New-Haul To-Go: A Drive Through Experience

May 29, 2020 by evebushman

Popular Newhall Restaurants, Specialty Food Shops, Bars and Winery Tasting Rooms Join Together For One Day

With First-Ever Drive-Through Experience

Rising to the challenge that the current pandemic has placed us all in, and the need to supply food and beverages in a whole new way, several businesses in downtown Newhall have joined forces to share their best offerings, on one day, via “drive-through” pickups. The event is set for Saturday, June 6 from 4 to 7 pm. At press time the food and beverage-based businesses joining the event include Newhall Refinery, Old Town Junction, Eighth and Rail, Double Trouble Wine Room, Newhall Press Room, El Trocadero Mesquite Grill and Cantina, Pulchella Winery and Tasting Room, Rocket Fizz SCV, Brewery Draconum and the Old Town Newhall Farmers’ Market.

Photo credit – Gregory Real Estate Group

“This idea is new for us in Santa Clarita,” said event creator Eve Bushman, “But I’ve seen this in some wine areas since I had the idea, and wanted to be the first to offer this newsworthy experience here at home where we could all ‘travel’ locally to enjoy.”

Drive-through guests can start at either end of Main Street, pick and choose which business to drive up to purchase their items, all will have signage and tables set up outside of their establishments, no advance ticket or fee is required to attend. Some of the purchasing can be done online ahead of time – see the Facebook page posts for each business before the event for their advertising – and live at the event from their car.

Simon Mee, owner of Newhall Refinery commented, “We normally have big events down here, like Senses on Main, that serve our community. When Eve approached us with the idea we thought it was worthwhile. It had been a long time since we’ve been able to come together and this just seemed to be a good fit.”

For more information contact Eve Bushman Eve@EveWine101.com

Favorite Downtown Restaurant Newhall Refinery is Changing Their Concept

May 14, 2020 by evebushman

Restaurants are taking many measures to comply with current safety laws while protecting their guests and staff,

Newhall Refinery is Leading the Pack With The First to Offer QR Code No Touch Dining

SANTA CLARITA, CA – Newhall Refinery, located on Main Street in popular Downtown Newhall, has moved far forward to protect their guests and staff with QR code scanning from the table. “QR scanning will play a big role for businesses to help minimize contact,” owner Simon Mee began. “By simply scanning a QR code located at the table guests will be able to view menu options and place orders from their own device.” Orders will then be sent directly to the kitchen and bar. This technology is designed to prevent handling of menus as well as providing no-touch payment. Guests will also have the option to order from a designated area at the bar if preferred. Mee continued, “We’re doing our best to be at the forefront of these challenging times and I believe these game changing steps are the way forward for us.”

Newhall Refinery has also partnered with OpenTable – one of the largest on-line reservation companies – to help limit guest flow at any given time. With eyes on the future Newhall Refinery is being proactive introducing new systems to minimize point of contact, that protect guests and are in compliance with L.A County restrictions.

Owner Simon Mee said, “Our focus remains on the health and safety of the community – including the well-being of our team. We have already implemented a number of enhanced safety measures, such as increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfection in prep areas and front of house, adjusting practices to promote physical distancing, and providing our team and guests with access to necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including complimentary face coverings.”

Contact Newhall Refinery by phone at 661-377-4477 or online http://newhallrefinery.com to view their current menus.

Support Local Restaurants and Wineries – That Have Supported the Local Community

May 8, 2020 by evebushman

People that know me for the events I’ve worked on know that I have a couple of pet peeves that I make pretty clear to organizers before I’ll consider getting involved. The first is the pay-to-play event where the restaurant or winery is not only asked to donate food/wine and their personnel, they are also asked to pay for the privilege. Really? I don’t work on those.

Shannon Mee, Eve, Simon Mee. The Mees own Egg Plantation and Newhall Refinery.

The second pet peeve are the non-profit events where the organizers (and/or volunteers working for them) recruit wineries and restaurants and yet don’t “return the favor” by buying wine from the wineries, or dining in said restaurants.

I think both practices are pretty shameful. Today I’ll tackle how to rectify the latter issue, and how we can support our local community by dining out and buying wine now.

