Eve's Wine 101

Garagiste Festival Announces 2013 Line-up of New Winemaker Discoveries

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48 garagiste winemakers – 50% pouring for first time – at third annual festival in Paso Robles

The Garagiste Festival has unveiled the line up for the third annual Garagiste Festival to be held in Paso Robles November 7 th, 8th, 9th and 10th. Over 48 garagiste* winemakers are scheduled to pour at the festival, which is the first and only festival dedicated to the undiscovered and under-recognized artisan producers making some of the best, most exciting, handcrafted small-lot wines in the world.  Over 50% of 2013’s participating winemakers are new discoveries, pouring at the festival for the very first time. Tickets go on sale on August 5th at www.garagistefestival.com.

201 3Pasoheader 2“Since our 2011 festival first brought attention to the garagiste movement, garagiste wines have evolved from regional curiosity into the national lexicon and on into international awareness,” said Festival Co-founder Douglas Minnick. “More and more consumers are seeking out these extraordinary artisan winemakers, and we are proud to provide the best and only place for consumers to experience the heart of this movement.”

The Garagiste Festival’s grand tasting, signature seminars and after-party will again be held at Windfall Farms, while specialized events will take place at other Paso Robles venues, including an expansion of last year’s very popular “Shiners, Samples & Secrets” Winemaker Mixer to be held at the Pavilion on the Lake in Atascadero.

The non-profit Garagiste Festivals showcase high-quality, cutting-edge, small production wineries that produce fewer than 1,200 cases a year and have emerged as among the most unique and influential wine events in the US. Named one of the ‘Top Nine Incredible Epicurean Vacations’ in the world by ABC News* and a ‘not to miss’ event by the LA Times, the festivals have introduced over 100 outstanding artisan winemakers to thousands of passionate wine consumers, members of the trade and media, raising the profiles of many of the winemakers nationally for the first time and raising thousands of dollars for the Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture Program.

“It’s gratifying to have seen so many of these winemakers grow in recognition and success,” continued Minnick. “That fifty percent of this year’s winemakers are brand new to the festival – and the other fifty percent are now considered part of the backbone of the garagiste  (and Central Coast) wine movement –  is a promise to our passionate and discerning wine consumers that they have many more exciting discoveries in store at this year’s festival.”

The Garagistes

Artisan winemakers already slated to showcase their wines at the festival include Aaron Wines, Alma Sol Winery, Alta Colina Vineyards, AmByth Estate, Baker & Brain, Bella Luna Estate, Bon Niche Cellars, Caliza Winery, Cloak & Dagger, Clos Solene, Culton Wine Co.*, Cutruzzola Vineyards, Dilecta Wines*, Double Bond Wine, Edmond August, The Farm Winery, Felten Cellars, Ghost Cellars, Goodland Wines*, HammerSky Vineyards, Harrison Clarke, Hoyt Family Vineyards, Hug Cellars, Kaleidos Wines, La Filice Winery, LaZarre Wines, Les Deux Chats, LXV Wine*, The Missing Leg, Nicora, ONX Wines, Paix Sur Terre, Paso Port Cellars, Poalillo Vineyards, Ranchero Cellars, Rendarrio Vineyards, Samsara Wine Company, Seven Angels Cellars, Sinor-LaVallee Wines, STANGER Vineyards, Thomas Alexander Winery, Vines on the Marycrest and Zin Alley.

*pouring their first vintage

The 2013 Garagiste Festival Schedule

Thursday, November 7th: “Multi-Winemaker Dinner”
Last year this exclusive dinner matched garagiste wines with a six-course dinner from renowned chef and ABC’s ‘The Taste’ star Ludo Lefebvre.  This year’s chef(s), winemakers and location will soon be announced. Stay tuned at The Dirt: http://garagistefestival.com/sign-up

Friday, November 8th: “Shiners, Samples & Secrets”
This hugely popular evening event – expanded for 2013 – returns with one-time-only opportunities to taste some remarkable off-the-grid wines.  Held just ten minutes from Paso Robles at Atascadero’s stunningly beautiful ‘Pavilion on the Lake.’

Saturday, November 9th: “The Main Event, held at beautiful Windfall Farms”
The day begins by bringing back one of the most popular features of the Garagiste Festivals, its engaging, educational and unique winemaker panel and tasting seminars.

“What’s Wrong With This Picture? Educate Your Palate About the Most Common Wine Flaws” This tasting seminar helps the wine consumer identify (and understand the cause of) wine flaws such as TCA (cork taint), Oxidization, Bret (Brettanomyces), VA (Volatile Acidity), and more, with a comparison tasting of flawed wines side-by-side with their unflawed counterparts.

“Garagiste Outlaws: Breaking the Old World Blending Rules (in France they’ll throw you in jail for these blends!)” The Central Coast and its garagistes are known for their innovative blends, and this seminar offers tastings of some of the best from a panel of blending experts who will explain why certain varietals are just made for each other, why others are too mutually destructive ever to be seen in public (or private!) together — and why many of those Old World blending rules are just made to be broken – all to the benefit of wine drinkers.

The festival’s Grand Tasting follows with 48 winemakers pouring 125+ wines and 20+ varietals.  This year, for the first time, a limited number of Early Access Tasting Tickets will be offered, providing an extra two hours of tasting, to a select number of consumers. There will also be a Trade & Media tasting before the main tasting begins.

