ZD Wines Introduces New Guest Experiences and Renovated Hospitality Destination

May 18, 2019 by evebushman

NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) – Today the deLeuze family and ZD Wines unveiled the final stages of their renovated hospitality center, welcoming guests to a contemporary reception area, private tasting lounge, and custom kitchen. Sleek lines and refined natural elements come together in a modern aesthetic that puts ZD’s acclaimed wines at center stage.

The focal point of the new reception area is a large picture window showcasing the beautiful barrel room, allowing guests to peek into the working winery. Nearby, custom 13-foot tall sliding glass doors designed in Portugal enclose an inviting private lounge, complete with a fireplace and access to a patio garden. An extensive wine library showcases selections from their 50 years of winemaking before guests reach their new, modern kitchen.

Upstairs, tall glass doors blur the lines between indoors and out in the Vineyard View Tasting Room and Deck, where unobstructed vineyard views stretch from the east side of Rutherford all the way across the valley floor to the Mayacamas Mountains. A timeline told through historic bottlings and family photos provides an introduction to the winery’s rich history, which dates back to 1969.

“Decades ago, we offered tastings at a small bar tucked into the corner of our winery. Now, we can provide the opportunity to enjoy ZD Wines in a gracious, luxurious space that reflects our dedication to excellence,” said Brett deLeuze, President of ZD Wines. “We’re looking forward to the next 50 years of world-class wines.”

The winery has also introduced new hospitality experiences. Available now, the elevated offerings include:

Vineyard View Tasting—This seated tasting in the well-appointed Vineyard View Room & Deck allows guests to enjoy a selection of current release award-winning wines while taking in the valley floor views of Rutherford. Hospitality professionals lead guests through ZD’s 50-year history, winemaking, and eco practices. Cost: $40 per person.
The ZD Experience—During this unforgettable private cellar tour, guests explore ZD’s 50-year history, vineyards, and stewardship practices. After sampling wine maturing in barrel, guests are seated in the Vineyard View Room to a choice of current release Reserve wines or Library selections, along with artisanal cheese and charcuterie pairing. Cost: $125 per person.
The Abacus Experience—The ultimate way to experience all that ZD has to offer, including its pinnacle wine, Abacus. This innovative solera-style wine is a blend of every vintage of ZD Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon dating back to 1992 (26 vintages). Guests will have a rare opportunity to taste the Abacus “solera” from barrel during their private cellar tour, along with other maturing wines. Afterwards, relax in the private lounge with a curated tasting of Reserve wines, including pours of a library and current Bottling of Abacus, paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. Cost: $1000 for up to 6 guests.

Known for three core varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, ZD Wines also crafts two small production whimsical wines, named “Rosa Lee’s Whim,” and a 50th Anniversary Sparkling Cuvée. ZD also recently released their 20th Bottling of Abacus, ZD’s solera-style Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

ZD Wines is open daily from 10am – 4pm at 8383 Silverado Trail in Rutherford. Reservations are required for all tours, and highly recommended for the Vineyard View Tasting. Appointments can be made by calling (800) 487-7757 or emailing experiences(at)zdwines.com.

About ZD Wines
ZD Wines is owned and operated by the deLeuze family, who is dedicated to producing world-class wines, farming organically and giving back to the community. Located in the Rutherford region of the Napa Valley, the winery and hospitality center offers sweeping valley views of premium Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards and the Mayacamas mountain range to the west. The deLeuze family produces wines from their certified organic vineyards in the Rutherford and Carneros regions, as well as organic vineyards in Napa, Santa Barbara, Monterey and Sonoma. With innovative winemaking practices, they produce wines of quality, consistency, and style. ZD Wines is currently celebrating 50 years of winemaking and can be found online at ZDWines.com and @ZDWines on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Vintage Eve Circa 3/2016: Tasting the New 2012 (And One 14 Rosé) Mystic Hills Vineyard Releases

April 2, 2019 by evebushman

It was a thrill to taste the newly released 2012 wines (and one 2014!) from Mystic Hills Vineyard because…every wine from their first release has received awards from various competitions! (Read more here) And this, just their second release, is poised for the same level of achievements.

I invited a few wine lovers over to share these first tastes, and to also chime in on the aromas and flavors they found. And, if you’re not interested in tasting notes know this: the tasting was a resounding success with all six guests agreeing that the wines were superb.

2014 H.E.A.R.T.S Rosé

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot

With vibrant aromas of fresh strawberry, ripe raspberry, wet stones and a hint of Meyer lemon it was followed up in the mouth with the same luscious red fruit flavors with the addition of apricot, red ruby grapefruit and a welcoming mild acidic finish.

We paired this Rosé with a BBQ Shrimp recipe that actually has no BBQ sauce or required barbequing; it was just all garlic, unsalted butter, Worchestershire sauce, lemon, pepper and Cajun seasoning. The Rosé was the perfect refresher between bites. 90 Eve pts.

Cabernet Sauvignon

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Sweet plum, cherry, black fruit, toasted marshmallow, wet bark and red rose wafted up in the nose of this Cab. The taste was all cherry, raspberry, earth and a bit of oak with mouth drying tannins. This one was voted “easy to drink” by the group.

Gran Trio

Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Blueberry, black currant, blackberry, incense and earth – all on the nose. Then with the taste we got beautiful red to blue fruit, spice, firm tannins and a nice long finish. As we let this open up in our glasses we noted more fruit developing. 90 Eve pts.

Unforgiven

Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec.

Aromas of dried blue fruit, cloves, mushroom and black pepper filled our noses. Once tasted we found robust jammy qualities with red fruit, spice and cracked pepper all in great balance.

My husband had guests wait to finish this stellar blend with a chocolate caramel Crème Brûlée he had made. As he torched the sugar and fresh mint into a crust, we waited expectantly. It was magical. 92 Eve pts. With the pairing, 93 Eve pts.

