What People Are Saying About Vero
September 2024: Vero helping to grow women in wine in LA
As featured in LA Weekly, Vero, and our woman founder, along with women owned winery, Ojai Pacific View, will lead the wine tasting of women made wines at the launch of Merobebe, a women in wine community & media company, in September 2024 in Beverly Hills. This event will be a great platform to showcase the accomplishments of women in wine and to build community and support.
This intimate afternoon will be filled with curated conversations, uplifting women-owned businesses, and of course, a wine tasting led by our founder, Sheila Donohue. Plus, you’ll hear from Dr. Cathryn Dhanatya, co-founder and President/CEO of Growing Good Inc., who will deliver an insightful talk on inclusive leadership. The event will also feature several of our talented women winemakers, showcasing their passion and dedication to their craft.
June 2024: Vero Wins "Wine Delivery Club of the Year”
Vero has been honored with a Business Excellence Award of "Wine Delivery Club of the Year 2024 - Southern California" by Acquisition International, "the voice of modern business."
This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to be a trusted source of bringing you the best small production, sustainably made, authentic wines, olive oils, and foods from around the world.
Vero’s Founder Spotlighted on Leading Food & Wine Podcast for Supporting Small Artisan Producers
Only one percent of the world’s wines make it to the U.S.A., and VeroVino represents the smallest slice, according to Sheila Donohue, founder. VeroVino is an import company focusing on small-production, eco-friendly wines and olive oils made from artisan farmers in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Austria and California. Donohue worked in fintech in Italy where she earned her sommelier certification and turned toward sourcing wines. She founded VeroVino in 2018.
The Connected Table Podcast is also available on Talk 4 Media, Talk 4 Podcasting, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets.
March 2024: Award Winning Wine Writer Recognizes Our Founder and Woman Winemaker As Trailblazers
Author Gwendolyn Alley of WinePredator.com has featured Vero Founder and La Maliosa as important Women in Wine! Our Founder, Sheila Donohue and Woman Winemaker Antonella Manuli of La Maliosa who is traveling around California in March of 2024, are recognized as trailblazers during Women's History Month, along with a host of many other courageous women in wine.
January 2024: Award winning wine writer cites Vero producers and their wines in her highlights from 2023
Wine writer, Gwendolyn Alley cites Vero for finding and importing in 'super special wines' and cites her visit to woman winemaker, Antonella Manuli, at her organic, and biodynamic farm in Maremma Tuscany, as one of her highlights from the past year which also produced her second most popular article from 2023. She also appreciated visits to other Vero producers in Italy last year including natural wine producer Febo whose Cerasuolo is in Gwendolyn's top 2023 pick saying 'I tasted a lot of cerasuolo in June of 2023 Italian grape, durella.’
January 2024: Word is Getting Out About Our Really Beautiful Wines
During Paul Kalemkiarian's interview of our clients, owners of UnCorked Wine Shops on his podcast, Wine Talks, we are cited as bringing in 'really beautiful, small production wines' that help people try new wines they never had before.
December 2023: Our Founder Shares Her Story Going from Hi-Tech to Wine
The business of small batch wine from Italy, California and beyond is shared by our founder. She shares her journey from hi-tech to her founding VeroVino, her business selling wine, olive oil, and more. Join Chad Eaves, Michael Gansl and Sheila in this finely crafter conversation about how a person's passion and profession can take unexpected turns across continents.
December 2023: One Woman’s Determination to Level the Playing Field for Exceptional, Tiny Imports
Disputers in wine unite in this talk with our woman founder and host of Grape Encounters radio show and podcast, David Wilson. He recognizes us for leveling the playing field for small wine & food producers. Check it out and listen to the episode!
November 2023: Vero Makes Authentic Food Quest's Top 12 International Wine Club List
We're thrilled to share that Vero has been named one of Authentic Food Quest's Top 12 International Wine Clubs. Their mission is to help you savor the best local flavors on your travels or in your home kitchen and the results are in! The VeroClub is one of the best! We are honored to be included in the list alongside other well-recognized clubs such as the Wall Street Journal Wine Club. As well, the VeroClub was named the best for Italian wine lovers.
November 2023: Podcast focused on diversity, equity & inclusion interviews our woman founder
The Italian wine podcast's program Voices interviews Sheila Donohue to get her story on starting Vero which has opened up the category of small production wines and olive oils to the US market. She talks about growing our business, along with challenges we are facing and how we're tackling them. Listen to the full podcast.
August 2023: Vero Receives 2023 Best of Ventura Award
We're thrilled to share that Vero has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Best of Ventura Award in the wine club category. Each year, the Ventura Award Program identifies exceptional companies that not only provide outstanding service to their customers but also contribute positively to their local community. The winners are carefully chosen based on a combination of internal evaluations conducted by the Ventura Award Program and valuable feedback from the public.
Wine clubs are not all cut from the same cloth. Unlike many others that function merely as delivery services, The Vero Wine Club is about discovering unique, small-batch, natural wines and foods that have never before graced the US market. With each release, our members receive meticulously chosen boutique wines, handpicked by sommeliers, accompanied by detailed tasting notes that unveil the rich stories of the people and places behind these exceptional wines. As a special bonus, members also gain exclusive access to the Vero Club Pop-up Shop, where they can be among the first to savor Vero's latest wine and food discoveries.