The day is capped with the festival’s rocking Winemaker After-Party, where guests and winemakers mingle, drink, dance and continue the conversation.

Sunday, November 10th:
Another return-by-demand feature from last year’s festival, the winemaker symposium for serious aspiring and beginning winemakers — and those who simply want to learn more about the nitty-gritty of the winemaking process. This year’s topic “The Chemistry of Wine: Part 1” brings the focus out of the vineyard and into the lab, where a whole new set of decisions need to made in order to craft the wine of your dreams.

‘Taste of Garagiste’ Monthly Mini-Tastings: held in tasting rooms, wine shops and wine bars from Paso Robles to Southern California leading up to the Garagiste Festival weekend.

August, September and October Mini-Tastings: To Be Announced. Sign up at The Dirt for alerts: http://garagistefestival.com/sign-up
The Sponsors

Central Coast Tent and Party, Clever Concepts, Distinctive Glassware, Glenn Burdette, Farm Credit West, KSBY, KRUSH92.5, mWEBB Communications, Pacific Wine Services, PRWCA, Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine, Windfall Farms and Wines & Vines.

Garagiste Festivals offer limited numbers of tickets to preserve the quality of the experience, and always sell out. To be alerted when tickets go on sale, to learn more about The Garagiste Festival, and to get the latest event info, sign-up for The Dirt at http://garagistefestival.com/sign-up or follow us on Twitter (@GaragisteFest) or Facebook. For more information on The Garagiste Festivals, go to http://garagistefestival.com

For sponsorship opportunities, email info@garagistefestival.com or go to www.garagistefestival.com.

To view videos from The 2012 Garagiste Festival, click here: http://californiagaragistes.com/press-2/garagiste-videos/

*Garagistes (gar-uh-zhē-stuh) is a term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to denigrate renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their “garages” (anything considered not a chateau), who refused to follow the “rules,” and is now a full-fledged movement responsible for making some of the best wine in the world.

**ABC News Online, May 31, 2012: http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/amazing-foodie-adventures/story?id=16466702#8

About The Garagiste Festivals

The Garagiste Festivals (http://www.garagistefestival.com) are the first and only wine festivals dedicated to the undiscovered and under-recognized artisan ‘garagiste’ producers who are making some of the best, most exciting, handcrafted small-lot production wines in the world. Founded by fellow garagistes Stewart McLennan and Douglas Minnick, the Garagiste Festivals are committed to discovering the best and most innovative limited-production winemakers and promoting and showcasing them to a broad audience of discerning wine consumers. In addition to its flagship annual festival in Paso Robles, CA, the Garagiste Festival line-up includes Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure, featuring Santa Ynez Valley garagistes; garagiste mini-tastings presented from So Cal to Tahoe; winemaker dinners, a newsletter, garagiste profiles and more.  Named one of the “Top Nine Incredible Epicurean Vacations” by ABC News, Garagiste Festivals are produced by Garagiste Events, a non-profit dedicated to furthering the education of future winemakers and those training for employment within the wine industry.  Proceeds from the festivals are donated to the Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture Program.

Rusty Sly: Grape of the Night (GOTN) Does Thanksgiving

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With the excitement of the holiday season around the corner we thought that it would be fun to see what wines the GOTN group serve for Thanksgiving.  This was the first time the door was opened allowing everyone to bring wines they would normally drink rather than searching for a particular varietal that had been selected.  Most of the wines that were brought I expected to see but there were a few that did not make a showing at this tasting.

Those missing were the Gewurztraminer and certain styles of Rieslings of which both pair fantastic with turkey.  Another wine, though not my personal favorite, was Beaujolais Nouveau made from the Gamay grape.  This wine is fermented for just a few weeks before being released for sale on the third Thursday of November just a week before Thanksgiving.

However, what was more interesting were the reasons for everyone’s selections.
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  Some of the group brought examples they poured prior to dinner, such as sparkling wines.  Others brought wines that they serve with dinner and we even had one example of a pink port wine to go with dessert.  Personally I was surprised as I thought just about everyone would bring wines to serve with dinner.
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One fallacy is that you must pour a white wine to go with the traditional turkey dinner.  From the wine lineup we had  one can see the group already recognizes that is not the case.  It was also found the group is into progressive wine drinking for the holiday, in other words pairing,  they have an opening wine (sparkling or white), dinner wine (white to light reds) and end with a dessert wine (port, Madeira, ice wine, etc).

Here is the lineup we had for the evening:

·         Segura Viudas Aria Brut (Sparkling Wine)

Aroma – None

Taste – Apple with a lemon spritz finish.  The

·         Four Brix Baubles (Sparkling Wine)

This wine is made with Chardonnay (60%) and Pinot Noir (40%) from the Russian River

Aroma – Biscuit, cheese and toast

Taste –  lemon with honey on the finish.  The chardonnay grape was very pronounced in this wine.

·         2011 Edward Sellars Viognier Paso Robles

Aroma – Green Apples

Taste – Apple and lemon grass

·         2010 Les Deux Chats Ripken Vineyard Viognier Lodi

Aroma – lemon grass

Taste – Tart green Apple

·         2009 Chateau de Chaimrey Mercurey Rouge (Burgundy) France

Aroma – Perfume at the start then softenes to cracked pepper

Taste – Taste – Grape skins at the finish, cherries in the background and layered with soft tannins

·         2008 Opolo Vineyards Pinot Noir Central Coast Calif.

