Vitis House https://www.vitishouse.com/ Wine School: WSET & WSG Courses, Wines & Spirits Classes Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:30:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 170508878 Simply Italian Great Wines Americas Tour Celebrates a Successful Debut in Raleigh https://www.vitishouse.com/simply-italian-great-wines-americas-tour-celebrates-a-successful-debut-in-raleigh/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:36:53 +0000 https://www.vitishouse.com/?p=16857 The post Simply Italian Great Wines Americas Tour Celebrates a Successful Debut in Raleigh appeared first on Vitis House.

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Raleigh, NC — February 2026 — Vitis House Wine School proudly hosted and collaborated on the Raleigh debut of the 2026 Simply Italian Great Wines Americas Tour, marking the city as one of three key U.S. markets — alongside Miami and Houston — selected to showcase the excellence and diversity of Italian wine.

Held at 1000 Social at The Exchange, the event brought together wine professionals, importers, distributors, sommeliers, media, and educators for a full day dedicated to Italian wine culture, education, and industry connection. The Raleigh stop introduced the tour to North Carolina for the first time, reinforcing the region’s growing importance within the American wine landscape.

The Simply Italian format — combining educational seminars with a large walk-around tasting — once again demonstrated its strength as a platform designed to promote Italian fine wines while building meaningful relationships within the trade.

Education at the Center of the Experience

Education remained a defining element of the Raleigh program, aligning closely with Vitis House’s mission to elevate wine knowledge through accessible, professional learning experiences.

Two guided masterclasses led by wine educators Doreen Colondres and Lyn Farmer welcomed strong participation from trade and media:

  • “The Italian Lifestyle Has a Unique Taste: Pinot Grigio delle Venezie D.O.C.”

  • “FederDoc Traceability and Regulation of Italian DOC Wines”

The seminars explored Italian appellation systems, traceability, and regional identity, offering attendees deeper understanding of Italy’s winemaking heritage and regulatory framework.

vitis house simply italian great wines americas tour

A Milestone for Raleigh’s Growing Wine Community

The event highlighted Raleigh’s rapid emergence as a dynamic food and wine destination in the Southeast. Professionals from across North Carolina and neighboring markets gathered in an atmosphere defined by collaboration, curiosity, and professional exchange.

“We are beyond proud that Raleigh was selected to host Simply Italian,” said Doreen Colondres, founder of Vitis House Wine School. “The energy in the room confirmed what we already know — this is a passionate and growing wine community eager to learn, connect, and engage directly with producers.”

Italy in One Room

The afternoon walk-around tasting showcased more than 60 wineries representing Italy’s most important regions, including Piedmont, Veneto, Tuscany, Alto Adige, Abruzzo, Sicily, and beyond. Attendees had the opportunity to discover new producers while strengthening relationships with established consortia and import partners.  Italian charcuterie, salads and pastas were provided to all attendees to pair the wine selection.

Looking Ahead

Following its successful Raleigh debut, the Simply Italian Great Wines Americas Tour continues to Miami and concludes in Houston, further expanding Italian wine education and trade engagement across the United States.

The Raleigh event stands as a milestone collaboration between international producers and the local wine community — demonstrating how education, partnership, and shared passion continue to shape the future of wine in emerging markets.

How to Pass WSET Level 3 - Doreen Colondres

Doreen Colondres

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🍷 How to Find a Wine You’ll Truly Love (Without Overthinking It) https://www.vitishouse.com/how-to-find-a-wine-youll-truly-love-without-overthinking-it/ Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:28:39 +0000 https://www.vitishouse.com/?p=16769 The post 🍷 How to Find a Wine You’ll Truly Love (Without Overthinking It) appeared first on Vitis House.

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Choosing wine shouldnt feel like decoding a secret code — yet when you see row after row of bottles, its easy to feel lost. The good news? You dont need to memorize every region, law, or label term to find wines that truly speak to your palate. With just a few simple clues, wine discovery becomes easier — and a lot more fun.