July 2023: Wonderful World of Wine Podcast Interviews Vero's Founder to Glean Trending Topics in Wine
Our founder, Sheila Donohue was interviewed by Mark Lenzi and Kim Simone on their Wonderful World of Wine Podcast which focuses on trending topics in the wine industry. Hear about her journey in the world of wine and how Vero is innovating in the wine world by introducing new wines (ane olive oils) never before in the US market made by smalll producers. Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud or iTunes.
June 2023: Let’s Peel Back the Onion on Biodynamic Wine
What does biodynamic mean to you? Vero founder Sheila Donohue has talked to a lot of different wine producers over the years trying to figure out the nitty gritty of what is biodynamic wine. Now she has written an article for Vinexpo America to have a look at this trending topic and get the conversation going.
Check out the full article on Vinexpo America.
May 2023: Aldo Clerico shares his story and approach to Barolo winemaking on the Italian Wine Podcast with Sheila Donohue
Passion + family + farming + quality + staying small is Aldo Clerico’s formula to making his own Barolo and dolcetto/Dogliani, barbera, and nebbiolo wines. Learn more in this podcast episode of @italianwinepodcast chatting with the accountant turned winemaker Aldo Clerico. Hear the full interview on SoundCloud.
April 2023: VeroVino - Authentic Wine is More Than Just A Name
“It’s in the discovery that the enjoyment takes place.” as wine forager Sheila Donohue was quoted in this article. Wine writer Nancy Brazil was 'immediately impressed by the focus of the wines on offer: small production, family winemakers following organic, biodynamic and low-intervention practices in the vineyard and wine cellar.' She goes onto say 'Real Wine, the name perfectly reflects the collection of wine, and organic olive oil, she imports and sells on the Vero website.'
March 2023: Podcaster enjoys the discovery of scarce and wild Italian grape varieties chatting and tasting with Vero founder
Vero Founder Sheila Donohue recently sat down with Matthew’s World of Wine and Drink to talk about wild and scarse wines made from four unknown varieties. These were wines like the red Schioppettino from woman owned Vigna Petrussa, the pet-nat beauty Boschera from Zanon in Prosecco land, the white Famoso from Romagna-based Braschi, and the champagne method made Durella (available with both 36 month or 60 month aging) from Sandro de Bruno near Verona. Listen to the full podcast episode on Soundcloud to hear more!
February 2023: Prosecco from Vero makes Vinepair's best of 2023 list
It took Vero Founder Sheila Donohue a while to find a 'good' Prosecco, meaning one that had enough acidity to balance out the fruit along with one that had some personality. To our delight Col del Balt's Valdobbiadene Extra Dry, the first Prosecco ever that we submitted to Vinepair, made it to the 'The 20 Best Proseccos to Drink in 2023' list and got a 93 rating amidst a field of large producers.
February 2023: Vero makes Vinepair's Best Sweet Wines of 2023 List
Sweet wines are popular around the world, but not all sweet wines are created equal. When made well, sweet wines can be among the most complex wines in the world. The key is balance. Residual sugar in wine only works if it's offset by good acidity. And this can only occur if the winemaker has the skill to achieve such artful harmony.
We scour the earth to find and import the best of the best small production artisan wines, and not one but two of our sweet wines made Vinepair's list of The Best Sweet Wines for 2023. And now for the first time in the United States we've brought them in for you to enjoy.
Taste for yourself these two sweet wines: Vigna Petrussa’s botrytis Picolit or Ivaldi’s bubbly Brachetti d’Acqui.
January 2023: Canvas Rebel magazine interviews Vero founder, Sheila Donohue, calling her 'brilliant' and 'insightful'.
Canvas Rebel magazine which features "the small business owners, artists and creatives in our communities that are brilliant and deserve more coverage" recently interviewed Vero founder Sheila Donohue saying "We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sheila Donohue a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation..." Check out the interview with Sheila's story and insights here.
November 2022: Sheila Donohue Interviews Antonella Manuli | Clubhouse Ambassador's Corner
Learn about how Antonella Manuli, founder of an agriculture startup farm and winery La Maliosa, is innovating by doing new things with old things in this interview on the Italian Wine Podcast by our founder Sheila Donohue.
Find out how she’s embraced regenerative farming, old vines, volcanic soil and native grapes to produce expressive and delicious natural wines with the patented metodo corino. Go to the Italian Wine Podcast and check it out!
May 2022: Sheila Donohue, Vero Founder and Woman in Business, Talks with GoSolo
Vero Founder and CEO Sheila Donohue sat down to answer a few questions for GoSolo as a ‘Solopreneur’ and woman entrepreneur.
Read the Full Interview where Sheila talks straight about the good and difficult in starting and growing your own business as well as showcases her passion for supporting and bringing ‘the small guy’ to the US wine and olive oil market.
May 2022: Vero and Vigna Petrussa Highlighted as Providers of Delightful Wine
TasteTV recently featured both Vigna Petrussa and Vero as one of their 3 wines to love right now. They specifically mentioned their Schioppettino di Prepotto Red Wine, calling it a gentle yet robust wine, giving ‘real flavor and nuance, as well as presenting some delightful aromas and fruit.’
Read the full article featuring Vero and Vigna Petrussa HERE.
March 2022: Vero Featured in Apartment Guide’s ‘Spring Wine Tasting Party Tips’
Vero was featured in Apartment Guide’s recent article on how to host the best Spring Wine Tasting party.