All three reds were paired with our cheese and charcuterie appetizer. Some also enjoyed the reds with the BBQ shrimp, and due to the pepper and spice in the dish, I agreed that it worked well.

http://www.mystichillsvineyard.com/

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Perlis Picks: Epic Times at Epoch Estate Wines

June 2, 2018 by Michael Perlis

In my last article, I mentioned that I’d next be writing about who went into the old Clos Solene spot at Tin City. Well, some technical difficulties have delayed that report, so this week you get…

Photo from Epoch Facebook page.

One of the benefits of living in Southern California, as do most of our Eve Wine 101 readers, is proximity to various wine regions. Santa Barbara wine country is just a couple of hours away, Paso Robles a little farther and a few more hours gets you to Napa, Sonoma and beyond.

Inevitably, once you do start visiting wineries, you’ll be presented with opportunities to join winery clubs. With so many wineries offering great wines, it is easy to get overwhelmed. How do you decide which clubs to join? For us, it is often, in addition to the wine quality, it is the feeling that we have a personal relationship with the people involved.

Epoch Estate Wines in Paso Robles is a great case in point. Karen and I first tasted the Epoch wines in 2010 when they were still being made at Denner. We had the good fortune to meet Kristen Darnell (née Carrillo), now Epoch’s Vice President of Sales and Personnel as well as newly hired winemaker Jordan Fiorentini. The wines were great, Kristen and Jordan were too, and the fact that the owners had purchased the old York Mountain Winery site to develop their winery [a place we had first visited in the 1980s] was icing on the cake. We were hooked.

A perk of being in a wine club is that members often get invited to special events. Recently, Epoch members were invited to the beautiful state of the art winery on York Mountain to attend not one but two events.

The first event, reserved for the top tier of Epoch members, started with a reception that included passed appetizers along with Epoch’s newly released white blend [Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne] and Rose [Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah] wines. Both were excellent but the Rose is really something special. Just ask my wife Karen.

Then, we were treated to an elegant sit-down dinner in the winery, paired with the great Epoch wines.

The 2015 Sensibility [Grenache and Syrah] was paired with Manchego & Prosciutto. The 2015 Zinfandel [with a touch of Grenache] was matched with Grilled Quail and the 2015 Veracity [Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah] with Wild Mushroom Risotto. Finally, the 2015 Estate Blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Tempranillo and Zinfandel was served with barbecued New York Strip with bone marrow butter and Roquefort whipped potatoes. The dessert table filled with petit fours and brownies topped off the evening, along with more wine to accompany them.

The next evening, open to all Epoch members, was a more casual affair with serving stations set up in the winery. The white blend and the Rose were available at the entry to the event along with various appetizers. The reds were paired as follows…

2015 Sensibility with two flatbreads – one wild mushroom and the other prosciutto and arugula.

2015 Zinfandel with bacon wrapped blue cheese stuffed dates.

2015 Veracity with Capicola and blue cheese skewers.

2015 Estate Blend with lamb sliders.

There was also Seafood and Chorizo Paella, which Karen really enjoyed with the Rose.

Although the events were markedly different from each other, they both really emphasized one thing to me. While the wines are delicious on their own, they really shine when they are paired expertly with the right dishes.

The other thing that always has struck me about Epoch is the amazingly nice people that work for them. Owners Bill and Liz Armstrong told me that this is the first requirement in their hiring process as almost anything else can be taught. Kudos on a job well done.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Unveils a Refreshed Look for the Iconic Resort’s Oceanfront Restaurant, The Conservatory

March 28, 2018 by evebushman

HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (PRWEB) – Perched atop a rugged ocean bluff overlooking sweeping views of pristine California coastline, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is thrilled to announce the debut of the resort’s newly renovated and re-concepted oceanfront restaurant — The Conservatory. Boasting a modern beach house aesthetic and a new vibrant menu curated by Executive Chef Xavier Salomon, the newly transformed restaurant combines fresh, homegrown cuisine and carefully crafted cocktails for an elevated, yet relaxed dining experience.

Greeting guests with dramatic floor-to-ceiling ocean views the moment they enter the lobby, The Conservatory invites guests to embark on a unique culinary journey inspired by fresh flavors of land and sea combined with Northern California’s rich local bounty. The new menu – served daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. – features handmade pasta dishes, the finest seafood and premium cuts, and decadent desserts that reflect distinct coastal flavors with a touch of Mediterranean flair.

Menu highlights include the photo-worthy ‘Towers’– offered in varying displays of seafood, cheeses, charcuterie, and vegetables – along with ‘Garden & Harvest’ items such as Chickpea and Avocado Tartine with wild arugula and grilled ACME sourdough; Lacinato Kale Salad with Point Reyes bleu cheese, satsuma, walnuts, and citrus vinaigrette; and Grilled Carrots with cherry tomatoes and roasted garlic caper vinaigrette.

Larger plates include Quinoa Pilaf with pine nuts, Meyer lemon, mushrooms, and arugula pesto; HMB Cioppino with Dungeness crab, cod, mussels, manila clams, and spicy tomato broth; and Heritage Pork Chop with lentils, eggplant, dates, pickled shallots, and Greek yogurt. Sweet treats, such as Baked Apple Crostata with honey kataifi and vanilla ice cream and Crème Catalan Mousse with honey roasted pear and amaretti cookie, round out the menu.

To complement the dishes, The Conservatory also offers a full slate of hand-crafted beverages inspired by the elements of the coast, including cocktails on draft. Innovative favorites such as The Redlands – combining Meyer lemon-infused tequila, orange liqueur, and egg white – as well as non-alcoholic creations such as the Juniper Tree – featuring Fever-Tree elderflower tonic, juniper berry syrup, and lime – offer guests a variety of flavor combinations to explore. In addition, the re-opened Conservatory bar features rare collectible bourbons, allowing guests to discover the range of this complex spirit – from rich and rounded to full-bodied and smoky.