In this time of the Coronavirus I’ve made lists of all of the restaurants that have remained open that have donated to any of the events I’ve worked on or promoted. It was always appropriate to pay them back before, and to me, even more so now. So below you will find several lists of Santa Clarita businesses that have given their food or wine away to our non-profits for free.

At press time, this is a list of the restaurants on the FeedSCV website offering Drive-Thru/take Out. From this list I’ve selected the ones (and some I’ve added) that have supported the SCV by way of an event or other means (food for students) and if my memory serves me correctly they include:

Double Trouble Wine Room, Egg Plantation, Newhall Refinery, Gyu-Kaku, Honu Coffee, Jill’s Cake Creations, Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Marston’s Restaurant, Nealie’s Skillet, Newhall Press Room, Old Town Junction, Olive Terrace Bar and Grill, Route 66 Classic Grill, Salt Creek Grille, The Local Pub and Grill, The Social, Wolf Creek Brewery, Wolf Creek Restaurant, Alchemy, Solita Tacos and Margaritas.

Other restaurants that I’m not sure (again at press time) if they are open, but we may be able to buy gift cards from to support them now, and/or dine in them once the re-open. These include Greater Pacific in the Hyatt, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Smokehouse on Main, Claim Jumper, Red Lobster, Brewery Draconum, DeRobertis Family Artisan Cheeses (offers classes), Clarice’s Cake and Candy Supplies and Jersey Mike’s.

Local wineries (again some may be open for curbside service so check with them first) that have participated in non-profit events include Pulchella Winery, Parhelion Cellars, Entourage by Two Papas, Due Nasi, Pagter Brothers, Hoi Polloi Winery (Pagter and Hoi Polloi share the Double Trouble Wine Room on Main Street in downtown Newhall), Golden Star Vineyards, Alonso Family Vineyards (at Le Chene), Stephen Hemmert Wines, Reyes Winery and Agua Dulce Winery.

For me, to date, I’ve purchased from Newhall Press Room (dinner and groceries), Salt Creek Grille (dinner and wine), Egg Plantation (lunch and groceries), Route 66 Classic Grill (dinner and cocktails to go), The Social (dinner and cocktails to go), Olive Terrace Bar and Grill (dinner and wine to go), Wolf Creek Restaurant (dinner and wine to go), Parhelion Cellars (free no-touch delivery and discounted wine) and Pulchella Winery (club wine delivered). I have many more to go. (Note: When I’ve shared photos on social media there is usually one or more comments regarding other restaurants people want me to visit. Nothing against those, we all have our reasons to support different local businesses, but I have my way and you may have yours. Doesn’t make either wrong! Support local is good any way that you do it, just do it.)

The events that come to mind when I made these lists are food and wine centric. These include my own Cocktails on the Roof and Wine on the Roof as well as other big non-profit events like our Taste of the Town, Vine 2 Wine, The Wine Affair, Sunset in the Vineyard and the SCV Charity Chili Cook Off – and I’m sure there are others I haven’t thought of.

So if you have attended a food or wine event in this town, please take a moment to think of the wines and dishes you’ve enjoyed, and make your own list. Those in the service industry need our support now more than ever. And if you happen to be reading this in another community, I challenge you to seek out and patronize the restaurants and wineries that have supported your town as well. And then keep up the habit!

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.

Newhall Refinery NEW Reserve Wine List is a Wish List For Everyone

October 27, 2018 by evebushman

Several factors should go into play when creating a wine list. As a consumer we may not be aware of all of them. As a wine writer I get to learn some of them. Here’s what I learned and what you can now expect from the new Reserve Wine List at Newhall Refinery.

Simon and Shannon Mee, owners of Newhall Refinery, already had re-vamped their existing Wine List with the help of Guy Lelarge, formerly of Valencia Wine Company. Lelarge introduced several new wines – that have become new favorites – while removing some older wines from the list. But it doesn’t end here for the Mees and Lelarge, as Newhall Refinery is one of the most cutting edge restaurants in the Santa Clarita Valley (many would argue that they are the most cutting edge) they wanted to create a reserve wine list that would encompass classic Napa wineries as well as global favorites, wines with high critic scores, name recognition and pair the best with their ever-changing fare.

