Perlis Picks: The Garagiste Festival in Glendale (Part One)

July 20, 2019 by Michael Perlis

Think about one of your favorite wines. What goes into your decision to make it your favorite? Is it the varietal? The region it comes from? The terroir? The year? The label? There may be multiple reasons. I that, at least for me, a big one is passion – the passion of the vintner, winemaker, grower, everyone who worked so hard to get that wine into the bottle for you.

And nothing speaks wine passion more than the Garagiste Festivals. We at Eve’s Wine 101 have a special affinity for them, having reported on the Garagistes from the beginning, including my interview with co-founder Doug Minnick before the very first event in 2011 in Paso Robles, which Karen and I also attended. Focusing on ultra-small (and then therefore ultra-rare) production wineries, the festivals have now expanded to four annual events – Paso Robles, Solvang, Sonoma and (conveniently for locals) Los Angeles.

We’ve definitely attended our share of these over the years. They’ve now had about two dozen events in total and the passion of these winemakers is clear. More so than with a large big-budget winery, the owner/winemaker typically has to handle all or most of the tasks of the winemaking process, sometimes in addition to what their day job might be.

By the way, you may have noticed the word “garagiste” being used a lot more lately; I sure have. The Garagiste Festival doesn’t own the term, it goes back to the originally somewhat derogatory French word for small winemakers. And I can’t say for sure that the increased usage of the term overall is connected to the success of the Garagiste Festivals, although I would tend to think so. After all, they were voted the best wine festival in America. So, if you want to be sure you are supporting the real deal, go to their website and sign up for their newsletters.

Karen and I attended the latest LA event, held at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. In keeping with the LA theme, the Saturday event started with a seminar presented by three LA based wineries working to bring back to LA County an industry that used to dominate the landscape in the days before prohibition and real estate development.

Hosted by Steward McLennan, one of the founders of the Garagiste Festival, the seminar presenters were Patrick Kelley of Cavaletti Vineyards, Jasper Dickson and Amy Luftig Viste of Angeleno Wine Co. and Mark and Jenny Blatty of Byron Blatty Wines. All three wineries get a significant amount of their grapes from Los Angeles County. The Blatty wines are made in the Santa Clarita Valley and Angeleno is in the process of finalizing its tasting room and winery operations in downtown Los Angeles.

Of course, it was a wine seminar, so there was wine.

Each winery poured two wines, in the following order, lightest to heaviest:

Cavaletti Vineyards –

2018 109 Mile Rose (62% Grenache, 38% Tempranillo)

2017 Grenache, Swayze Vineyard

Angeleno Wine Co. –

2017 Zanja Madre (Grenache and Tempranillo)

2017 Syrah, Alonso Family Vineyard

Byron Blatty Wines –

2017 Undertake (60% Zinfandel, 25% Petite Sirah, 10% Merlot, 5% Syrah)

2016 Pragmatic (90% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot)

For me, the takeaway from these wines is that Los Angeles County is capable of producing a variety of styles of high quality wines. Truly something for everybody.

The winery owners all shared stories of trials and tribulations. Their individual stories varied, but they all included one common component – the challenge of teaching potential customers, retail stores and restaurants about the quality of wine coming from LA County. One might think they are fighting an uphill battle but they appear to be winning it; that takes passion! I expect the LA winery scene to continue to grow and prosper and I know of at least one cult-status winemaker who is planning to set up shop soon – more on this in a future article, hopefully.

Of course, the Garagiste Festival isn’t just about Los Angeles. The grand tasting after the seminar featured over 50 wineries from all over California, 23 of which also poured the previous evening at the Rare & Reserve kick-off party – shout out to Fired Up Chef Services for the great BBQ buffet dinner that accompanied this. More on the wines in Part 2 which will run on this site next Saturday, 7/27.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 30 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also President of MCP Financial, which provides outsourced controller services. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or mcpfinancial@aol.com.

Garagiste Glendale: “Garagiste Goes Local: The Rebirth of the LA Wine Industry” Seminar and a Shout Out to…?

July 12, 2019 by evebushman

Already aware of LA County wines as have been drinking some for years, some from this seminar, and others, like Golden Star Vineyards and Byron Blatty, due to tasting them at Santa Clarita Valley events. Our class was led by Garagiste co-founder Stewart McLennan and included Patrick Kelley from Cavaletti Vineyard, Jasper Dickson and Amy Luftig Viste from Angeleno Wine Company and Mark and Jenny Blatty from Byron Blatty Wines. (We were also presented with six samples, two from each winery, that we would taste at the close of the discussion.)