“With warm weather moving in, spring is the perfect time of year to throw a casual wine tasting party at home for you and your friends. Whether you're a novice when it comes to wine or you fancy yourself a sommelier (just without the official training), throwing a wine tasting party is easy — just follow these 12 expert tips.”
Try some of Sheila’s recommended wines: Albana, Prosecco, Lugana white wines and this Nebbiolo, a Barbera from Aldo Clerico, and finally Schioppettino wines from Friuli, Italy.
March 2022: Vero and Vero Producers are Women in Wine Shaping the Wine Industry
In March of 2022, the VC Reporter featured various women in wine shaping their wine community. This included Vero founder and CEO Sheila Donohue and woman winemaker and Vero Producer Gretel Meys Compton of Clos des Amis. As well, featured were woman winemakers and Italian Vero Producers Hilde Petrussa of Vigna Petrussa in Friuli Venezia Giulia and Antonella Manuli of La Maliosa in Saturnia, Tuscany.
Written by Gwendolyn Alley, you can read the full article HERE.
October 2021: Wine Predator Write About Big Dreams and Features Vero and Ecce Vinum
Need inspiration? Read this article by wine writer Gwendolyn Lawrence Alley. It's about having dreams and fulfilling them.
Like how Gwendolyn became the one of first 20 woman to cross the Pacific Crest Trail, hiking from Mexico up to Canada. And how our founder Sheila Donohue 'went from finance in New York to finance in Italy to becoming a sommelier to importing and distributing wine from Italy, the Iberian peninsula, and California: wines made sustainably by family producers who grow their own organic grapes and make their own wines.' And how Moises Casas started Ecce Vinum Wines from his family's vineyards after 10 years making wines for other wineries around Spain, following his dream to make small production, organic and natural wines from his land.
June 2021: Vero Expands into New England
Vero now has a footprint in New England!
We're super excited to have Helen Gallo Bryan, a wine industry icon, especially for premium estate wines, as our ambassador in New England. We looking for distributors in New England! Are you interesed? Please contact us.
June 2021: Edible Boston’s Article on Natural Wine, Authenticity and Inclusivity Features Vero
Check out this uplifting article about ‘wine capturing soul, echoed from soil to vine to grape and the hands that harvest’ and what’s going on in the Boston area to embrace it and people behind it. This article features Vero and our New England Ambassador, Helen Gallo Bryan, and some of our producers.
What Crushed Grape Chronicles captured in this article is exactly why we were drawn to Raffaella Merlin and Giuseppe Zavanella’s winery ‘project’ Bugno Martino: growing and making delicious, sustainably made dry red sparkling Lambruscos, the way they were made long before the Reunite campaigns of the 70s and 80s.
May 2021: Eat Travel Go Interviews Sheila Donohue About Her Inspiring Journey
Vero’s founder, Sheila Donohue is cited for 'putting the spotlight on women owned companies' and 'helping these family run companies become known in America' and ‘to help others to learn and discover new types of wine and to find out what goes into making it ‘behind the label. Some keys reasons why Vero was started. So happy to see it happening and being recognized!
March 2021: Sheila Donohue Speaks About Following Her Vero Passions.
Vero founder Sheila Donohue sat down to speak with Manhattan Business College about her journey from computer science to sommelier to entrepreneurship! They discussed learned new languages, and the importance of foreign language in business. Sheila gave her advice for budding entrepreneurs, and talked about growing her business into the Extra Virgin Olive Oil market as well.
February 2021: Crushed Grape Chronicles: Vero Brings More than Just Food and Wine to the Table
Robin Renken of the Crushed Grape Chronicles wrote about Vero, and the passion behind truly good small production foods and olive oils.
We love how Robin understands how the stories and real people behind all these amazing products are vitally important to Vero. Experience plays such a big role in enjoying the finer things in life, whether it be out and about, or even tucked away in the comfort of your own home, as so many are today.
A wonderful read, the Crushed Grape Chronicles really touches on what we, Vero, are all about as a company and as people.
February 2021: Sheila Shares Her Advice for Entrepreneurs
Hear Sheila Donohue, Vero's founder, reflect on her transition from a full time job in Fintech to following her entrepreneurial passion in food and wine as she founded a startup bringing farmer-artisans of small production wines and foods just a click away from US wine lovers and foodies.
February 2021: Vero Founder Sheila Donohue Featured as a ‘Female Disruptor’ by Authority Magazine
“Only 1% of the wineries in the US make it to your local store. I know that there are a lot of small producers everywhere, not only in Italy, but also in other countries, and in the US. We’re opening up a category that was not available to people in the US in the past.” Explains Vero Founder Sheila Donohue to Authority Magazine this month as they asked her why exactly is Vero so disruptive to the wine industry. In this riveting interview, Sheila goes on to describe her transition from a fast paced career to woman entrepreneur, her favorite pieces of advice, and of course a few funny tales! Check out the link below to read the entire piece, and understand a little better the passions and philosophies that drive Vero and its founder.
December 2020: Shall We Wine Interviews Vero Founder Sheila Donohue
Vero founder Sheila Donohue chatted with Regine Rousseau of Shall We Wine in an Instagram interview. Over the course of the event, Sheila shared her unique path leading to the creation of Vero. Listen as she goes through love, passion, and the ups-and-downs life leads us on to eventually follow her dreams and passions by using Vero to support small production wineries from Italy, to Spain, to California!