One look at the new Reserve Wine List (below) and wine aficionados will notice a Far Niente vertical, 2010, 2011 and 2012 – of their Cave Collection Cabernet Sauvignon. They may also notice that the selections also include global choices – notably France and Italy – to pair with the dinner menu, Chef Dustin’s weekend menus and of course, the upcoming holiday parties and special events in The Cellar at Refinery.

These new reserve wines are now safely tucked away, in a temperature controlled wine fridge in The Cellar, near to the decorative racks of wines that will still be available from the latest wine menu.

There will be three by-the-glass selections, all Napa Cabernet Sauvignons: the 2015 Duckhorn, 2014 Silver Oak and a 2012 Heitz Trailside. How can they possibly open such nice bottles just for a glass? The Mees have purchased a Coravin Model 2, which is a unit that extracts wine from the bottle without removing the cork. Usually winery representatives and distributors use this model. Lucky for us, the Mees know the value of fresh wine as well.

Lastly, there are only a select number of these wines that are currently available, so don’t wait too long to come in and try a new dinner pairing at Newhall Refinery!

My own opinion of this new Reserve Wine List: it’s incredible! And now we both now know – and can appreciate – what should go into the selection process.

The Reserve List

PINOT NOIR

Patz & Hall ‘Gap’s Crown’, Sonoma Coast, 2015

Sea Smoke ‘Southing’, Santa Rita Hills, 2014

Sea Smoke ‘Ten’, Santa Rita Hills, 2015

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Bella Union, Napa, 2015

Duckhorn, Napa, 2014

Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, 2014

Heitz ‘Trailside’, Napa, 2012

Nickel & Nickel ‘Rock Cairn’, Oakville, 2015

Caymus ‘Special Selection’, Napa, 2014

Far Niente ‘Cave Collection’, Napa, 2010

Far Niente ‘Cave Collection’, Napa, 2011

Far Niente ‘Cave Collection’, Napa, 2012

Stag’s Leap ‘SLV’, Napa, 2015

RED BLENDS

Flora Springs ‘Trilogy’, Napa, 2015

Miner ‘The Oracle’, Napa, 2013

Opus One Meritage, Oakville, 2014

Joseph Phelps ‘Insignia’ Meritage, Napa, 2014

Dominus Meritage, Napa, 2014

ITALIAN WINES

Pio Cesare Barolo, Piedmont 2013

Antinori ‘Guado Al Tasso’,

Bolgheri Superiore D.O.C, 2013

FRENCH WINES

Joseph Drouhin ‘Vosne-Romanee’, Burgundy, 2016

Chateau Magdelaine, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux 2011 Chateau Lynch Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux, 2010

PORT WINES

Dow’s 30 Year Tawny Port

Grahams Vintage Port, 1983

Vintage Eve Circa 5/2015: Taste of the Town, aka TOTT, x 27 Years Strong!

June 26, 2018 by evebushman

“Over 50 restaurants and caterers serve up all the food you can eat, all the wine & beer you can drink, plus top-notch entertainment, silent & live auctions in a beautiful garden setting.” And this year we got another great teaser, check out the great photo by Laura Kirchhoff, Taste of the Town at Sunrise…

Exhausted. Even though as a media sponsor we were given VIP seating and full table service, we felt compelled to leave our shady seats, plate after plate of tantalizing treats and two bottles of wine – and walk the whole entire event from one end to the other.

We started by checking in with a few of the hardworking people that made this year’s event a success.

Lois Bauccio, President and Executive Director, Child and Family Center Foundation commented, “We are touched and gratified by the incredible outpouring of support from the community for the event this year. It means so much to the kids and families who receive services at Child and Family Center.”

Laina McFerren, Co-Founder, Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewery and event co-chair along with Ginger Levang, “We are so lucky to live in a community that supports its non-profits in such a big way. Thanks to all of the sponsors, Child and Family Center staff and volunteers who made this day possible. It definitely ‘takes a village’ and the whole village seemed to show up yesterday! We couldn’t have asked for a better day in support of a better cause. Looking forward to 2016!”