Mirroring the resort’s elegant coastal décor, The Conservatory brings the beauty of Half Moon Bay’s pristine beaches and golden sunsets indoors with light earthy tones and hues of gray that combine modernity and high-design with the familiar comforts of home. Thoughtfully curated design touches are found throughout the bright and inviting space, including woven rattan, custom designed area rugs on warm hardwoods, and burnished bronze finishes. Ocean blue accents and sleek, neutral furniture complete the modern beach house look.

The Conservatory is open daily from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Reservations are currently being accepted and can be made by calling (650) 712-7000. More information and full menu details can be found at ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/half-moon-bay/dining/the-conservatory.

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About The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Set atop a rugged bluff overlooking 50 miles of pristine California coastline, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a 261-room spa and golf resort offering a relaxing and romantic setting. The timeless estate provides guests with a relaxed yet refined experience for a romantic getaway. For more information, please contact The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay at 650-712-7000. For room reservations, contact your travel professional, visit ritzcarlton.com/HMB or call Ritz-Carlton worldwide reservations at 800-241-3333. Visit ExperienceHalfMoonBay.com to learn more about the destination.

LES MARCHANDS ANNOUNCES THE NEW OUTLIERS WINE CLUB

October 4, 2017 by evebushman

Retail Manager Jeremy Bohrer and Private Cellar Manager Ned Creed Curate the Outliers Wine Club, Daily Drinkers Club, Santa Barbara County Club, Les Marchands Club, and the Grand Cru Club

As Santa Barbara’s premier wine merchant, Les Marchands offers a complete wine experience that includes wine pairing knowledge, dining, extensive retail selections for fulfilling personal and business gift lists, sommelier-selected wines for entertaining, exceptional wine education classes, special events and now – an expanded level of wine club membership options. This fall, Jeremy Bohrer and Ned Creed curate five Les Marchands Wine Clubs: Outliers Wine Club; Daily Drinkers Club; Santa Barbara County (SBC) Club; Les Marchands Club; and Grand Cru Club. Each club is meticulously created to introduce novel wine experiences to clients, designed to enhance personal enjoyment, education, entertaining, holiday gift-giving and beyond.

As a bonus thank-you to club members, Les Marchands kicks off their monthly allocations with a Wine Pick-Up Party. Wine club members can opt to have their allotments shipped or can stop by Les Marchands each month to share a complimentary tasting with the team. Les Marchands Wine Pick-Up Parties are scheduled towards the end of the month.

OUTLIERS WINE CLUB:

The new Outliers Club is an unusual and amazingly tasty selection. Les Marchands’ Retail Wine Manager, Jeremy Bohrer, is known for crafting a wine list featuring boundary-pushing wines from “new” Old World regions like Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Lebanon and Georgia. This limited membership allows for an eclectic, interesting, funky wine experience such as a Georgian red that spent eight years in a clay pot (qvevri) buried in the ground, or a Slovenian white that spent six months on its skins. The Outliers Club explores all 72 of the world’s wine producing countries, not just the handful of countries that most often get top billing. The Outliers Club is for those who want to push themselves and their taste buds beyond the norm.

Membership is Limited. Pricing is $39-$59 per month (Includes 2 bottles of red, white, rosé, orange, or sparkling – no substitutions). Shipments and billing will continue monthly until subscriber cancellation.

DAILY DRINKERS CLUB:

This is the club for those who drink wine daily without a sacrifice to quality. Les Marchands has the knowledge to provide club members with qualified producers making top caliber wines representing a range of regions, varieties, and vintages – all with value in mind. Wine selections are sourced from local Santa Barbara producers, across the pond or the southern hemisphere. This club exercises blatant and intentional discrimination based on quality and drinkability.

Pricing is $49 per month (Includes 2 – 3 bottles of red, white, rosé or sparkling – no substitutions). Shipments and billing will continue monthly until subscriber cancellation.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY (SBC) CLUB:

Santa Barbara County has the raw potential to sit right alongside the top winegrowing regions in the world. SBC Club highlights these producers who make that potential a reality. Santa Barbara County’s cool coastal influences to the west and warmer plots with expansive diurnal temperature variations in the east provide an extensive canvas for numerous varieties, resulting in wine experts claims of Santa Barbara County as the wine region that will gain the most global prominence over the next ten years. The SBC Wine Club is a mix of hard-to-find gems, recognizable names, and highly discoverable young producers. The same consideration is given to a multitude of grapes, regardless of color, thickness of skin, or regional claim within Santa Barbara County.

Pricing is $79 per month (Includes 2 – 3 bottles of red, white or rosé – no substitutions). Shipments and billing will continue monthly until subscriber cancellation.

LES MARCHANDS CLUB:

Les Marchands Club is a personal club of favorites curated by our staff. They select three wines of the season from around the globe that show a traditional representation of the varietal from the region. Expect a French-focused fetish to help learn a great deal about the classic regions. Also showcased are established producers and under-the-radar vintners from Italy, Austria, Germany, Spain and Santa Barbara County, in addition to wines from discerning producers in more obscure locations. The Les Marchands Wine Club is aimed towards classic and/or traditional vignerons, long-standing family histories, a mindset of natural production and hands-off winemaking practices.

Pricing is $99 per month (Includes 3 bottles of red, white, rosé or sparkling – no substitutions). Shipments and billing will continue monthly until subscriber cancellation.

