37th Annual Santa Barbara Vintners Festival Returns to Santa Maria Valley

April 14, 2019 by evebushman

SANTA BARBARA, CA – 2019 – The Santa Barbara Vintners Festival, now in its 37th year, stands out in a world awash in wine festivals. Not only is it one of the largest wine festivals in Southern California, but it is often the actual winemaker or winery owner who is pouring for the public. Slated for May 4, 2019 at Rancho Sisquoc Winery, this festival sets itself apart as the wine festival put on by winemakers for wine lovers.

Novice and experienced oenophiles alike get the opportunity to ask their wine related questions during the weekend’s signature Festival Grand Tasting. Held the afternoon of May 4th, at majestic Rancho Sisquoc, the Festival Grand Tasting features over 70 wineries, many pouring newly released wines. Local food purveyors, live music, culinary and wine demonstrations, and a silent auction are a perfect pairing with the wine.

The Santa Barbara Vintners Festival allows wine lovers to taste over 70 varietals grown locally. No other wine festival in the world offers the opportunity to experience more local grapes. Santa Barbara is blessed with such great diversity because of its unique geography which includes a transverse valley. This east-west valley creates a quilt of micro-climates in the area, allowing for the wide range of grapes that thrive.

Drawing on the wealth of wine knowledge represented at the Festival, guests will get a behind-the-scenes look at how wine is made. There will be museum-like displays providing insight into the winemaking world, from watching a cooper make barrels, to seeing how wine actually gets in the bottle, to barrel-tasting at the winery itself.

During the weekend of the Festival, the Vintners Visa is also available. This $50 Wine Country Tasting Pass allows guests to pick tastings at 12 wineries in the county with over 40 wineries to choose from during the May 2-6, 2019 window. This pass is the most robust tasting ticket offered all year.

Several ticket options are available for the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival. Early Entry VIP access ($100), which allows holders access to the Festival Grand Tasting an hour before it opens to the public, General Admission ($75), Locals Only ($60) and Designated Drivers and Under 21 ($25).

This year the Festival returns to Santa Maria’s Rancho Sisquoc Winery, the beloved site of past Festivals. The winery is part of a 37,000 acre cattle ranch and farm purchased in 1952 by Mr. and Mrs. James Flood, who still own the property today. The ranch is part of an 1852 Mexican land grant and the Chumash Indians called this area “Sisquoc,” which meant “gathering place.” Today, Rancho Sisquoc remains a gathering place, this time for wine lovers.

The northern region of the Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, is renowned for world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. The area boasts 34 tasting rooms, six unique AVAs, 13 beaches, and a growing selection of local breweries, all within a beautiful 30-minute drive. If you are looking for sand dunes, hiking trails, horseback riding, cycling, and authentic Santa Maria Style barbecue, you’ll find all in Santa Maria Valley. Santa Maria Valley is the perfect home base to eat, drink and do more for less. Guests who are staying at any Santa Maria Valley hotel receive a special pass that include tastings at Santa Maria Valley area tasting rooms.

Tickets for the festival are available online now, visit www.sbvintnersweekend.com for more information.

SANTA BARBARA VINTNERS

The Santa Barbara Vintners (Santa Barbara County Vintners Association) is a non- profit 501 (c) 6 organization founded in 1983 to support and promote Santa Barbara County as a world-class, authentic wine producing and wine grape growing region. The Association includes winery members whose annual production is at least 75% Santa Barbara County (or sub-AVA) labeled, winery associates, vineyards, vineyard management companies, hospitality, and industry associate members. The Association produces festivals and wine country weekends; educational seminars and tastings; provides information to consumers, trade, and media; and advocates for the Santa Barbara County wine and grape industry. www.sbcountywines.com

Tasting: Two Papas Wines

April 12, 2019 by evebushman

I’ve known Rick Pratt, owner and winemaker for the new Entourage label by Two Papas Wine, for a few years now as he and his wife Teresa are one of the wineries that participate in Sunset in the Vineyard.

I’ve come to learn that Pratt’s wines are made from all Santa Barbara County grapes, that he makes the wines at Flying Goat Winery in Lompoc, and besides the event I mentioned you can also find his wines at Marston’s, Buellton Wine and Chili Fest, Santa Monica Fest and Sierra Pelona Wine Fest.

Pratt makes 240 to 320 cases per year of five varietals. Current releases (tasting notes below) are from 2017: Grenache Blanc, two different vineyards for two Grenache, a Grenache Syrah blend and a Syrah. Next up and in barrel now are the 2018s: all the same except that instead of the Grenache Syrah blend Pratt will be releasing a Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre (GSM) blend.

Most of the grapes come from the coveted Thompson Vineyard. Not to be confused with Thompson green table grapes, grapes from the Thompson vineyard are known to be the top Rhônes in the state, possibly in the country, according to Pratt, which he says are also wine critic Robert Parker’s favorite.

Even my fellow wine writer has reviewed Pratt’s wines and said, “…with Two Papas Wines, we may have a King of Grenache here in Santa Clarita.” Rusty Sly, February 1, 2019 http://www.slystateofwine.com/article

Tasting (Collective notes made with the Wine-y Women Meet-Up group. Some of their descriptors are in quotes. Aromas and flavors separated by;)

2017 Grenache Blanc

Saarloos and Sons Vineyards

El Camino Ranch, Los Olivos

12.5% alcohol

Grapefruit, fruit cocktail, tangerine and a hint of stainless steel; Green apple, dried apricot, lemon-lime, medium acid and that bit of steeliness. This was my favorite.

