The Circuitous Path from Network News to Fine Wine, by Tim Ortman (Part Three, Concludes Next Week)

June 21, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

After a fruitful overseas run with NBC News, I returned to Chicago where, with the support of NBC and other news operations, I created a production company to continue covering the news. At this point, it had been seven years since I’d left the U.S. and I realized a lot had changed. I discovered two publications dedicated solely to wine coverage. Imagine that. What was next? An all-sports network, or one dedicated to cooking?

As I read through those magazines, I found that a plethora of ink had been devoted to the much-heralded back-to-back ’89 and ’90 vintages in Bordeaux. While I knew nothing of this French region, review after review screamed that these were must-have wines. I had just grasped Brunello di Montalcino and was now confronted with the much larger and more complex right and left bank. Once again, I had to dive in. There was no turning back. Would it ever end?

Of course, the correct answer is no.

Once again, my professional TV life intersected with my burgeoning wine life. I was hired to produce a project on the growing wine auction business and invited to sample some of the Bordeaux and Burgundies being auctioned. There was that dirt component again from my earlier run-in with French reds. But this time, coupled with ripe fruit from great vintages, I found it was delicious. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a taste is worth ten thousand words, and after that auction project, I was a hopeless collector – with all of our available funds going into the cellar. Brunello, Bordeaux, and Burgundy would soon be followed with Napa Cabs, Barolo, Barabresco, Rioja and Priorate.

My cellar was growing and diversifying, and so too was my occupation. After decades of globe-trotting network news coverage, I was looking for television work that seemed less perilous and closer to home. I began to replace my exhausting news career with a new and popular format called reality TV. Work was plentiful and the compensation rewarding. But, I quickly discovered that there was nothing real about reality TV, and it proved to be even more exhausting than network news. It was decided. After 25 years in TV, I needed a break from television.

Living in Southern California and enjoying the fruits of my second marriage to a highly successful corporate executive who was also a fan of fine wine, I had the luxury of choosing a ‘second act’ without jeopardizing our financial solvency. We discussed a possible detour on my career path and agreed wine was my only other true passion – an avenue worth pursuing while I pressed the pause button on TV. But where to begin?

Retail shop clerk or cellar rat didn’t appeal to me, and I didn’t have the resume for the restaurant biz. Distribution or sales would be a radical departure, but perhaps something I could manage. I took a job as a sales rep for a prestigious importer and distributor with an impressive portfolio of wines. Learning the portfolio would be daunting but doable. But acquiring ‘street cred’ would be tougher. I soon found out “Emmy award-winning cameraman and producer” made for a meaningless introduction in the wine world. I had to get new credentials.

(Editor’s Note: This story is broken into four parts, please return to this website on the same weekday next week for part four, the conclusion.)

Tim Ortman is an Emmy Award-winning cameraman and producer and author of the new book, Newsreal: A View Through the Lens When… He is a certified Sommelier and member of La Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. Connect with him on Facebook, @TimOrtmanWriter.

STARS of Pinot at the Montage Beverly Hills on July 11th, 2018

June 11, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Beverly Hills, Calif. – Pinot Noir has been a very important grape since the ROMAN era. In fact, Pinot Noir has two times as many acres/hectares planted in France than it does in California, even though Pinot has been in a huge growth mode for almost 20 years! To honor this majestic grape, WineLA is thrilled to present our 4th annual STARS of Pinot event on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at The Montage Beverly Hills. With over 40 top Pinot Producers set to participate, WineLA invites you to join us and taste over 100 different wines at this annual gathering. The Montage Beverly Hills expects to welcome hundreds of wine enthusiasts to meet the makers and celebrate the best Pinots’ from many of world’s top producers.

Wineries set to participate: Clos Pepe Estate, Croix, Kanzler Family Vineyard, King Estate, Iris, Mail Road Wines, McIntyre Vineyards, Tolosa, Wrath, J Vineyards and Winery, Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Bernardus, Hyde Vineyards, Old Bridge Cellars, Robert Talbott Vineyards, Hartford Family Winery, Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards, The 50 by 50, Bouchaine Napa Valley + Carneros, Roadhouse Winery, WeatherBorne Wine Corp, Artesa Napa Valley, Carmel Road, Russian River, Sonoma Coast, Oregon, Burgundy and yes, Champagne is anticipated to be there! (more brands joining daily).

All guests will be able to participate to bid on wines and collectables during our silent auction, benefiting the T.J Martell FOUNDATION for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

The event will begin at 6PM for VIP DINNER TICKETS (Advance tickets for the VIP experience may be purchased for $150; price increases as sell out approaches, remaining tickets will be $200 at the door). 6PM entry grants a delicious VIP PINOT PANEL Dinner and a beautiful Los Angeles Magazine gift bag lined with artisan products and thank you gifts. There are a limited number of VIP (6 p.m. admission tickets). 7 p.m. doors open for General Admission. Advanced tickets may be purchased for less than $80 per person with day of tickets (if available) at $95.

The VIP PINOT PANEL DINNER – Hosted by Master of Wine, Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan (the most famous MW in the world)! This VIP panel dinner gives you a chance to enjoy a great MONTAGE dinner and drink a special set of VIP wines served with the discussion at the panel. The Winemakers debate and discuss various topics and the audience is typically filled with wines most enthusiastic. Panelists’ Include: Jeff Stewart of Hartford Family winery (SONOMA); Richard Sanford of Alma Rosa winery (SANTA BARBARA); David Coventry of Robert Talbott Vineyard (CARMEL/MONTEREY); Brandon Sparks of Dragonette (SANTA BARBARA); and Jay Somers of J.Christopher (OREGON).