Aroma – Cherry and spice

Taste – Cherry and vanilla

·         2009 Valde Loire Domaine la Charmoise Touraine Gamay France

Aroma – Cherry licorice and maraschino cherry liqueur

Taste – Black tea

·         2011 Concha Y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere Chile

Aroma – Mocha coffee

Taste – Mocha Coffee

·         Croft Pink Porto

Aroma – High alcohol, light port flavor profile

Taste – Light port, light brown sugar

As we ventured through the various wines from different regions and countries for this tasting, I asked a question to challenge the group.  What is the difference between “Old World and New World Wines”?

We have had many examples of wine varietals from various regions over the past year at GOTN.  This question was to see if those that have been attending have developed a sense of knowledge from GOTN about the very distinct differences between the two styles.  One person, who does not attend regularly, thought this was too broad of a question to ask.  Regulars dialed right in explaining the differences that one would expect from the subtle layering and flavor of old world wines verses the big bold in your face fruit forward styles that are typical of new world wines.  Some even got into the intricacies including  the various nuances of the different regions and their effects on the wine.  For all of us I think this is proof that these types of gatherings are definitely helping people to reach beyond their typical wines.  So for Thanksgiving  we can think outside the box and select wines that will awe our guests and put smiles on their faces therefore reaching our goal.

Another addition to GOTN is for us to learn proper pronunciation of words used in wine circles that most of us struggle with.  My friend, Chuck Wiedeman, volunteered his services to provide a couple of new terms at each meeting allowing us to pronunciate the words correctly and not embarrass ourselves too much.  Here are the WINE WORDS for November GOTN.  Read it phonetically, emphasis on the bold terms, then “French it up, like the cartoon character Pepe Lé Phew”

·         Ugni Blanc  pronounced OO nee Blonk
·         Appellation d’origine Contrôlé pronounced Ah pell ah see ON  Dee oh ree GEE nay  Cohn troll LAY
·         Chateauneuf du pape pronounced Shot toe NOOF dew pop

I want to thank all that attended our Thanksgiving tasting.   We had a few new people putting our group at about 18 for the evening which was a great turnout.  Thank you, as always, to Guy and Geno for providing our group with such a great place as Valencia Wine Company and the fantastic service that Geno gives us every time we are there.  You will always be number one in my eyes.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving everyone and please, be safe and drink responsibly.

Cheers,
Rusty Sly

Eve is Tasting Wine and Seeing Friends During a Sunset in the Vineyard

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This is NOT another wine event story.  Trust me.  Sure, it has a load of photos (Scroll down if that’s what you’re after) and a lot of wine, but this wine event has something NO OTHER WINE EVENT HAS: members of our very own Santa Clarita Valley Vintners and Growers Association serving wines, in some cases that are not available for sale, to guests in support of our local Assistance League of Santa Clarita.

Sounds like a mouthful?  It was!

Stretched out between the beautiful landscape of two Newhall homes sharing a vineyard, this setting is also LIKE NO OTHER.  Add in the dozens of lovely ladies in our Assistance League handing out sparkling wine glasses, selling raffle tickets and creating beautiful displays of wine pairing foods – again, it never ceases to thrill me, in this the 5th year of Sunset in the Vineyard.

Roman Weiser (in lavendar) and Chris Carpenter (in black)

I bypassed Roman Weiser, Chris Carpenter and Chris Connolly (I had just joined Connolly’s Les Deux Chats wine club), winemakers near the entrance of the event, to start my tasting at the back, to avoid a crowd.  I really didn’t need to do it that way; it’s my habit at many events.  The second area of tasting, past the Carpenter’s beautiful pool that no one has EVER fallen into during an event, led me to several other winemakers…eager to serve.  (And my plan failed me as when I did return, I had palate fatigue so I mainly just stopped by to gab.)

Over the course of the afternoon I noted that Pulchella winemaker Nate Hasper had been so busy at harvest that he let his hair grow in – on his head!  While both Nate and his winemaking partner, Steve Lemley, served the crowd, it was a photo of their wives, Jennifer Hasper and Megan Lemley and their “jugs” (aka barrel samples) that made my photo cut.

Got a chance to talk to The Signal’s Russ Briley over a taste of his Nugguciet Cellar Pinot Noir.  He’s started a wine club with the newspaper that I hope does well, as I might want to start one too…

"Pulchella jugs" are barell samples cradled by Megan Lemley on the left and Jennifer Hasper on the right.

Stephen Hemmert, alone at a very large table, had some great wines made by himself and fellow winemaker Juan Alonso.  The one I liked the best was a blend named, “Claudia.”

From there I enjoyed Thomas and Jenny Lukas’ tasty “Bobcat” red blend, Golden Star’s Symphony and Purple Haze, the Mascari family wines for Bouquet Vineyard, a Suicide Chocolate Stout, everything (and I mean everything) that Kerry and Susie Clark make between juice they buy from Austria, to grapes from Paso, back to their own grape-producing vineyard in Castaic for the Two Hearts Vineyard label.