2017 Grenache

Saarloos and Sons Vineyards

El Camino Ranch, Los Olivos

13.8% alcohol

Strawberry, red plum, “Bing cherry” and wet pebbles; strawberry again, cherry cola, “warming”, earthy and tangy. This was a general favorite in the tasting.

2017 Grenache

Thompson Vineyard

Alisos Canyon, Santa Barbara County

13.8% alcohol

Cherry, raspberry jam, earth and oak; red fruit, a bit of grapefruit again and a little tartness.

2017 GS

75% Grenache, 25% Syrah

Thompson Vineyard

Alisos Canyon, Santa Barbara County

13.8% alcohol

“Bouquet of flowers”, opened “acorn nuts”, earth, blueberry, blackberry and a hint of caramel; dark fruit, red fruit, blue fruit, tannic and a bit acidic allowing for a long finish.

2017 Syrah

Thompson Vineyard

Alisos Canyon, Santa Barbara County

14% alcohol

“Black currant”, “Raisinettes”, oak, black cherry; black fruit, “chocolate cherry cordial”.

I also learned that Pratt has been licensed to sell commercially since October 2018, prices range from $27 to $35 a bottle, 10% discount to club members and club members that want to purchase above their allocation are extended a 15% courtesy. The commitment? Only three bottles twice a year. If you want more they also have a second club level, the Elite Club. It is two each of three bottlings twice a year. One in Spring just before Easter and one in early November, just before Thanksgiving. With that option 3 bottles twice a year averages $85 per shipment and 6 bottles twice a year averages $185 per shipment.

Pratt commented, “I love wine and talking about wines, just want to cover my expenses.”

(A note on the pretty ladies on his labels: The one with Natalie Wood on it has been granted permission for reuse, the others are models, including the lovely blond that is the Pratts’ daughter-in-law and the brunette in the large green hat is their daughter.)

https://twopapaswines.com/

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

STARS of Napa Valley Wine Returns to LA March 13th

March 2, 2019 by evebushman

Beverly Hills, California – Join wineLA at the Peninsula Beverly Hills for STARS of Napa Valley Wine on March 13th, 2019. Come taste alongside approximately 30 of the Napa Valley’s finest wineries! Did you know that Napa Valley produces 4% of our wine in California, but 30% of our total wine dollars?! Napa Vintners hold a very special place on the world stage and they are coming to Los Angeles in full force!! All grape varietals will be showcased! Napa gives us not only some of the best wine, but also some of the greatest diversity in varietal and style! The Peninsula Beverly Hills will expect to welcome hundreds of wine enthusiasts to meet the winemakers and celebrate Napa Valley’s most coveted wines.

Among the elite list of wineries showcasing their most popular pours are: 1849 Wine, Alpha Omega, Barnett Vineyards, Bouchaine Vineyards, Hertelendy Vineyards, Venge Vineyards, Frank Family Vineyards, Hesperian Wines, Kale Wines, Michael Mondavi Family Estate, Miner Family Winery, O’Connell Family, Teachworth Napa Valley, TOR, Trinitas Cellars, VGS Chateau Potelle, Yount Ridge Cellars, Emerson Brown Wines, Staglin Family Vineyard, Burgess Cellars, Newton Vineyard, Hestan Vineyard, Cliff Family Winery + many more!

In addition to the wineries confirmed to attend wineLA’s annual STARS of Napa Valley Wine event, tickets will include an elegant assortment of tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, and a number of lofty auction items to bid on with 100% of the auction revenue donated to The T.J. Martell Foundation, funding children’s cancer research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Master of Wine Dinner with TOR Wines hosted by Matt Deller M.W. 5:30PM VIP+ tickets can be purchased for $250. VIP admission begins at 6PM: Advanced tickets for the VIP experience may be purchased for $175 per person and will be $225 a t the door. The VIP experience features an Older Vintage Tasting, dinner buffet & gift bag. G eneral admission begins at 7PM: A dvanced tickets are $ 95 and will sold for $125 at the door. General Admission includes the unlimited wine tasting alongside tray-passed appetizers, silent auction, and cheese and dessert after party.

Tickets –> https://www.winela.com/stars-of-napa-valley

About wineLA

wineLA is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles one event at a time. To do so, wine must be in rhythm with food, fashion, and music, while also reflecting the geography, architecture and atmosphere of centers of interest. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, rooftops, gardens, and magical views. We are a part of the LA lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and we celebrate the people, the places and the passion!

About Napa Valley Vintners

wineLA has partnered with the Napa Valley Vintners to present THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS! All grape varietals will be showcased; From Bubbles to Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay and red wines that run the gamut such as: Merlot, Cabernet, Petite Verdot, Zinfandel, Meritage Blends and Rhone varietals such as Syrah and Grenache – Napa offers not only some of the best of California, but also some of the greatest diversity.

About The T.J. Martell Foundation
A silent auction containing many collectable and large format wines 100% benefits The TJ Martell Foundation, the music industry’s largest foundation funding innovative medical research focused on finding cures for children’s leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The Foundation sources and supports early-stage research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients who otherwise might not be supported. Learn more at tjmartell.org.

About Peninsula Hotel

The only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star-rated hotel in Southern California every year since 1993, The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers 194 guest rooms, including 38 suites and 16 private villas, nestled among lush tropical gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills. The Peninsula is located at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevards and within comfortable walking distance from the legendary Rodeo Drive.

Vintage Eve Circa Feb 2016: Wow, the 13th Annual Stars of Santa Barbara, by WineLA.com

February 26, 2019 by evebushman

Ian Blackburn of WineLA (formerly Learn About Wine) has done it again – rallied a stellar list of wineries to offer samples of their latest vintages at this year’s Stars of Santa Barbara event, once again held at the prestigious Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel. (Watch the event in a slide show here.)

