This is a mere splattering of information before I actually post something a little more substantive today. Let’s call it a teaser, shall we?

First up, get your CATAVINO CALENDAR while it’s piping hot for the holidays. You know your aunt Myrtle would absolutely adore a picture of a cute little Garnacha Tintoria grape! Maybe your Mom would dance with joy over the rolling landscapes of lush green Iberian vineyards? Or do what my family does and buy it as your own holiday gift so that you can share in Catavino’s adventures throughout the 2008 calendar year. Whoever you decide to buy it for, remember that a touch of the proceeds help Catavino get those fabulous stories you love bounding from one vineyard to the next. So click on the box to your right and spread the love this holiday season.

Also in the news, Wine-Scamp has just published one of the more entertaining posts I’ve seen in awhile called, Vote for the Most Handsome Iberian Winemaker. Having traveled throughout Iberia, I know that potential beauty abounds on the peninsula. Whether you attend a wine show, visit a winery or merely pick up a magazine, quite often, I find Iberians to be very particular and quite savvy about their physical appearance. Just track the number of fashion shows which have used wine as their source of inspiration. Maybe Wine-Scamp has found the key to bridge the two cultures together, fine winemakers and fantastic wine!

The Port and Douro Wines Institute (IVDP), the regulating body for Port and Douro wines, and ViniPortugal, the organization devoted to Portuguese wine, have joined forces to promote Portuguese wine in the US by hosting four tasting throughout November.

Events for the trade only will take place at 3 p.m. on:

12th November in Los Angeles at the Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Rey, CA

14th November at the Embassy Suites Hotel-Downtown in Portland

15th November at the Sheraton Seattle in Seattle, WA

20th November at the Harvard Club, Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, MA

Following the trade events, four general consumer tastings will be held at 5:30 p.m. to benefit the prevention of cruelty and care for animal organizations in the four US cities: the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, CA; Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital in Portland, OR; the Seattle Humane Society, WA; and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Angell in Boston, MA.

For more information about the Wines and Portos of Portugal Event, please call 1-877-2-PORTUGAL.

And if anyone can make it to the event, please let us know. We would love to hear about your experience!

Cheers,

Gabriella