Celebrated Winery L’Ecole No 41 Announces “Heritage by L’Ecole” Wine Bar Opening in Walla Walla This Spring

February 13, 2021 by evebushman

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – L’Ecole No 41, one of Walla Walla’s early founding wineries, has announced their plans to open a new Wine Bar in downtown Walla Walla at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel.

Photo from AbbeycoSeattle.blog

The space is being redesigned and redefined to welcome guests in downtown Walla Walla, in a setting which denotes the winery’s sense of place and pays homage to the Heritage of the region. Focused on unique flights, the Wine Bar will provide access to small production and library lots, along with current release favorites.

“We’re so enthusiastic about the possibility to welcome Walla Walla locals and visitors to our valley, in a new and unique setting,” said L’Ecole’s owner and managing winemaker Marty Clubb. “Heritage by L’Ecole illustrates our family’s commitment to the Walla Walla experience for all wine lovers. The opportunity to ask our talented daughter, Rebecca Clubb-Olson, to design the space for us was exciting and rewarding, and she has done a beautiful job – striking a perfect balance, incorporating elements of our historic Schoolhouse and of our deep, enduring roots in our home Valley.”

Heritage by L’Ecole’s opening to the public is planned for Spring Kick Off Weekend, in April, and local Wine Club Members, industry members, and press will be invited to experience the space upon opening. With outdoor seating planned for the spring and summer, the space is being designed to eventually accommodate up to 19 seated guests indoors, with self-guided flight options.

The Marcus Whitman Hotel, a property replete with history, eagerly welcomes L’Ecole No 41’s opening in their ground floor corner location, adding to the tasting room selection for their guests and for other downtown patrons. “L’Ecole’s decision to open their unique Heritage Wine Bar is particularly meaningful for us, as the hotel was originally developed in the 1920s by a group of local business and community members, including W.W. Baker, the grandfather of L’Ecole Winery’s founder, Baker Ferguson. Heritage is a very fitting name, and we’re excited that the partnership has come full circle”, commented Kyle Mussman, owner of the Marcus Whitman Hotel.

Housed in the historic 1915 Frenchtown schoolhouse depicted on its label, L’Ecole has earned international acclaim for producing expressive, distinctive wines. L’Ecole No 41 has been recognized 15 times as a Top 100 Winery of the Year by Wine & Spirits Magazine, and in 2014, London’s Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) named L’Ecole’s Ferguson the Best Bordeaux Blend in the World over £15. In addition to Clubb, his wife Megan Clubb and their children Riley Clubb and Rebecca Clubb-Olson serve on L’Ecole’s board of directors.

Vintage Eve Circa 2/2018: Not Your Basic Wine and Cheese Pairing

November 10, 2020 by evebushman

Clearly, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to have wine and cheese, like most of you. But I can’t recall the last time I had a guided pairing that would explain how, when you’re paying attention, the tasting of each is heightened – a word used by Alex of Vagabond Cheese Company – by the other.

Double Trouble Patio.

The Invite

Join us for a Saturday afternoon of Wine & Cheese pairings with Vagabond Cheese Company, Hoi Polloi Winery and Pagter Brothers Winery at the Double Trouble Wine Room in Downtown Newhall. Each of these world-class wineries creates their wines by carefully sourcing grapes from the central coast of California. Pagter Brothers focuses on big, bold, red wines, while Hoi Polloi indulges their love of dynamic California Rhones, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.

We will be tasting through a flight of three wines from each winery, carefully paired with our artisan and farmstead cheeses. We hope you’ll join us for our first guided pairing together.

Better in a Pairing

The event began with Scott of Pagter Brothers and Doug of Hoi Polloi wetting our whistles with some of their wines, as Alex prepared our plates.

Scott and Doug, have paired well together since they met at one of Doug’s early Garagiste Festivals, and they share their tasting room as well as their wine club which includes bounty from both as well as 20% off, free tastings and parties. The tasting room is the only place you can purchase their wine. There is often live music, food trucks and now a comfy enclosed rear patio. They each make about 400 to 500 cases.

When it was Alex’s turn to introduce the cheeses he explained that “the goal is not just to have wine and cheese…the goal is to (find) that each heightens the other.” Both, according to Alex are made “better” in a pairing. The cheeses he was to serve were all completely eatable, including the rinds, as the cheesemonger prepared them that way.

We learned that not all Manchego cheese is the same. Trader Joe’s makes theirs completely by machine. Alex explained that the “terroir” in cheese comes from the cows, what they were fed and the aging. And storage should be loose, even Tupperware containers are good, and the cheese should last two to three weeks. Cut on opposite ends each time to maintain freshness.

These were my favorites: The Estero Gold wasn’t salty and I agreed; it had an interesting sesame note to it. Mennonites expertly made the Prairie Breeze. Loved the Pecorino Ginepro that had been rubbed with balsamic vinegar and then aged in oak barrels that had been previously filled with juniper berries. And of the wine – all were very nice in the tasting – I purchased bottles of the Hoi Polloi Grenache and the Pagter Brothers Syrah.