GRAND CRU CLUB:

Les Marchands takes the guesswork out of Burgundy. For those bitten by the Burgundy bug, the team explores this blessed rabbit hole, and as those who have gone before can attest, few descents are more thrilling. The Les Marchands network of importers eliminate the challenge of finding producers with history and exceptional pedigree.

Pricing is $249 per month (Includes 2 – 3 bottles of Chardonnay and/or Pinot Noir – no substitutions). Shipments and billing will continue monthly until subscriber cancellation.

ABOUT ALL CLUBS:

Each delivery includes wine descriptions, tasting notes, food pairing suggestions and producer highlights.
Club payment is applied monthly; applicable tax and shipping charges apply.
Shipments commence on or around the 3rd Monday of each month or schedule pick-up at Les Marchands.

Membership also includes a monthly Wine Pick-Up Party.

For further information, contact Les Marchands at 805.284.0380 or email info@lesmarchandswine.com

Wine Club Memberships are available now; requests must be secured by emailing info@lesmarchandswine.com or calling Les Marchands at 805.284.0380.

Pick-Up Parties are scheduled towards the end of every month; wine club orders are also available for monthly shipment.

WHERE:

Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant

131 Anacapa Street, Ste. B, Santa Barbara, California 93101

At the Corner of Yanonali and Anacapa

For further information and to make reservations contact: 805.284.0380 or email inquiries@lesmarchandswine.com

About Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant

Awarded the “Wine Bar of the Year” by Imbibe, and one of the 21 Best Wine Bars in the country by Thrillist, Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant is led by a world-class team of certified sommeliers and wine professionals with more than 100 combined years of experience in the wine and hospitality industries. Hailing from some of the most prestigious restaurants and wine retailers from around the country, the Les Marchands team enthusiastically brings their love for and deep knowledge of wine to confidently guide each guest through an outstanding wine experience matching every palate and budget with wines to enjoy in the wine bar or to take home. Product knowledge and personalized service is lived out daily at Les Marchands and is incorporated into every phase of the business from private cellar consultation to custom tasting events to the wildly popular Les Marchands Wine Club. The wines curated by the sommeliers represent quality-conscious producers – imports are Eurocentric, from the most relevant producers in France, Italy, Austria, Germany, and beyond. On the domestic side, the focus relies heavily on local Santa Barbara County producers who are shaping and redefining the region. A full bar of handcrafted artisan spirits complements Les Marchands’ extensive wine program with classic stirred cocktails made in the old-school traditional way. These include such favorites as The Vesper, Hanky Panky or the Bijou just to name a few. Chef Weston’s bistro menu showcases seasonally inspired food for supper nightly from 5 pm, weekend brunch from 11am-3 pm and an extensive selection of cheese and charcuterie every afternoon from 3 pm-5 pm.

About Jeremy Bohrer

Jeremy Bohrer is a veteran wine and spirits professional with over seventeen years working the vast wine world, including wholesale, retail, restaurant and production endeavors. His early experience as a wine rep for Constantine Wines led him to California in 2000. He worked as a manager at Bacchus, a small family owned wine shop in Manhattan Beach and was a manager at Trader Joe’s where Bohrer was in charge of overseeing the wine sections of multiple locations and developed “Wine 101,” a course that was used to train company employees throughout California. His other roles include eight years with K&L Wine Merchants as the Burgundy Department liaison. By 2014, Bohrer opened own small business, Still, – a retail space devoted to the art of cocktail craftsmanship. Still sold all things cocktail related, from mixers and bitters to shakers and vintage barware. The following year Bohrer also opened his own wine bar, Five & ¼ which focused solely on Old World wines from France, Spain, Italy and more unfamiliar regions like Croatia, Slovenia, Georgia and Hungary. As Retail Wine Manager for Les Marchands, Jeremy Bohrer brings his wealth of knowledge and passion for all things wine to the operation.

About Ned Creed

A Marin County native, Ned grew up a stone’s throw from wine country, providing him exposure to numerous producers at an early age. He embarked on a professional career with Benchmark Wine Group in 2005, focusing on import logistics, sourcing wines throughout Europe, private collection appraisals and acquisitions. Over the course of eight years, Benchmark grew from five employees to a global operation, handling cellars for a preferred core of rare wine collectors. Ned’s business travels include the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and numerous cities throughout the United States. Moving to Les Marchands in January 2013 brought Ned a welcome shift – reconnecting with producers in the most prominent wine regions and providing personal attention to individuals as they manage their private collections.

For further information on Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant visit:

www.lesmarchandswine.com

Become a fan of Les Marchands on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LesMarchandssb/

Follow Les Marchands on Twitter: @lesmarchandssb

Eve visits: Hidden Chateau and Gardens for a French wine tasting (circa Sept 2009)

September 1, 2017 by evebushman

If you know me you know I don’t leave my own little valley too often, except, for wine. Later this month I will brave the LA County Fair to experience two wine classes. I’m pressing my husband Eddie for an October Paso trip. And my friend Nick Morello is ready for me to descend on Terravant Wine Company in Buellton.

But drive? Myself? On a weeknight? It would have to be something pretty cool. And my new best friend, Katie Mahanes, had just the right invite to get me off Facebook and into…a former stable?

So this was the deal: Katie invited me to a French wine pairing dinner at the Hidden Chateau & Gardens in West Hills. (http://www.hiddenchateau.com) I’d never heard of the chef, the wines, the venue…I started to realize that I would never put down my wine 101 glass for the proper one if I didn’t check this out:

Constructed in 1934 – 1936 by silent movie actor, Francis Lederer and his wife, Marion, it was originally built as a horse stable housing Mrs. Lederer’s horse, Gypsy. In 1967, Mrs. Lederer along with Mary and Obdulio Galeana opened the Canoga Mission Gallery, featuring folk art and artifacts from Mexico. The building was named a Historical Cultural Monument #135 on December 4, 1974 by the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission. The stone and adobe building replicates the style of the original California missions. With 1.5 acres of exquisite shaded grounds and gently meandering stone paths, the monument has a Spanish-style roof and was built of stone quarried on their ranch located across the street.

