Corks and Courses: What’s Next for Proletariat Wine Company and its Food Menus

November 2024 | by Cassidy Franklin

At Proletariat, we're always excited to bring you new and creative food and wine pairings that highlight the best of each season. Our incredible chef Lori Renn, and our friends in the kitchen work hard to share their passion for food with tasting room guests! Here's a glimpse of what we have done with food at Proletariat and what might be on the horizon!

What do Food Pairings Bring to Your Wine Experience?

Many wine lovers are familiar with myths surrounding what foods and wines you can and cannot pair together. At Proletariat, we embrace the reality that food and wine pairings should be tailored to your own wine experience. The flavors in foods offer a creative twist to your favorite glass and can alter the wine’s flavor and finish, but there is no right or wrong way to experiment with this. With the knowledge that foods with a spicy kick bring out the best in fruity wines, that fatty rich foods pair well with big and bold wines that hold their own, sweeter foods make wines more bitter, and that a wine’s color does not determine the rules by which it is paired, we have created a culinary experience that truly honors our wines for their complexity, and serves to enhance every tasting room visitor’s relationship with wine!

Creative Events at Proletariat 

Over the course of the short time that our tasting room has been open, we’ve dabbled in a variety of fun events to keep our guests on their toes and keep an unburdened love for wine alive! Our most popular event, bringing in the busiest day in Prolo history was our Girl Scout cookie and wine pairing event! Drawing big crowds for a fun and nostalgic experience, the event acted as a reminder that wine is both a creative endeavor and one accessible to people of all palates. 

According to Lori, there may be an event to look forward to in the near future that takes wine and dine to a new level– chips and sips! This event would feature everything from Doritos to salt and vinegar chips, and even Takis. These events are all about showcasing how different flavors and textures can interact with wine in surprising and delightful ways.

Summer Pairings

While fall is just around the corner, Lori and her friends in the kitchen have great plans for ending the summer on a fresh and peachy note! Think burrata with fresh peaches, tomatoes, basil, and prosciutto, all drizzled with white balsamic vinegar. This burrata board is a celebration of summer's best and pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. For a more casual and fun pairing, we love the idea of Doritos and Cheetos with rosé bubbles. It's a playful and unexpected combination that highlights our philosophy of making wine pairings accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Fall Pairings

This fall, we're diving into rich, savory flavors that complement the crisp autumn air. Our seasonal baked brie with caramelized apples and bruschetta are perfect starters, warming you up for more indulgent dishes. Our lovely owner Elizabeth has said she wants to marry our hand selected baked brie and we hope you’ll feel that same! 

We're particularly excited about our compound butter made with lemon zest, orange zest, and fresh herbs, spread on warm bread and paired with our chicken pot pie soup, this combination is pure comfort in a bowl. The buttery richness of the soup, with its earthy thyme and sage notes, is perfectly balanced by the light and bubbly sparkling Pinot Gris. This dish has a special place in our chef's heart, having originated from a happy accident when she ran out of pie crust and turned the filling into a soup. It's become a beloved chef's special and a testament to how creativity can lead to delicious surprises.

Winter Pairings

As the temperatures drop, our winter menu will feature hearty, warming dishes inspired by international flavors. One standout from the past is our Venice, Italy-inspired risotto with red wine and Portuguese mushrooms. This savory and delicious dish was first created in a cooking class and has become a favorite for its rich, earthy flavors. Pair it with our Sangiovese, a lighter-bodied fruity red with a zingy finish that complements the risotto beautifully.

Spring Pairings

With the arrival of spring, we'll focus on bright, fresh flavors. The flavors of Lori’s beloved lemony chicken piccata with capers is a standout, inspiring a dish perfectly paired with our Prolo white blend. This combination is light and refreshing, perfect for the season. Another highlight from our 2024 spring release is Basque chorizo poached in a red wine reduction, paired with Cabernet Sauvignon. This dish offers a robust, savory experience that's balanced by the wine's depth.

At Proletariat Wine Company, we believe that pairing food and wine should be an adventure. Whether it's a rich, savory dish or a simple, crunchy snack, the right wine can elevate the experience and bring out new flavors. We can't wait to share these pairings with you and explore the endless possibilities of food and wine together. Cheers!