STARS also included VIP winemaker speakers, 80s KROQ DJ Richard Blade taking requests, yummy noshables and a silent auction – with enough wine to deck out a great cellar – that benefitted the T.J Martell Foundation in supporting Leukemia, cancer and AIDS research.

VIP Session: Brian Loring and Greg Brewer

Winemakers Brian Loring of Loring Wine Company and Greg Brewer, Co-Founder Brewer Clifton Winery led the VIP session. Ian called these men two of the “top personalities” that were represented at the event. These are my take-away lessons:

From Brewer

The “sand and plankton” added to the “oceanic voice” of the Santa Rita Hills.

All estate vineyards from old Lompoc family farms, so these same family names are on their wine labels.

The fruit is “generous (and produces) lush, curvy, sexy wines.” They use the full cluster, like “nose to tail” as referenced in cooking. The stems and the flesh add to the long-lasting tannins.

Only problem in the industry is that though we don’t need to dumb down wine we do need to make it accessible and understandable to all.

Brewer got hooked on wine while working in a tasting room.

From Loring

About ten years ago Wine Spectator named him and Brewer as 2 of the 10 to watch.

Unlike Brewer, Loring doesn’t use stems at all. Joked that it was due to his dislike of vegetables. His wines are big and plush on their own.

His 2006 Pinot Noir, closed with a screw cap, had aged well. Loring wanted people to see that the closure doesn’t affect the aging.

Loring, joking again, said he got into wine via a work release program from prison. However, like Brewer, he had started in the industry working in a wine shop, “hung out at harvest” and then, along with his sister, went full time.

Now, onto the tasting (I had a wee bit of a cold so I’m sure there were some great wines that I missed!)

Big Hits for Me

Westerly Wines, Fletcher’s Red, Happy Canyon Santa Barbara 2010.

All of the Pinots from the Bonaccorsi Wine Company.

Clos Pepe (yes this wine is still available for purchase) Axis Mundi Grenache/Syrah 2012.

Crawford Family Wines Syrah, Zotovich Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills 2014 and Second Street Cuvee, Ballard Canyon 2013.

Summerland Winery Trio (GSM Blend) – Paso Robles 2013.

Margerum Amaro and M5 Rhone Blend, Santa Barbara 2013.

Coquelicot Estates Wines Mon Amour Bordeaux Blend and Sixer Rhone Style Syrah, both Santa Ynez Valley 2012.

Everything from Stolpman: ‘L’Avion’ Roussanne, Stolpman Vineyards, Ballard Canyon 2013; Estate Syrah, Stolpman Vineyards, Ballard Canyon 2013; ‘Originals’ Syrah, Stolpman Vineyards, Ballard Canyon 2013 and ‘La Croce’ Red Blend, Stolpman Vineyards, Ballard Canyon 2013.

Rusack Zinfandel, Ballard Canyon Estate (one of my fave AVAs in the area), 2013.

Everything from Larner Vineyard and Winery: Estate Grenache 2012

Estate Mourvèdre 2012; “Elemental” Estate GSM 2011 and Estate Syrah 2011.

Two from Crawford Family Wines: Syrah, Zotovich Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills 2014 and Second Street Cuvee, Ballard Canyon 2013.

From Tercero, two stay-tuned-for new releases: 2015 Mourvedre Rose and 2015 Aberration (a red blend in stainless steel).

DV8 Cellars: GSM, Santa Barbara County 2012 and Syrah, Ballard Canyon 2012.

Refugio Ranch Vineyards Escondrijo blend (Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah) 2012 and my pick of the day: a killer Petite Sirah 2013.

From Wine LA

Dedicated to keeping the populous current on the developments growing out of Santa Barbara, this Annual Tasting Event features the namesakes, owners, winemakers pouring some of the best wine made in California. Long before Sideways, LearnAboutWine was bullish about the quality of Santa Barbara wine. Today, with the continued evolution of Santa Barbara we see Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos and specifically Ballard Canyon focusing on Syrah and Rhone varieties and Happy Canyon focusing on Bordeaux varietals. Santa Barbara continues to make smaller production wines that need a story to be told and we deliver on that promise. Come and meet the winemakers, passionate owners, and the farmers and see why Santa Barbara deserves a bigger part of your wine budget and why you should plan a number of visits in the months ahead

2016 PARTICIPANTS

Bonaccorsi Wine Company
Brewer-Clifton
Brophy Clark Cellars
Ca’ Del Grevino Winery & Estate
Cargasacchi
Carucci Wines
Challen Winery
Clos Pepe Estate
Coquelicot Estate Wines
Consilience Wines
Crawford Family Wines
D’alfonso-Curran
Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards
Dv8 Cellars
Foxen
Inception Wines
Jaffurs Wine Cellars
Jonata
La Fenêtre Wines
Lafond & Santa Barbara Winery
Larner Vineyard & Winery
Levo Wines
Loring Wine Company
Margerum Wine Company
Refugio Ranch Vineyards
Riverbench Winery
Rusack Vineyards
Silver Wines
Stolpman Vineyards
Summerland Winery
Tantara Wines
Tercero Wines
Temerity Vineyard
The Brander Vineyard
The Hilt
The Paring
Thorne Wine
Westerly Wines
William James Cellars
Zaca Mesa Winery And Vineyards

Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance
Ave Winery
Ken Brown Wines
Kessler-Haak Vineyard & Winery

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

FitVine Wine Now Available at Bed Bath & Beyond and Cost Plus World Market

February 23, 2019 by evebushman

LODI, Calif. (PRWEB) – FitVine Wine, makers of clean great-tasting wines with less sugar, fewer sulfites and no flavor additives, continues their aggressive retail expansion plan by entering Bed Bath & Beyond and Cost Plus World Market. This expansion will make FitVine wines available in 23 Bed Bath & Beyond locations in 11 states and 259 Cost Plus World Market locations in 33 states.