Come and meet with the who’s who of Pinot Noir while enjoying unlimited wine tasting, great MONTAGE tray passed appetizers and a wonderful audience. WineLA welcomes wine fans of all experience levels.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.winela.com/stars-of-pinot-2018

About WineLA

WineLA is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles one event at a time. To do so, wine must be in rhythm with fashion, music, food and other beverages. It must take advantage of the geography, the architecture and the centers of interest. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, rooftops, gardens, and magical views. We are a part of the LA lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and celebrate the people, the place and the passion.

For more information call 310-451-7600 or email PR@winela.com

The School of Wine & Spirits Business unveils world’s first fully dedicated premises

May 27, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Dijon, May 2018 – Founded in 2013, the School of Wine & Spirits Business (SWSB) centralises all wine and spirits management training and research activities carried out by Burgundy School of Business (BSB). In April 2018, the School unveiled a new building of over 1,000m2 at the heart of the BSB campus. These truly unique premises are the only ones of their kind in the world dedicated entirely to teaching of and research into wine and spirits management. Launched in conjunction is the Wine & Spirits Business Lab, an unprecedented research laboratory concentrating on behavioural studies within the wine and spirits sector.

A unique location for a unique institution

The School of Wine & Spirits Business is currently an international benchmark in the field. Every year it provides training to over 180 students of around 20 nationalities from 5 continents, via its range of programmes: the Specialised Master in International Wine & Spirits Business (taught in French), the MBA in Wine & Spirits Business (launched this year along the lines of the MSc in Wine Business), the MSc in Wine Management and the Wine Tourism specialist option as part of the Bachelor in Marketing & Business (all three taught in English).

The new, entirely dedicated building was constructed during BSB campus works in 2017. Covering a surface area of over 1,000m2, the premises comprise a range of work spaces available for students, researchers and guests, all of whom can take full advantage of the best possible reception and working conditions:

The Wine & Spirits Business Lab, the behavioural research laboratory
The Tasting Room, a 32-seat, fully-equipped classroom for tasting courses and research activity
The Cellar, a 12-degree storage cellar that is home to the School’s entire bottle collection; a prime location for more informal tasting sessions
The Spirits World, an area entirely dedicated to spirits
The Business Lounge, a stylish and sophisticated reception area

The Wine & Spirits Business Lab: where behavioural sciences serve the wine and spirits sector

This research laboratory is the only one of its kind in the world dedicated entirely to behavioural studies into the wine and spirits sector – from production through to consumption via assessment. Under the leadership of Prof. Nikos Georgantzis, the set-up employs experimental economics techniques in order to unearth the emotions, cognitive procedures and decision-making factors that influence the actions and opinions of consumers, producers and experts.

To achieve this, the team can call upon the expertise of the BSB Behavioural Economics academic department and use the top-quality facilities made available by the SWSB. In addition to the experiments conducted, the Lab also provides a forum for combining expert knowledge of and interest in the world of wines and spirits in order to provide new responses to long-running issues and also with a view to generating new knowledge and pushing back the boundaries of research into the area.

The Wine & Spirits Business Lab team works in close collaboration with partners from the wine-producing industry, and students and universities from all over the world, an open set-up that enables them to produce academic research that is both intellectually stimulating and of genuine use to Society.

Introducing Montrésor – New Lively French Bistro Gives Studio City a Taste of “La Belle Vie”!

March 19, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

(Studio City, CA) – Studio City has been building a reputation as a new dining mecca, not just for residents of “The Valley,” but for all throughout Greater Los Angeles. Now, an even more exciting addition, Montrésor, Studio City’s newest French bistro with Executive Chef Paul Shoemaker in the kitchen, emulates the grace and style of Paris in the 1920’s is calling this city home. Serving traditional French cuisine with innovative technique and a whimsical flare, this lively, neighborhood bistro has finally arrived just in time and Montrésor officially opened February 14th, 2018!

Photo Credit: acuna-hansen

Montrésor is the brainchild of actress, producer and long-time restaurateur, Lisa Long, and designer and partner, Ann Booth Luly. Long, originally raised in the Midwest, has made a name for herself in Los Angeles over her remarkable thirty-year career as an actress with over 77 film and television credits, and Restaurateur of some of L.A.’s top spots such as La Loggia Ristorante, Barsac Brasserie, Firenze Osteria with Top Chef fan favorite Chef Fabio Viviani, and The FLATS in Beverly Hills with Michelin starred Executive Chef Paul Shoemaker. Long met her now-business partner, Ann Booth Luly, 30 years ago on the set of a Pointer Sister video and the two hit it off right away. Luly is a multi-faceted talent who taught herself how to sew at the young age of 6. She began designing clothes for her family which led her to open a boutique store 20 years ago in Studio City called “Hoity Toity.” Her clothing store features her custom-made clothing, bags and functional art and from there, Luly branched out to restaurant design. Her stylistic eye and concern for the environment helped conceive the very essence of Montrésor’s look and design, creating a fun French setting for guests to feel swept away to the French countryside.

Long and Booth Luly, decided to partner professionally to open Montrésor, Studio City’s lively new French Bistro with Executive Chef Paul Shoemaker creating the menu and overseeing the kitchen. Shoemaker gained recognition at Alan Ducasse and French Laundry before making his way to the kitchens of Water Grill and Providence with Chef Michael Cimarusti, Firefly in Studio City, and his very own restaurant Savory in Malibu. His most noteworthy accomplishment was at Joe Pytka’s Bastide, where he earned himself a Michelin star in less than six months. Shoemaker’s recent talents landed him at INTRO Art Gallery & Chef’s Table, a secret supper club that took guests on a multi-sensory journey, before joining Long as Executive Chef at The FLATS in Beverly Hills, Long’s restaurant that specializes in delectable comfort foods, featuring artisan flatbread pizzas and mouthwatering burgers all served with fresh, Farmers Market produce.

