Steve Lutz of Oregon Wine’s Lenne’ Estate sells his iconic vineyard as he eyes: what’s next in wine career.
- Steve Lutz, vigneron and founder sells his iconic estate after 22 years
- Peavine soils certified worst in Yamhill County, proved to yield distinctive Pinot Noirs
- Lutz is said to be setting up next phase of his idiosyncratic wine career
- Purchasers Jory, LLC will release next stage brand name and concept for the estate
Lutz’s wine career spans 4 decades and includes hospitality management for part of the Mondavi Wines Group in Napa Valley among other Napa brands and heading up hospitality at Chateau Benoit (now Anne Amie) in Carlton, Oregon culminating in the discovery of his unique 20.9 acre estate vineyard.
Lenné is French influenced wordplay of Lenny, Steve’s father-in-law
The brand name Lenné’ was derived as a French influenced wordplay of Lenny, Steve’s father-in-law who reportedly was a chicken farmer in a suburb of London.
Having achieved cult wine status for over 20 years
Lenné’ produces only estate wines, with annual production ranging from 1,600 – 2,000 cases, most of which is allocated to local wine club and out of state wine enthusiasts. Having achieved what is essentially cult status over 20 years as a craft producer
Lutz quips:
“…Most people think that wine is a lifestyle business,
it most assuredly isn’t, although, of course,
we do enjoy some perks!”
When queried about what’s next, Steve offers “Lenné’s unique programs and experiences will exist in new formats for years to come, although you’ll have to get on our mailing and membership lists to take advantage of what’s coming up next.”
you’ll have to get on […] mailing and membership lists to take advantage of what’s coming up next
The Lenne’ tasting room closes at the end of 2022.
Steve Lutz of Oregon Wine’s Lenne’ Estate sells his iconic vineyard
Jory, LLC had been searching for a bespoke Pinot producing site and were delighted when approached by Steve.
Jory intend to further develop the existing property with a new brand name, marketing concepts, and larger facilities. Co-owner Eugene Labunsky has admitted to being thrilled to finally acquire a property he has had his eye on for years.
Lenné’ Estate
Lenne’ Estate grows death-defying Pinot Noir vineyards on steep slopes in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Steve Lutz planted his first vines in 2001, expanding the vineyard property to 20.9 acres. The estate is planted with five clones of Pinot Noir (Pommard, 777, 115, 114, and 667), and most recently Chardonnay.
Jory, LLC
Jory, LLC is a partnership between grower and wine enthusiast Eugene Labunsky and Jared Etzel, winemaker and co-founder of Domaine Roy, and son of Mike Etzel of Beaux Frere fame. The partnership was formed with the intent to grow a portfolio of fine wine brands produced from singular estates of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Additional information will be released in the upcoming months.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
DC’s Apéro, Napa’s Be Bubbly, NYC’s Coqodaq: Top 10 Bars and Restaurants for Champagne from Bureau du Champagne
Napa’s Be Bubbly, NYC’s Coqodaq, DC’s Apéro: Top 10 Bars and Restaurants for Champagne from Bureau du Champagne
From Napa to DC to Manhattan and just 7 other sparkling stops!
Bureau du Champagne, USA today announced its annual list of the Top 10 Bars and Restaurants where Champagne plays a starring role. The list, now in its third year, recognizes establishments that elevate and celebrate the uniqueness of the sparkling wine that comes only from Champagne, France.
Released in advance of Champagne Day 2024, the list showcases Champagne standouts in every U.S. region. It recognizes restaurants and bars that take special care to offer Champagnes from a wide variety of producers, list them properly on their menus, and serve them with élan.
“We received nominations for spectacular bars and restaurants across the country, and selected from them a list of destinations that embody the spirit of Champagne,”
Lori Russo
Director,
the Bureau du Champagne, USA.