I decided, in the long run, that I needed more education on the pairings. I didn’t get a lot of the notes that were mentioned on the tasting sheet, though I enjoyed the wines and cheeses immensely!

About Vagabond Cheese Company

Vagabond Cheese Company is a nomadic cheese counter, based in Los Angeles, CA. We promote the best of artisanal cheeses and support those who create them by showcasing cheese through pairings. Everything is fair game, but our specialty is craft beer. The more unusual and eccentric the partnership, the better.

We search for hard-to-find and rare cheese, always keeping seasonality in mind, in order to offer you a new experience every time we cross paths. We want to break away from pretentious tendencies, and instead invite you to have fun with your food and try something new.

About Double Trouble Wine Room

Taste high-scoring premium artisan wines from Paso Robles, Santa Ynez and Sonoma from TWO local wineries – Hoi Polloi Winery and Pagter Brothers Winery – in Old Town Newhall. Enjoy our new patio. Bring your own food or order in. No snobs allowed.

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.

The 12th Annual STARS of Cabernet 2020 At Home Edition: November 18th, 20th, and 21st

November 9, 2020 by evebushman

For 11 years – we gathered winemakers from all over the world for one special night in Beverly Hills and celebrated amazing Cabernet. This year, we take the event to ZOOM and bring the event to you wherever you are! We have wine flights or full bottle kits delivered to you – a Cabernet lover’s showcase delivered to your home! Join the winemakers LIVE and taste; join in one tasting or join them all! A silent auction will benefit 501(c)(3) Unite The United for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Single night tickets are $50 with a tasting kit – and that includes delivery in California!

Join all THREE events with tasting kits for $100 – and that includes delivery in California!
www.STARSofCabernet.com for details, wine list, and option to have your tasting kit picked up at TESSE RESTAURANT with a special STARS dinner menu!

THE STARS OF CABERNET 2020 | Wednesday 11/18 at 7pm

Mauritson

PEJU

Crown Point Vineyards

S. R. Tonella Cellars

Reynolds Family Winery

Dusty Nabor Wines

THE STARS OF CABERNET 2020 | Friday 11/20 at 7pm

Blagden Wines

Robert Young Estate

Rocca Family Vineyards

Mullan Road Cellars

Dana Estates

Sullivan Rutherford Estate

THE STARS OF CABERNET 2020 | Saturday 11/21 at 7pm

Hertelendy Vineyards

Carte Blanche

Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate

AXR Napa Valley

Tierra Roja Vineyard

Frank Family Vineyards

Tickets will sell out and prices do increase as the event date approaches – buy your tickets now!

For information and ticket purchasing, please visit STARSofcabernet.com

About Unite The United:

Unite The United Foundation is a public 501(c)(3) non-profit, fundraising organization founded by the producers of the Vans Warped Tour and Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival. Their mission is to encourage fans, artists and industry leaders from the music, touring and action sports worlds to work toward positive change, by supporting local charities, producing events, and participating in community volunteerism events across the United States.

About Ian Blackburn – Founder of wineLA.com and LearnAboutWine.com

Since 1995, Ian Blackburn has focused on improving Los Angeles wine culture through ongoing educational tastings, classes and experiences. Educating and edu-taining with precision, we invite and welcome the best of the wine world to partake. LearnAboutWine was the first of its kind and continues to innovate, fortifying a quality wine audience one class, one tasting, one experience at a time. We are a part of the Los Angeles lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and celebrate the people and the place with passion. The pandemic only made us better, stronger, and now we’re going nationwide!!! For more information visit www.wineLA.com or call 310-451-7600.

Rocky Pond Estate Winery Is Opening a New Tasting Room in Woodinville

October 7, 2020 by evebushman

WOODINVILLE, Wash./PRNewswire/ — Rocky Pond Estate Winery, the Washington producer crafting wines from their breathtaking sustainably farmed riverside vineyards in the Columbia River Valley, has opened a new tasting room in the heart of downtown Woodinville at the Woodin Creek project. The Rocky Pond team will be raising the bar by adding new and exciting culinary and wine experiences.

Double D Vineyard at Rock Pond Estate Winery, Washington.

“The new Rocky Pond Tasting Room in Woodinville will take our King County offering to the next level,” stated Owners and Founders David and Michelle Dufenhorst. “Our experienced team is focused on elevating the current offerings in the region by creating exclusive wine and food pairing experiences and intimate wine dinners in a sophisticated, yet casual, setting like no other.”

The Dufenhorsts have been actively compiling quite the all-star team of wine and service professionals at Rocky Pond and have again added regional super stars to create an unparalleled wine and hospitality experience in Woodinville.

To lead the culinary program, Rocky Pond has hand-selected a veteran of the industry in Chef Douglas Setniker to be the new Director of Culinary Experiences. Chef Doug has been involved in the high-touch catering industry for nearly thirty years. Doug graduated first in his class from the American Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, NY. From there, his career included eight years as the Director of Catering at Microsoft and fourteen years at Guckenheimer as the Executive Chef for the Pacific Northwest.