There were many, many, more to try, and some like Reyes Winery and Pulchella, I had tasted recently via their local tasting rooms.

Besides the homemade pizza, deli items and other munchables created by the Assistance League and students from the College of the Canyons Culinary Arts School, Chocolates a la Carte kept guests really happy.  Who doesn’t like chocolate paired with red wine?  It’s a natural!

In between the tasting (see the photos below) one of the prizes being raffled was a 7-day cruise from the Princess Cruises Foundation – and my publisher, Moe Hafizi, won it!  Hoping he can take the whole staff.

“This was our most successful year!” was the closing statement made by event co-chair Leila Rosenberger.  And it sure was.

Guest Joanie Warner giving a thumbs up for the event

Suicide Chocolate beer

l-r: Cheryl Dellepiane, Eve, Jackie Hamby, Elizabeth Teagle, Marlee Lauffer

Jenny and Tomas Lukas with Bobcat Red

Mascari family (Danny's Bouquet Vineyard is where some of the winemakers get their grapes.)

Kerry and Susie Clark and 1/3 of the different varietals they had to share!

Golden Star's Symphony and Purple Haze

COC student chef

 

Participating Winemakers and Brewers

Les Deux Chats

Pulchella Winery

One Vine Four Branches

Alonso Family Vineyards

Bouquet Vineyard – Nina & Danny Mascari

Stephen Hemmert Vineyards

Compa Vineyard

De Robertis Artisan Cheeses

Bobcat Wine

Capuano Winery

Six Foaks Cellars

Two Hearts Vineyard

Golden Star Vineyards

Whistling Vineyard

Copper Hill Brewery

Nuggucciet Cellars

VNTBC

Browne Family Vineyard

Reyes Winery

About the Assistance League of Santa Clarita

Mission Statement
Assistance League Santa Clarita is a nonprofit service organization of volunteers committed to identifying and serving the needs of the Santa Clarita Valley through philanthropic programs developed and administered by its members.

Purpose

We act as a friend at any and all times to men, women and children in need of care, guidance and assistance-emotionally, materially and physically. We seek to fulfill this mission in our community by providing clothing, education and emotional support to families, the elderly and the disabled.  http://www.assistanceleague-alsc.org/

 

Eve’s One Bottle Post: 2010 Les Deux Chats Viognier

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If you’re new to reading me I try and do these one-bottle-posts because I firmly believe that the time it takes to review a wine in no way compares to the time a winemaker takes in making said wine.  That seemingly obvious statement is my way of paying due respects to any and all winemakers.  I drink the stuff, I don’t want to make it, and I thank Bacchus that they put their hearts into the work.  Now, onto paying my respects to Chris and Patty Connolly, the winemakers behind the cute Les Deux Chats label.

Les Deux Chats (Also can be found online under The Two Cats)

Ripken Vineyard

2010 Viognier

Unfiltered

Lodi, California

15.4 Percent alcohol

Appearance

This is just for observation sake, held over a white sheet of paper (the photo has a manila folder in the background) the unfiltered wine was not cloudy, but clear with some diamond sparkles, the color was the palest shade of lemon.

Nose

Pear, pink grapefruit, juicy peach, sweet Hawaiian pineapple and a little bit of elderflower thrown in.

Palate

Ripe pear, apple pie, lemon, apricot, sweet cream, tanginess/acidity softens immediately – prior to the lingering finish.

Conclusion

Very good quality.  Makes me crave all kinds of food from oysters to soft cheeses to strawberries to a cold seafood salad filled…

Their Wine Club is uber-reasonable https://www3.cleverconcepts.net/lesdeuxchats.com/wine-club-signup.php

It’s 2 bottles at a time, for each release, when they are released.  Each release is not to exceed $66.

From Facebook

Les Deux Chats Cellars is a small family owned winery. Producing limited production single vineyard hand crafted wines.

Company Overview

Les Deux Chats Cellars is a small family owned winery. Producing single vineyard hand crafted wines. Our passion for winemaking along with limited production allows us to focus on the details and produce high quality wines. To keep up to date of what we have going on, please “like” us and see our wall and photos.

Patty & Chris Connolly, Valencia, CA
Owners/Winemakers
info@lesdeuxchats.com

Please join our mail list by clicking “Join My List” in the left hand column or http://www.facebook.com/LesDeuxChats?sk=app_141428856257

For Events, please see our web site: http://www.lesdeuxchats.com/lesdeuxchatsevents.html

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE® SANTA CLARITA HOSTS Sunset in the Vineyard 2012

