Perlis Picks: Cisco, Former Mascot at Tobin James Cellars

May 30, 2015 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Our esteemed publisher Eve Bushman has had her articles in the Wine Dogs books as well as the sister Wine Cats publication. While I have provided editorial assistance to her on these projects, I have never attempted to write on this topic myself. So here I go, not for the Wine Dogs books but for the enjoyment [hopefully] of Eve’s Wine 101 readers.

If you visit winery tasting rooms at all, you could easily come to the conclusion that all wineries have dogs [or cats] and you wouldn’t be far from the truth. And long before I even considered the daunting task of writing about our tasting room visits for Eve’s Wine 101, we went to a lot of them as eager customers. And yes, we were one of those families who brought our young son with us.

Most of the wineries he found pretty boring, but he always enjoyed our visits to Tobin James Cellars in Paso Robles. Not only did they have the coolest free video games of any tasting room, but there were also two adorably friendly puppies that our son could run around with all over the place. This was fine with us, as our visits to Tobin James Cellars always were [and still are] one of our favorite places to while away an hour or more when visiting Paso.

Sadly, one of the puppies did end up getting hit by a car [not during one of our visits!] and unfortunately he did not survive. The other one passed away what seems like fairly recently, although I expect it was longer ago than I think.

Needing now to fill in the blanks, I reached out to Claire Silver, co-owner of Tobin James Cellars. Her reply:

“I am honored to write about our special Cisco…

Cisco was our very dearly loved mascot of the winery. His twin brother, Jesse, was hit by a car, I believe in 1995. Cisco was a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd. He enjoyed a very long happy life at Tobin James and he used to love to belly up to the bar. He was our official greeter, escorting customers to the Tasting Room from the parking lot. Customers would bring him treats and he would share their picnics with them. He grew up in the Tasting Room and was an integral part of every day in the Tasting Room, every winery event, every crush (he loved fermenting grapes and eating pizza with the crush guys during harvest). He knew so many customers and everybody loved him. He passed after cancer complications when he was fifteen years old in 2008. Folks still ask about him and we all still miss him so very much. His sweet spirit is pervasive here at the winery, and his funny antics are reminisced by all his adoring fans. I am getting misty typing this….”

They say all dogs go to heaven. I can’t say if they do or they don’t, but, if they do, I am sure there is a special place for wine dogs.

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 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 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

Wine Cats Debut: Includes Eve’s Essay!

November 1, 2013 by evebushman Leave a Comment

From the authors of the best-selling Wine Dogs series (I was in the last one too!) comes this latest homage to the animals behind the wines we love.

Wherever good wine is made, you’re likely to find a cat snoozing in a sun-drenched tasting room or prowling around the winery. Wine Cats features over 90 wineries from around the world and over 100 stunning photos of their resident moggies. Along the way, the felines are interspersed with short essays by well-known wine writers and viticultural personalities. Find out which cat can eat its own body-weight in papaya, who is the McLaren Vale chicken impersonator, and uncover Napa’s reluctant next top model.

Wine Cats is a beautiful large format coffee-table book which features over 90 wineries from around the world with over 100 stunning photos of their resident moggies. Along the way, the felines are interspersed with short essays by well-known wine writers and viticultural personalities.

Wine Cats is a photographic journal of stunning pictures and great stories: created all for the love of Cats and Wine.

Writers (Gotta love alphabetical listings!)

Eve Bushman
Susan Elliott
Huon Hooke
Bob Campbell
Andrew Marsh
Craig McGill
Darryl Roberts
Tyson Stelzer

EVE BUSHMAN - Eve Bushman has over 20 years of wine ‘immersion’ experience from attending classes, commercial tastings, winery tours, winemaker interviews and wine studies. She received her Level 2 Intermediate Certification from Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) in November 2010, was the subject of a 30-minute interview on The ‘Wine Down’ internet show, hosts wine events for non-profits and promotes the wine industry with daily content on her website. Her beloved cat, Louis, assists her by using his ever-present curiosity to smell, and attempt to taste, her wine as she reviews it. Her wine columns can be found at EveWine101.com, scvEliteMagazine.com and WestRanchBeacon.com.

SUSAN ELLIOTT - Susan Elliott is co-owner and creative director of Giant Dog Publishing based in Sydney, Australia.