Also got this lovely quote from Jennifer Gerard, President and CEO of Whitening Lightning, Gerard Cosmetics Inc., and the “Top Chef” sponsor of the event, “Taste of the Town is always SCV’s greatest event of the year. Attendees can count on great food, music and fun just the way residents of this town can count on our Child and Family Center to be there for us and our families during times of crisis.”

Now with our handy acrylic plates, we braved the heat to keep our plates and glasses filled. Not a problem for any seasoned TOTTers, we enjoyed photographing friends and filling up from:

Participants:

Angel City Brewery – IPA was refreshing.

Anheuser Busch

Bake You Happy – They had a nice selection but I stopped at the Brown Butter Cookies…

Bella Cucina – Looked like you could get your fill of pasta, risotto and rolls!

Bergie’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill – Juicy steak on a toothpick did the trick!

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – Yummy artichoke spinach dip!

Castaic Lake Water Agency – Much needed and appreciated cool bottled water!

Clarice’s Cake & Candy – Milk Chocolate and White Chocolate drenched strawberries.

Culinary Wonders – Doing demonstrations while serving Chilled watercress soup, Moroccan spiced beef and Matcha chocolate tarts; all excellent.

Eat Real Café – Gallons of hand squeezed juices cooled the crowd.

Fetzer Vineyards – A sweet Chardonnay and balanced Merlot were waiting at our table for me to open and sample!

Fireman’s Brew

Henry Mayo Café – Who knew that their Café was so good? They served up a cool-looking salad.

Honu Coffee – Perfect day for their Cold Brew.

Institute of Culinary Education at COC – Wowing us again with a stellar presentation of cheese, fruit and breads.

Island Pacific Grill

Lohr Vineyard & Wines – Back for another year to support our Child and Family Center.

Jasmine Thai Noodle & BBQ – Three different dishes but we were too full to sample them!

Jersey Mike’s Subs – Served up ½-size subs!

Jill’s Cake Creations – A white cake with whipped cream and strawberries was terrific.

Kokolita Cakes – Served as usual by 50s costumed ladies, people loved their yummy signature cupcakes and empanadas.

Kona Ice of Santa Clarita

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que – Very good Pulled Pork Slider and full-sized bottles of their BBQ sauce were free in exchange for your email!

Magnavino – A “Beautiful” white wine blend – look for it!

Marston’s

Mystic Hills Vineyard – Serving up their award-winning Unforgiven blend.

New Moon Valencia

Newhall Refinery – Food looked great (Octopus Ceviche and Chicken Liver Toast) but it was the Moscow Mules from their new craft cocktail menu I was drooling for.

Nothing Bundt Cakes – An awesome array of their frosted Bundt-lets!

Nuggucciet Cellars – Get your hands on the 2013 Pinot Noir – and don’t let go!

Parashars’ Indian Kitchen – I had always wanted to try them, and their spicy sauces over chicken didn’t disappoint.

Persia Restaurant

Pinot’s Palette

Pocock Brewing Company

Rattlers Bar-B Que

Regal Wine Company

Rita’s Italian Ice – Flavors this year included Mango, Strawberry Colada and…Marshmallow Peanut Butter!

Robinson Ranch – Serving up healthy pours of Stag’s Leap Chardonnay, paired with Ahi Poke and Caesar Salad.

Rubio’s

Salt Creek Grille Catering – Hot Dog Slider with Spicy Cucumber Relish and Creamy House Mustard. Heirloom Tomato Sandwich with Smoke Corn Aioli! Paired with a Jalapeno Meyer Lemon Drop!!

Signal Wine Club

Sisley Italian Kitchen

solita Tacos & Margaritas – Serving up their popular signature roasted corn, tacos and Margaritas!

StoneFire Grill

Stone Oven – Moist and meaty Panini triangles.

The Paseo Club – Pork and Mango tacos.

The Shrimp Haus

Valencia Country Club

Valencia Cigars & News

Vines Restaurant & Bar – Seafood Cocktail, very popular!

Whole Foods Market Valencia – GIGANTIC fresh oysters and Ahi Poke. Did you know that they have $1 Oysters on Fridays???

Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co.

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill

Wine Pavilion featuring  select wines from local wineries. (Sponsored by: Signal Wine Club)

Note: If we missed a table it wasn’t due to lack of interest or crowds, we were just getting to full! Next year we will start in the back of the event…maybe!

