This Weeks Feature
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Press Room
Dick Vermeil: Football Legend, and Winemaker
Vinecdote
A Journey through the World of Wine
Want to have Mike Ditka over for your Super Bowl party? How about Joe Montana or Dick Vermeil?
No problem. They, or at least their wines, are just a few twists of the corkscrew away from joining you on the couch.
[...]
One of the coolest tie-ins I came across while researching an AP story on this was Dick Vermeil, the former Eagles and Rams coach, who is now a partner in Vermeil Wines in the Napa Valley. He’s involved in all aspects of the wine, including riding the tractor.
Former NFL greats serve up wine with a kick
By MICHELLE LOCKE
For The Associated Press
What pairs well with your couch, a bowl of popcorn and the Super Bowl? How about a wine with a genuine pigskin pedigree?
Sure, beer may be the first beverage that comes to mind when you think about football. But it turns out plenty of football fans like to drink wine — and quite a few NFL legends like to make it.
Take Dick Vermeil, who coached the 1980 Eagles to their first Super Bowl appearance and later, after a 15-year stint as a broadcaster, took the St. Louis Rams all the way to victory in Super Bowl XXXIV.
These days he's an expert on a different type of field as partner of Vermeil Wines in the Napa Valley. And unlike some celebrity vintners, Vermeil is a hands-on guy who has been known to take a predawn tractor ride or two, pulling gondolas of charbono grapes.
"You'd be surprised how many people come in and they don't realize that it's THE Dick Vermeil," says Mary Sue Frediani, who is the tasting room manager and wife of winemaker Paul Smith. Frediani also is a co-owner of her family's Frediani Family Vineyard, which provides much of the fruit for Vermeil wines.
(read more)
Barrel Tasting: Thieving, Sniffing, and Spitting on the Path to the Best Wine
Patricia Savoie in Sommelier Journal
Practically any wine raised in oak is tasted from barrel during its development. The purposes of barrel tasting during this maturation period will vary depending on the individual's function: the winemaker, the négociant or broker, the retailer, the scoring critic, and, ultimately, the buyer all taste from different perspectives along the chain of wine production and marketing.
One of the most intensive barrel-tasting events takes place every year in Bordeaux, where the April en primeur unveiling of the new vintage can make or break a wine. To a lesser extent, such annual tastings also take place in Burgundy, the Rhône, Italy, Portugal, and Australia. Many American wineries also offer barrel-sampling opportunities. A consumer or restaurant wine director can purchase wine for delivery at a future date, after it has been bottled and matured in the winery cellar for some period of time. Futures are generally priced lower than the wines are later, at the time of their release to the public. Some cult and small-production bottlings can be procured only as futures. The winery, of course, benefits from an infusion of cash early in the production cycle.
But tasting from barrel means that what you taste is, without a doubt, different from what you eventually receive in bottle. Unless you have some history tasting previous vintages from both barrel and bottle, as the winemakers and cellarmasters do, you have no basis for judging how the finished wines will taste. Your analysis may consist simply of a "like" or "don't like," with some judgment as to the levels of tannins, fruit, acidity, and alcohol in the sample—none of which will be the same in the finished wine. Says David Milligan, director of David Milligan Selections and former head of Bordeaux's Maison Joanne, "You need several years of experience to make meaningful judgments."
THE WINEMAKER'S PERSPECTIVE
The basic reason that winemakers taste from barrel is to ... (read more)
Vermeil Wines Brings Home Double Gold At San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
CALISTOGA, CA (Jan. 23, 2012) - Vermeil Wines "brought home the gold" this year in the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, taking two coveted Double Gold awards for its 2008 and 2009 XXXIV Proprietary Red Wines.
Results from the competition - the largest awards program for American wines in the world - were announced Friday, Jan. 6 in Cloverdale, Calif. There were 5,500 entries this year, surpassing the competition's previous record of 5,050 in 2011.
"This competition was wonderful for Vermeil Wines," said Dick Vermeil, Super Bowl-winning Coach and partner with winemaker Paul Smith of OnThEdge Winery. "I believe this is the kind of endorsement our wines deserve."
Vermeil said that the 2008 and 2009 XXXIV are excellent wines that earned their place in the competition. "The 2008 XXXIV was the very first wine produced by the full team at Vermeil Wines," said Vermeil. "It is a powerful reminder that when every member contributes, the team can thrive."
