Celebrating 20th Year Anniversary, Summers Estate Winery Brings on Consulting Winemaker Kirk Venge

CALISTOGA, Calif., Jan. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The award-winning Summers Estate Winery celebrates their 20^th Anniversary and has brought on consulting winemaker Kirk Venge. Venge will work closely with Summers' long-time winemaker, Ignacio Blancas, on the Bordeaux varietals; which include their GrandMaster Checkmate "Bordeaux blend", Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. The Venge's have roots in the wine industry dating back to the 1950s when Kirk's grandfather established a wine and spirits importing company.  Venge is the son of veteran winemaker Nils, who is well known in the Napa Valley. Kirk Venge has continued in the family footsteps and has made a name for himself.

Kirk Venge expressed his enthusiasm for working with Summers saying that he is, "thrilled to join the Summers Family and their long history of winemaking in both Napa and Sonoma. I am humbled and honored to be selected to be a part of the winemaking team. I hope to share my perspective of premium winemaking in an effort to add to what Summers already does so well, and therefore together artfully craft wines that are even more provocative and enjoyable for everyone to enjoy."

Jim Summers adds, "We've built Summers Estate Wines around a family of people, including our family, the Blancas family, and the families of our employees. A hands-on approach is the only thing we know, and it's the way we plan to continue. Venge comes from a close-knit, respected wine family and brings years of winemaking experience to the table. We are thrilled he is joining our team."

Based north of the rustic village of Calistoga, Summers Estate Winery began in 1987. First bottling was Summers Knights Valley Merlot in 1992 and the Tubbs Lane property was purchased in 1996.  The Summers' story is a quintessentially American story; one that begins with Beth Summers' great-grandfather's determination to set down roots (and vineyards) in southern California at the turn of the century. The story continues with Jim's own dream to live and work in wine country, and leaves off today where long time winemaker Ignacio Blancas, an immigrant himself, has emerged as both a top-notch experienced vineyard manager and talented winemaker, resulting from his enduring dedication, hard work and innovative contributions to Summers Estate Wines. The long list of award-winning wines, strong 90-93 point scores from wine advocate Robert Parker to Double Gold Metals from the San Francisco International Wine competition and more attests to Ignacio's talents.

Summers is known as one of the few California producers of Charbono, an Italian grape varietal that's been traced to both southwestern France and northern Italy. Some experts believe that this variety is a close relative to the Dolcetto variety. The vine bears large berries that are used to make a dark red wine that, when subjected to extended skin contact during fermentation, is full of fruit flavor with soft, round tannins. Producing just 1,300 cases of this estate grown Charbono annually, Summers holds the title as "the world's largest producer of the little-known varietal."  

Summers Estate Wines produces seven wines: Checkmate, Bordeaux blend ($160), Napa Valley Estate Zinfandel ($45), Alexander Valley Reserve Chardonnay ($32), Napa Valley Estate Charbono ($34), and both a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon named Andriana's Cuvée after Jim and Beth's daughter (noted as a "Best Value" by Robert Parker, $26), and a Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($65). In smaller quantities, Summers produces a Knights Valley Petite Sirah ($50), Knights Valley Reserve Merlot ($45), as well as Muscat Canelli ($23). 

The Summers Estate Wines tasting room and winery is located at the corner of Highway 128 and Tubbs Lane in Calistoga. The property includes a winery, tasting room, barrel rooms and 25 acres of Zinfandel, Charbono and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. It is open every day from 10:30 to 4:30pm; the Tasting Fee is $25 per person and will be waived with any 2-bottle wine purchase. Private tours and tastings with the winemaker available by appointments made in advance. Visit www.summersestatewines.com or call 707 942-5508 to make appointments and for more information.  

Contact: Kristen Green
415-567-2999 / [email protected]

SOURCE Summers Estate Winery