Story in a bazillion photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10205486763675912.1073741915.1455706632&type=1&l=83890ed442

LIVE AUCTION ITEMS

* Private Party for 20 at Piccola Trattoria

* DC Comics Super Hero Birthday Party for 6 at Six Flags Magic Mountain

* Custom Made Dress by Barbara Moore of Dream Dress

* One week at beachfront home in Mission Beach

* 3-night stay for up to 8 in a 2,536 square foot luxury villa in La Costa plus $500 gift card

* 6 nights retreat at a cabin in Arrowhead

* 7 nights in Maui at a 4,000 square foot home on the beach

* 3 nights for two in New York at the New York Hilton, with dinner at Tribeca & Broadway Show including airfare

* Wine pairing dinner for 8 prepared and served to your guests in your home

* One week in Vail Colorado (November 14-21) at Marriott’s Streamside Resort

* Four night stay at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, includes airfare, golf for two & daily breakfast

PLUS 130 FANTASTIC SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

http://www.childfamilycenter.org

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 guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition. 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

Newhall Refinery is Event-Full!

May 11, 2018 by evebushman

Yes, your favorite dining destination not only has a new wine list, Mother’s Day, the Chef’s Tasting Menus Friday, Saturday and Sundays, then comes Taco Tuesday, Late Night Fried Chicken until sold out on Thursdays after 7, Sunday Brunch, Tap Takeovers and new beers daily – whew – they’ve also got two extra special events for you coming up only on 5/23 (ticketless but will be a sell out for sure) and 6/10 (this one requires a ticket and at press time over half were sold) so plan ahead if you want to attend:

May

Newhall Refinery 5^th Anniversary Celebration With $5 Specials: 5 Years of Menu Favorites Available Until Sold Out.

Only from opening to closing on Wednesday May 23:

Lunch selections include the Refiner’s Fries, Hummus, Drunk Mac, Fish ‘N Chips, Mini Coffee ‘N Donuts for your $5 dessert as well as Beer and Cocktail Specials.

Dinner will have their House bread – a Country white with house made cultured butter finished with sea salt; from their Brunch – Refinery hash with poached/fried egg; From Taco Tuesday – they will offer a Calamari taco avocado radish; Water flower Wednesday will be the Papardelle Pesto Lobster; as well as Refiner’s Fries, Drunk Mac, Blueberry Bread Pudding and Coffee ‘N Donuts – again all until they run out!

Facebook event page link for updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/194438508003423/

June

Summer Wine Pop-Up at Newhall Refinery on the afternoon of June 10 is one I’m really looking forward to as they have all of the wineries – and one surprise winery – from the tasting rooms in downtown Newhall: Hoi Polloi, Pagter Brothers, Pulchella and Parhelion. The event will also feature some of the new wines for the new wine list at Newhall Refinery too! So it’s a true “shop local” event and a wine tasting! These are the teasers, I’m mystified by what will be in the “bubbles and dessert” area as well as where the location may be:

Undisclosed location just walking distance from Newhall Refinery…

Guests will receive a wristband and a map to the event…

Local wines, accompanied by delicious Summer Wine Selections by Newhall Refinery, to give guests…the perfect mix of adventure and imbibing!

Find our “bubbles and dessert” area…

Delicious bites from Newhall Refinery…

A trio playing live music…

Only 200 tickets available…

Ticket includes entry, a commemorative etched wines glass, food and wine!

Get tickets –> http://newhallrefinery.com/product/summer-wine-tasting-pop-up-event/

Facebook event page link for updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/1016900871793483/

More

September’s Wine Around the World Dinner takes you to…your own backyard – California! This is the fourth in this year’s series. Tickets here: http://newhallrefinery.com/product/wine-around-the-world-dinner-california/

Their Special Events Menu created by Chef Dustin Boole offers several options for a private affair in The Cellar for you and up to 49 of your pals.