FitVine Wine was born when friends made a pact to craft amazing wines that would complement their active lifestyles and not compromise their health and fitness goals. They began with sourcing the cleanest ingredients and an extended proprietary fermentation process. As a result, their clean great-tasting wines have no flavor additives, less sugar and fewer sulfites compared to competitors. The unique fermentation process also allows FitVine to craft rich and flavorful wines with the mouthfeel and alcohol content (13-14%) consumers expect from high quality fine wines. FitVine wines are also gluten free and vegan friendly. FitVine varietals include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Limited Edition Holiday Red Blend, Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Prosecco.

“When we first launched, our wines were only available online,” said Mark Warren, President and Co-Founder of FitVine Wine. “While our direct-to-consumer online sales remain strong, the customer demands for increased retail availability has grown exponentially. Our new partnerships with Bed Bath & Beyond and Cost Plus World Markets are helping us respond to consumer demands by offering our loyal customer base more access to our better-for-you wines at their favorite stores.”

FitVine fan favorites including, the classic Cabernet Sauvignon, full-bodied dry Chardonnay, and light and crisp Sauvignon Blanc are now currently available at select Bed Bath & Beyond and Cost Plus World Market locations. Customers can find their local retailer by visiting FitVine Wine’s store locator.

“FitVine is an ideal fit for our stores as our customers seek quality, convenience and variety at a one-stop shop location,” said Alex Joerger, Director of Wine, Beer & Spirits for Cost Plus World Market. “Given the unique and diverse product offering in our stores, we need to be highly selective and FitVine checked all of the boxes by offering great tasting wines with lower sugar and fewer sulfites, an ideal combination for starting off the New Year.”

FitVine will host wine tastings at Bed Bath & Beyond and Cost Plus World Market stores throughout the months of February and March. For more information on a tasting near you, refer to FitVine’s calendar of events.

Want to learn more about FitVine Wines, find a retailer near you or pop open your first bottle? Visit FitVine Wine for more information.

About FitVine Wine:
FitVine was born when friends made a pact to craft amazing wines that also fit their active lifestyles. FitVine’s clean great-tasting wines have less sugar, fewer sulfites and no flavor additives. To create clean and rich tasting wines with the flavor, mouthfeel and alcohol content you expect from a fine wine, FitVine uses a proprietary malolactic fermentation process. The wine ferments to dry and lowers sugar levels. On average, all wines have 0.01-0.09 grams of sugar, 2.5-3.9 grams of carbohydrates and 92-120 calories (per 5 oz. glass). The ‘fun’ in the bottle remains intact with all wines ranging from 13.4 – 13.9% alcohol. FitVine crushes grapes, so you can crush life!

Michelin Starred Chef Christophe Émé Presents KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant!

February 20, 2019 by evebushman

Los Angeles, CA – After twenty-five years as a powerhouse in the fine dining industry, Michelin starred and world-renowned Chef Christophe Émé is ready to uncork another side of his prowess by introducing KASS, a chic and welcoming wine bar and restaurant that offers a sophisticated yet approachable French Dinner Menu and unrivaled Wine List in a 40-seat dining room and bar stripped of pretention, but brimming with innovation and immaculate presentation. Situated on the most in-vogue strip on La Brea, KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant by Chef Christophe Émé officially opened Friday, February 1^st, 2019!

Chef Christophe Eme. Photo Credit- acuna-hansen

Growing up in France’s picturesque Loire Valley was the ideal backdrop for Chef Christophe Émé, who learned from an early age the joy of cooking in the kitchen. At the age of sixteen, Émé began an apprenticeship at the Hôtel de France in Angers before embarking on a journey that has propelled him across the globe, sharpening his skills at some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants with enough Michelin stars between them to form a constellation. From Auberge des Templiers, to Auberge de l’Eridan in the French Alps, to the opulent Taillevent, Émé has worked with such culinary legends as Gerard Rabaey, Marc Veyrat, Michel Rostang, Philippe Braun, and Philippe Legendre. Arriving in the United States in 2001, Émé made his way to Los Angeles as Executive Chef at the highly revered L’Orangerie where he challenged perceptions and French cooking technique by renouncing cream and butter sauces in favor of complex layered emulsions and natural jus. In 2005, Émé embarked on his first solo Los Angeles venture and opened the critically lauded Ortolan on West Third Street, where he showcased his impeccable haute cuisine. Shortly after Ortolan debuted in 2005, Émé was honored by Food & Wine as one of the “10 Best New Chefs” and subsequently earned a Michelin star in 2007. After setting a higher standard for the next generation of French restaurants, Émé is now moving in a new direction by introducing KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant.