Shoemaker was excited to get back to cooking traditional French cuisine with some innovative techniques he has learned along the way. “I like to take a classic dish and have a little fun, give it some flair and get playful. I want to create something different, that stands out amongst the classics,” says Shoemaker. Rich flavors combined with the beautiful, fresh produce Angelenos are accustomed to seeing at Farmers’ Markets will be making a noteworthy appearance on the opening menu. “It is simple and classic French cuisine prepared with modern technique and seasonal ingredients, accompanied by an eclectic wine bar,” states Shoemaker. Guests will start their evening with a choice of Appetizers including a crisp Bib Lettuce Salad with avocado, fines herbs and a tarragon cream dressing, the French Onion Soup with house-made baguette croutons, Mussels in a garlic white wine sauce, or fresh the Crab Cake served with remoulade and frisée. The Entrées include a choice of the Black Truffle Winter Gnocchi served with a Reggiano foam, the delicious Short Rib with a potato purée, the Salmon served over a porcini ragu and Bloomsdale spinach, and 10 oz. Bone in Tenderloin Steak with potato pavé and tomato confit. Dessert includes two delectable choices to start: the classic, French Profiteroles served with an almond toffee brittle, vanilla ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce, and the delicate Crème Brulée served with a savory pistachio biscotti.

Like the infamous wine regions of France, Montrésor has an eclectic wine list to perfectly pair with Chef Shoemaker’s menu. Enjoy the Château Haut Rian from Bordeaux or a glass of the Saint-Véran blend from Burgundy as each wine is offered by the glass and has been handpicked to accompany your meal. Guests can enjoy a bottle of the Puligny Montrachet, the Château Monbousquet, or the Perrier Jouët “Belle Epoque” champagne. Those that prefer a fruiter, New World California wine can also enjoy a selection of Northern California selections such as the Stags Leap Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, the Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay, and the beloved Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. Beer aficionados can also enjoy a bottle of Chimay “Grand Réserve Blue, Delirium Tremens, Bavik, Gavroche, Duchesse de Bourgogne or Saison Du Pont, and there is also a selection of American beers including the Allagash, Anderson Valley, Old Stock and Old Rasputin to match every beer-lover’s preference.

Montrésor, which translates to “my treasure” in English, is just that. Tucked away on Ventura Boulevard, Montrésor was designed with a 1920’s French theme in mind, full of vintage design and repurposed decor at every turn. A vintage refurbished headboard serves as one of the restaurant’s benches while the 8-foot reclaimed wooden doors are recycled from a winery in Orange County. Even the mannequin bodice lamp was recycled and crafted by Luly herself. Every hand-picked piece at Montrésor tells a story, full of whimsical inspiration. Luly wanted to evoke a feeling that guests were effortlessly transported to the past, in a way that is both whimsical and comfortable. “From the beginning, the vision for the design of the restaurant was to inspire a lively, yet romantic setting, leaving guests feeling reminiscent of the late 1800’s in the Loire Valley of France where the village of Montrésor is located,” explains Luly. “From the moment you first see the green patina on the exterior of Montrésor and then enter through the carved wood doors, guests will see a copper patina ceiling and etched glass extending down to the carefully hand-tufted banquettes, creating a sense of whimsical decadence. I really tried to create a world of treasures,” says Luly. “Walls painted in a Venetian plaster help to conjure a feeling as though we traveled back in time to decades past, while the rich burgundy and pewter colors, with green and gold accents make you think of the Rhône and Burgundy valley. That, and of course the wall of decorated wine bottles and red, silk brocade.”

As guests sit amongst playful, French vintage decor in the heart of Studio City, each of their senses are playfully indulged leaving one feeling delighted and sentimental. Vive La France and Vive Montrésor!

Montrésor is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. For more information about Montrésor, please visit www.Montresor.LA or call Montrésor directly.

Montrésor
11266 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604
T: 818.760.7081
www.Montresor.LA

2018 World of Pinot Noir Tickets on Sale

January 21, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Santa Barbara, Calif. – The World of Pinot Noir (WOPN), the wine world’s foremost organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating Pinot Noir, has officially released tickets for its marquee event taking place March 2-3, 2018 at the seaside Ritz-Carlton Bacara in sunny Santa Barbara. Tickets can be viewed and purchased at WorldofPinotNoir.com.

The WOPN Board of Directors are proud to announce Joshua Greene, editor of Wine & Spirits Magazine, will lead a tasting seminar exploring the rich and exciting link between Oregon’s Pinot Noir and Burgundy; David Glancy, a Master Sommelier and founder of the San Francisco Wine School, will guide WOPN’s popular Burgundy tasting seminar; and Matt Kettmann, contributing editor at Wine Enthusiast magazine, will host a panel tasting of the 92-plus scoring Pinot Noirs from the preeminent cool-climate vineyards in California’s exciting Central Coast.

On pace to be the largest and most well-attended event in the organization’s 18-year history, the 2018 World of Pinot Noir will include two full days of pairing dinners prepared by renown chefs, Pinot Noir parties, two Grand Tastings featuring more than 250 premier Pinot Noir wineries from around the globe, and additional expert-led seminars.

There are multiple ways for Pinot Noir fans and aficionados to take part in the events throughout the weekend.

This first wave of tickets include all-access Weekend Passes, Day Passes, Grand Tasting tickets, and tickets for marquee seminars and lunches.