There is always more, so stay tuned to these pages to see what’s next: http://newhallrefinery.com/events/

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

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

Tasting Wines From the New Newhall Refinery Wine List

February 16, 2018 by evebushman

On January 31 I joined about 50 local wine friends – now calling ourselves the #WineInfluencers – to taste through some of the new wines added to the Newhall Refinery wine list. They had recently expanded their list quite a bit (read the story about that here) so I was anxious to sample their new offerings myself.

Within 15 minutes into the tasting the room, aptly called “The Cellar”, became electrified! As people entered they happily greeted pals they didn’t know would be there (the guest list wasn’t public), started tasting at one of the three tasting stations, took photos for social media, noshed on mushroom toast, cheese and charcuterie and – started sharing notes with each other of which wines not to miss at each table.

Guy Lelarge, formerly of Valencia Wine Company, was responsible for working with owners Simon and Shannon Mee, and the staff, before curating the wines at the best prices possible. He also added suggested pairings to the menu. When I had an exceptional Sauterne towards the end of the evening, and was on the hunt for the exquisite blue cheese they had provided to have with it, I told Guy he should pair that particular wine with a cheese plate for their dessert menu. He already had.

Of the wines we tasted below, and I didn’t sample everything, I bolded my favorites. Some I skipped as I’ve tasted before, the DAOU and Prisoner being two favorites that I would definitely order but didn’t need to taste again. And my pals like to tease me as I’m not a huge Pinot Noir fan, those were skipped as well, you know, (really) just to avoid palate fatigue.

My own quote for the evening was, “The energy in the room among wine lovers was palatable!” And last but in no way least, a big cheers to the Mees to now have such a broadly appealing wine list that really adds to their already uber-popular chef-inspired dishes.

What We Tasted

WHITE

Borgo Conventi Pinot Grigio 2015 / Italy

Vidal-Fleury Viognier 2015 / France

Matua Sauvignon Blanc 2016 / New Zealand

Orogeny Chardonnay 2016 / Russian River, CA

Flowers Chardonnay 2013 / Sonoma, CA

RED

Diora Pinot Noir 2015 / Monterey, CA

Patz & Hall Pinot Noir 2014 / Sonoma, CA

Belle Glos Pinot Noir 2016 / Santa Barbara, CA

Pedroncelli Zinfandel 2015 / Sonoma County, CA

Château Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape/ France

Viña Magna Ribera Del Duero 2015 / Spain

Trefethen Merlot 2014 / Napa, CA

Consilience Syrah 2014 / Santa Barbara, CA

Stag’s Leap Winery Petite Sirah 2014 / Napa, CA

Prisoner Red Blend 2016 / Napa, CA

Drumheller Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / WA, USA

Daou Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / Paso Robles, CA

BUBBLES & DESSERT WINES

Riondo Prosecco 187ml / Italy

Nicolas Feuillate Brut Rosé Champagne 375ml

Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne 750ml

Château Grand-Jauga Sauternes 2015 375ml / France

The Full New Wine List online.

Information on their popular Around the World Dinner Series.

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

The All-Events Column

February 9, 2018 by evebushman

I used to do a round up of upcoming events, ones that I’ve been to and some that were new to me, nearly every year. Not sure why I stopped but, honestly, my wine world has grown so much – with more events than even I can ever go to – I think I just got busy! Let’s rectify that today. These are events coming up that you may just want your own “taste” of:

better horizonal view newhall refinery valentine

“The Cellar” is transformed into this romantic setting for Newhall Refinery’s Valentine’s Day Dinner.

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Newhall Refinery 2/14: Once again Chef Dustin Boole is creating a 4 Course dinner, accompanied by a Beer or Wine Flight, Candlelight, Live Music, and Complimentary Valet. $195 Per Couple. Menu and wines can be seen here in the discussion portion of the event page on Facebook. This is their third year I believe and our favorite.

Lodi in Los Angeles in Marina Del Rey 2/21: wineLA has teamed up with LoCA – The Wines of Lodi, California to showcase some of the best wines, wineries, and winegrowers of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 2015 Wine Region of the Year. Held at the Marina City Club in Marina del Rey, this event will feature a wide variety of wines to taste, and a large assortment of foods to pair with! See many more events and classes on their website here: http://www.winela.com/

World of Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara March 2-3: The annual World of Pinot Noir event gathers the planet’s foremost Pinot Noir wineries and winemakers, renowned chefs, sommeliers and leading wine scholars in a weekend-long seaside celebration of this delicious and storied wine.