Chef Doug will be creating a locally sourced menu to accentuate and elevate each Rocky Pond wine. Guests can expect a menu of rotating small bites, weekly chef specials, and regularly scheduled multi-course wine dinners.

Holly La Porta-Jones, no stranger to the world of fine wine, recently joined the team as the Tasting Room Manager and will be creating a welcoming, world-class hospitality experience. Holly is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and worked as a Restaurant Manager at the Four Seasons Hualalai before joining Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits as a Fine Wine Specialist. Holly holds her Level 2 Certified Sommelier Certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers as well as her WSET Level 2 Certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

The new tasting room was thoughtfully designed with comfort and elegance in mind. The Dufenhorsts took cues from their popular downtown Chelan Tasting Room and have combined upscale touches with a beautiful mix of leather, metals, and stone textures throughout. Boasting a variety of comfortable seating options for private and members-only wine flights, the main room is anchored by a gorgeous custom-built bar that is perfect for walk-up tastings, bottle service, and wines by the glass. Two large outdoor patios are located on either side of the main room and offer a variety of relaxing options for wine enthusiasts looking for an intimate al fresco experience.

A large private room – perfect for small to medium sized private events – was created to host corporate functions, birthdays, wedding showers and more. This beautifully designed private space will be available for rent throughout the year with catering options.

Reserve a table today at: www.rockypondwinery.com.

One January Night wine event set for Jan 29 at Salt Creek Grille, Featuring Epoch Estate Wines and Benefits Boys and Girls Club of SCV

January 6, 2020 by evebushman

For this special event Jordan Fiorentini of Paso Roble’s EPOCH Estate Wines will be pouring select wines from the winery’s collection while Salt Creek’s Chef, Tamra Levine, serves food to pair with each pour for a limited number of guests on January 29. Ticket link https://www.scvbgc.org/wine-event/

Founded in 2004 by geologists, Bill and Liz Armstrong, Epoch Estate Wines has quickly developed a big reputation for handcrafted, small- production wines with abundant personalities from Paso Robles, CA. Located on the storied York Mountain, Epoch is an ultra-premium producer of wines from Rhone, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo varieties grown on their west Paso Robles vineyards – Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain. As the steward of both the historic York Mountain Winery property and the Paderewski Vineyard, Epoch is committed to the land it cherishes, the quality wines crafted, and the rich legacies now shared with the next generation of Epoch drinkers.

Wine Spectator raves, “Winemaker Jordan Fiorentini makes beautiful Rhône-style wines.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate exclaims, “Epoch’s wines succeed in capturing all the power of which western Paso Robles is capable, but for all their structure, extract and ripe fruit, they’re beautifully balanced and texturally refined, with new oak very much taking a back seat to the grapes and the vineyards. Fiorentini is clearly passionate and a perfectionist, and I’m sure Epoch is only going to go from strength to strength in coming vintages.”

The event will also feature exclusive auction items available only that evening.

Hosted by: Carl & Terry Kanowsky. Hors d’oeuvres provided by: Salt Creek Grille

A Special Auction Package Offered by Epoch Estate Wines

Experience theEpoch winemaking journey firsthand with this weekend package. Your stay can accommodate two couples for a weekend (three days and two nights) in Epoch’s Vineyard Suites, a two-bedroom abode on the York Mountain property that the Armstrongs now cherish as personal guest quarters. Both suites are beautifully restored, each boasting a queen bed, a full bathroom, and the most breath-taking views of the California Central Coast off their back patios. The Vineyard Suites come stocked with amenities including a mini- fridge, Keurig Coffee Maker, toaster, and microwave as well as breakfast items and snacks.

During your stay, you are invited to visit Epoch’s new Tasting Room, located down the road from the Vineyard Suites to enjoy a complimentary flight tasting for four people. Here you will learn more about Epoch and the history Bill and Liz are preserving on the historic York Mountain property, home to the first bonded winery on the Central Coast. This unique and coveted experience also includes a private tour of their York Mountain Vineyard and a barrel tasting at Epoch’s state-of-the-art winery. The Epoch team will be happy to assist in recommending other great wineries and restaurants in the Paso area for you to enjoy during your visit. Finally, to put the winners in the mood for their trip to Paso, you will walk away from the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club Wine Tasting event with a signed magnum of Epoch wine!

This package accommodates up to four people for two nights and does not include airfare, transportation, or meals. Dates must be mutually agreed upon by all parties.

Awarded to the highest bidder. Value: Priceless. Donated by Epoch Estate Wines

Loquita Announces New Beverage Program and Wine Club

November 1, 2018 by evebushman

Loquita, an ode to the roots of Santa Barbara’s culture and a favorite among local food lovers and travelers who herald the restaurant’s inspired Spanish cuisine flavored by the Central Coast’s rich ingredients, celebrates the wines of Spain with a new bar and wine program that is timed for holiday gatherings and celebrations.