Start with the label

Every wine label tells a story. And the most useful part isnt the fancy letters, but what they hint about place and style.

Where a wine comes from gives you clues about climate:

Cooler regions often mean brighter acidity (freshness), vibrant aromas, and lighter fruit. Warmer regions tend to produce richer, riper, sometimes creamier styles.

Dont stress about every acronym or regulation — use the region as a taste map. The more you explore, the stronger your instincts become.

Grape variety is your friend

If you know you love Malbec or Sauvignon Blanc, let that guide you. Grape names offer a reliable starting point for flavor expectations and help you navigate choices with confidence.

And heres where the fun really begins: ask for similar grapes.

Love Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc? Try Albariño, Assyrtiko, Cortese, Torrontes, or Garganega. Thats the joy of wine — the options are endless, and discovery is part of the pleasure.

Understand feel and structure

Alcohol level and body tell you a lot before you even open the bottle. Fuller wines often come from warmer regions and feel richer on the palate, while lighter wines with fresh acidity usually come from cooler climates.

Oak aging can also add body and texture. Warmer climates often mean higher alcohol — although wine education (hello, WSET 😉) teaches you that rules always have thoughtful exceptions.

vitis house how to find a wine you’ll truly love

Learn from people who know

Talking to someone experienced — a wine professional, sommelier, or even a friend with a great palate — can help you find wines youll love faster and with less guesswork. The most important thing? Never be afraid to ask or to come to any of our fun classes.

Why this matters — and how you can go deeper

Wine enjoyment is personal, joyful, and meant to be shared. The more tools you give yourself — from reading a label to tasting with intention — the more confident you become.

Thats exactly what our upcoming WSET Level 1 and Level 2 courses in Raleigh and Virginia are designed to offer:

WSET Level 1

A welcoming introduction to wine, covering styles, regions, and the basics of tasting.

WSET Level 2

A deeper dive into how climate, grape varieties, and winemaking shape what you taste — and how to talk about wine with confidence.

Whether youre exploring wine casually or building a career in hospitality or retail, these wine certifications help you find wines you love — and explain why you love them.

🍇 Join us and taste smarter. Your next favorite bottle is waiting.

After all, one life is not enough to taste all the grapes in the world.

How to Pass WSET Level 3 - Doreen Colondres

Doreen Colondres

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How to Pass WSET Level 3: Expert Tips + Why In-Person Learning Matters https://www.vitishouse.com/how-to-pass-wset-level-3-expert-tips-why-in-person-learning-matters/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:35:54 +0000 https://www.vitishouse.com/?p=16299 The post How to Pass WSET Level 3: Expert Tips + Why In-Person Learning Matters appeared first on Vitis House.

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Choosing the right school matters — especially for a challenging and advanced qualification like WSET Level 3. At Vitis House, our mission is simple: give you the knowledge, confidence, and support you need to succeed from day one. And when you take the course in person with us in Raleigh, the experience becomes even stronger.

1️⃣ Expert Educators Who Live What They Teach

Our instructors are passionate industry professionals with decades of experience in wine, food, and education. We bring global perspective, cultural context, and real-world stories that make the content click.

2️⃣ A Complimentary Prep Session to Set You Up for Success

After you register, you’ll get your printed or digital study pack to begin your 55 hours of study. We also offer a free online prep class to guide you on how to study before the course begins.

3️⃣ Immersive Tastings With Benchmark Wines

We taste intentionally. Every wine is chosen to highlight a classic style, region, or learning outcome — so your theory and tasting connect.

And yes… our tasting pass rate is 99%.

4️⃣ In-Person Learning That Changes Everything

Theres something special about being in the room:

  • You feel the wines, the energy, the questions, the aha!” moments.
  • You taste side-by-side with peers (a huge advantage at this level).
  • You get instant feedback on structure, notes, and technique.

We slow down when something is confusing and go deeper when the room gets curious. We walk around, check your notes, guide your SAT approach, and help you make those small adjustments that make a big difference.

Youre not alone with a textbook — youre part of a motivated, supportive group. And that makes Level 3 not just easier… but more enjoyable.

