Winesday with The Wine Shop – Nine Hats Riesling
Dan and Ellen O’Connell at The Wine Shop in Koloa. Photo courtesy of The Wine Shop.
Tasting Kauai is happy to partner with the O’Connells for Winesday with The Wine Shop. Owners Dan and Ellen O’Connell are a delightful couple whose passion for wine is infectious, their knowledge is vast, and the service is friendly. Their beautiful store carries everything from wine and spirits to gourmet foods and sweet treats. Check in with Tasting Kauai every Wednesday to learn about their favorites. ¡Salud!
With the Pacific Northwest still fresh in our memory and palates, we can’t get our minds off the luscious varietal of Riesling. Since the end of summer is in our grasp, barbecues are still blazing and we have plenty of social engagements to attend, and this grape screams to be included in our get-togethers!
Chandelier over the Long Shadows’ Winery tasting table. Photo courtesy of The Wine Shop
One of the highlights of our Northwest visit was a tour of Long Shadows’ Winery in Walla Walla, Washington. The winery sits atop rolling hills of vineyards, which were formally wheat fields. The modern facility features an incredible tasting room filled with works by famous glass artist Dale Chihuly, including a magnificent chandelier over the tasting table.
Alan Shoup, the owner of this prestigious winery, brings winemaking to a new level. He not only seeks out the best quality grapes that he can find in the Columbia Valley region, but he also chooses the best vintners in the world to create each varietal and blend that are made at Long Shadows Vineyard. He has eight different winemakers for his winery, making wine in each of the specific fields of expertise.
Nine Hats Riesling is the result of the collaboration of these eight winemakers. Together, they have created a wine that exhibits fruity flavors like fresh pear, apple, and a hint of lychee, along with a slight stone and citrus minerality to the finish.
Nine Hats Riesling. Photo courtesy of The Wine Shop.
This wine pairs perfectly with many types of cuisine. Our suggestions are grilled fish with tropical salsa, hot and spicy Thai dishes or a crisp summer salad with grilled shrimp and scallops. And the price is right too, only $16.95 a bottle.
See you soon at The Wine Shop!
Aloha,
Dano and Ellen O’Connell
The Wine Shop is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. On the first Saturday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m., they host monthly wine tastings. For more information call 808-742-7305 or visit www.thewineshopkauai.com. The shop is located just across the street from the Koloa Post Office.