Panelists l to r: Patrick Kelley, Cavaletti Vineyards; Amy Luftig Viste and Jasper Dickson, Angeleno Wine Company; Mark and Jenny Blatty, Bryon Blatty Wines.

We started with a bit of a bio from each or the panelists then Stewart asked about challenges, and to share a bit of history of LA winemaking. I’ve grouped together answers to all of theses questions by each panelist:

Patrick Kelley, Cavaletti Vineyard

BIO: Patrick has a BA in biology, attended business school, lived in San Fernando Valley for 10 years, then moved to Ventura where he started making wine “without plans to make wine” his business. Now he’s up to 600 cases and this is his second time at Garagiste.

CHALLENGES: Finding customers that accept LA County Wines is his biggest challenge as its “unknown brands in unknown region.” So events like Garagiste help to get his “wine in front of customers.”

HISTORY: The climate is dry, water is available, but Phylloxera hit the region just like in Napa. The vineyards that did exist, a few thousand in San Pedro, pretty much shut down in the 1960s.

Amy Luftig Viste, Angeleno Wine Company

BIO: Amy has a degree in public health and continues to work in that field. She fell in love with wine, took some courses at UCLA and found herself most interested in winemaking and the Central Coast where she did some interning. Over a few Mimosas with Jasper the two came up with a plan to start their own winery in LA. This was when she “was the happiest she has ever been.”

CHALLENGES: Opening a winery in downtown Los Angeles has been her biggest challenge. But she “goes until someone says they can’t.” Gaining advocates from city government helped.

Jasper Dickson, Angeleno Wine Company

BIO: Jasper boasted no degrees, was a high school dropout and worked at Silverlake Wine for ten years. Over that decade he met many winemakers at the shop and asked many questions. He started making wine in his garage at home. In 2013 he went commercial and in 2015 he had his Mimosa date with Amy.

CHALLENGES: Jasper echoed Amy’s stand on challenges, with the addition of getting lots of bank rejections in the beginning.

HISTORY: There were Spanish missionaries building missions in California as well as planting grapes. In 1859 Californians were drinking two million bottles per year.

Mark Blatty, Byron Blatty Wines

BIO: “There is a common thread,” Mark began, “and it’s that all of us here love to drink wine.” He and Jenny have a background in television production and now they are also “Executive Producers” of their wine. He’s learned that you don’t have to own it all (a winery and the vineyards) to make wine.

CHALLENGES: Consumers have zero experience or a “bad experience” with LA County wines. But when people discover the wines, and enjoy them, he feels a certain sense of pride as an Angeleno. Another challenge: those writing about wine aren’t writing about LA County Wines, so there is no book educating them.

HISTORY: Prohibition changed a lot of things in California, especially removing all of the grape vines to make room to grow citrus instead.

Jenny Blatty, Byron Blatty Wines

BIO: For Jenny it was a “daydream” and she was “obsessed with wine.” That obsession drove her to take classes and start making wines in 2013. Putting out their first vintage in 2014 – most of the grapes they picked themselves and continue to do so. That first vintage produced less than two barrels.

LA County Wine Tasting

2018 Cavaletti 109 Mile Rose, Swayze Vineyard

The Swayze Vineyard is in the Antelope Valley, next to the poppy preserve, and has very little pest presence.

Peach, grapefruit, Meyer lemon, gravel and some acidity.

2017 Cavaletti Grenache, Swayze Vineyard

Barnyard, herbaceous, olives and some tart.

2017 Angeleno Zanja Madre Grenache/Tempranillo, Alonso Family Vineyards

The name Zanja Madre translates to “Mother Ditch.”

Black fruit, spicy, green notes.

2017 Angeleno Syrah, Alonso Family Vineyards 100% Syrah

Plum, grape jam, cherry candy, balanced.

2017 Byron Blatty Undertake, Zinfandel/Petite Sirah, Merlot, Syrah.

The 5% of Syrah is from Paso fruit. This is a common winemaking theme for them: a four varietal blend of four different vineyards. And this wine – Undertake – was a big undertaking…not a nod to an undertaker.

Big, bold, spicy, red to dark fruit.

2016 Byron Blatty Pragmatic, Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

90% Malbec, 22 months in barrel and from seven different vineyards.

A bit softer and brighter fruit than Undertake, with perfumy notes and hints of black pepper.