Loquita Sherry Tasting Flight / Photo by Kate Winter

Loquita’s Bar Manager David Media introduces three expertly curated beverage programs to enjoy at the restaurant or for home entertaining – Porron Hour, Spanish Sherry Flight and the Loquita Wine Club. Medina wants to expose guests to the discovery of these selections, stating, “Our Porron Hour is designed to share the traditional Spanish method for enjoying wine while also offering an approachable price on some of our most popular wines by the glass. Sampling these selections from our hand-blown wine carafes create a singular experience where our guests can pour directly into their mouths from an outstretched arm. Sounds a bit crazy, but that’s Loquita!” Medina is also enthusiastic about the Spanish Sherry Flight and the Loquita Wine Club, continuing, “This offers our guests an introduction to different styles of Spanish Sherry found only in southwest Spain and they pair so well with our menu. Spanish wines are quite special and we wanted our guests to share the experience outside Loquita’s doors so we decided to offer a wine club that highlights our favorite Spanish producers.”

Porron Hour is offered weekdays from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. and guests can discover and challenge their palates with varieties of exceptional and lesser-known Spanish wines. A Porron is a traditional Spanish wine pitcher that holds .75 litres and is used predominately in the North-Western part of Spain – Catalonia, Aragon and Valencia. Porron hour features four distinguished varietals, 2017 Avinyo “Petillant” Cava; 2017 Columna Albariño; 2017 Menguante Garnacha; and 2015 Finca Torremilanos “Los Cantos” Tempranillo, priced at $20 per Porron.

Loquita’s Spanish Sherry Flight presents this unique Spanish wine made from white grapes grown near the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain. It’s produced in a variety of styles made primarily from the Palomino grape, and ranges from light white table wines to darker and heavier versions such as Amontillado and Oloroso. The flights are available nightly at the bar or table and are the perfect complement to Chef Peter Lee’s Spanish cuisine. The Spanish Sherry Flight includes four 1-ounce glasses of some classics – Osborne Manzanilla, Sanlucar Barrameda; Lustau “Almacenista Obregón” Amontillado, El Puerto; Faustino Gonzalez “Cruz Vieja”, Oloroso en Rama, Jerez de la Frontera; and Barbadillo, Cream, Jerez De La Frontera, priced at $16 per flight.

And just in time for the holidays and beyond, Loquita launches the Loquita Wine Club. Each quarter, Medina selects wines from renowned regions of Spain, including world-class producers from Rioja, Priorat, Ribeira Sacra, Bierzo, and the Canary Islands. Selections will showcase diverse climates, winemaking techniques, both modern and traditional, and include information about each producer and the terroir represented. Loquita Wine Club membership includes quarterly shipments of three bottles. Pricing is $75 – $95 per shipment plus tax and shipping charges. For more information call the restaurant at 805.880.3380 or email info@loquitasb.com.

LOQUITA’S BAR AND WINE PROGRAM

Porron Hour

weekdays, 5-6pm

–––––––––––––––––––––––

2017 Avinyo “Petillant” Cava – $20

2017 Columna Albariño – $20

2017 Menguante Garnacha – $20

2015 Finca Torremilanos “Los Cantos” Tempranillo – $20

***

Sherry Tasting Flight

nightly at the bar or table

–––––––––––––––––––––––

Four 1oz. pours – $16

Osborne Manzanilla, Sanlucar Barrameda

Manzanilla is a variety of Fino Sherry and similar to our Valdespino. Produced in this seaside town right on the coast makes it similar to making Sherry in Santa Barbara. The influence of the ocean changes the way this Sherry tastes and one perceives more salinity – it tastes like the ocean and pairs perfectly with the seafood at Loquita.

Lustau “Almacenista Obregón” Amontillado, El Puerto

Amontillado Sherry is slightly richer and nuttier. It spends an average of four years under the protection of flor yeast which keeps it safe from oxygen. Halfway through its aging, the yeast is deliberately killed to allow the wine to oxidize briefly. This oxidative aging brings out nutty flavors and changes the fruit characteristics to a darker, baked pear note.

This one is the perfect pairing for Loquita’s Bellota and Jamon flight.

Faustino Gonzalez “Cruz Vieja,” Oloroso en Rama, Jerez de la Frontera

Oloroso Sherry takes oxidative aging one step further. Oloroso Sherry is made in such a way that flor never grows on the wine. The wine spends its entire life (about 15 years) breathing with the barrel. This gives the wine an intense sumptuousness. The aroma becomes very nutty, and fruit notes begin to seem dried, like raisins or figs. The wine still has bright acidity and a bit of spice which makes it incredible with fuller-flavored, fattier dishes like Loquita’s Vieras and Secreto.

Barbadillo, Cream, Jerez De La Frontera

Barbadillo is currently the biggest producer of Manzanilla and one of the biggest

Producers of Sherry. This dessert Sherry is a blend of 70% oloroso

Sherry and 30% Pedro Ximenez. It rivals the decadence of Pedro Ximenez Sherry but is much more elegant with notes of candied hazelnuts and fig jam.