 

Spend a Day With Us in Garden City: A Tasting Room Travel Guide

October 1st, 2024 | Written by Cassidy Franklin 

Overlooking the picturesque Boise Front, the Proletariat Wines Tasting Room in Garden City provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for the Treasure Valley community and its visitors. We welcome you to savor our wines, accompanied by delicious charcuterie platters, in our comfortable tasting rooms, on our ground floor patio, or on our pet-friendly rooftop terrace! With Prolo's location in the heart of such a vibrant and diverse area, why not turn it into a full day of exploration? 

Our Tasting Room Experience

Whether you want Prolo to be the opening act in your wine tasting experience, or you want to save the best for last, this stop is essential to any Garden City travel experience. Proletariat wines are a favorite across wine lovers. With its salute to tradition in its affordable and exceptional bottled wines, along with its innovative and sustainable approach to wine in steel kegs, Proletariat offers a high-end wine experience for every type of wine lover. 

Our building is centrally located in Boise’s best wine district and is only a short walk from where the Boise River’s current sings. Full of natural light and hospitality, you’ll be greeted at the door like an old friend. While enjoying our friendly atmosphere, explore our diverse collection of curated wine flights- both bottled and on tap. Join us for tastings and events featuring food pairings, live music, and community gatherings, including locally made jewelry and yoga on the upper patio. And this is just a glimpse of what our space has to offer!

So, cozy up on the couches upstairs with your favorite glass in hand, belly up to our bar top and enjoy wine on tap or one of our frozé wine slushies. Sunbathe with your pup on our gorgeous patios and gather around our wine barrel tables to share a flight with those you love. Before you leave, don't forget to pick up a t-shirt or tumbler as a memento of your visit!

Discover Garden City 

While our tasting room is a must-visit, Garden City is home to many remarkable wine companies to make your Prolo visit extra special. There are a few you don’t want to miss. Between the concert series at Cinder wines, Telaya and its scenic views, and whimsy Split Rail, your trip to Garden City will be nothing short of wine heaven! 

After a day of wine tasting, you can unwind at one of the following charming accommodations in the area. If you’re looking for luxury, stay at the Riverside Hotel, just down the road from Proletariat. Enjoy riverfront views, a pool, and a spa—perfect for some well-deserved pampering. If you're looking for something more budget-friendly but still charming, try SpringHill Suites or The Hilton Garden Inn. SpringHill offers cozy rooms, breakfast, and a prime location. The Hilton Garden Inn strikes the perfect balance between affordability and comfort, featuring a fitness center and an on-site restaurant. And don’t forget, both SpringHill and Riverside welcome pets—just like our patios!

Garden City offers a variety of activities to accompany your wine experience. From a relaxing walk along the river on the greenbelt and visit to the Saturday morning Farmers Markets, to a lively concert at Expo Idaho, your Garden City wine tasting experience can be as action packed or relaxing as you’d like! 

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, Proletariat and its lively surroundings promise an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the charm, flavors, and beauty of the Garden City area. 

For more information about tastings and events at Proletariat see the ‘visit’ tab on our website or contact us directly! We look forward to welcoming you to our tasting room and sharing the magic of our wines. 

All for wine and wine for all!

 

Wine Tasting 101: A Guide to a Better Wine Tasting Experience

September 11, 2024 | by Cassidy Franklin

Why invest in wine tasting?    

There is no wrong way to enjoy your favorite Proletariat wine, but there are a few tips that certainly will enhance your experience in our Garden City tasting room! By learning a little bit about the skill of wine tasting, and mastering some helpful terminology, you can get the most out of your tasting experience! With this information you can choose to dig deep, developing yourself to be a true Aficionado, or maybe this knowledge fulfills a fleeting moment of curiosity. Either way, understanding the process of wine tasting can deepen your appreciation for your favorite pour, connect you with wine prominent cultures across history, and inform your own choice in bottle investment!

Eyes on the pour–See

Believe it or not, wine tasting begins before the edge of your glass meets your lips! There are a few things to highlight visually about the initial pour. The visual part of your tasting experience serves to inform the rest of the process but is also an opportunity to engage with the simple pleasure of the pour! First take notice of the bottle, your glass, and the ambience of the tasting room. 