Shout Out to Upcoming Byron Blatty Wine Dinner at The Old Town Junction on July 25: 5 courses, 5 wines, tax and tip included for $85

“A Taste of Summer” is what they’re officially calling this remarkable collaboration. Here are the details from Eventbrite:

About this Event

Join us for an unforgettable summer evening at the Old Town Junction, on Main Street in downtown Newhall, as we present: “A Taste of Summer” wine dinner, featuring the Los Angeles wines of Byron Blatty! A Taste of Summer will be an unparalleled food and wine experience, combining the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients, cooked to perfection, and expertly paired with world-class wines grown right here in L.A. County.

Our evening will begin with canapés prepared by Chef Daniel Otto, served with a glass of Byron Blatty’s delightful Rosé from the Antelope Valley, followed by a seated, five course dinner, each paired with one of Blatty’s locally grown wines.

Chef Daniel will take you through each amazing dish, with Mark and Jenny Blatty on hand to walk you through their vision for putting Los Angeles back on the map, as one of California’s premiere wine growing regions. Blatty’s winemakers, Steve Lemley and Nate Hasper (of Newhall’s Pulchella) will also present several of these unique wines, and explain what makes them so special.

Tickets are $85 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity, $70 per person for Byron Blatty Wines Club Members. (Members will be sent a promo code for discounted tickets.)

To inquire about Membership options please email: mark@byronblatty.com, or see their website: https://byronblatty.com/membership

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.

Garagiste Glendale: Kick Off Party and Grand Tasting

July 12, 2019 by evebushman

Don’t travel through Glendale often, and never been to the Glendale Civic Auditorium, but I’ve covered numerous Garagiste events in LA held at The Wiltern, Santa Monica Bay Women’s Club and Union Station. Traveled to Paso for the event more than once, beginning with their first fest in 2011. And very happy to see that this event, voted the “Best Wine Festival by USA Today readers, has now reached as far as Sonoma and Doug Minnick (one of the founders) said it was their 24th. There’s a reason for their growth and success. We look forward to Garagiste to catch up with small wineries that have been there from the start, and discovering new ones. Here is what we found in Glendale:

Longtime Garagiste founders and organizers l to r: Doug Minnick, Dave and Lisa Dinsmore.

Starting with the “Kick off Party” night of rare, reserves, pre-releases, barrel samples and club member only wines that included a yummy buffet from Fired Up Chef Services (photos), the next day I had a seminar on the growing group of vintners that make their wines from LA Country grapes and then came the grand tasting (more photos). I grouped the kick off party and grand tasting wines together in the Wineries section below and, due to length, will share the seminar and tasting in a separate article on this website today.

Wineries

I have noted the particular wines from either tasting that I found remarkable. If a winery is not noted it doesn’t mean anything in particular, but most likely I just missed them. Asterisks denote wineries at the LA event for the first time:

13th & Third Wines* (2016 Rhone Red), Adron Wines*, Aldina Vineyards* (2014 Cabernet Sauvignon), Alma Sol Wines, Angeleno Wine Co., Ann Albert Wines, Armitage Wines, Ascension Cellars (2015 Soul Searcher Cabernet/Syrah), Bella Luna Winery, Bevela Wines (2015 Unforeseen Alchemy Red Blend), Bodega de Edgar (2016 Nexo Syrah, 2015 Gran Riserva Tempranillo and 2016 Mis Pasos Cab/Tempranillo/Syrah blend), Brooks Note Wines* (2018 Pinot Blanc, 2017 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and 2014 GSM), Byron Blatty Wines (entire lineup with a special shout out to 2016 “Eventful” blend of Tempranillo/Petite Sirah/Merlot), Cavaletti Vineyards (2017 Alicante Bouschet barrel sample and 2017 Vigneron Reserve Syrah/Cabernet), Changing Patterns, Cholame Vineyard (2014 Estate “130” Syrah and 2016 “The Beautiful One” Petite Sirah), Cloak and Dagger Wines, Copia Vineyards (2017 “The Cure” GSM), DB Cellars* (2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso and 2011 Sete Barbara, Sierra Foothills), DENO Wines (2017 Arneis, 2016 and 2014 GSM, 2010 Two Bills Zin/Grenache, 2009 Paso Ridge GSM), DeWitt Vineyard* (2015 Estate Syrah and 2015 Estate Touriga), Dusty Nabor Wines (love all the wines, special shout out to their 2017 Syrah, Ballard Canyon. Also his wife Karin’s label, Bolt to Wines 2016 Roussanne and 2017 Syrah)), Enriquez Estate Wines* (2015 Muscat, 2013 “Brisa” white blend, 2013 Reserve Pinot Noir and 2013 Reserva Tempranillo), Etnyre, Ferguson Family Winery* (2016 Boomshakalaka Petite Sirah), Frostwatch Vineyard* (2015 Estate Chardonnay and 2016 Ophira Reserve Chardonnay), Gary Kramer Guitar Cellars*, Golden Star Vineyards (Everything as always, big fans of Lee and Helen Williams), Golden Triangle (2015 Cab/Syrah, Willow Creek), Gravel Pit, Greyscale Wines* (2015 Merlot, Oak Knoll Napa), Hoi Polloi Winery (everything, fan of winemakers Behlendorf and Minnick), Kendric Vineyards, Kings Carey Wines*, Kitson Wines (2015 Rafael el Fils Estate Cabernet Sauvignon), Lions Peak Wines* (2012 Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc), LXV Wines (2016 Reserve Cabernet Franc, 2017 “Crimson Jewel” Super Tuscan blend and 2016 “Secret Craving” Bordeaux blend)), Marin’s Vineyard (nice discovery: 2017 Malbec and 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, MCV Wines (2016 Petite Sirah and 2016 “1105” blend), Metrick Wines, Montagne Russe (2015 Dragon’s Back Chardonnay, 2016 Dragon’s Back Pinot Noir, 2016 Alder Springs Syrah), Ocean’s Churning* (another cool discovery: 2014 Chardonnay Los Carneros, 2016 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast and 2014 Heritage Clone 4 Los Carneros), Playground Cellars*, Powicana Farms (2013 Petite Sirah and 2015 Port), Record Family Wines, Republic of Pink, RF Fine Wines* (2015 Arbre Petite Sirah), Rhonedonnee Wines, Say When Wine* (2017 Petit Verdot, 2018 “Stipa” Rose of Mourvedre, 2017 “When” Pinot Noir and 2017 “Rasi” Pinot Noir), Torch Cellars (2018 Tannat/Syrah Rose and 2013 Illumination Red blend), Turiya Wines (Divine Force Cab/Sangio/Petite Sirah), Two Papas Wine* (everything, I’m a fan, 2018 Grenache Blanc was new), Two Shepherds (sorry to have missed this one today), Velvet Bee Wines*, Vino Vargas, Wander-Must Wines* and Zanoli Wines (2016 Syrah).

http://garagistefestival.com/

MARGERUM WINE COMPANY ANNOUNCES NEW TASTING ROOM IN SANTA BARBARA’S FUNK ZONE

June 26, 2019 by evebushman

Santa Barbara, California; May 28, 2019 – Doug Margerum and the Margerum Wine Company announce the opening of their new tasting room at the Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara, California. The Margerum Wine Company tasting room offers distinctive flights and wines by the glass from their premium wines produced at their state-of-the-art Buellton winery.

Leading the Margerum Wine Company team is creator and namesake, Douglas Barden Margerum, a long term Santa Barbara resident who has been a fixture in the Santa Barbara food and wine scene for over 35 years. Rani Mclean oversees the tasting room as the Direct to Consumer Manager.

Enter the MARGERUM WINE COMPANY tasting room across from the entrance to the Hotel from Mason Street, near the corner of Helena Avenue, and discover a balanced mix of quintessential Santa Barbara Spanish Colonial architecture and a multi-faceted modern style. The interior was styled by designer Marni Blau Margerum and she describes it as “where modern farmhouse meets couture boutique”. Marni’s eclectic design style centers around an expansive bar made of a reclaimed and flattened oak barrel staves from the winery. The bar is the main focal point, anchoring the spacious and exquisitely finished interior to create a naturally defined room for wine tasting and socializing.

The oak stairs lead one past the hand-forged cast-iron railings to the stunning private room that sets the stage for an unforgettable wine tasting experience in Santa Barbara. The private tasting room accommodates up to 32 people for a seated event or 50 for a stand-up reception or custom wine-tasting menu. Crafty details and sky-high ceilings are accented by the crimson red velvet curtains on the mezzanine, providing a cozy lounge for wine club members and for larger groups with reservations. Private lunches or dinner parties are available for an exceptional wine and dining experience.

The beautiful outdoor patio boasts a spectacular vantage point for lounging, wine tasting and people-watching. The patio can also be transformed into a private space for exclusive events day or night, which can accommodate up to 24 guests for an alfresco experience at this quintessential Santa Barbara wine tasting venue.