***

Loquita Wine Club – Unase al Club (Join the Club)!

–––––––––––––––––––––––

Each quarter, Loquita selects wines from renowned regions of Spain, including world-class producers from Rioja, Priorat, Ribeira Sacra, Bierzo, and the Canary Islands. Selections reflect diverse climates, winemaking techniques, both modern & traditional, and include information about each producer and the terroir represented.

Wine Club membership includes

quarterly shipments of 3 bottles – $75-$95 + shipping & tax

For more information call the restaurant at 805.880.3380 or email info@loquitasb.com

Loquita Sherry Tasting Flight / Photo by Kate Winter

Bar Manager David Medina / Photo by Kate Winter

LOQUITA BAR & WINE PROGRAM

Available now, continues indefinitely

PORRON HOUR – Weekdays from 5-6pm

SHERRY TASTING FLIGHT – Daily at the Bar or Table

LOQUITA WINE CLUB – Beginning mid-November 2018 and Continuing Quarterly

À la carte dinner available from 5:00 p.m.

ABOUT LOQUITA:

Loquita, an endearing Spanish colloquial term for a wild, fun loving young girl, is Acme Hospitality’s playful love letter to the Spanish history of Santa Barbara. Leading the culinary team is Executive Chef Peter Lee, with an impressive resume including award-winning Jöel Robuchon in Las Vegas, Gusto and Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles. The wine list is comprised almost entirely of Spanish wines and several exceptional local wines that pair well with the cuisine. Loquita’s cocktail list showcases selections of Spanish vermouths, farmers’ market Sangria, hand-crafted cocktails and the de rigueur offerings of gin-and-tonics, Spain’s king cocktail. 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. Down the hallway is Poquita, a standing-room-only pintxos bar, with displays of Spanish Jamon Serrano, Manchego cheese, Manzanilla olives, tapas and pintxos (small bites). Loquita’s recognition includes features in Eater, Coastal Living; C; Westways; Wine Enthusiast; AFAR; Travel & Leisure; Tasting Table; Restaurant Hospitality; Zagat; The Infatuation; Santa Barbara; 805 Living; Santa Barbara Life & Style; LA Weekly; Oakland; Darling; and awards for America’s Best New Restaurant, 3^rd place, USA Today; and the Spain in Santa Barbara Foodie Award, Santa Barbara Independent 2017.

Loquita

202 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805.880.3380

For further information the public can 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

Scotland: How Was The Scotch Whisky Experience?

October 26, 2018 by evebushman

When in Scotland you do the Scotch whisky, right? For whisky 101ers that means blended or single malt Scotch whisky – not rum or bourbon or rye or any other whisky (or whiskey) you can think of that is made in any other way in any other country. Yes, you can call them all whiskey, but only blended or single malt made in Scotland is to be called Scotch whisky. Though at press time there are some distilleries, in Japan and the U.S. I think, that are fighting to use the spelling whisky over whiskey. But, I digress. Let me get to the point.

In our whisky “barrel” and getting ready for a wild ride!

We were in Scotland for a little over a week. We started in Edinburgh and had a three-day trip planned to tour distilleries in the Highlands and Speyside, two well known whisky making areas.

But, again I digress. The best way to start you own whisky journey in Edinburgh is at The Scotch Whisky Experience, a beautifully architected building at the base of the infamous Edinburgh Castle and at the top of the Royal Mile.

Why start here? Because you will feel – and be – a lot more educated in every pub, bar and liquor store in Scotland (and anywhere else you shop for whisky) if you know a little about what you like and don’t like in a whisky.

So, not to digress again, lets get started. Make a reservation for your one-hour trip – or longer if you want to linger over a dram, aka ounce, or two. It begins with an amusement park ride with a ghost narrator giving you a wee lesson in how whisky is made, then you get to view a large panoramic film experience that will give you a lay of the different whisky-producing areas and what their each distinctive shaped still pots and water source gives to the whisky – and a real yearning to visit.

Next we learned how a blended whisky starts with grain alcohol and the master distiller then selects different single malt whiskies from different areas to create the perfect blend.

There was a moment, a hesitation, when those single malt fans, like myself, paused and thought, heck that master distiller is doing an incredible job. We need to give blends more credit! Single malt Scotch whisky wasn’t as popular as Irish whiskey until the master distillers created blends.

Then comes an easily understandable interactive lesson about the different aroma profiles of each area: Highland, Speyside, Lowland, Islay and Campbeltown. We were getting a true “sense of Scotland.” And we’re not done. Based on the different aromas explained, each guest is given a scratch n’ sniff card to match with the corresponding aromas – from nuts to dried fruit to spice to cigar and so on. Learning about the specific aroma profiles and then immediately scratching the corresponding spot on the card made it an easy lesson for all to grasp.