Vitis House How to Pass WSET Level 3: Expert Tips + Why In-Person Learning Matters

5️⃣ A Supportive Community (You Dont Do This Alone!)

Our staff and community is welcoming and built around connection. Youll study alongside wine lovers, professionals, and explorers who inspire you every step of the way.

6️⃣ Tools & Recommendations That Boost Your Success

We guide you on what to read, how to study, and how to use your materials effectively — plus optional classes like Sensory 101 to strengthen your tasting confidence before Level 3 begins.

7️⃣ A School Built Around Travel, Food & Culture

Were not just a wine school. Were travelers, cooks, educators, and storytellers. Our classes are shaped by real-world experiences that bring wine to life in a richer, more memorable way.

8️⃣ A Proven Track Record

Our students consistently pass with strong results thanks to expert instruction, structure, and personalized support.

Ready to Level Up?

WSET Level 3 is a challenge — but with the right guidance, it becomes one of the most rewarding wine journeys youll ever take.

Join us at Vitis House and turn knowledge into true expertise.

How to Pass WSET Level 3 - Doreen Colondres

Doreen Colondres

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Holiday Beers to Sip This Season https://www.vitishouse.com/holiday-beers-to-sip-this-season/ Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:17:21 +0000 https://www.vitishouse.com/?p=16259 The post Holiday Beers to Sip This Season appeared first on Vitis House.

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🍂 A Bit of History & Holiday Magic

Since the earliest days of brewing, winter has inspired a special kind of beer. In colder climates, brewers crafted stronger, malt-rich ales to bring warmth and comfort during the darkest months of the year. As the tradition evolved, medieval monks created dark, robust beers for winter festivals like Yule, often adding fruits or spices for extra depth and celebration.

Today’s holiday beers — from spiced ales to rich winter warmers — continue that legacy. You’ll often find flavors of caramel, toasted malt, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, dried fruits, and even a hint of pine and cherry. Styles range from Winter Warmers and Spiced Ales to Porters, Stouts, Belgian Dubbels, Fruited Ales, and fuller, cold-weather IPAs. What they share is a common goal: to evoke that cozy, festive feeling that defines the season.

This time of year, breweries across North Carolina embrace that spirit with creative seasonal releases that invite us to slow down, gather with friends, and toast to winter. Here are some local favorites—from Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and Asheville—worth exploring this holiday.

Here are some local favorites—from Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and Asheville—worth exploring this holiday:

Raleigh Brewing Company (Raleigh) – Known for rich, malt-forward seasonal releases that bring winter spice, caramel, and dark-fruit notes to the table. Perfect for holiday gatherings or pairing with hearty meals.

Lynnwood Brewing Concern (Raleigh) Our neighbors from LBC regularly rotates seasonal and limited-edition beers. Their winter offerings often lean into fuller-bodied, warming styles ideal for chilly nights.

vitis house holiday beers to sip this season

Brewery Bhavana (Raleigh) – While not tied to a specific “holiday ale,” their Belgian-inspired and farmhouse-style beers pair beautifully with festive menus and cold-weather comfort food.

Hi-Wire Brewing (Durham) – Creative, playful, and always seasonal-forward. Their winter beers are a fun and flavorful option for anyone looking to explore beyond the classics.

Bond Brothers Beer Company (Cary) – A beloved Cary brewery known for quality and creativity. During the winter they embrace the festive season with special releases and events like Hoppy Holidays, celebrating seasonal brews with a community feel. Expect balanced, flavorful beers that shine with cold-weather dishes.

Vicious Fishes Brewery (Cary) – Their Cary taproom and biergarten offer a mix of IPAs, sours, and lagers, often with seasonal twists. While they’re known for hop-driven styles, they incorporate creative variations throughout the year—making them a fun stop for holiday-inspired brews.

Green Man Brewery (Asheville) – A mountain favorite. Their Holly King holiday ale is full of spice, warmth, and winter richness — a true seasonal staple.