Wine Consultant Taylor Parsons (Whole Cluster Consulting, République, Spago, Mozza, Campanile) curated the KASS Wine List. “This is a tightly focused wine list created with the purpose to provide pleasure and not intimidation, with wines that serve the neighborhood and the cuisine of Émé.” says Parsons. Thoughtfully overseen by KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant Sommelier and Manager Kyley Jacoby, the KASS Wine List is comprised of seventy percent French Wines, with an emphasis on the Loire Valley in honor of Émé’s home region, with the remaining thirty percent made up of varietals ranging from France, Europe, and California. Designed for connoisseurs and novices alike, the Wines by the Glass are available to sip and swish, beginning with effervescent Sparkling section including the Jacky Blot, Montlouis Brut ‘Tradition’ Loire Valley NV or the Laherte Freres, Extra Brut ‘Ultradition’ Champagne NV. The single Pink offering stands poised and proud, the Vinca Minor, Carignan Rosé Sonoma County 2017, while the White section offers an array of global choices beginning with the Domaine Daulny, Sancerre Loire Valley 2017; the German Andi Knauss, White Blend ‘Boutanche’ Württemberg 2017, or the Frantz Chagnoleau Macon-Villages La Carruge Burgundy 2016, while the Domaine Dupasquier, Roussette de Savoie, Savoie 2013 rounds off the white wines by the glass. The Red section starts with a trio from France, kicking-off with the Jean-Marc Burgaud, Morgon Côte du Py, Beaujolais 2017, a Loire Valley 2016 Domaine Filliatreau, Saumur-Champigny ‘La Grande Vignolle’, and a Domaine de Majas, VdP Côtes Catalanes Carignan Blend Roussillon 2017, before heading over to the Piedmont region of Italy to enjoy a 2016 Brovia, Dolcetto d’Alba ‘Vignavillej’ and the 2016 Piedrasassi, Syrah ‘PS’ from Santa Barbara County. While sharing delectable dishes with good company, the Wines by the Bottle offer an ideal respite to relax and unwind, beginning with Sparkling Wines in two significant categories: Champagne and Not Champagne, followed by a respectable selection of Pink Wine, and a vast library of White Wine that is categorized as Energetic, Fruity, and Muscular, with an equally impressive variety of Red Wine, categorized by dominant notes Bright, Juicy, Earthy and Plush, and a boutique selection Sweet & Fortified Wine.

Chef Émé utilizes his near thirty years of expertise to present a concise, but yet approachable KASS Dinner Menu featuring appetizers and entrées, which will experience weekly variant twists curated by Émé, depending on the availability of fresh, seasonal ingredients from the local Farmers Market. Guests will have the pleasure of watching Émé directly in his element in the open kitchen, along with his condensed, but highly skilled team, with a window perfect for awestruck onlookers. The ever-evolving KASS Dinner Menu will feature dishes such as the Salad of Baby Beets with black lentils and aged Comté; the Oxtail Parmentier made with marrow bone and Burgundy truffles; the Farro Risotto, accompanied by celery root, kale, and Morel mushrooms, and the Chicken Cooked in Clay served with wild mushroom sauce and green asparagus. Dessert will include delectable treats, like the silky Chocolate Tart accompanied by chocolate sorbet. Ever the artiste, Émé showcases every dish like a work of art, be the canvas the Pordamsa porcelain plateware, which showcases a mimicry of patterns and textures found in nature, or the Shichirin Hida Konro, a miniature Japanese portable charcoal grill and the black slate cutlery. Whatever the vessel, presentation will be at the forefront alongside flavor and technique.

A clean, contemporary space designed by Émé with assistance from Annie May of Kuskin / May Designs, harmonizes between warm and cool neutrals and the perfect balance between natural and manmade materials. Warm enough to be inviting, but cool enough to retain a sleekness, this stylishly inviting space offers guests three atmospheric experiences: The Wine Bar, where cheese, charcuterie and oysters are the perfect accompaniment to wine offerings and spirited conversation, and the Dining Room which offers plush banquette seating ideal for intimate and vibrant gatherings alike. The Outdoor Patio welcomes guests with cozy woven rattan nest chairs and low tables perfect for enjoying a bottle of wine, enclosed by a wood plank façade, mimicking a Japanese hinoki, successfully encapsulating KASS guests away from the bustling street. “KASS is an involved experience; I want guests to come in for the atmosphere as much for the wine and the food,” says Émé.

With an ever-expanding array of top eateries such as République, Sugarfish, Sycamore Kitchen, Odys + Penelope, and trendsetting shopping destinations like American Rag, Best Made, Champion, Undefeated, Kelly Cole USA and Aether Apparel, KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant by Chef Christophe Émé is a chic, sophisticated and welcoming new addition to this bustling street that offers an approachable French dinner menu and unparalleled wine list, in a lively setting!

KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant is open for Dinner every Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and every Sunday from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. The KASS Wine Bar is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 pm to 12:00 Midnight, and every Sunday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. For reservations, please visit KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant Yelp Reservations or call KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant directly at 323.413.2299.

Please follow KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant on Instagram @kassrestaurant or on Facebook

KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant

320 South La Brea Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90036

T: 323.413.2299

Spain’s Greatest Destination Winery? Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine Part One

February 15, 2019 by evebushman

Try to imagine: an award-winning winery, hotel and restaurant – all built into a restored 12^th century abbey in Spain. A small group of wine writers were tasked with that very thing a couple of weeks ago. And between a stellar wine and food pairing luncheon with Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine GM Enrique Valero Quintana and Tesse restaurant partner Jordan Ogron, it was accomplished, and then some. Let me give you Part One of your taste now:

Enrique Valero-Abadía Retuerta CEO – Chapter room

With just a slice of a view of Sunset Blvd., surrounded by rows and rows of bottles of fine wine, ornate decanters, a tantalizing menu and centered on a dining table set with multiple wine glasses, we had the perfect backdrop at Tesse.