December 2020: Inside Hook Features Aldo Clerico as ‘Best Alternative to Champagne’
If you are looking for a little something different than the ubiquitous bubbly everywhere, then, according to the InsideHook, you would do well to try an alternative like Aldo Clerico’s Barolo. As Vero founder Sheila told InsideHook, “…I say it’s the perfect time to treat yourself.” And this big red wine is a great way to do so!
December 2020: Wine Lover’s Gift Guide - 8 Bottles of Bubbles - 12 Months of Green Wine
Write and wine-lover Gwendolyn Alley of Wine Predator features the VeroClub during her 2020 12 Gifts of Christmas blog series. She also extensively covered many of our sustainable and biodynamic wines as part of her Green Gift Guide.
November 2020: Please the Palate
To commemorate Small Business Saturday in November 2020 Please the Palate featured Vero on their list of small businesses to support. We here at Vero were very happy to be included, as we not only love to share these small production wines and olive oils, but it also means we can help support artisan farmers (some even women owned, like Vero) in their endeavor to create products they are passionate about, and sustainable for the planet.
September 2020: Fintech.TV Interview
TheImpact on Fintech.TV, which profiles people and companies advancing sustainability around the world interviewed our founder, Sheila Donohue, along with 2 pioneers in natural wine, Isabelle Legeron MW founder of Raw Wine and our own Vero grower-maker Antonella Manuli of La Maliosa, the wine and olive oil farm in Tuscany. Get to know the stories behind these women entrepreneurs and learn what farmer-winemakers, like La Maliosa, are doing to innovate by going back to basics and farming for the future. Check out the interview here.
August 2020: Adventures of a Carry-On
Writer Penny Sadler recounts her experiences with Vero and our products. Above all, she speaks of how she loves Vero’s curated collection of wines and olive oils that are impossible to find elsewhere.
News About Vero Producers and Products
Ojai Pacific View Awarded Gold Medal Again! - June 2024
For the third year in a row, woman owned winery Ojai Pacific View and their California Dolcetto has been awarded 90 points and a gold medal by the Sommelier Choice Awards!
Highlighting Metodo Corino During Earth Month - April 2024 - The Written Palette
Wine writer Cori Solomon highlights her meeting with Antonella Manuli founder of La Maliosa farm and winery, and tasting her natural wines and olive oils. Cori describes what she learns about the patented Metodo Corino, jointly developed by Antonella Manuli and Lorenzo, which is a playbook for making natural wines. Read the full article.
Wine Writer Discovers a Grape She Never Had Before - March 2024 - Crushed Grape Chronicles
"I love nothing more than discovering a wine grape that I have never heard of before" is what wine writer Robin Renken writes. Find out her discovery of the durella grape and the complex champagne style Durello wines of Sandro de Bruno in her article. Read the full article.
Vero's Old World Rosé Wines — with a twist - February 2024 - WinePredator.com
Award winning wine writer Gwendolyn Alley reviews two of our "old world" rosé wines: one is a woman made by a rare grape, Uva Tosca, in Northern Italy and the other is a Blaufrankisch Rosé from the Czech Republic. Read the full article.
Vigna Petrussa recognized among the Top Wines in Italy - February 2024 - GoWine
The new 2024 edition of Cantine d'Italia, the Guide for Wine Tourists edited by Go Wine, has been released and Vigna Petrussa's 2018 Scioppettino di Prepotto Riserva has been rated among the top wines in Italy. Acquaint yourself with Schioppettino – this varietal stands out not only for its standalone brilliance but also for its food-friendly nature. With a delightful natural tanginess and peppery, juicy red fruit flavor, Schioppettino boasts high acidity and low tannins, making it an ideal companion for a range of dishes. Whether paired with Asian cuisine, spicy foods, hearty meat dishes, or aged cheeses, this grape promises a sensory journey that delights the palate.
Thaya Named 'Best Winery in the Czech Republic' for Second Year in a Row - February 2024
Congratulations to Thaya for winning the best winery in Czech Republic in their category for year 2023 as well as the Absolute Winner. No stranger to this award, this is the Second Time Thaya has be awarded by this institution. This prestigious award, just announced by the Union of Winemakers of the Czech Republic together with the National Wine Center and with the support of the Wine Fund and the South Moravian Region, is something we've predicted for quite some time... Thaya is the greatest in the Czech Republic!
Piedmont wines are great for feasts like Thanksgiving - November 2023 - Wine Predator.com
Award winning wine writer shows the diversity of Piemontese wines including a red, white and sweet wines by Vero producers Piovano, with US debut of their 2017 Barbera, Antonella Piatti and her Erbaluce complex white wine and Ivaldi and his Brachetto which is on VinePair's list of 13 best sweet wines for 2023. Read the full article on WinePredator.com.
Award winning wine journalist draws attention to Emilia Romagna - August 2023 - Wine Predator.com
As we were saddened by the damaging floods to Emilia Romagna this past spring, so was this award winning wine journalist, Gwendolyn Alley, who is helping raise awareness of the fundraising efforts and delicious artisanal wines from the area. She reviewed one of the women winemaker wines in our Emilia Romana fundraiser set: Frignano's Sgarbato, a Pet Nat natural sparklet made from a rare grape called Tosca. Gwendolyn and her colleauge Sue who made fresh pasta to pair said "This wine responds so well with our meal" She describes it as tasting like "tart cherry, cranberry, raspberry, cherry phosphate, raspberry phosphate, very playful delicate bubbles tickle the palate, nice yeast on the finish, like a raspberry croissant". She also offers tips for places to stay at and eat while in Bologna. Check it all out in her article.