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Assistance League will celebrate their autumn fundraising event, Sunset in the Vineyard, Sunday, November 4th, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the home and Compa Vineyard of Jeannie, Chris and Tim Carpenter. This occasion will be one to remember with  samplings of a variety of wines, beers and cheeses from the following Santa Clarita private vineyards and wine makers: Alonso Family Vineyards, Juan Alonso; Bouquet Vineyard, Danny Mascari; Stephen Hemmert Vineyards, Steve Hemmert; COMPA Vineyard, Chris Carpenter & Tim Carpenter; Pulchella  Winery, Steve Lemley & Nate Hasper; De Robertis Family Artisan Cheeses, Corry & Carol De Robertis; Bobcat, Tomas & Jenny Lukas; Les Deux Chats Cellars, Patty & Chris Connolly; Campuano Winery, Jeff & Ed Campuano; Whistling Vineyard, Roman Weiser; Two Hearts Vineyard, Kerry & Susie Clark; Six Foaks Cellars, Rick & Teresa Pratt, Jackie & Doug Curran,  Mike & Cammy Moreale; Golden Star Vineyards, Lee & Helen Williams; Nuggucciet Cellars, Russ & Nancy Briley;  and VNTBC, Michael Mitchell – Brewmeister. Music will be donated by Blue Sky Lite. Chairwomen Leila Rosenberger and Jeannie Carpenter promise an unforgettable afternoon including informal presentations by the winemakers, a delicious assortment of appetizers and desserts, and amazing raffle and silent auction items, including a cruise donated by Princess Cruises Foundation. With your generous support, our volunteer members will be able to continue providing much needed programs throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

Assistance League of Santa Clarita, organized in 1989 by local women, was chartered in 1993 and has grown to 160 members. A chapter of National Assistance League, it is a

Chairwomen Leila Rosenberger and Jeannie Carpenter

nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian and IRS 501(c)(3) service organization. Funds raised from Sunset in the Vineyard benefit Assistance League programs exclusively in the Santa Clarita Valley. Our signature program, “Operation School Bell®” supplies new clothing and shoes, to school children in need. We are currently holding our shopping event for these students, who are referred by school district personnel. We assisted more than 1,800 children last year and have expanded the program to the Junior High level.

Join us in increasing our philanthropic efforts by supporting Sunset in the Vineyard. Help us make a difference in our community by donating an item for our auction and attending this memorable experience. Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. For more information, contact Jeannie Carpenter at 661.255.5853 or e-mail ALsantaclarita@gmail.com. Information about Assistance League membership, philanthropic programs and community involvement can be found on their website www.assistanceleague-alsc.org.

Eve Writes: The Classic Fills Your Glass: A Roomy Evening, Sweet Comments and Heaps of Thanks

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Vine 2 Wine, in this its second year morphed with The SCV Wine Classic, has successfully created an event that leaves nothing, sans your own notes on the wines, left to the imagination.  Let me explain…

Vine 2 Wine, run for nearly a decade by the former Betty Ferguson Foundation, was a lovely afternoon affair with wines to taste, a raffle, music, and great food in an event that would benefit and empower women in SCV.  The Classic, run for two decades, was an evening affair that included personal cellar and winery donations, live music and a raffle that benefited the SCV Student Orchestra.

This year the two events, more than aptly tied together a second time by The SCV Wine Classic’s wine chair Jeff Jacobson and Circle of Hope’s Executive Director Ray Tippet, is now a night time affair and included three rooms inside the Santa Clarita Activities Center, samples from dozens of wineries, personal cellars, a taste of a 150 year old wine – with Abe Lincoln if one desired – an art exhibit, a raffle room, dessert room, dining options, live music and the Beer Garden of Hope.

For me, being able to wander freely from room to room, never encountering a line more than two people deep at any of the wine tables, and plenty of photo ops of happy people…equaled success!

(Note: All of the group photos I took were on assignment for The Magazine of Santa Clarita.  Check the next issue to see up to 20 pics – and many more smiling faces.  http://www.santaclaritamagazine.com)

Your Comments

Janice Murray: This years event was amazing. So many old friends I hadn’t seen in awhile, and many new friends and supporters. What a fun evening!

Jane Bettencort-Soto: I kept the glass with the smell of the 1863 pour, put it in a Ziploc last night and today I am smelling it every hour or so! I wonder how long it will last? I may never wash that glass again! It was such a thrill for me to experience this once in a life time opportunity especially with my family connection to Abe. (Six degrees of separation – as cousins – per Jane!)

Betty Herme: Fun times!

Ray Tippet: To Eve, Jeff, Patrick, Erin, Linda, Laura, Wendy, Doug, Eric, and Jimmy C. and the band plus the 98 other volunteers. This crazy event couldn’t have happen without you!  Great Job! We had over 550 attendees along with the 98+Volunteers. If you weren’t there you missed a great event! Eve thanks for all the great coverage!

Bruce Fortine: What a great event and evening! Jimmy Carnelli (and Mom) were wonderful as were the attendees, food, wine (and beer too). All for a Class organization!

Maureen McKaughan: Great seeing you and so many other of our friends last night! Seemed like a big success!

Erin Woolf Hernandez: Oh what a great night! My legs are killing me from running around all night and I WISH I had partaken a little more in some of that fabulous wine…but I must say it sure was great to volunteer my time for such a meaningful cause!

Beth Peterson Greenwald: Simply fabulous! Well done!

Priscilla and Patrick Lundgren: Yes it was a wonderful event, we really enjoyed the 1999 Ridge and a Riesling that Lee (Lee’s Wine Bistro) was pouring.

Kim Larsen, PK Chocolates: Had a great time last night at the Vine 2 Wine Classic. Saw many friends, and made some fantastic contacts for some exciting future events.

Alex Slaten: We all had a good time and there were plenty of interesting new wines to try. Sign me up for next year!

Jennifer Chadwick: What a wonderful event…the wine was fabulous and I for one loved the cheese…maybe I’m biased? 🙂 It is always one of our favorite events and we at Salt Creek Grille are proud to have been involved again with The Circle of Hope’s Vine to Wine. Cheers and thanks again on a great event!