Based on what you liked in those aromas you are then prompted to select the type of whisky that would appeal to you. Then your guide (we had the awesome Heather that has been with them 12 years and writes a fine blog on their website too) will pour your taste. But then…

…you are invited into the final mind blowing room. The largest collection of whisky in the world. Tips on how to smell, taste and evaluate your dram while in the center of this room is a killer experience. As we sampled our whisky, the group – after having been on a ride and in three different rooms – quieted. While the collection may have begun with a private donation of five bottles, we learned, it now was unparalleled in existence. I asked about the oldest bottles and discovered two: from 1897 and 1904. The amount of evaporation in one amounted to at least one third of the bottle, and it had never been opened.

We learned that some of our takeaways were exactly what the creators of The Whisky Experience were looking for: more respect for blended whisky, appreciation of the different whisky-producing areas – the experience is meant to “springboard” consumers into distillery visitors – and finally, to learn and enjoy from private tastings. One last thing they have for us and another reason to return: a training school.

We ended our tour with a visit through another tasting area, more like a bar with whisky flights and/or by the dram purchases, rare bottles for purchase and a nice little gift shop. Now, we were more than ready for our three-day whisky tour. Except we still had trouble pronouncing the words “Slainte Mhath” that many say as they drink their drams!

www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/ScotchWhiskyExperience/

https://www.instagram.com/scotchwhiskyexp/

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 (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. 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

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery Expands Brand Footprint With New Tasting Room In The Heart Of Downtown Paso Robles

October 21, 2018 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, Calif., Sept. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Today, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery opens a second Tasting Room location situated prominently on the square along Downtown City Park in Paso Robles. As the region continues to gain global recognition as an award-winning AVA, this expansion allows more visitors the firsthand opportunity to experience the renowned JUSTIN brand.

As guests enter the JUSTIN Downtown Tasting Room, they are met with an elegant space featuring an expansive wine-tasting bar, lounge, and a full dining room, all ideal for exploring JUSTIN’s portfolio of award-winning Bordeaux-style wines. Guests can enjoy JUSTIN’s seasonal wine-tasting flight and select wines by the glass, which can be savored alongside a locally-sourced artisanal cheese platter or pâté board. Those looking for a more formal dining experience are encouraged to indulge in the rotating menu of à la carte items or a seasonal pairing flight, both inspired by the award-winning Restaurant at JUSTIN.

Every detail of the new space was artfully curated and customized—from the “infinity” underground bottle display at the front alcove down to the pattern of the floor tile, which is a reproduction of the famous “Gaudí tile” designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in the early 20th century. Kaoru Mansour, a Japanese-born artist now based in Los Angeles, created the series of six paintings displayed throughout the dining area and French artist Christophe Côme created the room’s dramatic metal and glass divider. Throughout the space, 14 state-of-the-art high-definition screens take guests on a visual enological journey coined, “Liquid Containers.” The rotating digital installations produced by Mill+, a collective of the Oscar-winning studio The Mill, feature a series of different JUSTIN wines being slow-poured at 1,000 frames per second.

“This is a special day for JUSTIN as we expand the footprint of our brand and our commitment to the Paso Robles community,” said Clarence Chia, Vice President of Marketing and Direct-to-Consumer for JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. “Nearly 40 years after first establishing our roots in Paso Robles, we are thrilled to welcome our neighbors and wine lovers alike to our second location in the heart of downtown for a taste of JUSTIN’s world-class wines in one of California’s most distinguished wine regions.”

“The Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to welcome a new tasting room experience of JUSTIN’s caliber to beautiful Downtown Paso Robles,” said Gina Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce. “It’s exciting to be bringing one of the region’s pioneers into such a historical space in the Paso Robles city center, knowing it will only add to the character and prestige our region and community is best known for. Welcome, JUSTIN!”

The new JUSTIN Downtown Tasting Room is located at 811 12th Street (next to the historic Acorn Building) and is open to the public Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., as well as for private events by reservation only.

About JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery
Located in Paso Robles, JUSTIN® Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1981 and is known for crafting world- class wines using Bordeaux grape varieties. Widely recognized for their iconic ISOSCELES® Bordeaux-style blend, JUSTIN is also known for their Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate, located at 11680 Chimney Rock Road features a Tasting Room, luxury five-star accommodations at the JUST Inn®, and a Restaurant—making it one of the only wineries on the Central Coast to offer all three options. In addition to its stellar hospitality, JUSTIN consistently receives top honors around the world, establishing itself as a leader in Bordeaux-style winemaking. JUSTIN wines are available through discerning fine wine retailers and restaurants throughout the United States, or directly from the Winery via JUSTIN’s Tasting Room, online store or to members of the exclusive JUSTIN Wine Society wine club. To discover more about what makes JUSTIN unique, visit www.justinwine.com.

Global Spirit Awards Announces the 2nd Annual 2018 Winners

August 19, 2018 by evebushman

LAS VEGAS – PRNewswire – The 2nd Annual 2018 Global Spirit Awards was hosted July 10-13 at Palace Station in Las Vegas. The competition featured a judges panel (https://www.globalspiritawards.com/judging/) of industry experts with extensive diverse spirits, and mixology backgrounds to determine each of the spirits’ quality.