Now occupied by The Hidden Chateau & Gardens, it is a popular site for parties, weddings, teas, and corporate events. While brick and stone architecture lend a rustic appeal, a colonnade of graceful archways lead into an elegant garden with a gazebo.

Wine List:
Macon-fuisse Bourgogne 2004: Chardonnay
Robert Karcher Vin D’Alsace 2004: Sylvaner
Cotes du Rhone Saint Esprit 2007: Syrah/Grenache
Chateau des Matards Cotes de Blaye 2005: Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

Menu:
Appetizer
Warm French Baguette with Red Pepper and tomatoes salad, Tapenade and Pesto.

Cena Signature Salad of Candied pecans, sliced red onions, cranberries and Gorgonzola cheese tossed with homemade Dijon vinaigrette dressing.

Assiette de Charcuterie – Terrine de Campagne, Salami, and Prosciutto

Grilled Shrimp with ginger and garlic sauce

Chicken Basquaise – Pan Seared Chicken Breast, Grilled red pepper, zucchini, eggplant and tomato sauce

So there I am, almost out of my element as I really could have seen myself as alone…had it not been for Katie. She expertly turned her latest Facebook friend -into a fan.

The pairing by Chef Charlie didn’t lack for anything. His elegant and delicate fare was paired not only with elegantly styled wines but was framed by waterfalls & fountains, music and lush foliage.

The appetizer trio that I enjoyed included both an olive tapenade and a pesto tickling my tongue, was accompanied by an Alsace wine by Rober Karcher that Chef Charlie said was 50% Pinot Gris and 50% Pinot Blanc. “This is the only way the winemaker does it – as it makes the wine less sweet and palatable with salads and appetizers.” The salad, a Gargonzola and candied pecan salad garnished with cranberry jelly, lemon, extra virgin olive oil and Dijon mustard, was delightful with the wine.

“Being in Fallbrook mall, Ceno, my restaurant and wine store, competed with Trader Joe’s on one end and Woodland Hills Wine Co. on the other. At first I stuck to about 95% French, Spanish and Italian wines that I know so well. But my customers broadened my awareness of Napa and Paso and now I love the Grenache, Pinot Noirs and Zinfandel wines too.”

The homemade charcuterie that came next had my mouth watering moments before fork met palate. Chef Charlie talked of the hours each required to reach their required flavor while I simmered on the Cote du Rhone now being poured. With 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah this Chateuneuf du Pape styled wine accompanied not only the charcuterie but excellently paired with the grilled shrimp.

What appeared next to be a simple chicken dish was, in truth, described by Chef Charlie as a pretty remarkable feat: each vegetable had been grilled separately then added together only at the end with garlic and olive oil. Paired with our final wine of the evening, a Bordeaux with 75% Cab and 25% Merlot, that was the bottle I knew I would drive back for.

When the trio of desserts arrived, I could name without any help but was stunned by just the same. (Crème brûlée, Lemon tart, Crème fraîche) I wished it as appropriate for a wine blogger to get a doggie bag, a bottle, and still make it home in time to Facebook about my evening. I always make abrupt exits. It’s my signature. Like Cinderella leaving the ball before the prince finds out…she ate or drank too much.

Kissing Katie goodbye was hard. But nowhere near as hard, sorry Katie, as leaving the Hidden Chateau and Gardens.

Wine 101: If the Focus is the Wine Skip the Pairing

June 23, 2017 by evebushman

I recently held a wine tasting with the Wine-Y Women Meet-Up group led by my friend Kathy Lockhart. I’ve met with these ladies before and have always enjoyed their company over wine and usually a fun themed party like dressing up for the Oscars at Kathy’s house. In the tastings I lead we ask that the ladies bring a dish to share with the group. Recently I got this question that I answered, but it got me to thinking:

Question: Any suggestions for a food these wines cry out to be paired with?

Answer: Hi —, really any food that you yourself normally enjoy with wine would be fine as we have a lot of different types: Viognier, Pinot Noir, a Bordeaux blend, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Charbono (red wine), a red Rhone blend of Syrah and Carignane, two Syrahs and a Petite Sirah.

My faves: cheese, charcuterie like salami and types of ham, olives, nuts, dried fruit, pasta in red sauce…just nothing that overwhelms the palate with a lingering flavor like smoked salmon or strong cheeses. With all that said last time we ate ahead of the tasting, and just kept small items – like the charcuterie/cheese/nuts/dried fruit items – at hand. To evaluate wine the palate should be fresh.

More? When wine is judged professionally we only get green olives and roast beef – both proven to cleanse the palate of flavors and tannins that cling to the mouth (think wine stained tongues!) – okay, that’s enough for now! See you Saturday night!

Elaboration

In writing about wine for ten years now, and in drinking it for a lot longer, I’ve been to many tastings. As my own palate developed I learned that wine with food changes. Sometimes the food tastes different (fish can taste oily when paired with a red wine) or the wine does (a dessert wine’s sweetness is dimmed when paired with a blue cheese). Of course traditional pairings do work, like a hearty Cabernet Sauvignon that breaks down the fat in a filet mignon, but I still have learned that I can’t judge a wine on its own when I’m eating.

I mentioned a cheese and charcuterie plate, complete with dried fruit, olives, meats and cheeses, as a simple accompaniment. But to me it’s key that even this doesn’t accompany your wine – if you are evaluating it. It is true what I said about green olives and roast beef as a palate cleanser, but even during wine judging these foods are consumed between flights, not with them.