As the wine fills your glass, or as your flight hits the table, observe the color of its contents. This initial glance reveals far more than just the hue, it unveils a spectrum of possibilities. Whether it’s the deep, velvety red of our flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, or the iridescent moonlight coloring of our Pinot Gris Bubbles, every color tells a story. In a red wine, a deep purple hue may indicate a younger wine and higher acidity and tannins, while a cherry hue may indicate a more mature wine with softer tannins. In white wine, darker golden hues represent more mature wines. White wines with green tinges indicate younger wines and usually have a fresh, crisp acidity.

Swirling your glass–Swirl

You may also take notice of the transparency and thickness of the wine. Swirl, slowly by gripping the stem, or tilt your glass gently and watch how the wine adheres to the glass’s sides—often referred to as "legs" or “tears”. A thicker wine indicates higher alcohol content or a richer texture, while quick-moving tears suggest a lighter body. Beyond aesthetic appreciation, this piece of your wine tasting experience can give you clues as you begin to perceive your wine’s structure.

Appreciate Aromas–Smell 

Your true first impression of the wine is determined by your exploration of its aromas. This process of ‘nosing’ your wine incorporates the swirl of the glass we’ve just mastered. Holding the stem of your glass, give your wine of choice a whirl and gradually move your nose closer to the rim of the glass, taking notice of its bowl shape- perfect for engulfing you in the beautiful aromas of your wine. Try changing the length of your breaths, exchanging short inhalations for long. Here you may identify the wine’s primary aromas. These can typically be described under the following categories: fruity, floral, earthy, characterized by spice. You may decide to keep your nose in the glass a little longer and practice identifying secondary aromas that indicate winemaking techniques such as vanilla, leather or tobacco. For example, when tasting our 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, you might notice aromas of fresh lemongrass revealing its youthfulness and the crispness of its acidity. Remember to delight in the process and feel free to take note of your observations!

Give it a taste– Sip

Finally! We’ve made it to the best part, where all of the hard work you’ve done pays off. Take a small sip and let it gracefully coat your palate, savoring those initial flavors and sensations. Keep your aromatic observations at the front of your mind as you sip. The wine’s aromas work hand in hand with its flavors to create its profile! Some components to keep in mind when understanding your Prolo wine’s flavor profile are; its sweetness, referring to the level of sugar in the wine, crispness, revealing its acidity, whether or not you notice a drying sensation caused by tannins, and the wine’s body and warmth, a product of the wine’s alcohol levels. One way to elevate your tasting experience and alter the flavors of your wine is to pair it with different foods. This is where you experiment but don’t forget to taste the wine before pairing it with food!

Make it last– Savor

The final step in your tasting of this glass is to take note of the aftertaste. Here, you can determine the finish of your wine, which describes how long the flavor lasts and how it changes. Pay close attention to length, intensity, and the balance of flavor components. A wine that increases salivation is acidic and has higher levels of tannins. This is an indication of a dryer wine. This moment exists ultimately for you to evaluate your wine as a whole. At the end of the day, it is most important that you trust your instincts! Our personal preferences and experiences shape how you perceive wine. Just as our head winemaker Sean Boyd believes that winemaking is more about personal expression than rigid guidelines, the tasting process should be just as personal and enjoyable. Dive in and relish the journey of discovering what you truly love in a wine. Cheers to that!

Glossary of useful wine terminology 

A

Acidity- acids found in wine grapes can impact the tart or sour tastes of the wine depending on how the acidity is balanced with sweet and bitter components of the wine.

Appellation- a term used to describe the geographic region your wine grapes are form.

Aging- the act of storing your wine in a cool dark place for a number of years to improve the wine and change its flavors. This often means the primary flavors become less pronounced and make room of the secondary ones!

Aeration- this is the process of exposing your wine to air which may boost flavors by diminishing less favorable ones. There are tools you can purchase to assist in this process called aerators or for another option see the term “decanting” below!

B

Blend- A wine made from more than one grape variety 

Bouquet- This term can be used to describe the overall aromas of your wine!

Body- this is the weight, texture and richness of your wine. The terms used to differentiate ‘body’ are ‘light -bodied’, or ‘full-bodied’, describing the feeling the wine leaves in your mouth. Balance- describes how well the complex flavors of a wine work together.