The judging process for the specialty spirit categories began with a 100% double blind tasting preliminary round, with the best spirits advancing to the Sweepstakes Rounds, where the Double Gold and The Best of Show Categories were awarded. During the competition, all the spirits in their respective and specific sub-categories are sampled together as flights, carefully evaluated from color to finish, and scored by each one of our spirits judges in the flight.

The Award-Winning Spirits include: (For a complete list of all the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners, visit https://www.globalspiritawards.co/awards/)

Overall Best in Category winners are:
- Best Vodka: Cape May Distillery, Sandcastle Vodka
- Best Tequila: Casa Noble, Casa Noble’s Anejo
- Best Rum: Kimberly Rum Company, Canefire Rum, Cane Fire 14
- Best Bourbon: Crooked Water Spirits, Old Hell Roaring Bourbon
- Best Whiskey: Omsons Marketing Pvt. Ltd., Star Walker Whiskey
- Best Liqueur: NCCGA of CT, Vincenzi Arancia
- Best Baijiu – TIE – Lao Bai Gan, 1915 and Yu Tan, Shang Pin

“Our 2018 Global Spirit Judges and I are pleased to recognize and salute the superior craftsmanship, quality, and taste of some of the very finest spirits in the world,” said Eddie Rivkin, CEO/Executive Director of Global Spirit Awards.

Double Gold Winners (Listed by: Company, Brand, Spirit Name):

Arizona Craft Beverage, Arizona Craft Beverage, Regalo de Vida Gran Rum
Cape May Distillery, Cape May Distillery, Sandcastle Vodka
China Liquor Sales LLC, Lang, Qinghua, Lang 20
China Liquor Sales LLC, Lao Bai Gan, 1915
China Liquor Sales LLC, Lao Bai Gan, 5 Star
China Liquor Sales LLC, Yu Tan, Shang Pin
Compass Distillers, Compass Distillers, Gin
Crooked Water Spirits, Crooked Water Spirits, Abyss Gin
Crooked Water Spirits, Crooked Water Spirits, Old Hell Roaring Bourbon
Destilaria Serralles, Don Q Rum, Don Q Double Aged Vermouth
D & S Distillers LLC, D&S Distilling Company, Delgado White Rum
E & J Gallo, New Amsterdam, Lemon Vodka
Enemigo Ltd, Tequila Enemigo, Enemigo 00 Extra
Kimberley Rum Company Pty Ltd, Canefire Rum, Canefire No. 14
LeVecke, Jesse James Spiced, American Whiskey
LeVecke, Spiced Rum Conciere, Rum & Cachaca
NCCGA of CT, Vincenzi, Arancia
Neptune Rum, Neptune Rum Barbados Gold, Neptune Gold Rum
Nevada Distilling Co, LLC, Smoke Wagon, Uncut Unfiltered Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Omsons Marketing Pvt. Ltd./ Star Walker Whiskey
Rhino Global Enterprises, Dos Ron, 16 Anos Solera
ROK Drinks, Bandero Tequila, Blanco Tequila
Casa Noble, Casa Noble’s Anejo
Rock N Roll Tequila, Rock N Roll Tequila, Cristalino

The 2018 Global Spirit Awards prestigious judges panel include (https://globalspiritawards.com/judging/):

Chairman of the Judges Panel, Steve Beal, renowned whiskey expert with over 20 years’ experience judging competitions around the world, and judges, Mia Mastroianni, Damian Cross, Dänny Ronen, Anthony Alba, Heather Manley, Robert Gonzales, and Tim McDonald.
For more information and a complete list of judge’s bios, photos and winners, visit the website at https://www.globalspiritawards.co/awards/

About Global Wine Awards & Global Spirit Awards
Eddie Rivkin CEO/Executive Director of Global Wine Awards and Global Spirit Awards hosts the events from the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information visit: https://www.globalspiritawards.com

SECRET HIDEAWAY REVEALED AS D’VINE LOUNGE BAR ATTRACTS WINE LOVERS TO DOWNTOWN LA

November 21, 2016 by evebushman

New Owner, Gerald Ferrante, Crafts a Cosmopolitan Renovation with Updated Wine and Food Offerings and Live Music

LOS ANGELES — Down a flight of stairs off Flower Street in DTLA, wine lovers push back a heavy rustic door under a muted sign and discover a hidden gem in D’Vine Lounge Bar. Previously known as D’Vine Wine Cellar, new owner Gerald Ferrante renovated the existing space to have an old-world charm with new wines where time is measured by the glass. The below-ground location is key to storing wine properly in a cool, controlled-climate, and creates the ideal setting for pouring, swirling, and toasting. Served by the glass or bottle, whites, reds, rosés, champagnes, sparkling wines, and on-tap labels, from 10 different countries with over 50 varietals, satisfy all varieties of aficionado. D’Vine Lounge Bar, located at 821 South Flower Street in Los Angeles (below O Hotel and Spa), opens at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and at 5 p.m. on weekends. Reservations are available at OpenTable.com or by calling (213) 262-8517. D’Vine’s ambience and atmosphere serves as a perfect rental venue for private parties (Holiday Season) and special celebrations (Bachelorette) before and during regular hours.