“While these restaurants and bars differ in style, spanning the spectrum from fine dining to fried chicken, they all have one thing in common: they understand what makes Champagne special. For that, we couldn’t be prouder to raise a glass to them on Champagne Day and the rest of the year.”
The full list of this year’s featured bars and restaurants can be found below in alphabetical order:
- Apéro, Washington, DC: Apéro’s list of more than 700 wines places special emphasis on Champagne. The intimate setting in DC’s popular Georgetown neighborhood is an ideal spot to explore an extensive list of Champagnes smartly organized by style.
- Be Bubbly, Napa, Calif.: In the heart of California wine country, Be Bubbly takes care to showcase Champagne with a menu that includes a map of the region’s five wine-producing districts and a philosophy of Champagne as a celebration of life.
- Boiler Room, Omaha: The wine list at this terroir-focused restaurant, originally conceived by a Master Sommelier, offers a broad range of Champagnes at varying price points so everyone can join in the celebration.
- Charleston, Baltimore: The wine program at Charleston emphasizes the special relationship between wine and food. The Champagne list, which spans three pages of its menu, explains the magic of Champagne along with a diversity of tasting profiles.
- Coqodaq, New York: Proving the versatility of Champagne, Coqodaq pairs the sparkling wine with both caviar and its signature bucket of Korean fried chicken.
- Coupes, Dallas: Coupes bills itself as a bar for Champagne. True to its name, its vast menu of Champagnes explains that “Champagne is a sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wines are Champagne.”
- Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar, Sacramento, Calif.: Fizz believes in celebrating everyday triumphs with Champagne. Its menus and events elevate Champagne from France and distinguish it from other sparkling wines.
- La Vie, Waikiki, Hawaii: La Vie’s emphasizes farm-to-table dining with French flair, so its large selection of vintage and non-vintage Champagnes creates the perfect complement, and the view is special, too.
- Pops for Champagne, Chicago: Known for its special events, tastings, Champagne education and a vast list of Champagnes of every style, Pops has been dazzling Chicago with Champagne since 1982.
- Sexy Fish, Miami: The extraordinary interior of this Brickell restaurant is matched only by its extensive list of Champagnes both accessible and rare.
For more information on Champagne Day or to find an event near you, visit champagneday.champagne.fr. More events will be added in the near future, so check back often.
Bureau du Champagne, USA, is the official U.S. representative of the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), a trade association representing the houses and winegrowers of Champagne, France. The Bureau works to advance the CIVC’s mission of defending the interests of the Champagne appellation worldwide through education and advocacy. For more information, visit us online at www.champagne.us.
DC to TX for Gin: Self-made Billionaire John Paul DeJoria acquires Waterloo Gin
Self-made Billionaire John Paul DeJoria acquires Waterloo Gin
Passionate entrepreneur and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria, the self-made billionaire founder of Patrón Tequila and Paul Mitchell hair care, has announced the purchase of Waterloo Gin, the first gin brand distilled in Texas.
Developed by Treaty Oak Distilling in Dripping Springs, Texas, near Austin, Waterloo Gin was launched in 2009, named after Austin’s original name – Waterloo – before the city was rechristened in the 1830s for Texas pioneer Stephen F. Austin.
Waterloo is known for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and unique flavor profile that blends fruits and botanicals that perfectly capture the Texas Hill Country.
The brand’s flagship Waterloo No. 9 Gin (94 proof) is crafted in the New American style, distilled with nine local botanicals including lavender, grapefruit, and pecan. The other expression in the Waterloo portfolio, Waterloo Antique Gin (also 94 proof), spends two years in first-use medium char American white oak barrels, matured under the hot Texas sun to develop rich wood flavors that complement the herbal notes of the base Waterloo No. 9. Both Waterloo Gins are naturally 100% gluten, carb, and additive free.
“Waterloo is an extraordinarily high-quality, innovative and world-class spirit, a gin I’m certain that people will enjoy,” says DeJoria, who founded Patrón Tequila in 1989 and built it into a $5.1 billion business when it was sold to Bacardi in 2018.