Vermeil, a Calistoga native, worked closely with Smith on the highly acclaimed proprietary red wines. "The vision of Vermeil Wines and OnThEdge Winery has always been to express the unique character of the Calistoga AVA," said Smith. "The XXXIV Proprietary Red Wines display all the best attributes that the Calistoga AVA has to offer."
XXXIV, which takes its name from Vermeil's St. Louis Rams victory in Super Bowl XXXIV, is best described as having beautiful bright purple-red colors that lead to aromas of black currants and subtle smoke with rich, round and complex cassis flavors supported by touches of tobacco, menthol and licorice. "A Double Gold is especially appropriate for these wines," Vermeil said, "as it means a unanimous gold, voted by a five-member judging panel."
Vermeil Wines are available for purchase online at www.vermeilwines.com, at the Vermeil Wines Tasting Room located in Calistoga, CA, and at select retail stores nationwide. For a complete list of distributors and retail locations carrying the Vermeil Wines brand in select markets nationwide, visit VermeilWines.com.
About the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
The SFCWC was founded in 1983 as the Cloverdale Citrus Fair Wine Competition, and was later renamed the SFCWC after broadening its base. Entries rose from 3,800 wines entered in 2007 to 5050 entries from all across the country in 2011, according to winejudging.com. Today, 60 prestigious experts within the media, trade, hospitality and education industries from around the country join together to judge these wines each year.
A public tasting of the award winning wines will be at the Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center in San Francisco from 2 pm - 5 pm on February 18, 2012.
CALISTOGA, CA (Jan. 19, 2012) – Vermeil Wines, one of California’s premier boutique wine producers, recently received a rating of 93 for its 2009 Luvisi “1908” Zinfandel from the Connoisseurs Guide to California Wines, and the reviewer described the wine as “compelling.”
“This review is a testament to our hard work and patience in the vineyard and the cellar,” said Dick Vermeil, Super Bowl-winning coach and partner with winemaker Paul Smith of OnThEdge Winery. “Paul Smith has done an exemplary job of crafting fine wines that captures the essence of our vineyard.”
Vermeil has worked closely with Smith on the highly acclaimed line of Vermeil Wines and the equally impressive companion brand of Paul’s OnThEdge Winery.
“The 2009 vintage is one of the best Zinfandels we have produced from 1908 Luvisi block,” Smith said. “The balance, structure and complexity of the wine are what earned it the rating of 93.”
93 for 2009 Luvisi “1908” Zinfandel (Napa Valley). 14% Petite Sirah. Filled out with compelling and long-lasting Zinfandel fruit and remarkably adept at managing its high ripeness, this gusty, full-bodied youngster is exceptionally well-balanced for the big wine that it is. Rather than running to softness, it firms and tightens up as it goes, and its fine spine of integral tannins tags it as one that will only get better if allowed four or five years of age.
Former NFL greats serve up wine with a kick
By Michelle Locke
For The Associated Press
What pairs well with your couch, a bowl of popcorn and the Super Bowl? How about a wine with a genuine pigskin pedigree?Sure, beer may be the first beverage that comes to mind when you think about football. But it turns out plenty of football fans like to drink wine and quite a few NFL legends like to make it.
Take Dick Vermeil, who coached the 1980 Eagles to their first Super Bowl appearance and later, after a 15-year stint as a broadcaster, took the St. Louis Rams all the way to victory in Super Bowl XXXIV.
These days he's an expert on a different type of field as partner of Vermeil Wines in the Napa Valley. And unlike some celebrity vintners, Vermeil is a hands-on guy who has been known to take a predawn tractor ride or two, pulling gondolas of charbono grapes.
(Read More)
Harvest report: Light crop and late year expected
Tailgating with a legend
By Virginia BooneFor the Press Democrat
Sunday, September 11, 2011
If Carmen Policy, Mike Ditka or Charles Woodson can't make it to your tailgate feast this football season, you can at least take a bottle of their wines. There are a surprisingly large number of former National Football League players in the wine game these days, driven by the search for the high life, the fulfillment of a new dream or the means to raise funds for a beloved charity. Vermeil Wines, Napa Valley: Super Bowl-winning coach Dick Vermeil (Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs) was raised in Calistoga and had in his family history large vineyard holdings as well as home winemaking. (read more)
Better with Age
By Bill DonahueFor Suburban Life Magazine
July, 2011
Dick Vermeil is a living legend in the Philadelphia area: famous for his emotions, respected for his will to win, loved for his deep-rooted passion. It’s this passion that has forever endeared him to fans of the Philadelphia Eagles, which he coached to the doorstep of a National Football League championship in 1980, though the team ultimately lost to the Oakland Raiders (read more).
