*Updated on July 21, 2021
Long before craft beer became a craze, wine was actually the beverage of choice during après-ski. Remember, this post ski social activity originated in Europe where fondue and Raclette cheese paired really well with the wines from the old world.
Wine was even the go-to après-ski beverage of choice in the early period of skiing in the United States. Looking back at pictures of this bygone era skiers are depicted often depicted accompanied by mulled wine in the lodge or even sacks of wine while on the slopes. This was long ago and more recently, craft beer has since dominated the après ski scene.
Not for long.
Wine is Making a Comeback at Après Ski
It appears that our favorite grape beverage may be making a comeback in the ski world. Wineries like Old Town Cellars in Park City, Utah and the Winery of Ellicottville are starting to pop up in mountain towns around the country. By offering very approachable wines to the mountain riding public and beyond they are starting to attract large followings.
Seeking to capitalize on this resurgence of wine in the ski industry, Ski Vermont has partnered with the New England-based wine producer, 90+ Cellars to release their very own wine label.
A Wine Collaboration That Celebrates Vermont Ski Areas
This ski season 90 Plus Cellars and Ski Vermont have joined forces to bring you a new wine that celebrates the Vermont ski areas. The ski slopes in Vermont have long been a destination for many skiers in New England. This collaboration Cabernet Sauvignon is a limited release wine produced to celebrate the thriving winter tourism industry in the #1 state in the East for skiing and snowboarding.
“Ski Vermont and its 20 alpine and 30 cross country area members have long been committed to delivering the top ski experience in the East,” said Molly Mahar, president of Ski Vermont. “We are thrilled to collaborate with 90+ Cellars, a New England-based company that shares our appreciation for all that makes this corner of the country so special.
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Drink Ski Vermont Wine for a Good Cause
One of the best parts of the 90 Plus Cellars Ski Vermont wine collaboration is that it's for a good cause. Uncork a bottle of this delicious cab at apres ski and you’ll be drinking for a good cause. $1 from the sale of each $14.99 bottle will be donated to Ski Vermont, to be used to fund a new scholarship program for Vermont students.
This not only benefits the students but the consumer as well. The money raised will help future leaders in the industry, “continue to deliver the topnotch experience that visitors to Vermont’s world-class resorts have come to expect,” says Mahar.
“We are always looking for ways our wine can not only be enjoyed by the people of New England, but how it can have a greater impact on their lives - our collaboration with Ski Vermont does just that,” elaborates Terry Lozoff, vice president of marketing at 90+ Cellars.
A Ski Vermont Cabernet to Elevate Your Après Ski
This 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from California is full-bodied wine that will elevate your apres ski. Textured with hints of vanilla, dark chocolate, blackberry and warm oak spices, it is bold enough to pair with food or drink on its own while warming up by the fire in the lodge. “While New England winters are wonderful, they’re long, so pick up a few bottles, grab some friends and cozy up," says Lozoff. It's just what you need after a long day on the mountain.
While the wine itself is fantastic, so too is the artwork on the bottle. Of course it is! The vibrant label, features one of Ski Vermont’s official posters and captures the spirit of the slopes and splendor of Vermont’s mountain landscape.
Ski Vermont Cabernet Sauvignon will be available at select retailers across Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The wine will also be available online at Ninety Plus Cellars.
The Ski Vermont Wine Makes the Perfect Pairing
Wine on it's own is great. Wine with food is better. Cheese, chocolate and a good hamburger are all great choices to pair with this delicious Ski Vermont 90+ Cellars collaboration Cabernet Sauvignon. So too is our Apres Ski Hoodie. Warm and comfortable it is the perfect pairing for sipping wine by the fire in the ski lodge.
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