“I’m very honored for the opportunity to help grow this incredible brand, and share Waterloo Gin with more bartenders, retailers, and consumers all across the country.”
The company will be led by CEO Justin Meigs, who was previously an original member of the Empress Gin executive team that launched and grew the brand to over 260,000 annual case sales in 5 years, prior to the company’s exit in 2022.
“I’m incredibly excited about this new chapter for the Waterloo brand, now in the capable hands of John Paul DeJoria and his talented team of spirits industry veterans,” says Daniel Barnes, the founder of Waterloo at Treaty Oak. “Their deep industry experience and passion for cultivating and growing brands gives me great confidence that Waterloo will continue to flourish and reach new consumers everywhere.”
Though the recipe, production process, and brand name for Waterloo Gin will not change, the brand packaging and imagery will undergo a comprehensive refresh, with expanded national distribution, early next year.
Currently, Waterloo is available through Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) in Texas and Breakthru Beverage in Florida.
Additionally, customers in other states can purchase Waterloo online at www.waterloogin.com/shop-gin.
DC Seizes Tonight: Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Launches “Seize Tonight”
Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey released an engaging new commercial to support the recently launched “Seize Tonight” which encourages fans of Larceny to unleash their carefree spirit and get into some “good mischief”.
The brand will also extend its reach with Community Ambassadors who embody this same spirit in the gaming, music and food scenes to create compelling content which highlights the craftsmanship behind Larceny Bourbon and their respective passions.
Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Launches “Seize Tonight” Screenshot
The “Seize Tonight” campaign is centered around the idea that the most memorable moments happen when you let curiosity get the best of you and take a little risk – much like John E. Fitzgerald himself.
On the heels of its successful premium packaging redesign, the brand will debut an engaging new ad on premium streaming platforms directed by award-winning commercial film director André Betz.
The spot shows how Larceny can be the catalyst for turning an ordinary evening into a memorable one.
The hero seizes the opportunity to liven his friends’ night out by playing the piano after seeing a compelling vision of a keyhole ignite on the instrument. The crowd is surprised to hear the piano play, partly because the hero is so good, but also because the piano is clearly off limits. The spot reaches a pivotal moment when the stern bartender walks over to tell off the hero, only to reveal that she’s there to pour him a glass of Larceny in appreciation of his spontaneity.
Both the 30-second video, as well as 15-second version, will be streamed on Connected TV and Online Video.
The “Seize Tonight” campaign’s manifesto will be brought to life by expanding the brand’s reach and appeal beyond the traditional bourbon drinker through influential Community Ambassadors in the gaming, music and food scenes.
LP Giobbi is a celebrated DJ, producer, pianist, and activist, known for her innovative sound and impactful contributions to music and advocacy.
BlackKrystel is a dominant force in in the world of gaming and has made her mark as an efficacious voice for carefree, authentic fun.
Fabrizio Villalpando is a no-holds-barred home cook whose bold attitude towards entertaining through food has left a mark in the culinary scene.
Justin Sajda is a self-described “average guy who makes above average cocktails” whose creative concoctions elevate the spirits he serves behind the bar and on social media where he can be found @thirstywhale_.
Unlike many other bourbons, Larceny is made with wheat instead of the traditional rye, using a mashbill of 68% corn, 20% wheat and 12% malted barley. The use of 20% wheat as the secondary flavor grain is 25% more than the leading competitor, resulting in exceptional smoothness. Larceny Small Batch is available nationwide at a SRP of $27.99 and the new, premium packaging is now shipping. Individual batches of Larceny Barrel Proof are released nationally on an allocated basis three times annually at a SRP of $64.99 and will be bottled in the new packaging starting this fall.
Fans of Larceny are encouraged to enjoy it straight, on the rocks or in the classic Paper Plane cocktail.