The wines are produced from their Estate vineyard and from purchased top Santa Barbara County growers to create hand-crafted wines that are indicative of the region, showcasing individual characteristics and personality of each terroir. The scale of production is kept at a level where they can touch and know the wine as it is raised to the bottle. The standards of quality are measured by their own criteria (not by external sources) and they only make wines they personally enjoy – some to drink young; others for long aging in cool cellars for future generations to enjoy.

Margerum produces several different wine varietals, including Sybarite Sauvignon Blanc; UBER Syrah (a blend of Syrah grapes from Santa Barbara County’s best vineyards); Riviera Rosé (made primarily from Grenache grapes); the flagship Rhône Varietal Red Blend M5 (blended from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Counoise grapes); the M5 White (blended from Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier and Vermentino); and Amaro – a fortified wine made from Herbs (Sage, Thyme, Marjoram, Parsley, Lemon Verbena, Rosemary, and Mint), Barks, Roots, Dried Orange Peels, Barrel-Aged Brandy and Caramelized Simple Syrup. Currently, the Margerum Wine Company produces about 16,000 cases a year.

The Tasting Room will be its ever-changing menu featuring rare bottlings and excellent older vintages of Margerum Wines. For those seeking a more refined experience, the Margerum Wine Company offers customized Private Winemaker Tastings with Doug Margerum by appointment.

The Margerum Wine Company tasting room is open daily from 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday/Saturday and by appointment.

ABOUT MARGERUM WINE COMPANY:

MARGERUM WINE COMPANY produces limited quantities of wines made from grapes grown both on their estate vineyard and grapes purchased from other top vineyards from in and around Santa Barbara County. The 18-acre estate vineyard is planted exclusively to Rhône grape varietals. The acreage is divided between limestone hillsides and gravelly alluvial flatlands along Alamo Pintado Creek. The wines are made at their state-of-the-art winery located on Industrial Way in Buellton. Owner and Director of Winemaking, Douglas Barden Margerum, works with the top vineyards from the cool, eastern end of the valley in Happy Canyon to the western end’s cold vineyards of Sta. Rita Hills. Doug carefully selects the vineyards with meticulous attention to detail in all factors influencing the ultimate quality of the wines, including pruning, soil, climate, and farming methods. MARGERUM WINE COMPANY is committed to creating hand-crafted wines using only the highest quality grapes in order to make wines that are indicative of the place where they are grown. They strive to make wines naturally, to make wines that have individual characteristics and to make wines with personality. The scale of production is kept at a level where they can touch and know the wine as it is raised to the bottle – the antithesis of mass production. The standards of quality are measured by their own rigid criteria – not by external sources. They make wines they personally enjoy – some to drink young, others for long aging in cool cellars for future generations to enjoy, but mostly to share at the table with family and friends.

ABOUT DOUG MARGERUM:

Doug’s multi-faceted background as the Sommelier/Owner of The Wine Cask, a Wine Spectator Grand Award restaurant recipient, and as a highly respected winemaker made him sought out by a variety of wineries to assist in the formation of their brands. Doug has consulted for Chêne Bleu super Rhône wines in France, and continues to consult for La Encantada Vineyards, Rancho Boa Vista and Happy Canyon Vineyards, all in Santa Barbara County, as well as the Santa Barbara wines of Paradise Springs Winery based in Virginia.

MARGERUM WINE COMPANY TASTING ROOM

19 Mason Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805.845.8435

tastingroom@margerumwines.com

For more information the public can visit:

www.margerumwines.com

Follow MARGERUM WINE COMPANY:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/margerumwine

Twitter: @MargerumWine

Instagram: @margerumwine

For information on the Barden Wines visit:

www.bardenwines.com

Vintage Eve Circa 7/2016: Garagiste 2016 Urban Exposure Event Exposed!

June 18, 2019 by evebushman

The mission (of the Garagiste wine festivals) is to support the small guys and girls who don’t have big marketing budgets or the time to get out there and sell their wine. These small-lot wines can be very hard to find. Over 60% of these winemakers don’t have a tasting room…

Jenny Kalina and me at event.

However, on July 9 dozens of these small wineries took center stage and commandeered the full auditorium of the LA Wiltern Theatre for an audience of appreciative wine learners and tasters. (Check them out here in this YouTube slideshow.)