Ojai Pacific View’s California Dolcetto Racks Up Awards - August 2023
During the summer of 2023 California winery Ojai Pacific View received multiple awards from various competitions for their 2020 Dolcetto. In a repeat for the 2019 vintage, they won 90 Points and a Gold Medal from the Sommelier Choice Awards. As well, from the International Women's Wine Competition they received 96 Points, a Double Gold Medal, and also won Best in Class.
The Truth in the Wine of La Maliosa Woman Winemaker - TruthNWine.com - July 2023
After a trip in the wilds of Maremma, wine writer Terry Nozick reflects on the natural wine and regnerative farming of La Maliosa, founded by woman winemaker and pioneer Antonella Manuli. Read the full article on TruthNWine.com.
Woman-owned Tuscan Farm & Winery, La Maliosa, Makes One of the Top 15 Orange Wines of 2023 - VinePair - July 2023
La Maliosa Saturnia Bianco made it to VinePair's 15 best orange wines of 2023 list with 91 points. They said "This is Antonella Manuli's skin-contact white wine made from two types of Trebbiano grapes, and it really shows her and her team’s dedication to the land. It’s as down to earth as Antonella. The balance is undeniable with a nose that is a mix of honeyed and savory notes. There are hints of melon, ginger, and agave as well. The palate is dry with a slight grip and a wonderful core of fruit that softens the prominent tannins. The balance is undeniable."
A Visit to the Land Which You Can Taste in the Wine (and Olive Oil) - July 2023 - Wine Predator.com
Wine Writer Gwendolyn Alley of Wine Predator visited La Maliosa in Tuscany, and ash she said, “after visiting the vineyards, I was struck at how I could taste the land in the wines – the herbs growing on the ground around the vines come through in the aromas and on the palate. Remarkable!" Gwendolyn loved how, “in person, you can feel, see, and smell how healthy the soil is. […] In addition to growing wine grapes organically using the vegan Metodo Corino, Antonella grows her olive trees following the same regenerative farming principles [...] The wines are award winning as well: VinePair selected one as the top 15 orange wines in the world.” Read the full article on WinePredator.com.
Vigna Petrussa's Friulano is a ‘Wine of the Week’ - April 2023 - The Chicago Times Weekly
The Chicago Times Weekly says, “Friulano grapes are famous for their role in the production of the white wines of Friuli, and this is an outstanding example.” While also mentioning that the “Vigna Petrussa Friulano is quite unique. It has a great deal of character and balance that lifts it far above the norm. This is a hefty wine, which is unusual for a white wine.” About winery owner Hilde Petrussa they said “The proof of her success is in the drinking” and that “her use of traditional and modern winemaking techniques is legion in the territory."
Women-made Vigna Petrussa's Refosco is a ‘Wine of the Week’ - March 2023 - The Chicago Times Weekly
The Chicago Times Weekly wine columnist gives a glowing review of Vigna Petrussa's 2018 Refosco calling it 'winemaker Hilde Petrussa’s ‘magnus opus,’ her greatest work.' He goes on further to say ' Vigna Petrussa Refosco has been praised throughout the wine world as one of the crowning achievements of this high-quality wine, focused on indigenous grapes.' Hilde has focused on indigenous grapes in her pursuit of high-quality wines, and now, her daughter Francesca spearheads the effort.
Sandro de Bruno's Durello Sparkling Wines Appreciated for Complexity & Rarity - February 2023 - Crushed Grape Chronicles
The Crushed Grape Chronicles recently talked about Sandro de Bruno near Verona, Italy and their champagne method sparkling wines made with the durella grape. Read the full article about the winery, region and wines HERE.
Family Traditions: Domus Hortae’s Wines from the heel of Italy, Puglia - February 2023 - Wine Predator.com
Wine Predator reviews four wines from Domus Hortae, pairing with orrecchiette and talking about the family behind the Domus Hortae operations and their use of local grape varieties. Read the full article HERE.
Zanon Pet Nat Prosecco Called an Exciting and Affordable Alternative Style of Prosecco - February 2023 - Drink Hackers
‘For fans of regular Prosecco, this is an exciting, and fairly affordable, alternative style worth trying’ says Drink Hackers. They noted the ‘yeasty notes’ and ‘lemon and orange citrus as well as a touch of peach’ on the nose. They thought the palate of this Pet Nat Prosecco had ‘interesting complexity’ as well. Read the full review HERE.
Thaya Named 'Best Winery in the Czech Republic' - February 2023
Congratulations to Thaya for winning the best winery in Czech Republic in their category for year 2022. This prestigious award, just announced by the Union of Winemakers of the Czech Republic together with the National Wine Center and with the support of the Wine Fund and the South Moravian Region, is something we've predicted for quite some time... Thaya is the greatest in the Czech Republic!
Two of Vigna Petrussa's Friuli Wines Reviewed - January 2023 - The Crushed Grape Chronicles
Get to know the Friuli wine region and women owned Vigna Petrussa estate and wines in this informative article by wine writer Crushed Grape Chronicles - from Dirt to Glass. We’re particularly excited for Robin Bell Renken’s review of the latest vintage of their flagship Schioppettino di Prepotto which we just imported in as well as their sweet Picolit dessert wine! You can read the full article HERE.