Roman Weiser: Well organized event, with ample space for everyone to enjoy.

Claudia Sheridan: There were many great wines presented, and what a treat to be able to taste the wines the Jacobsons were pouring. I look forward to next year’s event!

Denise Lowe: The cause was great, the wines were diverse, the people warm and friendly.  It was a very nice event.

Laurie Morgan: It was very fun. Also, the Santa Clarita Artists’ Association had several members’ art exhibited. Added an extra nice ambiance.

Cancer survivor Wendy Warner Thrush: It wasn’t that long ago…you never forget the day, the time, nor what you were wearing, or who you were with, the day you are diagnosed with CANCER!  I will try my best in words, and on Facebook to THANK everyone for contributing to The Vine 2 Wine Classic last evening. The activity center was packed with conversation, music, wine tasting, eating, beer sampling, dessert heaven, smiles, tears all for such a wonderful local cause. My heart is full of joy, and love for all my friends who worked so hard to make this a special evening for so many in our community of Santa Clarita who have or are fighting Breast Cancer…you are all appreciated and loved by ME! Thank you! A wonderful evening!

From Wine Chair Jeff Jacobson

I’m really excited that we were able to bring the Wine Classic back from the dead, along with Honest Abe Lincoln, who supervised our pouring a very rare Madeira from 1863, the year of his Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation.

I am truly grateful for all the help from my wine committee members, Steve Cravitz and Zaheer Ali, for the support of the wineries and distributors who gave their wines and time, our library wine contributors who reached so deeply and generously into their personal wine cellars, to the wine pourers and other volunteers, without whom we couldn’t have staged the event, to the Betty Ferguson Foundation for handing their wonderful Vine 2 Wine event to the Circle of Hope, and for Ray Tippet, his staff and the Directors of the Circle of Hope, for bringing the event to the people of Santa Clarita. My family and I are proud that we were able to help with it.

Our sincere thanks goes to John Burton and Southern Wine & Spirits of So. CA and Kevin Byrne and Wine Warehouse, for their heroic support.   Together, they recruited almost 20 wine tables.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone for attending our terrific event, and helping the Circle of Hope raise urgently needed funds to assist local uninsured and underinsured breast cancer victims and their families.

Jacobson’s Plans for 2013

We’re busy planning next year’s extravaganza, and we hope to offer a limited number of tastes of a very rare and amazing 1853 “King Pedro V” Port, in cask for 150+ years, to a limited number of people who, as with the 1863 Madeira, would like to arrange for their special taste. We hope to entice the late King Pedro V of Portugal to put in a special appearance at next year’s event.

We had fun with the “Gettysburg Address” and 1863 Madeira tie-in last weekend, but, the most notable event of 1853 seems to have been the invention of potato chips!

The Wine List

Campesino Cellars

Constellation Brands

Donati Family Vineyard

Estrella Creek Winery

Fess Parker Vineyard & Winery

Francis Coppola Winery

Freixenet USA / Gloria Ferrer

Italian Wines

Jackhammer Winery

Kenneth Volk Vineyards

Louis M. Martini Winery

J Lohr Vineyards and Wines

Lee’s Wine Bistro

Les Deux Chats Cellars

Meola Vineyards

Navarro Vineyards

Niven Family Estates

Non-Alcoholic Beverage Table

Nuggucciet Cellars

Old Creek Ranch Winery

Pedroncelli Winery

Pisoni Vineyards

Prestige Wine Imports

Pulchella Winery

Quady Winery

Red Wines of the World

Sparkling Wines

Stanger Vineyards

TOG (The Other Guys)

Treasury Wine Estates

Roman Holiday Wine Bar

Rosenthal – The Malibu Estate Wines

Sunrise Spirits & Food Co. Valencia

Vino V Wines

Wente Vineyards

Whitcraft Winery

Woodland Hills Wine Company

Young’s Market

Winery representatives included: Prestige Wine Imports, Freixenet USA / Gloria Ferrer, Francis Coppola Winery, Wente Vineyards and Constellation Brands, Whitcraft Winery, Treasury Wine Estates; Distributed by Southern Wine & Spirits of Southern California, J Lohr Vineyards and Wines, Niven Family Estates, Louis M. Martini Winery, Kenneth Volk Vineyards, Donati Family Vineyard, and Fess Parker Vineyard & Winery, Pedroncelli Winery, Rosenthal – The Malibu Estate Wines; Distributed by Wine Warehouse, Estrella Creek Winery, Meola Vineyards; Transat Trade, Jackhammer Winery; Topline Wine & Spirit Co., Les Deux Chats Cellars, Glendale, Navarro Vineyards, Pisoni Vineyards, Pulchella Winery, Nugucciet Cellars, Quady Winery, Old Creek Ranch Winery, Stanger Vineyards, Roman Holiday Wine Bar, Sunrise Spirits & Food Co., Woodland Hills Wine Company and Young’s Market; The Estates Group.

Library Wines
Donations of exceptional wines poured by our “friends,” from their personal wine cellars:

Chris and Jeannie Carpenter

Roger and Gwen Gertz

Les Hershberger and Mamie Wong

Jeff, Joan and Julie Jacobson

Julie Jacobson holding one wine I liked - she didn't have enough arms for all of the wine I dug!