Family Winemakers in Pasadena March 17: The Saturday tasting is a one day event of award-winning small, family-owned wineries that create wines from many of the state’s fabled wine growing regions. Imagine the opportunity to taste over 500 wines offered by over 125 wineries. You’ll find upwards of 40 different varietals or blends from 60 of California’s famed appellations. If you can’t get to the wine country let them come to you! Whether you’re adding to your wine list, retail shelves or your private cellar, this is an opportunity to Taste California!

Vintage Paso March 16-18: Once a year Paso Robles toasts our heritage variety, Zinfandel. The 3-day celebration features events at more than 100 wineries, a Zin seminar, and the Z After Party, pairing Zin with dessert and live jazz. For more events in Paso Robles check out: https://pasowine.com/events/

Santa Ynez Winter Pass ends 3/31/18: With the pass, you’ll receive one tasting flight at each of our 15 Association winery tasting rooms for just $45. Your pass will expire when all 15 tastings have been used, or on March 31, 2018, whichever occurs first. Reservations are not required and passes are valid every day except February 16-19, 2018. (This pass has been extended, as the 101 is now open + more events in Santa Ynez area wineries can be found here)

Universal Whisky Experience April 4-7 at Wynn Las Vegas: The Nth 2018 will be a spectacular whisky master event, showcasing the best whiskies and brands in the world. This affair is a singular opportunity for serious whisky aficionados to come together to taste, savour, discuss and learn more about fine rare whiskies in the lavish, opulent atmosphere of the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. During this 4-day destination event in exciting and entertaining Las Vegas, you’ll indulge in exceptional whisky tasting opportunities, mingle with master distillers and blenders, and take pleasure in epicurean delights.

The Wine Affair Sip, Stroll and Savor the Sounds April 15 at Westfield Valencia Mall: This event benefits the work from our local Soroptimists of Greater Santa Clarita Valley, aka SIGSCV. Stay tuned to their website for updates.

Hospice Du Rhone in Paso Robles 4/26-28: Three days in the late spring have been reserved for an exclusive weekend surrounding all things Rhône. A palate provoking weekend embracing the enchantment, history and tastes of the twenty-two Rhône varieties. Throughout the weekend, tip your glass with international Rhône wine producers, journey through the largest collection of Rhône variety wines on the planet and savor exceptional Rhône cuisine all while taking in the inspiring and spirited Rhône community.

Wine Under the Stars is slated for 5/17 and brought to you once again by Yours Truly and the Wish Education Foundation: Welcome to “Wine on the Roof,” which will be held atop the new Laemmle Theatre parking garage now under construction at the corner of Lyons Avenue and Main Street in Old Town Newhall. The city has guaranteed that we will be the first group to host an event in what will be a very popular space…Read on for more of our latest out of the box idea:

Eve has secured Steve Lemley as our co-host for this unique never-before-seen event. Lemley is a well-respected SCV winemaker that co-owns the SCV Custom Crush Services. Lemley will curate our wines from his local facility that houses over twenty different wineries – most if not all will be making their debut that evening – and we will have a winemaker at each table to allow for interesting and knowledgeable discourse. Local restaurants are providing the incredible, multi course meal that will be paired exclusively for you.

Wine in the Pines in Pine Mountain 6/9: The Village of Pine Mountain Club has hosted wine festivals in June of each year beginning in 2003, and this year is no exception. Mark your calendars for the second Saturday of June each year for Wine in the Pines in Pine Mountain Village. From 1pm to 4 pm (with VIP entry starting at noon), you’ll be able to taste exciting wines from throughout California’s top wine-growing regions, with dozens of premier wineries to choose from. If you need a break from fine wines, there will be many craft breweries to choose from. And then there’s the food: some of Kern County’s, Santa Clarita Valley’s, and our own local (Pine Mountain) favorite restaurants will be on hand to serve you everything from classic European finger food and gourmet pizza to good-ole western barbeque. There’s nothing like pine-scented air and the shade of tall pines to complement the taste of good wine and equally good food, unless it’s live music—loud enough to set the mood, but smooth enough not to ruin it. Wine-themed art will also be on display to round out the afternoon.

