PORTUGAL vs. CALIFORNIA INDEX

Number of 750ml wine bottles consumed annually per Portuguese citizen: 72
Number of 750ml wine bottles consumed annually per American citizen: 15

Year in which Portugal became the 8th state to recognize same-sex marriage: 2010
Year in which California re-instated the right to same-sex marriage: 2013

Year Portugal outlawed capital punishment: 1976
Number of death penalty executions in the US since 1976: 1476

Year Portugal decriminalized all illicit drugs: 2001
Number of inmates in US prisons on drug related charges: 1,566,722
Average cost per year in dollars to incarcerate an inmate in California: 71,000

So, America may still be great in a lot of ways, but we’ve clearly got a few things to learn from Portugal. They obviously know how to enjoy themselves. They’ve got some of the highest ratings for moral freedom in the world and are ranked the most peaceful state in the EU. Who doesn’t want to be the most peaceful?

The Portuguese are also making some of the more exciting wines we’ve tasted recently. Winemakers like Tiago Teles, Luis Seabra, Vitor Claro, Filipa Pato, Sara Dionisio and  Antonio Ribeiro are making transcendent, non-interventional, ‘natural’ wines that are expanding our view and enjoyment of Portuguese wine. They come to us in small batches and are difficult to keep in stock, but we’re always scrambling to find more. Come taste the excitement this Sunday, June 10th from 2 to 6pm.

But first…
 
TONIGHT: THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS – Sicilian Reds & Sauvignon Blanc from around the world - $12 from 4-8pm

SATURDAY, June 9th: MEET THE WINEMAKER: COTE WEST FLIGHTS with BRET HOGAN– taste the new releases and chat with Bret - $15 – from 2-5

SUNDAY, June 10th:  The NEW PORTUGUESE STYLE: Casa de Mouraz Dao Branco, Anselmo Mendes Contacto Alvarinho, and Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Vinho Tinto $15 from 2-6pm