Currently available tickets include:

WEEKEND PASS
Includes an invitation to the Opening Night Celebration March 1; admission to the Friday and Saturday Tasting Seminars & Luncheons; VIP Admission to the Friday and Saturday Grand Tastings; and Pinot Noir Pairing Dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY SINGLE-DAY PASSES

Includes admission to the day’s Tasting Seminar & Luncheon, VIP Admission to the day’s Grand Tasting, and a Pinot Noir Pairing Dinner.

FRIDAY SEMINAR & LUNCHEON: Exploring the Oregon-Burgundy Connection

Joshua Greene, Editor of Wine & Spirits Magazine, will lead a winemaker panel discussion and tasting that explores Oregon’s deep and growing ties to Burgundy, and the how this is influencing the current and future state of this exciting New World region. The seminar includes a three-course Pinot Noir-paired lunch prepared by the Ritz-Carlton Bacara culinary team, with wine service by World of Pinot Noir Sommeliers.

SATURDAY BURGUNDY SEMINAR & LUNCHEON: Tasting Through The Best of Burgundy

Founder of the San Francisco Wine School and Master Sommelier David Glancy – along with a panel of Burgundy experts and winemakers – will lead a fun and educational tasting of some of the most notable producers and most acclaimed vintages from France’s famed Pinot Noir region, and will discuss the varying classification systems of Burgundy’s sub-regions, their history, trends and the changing roles of growers and negociants. The seminar includes a three-course Pinot Noir-paired lunch prepared by the Ritz-Carlton Bacara culinary team, with wine service by World of Pinot Noir Sommeliers.

FRIDAY CENTRAL COAST SEMINAR: Discover the Cool Climate Terroirs of the Central Coast
Wine Enthusiast magazine’s contributing editor, and Central Coast expert, Matt Kettmann, will explore Pinot Noirs from the varied preeminent cool-climate terroirs of the vast Central Coast. Along with a panel of acclaimed winemakers, Kettmann will guide the tasting of award-winning wines he scored 92 points or above.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY VIP GRAND TASTINGS (Early Bird pricing through Nov. 5)
This exclusive VIP ticket provides you with early entry to the Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s Grand Ballroom, where you’ll be able to meet winemakers, be the first to bid on silent auction items, and taste through hundreds of Pinot Noir producers from around the world. Several other exclusive VIP experiences will be announced soon.

For more information about the World of Pinot Noir, please visit WorldofPinotNoir.com. Members of the media interested in covering the annual event, please contact mike@solterrastrategies.com.

About The World of Pinot Noir

WOPN, a non-profit trade organization, was established in 2001 by a small, dedicated group of winemakers from California’s Central Coast. The group’s mission is to bring together the world’s foremost Pinot Noir producers, and in a gorgeous setting, celebrate the delicious wine grape. Wineries, potential sponsors and wine enthusiasts interested in learning more, please visit WorldofPinotNoir.com, or contact info@wopn.com. Follow and tag us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. #wopn #wopn2018

Newhall Refinery Adds New Wine List For the New Year!

January 19, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

A New Destination for Wine Lovers in Downtown Newhall Includes Wines by the Bottle, Glass, Chef and Pastry Chef Pairings

Santa Clarita Valley, CA – Throughout 2017 Simon and Shannon Mee, owners of Newhall Refinery and the Egg Plantation, have been gathering feedback on their food, beer, cocktail and wine programs. There was only one area that they thought needed tweaking: creating a Wine List for Newhall Refinery that reflected the quality of what they stand for.

A few months ago, Guy Lelarge, formerly of Valencia Wine Company and with a long tenure as both a wine distributor and buyer, curated a new wine list for Newhall Refinery, replacing nearly every wine and adding a full third more. Wines from the best vineyards from Burgundy to the Rhone Valley in France, and from Sonoma to Napa Valley are standouts on the list, as well as fine representations from Germany, Argentina, Monterey and more.

The staff spent over two months learning about the new wines, the wine list will be in a dedicated folder, house wines will be rotated for a better selection and the dinner and dessert menus all now have suggested wine pairings. These are just some of the mouth-watering temptations now available:

Craft Burger: Havarti, bacon onion jam, arugula, confit garlic aioli, brioche, with fries or salad. Suggested wine pairing: Belleruche 2016–Cotes-Du-Rhone, France

Fish and Chips: beer battered cod, red cabbage slaw, garlic parsley fries, tartar sauce, malt vinegar, lemon. Suggested wine pairing: Vidal Fleury Viognier, France

Airline Chicken Breast: Mary’s organic chicken, crispy gratin potatoes, mushrooms, prunes, truffle purée, jus gras. Suggested wine pairing: Diora 2015 Pinot Noir, Monterey, CA

Apple Bourbon Cobbler: Granny Smith, Gala, bourbon raisins, oat crumble, bourbon sauce, brown butter ice cream. Suggested wine pairing: Orogeny Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County.

Blueberry Bread Pudding: sourdough, blueberries, orange zest, Grand Marnier crème anglaise. Suggested wine pairing: Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve, Champagne, France.

Churros & Horchata: cinnamon sugar churros, dulce de leche caramel sauce, Horchata ice cream. Suggested wine pairing: Chateau Grand-Jauga Sauternes, Bordeaux, France.

The restaurant hopes that their loyal customers will seek out these new wines to try, and the servers are happy to share their own favorites for a taste to help! Some of Simon’s picks include 2014 Southing Sea Smoke Pinot Noir, 2015 Ten Sea Smoke Pinot Noir, 2014 Opus One and the 2013 Lewis Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

For vinophiles interested in what the wine critic ratings are for some of the new wines: 2014 Redon Chateauneuf du Pape garnered 91pts from Wine Spectator, 2015 DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon received 91pts from Robert Parker, 2013 Flowers Chardonnay 91pts Wine Enthusiast, Louis Roederer Brut Premium Non Vintage 92pts Wine Spectator, 2014 Stag’s Leap Petite Sirah 91pts Robert Parker, 2016 Matua Sauvignon Blanc 90pts Wine Spectator. (This Sauvignon Blanc is on the Spectator top 100 wines of the year list!)