ABOUT LARCENY BOURBON
The story of Larceny begins with John E. Fitzgerald, a bonded U.S. Treasury agent with a penchant for thievery of the best Bourbon.
Using his keys to let himself into rickhouses at night, the “Fitzgerald Barrels”, as they came to be known, became one of America’s most beloved whiskeys after Prohibition with the launch of Old Fitzgerald.
Today, the John E. Fitzgerald story continues through Larceny, an incredibly smooth and exceptional small batch Wheated Bourbon. First brought to market in 2012, Larceny is one of the most successful new-to-the-world Bourbons in the past decade.
Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the brand offers Larceny Small Batch and Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Since its inception, Larceny has been an award-winning, best in class Bourbon receiving accolades such as Double Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year in 2020. F
or more information, please visit www.larcenybourbon.com.
Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”
-
Just an hour from DC! Ironclad Distillery Now Serves Up Beds Alongside Their Bourbon Tasting in Fredericksburg, VA
After 10 Years, Ironclad Distillery Now Serves Up Beds Alongside Their Bourbon at Kenmore Inn in Fredericksburg, VA.
Ironclad Distillery has purchased Kenmore Inn, now offering a B&B with bourbon tastings.
People love staying in a bed and breakfast. There is just something about them that makes the overnight trip more memorable and quaint. Add to that bourbon tastings, and the idea of a B&B&B gets a lot of people taking notice.
Ironclad Distillery purchased the Kenmore Inn and will now serve up beds alongside their bourbon. The bed, breakfast, and bourbon Inn is now taking reservations for overnight stays and to host special events.
“We have created a unique experience that people are going to love,”
Stephen King
founder and president
Ironclad Distillery
Ironclad Inn & Bourbon Tasting Room
“Imagine being in the historic area of Fredericksburg, sipping bourbon, and taking in this 18th-century home.”
The next step for this family-owned company was to purchase the Kenmore Inn to create the Ironclad Inn & Bourbon Tasting bed and breakfast.
Founded in 2014, the trio of King family members who own the business were ready to take it to the next level. They have been thriving as a beloved local bourbon distillery, and it was time to take things up a notch.
The family takes an interest in history, having named their distillery after the location where the first Ironclad ships battled, they are now combining it with the history of the Kenmore Inn. What was once a residential property and now a B&B is located in the historical area of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Guests can enjoy the local history, relax in the charming sitting areas of the home, and enjoy the two bourbon-tasting rooms.
A few interesting facts about the bed and breakfast property include:
- It’s from circa 1793 and features nine rooms for guests. The main bedrooms are part of the original home and feature original fireplaces, while the other bedrooms are from the addition built in the 1930s. The rooms feature antiques and have a traditional décor.
- Each room has its bourbon cart for tastings, and guests can have breakfast each day with a selection of sweets and savory items with a Southern flair.
- The Inn is three stories tall and has a bourbon-tasting room for guests and the public, as well as several beautiful areas that are for relaxing.
- The bourbon tasting room is the central hub of the Inn. It serves bourbon tastings, cocktails, and a light snack menu until 8 p.m. There are also sitting areas on the property where people can relax and unwind.
- The Inn also offers various spaces and accommodations for hosting events, including corporate events, weddings, and more. The event spaces can accommodate up to 120 people and offer various options to meet planning needs.
“This is a beautiful property, and we invite people to stay here or stop by for a bourbon tasting,” added King. “Every time we convert someone into loving bourbon, we ring the bell, which has been ringing a lot. We look forward to giving everyone a taste of our family bourbon.”
The company was started in the Port of Newport News, Virginia, by Stephen King, Owen King, and Kara King. The Inn is situated within view of the most famous Civil War naval battle between the first ironclad ships. The company was named Ironclad Distillery after the location. Each batch of authentic bourbon is fermented, distilled, and bottled under one roof.
The Kenmore Inn, located in historic downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia, was built circa 1793.