Our newly imported woman-made natural sparkling wines are reviewed for the first time - January 2023 - WinePredator.com
WinePredator.com reviews our new VeroProducer Frignano’s, from Modena Italy, wines. Natural pet-nat sparkling wines made with traditional and rare lambrusco grapes read more about this woman-owned winery HERE.
Vero and Women-Owned Wineries Featured in Award winning Wine Journalist’s 2022 Year in Review - January 2023 - WinePredator.com
Gwendolyn Alley and WinePredator.com wraps up their 2022 year, reminiscing about her favorite bits and sips. Not surprising that several of Vero’s women owned wineries were part of these good memories, read the full article HERE.
Karen MacNeil credits Vigna Petrussa for bringing Schioppettino back into the limelight - December 2022 - WineSpeed from Karen MacNeil
In a newsletter Spotlight, Karen MacNeil wrote about the schioppettino grape and reviewed Vigna Petrussa’s Schioppettino di Prepotto Riserva, giving woman winemaker Hilde Petrussa the credit for saving the special red grape from disappearing.
Sandro de Bruno's Durello Sparkling Wines Appreciated for their Complexity & Rarity - December 2022 - WinePredator.com
WinePredator.com reviews Sandro de Bruno’s unique classic method sparkling wines made from the durella grape, or Durello DOC. Read the full article HERE.
Jancis Robinson Award Winning Article Features Vero Wines - August 2022 - Jancis Robinson and WinePredator.com
Gwendolyn won the Jancis Robinson Judges award with an article focusing on regenerative agriculture. Her winning this prestigious contest shows that her passion and knowledge for the environment, and as a supporter of regeneration, and frequent reviewer of Vero wines and olive oils, is being recognized at an international level. In fact her research and article is based partly on talks with Antonella Manuli and Lorenzo Corino on the Metodo Corino and regenerative agriculture farming techniques. Read her full award winning article HERE.
Wine Predator Discovers the Bubbly Joys of the Monferrato - August 2022 - WinePredator.com
Wine Writer Gwendolyn Alley recently tasted and featured the Vero imported Alta Langa sparkling wine from Monferrato winemaker Ivaldi in a recent article. Read her full article HERE.
Wine Predator Tries Rare Italian White Grapes from Vero Producers - June 2022 - Wine Predator.com
Author Gwendolyn Alley explores back road Italy through several white wines that are unique and hard to find… but available from Vero! Read the full article and discover which wines she tried HERE.
Ojai Pacific View Dolcetto Wins Gold Medal - June 2022 - Sommelier Choice Awards
Woman and mother-daughter owned Ojai Pacific View from California were recently awarded a Gold Medal from the Sommelier Choice Awards for their small production, estate grown Dolcetto red wine.
Vigna Petrussa Scoops Up Medals from Decanter World Wines Awards - June 2022 - Decanter
In the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards Friulano and woman owned winery Vigna Petrussa were awarded two 90+ awards: 94 points for their white wine Friulano and 92 points for their red wine Schioppettino di Prepotto Riserva. Read the full awards list HERE.
Vigna Petrussa Wins Gold for Woman Made Wines - April 2022 - Sakura Women and Wine Awards
At the Sakura Woman and Wine Awards in Japan, the mother-daughter team of Vigna Petrussa won two gold medals for their red wine Schioppettino di Prepotto and their white blend Richenza.
Enjoy Italian Natural and Organic Wines from Vero - April 2022 - WinePredator.com
Recently Gwendolyn Alley of Winepredator.com tasted wines from Italian winery, Febo. Natural, Organic, and Vegan, Febo’s wines from Abruzzo, Italy, were paired with various Italian dishes as well.
1000 Corks Tries Women Made Wines, Including Producers from Vero - April 2022 - 1000Corks.com
2 of the Women Winemakers featured in this article from 1000 Corks are Vero Producers: La Maliosa and Vigna Petrussa. As written, “Based in Ventura, California and Bologna, Italy, [Vero founder and CEO] Sheila specializes in small, family-owned, estate wines made naturally, sustainably, and organically. ‘My business focuses on wines that are out of the ordinary,’ she says.”
Wine Predator Wine Predator Enjoys Slow Wine and Vigna Petrussa - March 2022 - WinePredator.com
“Fast does not always mean best. That’s the message of the Slow Food and Slow Wine movement which celebrates taking the time to make food and wine the old fashioned way.” Wine Predator writer Gwendolyn Alley sums up the Italian founded Slow Food and Wine movement in her opening lines of her article “Vigna Petrussa’s Slow Wines Plus More to Try”. Featuring Vero Producer Vigna Petrussa, Gwendolyn tastes three of the woman owned winery’s top rated wines whilst musing on the mission and meaning behind what ‘Slow’ means in relation to wine and food.
Wine Predator Pairs Woman-Owned Winery La Maliosa with Pizza - March 2022 - WinePredator.com
Just in time for Women’s History Month in March, wine blogger Gwendolyn Alley of WinePredator.com featured woman owned winery, La Maliosa in a recent article about natural wine. Woman in Wine, Antonella Manuli produces natural, organic, vegan, and biodynamic wines in Tuscany, Italy, so it seemed like a natural choice for Gwendolyn to enjoy some pizza alongside two of Antonella’s natural wines.