As we took our seats Quintana started to tell us about the unique abbey turned destination winery in the Duero Valley, and we quickly learned why the property deserved attention:

Award winning winery.
Spain’s leading hotel.
Michelin-star Restaurant.
Restored Medieval Abbey, built 1146.
1730 acres.
All surrounded by streams, woods and wildlife.
Wines have scored in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list for three consecutive years.
210 hectares under vine, 70% of which is Tempranillo, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
LeDomaine’s score in the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards was 99.52, ranking it #1 on the list of the Top Hotels in Spain and Portugal – and #2 in Europe. This was a five star hotel.
Quintana said that the location by the River Duero “gives us a unique soil and climate” and “the human factor” adds to the allure.
This is the “rebirth of a historical vineyard” as wines were produced on the estate centuries ago.
The “building is something unique” in Spain.
Their “Spa Sommelier” recommends a wine that depends on the treatments you decide to have. And this is the first in the world.
Their purple “wine salt” is an “old formula” that was discovered when a ship traveled from Britain to Spain, carrying both wine and salt which were “accidentally blended.”
When we sampled the wines we would “feel the soul of what happened there for nine centuries.”
All rooms face the vineyards.
They “restored what they inherited.”
In 2014 the Queen of Spain gave them the best restoration award.
“We blend the natural environment, the historic (building) with the human factor…the people that work here and (treat) clients as guests.” These employees are the “apostles of the project.”

Shall we visit? Only two hours from Madrid…here’s a short You Tube video to complete your virtual tour and here are the photos from our luncheon.

For my review of the wines and the luncheon please return to this website on 2/22.

Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine Hotel, Winery, Refectorio and Santuario Spa

Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine opened as a luxury hotel in 2012 after an award-winning restoration of the ancient abbey. Located in Sardón de Duero, the wine country north of Madrid, it is widely acclaimed as the finest luxury hotel in Spain.

Abadía Retuerta Winery boasts 54 vine plots each with very distinct characteristics, each analyzed, controlled, worked, vinified and tasted separately. Each terroir is planted with a single varietal or grape variety, either Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot or Petit Verdot. It is among the most advanced wineries in Europe combining ancient wine-making traditions with cutting-edge technology.

Refectorio is a sanctuary of haute cuisine, located in the abbey’s original refectory where the monks ate their meals, boasting One Michelin Star. Executive Chef Marc Segarra’s delectable dishes are served under a vaulted Gothic ceiling and a 17th-century fresco of The Last Supper.

The nurturing and innovative sanctuary of holistic healing and wellness features 10,000-sq.-ft. of ultra-luxurious facilities, a ground-breaking “fusion wine” oenotherapy spa concept based on a blind tasting of wines, a signature treatment menu, Spain’s first ‘Spa Sommeliers’ who guide guests on their wellness journey, and the highest level of individualization and guest service including Spa Butlers who welcome guests and assist at every step of their spa experience.

Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine

www.ledomaine.es

reservations@ledomaine.es

America’s Best Wine Festival Returns to One of America’s 10 Best Small Historic Towns: Garagiste Festival Comes to Solvang February 8th – 10th

January 26, 2019 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, Calif. (PRWEB) – The Garagiste Wine Festival, which was named America’s Best Wine Festival by USA Today, returns February 8th – 10th to Solvang, which was named One of America’s 10 Best Small Historic Towns by USA Today. Tickets are now on sale.

This marks the seventh year that the Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure has showcased the wines of some of California’s best small production winemakers in one of California’s most charming small towns, which is celebrating its 107th anniversary this year. Solvang is in the heart of the renowned Santa Ynez Valley wine country, just north of picturesque Santa Barbara, California.

“America’s best wine festival meets one of America’s best historic small towns for the seventh year in a row…what could make for a better wine country weekend?” said Garagiste Festival Co-founder Doug Minnick. “There is a special place in our hearts for Solvang, and for the amazing small production winemakers who pour at this venue. Solvang, and the beautiful Veteran’s Memorial Hall, lend such a charming and intimate setting for attendees to chat and taste with the winemakers and owners who will be pouring their hard-to-find wines. We love the diversity of the wines poured here, with multiple micro-climates, grape varieties and innovative blends represented.”

Over 40 winemakers from Santa Barbara County and across California converge at Solvang’s Mission-style Veterans’ Memorial Hall to pour over 150 wines over three days of events which include the continuation of the festival’s ‘Original Garagiste’ seminars, moderated by Garagiste Festival Co-founder and KRUSH radio host, Stewart McLennan, and, this year, featuring Central Coast winemaking legend Ken Brown of Ken Brown Wines.

“We are proud to lead off our main event with a one-on-one discussion and tasting with Ken Brown – a true original ‘garagiste’ many years before micro-production winemaking became a movement,” said McLennan. “Ken was one of the first to recognize the cool climate potential of this region back in the 70s and to craft delicious wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay right here in Santa Barbara. We are looking forward to an informative and inspiring conversation as we taste some of his delicious wines.”

Brown, whose Ken Brown Wines focuses on very small lots of Pinot Noir from the finest vineyards of Sta. Rita Hills, is recognized as one of Santa Barbara County’s pioneering winemakers and innovators. Not only was he among the first vintners to realize the tremendous promise for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Santa Barbara County, but he was also the first winemaker to introduce the Syrah grape, as well as Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, to the region. He was founding winemaker at Zaca Mesa Winery and spent 20-years at Byron Vineyard and Winery which later sold to the Robert Mondavi family. In this seminar, attendees will learn how he helped shape the Santa Barbara wine scene and why he ultimately returned to small-lot winemaking.

The Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure 2019 kicks off on Friday, February 8th from 6:30-9:00pm with the very popular “No Repeats, Rare & Reserve,” where attendees can get up close and personal with the winemakers as they share limited Club Only, Library and Pre-Release bottles and Barrel samples, and enjoy a BBQ buffet from local favorite Tim’s BBQ. On Saturday, the seminar with Ken Brown, “Original Garagistes: A Deep Dive & Tasting,” runs from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm and includes a Wine Country boxed lunch (VIP/Weekend pass ticket holders only). The day continues with the main event, the Grand Tasting, from 2-5pm showcasing over 40 winemakers pouring 150+ wines and 20+ unique varieties. All tickets include unlimited tastes, complimentary cheese and charcuterie and a souvenir Stolzle crystal wine glass – plus a Silent Auction full of enticing wine packages which benefits The Garagiste Scholarship at Cal Poly. On Sunday, Garagiste Passport Day returns, offering discounts and special offers to festival attendees at area wineries.