Dick Vermeil makes visit to Napa High youth football camp
By Marty JamesFor Napa Valley Register
Monday, July 25, 2011
Napa High School’s fourth annual youth football camp kicked off on Monday, with 80 players, ages 10 to 13, checking in at 7:30 a.m. and going through an assortment of drills throughout the morning. The highlight of the day was a special appearance by Dick Vermeil, a Super Bowl–winning head coach and a native of Calistoga. (Read more)
Vermeil hosts Vintner's Lunch Friday
For The Weekly CalistoganThursday, July 21, 2011
Renowned Super Bowl–winning NFL head coach Dick Vermeil will serve his Vermeil wines on the Napa Valley Wine Train on Friday as part of this year’s Vintners Lunch series.
Vermeil will share his expertise and unique insights to Vermeil Wines, as well as into his Super Bowl seasons, during the four-course meal, prepared by Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald. (Read more)
Vermeil stops in Northfield to promote his wine line
Former Philadelphia Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil to Sign Bottles of Vermeil Wines at PA Wine & Spirits Store in Allentown on Aug. 6
Former Philadelphia Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil to Sign Bottles of Vermeil Wines at PA Wine & Spirits Store in Allentown on Aug. 6
Suzanne Marino
For Current Newspapers
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Former Philadelphia Eagles coach Dick Vermeil has legions of loyal fans that remember him from his days pacing the sidelines at Veterans Stadium in the 1970s and ’80s.
While he put his playbook on the shelf in 2005 when he retired from the Kansas City Chiefs, he continues to be a presence as an analyst. These days Coach is also making a name for himself with his Calistoga, California wines. (read more)
Wine of the Week: 2010 Vermeil Wines Sauvignon Blanc
Catherine Seda
For St. Helena Star
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The 2010 Vermeil Wines Sauvignon Blanc is a party wine — a party that takes into consideration the different tastes and palates of its many guests. It is never easy to choose a white wine for a group — do you purchase a rich, oaked wine? A crisp, fruit-forward wine?
With the Vermeil sauvignon blanc ($24), if guests love the fresh, fruity style of sauvignon blanc, you are covered. If they prefer the addition that a touch of oak influence brings to a wine, it’s here, but not overpowering. The 2010 sauvignon blanc has fresh lichi, lime and pear aromas with the addition of spice on the palate. (read more)
Pittsburgh Wine Festival to feature former NFL coach
William Loeffler
For Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
A VIP Tasting from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday is sold out. Tickets are $125 for the Grand Tasting, which will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.
For a guy who was named NFL coach of the year, won a Super Bowl and manned the broadcast booth for CBS and ABC, it might seem odd that Dick Vermeil isn't coming to Heinz Field to talk about football.
Wine is on the agenda of the former head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs, who will preside over a tasting of his own Vermeil Wines at the ninth annual Pittsburgh Wine Festival. (read more)
Vermeil, Roaf eligible for Pro Football Hall of Fame
For KANSASCITY.COM
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Chiefs are well-represented on the list of eligible candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2011.
Former coach Dick Vermeil and 11-time Pro Bowl tackle Willie Roaf are on the modern era list as first-time nominees.
Cornerback Albert Lewis, kicker Nick Lowery, receiver/returner J.T. Smith and defensive coordinator Bud Carson are also on the list of nominees.
Deion Sanders, Curtis Martin, Marshall Faulk and Jerome Bettis are also among the first-year eligible candidates. (read more)
Vermeil Toasts the New NFL Season with his Wine
For THE MORNING CALL
Friday, August 6, 2010
Dick Vermeil didn't have to be told the NFL season is about to start.
Vermeil and his wife Carol were discussing it as they drove from their Chester County home to the Lehigh Valley on Friday afternoon.