C

Complexity- A way of describing a wine with many aromas, flavors, and overall depth.

D

Dry- wines with little sugar content 

Decanting- the act of separating the wine from heavier substances like sediment at the bottom of the bottle by pouring it into another vessel. This method can also be used for aeration!

F

Finish- the sensation that remains in your mouth after swallowing your wine (measured in short, medium, and long)

Fermentation- the process of turning grape juice to wine by converting sugar into alcohol

L

Legs, also known as tears, (noun)- The streaks or droplets of wine that form on the side of a glass

N

Nosing (verb)- the act of smelling your wine in hopes it’ll reveal its secrets.

Nose- the aromas and smells that come off your wine

New World- wines produced in California, Washington, Oregon, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

O

Oak- this wood results in flavor compounds including vanilla, clove and spice

Old World- wines made primarily in Europe, from regions with long documented histories of winemaking

S

Structure- descriptor for the balance of tannins and acidity in a wine

Sulfites- chemical compounds in a wine that function as an enhancer and preservative

T

Tannin- chemical compounds from stems, skins and seeds that contribute a more bitter and complex flavor profile

 

 

From Passion to Pour: The Story and Heart Behind Proletariat Wine Company

July 25, 2024 | by Cassidy Franklin
pro·le·tar·i·at
/ˌprōləˈterēət/
Noun
1. workers or working-class people, regarded collectively

            In a world where the pursuit of fine wine often seems reserved for the elite, Proletariat Wine Company redefines the landscape with a simple yet powerful ethos: great wine should be for everyone. Rooted in the very name "Proletariat"—a term that traditionally denotes the working class—we embody a mission of accessibility and shared passion for wine that resonates deeply with enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

Since our founding in 2011, Proletariat Winery has stood out in the wine industry by marrying quality with innovative fun, without losing sight of what truly matters—the wine itself. Located in Walla Walla, WA (and now Garden City, Idaho), we’ve made our mark by debunking the myth that price dictates quality. Instead, Proletariat champions a philosophy of affordability and inclusivity, inviting everyone to partake in the joy of wine.

From Vision to Reality

In 2011, Proletariat Wine Company was founded with a bold and rebellious vision: to make premium wine accessible to everyone. This innovative idea was the brainchild of head winemaker Sean Boyd.  He partnered with Elizabeth Baggerly and Scott Thompson to make the idea a reality, and Proletariat Wine Company was born. Sean’s professional career began with a geology degree and a decade in oil and gas exploration that led him to winemaking, infusing his understanding of soils with depth. For him, winemaking is a form of personal expression that transcends rigid guidelines. Hailing from Tacoma, WA, Sean embodies familial warmth, sharing a passion for culinary pleasures, fine wines, craft brews, and bold coffee.

Elizabeth, transitioning from a 30-year career in the technology sector, embraced her passion for wine and traded data centers for grapevines, co-founding Proletariat Wine Company & the Winery and Tasting Room in Garden City, Idaho, alongside her husband, Tracy, and their business partners. As General Manager, Elizabeth now oversees back-office operations and the Garden City tasting room, while enjoying Idaho’s charms with her family and three dogs.

Scott Thompson, also a founding partner, brought his entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm into the wine industry. Viewing it as his most exciting venture yet, Scott balances his professional pursuits with a love for fishing in his hometown of Eagle, Idaho, where he resides with his wife, Tina, and their two children. Together, Sean, Elizabeth and Scott sought to break away from the traditional elitism of fine wine, establishing Proletariat as a winery dedicated to inclusivity and quality.

Proletariat Wine Company’s inception was driven by a revolutionary idea to offer high-quality wine in reusable stainless-steel kegs, making premium wine accessible for glass pours at restaurants and bars. Think wine on tap! This innovative approach not only made wine more affordable but also addressed environmental concerns by reducing waste. The result was a cost-efficient, eco-friendly solution that provided excellent wine at a reasonable price for the working class.

