‘Downton’ or ‘Duck,’ there’s a wine to enjoy your favorite show with

  • By Michelle Locke Associated Press
  • Friday, April 4, 2014 12:02pm
  • Life

Mr. Carson, bring me my wine! And you, too, Mr. Spock.

In what is perhaps the strongest evidence yet of wine’s power to unite, fans of upper-crusty period drama “Downton Abbey,” sci-fi classic “Star Trek” and the proudly down-home show “Duck Dynasty” can all buy wines bottled under license to their favorite show.

The Downton Abbey wines, a white and a red (retailing at $16.99), come from Wines That Rock, a company that makes wine under the names of rock groups, including the Rolling Stones. They’re made by Dulong Grand Vins, a Bordeaux winery, which makes sense since the show has featured a number of wines from that famous French wine region.

Wine has been a big part of the British series, with butler Mr. Carson taking great pains over which wines to serve with dinner. One of the wines served at the big dinner party in the second episode of the fourth season was a 1919 Chateau Coutet, a big thrill for the family that now owns the southern Bordeaux winery.

Producers of the show, who are known for their faithful attention to detail, approached the family and asked for permission to use the name, then made a prop bottle to use in filming.

Meanwhile, “Duck Dynasty,” the A&E show about a family business that makes products for duck hunters, primarily a duck call, might not seem such a seamless fit for the wine world.

But Bob Torkelson, chief operating officer of Trinchero Family Estates, the Napa Valley winery that makes the Duck Commander wines, says the Trincheros and the Robertsons have a lot in common in terms of running family businesses. Willie and Korie Robertson visited the winery and contributed to decisions on blending and packaging.

The wines, released late last year and retailing for about $10, are available in a red blend, a chardonnay and a pink moscato.

And what of “Star Trek?” Is there a space-wine continuum?

Yes, actually, there is, says Peter Messa, spokesman for Vinport, which handles marketing for the Star Trek wines.

“Star Trek has many wine references in it, the most famous probably being Klingon bloodwine,” he said. In fact, food and drink plays a big part in the series, with toasts often raised to celebrate interspecies diplomacy and other milestones.

The Star Trek wines are based on the original series, or TOS to its baby boomer fans. The wines feature labels based on poster art by Juan Ortiz, who made posters of the iconic series.

The first release of the wine was made in California’s Sonoma County and is a red blend of merlot, sangiovese, cabernet franc, dolcetto and tinta cao. The bottles cost about $25 and were produced in a limited-edition release of 1701 cases, the registry number of the original Enterprise.

The wine was released under three labels commemorating the shows: Trouble with Tribbles, Mirror, Mirror and City on the Edge of Forever, which is, of course, the greatest Star Trek episode ever made.

Not a Trekkie? Or a fan of mansions or mallards? Not a problem. For you, there’s a “Game of Thrones” beer from a partnership between HBO and Brewery Ommegang in New York — Take the Black Stout.

Wine list

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

The Ford Maverick has seating for five passengers. Its cargo bed is 4.5 feet long. (Photo provided by Ford)
2024 Ford Maverick compact pickup undergoes a switch

The previous standard engine is now optional. The previous optional engine is now standard.

Lynnwood
New Jersey company acquires Lynnwood Land Rover dealership

Land Rover Seattle, now Land Rover Lynnwood, has been purchased by Holman, a 100-year-old company.

Matt Stewart, left, and Janice Ayala, right, spin during country dance lessons at Normanna Lodge on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. Normanna Lodge will be hosting country dance next Tuesday during PBR Stampede. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett Stampede aims to become a Western-themed tradition

The new weeklong event combines a popular Professional Bull Riders event with live music, two-step dancing and more.

Lewis the cat weaves his way through a row of participants during Kitten Yoga at the Everett Animal Shelter on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Downward cat? At kitten yoga in Everett, it’s all paw-sitive vibes

It wasn’t a stretch for furry felines to distract participants. Some cats left with new families — including a reporter.

Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Edmonds Center for the Arts plays host to comedian Don Friesen on Friday and Grammy-nominated vocal group säje on Sunday.

2024 Honda Civic Type R (Photo provided by Honda)
2024 Honda Civic Type R

Developed in Japan, and track-tested around the world, the Civic R Type delivers 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, making it Honda’s most powerful production vehicle in the U.S.

Suomenlinna
Soul sisters Helsinki and Tallinn are pearls of the Baltic

While they have their own stories to tell, these cities share a common heritage of Swedish and Russian influences.

My trip to Iraq was canceled, so why can’t I get my $7,590 back?

When Diane Gottlieb’s tour of Iraq is canceled, the tour operator offers her a voucher for a future trip. But she wants a refund.

How to help your youngster become a successful adult

Surprisingly, it has little to do with how early you learn the alphabet, start reading, or learn the capitals of every state.

The 2024 Kia Telluride midsize SUV is available in 10 trim levels, all sporting the same V6 engine. (Photo provided by Kia)
2024 Kia Telluride makes every drive a pleasure

The midsize SUV has more going for it than many others in its class.

The 2024 Subaru WRX is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 271 horsepower. (Photo provided by Subaru)
2024 Subaru WRX lineup adds a new TR model

The TR trim performs like the other WRX models, only better.

Carrying the Newcomb College name, this rare sewing bag fetched a bundle

Who made this linen and silk bag featuring a Louisiana landscape is unknown. The quality of its craftmanship, however, is clear.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.