Newhall Refinery will continue their popular bi-monthly Wine Around the World dinners; the next one is French themed and scheduled for March 8. Also upcoming and always-sold-out is their annual Valentine’s Day Dinner with several options on reservations times.

Newhall Refinery

24258 Main St. Newhall CA 91321

www.newhallrefinery.com

661-388-4477

https://www.facebook.com/newhallrefinery/

https://www.instagram.com/newhallrefinery/

https://twitter.com/NewhallRefinery

2018 PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY EVENTS ANNOUNCED

January 14, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Paso Robles, CA – Tickets for Paso Robles Wine Country’s marquee events are now on sale at www.pasowine.com. Blendfest on the Coast brings blended wines of Paso Robles to Cambria and San Simeon, February 9 – 11, 2018. The annual celebration of Paso’s heritage variety, Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend is scheduled for March 16 – 18, 2018. Paso Robles’ signature wine event for 36 years, the Paso Robles Wine Festival takes place on May 17 – 20, 2018. With all three events on sale at the same time, it’s a one-stop shop to plan for 2018.

Blendfest on the Coast kicks off with a winemaker dinner at Indigo Moon restaurant on Friday, February 9, showcasing Paso Robles blended wines with winemakers pouring. Saturday, February 10 features a two-session walk-around tasting within one of the most exclusive venues on the coast, the Hearst Ranch property overlooking the San Simeon bay. Each session offers limited tickets, creating an intimate tasting where everyone has an opportunity to spend time with the winery representatives. This event will have a charitable element, raising funds to benefit those impacted by the southern California fires. Blendfest continues Sunday, February 11 with a winemaker led blending seminar, letting audience members try their hand at the art, and science, of blending wines. Blendfest on the Coast is presented in conjunction with Visit Cambria, Visit San Simeon, and the California Highway 1 Discovery Route.

Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend begins on Friday, March 16 with Zinposium, a Zin-focused seminar in downtown Paso Robles at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom. Moderated by iconic winemaker, Wes Hagen with J.Wilkes Wines, a panel of winemakers will share some vintage stories to go with their Zinfandel and Zin blended wines. This seated tasting is guaranteed to be educational and entertaining.

In the evening, the ballroom transforms into a lounge atmosphere for Z After Party. Join up to 20 Paso wineries for a savory walk-around Zinfandel tasting, complemented by a fantastic selection of desserts and live music by the Darrell Voss Trio. This intimate tasting is sure to sell out with 80 seats for Zinposium and 175 tickets for Z After Party. Advance purchase only.

Zinfandel Weekend continues on Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18 with more than 100 wineries holding their own individual events throughout Paso Robles Wine Country. Visit www.pasowine.com to search by winery, activity or day to plot a course for fun.

The Paso Robles Wine Festival returns May 17 – 20, 2018 with the 36^th annual celebration of everything Paso Robles wine. Wine Fest kicks-off Thursday, May 17, 2018 with Winemaker Dinners, each featuring multiple winemakers at the table with their wines paired with the cuisine of two iconic Paso Robles restaurants, Thomas Hill Organics and The Hatch. On Friday, May 18, RESERVE delights a limited gathering of wine and food lovers with Library, Reserve, White/Rosé, and Barrel Sample wines, complemented by fresh and local gourmet bites.

The following day, Saturday, May 19, begins with a Winemaker Seminar. Five winemakers sharing their vintage stories about a uniquely named wine that is a perfect example of the Paso Robles region. The day culminates with the Wine Festival Grand Tasting in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park. This unique outdoor tasting features 70+ wineries arranged by “regions” (Bordeaux-style, Rhône-style, Zinfandel, Burgundian-style, Italian varieties and Other Wild Wines) with wineries pouring their best. In the picnic area and gazebo, live music will provide the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a beautiful summer day sipping Paso Robles wines.

Back by popular demand, the 2018 Wine Festival will feature complimentary food tasting from the region’s best chefs and caterers. Visit www.pasowine.com often to see updates on who will be sampling their delicious creations. Creativity abounds with the return of a limited lineup of handpicked artisan merchants. These entrepreneurs will offer a selection of unique local and wine country themed products.

Sunday, May 20 of Wine Festival weekend encourages people to travel beyond the Park to explore more than 100 winery events throughout the weekend including winemaker dinners, live music, barrel samples, and so much more!

Tickets – All Blendfest on the Coast, Zinposium, Z After Party, Wine Festival Winemaker Dinners, RESERVE, Wine Festival Seminar, and Wine Festival Grand Tasting Tasting tickets are now available on www.pasowine.com.

Blendfest on the Coast, February 9 – 11, 2018

Afternoon Session: 1 – 3 p.m.
Admission: $45 ($35 until January 2)
Wine & cheese
Sunset Session: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Admission: $65 ($55 until January 2)
Wine, cheese, and passed hors-d’oeuvres (menu coming soon!)
Tickets available here – https://pasowine.com/events/blendfest-on-the-coast/
Guests staying in Cambria and San Simeon lodging can enter each session 30 minutes early with the presentation of a room key.

Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend, March 16 – 18, 2018

Zinposium Seminar – $40
Z After Party – $40
Combo: Zinposium Seminar & Z After Party – $70
Tickets available here – https://pasowine.com/events/vintage-paso-zinfandel-weekend/

36^th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival, May 17 – 20, 2018

Winemaker Dinners – Thomas Hill Organics ($125), The Hatch ($100)
Combo: Friday, RESERVE & Saturday, Grand Tasting, Early Entry – $145 ($135 until March 15)
RESERVE only – $90
Saturday, Grand Tasting, Early Entry (12 p.m.) – $90 ($80 until March 15)
Saturday, Grand Tasting, General Admission (1 p.m.) – $70 ($60 until March 15)
Winemaker Seminar (10:30 a.m.) – $25
Designated Driver (Grand Tasting, 1 p.m.) – $25
Locals Only Ticket (1 p.m.) – $50 (until March 15)
Early Bird Pricing applied to Combo, Early Entry or General Admission Tickets only, with $10 savings
Early Bird Offer Expires March 15, 2018

During Paso Robles Wine Country event weekends, visitors and locals alike are encouraged to travel beyond the park to visit the more than 100 wineries that host special activities including winemaker dinners, food pairings, barrel tastings, winery and vineyard tours, and much more. Visit www.pasowine.com to plan a complete Paso Robles Wine Country experience, including lodging, restaurants, transportation, and more things to explore.

ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance represents wineries, growers and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California’s third largest wine region. It encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit www.pasowine.com. @PasoRoblesWine, @PasoWine (Insta), #PasoWine, #BlendFest, #VintagPaso, #PasoWineFest,

Robert Parker Wine Advocate Announces New Reviewers and Increased Coverage for 2018

December 4, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Napa, California – Robert Parker Wine Advocate and RobertParker.com, the world’s most widely read independent consumers’ guide to fine wine, announces the appointment of William Kelley, who will join the reviewer team on January 1, covering the regions of Burgundy, Chablis, Beaujolais, California Central Coast and Washington State.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Castiglione Falletto, as photographed by Monica Larner.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Castiglione Falletto, as photographed by our own Monica Larner.

During his time at Oxford University, studying history at St. John’s College, Kelley served for four years as the president of the Oxford University Wine Circle, the world’s oldest tasting group of its kind. In addition to tastings with the Old World’s greatest producers, he brought many of California’s most celebrated and exciting wineries to Oxford for the first time. Kelley cut his teeth as a taster on many of the great wines of Burgundy of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s, providing him with a grounding in the classics. Having worked harvests in California and Burgundy, Kelley noted, “I feel my first-hand experiences further inform my writing and criticism with a deeper understanding of viticulture and winemaking.” A former correspondent for the wines of Burgundy for the UK’s Decanter magazine and a contributor for The Robb Report and Noble Rot, William was short-listed for the Louis Roederer Emerging Wine Writer of the Year Award. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be assuming this position as a critic for the world’s foremost fine wine guide,” commented Kelley. “To stand alongside the world’s greatest wine critics, led by Robert Parker, is truly an honor and a milestone for me.”

Robert Parker Wine Advocate is equally excited to announce that the coverage of Bordeaux for The Wine Advocate will be assumed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW. A Master of Wine with more than 25 years’ experience working in the UK, Japan, Singapore and USA wine industries, Perrotti-Brown brings incredible experience, knowledge and expertise to The Wine Advocate’s reviews of the wines of Bordeaux. “Both as a longstanding lover of the wines of Bordeaux and as a professional who spent the first half of my career devoted to professionally selling, marketing and purchasing Bordeaux wines, taking on the coverage of this incredible region is without doubt the most exciting moment of my wine journey.”

Robert Parker Wine Advocate’s Editor-in-Chief Perrotti-Brown went on to comment, “In 2018, Robert Parker Wine Advocate will be dedicating even more energy and resources to increasing our coverage of wines from throughout the world. Not only will we be producing more tasting notes and articles than ever before, we will be producing them with even greater frequency and timeliness.”

Robert Parker Wine Advocate is currently the most comprehensive wine review publication in the world, with more than 350,000 tasting notes in its database, housed by their seminal wine reviews website, RobertParker.com. “We are in discussions now with hand-selected wine experts from across the globe to add to our current team of nine reviewers next year, expanding upon what is already the largest team of full-time reviewers of any of the major wine criticism publications,” said Perrotti-Brown. Currently producing over 30,000 reviews per year, Robert Parker’s reviewer team aims to produce more than 50,000 reviews per year by 2020. News about the other new reviewers to join the Robert Parker Wine Advocate team will be released in early 2018.

“As our coverage and reviewer team expand, it is increasingly our duty to our readers to make certain that we offer consistent ratings across the many voices and perspectives offered by our team of experts,” Perrotti-Brown added. “With the appointment of Joe Czerwinski as our Managing Editor earlier this year, together we will be implementing a rigorous editorial oversight system to ensure scoring consistency across our team.”

While remaining the foremost “Independent Consumer’s Guide to Fine Wine” is the core of Robert Parker Wine Advocate, the publication and team of experts will also look to step up wine consumer engagement by staging more wine events in the year to come. Highlights in the first quarter of 2018 will include iconic Burgundy dinners in Hong Kong and Rio di Janeiro, featuring rare gems such as Domaines Coche-Dury, Dujac, Raveneau and Ramonet, and another blockbuster two-day event in Zurich. Full details will soon be available on the Matter of Taste website, www.a-matter-of-taste.com.

About Robert Parker Wine Advocate

For more than 39 years, The Wine Advocate, and later RobertParker.com, have been the global leader and independent consumer’s guide to fine wine. The brand was established by the internationally recognized Robert M. Parker, Jr., the only critic in any field to receive the highest Presidential honor from three countries – France, Italy and Spain. Robert Parker Wine Advocate provides a wealth of information to its subscribers, including a searchable database of more than 300,000 professional wine ratings and reviews, in addition to articles, videos, daily news content, online retail availability and pricing, an active, professionally moderated bulletin board, a mobile app for easy access to the comprehensive online database of reviews, and much more. For more information, visit www.RobertParker.com.