The new Ironclad Inn & Bourbon Tasting Room offers nine residential rooms to choose from, each with a bourbon cart.
The main bedrooms are in the 18th century and provide traditional beds, original fireplaces, seating areas, and sleep for 2-3 people. Additional bedrooms are in the area of the home that was added in the 1930s and sleep two.
Breakfast is served daily from 7:30 am to 10:00 am, offering a taste of the South. Coffee, tea, and water are served all day. The Bourbon Tasting Room offers tastings, cocktails, and a daily light snack menu until 8 pm.
To get more information about holding an event at the Ironclad Inn & Bourbon Tasting Room or booking a room, visit the site at: https://www.ironcladinn.com.
Follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ironcladinn
About Ironclad Inn & Bourbon Tasting Room
The bed and breakfast is located in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia, offering a unique place for people to stay and hold events. Guests can stay in one of their historic rooms, enjoy Southern hospitality, and engage in bourbon tastings. Inspired by the personalized hospitality of a private family home, the bedrooms and shared spaces are designed for finding a home away from home where lively stories can be swapped over a bourbon or two.
An interconnected part of the family-owned distillery and Tasting Room in Newport News, Ironclad Inn extends Ironclad Distillery Co.’s dedication to quality, connection, and hospitality into the experience of living, traveling, and coming home to a glass of the good stuff. Several special event options also allow guests to hold events of up to 120 people.
To get more information, visit the site at: https://www.ironcladinn.com.
-
Bear Grillz, Benda, Blanke, Layz, & Sullivan King June 3 at Echo Stage
Bear Grillz, Benda, Blanke, Layz, & Sullivan King June 3 at Echo Stage
Heralded as Washington, DC’s premier hybrid nightclub and concert venue.Echostage brings the festival experience indoors year-round, allowing fans to enjoy full-scale music production. Currently ranked #1 Nightclub in the World by DJ Mag.Bear Grillz, Benda, Blanke, Layz, & Sullivan King at Echo Stage
Bear Grillz is an American electronic dance music DJ and record producer based in Denver, Colorado. He appeared on The Jerry Springer Show to reveal his identity
Benda hails from Miami, Florida, Niv Ben-David is one of the younger electronic music acts currently up-and-coming within the bass music soundscape.
Operating under the moniker Benda, this 18-year-old Israeli DJ and producer is marking 2018 as his year to rise.
Mentored under the tutelage of the world-renowned DJ/producer Borgore, Ben-David is without-a-doubt a name to keep on your radar throughout the upcoming festival circuit. Now based in Los Angeles, California, Ben-David is getting ready to drop the needle on his arsenal of signature, wall-crumbling sound designs.
From diplomas to dubstep, emerging bass artist LAYZ has had quite the come-up.
After attending Lost Lands’ 2017 debut, LAYZ returned with a newfound desire to create the very music she’s passionate about. Despite juggling college and work, the budding DJ and producer tirelessly spent many nights immersing herself in her craft.
LAYZ’s slaughterous synths and bone-crushing basses quickly landed on producers’ and fans’ radars – and she’s been quickly climbing ever since.
-
Kendrick Lamar – The Big Steppers Tour Aug 4 at DC’s Capital One Arena
Kendrick Lamar – The Big Steppers Tour Aug 4 at DC’s Capital One Arena
Hours after releasing the week’s most buzzed-about album, Kendrick Lamar has announced an international tour that includes a Washington, DC stop.
DC’s Capital One Arena on Aug. 4
The Los Angeles rapper will play DC’s Capital One Arena on Aug. 4, part of his five-month Big Steppers Tour. Baby Keem, Lamar’s cousin and frequent collaborator, will open the show.
Kendrick Lamar’s The Big Steppers Tour
The Big Steppers Tour is Lamar’s first big outing since 2018, which included a visit to DTE Energy Music Theatre.
Friday’s tour announcement comes on the heels of “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers,” released overnight. The 18-track double set is Lamar’s fifth studio album and first in five years.