Holiday beers aren’t just beverages—they’re a way to slow down, gather with friends, and toast to the season. Whether you prefer something spiced, malty, bright, or boldly hoppy, there’s a North Carolina brewery ready to fill your glass with holiday cheer.

Cheers to discovering your next favorite festive brew! 🍻✨

Would you like to learn more about Beer in 2026? Join the world of WSET!

 

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Four Glasses for Bubbles: Here’s What the Pros Prefer https://www.vitishouse.com/four-glasses-for-bubbles-heres-what-the-pros-prefer/ Thu, 30 Oct 2025 20:41:25 +0000 https://www.vitishouse.com/?p=16095 The post Four Glasses for Bubbles: Here’s What the Pros Prefer appeared first on Vitis House.

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Pop the cork — the real celebration starts now. 🥂

Sparkling wine is all about joy — but when the wine inside the bottle is truly exceptional, every detail matters. At Vitis House, we remind our students that the glass you choose can lift a wine to its fullest expression… or hold it back.

Before the flute, there was the coupe — that shallow, wide glass youve probably seen in vintage movies, royal banquets, or wedding towers. Its story is pure romance and ritual, but it was really designed for spectacle. Its open bowl lets bubbles vanish in seconds and aromas disappear before you even take a sip. Beautiful and nostalgic? Yes. Functional? Not quite. Keep it as Grandmas souvenir and serve cocktails in it.

For decades, the flute has symbolized celebration: tall, narrow, elegant, and designed to show off a perfect stream of bubbles. Its popularity skyrocketed in Champagne in the 20th century, and the world followed. The physics support it — as WSET highlights, the narrow shape limits surface exposure, helping preserve carbonation. For light, young sparkling wine, and those first playful sips at a party, the flute still does its job beautifully.

But as sparkling wines became more complex — longer aging, deeper lees character, more artistry — the industry began to question the ritual. Wine Folly and most educators including myself, pointed out a key flaw: flutes mute the aroma, and aroma is where the soul of a great sparkling wine lives.

vitis house three glasses for bubbles

Enter the tulip-shaped glass. With a slightly wider bowl at the base and a gentle taper toward the rim, it allows bubbles to rise with energy while giving aromas space to expand and concentrate. Riedel, the global leader in wine glass design, has championed this shape as the ideal balance for premium sparkling wines. Many of us in education agree — especially when we pour a long-aged Cava, a vintage Champagne, or any traditional-method wine meant to be savored slowly, like Franciacorta. The cost of this glass can be on the higher side, but now we can all chill — more brands are creating similar designs at friendlier prices.

And then there is the evolving preference of sommeliers and critics for certain bottles: the universal or white-wine glass, like the Riedel wine tasting glass we use for classes or even a pinch bigger. When a sparkling wine has spent years aging on its lees — when it offers brioche, toasted nuts, or oxidative complexity — it deserves air and room to reveal itself. Jancis Robinson put it simply: even Champagne producers increasingly admit that their finest cuvées behave like fine still wines… and should be treated that way. The best restaurants in the world now quietly serve top sparkling wines in generous bowls that allow the wines story to unfold.

So, what should you pour into at home? Theres no single right answer, wine glasses are like your favorite wine or your significant other: each has its moment. I have wines I love in a tulip and others that shine in a universal glass. Personally, Id rather get chills from the aroma and flavor than just admire the bubbles.

vitis house three glasses for bubbles

At Vitis House, we teach that a good sparkling wine isnt a party trick — its craft, tradition, patience, and place. Choosing the right glass honors both the people who made it and the time that shaped it.

Because when we respect whats inside the bottle, we respect the glass. 🥂
(And yes, Im still waiting for a better sparkling wine emoji…)

 

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Salsa Macha or Chili Oil? Similar… but Not the Same https://www.vitishouse.com/salsa-macha-or-chili-oil-similar-but-not-the-same/ Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:40:23 +0000 https://www.vitishouse.com/?p=16057 The post Salsa Macha or Chili Oil? Similar… but Not the Same appeared first on Vitis House.

