What a lovely way to spend an afternoon: Driving through the hilly Las Virgenes Canyon until it becomes Malibu Canyon, passing by the grand green lawn of Pepperdine University to go to a beautiful new wine tasting bar across the street from the Pacific Ocean to mingle with a dozen other wine writers and social…
I’m a Rhône fan, but I’m also a Bordeaux/Zin/whatever is great fan. Point is that if asked I have a hard time picking just one wine as a favorite. Depends on where I happen to be, what’s on my plate and whose company I might be enjoying. So, in a nutshell, it depends on my…
A few months ago I made a formal announcement about the types of wine classes/tasting I can present, and it dawns on me now that some of these would be perfect for that host or hostess that wants to do something different for their holiday themed parties. So if you like out-of-the-box ideas for your…
Trio of Ladies Bring Their Certified Wine Knowledge Into your Home or Business! SANTA CLARITA September 2016 – In April of 2016 it was announced that three local Santa Clarita women had achieved their AMERICAN WINE SPECIALIST® certification in the “first globally-recognized course on American Wine” provided by the North American Sommelier Association. These ladies,…
Honestly? Even though I’ve studied wine and spirits, been certified by the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET 2) and made plenty of cocktails with Vermouth I had never 1. Studied Vermouth in a single spirit tasting sans cocktail or 2. Looked into what makes a Vermouth. So, considering that most of my readers are…
In 2005 I took a memorable trip to Napa Valley, not my first or last, with good friends. By the time we got to Joseph Phelps for our reserved tasting and lunch, I was in love with the (wine) world once again. But this time, I decided to take it home with me. Or, to…
I don’t have many pet peeves in the wine world as I still consider myself a beginner. And I rarely take on an opposing opinion with someone with a wine pedigree much more impressive than my own. But sometimes, argh, those with the long pedigree do and say things that they think they are somehow…
Attended a fabulous wine tasting of Napa Valley’s Crocker & Starr followed by lunch at the AOC Wine Bar and Restaurant in Beverly Hills last week. We got to meet and interview the winemaker and winery manager, Pam Starr, while sipping on their soon to-be-released Sauvignon Blanc, several Cabernet Francs and flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. “It’s been…
Over the years I keep on being asked how I’ve gotten to the point of being a wine educator and a wine judge. My first response is meant as humorous; “I drink a lot!” but that isn’t the true answer. The true answer is much more convoluted and lengthy. Let’s start with the basics. I’m…
Had a few fun wines to review so sharing a virtual taste with readers this week: From Bisol Crede Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G (SRP: $25) is a brilliantly yellow-green colored Prosecco with a fruity bouquet, flavors of green apples and pears and balanced acidity. Crede hails from the steep south-facing hills of Bisol’s vineyards in…