The festival also announced that it will return to Sonoma California for its 2nd Annual Sonoma Garagiste Festival the weekend of April 13, 2019. Said Minnick: “We are very excited to return to Northern California in April. The reception we received last year was fantastic and we already have an exciting group of No Cal micro-production wineries signed up. Stay tuned!”

Dubbed “tasting nirvana”, ‘strange and wondrous’, and “one not to miss” by the LA Times, the Garagiste Festival is renowned for its renegade spirit, passionate winemakers, handcrafted wines and rules-breaking, ‘no snobs allowed’ ethos. Launched in Paso Robles in 2011, the festival features the wines of commercial garagiste* winemakers who make under 1500 cases at festivals across California, including Solvang, Sonoma, Los Angeles and Paso Robles. Over 350 different wineries have poured over 3,000 wines for over 10,000 wine lovers at Garagiste Festivals since inception and the festival has raised over $125K in support of The Garagiste Scholarship at Cal Poly.

For full Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure 2019 schedule details, go to http://californiagaragistes.com/2019-syv-fest/

Tickets are very limited and Garagiste Festivals always sell out. To buy tickets, go to: https://bit.ly/2Bcs0ck. For breaking festival news and special discounts, sign-up for our free newsletter, The Dirt at http://garagistefestival.com/sign-up/ or follow us on Twitter (@GaragisteFest) or Facebook.

Among the over 40 winemakers already scheduled to pour are:
Ascension Cellars, Bodega de Edgar, Bolshoi Family Wines*, Cloak & Dagger Wines, Copia Vineyards, Cordon Wines, Cutruzzola Vineyards, D. Volk Wines, Dascomb Cellars, Hoi Polloi Winery, Kaleidos Winery, Kimsey Vineyards*, Lepiane Wines, Metrick Wines, Montemar Winery, RF Fine Wines*, Ryan Cochrane Wines, Sycamore Ranch, Temperance Cellars*, Tercero Wines and Westerly Wines.*

*First time pouring at the Solvang Festival.

Sponsors include:
AEB, California Winery Advisor, City of Santa Ynez Valley, Digital Dogma, Distinctive Glassware, ETS Laboratories, Farm Credit West, Glenn Burdette, G3 Enterprises, Hamlet Inn, The Hanover Insurance Group, House of Copper, Laffort U.S.A., mWEBB Communications, Wine Industry Insight, Wine Reach App, WiVi Central Coast Conference & Tradeshow.

For sponsorship info, email info(at)garagistefestival.com.

About The Garagiste Wine Festival
The Garagiste Wine Festival (http://www.garagistefestival.com), named the ‘Best Wine Festival in the US in 2018 in USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards, is the first and only wine festival dedicated to the undiscovered and under-recognized American 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; the Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure, in Los Angeles; the Garagiste Festival, Northern Exposure, in Sonoma; winemaker dinners, a newsletter, garagiste profiles and more.

In addition to being named the US’ Best Wine Festival, the Garagiste Festival was named one of the ‘Top Nine Incredible Epicurean Vacations’ in the world by ABC News, * “one of the premier wine events of the year,” by the LA Times and “Best Festival” by Sunset Magazine’s ‘Best of the West.’ The 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 support the Garagiste Festival Scholarship fund of the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo Wine and Viticulture Department.

*Garagistes (garage-east) 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. The Garagiste Festivals were the first to shine a light on the American garagiste winemaker in 2011.

Winemaker Gerard Zanzonico: From Del Dotto Vineyards in Napa to Zanzonico Wines in Ensenada

January 25, 2019 by evebushman

A few weeks ago I shared some news in my weekly Dear Wine Friend e-newsletter that I’m still struggling with:

Wine News: I recently learned that longtime Del Dotto winemaker Gerard Zanzonico is moving off to Ensenada, where he has already been making wine, and moving into the role of consulting winemaker for Del Dotto. While Gerard holds a permanent place in my heart as one of the first winemakers I’ve interviewed, and continue to interview every year or so, I do understand that winemakers have to retire like everyone else. He’s invited Eddie and me down to his home to work on his memoirs – we’ve joked about doing this for years – so at least it’s not goodbye just yet. #SadFace

Eve in Del Dotto caves with Gerard. Photo by Ed Bushman Feb., 2012

So, long story short (if possible!) I reached out to Gerard to find out more about his work in Ensenada. I learned that he’s been making wines for MD Vinos, and already has four years under his belt as a Baja California winemaker. What seemed like a shock was already experienced territory for Gerard, he’d obviously had four years to get used to the idea.

“Not retiring but changing directions…I will have my own brand Zanzonico Wines and consult for MD vinos in Ensenada…(making) probably two more wines (for them).”

Loving the sound of Zanzonico Wines I pressed Gerard for more info. He would be making a Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and Nebbiolo. About 1,000 cases in total so he could “still have fun.”

Gerard and his wife Patricia “bought a nice place looking over the ocean just north of Ensenada (with a) separate Casita” for my husband and me to get “comfortable” in once they are settled, and have a full tasting and tour of the Guadalupe Valley. Gerard said we “would love the experience.” Well this invitation did soften the blow of him leaving Napa!