Try it yourself. Pour your taste. Smell it. Then swirl the wine and smell it again. Even these two steps should show a difference in how the wine smells before and after aeration. Then take a small taste in your mouth but don’t swallow it. Roll it over your tongue for a few seconds and judge how it feels – thin or mouth coating? You can try breathing in a little air – while the wine is still on your tongue – to aerate further and see if some of what you detected in the aromas are there in the taste. I find it very interesting if the aromas and flavors are different, and definitely worth noting.

Now imagine doing all that with a crusty piece of French bread slathered with a creamy cheese that has its own flavors like garlic or other herbs. It. Doesn’t. Work.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne Announce 2017 Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine Concepts

June 4, 2017 by evebushman

Chef Suzanne Goin and Restaurateur Caroline Styne Introduce New Offerings for their Second Season with the Hollywood Bowl

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced today details of enhancements and menus from Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine for the 2017 season. Building on the success of last summer’s inaugural season with James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and business partner restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group, and Sodexo Sports & Leisure, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine promises exceptional dining options for visitors to the iconic venue. Goin and Styne’s culinary history has defined Los Angeles tastes since 1998, when they opened Lucques, their flagship restaurant. At the Hollywood Bowl, their California-inspired menus, which include over 17 concepts, are created by Suzanne Goin in tandem with the exceptional wine and beer programs curated by Caroline Styne. Before being finalized, the dishes meet thorough testing and approval from Goin, Styne, Sodexo Sports & Leisure and the LA Phil. Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine is pleased to welcome back Executive Chef Jeff Rogers to oversee the broad range of dining operations that serve thousands of guests nightly.

This year premieres the newly-built Plaza Marketplace – located in the completely renovated Box Office Plaza – which offers pre-entry shopping for picnics on the grounds. Suzanne Goin’s “grab-and-go” prepared foods will be available along with fresh breads, cheeses, and snacks, complemented by a collection of Caroline Styne’s favorite wines. This location will also be the new pick-up spot for pre-ordered picnic boxes.

Another pre-entry dining option is a new snack bar located on Peppertree Lane, featuring classic concession food including nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, and soft pretzels, as well as chips, beer, and sodas. Inside the venue, a second stand offering a choice of hand-crafted pizzas has been added alongside a new BBQ kiosk.

Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s many dining options range from two full-service restaurants, food kiosks, and custom picnic boxes for pre-order, to Supper in Your Seats. For private events, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine will also provide catering at several locations for groups both large and small.

Highlights of the 2017 Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine portfolio include:

Supper in Your Seats – Available by pre-order online up to 4pm the day before a performance, Supper in Your Seats offers the choice of curated three-course dinners or customized meals from à la carte selections delivered right to your box seats. You can also pre-order complete market-fresh picnic boxes that can be conveniently picked up at the new Plaza Marketplace.

Menu Highlight: The brand new Moroccan Feast features a trio of hummus with grilled flat bread, spiced carrot salad, shaved summer squash with preserved lemon, labneh with toasted seeds, parsley and mint, chicken tagine with apricots, saffron cous-cous, almonds and harissa, and olive cake with pistachios and citrus zest for dessert.

The Wine Bar by a.o.c – Boasting a wine list curated especially by Caroline Styne, L.A.’s favorite wine bar comes to life at the Hollywood Bowl and features artisanal cheese and charcuterie, signature vintner’s and farmer’s plates, grilled flatbreads, market-fresh salads, and a.o.c.-styled fish and meats. There are also craft brews and farmers’ market- driven cocktails made with soju and other wine-based liquors.

Menu Highlight: Alaskan halibut niçoise with haricots verts, tomato, olive and anchovy.

the backyard – Al fresco dining featuring an all-new menu at the Hollywood Bowl centers around two large wood-burning grills with a farmers’ market-driven menu of summer salads, grilled fresh fish, scallops, lamb merguez, pork chops, steaks, side dishes and an extensive raw bar. Menu Highlight: Kurobuta pork chop with summer figs, St. Agur, speck, arugula and saba.

Kitchen 22 – Made-to-order beef and turkey burgers, savory sandwiches and grilled delights anchor the Hollywood Bowl’s tribute to American classic fare.

Menu Highlight: The Cali, featuring free organic turkey, Monterey Jack, avocado and tomato aïoli served on a whole wheat bun.

Street Food and Snacks – Authentic street foods can be found throughout the grounds of the Hollywood Bowl, including a diverse selection of the multi-cultural foods of Los Angeles from street tacos and specialty hot dogs and sausages, to confections and signature desserts at the Sweet Shop and Larder Baking Company.

Marketplace East & Plaza Marketplace – Feature “grab-and-go” salads, hot entrées that include rotisserie chicken, barbecued beef brisket and mac n’ cheese, as well as other picnic-friendly sandwiches and cheese plates. Showcasing the best of Goin and Styne’s casual Larder café-marketplace, these Hollywood Bowl venues also feature a large selection of hand-picked wines, craft beers, sodas and waters, as well as salty and sweet snacks including cookies and brownies, candy,nuts and crackers.

Menu Highlight: Slow-roasted salmon with cucumber yogurt, quinoa and turmeric.

Buzz McCoy’s Marketplace and Sushi – The west side of the Hollywood Bowl features its own brand of market favorites at Buzz McCoy’s Marketplace. A delicious menu of freshly made “grab-and-go” salads, sandwiches, and other, hot and cold, picnic-friendly foods, alongside the Bowl’s very own Sushi Bar, where chefs prepare premium sushi, all of which can be pre-ordered, as well as purchased on-site.

Menu Highlight: Chopped chicken salad with feta, fried pita, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and mint.

Lucques at the Circle – This is a full-service dining experience for subscribers of the Pool Circle. Showcasing a seasonal made-to-order menu and exceptional wine list styled from the award-winning cuisine of Lucques.