Learning On The Stage:

Understanding Oak Varieties, Tasting the Winemaker’s Spice Rack

What does oak really taste like? French oak, American oak, neutral oak, heavy toast… these are some of the words we hear all the time in the wine world, but what do they really mean? How do you tell the flavor of oak from the flavor of the wine itself?

Ryan Render, representative for French tonnellerie (another word for a cooperage, which is also another word for a barrel maker) Cadus and winemaker at Rendarrio Vineyards, Larner Vineyards winemaker Michael Larner and Garagiste co-founder Stewart McLennan led our class.

Our first flight was the same grape, same year, same winery in three different oak expressions: a Larner 2014 Syrah. The aromas on each were remarkably different to me. With neutral oak (which means the oak barrel had been used four to five times and would no longer impart an oak flavor) the wine had the brightest, reddest fruit. The second wine, aged in French oak and is used the most by Larner, had an incredible amount of spice, which I happen to love in a Syrah, and bluer fruit. The third oak was American and gave off a creamy scent with a lot of blue to black fruit.

(Chatting with a friend after the class who doesn’t reside in California but is a huge fan of the event and flies down for it, she said that she preferred the American oak the best. I asked if she drank much French wine. She said none at all, mostly Paso Robles. So I thought that her preference might have been due to what her palate was used to in her home state and from Paso. Though like Larner there are California wineries using French oak too.)

Our next trio to taste was of another wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon, in unoaked (stainless steel only), a medium grain oak barrel and then a tight grain oak barrel. Again I got some interesting notes. In the unoaked wine it was all red fruit (like it had been in the neutral oak we had tasted earlier), the medium grain gave off distinct aromas of a sweet Port wine and blueberry, while the tight grain was all cigar smoke and had what one winemaker called a “tighter” feel on the palate.

Auditorium: Favorites from the “RARE and RESERVE” Tasting Hour

Archium Cellars 2012 “Haven” Grenache, Stolpman Vineyard.

Artisan Uprising 2014 Tempranillo.

Brian Benson Cellars 2013 Mr. Pickled Cabernet Syrah blend.

Caldera Cuvee 2009.

Cholame Vineyard vertical tasting of Bull Pen Tempranillo 2010/2011/2012 with the 2012 being my favorite of the three.

Cloak & Dagger Wines 2013 “The Assassin” Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah blend.

Deno Wines 2010 Two Bill’s Zinfandel Grenache blend.

JP3 Wines (the “JP” formerly of Stanger) 2013 Pinot Noir, Willow Creek.

MCV Wines 2013 Black Petite Sirah blend

Pagter Bros. Winery 2013 Lucky Club Syrah Reserve

Paso Port 2006 Violeta blend of Touriga, Tinta Cao and Souzao.

The Farm Winery 2010 “the Big Game” Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon blend.

Vines on the Marycrest 2006 Field Blend, Victor Abascal’s first planting.

Favorites Wineries of the Day are highlighted:

Alma Fria Winery, Alma Sol Winery, Alta Colina, Archium Cellars, Artisan Uprising, Ascension Cellars, Bellissimo Cellars, Bodega De Edgar, EVERYTHING THEY POURED at Brian Benson Cellars, Brophy Clark Cellars, Caldera Cuvee, Caliza Winery, The Central Coast Group Project, Chene Wines, Cholame Vineyards, Cloak & Dagger Wines, Cordon Wines, Coruce Vineyards, Deno Wines, Dreamcote Wines, El Lugar Wines, Golden Triangle, Graef Wines, EVERYTHING THEY POURED at Hoi Polloi Winery, Hoyt Family Vineyards, JP3 Wines, Kaena Wine Co., Kaleidos Winery, Kimmel Vineyards, Larner Vineyard and Winery, Leverage Wines, Marin’s Vineyard, MCV Wines, On Your Left Wines, Pagter Bros. Winery, Per Cazo Cellars/Paso Port, Powell Mountain Cellars, Press Gang Cellars, Prizm Winery, Pulchella Winery, Ranchita Canyon, Rendarrio Vineyards, Rhythm Wines, Ryan Cochrane Wines, Tao Vineyards, EVERYTHING THEY POURED at The Farm Winery, EVERYTHING THEY POURED at Theopolis Vineyards, Tierra y Vino, Tlo Wines, Trail Marker Wine Co., Turiya Wines, EVERYTHING THEY POURED at TW Fermentation Co., Two Shepherds, Vinemark Cellars, Vines on the Marycrest, Weatherborne and West of Temperance.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), 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

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/

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!