Ian Blackburn on The Wines of South Africa

October 5, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

YESTERDAY: We made some great progress for Wines of South Africa in Los Angeles …. honestly, probably not the first place Californians think about for great wine…. but should be included in a very short list!!!

For the most part; restaurants in LA ignore the opportunity to showcase the great value South Africa can create… A $10 glass of South African wine can be amazing… while we would struggle to find anything close in California that would touch this platitude. This should be a wake up call to the Sommelier but they were sadly unmoved and for the most part didn’t attend despite our huge effort to invite (heartbreaking) … we are honest in our efforts and assessments and see the challenge South Africa is presented with… but retailers came in mass and so did the press channel (and we will need to work to change this if South Africa is to have greater success). The classes were a huge hit! I have never had a program where every class sold out (Four sold out programs yesterday) so this would be the approach I would continue to explore if I was South Africa… and Jim Clarke gets huge applause as the right guy… on time, tempo… his presentations had great impact and will play an important roll in the future growth.

The fact is that South Africa makes GREAT WINE. I start with a quick look at the amazing whites!

– Chenin Blanc: One could argue this is the best dry Chenin in the world. The old vine & high-tier designations are spectacular… while the volume wines represent great values. Christopher Lavin entertained the VIPs with an array of wines from Audi Bodenhurst and other storied producers that really took my breath away. When you look at the top wines – you’re looking at wines that sell between $25-$50 a bottle… for the best of the best…a fraction of the cost for similar effort from California…. I know because I make one! They are selling great wine in California at the cost I incur just to make a great wine in California! and that is the key to the difference in price!!!

– Sauvignon Blanc: Distinctively different – robust, punctuated, intense, bold and driven – a style I greatly prefer over other island locations to the south (no names) that are sweet and lack finesse. Cape Classics and The Sorting Table whom I always turn to for an authentic impression showed off a number of my favorites… Neil Ellis Wines, Linton Park Wines just to name a few.

– Chardonnay – true varietal character with high end marks, and sits perfectly between the acid and stone styles of Burgundy and the ripe and rich California cream. Boschendal Wijnen, Babylonstoren, Meerlust Wine all have similar styles and efforts of merit.

– White Blends – David Shaw turned me onto a unique kitchen sink blend with Chenin, SB, Chard, Viura (Macabeo)…. it was my white of the day (David what was that called)?

::::THE REDS::::
– GSM – MSG – SGM – the Rhône blends are more rhoney that some of the Rhônes themselves today… beautiful and balanced with terroir and finesse. Mullineux Wines – Absolutely stole the show! with blends from The Chocolate Block igniting conversation with a sensational blend.

– Cabernet and Cabernet Franc were HUGE hits last night – with California ripening away the Pyrazines – you sometimes forget the difference between Cabernet and Merlot… not in South Africa! The nose knows… and I loved the pencil lead and graphite (Cabernet Franc) with the tension of the old world… a number of great versions. Meerlust Wine – Backsberg – De Toren Private Cellar – Keermont Vineyards – Edgebaston Wines

– Pinotage – Last but NOT least – you may have written off Pinotage but last night it was “”””all the rage””” – there is some new energy in this category and even the classic brands are making vastly improved wines that thrill!!! Kanonkop Wine Estate – absolutely knocked people out! – Beaumont Family Wines – Deetlefs Wine Estate – Diemersfontein Wine Estate – Simonsig – the wines are marked, detailed, intense, and wild… and I think Pinotage has new life!!!

OTHERS: Pinot Noir – Sparking wines – Rose – white blends – red blends – it is a very safe bet that South Africa will astonish you at comparable dollars…. to your ordinary wine… so give it a shot! I will be increasing my South African intact and hope they will come back next year for another effort…. we have much work to do to get the word out…. one day will not be enough but we definitely take on this project with great enthusiasm… and hope to build momentum.

I want to thank iHeartRadio radio Diva Lisa Foxx for her support – and Michael Moloney for bringing all his great friends. Michael Moloney is a major influencer and his show Extreme Makeover Home Edition is one of our favorites!

Ian Blackburn, Founder http://www.winela.com/

About WineLA.com

wineLA is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles. To do so, wine must be in rhythm with fashion, music, food and other beverages. It must take advantage of the geography, the architecture and the centers of interest. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, roof tops, gardens, and magical views. We want to be a part of the LA lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and celebrate the people, the place and the passion.

wineLA will promote significant events, occasional classes, and tastings of merit. This is phase two of what we started 20 years ago at LearnAboutWine.com – America’s first wine education website and first in wine event creation. LearnAboutWine will now evolve onto a digital platform; the transformation will take some time; so we will slowly rebrand our event efforts onto wineLA, reduce the number of activities we focus on, and elevate our efforts to focus on the next big thing… Doing what is best for the wine industry and the communities we serve. Edicts: innovate, evolve and excite.

From LocalWineEvents.com – Heart of Burgundy Wine & Food Tour

August 16, 2017 by evebushman 2 Comments

Five full days plus dinner with your guide on the evening of your arrival day – October 9th to October 14th, Cost: 2,775 euros per person – maximum 6 guests.

In October 2017 there will be a totally unique, wonderful wine tour in Burgundy and you can still join it! It includes a cellar visits, barrel tasting, cheese and wine pairing, truffle hunt, wine and chocolate tasting, vineyard visits and the most delicious dishes you could ever hope to enjoy…

A Wine and Food Tour with a difference

This is a wine tour in Burgundy that’s like no other. It will be limited to just six people and for five full days and two evenings you’ll not only be totally spoiled but will enjoy an introduction to stunning Burgundy in a unique and fabulous way. You don’t need to know anything about wine to enjoy this trip which takes in some of the most famous and beautiful vineyards in the world, although if you do, you will already know how amazing the wines of Burgundy can be.