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At first glance, salsa macha and Asian chili oil could pass as distant cousins: dried chiles, hot oil, and an aroma that makes you salivate before the first bite. But once you taste them, you know—they live in different worlds.

Origin & Soul

Salsa macha was born in Veracruz, Mexico, rooted in indigenous tradition. Chili oil is a Chinese classic, with beloved variations in Korean and Japanese kitchens.

What’s in Them?

Salsa macha: Mexican dried chiles (árbol, guajillo, morita), garlic, seeds (sesame, pumpkin), nuts (peanuts, walnuts), and sometimes vinegar or salt. Chili oil: Asian chile varieties, garlic, ginger, star anise or Chinese cinnamon, and occasionally soy sauce or MSG.

Texture & Use

Macha: thicker, chunkier, toasty, and crunchy. Perfect on tacos, eggs, quesadillas, fish—even fruit or ice cream. Chili oil: more liquid, aromatic, with heat that’s sharper but less layered. A star over dumplings, noodles, or rice.

vitis house salsa macha or chili oil

And the Flavor?

Macha is deep, smoky, and toasty. The flavor comes from fried dried chiles, garlic browned almost to caramel, and seeds that add irresistible crunch. Yes, it’s spicy, but it also has subtle sweetness, a hint of bitterness, and a nutty backbone that makes it complex.

Chili oil is lighter and more aromatic, with a floral lift. The heat is direct but less enveloping, and the spiced notes—star anise, cinnamon, ginger—make it fragrant but less dense, and far less “eat-it-by-the-spoonful” than macha.

The Soul of the Difference

Salsa macha doesn’t just aim to burn—it wants to seduce, with texture, depth, and the character of the comal, Mexico’s culinary heart.

💡 Tip for you:

I love to soften the heat with a touch of agave honey — it helps the flavors come together beautifully, especially if dinner is paired with a glass of wine. Remember: spice amplifies the perception of alcohol and can throw off your wine, but a wine with a hint of sweetness tones it down, creating a balanced and harmonious pairing.

Try my Shrimp Tacos wrapped in Jamón ConsorcioSerrano with a touch of salsa macha and agave — a bite so good, you’ll remember me!

Shrimp Wrapped Serrano Taco with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce and Macha Honey

Ingredients (for 3 tacos):

  • 3 small flour tortillas
  • 9 fresh white shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 9 thin slices of Jamón ConsorcioSerrano
  • Broccoli microgreens, to taste
  • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the avocado-cilantro sauce:

  • 1 ripe Hass avocado
  • 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 tbsp lime or lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste

For the macha honey:

  • 1 tbsp salsa macha (or to taste, depending on heat level)
  • 2 tbsp agave honey

Procedure:

For the avocado sauce, blend the avocado, yogurt, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and salt until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate. For the macha honey, mix the honey with the macha sauce until fully combined. Adjust the spice level to keep the pairing balanced, then set aside. Wrap each shrimp with a slice of ham and sear in a skillet with a little olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side, until the ham is golden and crispy. To assemble the tacos, warm the tortillas, spread a layer of avocado sauce, add three shrimp, drizzle with macha honey, and top with microgreens.

Serve and enjoy!

 

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Your August Pour: Marcona Almonds, TexSom Highlights & More https://www.vitishouse.com/your-august-pour-marcona-almonds-texsom-highlights-more/ Fri, 29 Aug 2025 20:32:25 +0000 https://www.vitishouse.com/?p=15757 The post Your August Pour: Marcona Almonds, TexSom Highlights & More appeared first on Vitis House.

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Meet the Queen of Almonds: Marcona

If regular almonds are the reliable backup singer, Marcona almonds are the headliner — smooth, buttery, and unforgettable. Native to Spain’s Mediterranean coast, these golden gems have earned the title of “queen of almonds” thanks to their round shape, sweeter taste, and delicate crunch that sets them apart from their California cousins.