Under the cover of soft lighting and rustic wooden elements, guests are invited to linger at the long bar, converse at communal tables, or sit comfortably in furnished nooks and private corners while discovering new wines or enjoying old favorites.

“As a Frenchman and Angeleno, wine is always a pleasure,” says Ferrante. “The space has good vibrations and we wanted our guests to feel cozy and comfortable, and to feel as if they were at home. Except here, they have many more choices of wine than they would have at home with experts to help them choose.”

Ferrante adds, “People are curious about wines. Our expert stewards specialize in wine, not just pouring. They have a great deal of wine knowledge to advise our guests on new wines and tastes, how wine feels when tasting and drinking so they enjoy what they drink.”

Wine Offerings:

The wine selection at D’Vine features high-quality, dynamic wines ranging from affordable to expensive ($10-$18 per glass; $36 to $118 per bottle) from known labels to small wineries. Ferrante and his team choose wines to meet every palette and taste from fruity to earthly, from dry to oak with body that is light, medium or full. Each month, D’Vine introduces new wines to their collection so guests can try and discover something they have never had before.

With the new renovation, Ferrante also installed special equipment that enables guests to enjoy even the most expensive wines by the glass. High-end wines are usually sold by the bottle as they spoil with oxidation more easily, and therefore guests could not sample these specialties by the glass. However, with this new tool, D’Vine can indulge guests with a wider selection of wine offerings. D’Vine staff sommeliers can help guests choose their wines based on what they have liked and would like according to their preferences. D’Vine guests can purchase by the glass, by the bottle and by “wine flights” – a three-wine sample customized per guest’s request or with consultative help by D’Vine’s expert wine stewards.

Food Offerings and Cocktails:

D’Vine offers small plates designed to complement wine including rillettes, tartines, charcuterie (cold cuts), assorted cheeses, vegetables (pickled or marinated), house-made pates, and desserts. All food is prepared “made-to-order” from fresh and local sources. The food menu features staple items with new and seasonal options provided every few months so patrons can try something new with wine. Ranging from Zatar marinated Greek Olives ($4) to Tuna Crudo ($12), Avocado and Tomato Tartine ($8) to Kale Caesar Salad ($10), and selections from Charcuterie and Artisanal Cheeses (3 for $14 or 5 for $20), guests can also pair their wine with homemade chocolate truffles and daily sweet creations. Happy Hour offers food and drink specials including $6 wine and $5 beer, plus $6 Tartines.

Wine and cocktails have similar characteristics that please the taste palate: acidity, sweetness and of course, body. In addition to quality wines, D’Vine serves guests with classic cocktails and specialties including Mojito, Manhattan, Cosmopolitan, Old Fashioned, Dry Martini, and Bloody Mary.

Weekly Specials:

Monday: 50% any bottle of wine + Happy Hour from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday: Wine Flight + Happy Hour from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Wednesday: Happy Hour all night

Thursday: Live Music + Ladies’ Night + Happy Hour from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Friday: Live Music + Happy Hour from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Saturday: Live Music + Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m.

Sunday: Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m.

Upcoming Live Music:

Sat., November 26th: Flavia Bullet, saxophonist, and Adam Hansbrough, guitar

Thurs., December 1st: Julia Kantor, vocalist

Friday, December 9th: Flavia Bullet, saxophonist, and Adam Hansbrough, guitar

About D’Vine Lounge Bar

Previously known at D’Vine Wine Cellar, new owner Gerald Ferrante renovated the existing space and updated the wine offerings to a global selection from 10 countries pleasing to the wine novice and the sophisticated palette. D’Vine Lounge Bar, a hidden gem located below O Hotel’s Bar + Kitchen restaurant off of Flower Street, tempers the underground desires of Downtown LA’s wine society where time is measured by the glass. Under cover of soft lighting and rustic wooden elements sit communal tables and comfortably furnished nooks, a long bar, and a wine list with over 50 varietals for all varieties of aficionado. D’Vine also offers the perfect wine complement in shared plate offerings of rillettes, tartines, charcuterie, assorted cheeses, vegetables (pickled or marinated), house-made pates, and desserts. D’Vine is the wine-lover’s destination, playable on first dates, long days, and social gatherings, and is available for private events. D’Vine Lounge Bar is located at 821 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90017. Hours are 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, from 4:30 p.m. to Midnight on Friday, from 5 p.m. to Midnight on Saturday, and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations are available at OpenTable.com or by calling (213) 262-8517. D’Vine’s ambience and atmosphere serves as the perfect rental location for private parties and special celebrations prior to and during regular hours of operation. View menus and gallery at www.dvinela.com and like us on Facebook (@dvineloungebar), Twitter (@dvinedtla) and Instagram (@dvinedtla).

and like us on Facebook (@dvineloungebar), Twitter (@dvinedtla) and Instagram (@dvinedtla).