Robert and Annie Schwartz

Thank You From Circle of Hope (Excerpt from Program)

Thank you to the Betty Ferguson Foundation for allowing us to continue on this prized tradition. Thank you to Jeff Jacobson, our wine director, for donating countless hours of his time, bringing back the classic, and melding these two great events into what has become the Vine 2 Wine classic. We are extremely grateful for the fabulous wineries and merchants Jeff has invited to participate in this evening’s event.

Thank you to Kevin Byrne of Wine Warehouse and John Burton of southern Wine & spirits of southern California, we can’t thank you enough for your and your company’s generous support of circle of hope and our Vine 2 Wine classic. Your contribution to our event truly sets us apart from any other wine event in our area, and we owe it to you.

We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the City of Santa Clarita for allowing us to use this wonderful facility. to Mike and Pam Ripling for finding this site, and a special thank you to Bob Kellar for all his help in securing the Santa Clarita activity center. to Pat Downing, Judy Baker, Cynthia Gonzalez, and their entire staff, for the professionalism they offered in working with circle of hope to make this event a reality.

We would also like to thank Janice Murray, this year’s Vine 2 Wine chairman.  Also a big thank you to Pam Ripling, Circle of Hope events committee chairman. To our Vine 2 Wine Classic Committee, thank you for your time and dedication to making this event possible.

A special thank you to the library wine donors Chris & Jeannie Carpenter, Roger & Gwen Gertz, Les Hershberger and Mamie Wong, Jeff, Joan & Julie Jacobson, Yoon Lee, and Robert & Annie Schwartz.   Thank you for opening your private cellars to tonight’s guests.

Thank you to the participating wineries, merchants, food vendors, artists, and musicians –Jimmy Carnelli and friends – this event would not have been possible without your participation and support.

A big thank you this evening’s volunteers and wine pourers. We appreciate your help enormously, and this event would not be what it is without your support.  Thank you to Linda Woolf, for coordinating the volunteer effort.

We would like to say a special thank you to Angela Capodanno for her amazing graphic layouts – not only for this program, but for the past two years – bringing Circle of Hope’s brand alive and capturing the essence of who and what circle of hope is.  All we can say is thank you for all your hard work.

Thank You to All of our Guests. Thank you for supporting the 11th annual Vine 2 Wine Classic and the Circle of Hope.  Together, we can make a difference!

Thank You to our Artists.  Circle of Hope would like to thank the artists from the Santa Clarita Art Association for providing an amazing collection of their works this evening. The addition of fine art enhances our event, and we appreciate their talents.

Thank You to our Food Vendors

Hidden Havana Cuban Café

Salt Creek Grille catering

Blooming Bakery

Cake Goodness

Kokolita Cakes

Nana’s Banana Bread

Pacific Coast Honey

PK Chocolates

Toffee Dejour

Kona Bar

Circle of Hope: Making a difference today for a brighter future tomorrow

Circle of Hope, Inc. is the only breast cancer organization in the Santa Clarita Valley that provides financial, emotional and educational support for breast cancer patients.  The community has embraced us since our formation in 2004.  Circle of Hope assists breast cancer patients who live in, work in, or receive treatment in the SCV.

We believe that providing financial and emotional support will improve the individual’s chance of success in their battle against breast cancer. We help clients access and understand the treatment process, and we provide financial assistance for medications, co-pays, second opinions, testing and cobra payments.  Additionally, Circle of Hope educates youth and young adults on the importance of early detection. http://www.circleofhopeinc.org/

Michael Perlis Discovers Family Winemakers of California again

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Family Winemakers of California
Thirteenth Annual Trade Tasting
Pasadena Convention Center
Tuesday, March 13th

If I had to go to only one wine tasting event per year, it would be the Family Winemakers of California tasting held annually in Pasadena. With typically about 200 wineries represented, many of which are not readily available, this event provides perhaps the broadest exposure of what California has to offer. And please be aware that, while this event is for members of the trade and media only, the Sunday prior to this event is reserved for the Family Winemakers tasting in San Diego, which is also open to the public and definitely worthy of a road trip.

Staff Writer Michael Perlis

The only problem is, with so many wineries present, it is virtually impossible to make much more than a dent in the lineup, but I was determined to do my best.

That being said, I spent time visiting with two of my old favorites…

Neil Roberts of Clavo Cellars in Templeton is quietly producing a lineup of excellent whites [Albarino, Vermentino, Grenache Blanc, Viognier] and delicious fruit-forward but not overpowering reds [Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, Malbec and a Red Blend].

And while nobody would confuse “mad scientist” Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines with the more mild-mannered Neil, Larry is doing a similarly great job with both whites and reds in Los Olivos.

But the clock was ticking and I needed to try some more wines. These were the other standouts for me…

I had not tasted the wines of Collier Falls (Healdsburg) in some time. I really enjoyed their Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel and Primitivo.

I poured next to Conway Family Wines (San Luis Obispo) last year when I helped Neil of Clavo Cellars out at a Rhone Rangers tasting, but didn’t remember much from that experience. This time, I got to appreciate their wines, especially their Syrah and Rhone Blend.

CORE Family Winery (Santa Maria) seemed to have their entire extensive lineup available to taste. I’m a fan of Dave Corey’s Mourvedre.

