Sommelier and Master Sommelier Host First Master Courses in Santa Barbara WHO: Brian McClintic and Eric Railsback, managing partners of Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant, the wine bar and retail store which recently opened to rave reviews in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. Teaching the courses will be acclaimed Master Sommeliers from around the United States: Brian McClintic,…
According to Greek Mythology, it was the God of pleasure and wine, Dionysus himself who first brought grape vines to Sicily. As we all know, there is always some basis to both legend and folklore. Archeological evidence places Mycenaean traders, as early as 1500 BCE, cultivating grapes on Sicily’s Aeolian Islands. By the 8th century…
During a recent trip to the Lompoc Ghetto (see story in the Oct/Nov issue of Elite magazine) the first ghetto room owner that I interviewed, with 30 years of experience in the wine business, was Antonio Moretti. Moretti said that he “moved here for the wine that is produced here,” with a special nod to…
Today I am joined by friend and fellow sommelier, Ivelisse Negroni. We are in the small historical town of Samur in the French region of Pays de la Loire. This area is renown for its chateaus and of course, their wine. From our patio table, we have a lovely view of the plaza square. We…
Ticket Packages On-Sale July 1st, 2013 www.wopn.com The 14th Annual World of Pinot Noir Friday, February 28th and Saturday, March 1st, 2014 Santa Barbara, Ca. – Ten years ago, a movie created a shot heard round the world with Pinot Noir. Based in Santa Barbara wine country, Sideways elevated Pinot Noir to a pedestal, significantly…
During our last Grape of the Night (GOTN) group’s adventure we sampled the elegant Pinot Noir wines of Oregon. Oregon has been producing wines since before the time of prohibition. The proliferation of wineries in all areas of Oregon has been astounding. The wines from this region are cherished by many that enjoy the complex…
As I continue through my education of wine it is quite evident that I will probably never reach the end of my quest. I constantly read and write to satisfy my thirst for knowledge on this subject and realize that I should have started 40 years ago. The good thing is that the quest has…
Mamaia Beach on Romania’s Black Sea coast is one of my favorite places to both work and play. Though I prefer the northern coastal area, the sandy beaches that have been immaculately manicured wind southward for a good 75 miles. The Black Sea lifestyle suits my pace, and Romanians know how to enjoy life. Romania…
Paso Robles and Santa Barbara garner plenty of attention when it comes to wine, but insiders know the Arroyo Grande Valley as an up-and-coming hot spot that tourists often miss. Equal parts down-home charm and polished sophistication, the Arroyo Grande Valley Wine Trail is a fantastic getaway for anyone seeking a change of pace…and some…
I am drinking while writing, like Stephen King’s early years: scary but with spell check! Anyway, been contemplating the new “youth factor” of my Facebook Eve’s Wine 101 group that grows by over a dozen new members every week. They’re young. And extremely attractive. Drive motorcycles. In to beer and wine. Former bartenders. And for…