The adventure starts in the medieval town of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, home of the famous Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune) a former charitable almshouse founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of Burgundy, as a hospital for the poor. The Hospices de Beaune is one of France’s most prestigious historic monuments. Its flamboyant Gothic architecture, its polychrome roofs and a renowned vineyard make this museum one of Burgundy’s gems. of course you’ll be visiting this with a private guide and tasting some of the amazing wines during the course of our cellar visits during the week.

Wine tasting, gourmet food and spell-binding villages in Burgundy

Each day on the trip you’ll be visiting different domains – some of them opening their doors especially for you. You’ll enjoy some of the very best wines and gourmet food in the most beautiful parts of Burgundy .

Discover then the authentic Heart of Burgundy on my fun and informative wine and food tour in the beautiful Côte d’Or (the golden slopes) of Burgundy. In my 12th season of tours, I am very passionate and proud of this historic and diverse wine region which led me to create a special signature tour to share the treasures of Burgundy’s ‘terroir’ from carefully selected cellars to delicious cheeses, regional specialities and a whole lot more, with you.

Arrival Day: (Evening) – Meet with your guide for the week at 19h30 at your hotel in Beaune for a welcome dinner at a beautiful 1* Michelin restaurant in the heart of Beaune.

Day 1 – Wine Tasting lunch in gorgeous Cote Chalonnaise

Today you will meet, talk and taste with some welcoming winemakers in their delightful cellars in these picturesque villages. Tasting both pinot noir and chardonnay from different producers, the highlight of the day is our leisurely tasting lunch, pairing excellent wines with a four course lunch at a chateau estate in the village of Mercurey.

Day 2 – Private Cooking Course, Lunch, Vineyard Tour & Tasting

Learn to cook traditional Burgundian fare with our French chef in his renovated family home in a famous wine village (or if you prefer, modern French cuisine with a Burgundian twist in a professional kitchen (exclusive to our clients) inclusive of aperitifs and a three course lunch. Morning cooking session followed by a delicious lunch with wine and after lunch touring the famous vineyards & villages of the Cote de Nuits, stopping for an excellent cellar visit in one of the renowned wine villages, tasting from village to grand cru wines and including a walk through the vineyards to the famous cross of Romanee Conti. The vineyard of Romanee Conti produces the most expensive wine in the world! You will also be able to experience a visit to the Chateau de Clos Vougeot built be cistercian monks before the french revolution.

Day 3 – Cote de Beaune, Wine & Chocolate

Today it’s the turn of the Cote de Beaune famed for its magnificent chardonnays (amongst the best in the world) & lighter red pinots. First stop in Meursault tasting some lovely reds and whites from both barrel and bottles followed by a tour of the famed grand cru vineyards of Meursault, Puligny Montrachet & Chassagne Montrachet amongst others. After a delicious typically Burgundian lunch in Volnay (on the terrace if fine) we take a break from tasting on a leisurely spectacular drive up into Hautes Cotes where you will be entirely surrounded by vineyards and enjoying some of the finest views in Burgundy. Our final visit of the day is an artisanal chocolate shop where I will show you how well certain wines pair with the right chocolate.

Day 4 – Truffle Hunt, Cheese Tasting & Bubbles Day

First stop is to a family owned cheese venue, where you will enjoy some of the very typical, unpasturised cheeses of Burgundy pairing with both red and white wines. Next is a truffle hunt with a very cute dog and his master in a little forest in the Burgundian countryside set against the backdrop of an wonderful 11th Century chateau. After sampling some of their delicious truffle specialities, we drive to a neighbouring village for a lovely lunch in rustic surroundings. An enjoyable drive through the hills and villages leads us to the vllage of Savigny les Beaune where you will have your first taste of sparkling wine ‘Cremant de Bourgogne’ – Burgundy’s answer to champagne in wine domaine of several generations.

Day 5– Market Day in Beaune.

This morning you will have some time on your own meandering around Beaune’s spectacular market, full of colourful vegetables and fruits, delicious cheeses, olives and pates. With all the wonderful shops in Beaune you may wish to fit in some last minute shopping before departure. After lunch (at your own choice – maybe a picnic from your purchases at the market) we will visit the only remaining mustard museum where you will be able to mix your own mustard. The last cellar visit of the week will be in the oldest cellars in Beaune for our private candlelit wine tasting. This evening I invite you to join me for a last night gourmet dinner in a little village on the outskirts of Beaune, enjoying aperitifs on the terrace before dinner.

Additional Tour Day:

Medieval Burgundy

Enjoy a relaxed day in stunning medieval villages filled with flowers and boasting gorgeous views. First stop Semur en Auxois with its four turrets towering over the River Armancon, stopping at the market & relaxing with a drink. Next is Flavigny sur Ozerain, classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France (of ‘Chocolat’ fame), in time to enjoy a leisurely walking tour through Flavigny’s delightful streets followed by a delicious lunch at a Ferme Auberge run by local farmers’ wives with fresh produce from their farms & gardens. After lunch, a fun & informative tasting of local wines before driving across country to Chateauneuf en Auxois with its fairytale 12C Château, returning to Beaune taking the scenic route through the beautiful Ouche Valley

This tour can be customised for private groups. The tour price does not include accommodation but the accommodation can be arranged for you through Burgundy on a Plate

Burgundy on a Plate
Boulevard Clemenceau
Beaune, Bourgogne 21200

http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/670353/Beaune-Heart-of-Burgundy-Wine-Food-Tour-October-9th-to-October-14th