Menu Highlight: Grilled mustard chicken with spinach, pine nuts, pecorino and soft egg.

Please visit www.HollywoodBowl.com/FoodandWine for more information about the food and wine experiences available at the Hollywood Bowl.

About the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the vibrant leadership of Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, presents an inspiring array of music from all genres – orchestral, chamber and Baroque music, organ and celebrity recitals, new music, jazz, world music and pop – at two of L.A.’s iconic venues, Walt Disney Concert Hall (www.LAPhil.com) and the Hollywood Bowl (http://www.HollywoodBowl.com). The LA Phil’s season extends from September through May at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and throughout the summer at the Hollywood Bowl. With the preeminent Los Angeles Philharmonic at the foundation of its offerings, the LA Phil aims to enrich and transform lives through music, with a robust mix of artistic, education and community programs.

About the Hollywood Bowl

One of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000, the Hollywood Bowl has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922, and plays host to the finest artists from all genres of music. It remains one of the best deals anywhere in Los Angeles; to this day, $1 buys a seat at the top of the Bowl for many classical and jazz offerings. The venue offers something for everyone, from its sizzling summer evening concerts to the daytime arts festival for children, “Summer Sounds: World Music for Kids at the Hollywood Bowl.” In February 2017, the Hollywood Bowl was named Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue for the thirteenth year in a row at the 28th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards. For millions of music lovers across Southern California, the Hollywood Bowl is synonymous with summer. http://www.HollywoodBowl.com

About The Lucques Group

With the opening of Lucques, their flagship restaurant, in 1998, James Beard award-winning Chef/Author Suzanne Goin and award-winning Restaurateur Caroline Styne planted the seeds for The Lucques Group, a Los Angeles hospitality company that comprises two other fine dining restaurants – a.o.c. and Tavern – and four marketplace restaurants – The Larder at Maple Drive, The Larder at Burton Way, The Larder at Tavern and The Larder at Tavern at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. Along with these culinary enterprises, the company also operates Lucques Catering, the Larder Baking Company and, since 2016, comprehensive food services for the Hollywood Bowl. The Lucques Group is dedicated to seasonally influenced cooking and focuses on sourcing local, organic produce from which Goin creates soulful dishes that are bold in flavor, vibrant, layered and complex.

About Sodexo Sports & Leisure

Sodexo Sports & Leisure, a division of Sodexo, Inc., is a premier provider to cultural destinations and event venues around the world and in the U.S. including The Jules Verne restaurant at the Eiffel Tower, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Space Center Houston, Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and the Detroit Institute of Art. Sodexo, Inc. is headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD and funds all administrative costs for the independent and charitable Sodexo Foundation – granting more than $29 million since 1999 to end childhood hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at SodexoInsights.com.

Loquita – An Exciting Spanish Restaurant to Open at the Gateway to the Funk Zone

September 22, 2016 by evebushman

Acme Hospitality Celebrates the Spanish History of Santa Barbara with its new offering

SANTA BARBARA, California – Acme Hospitality, owners and operators of an innovative collection of boutique food and beverage concepts in the heart of the Funk Zone, confirms their latest endeavor – Loquita – a Spanish concept opening next month at 202 State Street in Santa Barbara.

Paella. photo credit Laura Ray

Loquita, an endearing Spanish colloquial term for a wild, fun loving young girl, is a playful love letter to the Spanish origins and history of Santa Barbara. The menu, created by Executive Chef Peter Lee with input from celebrated Spanish Chef Perfecte Rocher, presents authentic Spanish food including hot and cold tapas, wood-fired seafood, grilled meats, and three types of paella. The wine list is comprised almost entirely of Spanish wines with exceptional local wines that pair well with the cuisine. A full cocktail program featuring a selection of Spanish Vermouths, farmers’ market Sangria, hand-crafted cocktails and the customary offerings of gin-and-tonics. The Mediterranean climate and terroir of Santa Barbara County mirror that of Spain, making the translation of locally sourced produce, meats and seafood an ideal match.

Loquita is strategically located on State Street directly across the street from the train station at the corner of Yanonali, the gateway to the popular Funk Zone district. The restaurant is anchored by an expansive bar, stand up bar counter and a seated chef’s counter that looks directly in to the open kitchen where diners can observe the action firsthand. The 120 seat space includes both indoor and outdoor seating and a spacious outdoor private dining room for small groups warmed by a fireplace. The outdoor patio seating is flanked by a fire pit, providing the perfect spot to meet friends for a casual cocktail and a snack. A separate tapas bar named Poquita with a dedicated entrance off Yanonali Street serves pintxos, charcuterie and cheeses, tapas, and house wine and beer.

Leading the culinary team is Peter Lee, with an impressive resume that includes most recently the award-winning Jöel Robuchon in Las Vegas and earlier stints at Gusto and Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles. Skyler Gamble, recruited from The Lark where he has worked since its opening in 2013, will oversee front of house operations as Loquita’s General Manager.

The space is designed by San Francisco restaurateur and designer Doug Washington, who created the distinctive styling at The Lark, Lucky Penny, Les Marchands, Santa Barbara Wine Collective and Helena Avenue Bakery. Doug is renowned for his imaginative spaces that transport diners and create a unique feeling of warmth and hospitality. Architect Joe Andrulaitis and the Young Construction team led by Rick Musmecci completely restored the historic building that has served as numerous restaurants and the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission over the past century. Interior finishing touches by Stephanie Greene Fuller incorporated handsome furnishings fabricated by Brothers of Industry of Carpinteria.

