Hop Kiln winemaker Chuck Mansfield was featured in Wine Enthusiast’s May 2011 issue in their article on “Wines Changing Face: How does an increasingly diverse U.S. population impact the wine industry?”

As a leader in the Millennial segment, which the magazine calls, “Perhaps the most influential emerging demographic in wine culture,” next to the growing Hispanic, African-American and Asian populations, the 26-year old Chuck finds that what sets his generation apart is “their universe of information.”

“While my parents may reach out to a couple of trusted friends for recommendations, people my age are more likely to get this ‘word’ from Internet review sources like yelp.com,” he continues.

The Millennial Generation, also called Generation Y, describes the current under-30 demographic born between the late 1970’s and early 2000’s, 80 million of whom will be reaching wine drinking age in the next 10 years, according to the magazine.

Millennials are marked, as Chuck notes, by their high comfort level with digital technology, communications and the media. To wit, the magazine points out that “67% of Millennials get wine information online, compared to 48% of Boomers.

A sense of experimentation in seeking out new varietals and a desire to connect with producers who embody their ideals is also what Chuck’s generation is known for, rather than just seeking out a good value. “When growers and winemakers are truly dedicated to sustainable, organic and biodynamic principals, embracing them as a philosophy as opposed to a marketing campaign, it creates a powerful bond with like-minded Millennials,” he says.

Click here to read the entire article.

Wine Enthusiast magazine honored Kenwood Inn & Spa’s guest-only restaurant an Award of Unique Distinction for their wine list, which was judged not only by the size of the list, but also on the quality and synergy with the cuisine offered.  Other judging criteria included creativity, service, staff education, presentation, stemware and value.

The Kenwood Inn and Spa is the only winning restaurant in the city of Kenwood and one of 3 winners in Sonoma. There were a total of 144 winners in the US overall.

There are 3 levels of awards given out to applicants, who ranged from small French bistros to big-name urban eateries, the Award of Distinction, the Award of Unique Distinction and the highest, the Award of Ultimate Distinction.

Judges included members of the editorial staff at Wine Enthusiast, as well as wine directors, buyers and sommelier’s from well-regarded restaurants and import companies.