Keel and Curley Winery

Even More Reasons to Eat Blueberries

2008-05-21T16:06:00.000-07:00

The Peninsula Medical School and the University of Reading have studied the ability of blueberries to improve memory. The results of this research showed that fruits like blueberries, which are high in phytochemicals, can improve and even reverse age-related memory deficits while offering many other health benefits. The studies also show that improvements are possible for both long-term and short-term memory function.

To date, the mechanism of how fruits like blueberries improve memory and brain function is unclear, but it is believed that the phytochemicals they contain cross the blood brain barrier and affect learning and memory by enhancing existing neuronal (brain cell) connections.

The researchers are also suggested that the improvement in memory is directly related to stimulated “signaling proteins” that can be found in the the hippocampus (part of the brain that controls memory and learning).

source: http://brainblogger.com/2008/05/21/more-reasons-to-eat-blueberries/

News: In India, an unlikely wine industry struggles to take root

2008-04-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

In the Indian Sonoma Valley, the heart of a $100 million industry has seen annual growth of more than 25 percent annually since 2003.

A taste for wine is now a sign of sophistication among Indians who have grown wealthy as the economy has boomed, and scores of wineries have opened in recent years to quench their thirst.

The wine business is still relatively small, especially considering India's population of 1.1 billion. In 2006, Indian winemakers sold roughly 940,000 cases of wine domestically and 60,000 cases overseas, up from 530,000 domestic cases and 30,000 overseas in 2003, according to industry figures.

By comparison, American vintners shipped 217 million cases to domestic markets in 2007 and another 50 million cases overseas.

Indian winemakers face a significant challenge gaining a foothold in this country where alcohol is still largely frowned upon for religious and cultural reasons, and many of those who do drink – nearly all men – are just fine with their whiskey-and-sodas.

But winemakers of all sizes, from international spirits giants to mom-and-pop home brewers, see huge potential in India's booming market.

Most Indian bottles cost around $10, making them far more affordable than foreign wines, which can cost several times what they would in Europe or the U.S. due to heavy taxes and import duties. The wine importing business is also murky with gray-market bootleggers and improperly stored bottles, making locally produced wine an attractive option.

With sales accelerating, major global players have recently jumped into the grape-stomping barrel, including Seagram India Ltd., a subsidiary of spirits giant Pernod Richard Group; UB Group, brewer of Kingfisher beer and the world's second-largest alcohol manufacturer; and Diageo India Ltd., owned by the company behind Guinness stout, Johnnie Walker whiskey and Smirnoff vodka.

All three recently launched Indian-made wines, and while it's too soon to tell how they'll shake up the market, the investments indicate a new phase of competition.

How do Indian wines taste? Well, they're fruity, sweet and have a “deficiency in complexity and texture,” according to Stephane Soret, head sommelier at the Imperial, a luxury hotel in New Delhi.

There are now more than 50 wineries in India, nearly all in the western state of Maharashtra, and the wine boom has created a new crop of wine bars, tasting rooms and vineyard tours, which are slowly beginning to attract tourists.

Farmers in Maharashtra are lining up to convert their crops into wine grapes, and fields of merlot and cabernet sauvignon are sprouting across the hills of Nashik, a region with a comfortable climate and friendly regulatory laws. Farmers say their profits have doubled since they started selling to wineries.

Source: In India, an unlikely wine industry struggles to take root; Sam Dolnick ASSOCIATED PRESS

History of Wine

2008-03-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

Archaeological evidence suggests that the earliest wine production came from areas in Georgia and Iran, dating from 6000 to 5000 BC. The archaeological evidence becomes clearer in Early Bronze Age sites of the Near East, Sumer and Egypt from around the third millennium BC, where archaeologists have found remains that suggest domestication of the grapevine.

Greece is one of the oldest sites for grape making as well - some ancient Greek texts even describe how the ancient Greeks used partly dehydrated gypsum before fermentation and some type of lime after fermentation to reduce acidity.

In medieval Europe, the Roman Catholic Church was a huge supporter of wine and deemed it necessary for the celebration of Mass. In countries such as Germany, beer was banned and considered pagan and barbaric while wine consumption was viewed as civilized and a sign of conversion.

Source: Wikipedia 2008.

What does a winery look like?

2008-02-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

Check out the slideshow below (flash plugin needed):

Spring Events

2008-02-13T17:04:00.001-08:00

"Mark Your Calendars"

March 8th & 9th - Keel and Curley's First "Wine and Art Festival" Over 50 Bay Area artists join us at the Winery for a day of music, food and super wine and wine store merchandise discounts.

May 17th & 18th - The First Annual Plant City "Blueberry Festival" at Keel and Curley Winery and Keel Farms.

Tours

Tours of our winery are offered every Saturday & Sunday, at 2:00 & 4:00 pm for $5.00 per person. Groups are always welcome! If you are interested in a private group tour, please call in advance to schedule. Contact Sheri Masters Delaney at 813-752-9100.

Please check out the Florida Wine Events page for more events!

Why are blueberries so healthy?

2008-02-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Blueberries are flowering plants that produce blue berries, and are native only to North America. When mature, the berries have a sweet taste and varying acidity. The blue pigment in blueberries is anthocyanin. Blueberries also have antioxitants (molecules that prevent oxidation of cells, which prevents damaging of cells over time) and other phytochemicals (good stuff from plants), which help reduce the risk of cancer and other ailments. Some research has indicated that blueberries also help prevent cognitive decline and Alzheimers.

Read more: health benefits of blueberries

Welcome to Keel and Curley's Wine Blog!

2008-02-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

Please visit often for updates on our Florida winery, the best tips and news on wine, and of course, updates on our famous Blueberry Wine!