Long before craft beer became a craze, wine was actually the beverage of choice during après-ski. Remember, this post ski social act originated in Europe where fondue and raclette paired really well with the wines from the old world. This was even the case in the early ski eras of the U.S. when mulled wine or even sacks of wine accompanied skiers in pictures of this bygone era. That, however, was long ago and beer has since dominated après since then. However, it appears our favorite grape beverage may be making a comeback in the ski scene. Wineries like Old Town Cellars in Park City, Utah are starting to pop up in mountain towns around the country offering very approachable wines to the mountain riding public and beyond. Also, 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 Collaboration From Two of New England's Finest
The 90+ Cellars Ski Vermont 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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Drinking Wine for a Charitable Cause
One of the best parts is that when you uncork a bottle of this delicious cab, 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 will ultimately benefit you as the consumer because 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,” elaborates Mahar.
A Cabernet That Will Elevate Your Après
This 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from California is full-bodied and textured with hints of vanilla, dark chocolate, blackberry and warm oak spices, making it the perfect wine to enjoy while warming up in the lodge after a long day on the mountain. The vibrant label, featuring artwork from one of Ski Vermont’s official posters, captures the spirit of the slopes and splendor of Vermont’s mountain landscape. “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,” said Terry Lozoff, vice president of marketing at 90+ Cellars. “And while New England winters are wonderful, they’re long, so pick up a few bottles, grab some friends and cozy up.”
Ski Vermont Cabernet Sauvignon will be available at select retailers across Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The wine will also be available online at ninetypluscellars.com/skivermont.