“I was inspired by a quote I read in a recent issue of Food & Wine magazine that said ‘Spain is a country with a big heart, a big thirst for wine, a big appetite for great food and a big affinity for art, music and sports.’ Those who live, work and play in Santa Barbara share these values,” comments Sherry Villanueva, Managing Partner for Acme Hospitality the group behind the restaurant. Bringing a Spanish restaurant to the Funk Zone has been something she has envisioned since the space first became available more than two years ago. “Santa Barbara’s rich Spanish colonial history has defined our city in ways that span architecture, food, wine and even informs our community celebrations. It’s the right time to dedicate our next restaurant to the incredible culture and food that Spain is known for, but interpreted by a contemporary California sensibility that is our company’s signature,” said Villanueva. “It’s no wonder that Spain is recognized as one of the greatest countries for food and dining today. We hope to bring some of that flavor to Santa Barbara.”

Acme Hospitality has won numerous awards and accolades for its many concepts. Recognition includes “America’s Top 100 Wine Restaurants” from Wine Enthusiast for both The Lark and Les Marchands, 2013-2016; “Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America” for the The Lark by Open Table; and “10 Hottest Restaurants in Santa Barbara” by Zagat for Lucky Penny. Loquita promises to deliver the outstanding food, wine, cocktails, service and beautiful interiors for which the Acme Hospitality family is known.

Loquita

202 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

For updates on the opening the public can soon visit:

www.loquitasb.com

follow Loquita:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LoquitaSB

Twitter and Instagram: @loquitasb

For more information on Acme Hospitality visit www.acmehospitality.com

Announcing STARS of Pinot

July 10, 2016 by evebushman

Over 60+ Pinot producers from around the world will be gathering in Los Angeles for an elite tasting event on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.

Los Angeles, California – STARS of Pinot is back for a smashing event… we are preparing this to be wineLA’s biggest event in YEARS!!! From Champagne, France to the heart of the Russian River in Sonoma, from McMinnville Oregon to Casablanca Chile; from Burgundy to Santa Barbara and great vineyards in-between; wineLA is proud to announce their 2016 winery participants which includes Official Champagne Sponsor “Charles Heidsieck” (Yes, “Champagne” is made from Pinot), AVE Winery, AVV Winery Co, Balletto Vineyards, Breathless Wines, Bernardus Winery, Blair Estate, Brittan Vineyards, Cakebread Cellars, Casa Marin, Cellars 33, Center of Effort, Challen Winery, Clos Pepe Estate, Decoy, Dolin Family Cellars, Donelan, Domaine Nicolas-Jay, Ferrari-Carano , Flowers, Fog Crest Vineyard, FOXEN, Frank Family Vineyards, Goldeneye , Guarachi Family Wines, Hanzell Vineyards , Hope & Grace Wines, J. Lohr, Keller Estate, Le Cadeau, Mansfield-Dunne Wines, Migration, Niner Wine Estates, Rocky Point Cellars, Sonoma-Loeb Wines, Talley Vineyards, Temerity Vineyard, Testarossa, The Fifty by Fifty, The Hilt, Timbre Winery, Tolosa Winery, Westwood Annadel, Wrath…. and the list goes on.Adding both delicious bites and conversation; event partners CHEFS WAREHOUSE distributors of all things tasty, and suppliers to some of the greatest restaurants in LOS ANGELES will be producing a luxury food show inside this event. Guest Chefs will be invited to participate and enjoy the PINOT tasting at the same time. Gourmet Cheeses from some of the nations top producers, Charcuterie by the best: Olympia Provisions from Oregon, Chocolate (can you say Val Rhona?) Truffles, Premium Olive Oils as well as our sponsor LA BREA BAKERY will be showcasing their best. Panel hosts and refined lifestyle experts will also be appearing for a luxury food panel (6:00pm VIP evening ticket holders) hosted by LA Restaurant Critic and Book Author Patric KUH – Author of “Finding the Flavors We Lost: From Bread to Bourbon, How Artisans Reclaimed American Food”

General Admission tickets can be purchased for $125 and includes unlimited wine tasting, and an exceptional assortment of appetizers, cheeses, and desserts all provided by some of the great sponsors mentioned above, the list is growing! Wine aficionados may choose to purchase a VIP ticket for $200, VIP includes early admission, a 6:00pm plated dinner, VIP gift bag, and a exclusive panel tasting (Panel A) with Amy Christine, A Master of Wine, who panels with Matt Dees- Jonata/ Hilt, Michael McNeill- Hanzell, Gerald Casale- The Fifty by Fifty, and Tom Mortimer- Le Cadeau or (Panel B) with Patric KUH, and named professions to be announced. All ticket purchasing guests will receive one complimentary take-home SCHOTT ZWIESEL Pinot Wine Glass – a $15 value!

Guests will also have a chance to bid on an array of extraordinary auction items: rare wines, dinners, collectables, and exciting trips ranging in value from $100 to $10,000+. One hundred percent of the silent auction proceeds benefit the TJ Martell Foundation, a Los Angeles based 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to supporting innovative groundbreaking research for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS. We have raised over $350,000, and want to continue raising money for this fantastic life changing cause!

Stars of Pinot will commence for General Admission at 7:00p.m., and VIP at 6:00p.m.

For more information about Stars of Pinot or to purchase tickets, visit www.winela.com/starsofpinot or
call wineLA at (310) 451-7600.

About wineLA
wineLA is focused on enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles. wineLA hosts significant events, occasional classes, wine programs, private client in-home wine experiences, and tastings of merit. This is the second phase of what the organization started 20 years ago at LearnAboutWine.com – America’s first wine education website and first in wine event creation!!To accomplish it’s mission, wineLA recognizes that wine must be placed in rhythm with fashion, music, food, geography, centers of interest, and architecture. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, rooftops, gardens, and magical views. wineLA is leaving a footprint of wine lifestyle by celebrating people, places, and passion. Come and enjoy!