Wines Around the World wine tasting dinners at Newhall Refinery is ongoing.

Quick links from the Dear Wine Friend e-newsletter: World of Pinot Noir 3/2-3, Family Winemakers 3/17, Vintage Paso 3/16-18, Santa Ynez Winter Pass ends 3/31/18 (Pass has been extended, 101 now open + more events in Santa Ynez area wineries can be found here), the Universal Whisky Experience 4/4-7, The Wine Affair 4/15, Hospice Du Rhone 4/26-28. Ongoing: Bev Mo on the Old Road Friday 4-7pm tastings, Events locally at Reyes Winery, Wine House events in WLA, LA Wine Tasting, Monopole Wine events in Pasadena and Eve does Wine Themed Parties.

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

Why Not Have…Drinking Goals for 2018? And No, it’s not too late to set them!

January 26, 2018 by evebushman

I’m not a person that makes new year resolutions often. It’s such a joke to set some very far-off sounding goal only to not even achieve it – as that’s become the norm. You can try and fool the system by setting goals that are simple to attain like…planning ahead for the next year’s resolutions you won’t be achieving! Egads, we’ve really become slackers.

So, in between not making resolutions at all or making resolutions that are too easy to achieve I challenge you to set some drinking resolutions. And feel free to be as lax as you want in reaching them – as it won’t matter to anyone whether you do or not! LOL.

These are my Drinking Goals for 2018, none of which requires over-imbibing but if you do please Uber:

Go to a tequila and/or Mezcal tasting as neither are in my comfort zone.

Go to more wine tastings of areas I’m unfamiliar with: Portugal (and not for the Port alone), Republic of Georgia, Finger Lakes…where else? Check out this CNN article on some lesser known wine areas.

Take advantage of more courses, maybe even a new certification, offered via my NASA (North American Sommelier Association) membership.

Frequent our local wine bars (Valencia Wine Company, Wine 661, Lee’s Wine Bistro, Newhall Press Room), winery tasting rooms (Pulchella, Double Trouble) and restaurants with fine wine lists (Le Chene, Newhall Refinery, Larsen’s, Greg’s List at Salt Creek Grille) more often.

Make it to the Japanese Food and Restaurant Expo put on by Mutual Trading again to further my education on Soju, Sake, beer and Japanese wine…all while sampling some delectable foods.

Continue to work with the WiSH Education Foundation to bring a new event to Old Town Newhall. Look for Wine Under the Stars early May where we will have wines culled from the latest winemakers making wine at the SCV Custom Crush Services paired with dishes from several different local restaurants. We will be the first to host an event on the rooftop of our new Laemmle theater.

Continue to work with our WiSH committee to bring in new spirit vendors to Cocktails on the Roof. This year marks our fourth year! (Save the date 9/7!) Last year our new vendor was Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur and they said it was the best event they had ever poured at! (If you rep a spirit vendor and want your product seen in the first and only premier cocktail event Santa Clarita Valley email me: eve@evewine101.com)

Continue looking for the Spirits One Level now offered globally from WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) since my Level Two in both isn’t transferable to take a Level 2 or 3 in Spirits alone. Haven’t found one offered remotely near me yet!

Get back to Denver to visit Stranahan’s again, see if I can get a taste of their annually made limited edition bourbon whiskey.

Get back to Park City to go to High West Distillery again as some of their spirits aren’t sold in here in California.

Continue my education on peated single malt whisky by attending LA Scotch Club’s annual Peatin’ Meetin’ again.

Take more classes at the Nth Show aka Universal Whisky Experience in Vegas early April…even though my husband may ditch me just to taste.

Make it to at least one meeting, aka tasting, of the no-longer-new LA Chapter of Women Who Whisky Club!

I hope to receive a comment or an email (eve@evewine101.com) with what your drinking resolutions are, I had so much fun making up mine!

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

Newhall Refinery Adds New Wine List For the New Year!

January 19, 2018 by evebushman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Newhall Refinery

24258 Main St. Newhall CA 91321

www.newhallrefinery.com

661-388-4477

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