"Oh yeah. … first game this weekend. … Hall of Fame game," said Vermeil, beaming about an exhibition game that ushers in the 2010. "I love it. I watch three games every Sunday and then the Monday night game. It's four games per weekend. (read more)
Vermeil Wines Launch XXXIV
For NAPA VALLEY REGISTER
Friday, August 6, 2010
Dick Vermeil, Super Bowl-winning coach and two-time NFL coach of the year, and winemaker Paul Smith of OnThEdge Winery have released XXXIV, a proprietary red wine blend of cabernet sauvignon (82 percent), cabernet franc (16 percent) and merlot (2 percent) from the Calistoga AVA.
It's named for Vermeil's St. Louis Rams' victory in Super Bowl XXXIV.
"XXXIV represents the very first proprietary red wine produced by the full team at Vermeil Wines," said Vermeil. "It is a powerful reminder that when every member contributes, the team can thrive." (read more)
Dick Vermeil Stops By The Morning Show
For FOX 2 NEWS IN THE MORNING
Former St. Louis Rams coach Dick Vermeil stopped by the morning show to talk about the upcoming Rams season and to promote his new wine, XXXIV, which he named to commemorate the season in which the Rams won the Super Bowl. (see more photos)
"Former Philadelphia Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil to Sign Bottles of Vermeil Wines at PA Wine & Spirits Store in Allentown on Aug. 6"
For PR NEWSWIRE
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
(HARRISBURG, PA) Former Philadelphia Eagles coach Dick Vermeil will share his thoughts on football and winemaking while signing bottles of Vermeil Wines from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, at the PA Wine & Spirits Store at Crest Plaza Shopping Center, 1516 N. Cedar Crest Boulevard, Allentown.
"Football season is once again upon us and Dick Vermeil is a legend in the sport. Many people may not know that Vermeil is also a talented and accomplished winemaker," said Patrick J. "P.J." Stapleton III, chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. "The PLCB is thrilled that Coach Vermeil set aside some time to share his passion for winemaking with our consumers and his fans."
Vermeil will offer a complimentary tasting of his cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, cabernet franc and zinfandel and will sign pre-purchased bottles, all priced at $23.99 and up. All four products will be priced 10 percent off the day of the signing only. The tasting is free for those 21 and older.
Vermeil began his National Football League career as special teams coach of the Los Angeles Rams. He became head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 1976 through 1982, leading the franchise to its first Super Bowl in 1980. He led the St. Louis Rams to Super Bowl victory in 2000 and ended his head-coaching career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
A native of California's famed Napa Valley winemaking region, Vermeil oversaw the creation of his first wine – the Jean Louis Vermeil Cabernet Sauvignon, named for his great-grandfather – in 1999. More recently, in collaboration with winemaker Paul G. Smith, Vermeil Wines has produced a number of varietals, including the wines that will be featured at the tasting. (read more)
Excerpt from "Burgergeddon Heats Up"
By John Waters, Jr.
For THE WEEKLY CALISTOGAN
Thursday, July 15, 2010
There’s a new battle being waged; not over oil, or gold, land water or between the sexes, it’s a grilling competition to create the best known burger — yes, that’s hamburger — in the Napa Valley.
The first shots were fired May 31 in St. Helena. A second skirmish followed at the Vermeil Wines/OverTheEdge Winery tasting room on Lincoln Avenue July 7.
Although it’s customary for businesses, especially diners, to compete for customers, now the stakes are higher. The winner will become the well, burger king of wine country. Call it Burgergeddon, Burger Wars, a burger smackdown or rumble. Whatever the label, also call it fun. (read more)
Excerpt from "Celebrity Wines: Actors, Athletes, Rock Stars and Icons Become Winemakers in Droves"
For INTOWINE
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
In 2009, NFL coaching legend Dick Vermeil partnered with longtime friend and OnThEdge Winery founder Paul Smith to launch Vermeil Wines. Currently they produce a Cabernet Franc, two Zinfandels, a Sauvignon Blanc, a Charbono, a Red Blend and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Unlike so many celeb wines, this endeavor appears to be genuinely about making good wine for people who love good wine. Vermeil Wines even has a... (read more)
"Blogging Along the Brandywine: An Eagle Flies in Calistoga"
By Sally Jane Denk
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
So what’s a hometown Philadelphia boy doing making wine in the Napa Valley of northern California?