Demetria Estate (Los Olivos) is acquiring quite a following these days. I especially liked their Syrah and Rhone Blend.

Winemaker Jeff Cohn of JC Cellars (Oakland) has been making excellent wines since 1997. Really liked their Syrah and Zinfandel.

John Rorbert Eppler Wines (Alameda) impressed me with their Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.

I think Santa Clarita locals Patty and Chris Connolly had the smallest winery at the tasting: Les Deux Chats Cellars (Paso Robles) with production of only 460 cases. I was very impressed with their Roussanne and Viognier.

Unfortunately, Rick Longoria of Longoria Wines (Los Olivos) didn’t bring any “Blues Cuvee” with him that day, but the Tempranillo made a nice substitute.

Martian Ranch Vineyard and Winery (Los Alamos) – great name, nice people, and a really tasty Grenache.

Montage Vineyards (Oxnard) was pouring a diverse lineup – my favorites were the Grenache and Syrah.

The Zinfandels and Petite Sirah of Robert Biale Vineyards (Napa) were some of the best of the day.

After Kent Rosenblum sold Rosenblum Cellars, he founded Rock Wall Wine Company (Alameda), with his daughter Shauna as winemaker. Very impressed with the Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, and Tannat.

Summers Estate Wines (Calistoga) continues to be one of the few producers of Charbono, and they do it very well.

Focused on food-friendly wines, Urban Legend Cellars (Oakland) got my attention, especially with their Barbera and Dolcetto.

Finally, Veedercrest Vineyard & Winery (Sonoma) was pouring their incredible Merlot and an excellent line-up of their Cabernet Sauvignons.

All in all, a good afternoon’s work, but I still only tasted at about 10% of the wineries’ tables.

Next year, gotta get that number up.

Michael Perlis provides outsourced controller services to businesses that do not need a full-time controller. He balances this with his interest in wine: reading and writing about it and, of course, drinking it. He is still trying to figure out how to combine these two pursuits. Feel free to contact him about either at mcpfinancial@aol.com or michaelthezinfan@aol.com.

4TH ANNUAL FOOLS’ PARADISE GOLF TOURNAMENT AND WINE TASTING (or just wine tasting!)

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Since 1995, Single Mothers Outreach has focused on restoring dignity to single parents who struggle to provide for their families in the midst of major life changes. Through your support, together we can strengthen both families and communities.

Single Mothers Outreach is holding the 4th Annual Fools’ Paradise Golf Tournament and Wine Tasting event on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at Robinson Ranch Golf Club. All proceeds will be used to support services to strengthen single parent families.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information please contact event chair, Dawn Hovhannisyan at 661.607.6886.

Foursome early bird rate is $625 (expires January 31st).

Pulchella wines

Les Deux Chats wines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To purchase golf & dinner, please visit www.foolsparadise.eventbrite.com

To purchase wine and dinner only, visit www.foolswine.eventbrite.com

For more information, contact Dawn Hovhannisyan at 661.607.6886

Wine and Dine with Les Deux Chats (Two very local CATS)

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I’ve known Les Deux Chats (The Two Cats) for a few years now, they are another couple of local winemakers going commercial: Chris and Patty Connolly.  And I’m so excited to hear of their first wine pairing dinner created with Chef Tamra Levine at our very own Salt Creek Grille Valencia.  Tamra said, “It will be a more casual event in that you just make a reservation.  The winemakers will be going from table to table to sit and talk with guests.”  And families are welcome!

Yes, please meet me there wine friends – and bring your families!  Diners will be able to sit anywhere in the restaurant and are encouraged to bring friends and family.  (Anyone can order off of the regular menu if they chose not to do the pairing.)  My favorite events are ones that we can all share together, whether drinking Two Cats or drinking in the atmosphere!

Thursday, May 26, 2011 , 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Wine and Dine with Les Deux Chats Wine

Les Duex Chats Cellars creates superb hand-crafted,
small-lot wines that are a pleasure to drink and share.
Handpicked grapes from 80 year-old vines serve as the incredible
start to the varietals you’ll experience during the Les Duex Chats Wine Pairing Dinner.

You and your dining companion(s) will relax and connect
at your private table or booth, while the winemakers visits and
answers questions during your three course pairing meal.
Unlike traditional wine pairings, this experience allows for you
and your guests to enjoy private table or booth seating and a
relaxed, personal engagement with the winemakers.

Make your reservation between 5:00pm and 7:30pm for Salt Creek’s first wine and dine dinner and meet the wine makers from Les Deux Chats Wine. This is sure to be an event everyone will be talking about.
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The menu will be as follows:

First Course
Roasted Butternut Squash, Caramelized Onion with Fontina Cheese Tart over a bed of
Baby Arugula dressed in Balsamic Syrup
2010 Les Deux Chats Viognier
2009 Les Deux Chats Roussanne

Second Course
Handkerchief Pasta Lasagna layered with
Mushroom, Tomato and Caper Ragout
Topped with
Grilled Gourmet Sausages
2009 Les Deux Chats Zinfandel

Third Course
Red Berry Kissel with Vanilla Cream
2009 Les Deux Chat Zinfandel/ Coffee

$34.95 plus tax and gratuity, reserve: 661-222-9999