From Turrón to Tapas

Grown mainly in Alicante, Valencia, and Catalonia, Marconas have been woven into Spanish culinary tradition for centuries. They are the star of Turrón de Jijona y Alicante — the iconic nougat with DOP status. They shine in simple tapas like almonds fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt (just like we serve at Olé Wine & Tapas). Plus they also add elegance to Romesco Sauce or Ajo Blanco, the chilled almond soup from Andalucía once enjoyed by farmers during harvest.

Yes, they come with a higher price tag, but they’re worth every bite. With their richness of flavor and healthful balance of protein, good fats, and antioxidants, they’ve become the preferred snack for chefs, sommeliers, and food lovers alike. Luxurious yet wholesome, simple yet elegant, Marconas prove that sometimes the humblest ingredients offer the greatest indulgence.

vitis house marcona almonds

Wine Loves Almonds

No mention of almonds is complete without wine:

  • Fino or Manzanilla Sherry → salty & buttery perfection
  • DO Cava → bubbles that refresh between bites
  • Amontillado or Oloroso → nutty depth that mirrors the almond’s own character

Whether enjoyed in a festive holiday turrón, sprinkled over a salad, or paired with a glass of Sherry, Marcona almonds remind us why Spain treasures them so deeply. Small, golden, and noble, they elevate every moment.

👉 We love serving Marcona in some of our classes, join us and discover why Spain pairs culture, flavor, and wine so beautifully.

 

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D.O. Cava Host a Master Class at TEXSOM 2025 https://www.vitishouse.com/d-o-cava-host-a-master-class-at-texsom-2025/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:30:33 +0000 https://www.vitishouse.com/?p=15669 The post D.O. Cava Host a Master Class at TEXSOM 2025 appeared first on Vitis House.

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D.O. Cava sets standard with 100% Organic regulation for Guarda Superior, Featured at TEXSOM 2025

Honoring sustainability and heritage, the iconic sparkling wine region, renowned for its focus on traditional method production and full traceability from origin to bottle, takes the spotlight at a leading U.S. wine conference.

Vilafranca del Penedès, August 14, 2025 – Protected Denomination of Origin Cava, one of the European Union’s  premier sparkling wine regions, has set a new global standard by achieving 100% organic production for every bottle of Cava de Guarda Superior—including Reserva, Gran Reserva, and the prestigious Cava de Paraje Calificado. This bold step underscores D.O. Cava’s dedication to sustainability, transparency, and authenticity while strengthening its position in the competitive U.S. sparkling wine market, where it continues to captivate wine lovers with its heritage, quality, and commitment to organic viticulture.

This achievement will be in the spotlight at the TEXSOM Conference 2025, held August 24–26 at the Irving Convention Center at LasColinas in Texas. TEXSOM is one of the most influential wine education forums in the United States, drawing worldclass sommeliers, importers, distributors, and educators, offering D.O. Cava an unparalleled platform to share its story of innovation, tradition, and organic leadership.

Guarda Superior Cava represents the pinnacle of quality and commitment to excellence within the D.O. Cava. These wines must come from certified organic vineyards that are more than ten years old, ensuring maturity and depth of expression. Yield is strictly limited to a maximum of 10,000 kilograms per hectare for Reserva and Gran Reserva, and 8,000 kilograms per hectare for Paraje Calificado, reinforcing a focus on quality over quantity.

All Guarda Superior Cavas undergo an extended aging process on the lees, starting with a minimum of 18 months for Reserva, contributing to their complexity and refined character. In addition, they are exclusively vintage Cavas, highlighting the unique identity of each harvest.

D.O. Cava at TEXSOM 2025: Celebrating Organic Excellence

D.O. Cava will highlight its organic Cavas de Guarda Superior across six curated Expo Trade Tasting sessions:

  • Sunday, August 24 – 5:00 PM
  • Monday, August 25 – 10:15 AM, 2:15 PM, 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday, August 26 – 10:15 AM, 2:15 PM

Summer Camp Breakfast Masterclass:

On Sunday, August 24, from 7:00–8:30 AM, D.O. Cava and Jamón ConsorcioSerrano will host a “Perfected by Time” masterclass breakfast led by Doreen Colondres, Special Campaign Ambassador. This byinvitationonly session for rising talent in the wine and hospitality industry pairs organic Cavas de Guarda Superior with Jamón ConsorcioSerrano and a signature dish of mushrooms with Serrano ham and poached egg, offering attendees an immersive taste of  gastronomic heritage.

