Club News

Amor | Vita | Vinum

Wine Club News

Meet Allison

Wine Club Manager

At Amavi Cellars, we believe that the people behind the wine are just as important as the wine itself. We’re excited to introduce you to Allison, our incredible Wine Club Manager, whose passion for wine and dedication to our members shines through in everything she does. Get to know more about Allison and what makes her a perfect fit for the Amavi team.


What inspired you to join the Amavi team?

"I have admired the Amavi brand for many years, so when the opportunity to join the team came up, I hopped at the chance. It's a brand I've long respected, and I knew I wanted to be part of its story."


Do you have a favorite Amavi Cellar wine?

"My wine choice depends on the season. In the hot weather, I love sipping the Rosé, and in the winter, the Cabernet Sauvignon warms me up. It’s all about matching the wine to the moment."

Favorite drink of choice (that’s not wine)?

"Definitely a beer girl! Hazy IPAs are my go-to."

Favorite wine pairing?

"Rosé and any sunshine available!"


How long have you been in Walla Walla?

"I wasn’t born here, but I was raised in Walla Walla since I was two. As a youth, I wanted nothing more than to leave, but as an adult, I’ve grown to love the community Walla Walla has become. It’s been a wonderful place to call home, and raising our family here has been amazing. Walla Walla has built a strong community bond, and being part of the wine community is the icing on the cake."


What do you enjoy most about being part of the wine club?

"Interacting with people who enjoy the same thing I do—wine! It’s a joy to connect with members who share a passion for this experience."


When you’re not enjoying wine, how do you spend your time?

"I love spending time with my husband Keven and our children, Presley and Gerrod. Most of my spare time is spent at the coffee shop we’ve owned for almost six years now, Walla Walla Daily Grind. I also enjoy any time I can spend with our grandson, Ryder—he’s the best! When I have downtime, I’m a fan of true crime podcasts, whether I’m traveling or just relaxing at home."


If you could enjoy a glass of wine with anyone, who would it be?

"I would love to have a glass of wine with my mother, Eleanor. She would have loved to visit Amavi and sit on the patio outdoors. I imagine we’d chat about family, friends, and all the important things she has missed."


Allison’s love for wine, community, and family is at the heart of everything she does here at Amavi. Next time you visit, be sure to say hello and share a glass with her!


The 2022 Vintage

The 2022 growing season began with below average temperatures and above normal precipitation across the Walla Walla Valley. The cold start resulted in fewer growing days for the spring and early summer overall, but the extra rainfall and mountain snowpack prepared the area for multiple triple-digit days beginning in July. 


The heat contributed to optimal fruit set and a slightly larger crop. With an idyllic September and October, the grapes were able to develop a perfect balance between flavor and sugar, acid and tannin, and overall great fruit expression.


2022 Les Collines Syrah

SMELLS LIKE: petrichor (fresh rain), blackberry, espresso, black currant


TASTES LIKE: baking spices, cranberry, cured meat, vanilla


MOUTHFEEL: juicy and round with lush tannins and a lingering finish


DRINK WITH: braised lamb with mint, duck breast, mushroom risotto


2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

SMELLS LIKE: black currants, dried herbs, blackberry, cassis, baking spices


TASTES LIKE: dark chocolate covered strawberries, black cherry, black plum


MOUTHFEEL: mouthwatering acidity, lush tannin structure,


DRINK WITH: blackberry glazed ribs, pasta Bolognese


“A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine.”

- Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin


   

Explore a collection of hand-picked recipes designed to complement the unique flavors of our wines. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these culinary creations will elevate every sip, turning your wine experience into an unforgettable moment.

   

Wine Paring: 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

Blackberry Glazed Ribs

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. chili powder 

1 Tsp. garlic powder 

Kosher salt and pepper 

3 to 4 pounds baby back ribs, membrane removed (2 racks) 

1 1/4 Cup. blackberry jam 

3/4 Cup. barbecue sauce 

1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

Directions


  1. Heat oven to 350°F. In small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Working on rimmed baking sheet lined with foil, sprinkle ribs with spice mixture, then wrap ribs tightly in foil and bake 45 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in blender, puree jam, barbecue sauce, and lime juice until smooth. Transfer 1 cup to small bowl and set aside for serving.
  3. Reduce oven temp to 275°F and continue baking until meat is tender and pulling away from bones, 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (depending on rib type and size).
  4. Heat grill to medium high. Brush ribs with some of remaining glaze and grill, meat side down, basting with remaining glaze and flipping occasionally, until sticky and caramelized, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer ribs to cutting board and cut into pieces. Serve with reserved sauce.


Download the REcipe

Wine Paring: 2022 Les Collines Syrah

Mushroom Risotto

Ingredients

2 pounds white or cremini mushrooms

2 large shallots

6 cups reduced sodium chicken broth

3 tablespoons olive oil divided use

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 cups arborio rice

4 tablespoons salted butter

1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions


  1. Slice 2 pounds white or cremini mushrooms into thin slices, 1/8-inch or less. Set aside and finely mince 2 large shallots.
  2. In a medium-size saucepan, bring 6 cups reduced sodium chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and keep at a simmer.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat. Add in the mushrooms, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, season with salt and pepper, and cook until nicely browned, 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
  4. Without cleaning out the skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the shallots in the oil for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously, and then add in 1 1/2 cups arborio riceToast the rice in the olive oil for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden, stirring continuously.
  5. Use a ladle to transfer 1 cup of the simmering chicken broth in with the rice, stirring constantly. Once the rice absorbs all of the liquid, reduce the heat to medium and continue adding in broth 1/2 cup at a time until all 6 cups of the chicken broth have been added in and absorbed. Stirring consistently will help the rice cook evenly. It should take about 30 minutes to add the entire 6 cups of chicken broth.
  6. Once all the liquid has been used, stir in the mushrooms, 4 tablespoons salted butter, and 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste, and add additional salt and pepper to taste


Recipe Credit: thestayathomechef.com


ADD IT TO YOUR CALENDAR

Important Wine Club Dates


NOV 1-3

Fall Release Weekend

Amor, Vita, Vinum

NOV 18

Community Club allocation Open

NOV 25

Community Club last day to make changes

DEC 9

Community Club shipping & pickups start

April 4-6

Spring Kick-off weekend

March 31

Amor, Vita, Vinum

spring allocation Open

April 13

Amor, Vita, Vinum last day to make changes

April 28

Amor, Vita, Vinum hipping & pickups start

Share by: