Albuquerque’s Gruet Winery celebrated a landmark anniversary in September, the 30th release year for Gruet sparkling wines. The Gruet family’s “coming to America” tale is quite remarkable; they embodied the ultimate start-up, finding success from true grit and determination, first as Champagne producers in France and now as one of the fastest growing sparkling wine houses in the US.

Winemaker Laurent Gruet released the first two sparkling wines 30 years ago and is still creating the Champagne method sparkling wines he learned from his father Gilbert Gruet, back in France. Today, third generation winemaker Sofian Himeur serves as Laurent’s assistant winemaker.

“For me, winemaking is practically genetic. My earliest memories of wine were of being alongside my father, Gilbert Gruet, at Gruet et Fils winery in Bethon,” says winemaker Laurent Gruet. “Like me, Sofian basically grew up in the winery – only for him it was in Albuquerque! 30 years after our first release, we continue to delight wine drinkers all over the world. I love seeing the surprise on people’s faces when they learn this wine is made in New Mexico, not Champagne.”

Sofian pops the cork for us…

The post Show 343, October 5, 2019: Gruet’s Winery’s 30th Anniversary with Assistant Winemaker Sofian Himeur Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.