“Sharing D.O. Cava with sommeliers and rising stars at TEXSOM is more than a tasting—it’s a chance to bridge the soul of Spanish winemaking with the vibrant heart of U.S. wine culture,” said Doreen Colondres. “These organic Cavas are not just wines; they are stories of resilience, sustainability, and centuries-old craftsmanship—each bubble a perfect match for the bold, honest flavors of the Mediterranean.”

vitis house do cava

Organic Growth and U.S. Market Expansion

D.O. Cava, Spain’s leading sparkling wine export, continues to expand its global reach. In 2024, the region sold more than 218 million bottles, nearly 70% of which are exported globally, with the United States as the secondlargest market outside the European Union. As part of a European Unionfunded threeyear promotion program, D.O. Cava is executing a robust campaign in the U.S. to elevate the presence and appreciation of Cava de Guarda Superior among American consumers and professionals.

New Standards in Cava Production

D.O. Cava’s commitment to sustainability also includes innovative Quality Stamps that guarantee the origin and authenticity of each bottle. These quality seals feature details on the category, origin, minimum aging, a unique guarantee code, and a QR code offering consumers deeper insights into the wine and pairing suggestions. A new “integral producer” mark allows consumers to easily identify wineries that complete the entire production process—from pressing the grapes to vinification—on their own estates.

Mediterranean Terroir and Traditional Excellence

Produced with indigenous grape varieties and crafted using the traditional method of bottle fermentation and extended aging, D.O. Cava embodies the Mediterranean heritage that sets it apart from other sparkling wines. This combination of terroir and time produces a refined, complex profile, offering an elevated tasting experience that resonates with sommeliers and wine lovers alike.

Sustainability Aligned with EU Goals

Aligned with the European Union’s “Farm to Fork” strategy, D.O. Cava’s sustainability efforts go beyond organic certification. These include:

  • Limiting soilpolluting chemicals,
  • Protecting biodiversity,
  • Employing traditional soil conservation techniques,
  • Prioritizing responsible water management,
  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and
  • Using recyclable and compostable materials such as plantbased plastics, nonpolluting inks, and recycled paper.

Additionally, solar energy is used for refrigeration and selfsupply. This commitment supports 280,000 direct jobs and more than 22,000 indirect positions in rural communities, ensuring D.O. Cava remains a powerful economic and cultural force in the region’s wine industry.

vitis house do cava

About D.O. Cava:  D.O. Cava is a prestigious Denomination of Origin recognized for producing some of the world’s finest sparkling wines. Cava is known for its exceptional quality and versatility, made using the traditional method, which involves secondary fermentation in the bottle. Cava is celebrated globally and exported to over 100 countries, making it one of the most exported sparkling wine in Europe. The regulatory body ensures rigorous standards are met to maintain the excellence and authenticity of Cava, allowing it to consistently rank among the best sparkling wines internationally.

EUROPEAN PROMOTION CAMPAIGN: In 2024, the European Promotion Program for D.O. Cava and Jamón ConsorcioSerrano was launched. The goal is to increase the competitiveness, consumption, and awareness of the high production standards of European Union agricultural products in the U.S.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Rene Mandeville
iVoice Communications
Email: rene@ivoice.agency
Phone: +1 (917) 833-4735

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A Dark and Bubbly Love Story, What’s Buzzing in RDU and Last Minute Spots https://www.vitishouse.com/a-dark-and-bubbly-love-story-whats-buzzing-in-rdu-and-last-minute-spots/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:55:15 +0000 https://www.vitishouse.com/?p=15488 The post A Dark and Bubbly Love Story, What’s Buzzing in RDU and Last Minute Spots appeared first on Vitis House.