Bugno Martino’s Sparkling Essentia Recommended for Valentine’s Day - February 2022 - VCReporter.com
In VC Reporter’s roundup of Valentine’s Day wine recommendations from Ventura County California wine stores and boutiques, Bugno Martino’s Essentia was noted as a favorite. Gregory Leon of The Cave’s recommendation: “He’s also a fan of the more moderately priced Essentia, a sparkling red made from the ancient Lambrusco grape of the Emilia-Romagna region. Many Lambruscos are sweet; the Essentia is dry, made with carbonic maceration and natural yeast.”
Vigna Petrussa Wines Awarded 90+ Points from James Suckling - January 2022 - James Suckling .com
Woman owned winery, Vigna Petrussa, has recently been awarded 90+ points on four of their wines by James Suckling. The North Eastern winery received from James Suckling 91 points for their white wine blend Richenza. As well, they received 90 points for their indigenous white wine Friulano, and their indigenous red wines Refosco and Schioppettino di Prepotto.
Ian D’Agata: Vigna Petrussa Schioppettino a ‘Best Buy Italian Wine’ - January 2022 - Terroir Sense Wine Review
In a review of ‘Italy’s Best Buy Wines of 2021’, Editor-in-Chief of Terroir Sense, Ian D’Agata, listed Vigna Petrussa’s unoaked Schioppettino red wine, with 93 points. Calling it a ‘very pretty wine’, he also noted that woman winemaker Hilde Petrussa is ‘quite simply one of the three or four best producers of Picolit and Schioppettino.’
La Maliosa Saturnia Bianco Orange Wine Named One of ‘Best Orange Wines of 2021’ - December 2021 - WineBlogRoll.com
In December of 2021, WineBlogRoll.com named the La Maliosa Saturnia Bianco one of their selections for ‘Best Orange Wines of 2021’. In this list of ‘the best skin contact white wines and/or orange wines’, Wineblogroll.com selected the Saturnia Bianco. An extended skin contact wine made from indigenous Tuscan grape varieties, it is a funky and unique wine that pair surprising well with difficult foods. It is also natural, biodynamic, vegan, and organically farmed from woman in wine, Antonella Manuli of La Maliosa Farms.
Sparkling Wine Secrets: Seven Grapes, Seven Styles from Italy With Finger Foods - December 2021 - Wine Predator
Featuring 3 sparkling wines from Italy (Semi-sparkling Ciparisso, classic Prosecco Superiore, and Tradtional Method Erbaluce), Gwendolyn Alley explored different grape varieties and sparkling wine methods with suggested food and wine pairings.
Dreaming of a WINE CHRISTMAS? Check Out These Sparkling Gift Ideas! - December 2021 - Wine Predator
In her annual Holiday gift roundup, Gwendolyn Alley again featured Vero and our 2021 Holiday Bubbles Wine Gift Set.
In Memoriam: Lorenzo Corino and His Beyond Biodynamic Nebbiolo - December 2021 - Wine Predator
Author Gwendolyn Alley memorializes Biodynamic Giant, Lorenzo Corino after his death by thoughtful reminisces of past interviews with the natural wine guru, all through the lens of his red wine, a noble nebbiolo, Centin.
Barolo in His Blood: Aldo Clerico, Bagna Cauda, and Duck - December 2021 - Wine Predator
In this exploration of Barolo, author Gwendolyn Alley looks at winemaker Aldo Clerico’s red wines from the Langhe, home of Barolo and Nebbiolo. She discusses food pairings including a nice big helping of traditional Piemontese food, Bagna Cauda.
Dreaming Impossible Dreams: Tilting at Windmills with Tempranillo and Verdejo from Castilla La Mancha - November 2021 - Wine Predator
Need inspiration? Read this article by wine writer Gwendolyn Lawrence Alley. It's about having dreams and fulfilling them. Like how Gwendolyn became the one of first 20 woman to cross the Pacific Crest Trail, hiking from Mexico up to Canada. And how our founder Sheila Donohue 'went from finance in New York to finance in Italy to becoming a sommelier to importing and distributing wine from Italy, the Iberian peninsula, and California: wines made sustainably by family producers who grow their own organic grapes and make their own wines.' And how Moises Casas started Ecce Vinum Wines from his family's vineyards after 10 years making wines for other wineries around Spain, following his dream to make small production, organic and natural wines from his land.
Merano Wine Festival Gives Awards to Two Vigna Petrussa Wines - October 2021
The 2019 Friulano white wine and the 2018 Schioppettino di Prepotto red wine from Vigna Petrussa were both awarded Red Qualifications from the Merano Wine Festival in their annual Wine Hunter Awards.
La Maliosa’s Wines Awarded Medal by Millennial Wine Competition - October 2021 - Millennial Wine Competition
In this wine tasting competition dedicated to find the best wines for Millennials by Millennials, two La Maliosa wines (Saturnia Bianco and Tuscan Rosso) were awarded the Bronze Medal for excellence.
La Maliosa’s Wines Called ‘Best Italian Red Wines’ - October 2021 - Dwell by Michelle
Dwell by Michelle featured La Maliosa’s organic, natural, and vegan wines as ‘best Italian red wines for date night’. We love to see Michelle’s appreciation of La Maliosa’s unique wines come through in her explanation of just why La Maliosa and the patented Metodo Corino craft wines that are good on so many levels.