The surprising answer: Dick Vermeil was born in his great grandfather’s home in Calistoga, Calif. (read more)
"Dick Vermeil: Football Legend, and Winemaker?"
By Joshua Green
For THE ATLANTIC
Friday, April 9, 2010
Recently, my favorite Washington DC restaurant, BlackSalt, invited patrons to a dinner hosted by Dick Vermeil, the legendary football coach. The occasion was designed to introduce people to Dick Vermeil's wines. I was not aware that Dick Vermeil had become a winemaker, and the news struck me as hilariously incongruous. It's not that it's unusual for a pro football coach to (read more)
"Wine Dinner at the Windrift"
For THE SOCIETY PAGE MAGAZINESaturday, March 27, 2010
Last night we had the pleasure of attending a wine dinner at The Windrift in Avalon. The Windrift, managed by Pete Compare, is the shining star of Jersey shore dining and nightlife. Recent renovations have made The Windrift a stand out in the restaurant and nightlife offerings in the region.
The wine dinner was hosted by Dick Vermeil a former NFL coach who now owns and operates along with his wife, a very popular wine brand and vineyard. The evening started with a one hour reception in the formal dining room’s bar with plenty of wine and tray served appetizers of very generous proportions. To list them all would only make me stop writing this post as the thought of how good they were would drive me to the kitchen in search of something to eat.
The reception was followed by a 7-course dinner, featuring a fish course, entrée and six wine pairings. Special guest speakers including Dick Vermeil took turns discussing the wines and each course as we ate.
Overall, the evening was memorable and very enjoyable. The staff at The Windrift was exceptional. They were very friendly and attentive. It was obvious that Pete, the general manager, is one of those rare few that understands the details of hospitality.
The Windrift has been honored with the 2009 Wine Spectator Award as having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world. This award is one of many and deservedly so.
The Windrift is right on the beach in Avalon and has many rooms which meet and satisfy many needs. You can enjoy brick oven pizza, Sushi, at either of the two Sushi bars, fine dining in the formal dining room (with its own wine room), frozen drinks on the deck while overlooking the ocean, and of course live entertainment in each area of The Windrift.
Join The Society Page at The Windrift on Memorial Day Weekend as we welcome the start of summer at this exceptional location.
(ready the blog entry)
Excerpt from "Are You Ready for Some Football (Wines)?"
For WINE SPECTATORSaturday, September 24, 2009
Retired NFL coach and Napa native Dick Vermeil has been making his own wine (and wine-centered controversy) for years, and now he has a brand-new Calistoga tasting room and wine shop in which to share and sell Jean-Louis Vermeil, the signature Cabernet Sauvignon named in honor of his father and great-grandfather, among other wines bearing the legendary coach’s name. Vermeil’s wine roots in the Napa Valley are deep: in the early 1900s, his maternal great-grandfather established the Calistoga Wine Company. (read more)
Excerpt from Vermeil's interview with "ESPN 101 in St. Louis with the Fast Lane"
Sunday, October 18, 2009Asked by “ESPN 101 in St. Louis with the Fast Lane” Thursday on whether he gets the itch to coach again, Calistoga native and Super Bowl-winning coach Dick Vermeil said:
“I miss it. There is no question about it, but I don’t regret doing what I did because I knew it was time. I just don’t have the emotional and physical stamina to do it at the level that it has to be done, that’s all. You move off into the sunlight and get into the wine business, that is what you do.” (read more)
Vermeil opens new downtown Calistoga tasting room
The list of those include Rios Wine Company, Calistoga Cellars, The Wine Stop, W.H. Smith Wines. Nearby are Lava Vine and Silver Rose, and another one is under construction and may open in early 2010.
In mid-September, one of the best-known names in Calistoga and football, Dick Vermeil, paired with long-time family friends to open Calistoga’s newest tasting room. (read more)
Vermeil Wines Celebrates Opening of New Tasting Room
CALISTOGA, CA (September 10, 2009) – Dick Vermeil, Super Bowl-winning Coach and two-time NFL Coach-of-the-Year, and winemaker Paul Smith celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of the Vermeil Wines and OnThEdge Winery Tasting Room today with an official ribbon cutting ceremony...(read more)
Read more in the Weekly Calistogan