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🍺 Chocolate & Beer: A Dark and Bubbly Love Story 🍫

Who said chocolate only pairs well with wine or belongs strictly at dessert?

Let’s break the rules and dive into an unexpected, irresistible match: chocolate and beer. Two bold worlds that, when brought together, create a full-on sensory celebration.

A little history (and science!) in every bite

Chocolate has deep roots in Latin America. The Mayans and Aztecs revered it as a divine gift, often consumed as a frothy, bitter drink. Today, cacao undergoes fermentation, drying, roasting, and refining — a process that brings out its full aroma, texture, and complexity.

When made with 70% or more cacao, chocolate isn’t just richer and less sweet — it’s also loaded with antioxidants. It may boost your mood, sharpen your brain, and even support heart health (in moderation, of course). The purer, the better. That overly processed chocolate with added fats and sugar? Doesn’t count.

vitis house chocolate and beer

So, where does beer come in?

More than you’d think! Craft beer styles like stout, porter, dubbel, and even some dark sours offer roasted, bitter, fruity, or spiced notes that beautifully echo and contrast the flavors of dark, milk, salty, or even spicy chocolate.

Here are a few dreamy pairings to try:
🍫 Dark chocolate + imperial stout = bold and intense
🍫 Caramel chocolate + brown ale = smooth and cozy
🍫 Sea salt chocolate + porter or gose = sweet with a salty twist
🍫 Orange or dried fruit chocolate + Belgian dubbel = elegant and spiced

Ready to taste the magic?

Celebrate Chocolate Month with something new. Gather some friends, grab a variety of chocolates and craft beers, and start exploring. No strict rules — just taste, play, and enjoy. The result might surprise you… in the best way.

Want to take your beer knowledge beyond the glass?

future beer pro, our WSET L1 and L2 Awards in Beer will open your palate to a world of styles, flavors, and stories behind every pint. Join us and learn to taste, pair, and talk beer like never before.🍺

The post A Dark and Bubbly Love Story, What’s Buzzing in RDU and Last Minute Spots appeared first on Vitis House.

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Doreen Colondres to Host Wine and Culinary Master Classes https://www.vitishouse.com/doreen-colondres-to-host-wine-and-culinary-master-classes-at-nations-top-culinary-schools/ Fri, 09 May 2025 20:40:17 +0000 https://www.vitishouse.com/?p=15084 The post Doreen Colondres to Host Wine and Culinary Master Classes appeared first on Vitis House.

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Doreen Colondres to Host Wine and Culinary Master Classes at Nation’s Top Culinary Schools

Raleigh, NC — May 2025 — Doreen Colondres, celebrated cookbook author, chef, and founder of Vitis House, is bringing her expertise to a national stage this spring. As U.S. ambassador for Crafted in Spain, Perfected by Time — a campaign co-funded by the European Union — Colondres will lead a series of prestigious master classes at the renowned Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York, as well as CUNY CityTech and the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in Manhattan.

Through immersive seminars, Colondres will introduce future culinary leaders to the stories and flavors of two of Spain’s most emblematic products: Jamón Consorcio Serrano and the Denomination of Origin Cava (D.O. Cava). These sessions aim to connect students to Spain’s rich traditions and innovative future, one slice and sip at a time.

“It’s an honor to represent this campaign and share Spain’s culinary treasures,” said Colondres. “A few surprises are coming soon — I promised myself to bring a taste of these classes back home to Vitis House fans and our Raleigh community.”

This honor adds another milestone for Colondres, who brings global flavors to Raleigh, where she inspires enthusiasts and professionals alike in the art of food, wine, beer, and spirits.

Her culinary journey continues this summer with a Master Class at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in June, followed by an exclusive session at TexSom, where she’ll inspire industry professionals through the flavors, legacy, and stories of Spanish wine and cuisine.

From Raleigh to New York and beyond, Doreen proudly shares how local passion can make a global impact.

The post Doreen Colondres to Host Wine and Culinary Master Classes appeared first on Vitis House.

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