/2026

“Did you know?” → “Canned Challenge Plus is the WORLD’S FIRST competition dedicated to RTD cocktails, THC cocktails & hard seltzers” (poll sticker: “Entering this year?”)
“Why it matters” → “Generic competitions judge you against wine and spirits. We judge you against your actual category.”
CTA → “Entries close soon. Swipe up to enter.” (countdown sticker)
Visit our profile for the link to our website.

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