A few years ago we were introduced to orange wine and it has now been something that we keep an eye out for! So when we heard about Doreen Winkler, a leading wine sommelier and consultant who has a passion for orange wines, we had to reach out to find out more about her wine store as well as her wine event that takes place on Nov 5th!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into your event and store, we'd love to know more about your background as a leading wine sommelier and consultant. Where did you train and what restaurants did you work in as we know that you worked at Aldea as well which we had Chef George Mendes as a cover a few years ago!

DOREEN WINKLER: I completed a 3 year hospitality apprenticeship in Germany and then worked in Switzerland, where I quickly became a floor sommelier and then back to Germany where I started as a server at the Atlantic Hotel. I was training at the Wine Institute of Germany and quickly replaced the hotel’s sommelier. Then worked in the U.S., Sydney and Cyprus before ending up in New York in several wine director positions including the 2 Michelin starred Aska where I created an all natural wine list in 2013. This was when natural wine wasn't very common. I also was a sommelier of Tocqueville, Prime Meats and Aldea in New York City.

For the past 7 years, I’ve been managing the wine programs in a consulting role for several restaurants including Sel Rrose Montauk, Sel Rrose NYC, Moby’s, Trappizzino.

AM: Wine is such an interesting category. For those who are not familiar with natural wines, what do we need to know about this?

DW: All the orange wines that we sell are natural. Natural wine is the romantic fantasy of how we wish all wine was made. It uses no chemical growing or plowing solutions, only ripe grapes are handpicked, there are very low to no added sulfites, and only indigenous yeasts are used. Natural wine has no additives of any kind and isn’t filtered or refined. What you get in the glass is as close to what’s in the vineyard including all the notes of the grapes and the conditions of that year's vintage.

AM: Years ago at a press trip in Vermont, we had the pleasure of enjoying a chef's table and the somm poured our first orange wine from Donkey & Goat! We were fans from that first sip!

What are orange wines and how are they made?

DW: Orange wine is also called skin contact and amber wine.

Orange wine was made in the Republic of Georgia thousands of years ago and brought to the rest of the world by two Italian winemakers Josko Gravner and Stanko Radikon who wanted to explore this winemaking style about 40 years ago. Today, there are around 3,000 wine producers or wineries that make orange wine along with other styles. Orange wine is made from white grapes that macerate on their skins which can take anywhere from a couple of hours up to one year.

AM: Why do you love orange wines?

DW: I love the wide range of styles of orange wine that you can find, both sparkling and still. The wines are so versatile and pair well with a wide range of cuisines. There’s also so much new stuff happening in the category like new vessels and new countries like Japan now making orange wine.

AM: You have your own wine store and subscription devoted to orange wines - how did this come about?

DW: I found myself putting lots of orange wine on wine lists and the staff really digging it and selling it. I shared it a lot with my friends and people were asking for more. I wanted to do something personal so I created my own wine subscription, which took off. The store was just a natural evolution and yes I always want to be the first!!!

AM: If this has not been answered already. Why are orange wines called "skin contact?"

DW: Orange wine is made from white grapes that macerate on their skins for a period of time - hence skin contact.

AM: As an orange wine expert, why is this so popular?

DW: Orange wine goes way back to 8000 years ago, but it was only 40 years ago that it was reintroduced outside the Republic of Georgia. This tradition has reached wine drinkers around the world thanks to the efforts of producers, distributors, and sommeliers who have been spreading the word about this exciting style. The range and versatility of this wine has made it a natural fit for many wine lists, tables, and picnic baskets.

AM: In terms of pairings, what are 3 dishes that it pairs well with?

DW: Fried chicken with sparkling orange wine.

Creamy washed rind cheese with a medium bodied floral orange wine.

Spicy tonkotsu ramen with a full bodied ramato style orange wine.

AM: Last year, you launched Orange Glou Wine Fair, why did you want to be the first person to have a wine fair dedicated to orange wines?

DW: It is my mission to share orange wines with as many people as possible and to educate drinkers about them. A lot of the time wine fairs and tastings target primarily folks in the industry and I really wanted to share it with consumers, to give them access to taste an amazing selection of wines and talk to inspiring winemakers. The Orange Glou Fair is a one of a kind opportunity to do so.

AM: This year, it will be held at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg. What can attendees expect at this event?

DW: Attendees will be able to taste over 100 of the top orange wines in the world, from sparkling to still, in regular bottle and magnum sizes. They will have the chance to taste wines that they would never have anywhere else and to meet winemakers from around the world to ask them questions, learn about the soil, the vessels and the grape varieties.

All the wines at this fair are stunning and some bottles are not even imported yet so you can’t try them anywhere else in the U.S. Some are so limited that Orange Glou can’t even buy them, some are special magnum fillings, some are wine club only wines from the winery, you’ll get to taste aged wines, etc.

AM: Who are 3 wineries that we should keep an eye out for?

DW: So many, it’s not fair to pick as we love them all. But there are three wine regions that are popping right now and should not be missed. We are especially fond of Czech wineries - Orange Glou launched a collaboration with Nespor & Rajsky which you will get to taste at the fair. We have over 10 different Georgian wine varieties to taste and the Greek wines are definitely worth seeking out.

AM: If someone enjoys the wine that they are tasting, can they purchase it on-site?

DW: Attendees will be able to place orders for some of the wines for pick up or shipping later in the week. (Editor's Note: It is not legal to sell bottles at events.)

AM: There are 2 sessions for this event - can tickets still be purchased?

DW: Yes, tickets are available for purchase online for both sessions at www.orangegloufair.com

AM: With this being the second year of the event, what are your plans for future years and will you expand to other areas?

DW: I have a dream of bringing this to L.A. I have many other wineries to include in the future too so no event will be the same!!

AM: In terms of your boutique, are there any tastings that you have or other events coming up that we should know about especially with the holiday season being around the corner?

DW: This time of year we get pretty busy with company holiday parties. The calendar is filling up but you can still book us for an event at the shop, offsite or virtually. We also host free small tastings every Friday night 6-8pm at the shop, customers can come in to taste something new and pick out some wines for gifting or the holiday table. In January, we’ll get back to hosting our monthly Deep Dive orange wine parties on the last Friday of the month and we’re always available for private events to celebrate any special occasions.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Orange Glou Wine Fair