Decanter World Wine Awards for Several Vigna Petrussa Wines- July 2021 - Decanter.com
In their annual World Wine Awards, Decanter awarded woman-owned Vigna Petrussa a Gold Medal and 95 points for their 2018 Schioppettino di Prepotto, reserved only for the best wines found around the world. This was in addition to Silver Medals for their 2019 Friulano and 2017 Refosco.
Celebrate Summer with a Nice Cold Dry RED Sparkler: Lambrusco to the Rescue! - June 2021 - Wine Predator
Wine Predator explores the revival of Lambrusco by artisan grower-makers like the Mantovan Bugno Martino who are striving to recreate the image of this misunderstood red sparkling wine with so much potential to spice up your happy hour or meal.
La Maliosa’s Caletra Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awarded 3 Leaves - April 2021 - Gambero Rosso
Gambero Rosso, the Italian go-to Foodie Guide of the best of the best, gave the Caletra Organic EVOO their highest rating of 3 leaves, and called them one of ‘the best olive oils from Tuscany.’
Michael Apstein Reviews Vigna Petrussa’s Friulano White Wine - March 2021
In March of 2021 award winning wine writer, Michael Epstein rated women-owned and operated Vigna Petrussa’s white wine, Friulano. He gave the 2019 vintage an astounding 92 points and wrote: “The leadership of this family-owned winery is unique. Hilde Petrussa, the current director, is the (second) generation of female directors. This Friulano is equally unique. It has good weight, stone fruit character, all supported and balanced by excellent acidity. A ying and yang of a subtle creamy richness and hint of bitterness in the finish just makes it just that much more appealing.”
Ecce Vinum Organic Verdejo Receives Gold Medal - March 2021 - Wine Up Guide
Spanish winery, Ecce Vinum, has received a Gold Medal for its Verdejo White Wine (also vegan and organic) from the Wine Up Guide, a national wine competition and guide in Spain.
Review: VeroTalk with Ecce Vinum and Yannick Benjamin - March 2021 - LA Art Party
LA Art Party attended the March 24th VeroTalk fundraiser with boutique Spanish producer Ecce Vinum and Sommelier Yannick Benjamin (founder of Wine on Wheels). What follows is a lovely recap of the event, a fun time to be had by all participants!
Extra Gold Medal and ‘3 Leaves’ for Organic EVOO Caletra Monocultivar - March 2021 - Biol Awards and Gambero Rosso
Vero Producer La Maliosa’s organic, natural, vegan monocultivar Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Caletra, has been awarded not one, but two prestigious awards! It won an Extra Gold Medal best 2020 Tuscan organic extra virgin olive oil by Biol Novello which evaluates the best olive oils in the world. As well, it was awarded 3 Leaves (the highest award) by Gambero Rosso, a fundamental Italian Foodie Guide.
Gold and Silver Awards for Vigna Petrussa Wines - March 2021 - Business News Japan
In February of 2021, Vigna Petrussa was awarded Gold and Silver for several of their wines by the Japan Awards and Business News Japan. Their Refosco Red Wine took home a gold medal and their Friuliano White Wine garnered silver.
Gold Medal for Vigna Petrussa Schioppettino - March 2021 - Sakura Wine Awards
Vigna Petrussa was also recognized in Japan a second time, by the Sakura Awards, Japan’s Women Wine Awards. They awarded Vigna Petrussa’s Schioppettino Red Wine a gold medal on March 8th, in honor of International Women’s Day.
Works of Art: Open That Bottle Night and VeroTalk with Clos des Amis Winemakers Bruce Freeman and Gretel Compton - February 2021 - Winepredator.com
Writer and wine-lover Gwendolyn Alley of WinePredator.com participated with us in our February VeroTalk with Southern California winery Clos des Amis. It was a really fun afternoon chatting with winemakers Bruce and Gretel, and of course sipping along with Ruth’s engaging questions and guided wine tasting. Head over to WinePredator.com to read the full article and see what Gwendolyn thought!
La Maliosa Caletra awarded as best organic oil by BiolNovello 2020 - January 2021 - Food and Wine Magazine
The international competition BiolNovello awarded the Tuscan olive oil La Maliosa Caletra as the best new organic oil of 2020. A huge coup for the oil, this places them as one of the best olive oils in the world.
Discover “Undiscovered California” at Ventura County’s Clos des Amis VeroTalk - January 2021 - Winepredator.com
Preparing for an upcoming VeroTalk with producer Clos des Amis, writer Gwendolyn Alley of Wine Predator spent some time at producer Clos des Amis’ Southern California vineyards.
Going with Lugana in 2021 - January 2021 - Winepredator.com
While talking about her newly discovered enjoyment of Lugana wines, writer Gwendolyn Alley noted that if you cannot find a Lugana wine, several small production Vero wines and producers make lovely substitutes that are every bit as enjoyable!
Here’s 20 from 2020 to Try in 2021 - January 2021 - Winepredator.com
WinePredator writer Gwendolyn Alley picked 20 of her favorite food and wine pairings from 2020, and we are delighted to say that Vero wines featured in no less than three articles and pairings, including orange wines, sparkling wines, and delicious rosé wines.
Top 20 Stories of 2020 - January 2021 - Winepredator.com
Readers of WinePredator have spoken up, and 9 out of the 20 most popular posts of 2020! A good story can help you enjoy a wine more. Especially wines made by talented and passionate farmer-artisans, like those we curate.
Vero and our producers took the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 13th, 15th, and tied for the top story!