World Cabernet Day: 7 Best Vineyard Startups

August 29 is International Cabernet Day, a day dedicated to the most popular wine type. Cabernet Sauvignon is referred to as the “King Of Grapes”, and so on this day wine lovers worldwide engage in wine tastings, social media celebrations, and themed gatherings.

The day itself was first created for marketing purposes in 2010 by Rick Bakas, a Twitter user and wine enthusiast from Northern California, and soon after became wine holiday that is celebrated on the Thursday before Labour Day in the US.

Made from a blend of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its ability to age gracefully, which in turn creates flavours over time that make older vintages a prize for collectors. The versatility of Cabernet is also evident in its use in blends, where other wine varieties use it to add more depth to their flavours.

 

How To Enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon

 

The strong tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon make it an excellent match for rich, fatty dishes and red meats, like grilled steaks or roasted lamb, as it cleanses the palate by cutting through the fats and proteins. This quality makes it a versatile wine that complements different foods, making the dining experience with every sip.

Its flavour profile, with notes of dark fruits and earthy undertones, also pairs wonderfully with dishes like mushroom risotto or grilled mushrooms, creating harmonious blends of tastes and textures.

 

7 Vineyard Startups

 

These startups are helping create and distribute wine, as well as educate their audiences on the art of winemaking, whether from their vineyards, or on digital platforms:

 

1. Artelium

 

 

This startup is based in East Sussex puts together the beauty of art, and of winemaking at their estate. With vineyard tours, wine tastings and art exhibitions, Artelium gives a rich cultural experience, with their specialties being English wines, with curated art collections. Launched in 2019, Artelium invites visitors to indulge and explore their products.

 

2. Black Chalk

 

 

This vineyard was launched in 2015 and has since created a niche offering in the English winery scene. Black Chalk went from sourcing local Hampshire grapes to establishing their own estate in the Test Valley. Here, the team appreciates the full process of winemaking, from grape cultivation to bottle.
 

 

3. WineChain

 

 

This is a unique global platform that connects wine collectors with a marketplace for rare bottles. Based in France, this startup allows users to buy, trade and manage fine wines digitally. Your purchases are securely stored in a remote cellar, and you can either age them to perfection or trade them with fellow enthusiasts worldwide.

 

4. Smart Vineyards

 

 

 

 

Smart Vineyards uses intelligent sensor networks to protect vineyards from climate changes. This startup installs and manages a system of environmental sensors and a weather station that actively monitor and respond to potential threats like frost or drought. It gives real-time data and actionable alerts to help vineyard managers with better crop protection and irrigation.

 

5. Vinotte

 

 

 

Vinotte redefines wine tasting with its innovative 2 cl sample bottles, designed to deliver just the right amount for an accurate evaluation, perfect for winemakers. This precise serving size ensures every flavour and scent is experienced as intended, without the influence of oxygen, thanks to their oxygen-free repackaging technique.

Their sturdy, eco-friendly P.E.T. containers protect the wine’s integrity while being light and recyclable, reducing environmental impact. Vinotte preserves the wine’s character and offers flexible packaging options to meet consumer needs, making it a smart choice for vendors and enthusiasts alike.

 

6. WINEGRID

 

 

WINEGRID uses advanced technology to modernise the winemaking process through real-time, remote monitoring. Their integrated system, powered by an AI-driven platform, tracks fermentation and maturation, giving winemakers precise control and insights to optimise quality and efficiency.

 

7. Winalist

 

 

 

Winalist invites you on a journey through the world of wine and spirits, where each tasting and tour is an exploration of tradition, culture, and passion. Picking from a scenic vineyard tour or an intimate tasting, Winalist makes it that each adventure is deeply personal, resonating with your individual tastes and interests.