Related:
Bad Bunny’s World’s Hottest Tour stops at DC’s Nationals Park on Aug 23
Kendrick Lamar, The Big Steppers Tour, show dates
North American Leg
July 19 – Oklahoma City, Okla. – Paycom Center
July 21 – Austin – Moody Center
July 22 – Houston – Toyota Center
July 23 – Dallas – American Airlines Center
July 24 – Miami – Rolling Loud
July 27 – Tampa, Fla. – Amalie Arena
July 29 – New Orleans – Smoothie King Center
July 30 – Atlanta – State Farm Arena
July 31 – Nashville – Bridgestone Arena
Aug. 2 – Charlotte – Spectrum Center
Aug. 4 – Washington, D.C. – Capital One Arena
Aug. 5 – Brooklyn, N.Y. – Barclays Center
Aug. 6 – Brooklyn, N.Y. – Barclays Center
Aug. 7 – Long Island, N.Y. – UBS Arena
Aug. 9 – Philadelphia – Wells Fargo Center
Aug. 10 – Boston – TD Garden
Aug. 12 – Toronto – Scotiabank Arena
Aug. 13 – Toronto, Scotiabank Arena
Aug. 14 – Detroit – Little Caesars Arena
Aug. 16 – Columbus, Ohio – Schottenstein Center
Aug. 18 – Milwaukee – Fiserv Forum
Aug. 19 – Chicago – United Center
Aug. 20 – Minneapolis – Xcel Energy Center
Aug. 21 – Kansas City – T-Mobile Center
Aug. 23 – Denver – Ball Arena
Aug. 24 – Salt Lake City – Vivint Smart Home Arena
Aug. 26 – Portland, Ore. – Moda Center
Aug. 27 – Seattle – Climate Pledge Arena
Aug. 28 – Vancouver, B.C. – Rogers Arena
Aug. 30 – Sacramento – Golden 1 Center
Aug. 31 – Oakland, Calif. – Oakland Arena
Sept. 1 – Oakland, Calif. – Oakland Arena
Sept. 6 – San Diego – Viejas Arena at San Diego State University
Sept. 7 – Anaheim, Calif. – Honda Center
Sept. 9 – Las Vegas – T-Mobile Arena
Sept. 10 – Phoenix – Footprint Center
Sept. 14 – Los Angeles – Crypto.com Arena
Sept. 15 – Los Angeles – Crypto.com Arena
Overseas leg
Oct. 7 – Amsterdam – Ziggo Dome
Oct. 10 – Prague – O2 Arena
Oct. 11 – Berlin – Mercedes-Benz Arena
Oct. 13 – Hamburg – Barclays Arena
Oct. 15 – Copenhagen – Royal Arena
Oct. 17 – Stockholm – Avicii Arena
Oct. 19 – Oslo – Telenor Arena
Oct. 21 – Paris – Accor Arena
Oct. 24 – Stuttgart – Scheleyerhalle
Oct. 25 – Zurich – Hallenstadion
Oct. 26 – Laussane – Vaudoise Aréna
Oct. 28 – Antwerp – Sportpaleis
Oct. 30 – Cologne – Lanxess Arena
Oct. 31 – Frankfurt – Festhalle
Nov. 2 – Glasgow – OVO Hydro
Nov. 3 – Leeds – First Direct Arena
Nov. 4 – Newcastle – Utilita Arena
Nov. 5 – Birmingham – Utilita Arena
Nov. 7 – London – The O2
Nov. 8 – London – The O2
Nov. 13 – Dublin – 3Arena
Nov. 16 – Manchester – AO Arena
Dec. 1 – Perth – RAC Arena
Dec. 4 – Melbourne – Rod Laver Arena
Dec. 8 – Sydney – Qudos Bank Arena
Dec. 12 – Brisbane – Entertainment Center
Dec. 16 – Auckland – Spark Arena
