This event was to celebrate the publication of the 2016 edition of Descorchados, or “Uncorked”, a comprehensive guide to the wines of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. While the guide series has existed for many years in Spanish, this is the first year the guide was published in English as well, marking a big turning point for producers and consumers alike in the relationship between the makers of the South and the enthusiastic drinkers here up North. Read more.
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When people think of wine by category, we often think: red, white, and rosé -- with rosé as another word for "pink". In Spanish, we say rosado. However, this category goes beyond "pink" alone, since we find an entire spectrum of from nearly-clear dusty lavender or peach, to brighter sparkling and light ruby, fruity selections, all the way to deep magenta full-body varieties. Read more.
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World Malbec Day, sponsored by Wines of Argentina, is celebrated in over 60 countries around the world. Wines of Argentina chose the date that marks one of the most important milestones in its industry. Read More.
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In the Southern Hemisphere right now, it’s vendimia season. Vendimia is the Spanish word for the collection of wine grapes, an autumnal process also known as “vintage” in English. At Grand Cata, we’re looking toward Latin America to see what this year’s cosecha or “harvest” will bring for the future of Latino wine. A few winemakers from the region shared their secrets with us. We consider them to be quintessential examples of the quality wines that small family-owned operations are producing in Chile and beyond. Read more.
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Over the course of the last few months, we’ve taken you on a countdown journey with our concept. And it all comes down to one place, Grand Cata, the store we are excited to open today in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC. We have 1,512 square feet with more than 300 hand-picked selections of wine, beer, spirits representing the Caribbean, Central and South American, and Europe. With time, our inventory is set to grow and include gourmet food and spices, as well as other cultural, artisanal, and unique regional products. Read more.
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As 2015 draws to a close, the material evidence of DC’s first Latin Wine Market is more tangible than ever. The counters are built, the lights are hung, and the tiles are sparkling. If printed on paper, the list of inventory might stretch from wall to wall. Anticipation is strong, but there is still some work (and waiting) to be done. Since New Years is a time of contemplation, Grand Cata’s co-founders Pedro Rodríguez and Julio Robledo recently sat down to reflect on the formation of Grand Cata over the last four years and the events in both their own lives and in history that have gotten them to this point. Here’s a look at their conversation. Read more
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As we continue our countdown, the Latino Wine Company endeavors to explore the history of how Latino wine came to exist in the first place. This will provide a bit more insight about the origins behind the carefully curated inventory in our store. We invite you along with us to trace the flow of Latino wine from its ancient sources all the way to our glass and yours. So sit back and enjoy the adventure with us – salud!
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We’ve been honing the concept of Grand Cata since the summer of 2011, when two best friends decided to leave their desk jobs behind and turn their passion for Latino heritage, gastronomy and wine into a full-time job. As first-time business owners with humble beginnings, we’ve had to learn everything first-hand from writing our business plan, to navigating the financial landscape, to securing a storefront. Despite our share of bumps along the way, nothing has been able to stop us from opening the doors of Grand Cata because there are so many things that keep us going. Here are the Latino Wine Company’s top four inspirations.
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If you live in DC, there is a good chance you are an already a wine drinker. According to Business Insider, the nation’s capital ranks first in wine consumption in the U.S. – and the results aren’t even close. Washingtonians reportedly consume almost 26 liters per capita annually – six whole liters more than second-place New Hampshire.
Well, America’s thirstiest wine market is soon in for a treat. Grand Cata, A Latino Wine Co. is abriendo fronteras expanding the city’s selection of vinos latinos. But why are Latino wines specifically such a big deal? If you need a reason before visiting our new Shaw location to stock your pantry with the next wave of great wines, here are five...
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