However, the journey was not without its fair share of twists and turns. As one of the pioneering wineries to offer wine in kegs, we faced the challenge of introducing this novel concept to a market that was largely unfamiliar with it. Starting in sustainability-conscious cities like Seattle and Portland, the team invested considerable time and resources in educating restaurants and bars about the benefits of wine on tap. The early years were tough, with a steep learning curve and a slow market adoption. Despite these challenges, Proletariat’s management team remained steadfast in our belief that this innovative approach would eventually gain traction.

The resilience of Proletariat was further tested during the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw the closure of many bars and restaurants, especially in the key markets of Seattle and Portland. This brought production to a halt and threatened the very existence of the company. Through creative sales strategies, we navigated these difficult times, emerging stronger and more determined.

Our unwavering passion for wine and commitment to our vision played a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles. Proletariat’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a deep-seated love for wine that continues to drive the company forward, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can enjoy the pleasure of great wine.

A Passionate Team for a Passionate Process

If Sean, Elizabeth and Scott are the roots of Proletariat, our two assistant winemakers, Kevin Masterman and Jesse Corvino, are the vines! These three winemakers dedicate countless hours overseeing every stage, from vineyard cultivation to guaranteeing ample quantities of top-quality finished wines for Proletariat customers.

Kevin Masterman is from Mt. Vernon, WA, and was initially drawn to photography. His path took an unexpected turn when he discovered his passion for wine at a local conference. This led him to pursue Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College. After honing his craft in Australia, Kevin joined Proletariat in 2015, where he meticulously crafts wines reflecting the region's essence. Alongside his role at Proletariat, he nurtures his boutique label, House of Bones, expressing his creative vision and winemaking passion.

Jesse Corvino, born and raised in Walla Walla, Washington, began his career in wine and joined Proletariat Wine Company after almost ten years working in Latin America working in volunteerism, public health, and education. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him fishing, snowboarding and mountain biking.

At Proletariat, winemaking is more than just a craft; it's a philosophy—a dedication to excellence and a passion for innovation. While the winemaking process is relatively consistent with that of other wineries, the talent and ability of our winemaking team sets us apart. We maintain contacts with premium vineyards all over the Northwest USA American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Here within the rich tapestry of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, our vineyards flourish, each sip of our wines embodying the essence of these distinct regions. Our devotion to our vineyards is more than fertile soil and favorable climate, it is a commitment to quality and a reverence for tradition. Our wine company strives to create wines that are not only approachable upon release but also possess the depth and complexity to evolve gracefully over time.

Proletariat As an Idaho Winery

As the Idaho Wine Industry began to blossom, we saw an opportunity to expand our horizons and embrace a new chapter in our winemaking journey. Anchored by Elizabeth and Scott’s love for the state and a desire to connect with local communities, we embarked on the endeavor to establish a tasting room in Garden City, Idaho. In 2020 we purchased ground and in 2023 we completed the construction process and opened! With deep roots in the Northwest and a network of friends and collaborators spanning Oregon, Washington, and now Idaho, we continue to push the boundaries of winemaking, one bottle at a time. As we’ve embarked on this new chapter, it has been exciting to immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of Idaho life, channeling its spirit into every bottle of Proletariat wine.

Today Proletariat serves as a place of connectivity, and fun in its classiest form. We’ve maintained a mission of uniting the working class through efforts of accessibility to high-quality wine, using our Garden City tasting room as a new space for cultivating passion and community and staying true to our roots! With a family of staff members who believe in Proletariat’s mission and share a love for our wines, our tasting room has developed to be an inviting place with a casual, non-stuffy vibe to appeal to all levels of wine enthusiasts. We create events that bring community members together and highlight other local companies by doing so. We donate wine and time to many different charitable organizations and participate frequently in wine industry events.

We’re excited to share that something special is on the horizon for Proletariat, inspired by our roots and journey through Idaho. In honor of a beloved local icon, we’ve been crafting something unique that reflects the heart of the Boise community. Stay tuned for a reveal that celebrates our connection to this vibrant region!

We want our story to be your story! By joining our wine club, you’ll enjoy exclusive discounts on wine and merchandise, and become part of a vibrant community of wine lovers. As a member you can participate in club events, share your wine experiences, and delight in gatherings filled with exceptional wine and food. Pop open a bottle of Prolo bubbles and raise a toast to Proletariat and the mission of creating connectivity through great wine. All for Wine and Wine for all!