Over the years I’d learned a lot about Gerard, with him starting his career as a cellar rat at Chateau Montelena during the Judgment of Paris. I remember asking him what it was like, after the tasting brought such fame to the winery and he said – and I’ll never forget – “We were too busy working hard and having fun to notice!” (Here was one of the reasons I love to visit Gerard. He may be at one of the most amazing properties in the Napa Valley, hosting club members with tastings, dinners and bungalow visits – but he was just so down to earth and natural to be with.) It was with that one sentence that I knew Gerard had a story to tell, and we’ve been chatting for years about him doing just that. Looks like he’s been working on drafts of his story in Ensenada, and “with your help maybe can finish it off.”

As far as what will change at Del Dotto Vineyards, I learned that Robbie Meyer will take over the day-to-day winemaking duties though Gerard will come in every three months for two weeks at a time, for at least three to four more years. I look forward to meeting Meyer and tasting with him at some point in the future.

So, that about covers it. Except that over the past ten years or so we had several tastings, these are the articles I could still find on the Internet, though I know there are more. If you are interested in learning about Gerard I suggest you take a peek:

March 2012 Elite Magazine: The Unique Beauty of Napa

October 2013: This is What We Chose and Why – The Upcoming Napa Trip

December 2013: Tasting with Winemaker Gerard Zanzonico and Winery Owner Dave Del Dotto = Priceless

October 2014: Visiting ZD and Drive By Del Dotto

September 2015: Vintage Eve Circa 9/2015: Old and New Finds at Del Dotto and Regusci

September 2017: Napa 2017 After The Fires: Del Dotto

Lastly, from Gerard, “Thanks for all your support over the years…many fond memories of tasting, sorting and being together. Always loved the photo of us walking into the cellar at Del Dotto…Gerard.”

So, Ensenada anyone?

MD Vinos

Or Napa?

Del Dotto Vineyards

Perlis Picks: Marietta Cellars

December 29, 2018 by Michael Perlis

Recently, I wrote an article about Sam Bilbro’s Idlewild Wines. In the past, I’ve written about Jake Bilbro’s Limerick Lane Winery. But to truly attempt to grasp the influence of the Bilbro family on Sonoma County – indeed California – wine, one really needs to go back to where it started: Marietta Cellars.

Chris Bilbro, patriarch of the Bilbro clan, founded Marietta Cellars in 1978, naming it after his great-aunt. He bought the current winery property in 1990. Scot Bilbro took over winery operations from his father a few years back. He toured the winery with us on our visit, along with Jenifer Freebairn (Marietta’s VP of Sales and Marketing). Winery equipment is a curious mix of old and new equipment and that’s how Scot likes it. Production is now at about 65,000 cases annually and there are no direct-to-consumer sales. [So, why am I here, right?]

“Scot,” I said, “you are somewhat of a unicorn.”

Scot laughingly asked me “Michael, what do you mean?” even though I was sure he understood my point.

For many years, I have been an extremely vocal proponent of buying wine directly from small family owned wineries. “Don’t buy at big retail stores,” I’d say. “Support the little guys who are crafting their authentic wines by hand.” Now here comes Marietta Cellars, selling only to stores and restaurants through a network of distributors. And at 65,000 cases, while not a big winery in the corporate world, Marietta is definitely on the larger size of “small family owned wineries.”

Which brought me to my “unicorn” comment because off the top of my head I don’t know of any other family owned wineries that only sell wholesale.

Scot said that they were a “unicorn” in another way too. Families like the Bilbros, the Mauritsons and a few others are part of an ever shrinking group that has been farming the area for decades. While Scot in no way bemoaned the new blood that is coming into the region, he did acknowledge that families like the Bilbros are becoming more and more rare in Sonoma County.

As I said, no direct to consumer sales and therefore – no tasting room. But my writer’s card did get us an opportunity sit down with Scot and Jen to taste some of the winery’s current releases.

The largest production of the winery goes to the OVR series, which is most known for Old Vine Red but there is also an Old Vine Rose and an Old Vine Riesling. We tasted Old Vine Red Lot Number 67 which is a Zinfandel heavy blend. This wine was first produced in 1982 and doesn’t have vintage designations as it is a combination of grapes from different years.

As is a characteristic of Marietta Cellars wines, the OVR really over-delivers at its low price point – I’ve seen this wine for well under $20. My only complaint about this wine is it might encourage people to feel that this wine is so delicious why would they need to expand their horizons [i.e. pay more]?

My answer to them would be: the best is yet to come.

And that would be the next tier up, the Family series, each wine being named after a beloved member of Marietta Cellars’ extended family. We tasted the 2016 “Román” a Zinfandel (named after cellar master Roman Cisneros, who has been with Marietta Cellars over 30 years – one of several long-term employees), the 2015 “Armé” a Cabernet Sauvignon (named after Marietta’s husband) and the 2015 “Christo”, an intense Syrah-based blend named after Chris Bilbro himself.

All of these wines had great fruit and mouthfeel with long finishes, most notable to me in the Christo. But what I really got from these wines was a feeling of comfort. They are just really good tasting wines that you want to curl up and read a good book with or enjoy with a hearty meal.

These attributes carried over — and then some – to the top tier Estate series as well. As the name implies, this series showcases some of the special vineyards that Marietta works with. The 2016 Angeli Zinfandel (named after the family that settled the property in the late 1800s), the 2015 Game Trail Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2015 Gibson Block Syrah were all wines you just didn’t want to dump from your tasting glass. Especially that Syrah which was just amazing.

As I’ve said [too many times?], you can’t buy these wines directly from the winery. So, don’t go showing up on their doorstep asking for a taste. I suggest you use the Find Wine tool on their website to see where you can get your hands on some.

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