HUON HOOKE - Huon Hooke is a farm boy, brought up among a multitude of animals including dogs and cats, not far from Great Western where he worked his first vintage at Best’s. These days he’s a leading wine writer who makes his living entirely from writing, judging and educating on wine. He has been assisted in these endeavours by a series of cats: first Smudge, then Flash, and now Max (16) and Georgie (14). A journalist first and wine professional second, he has tertiary qualifications in both fields and has been writing on wine for 30 years. In 2008 he was named Australia’s Wine Communicator of the Year, although the cats reckon they should take most of the credit. He pens a weekly column for the Sydney Morning Herald ‘Good Food’ section and contributes to Huonhooke.com, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Decanter and other publications. He has published 17 books on wine including a biography of Penfolds Grange creator Max Schubert. Along the way he wrote the intro for the first Wine Dogs book, which started it all for his friends Craig and Sue. He’s been a show judge for 26 years and this year will chair four regional shows and represent Australia in the Six Nations Wine Challenge. When he returns from trips, Georgie turns on the big welcome, but Max just yawns as if to say ‘I didn’t even notice you’d stepped out’. huonhooke.com

BOB CAMPBELL - Bob Campbell was the second New Zealander and is one of just over 300 people in the world to hold the Master of Wine qualification. He is wine editor of Your Home & Garden, Taste magazine and the Air NZ In-flight magazine as well as being New Zealand editor for Gourmet Traveller Wine. Bob contributes to wine publications in seven countries. Over 22,000 people have attended Bob’s wine diploma courses in New Zealand, Asia and Europe. He has been a senior judge in wine competitions in 11 countries. Bob is highly demanded as an after-dinner speaker and lecturer.  bobcampbell.co.nz

ANDREW MARSH - Andrew Marsh is the winemaker at Hunter Valley institution Marsh Estate, in nsw, Australia. A lovable larrikin known to all who frequent the Hunter simply as ‘Marshy’, his passion for wine extends far and wide. He writes for several publications and is highly sought after in the public-speaking arena. His attitude reflects his no-nonsense approach to winemaking and educating people on the virtues of wine. His cheeky grin and black sense of humor make for some interesting times and hilarious tales.

CRAIG MCGILL - Craig is a gifted artist and one of the founding principals of Giant Dog publishing. He photographs exclusively for the Wine Dogs series of books and calendars. realnasty.com.au

DARRYL ROBERTS - In a severe mid-life crisis, Darryl Roberts abandoned his lucrative 9-to-5 wine magazine publishing gig and went back to school to become a Vet Tech. He joined the Healdsburg Animal Shelter in 2011, where he built (from the ground up)their medical program. In 2013, Mr. Roberts left the shelter to start ‘SNAP Cats’ – a rescue and sanctuary for special-needs cats – in Northern California. snapcats.org

TYSON STELZER - Tyson Stelzer is a multi-award winning wine writer with an annual readership of four million worldwide. He is the author and publisher of thirteen wine books and a regular contributor to thirteen magazines.  tysonstelzer.com

FIRST EDITION: November 2013

PUBLISHER: Giant Dog P/L

AVAILABLE 1st NOVEMBER!

Price: $34.00 (USD)

HARDCOVER: 128 pages SIZE: 12 x 9 x 0.8 inches (310 x 235 x 18mm) ISBN: 978-1921336386

PART ONE: The One-Day Turn-Around Napa Trip: AKA Eve Sort Grapes, Plays with Pups and Spends Night in Circa 1920 Cottage

December 14, 2012 by evebushman Leave a Comment

In one overnight trip to Napa, I got a hell of a lot accomplished. Bribed my teenaged daughter Samantha – with DC comics and a massage appointment – to see the beauty of Napa for the first time. Got to see the newly remodeled Oakville Grocery, sort grapes with Del Dotto’s winemaker Gerard Zanzonico, see my essay in a book and not learn how to drive in the fog…

Dr. Wilkinson’s Hideaway Cottages

Teaser: A personally delivered “Tote Breakfast”, Calistoga Roastery coffee in my room, swimming, teen massage and 90 minute best-pumpkin-facial of my life.

When I called Mark Wilkinson to get a room at Dr. Wilkinson’s hotel in Calistoga, they were filled up. I didn’t like the sound of that as I prefer to stay in Calistoga to avoid the crowds in Napa. Anyway, quick work on Mark’s part, and he offered me a cottage to check out.

Built in the 1920’s – I think ours was called “Paris” – we had our own little porch, screen door, kitchen with all the appliances you could possibly need, a small living room with a couch and television, a bedroom and a large bath. Each room had windows, nice furnishings and just begged us to stay in. But we couldn’t do that – yet.

After checking out our room, which my teen really dug by the way, we put on our swimsuits and the robes from the room and took some time to enjoy the large outdoor spa. From there we walked a block up to Lincoln, and into the Wilkinson spa, to check in for our services.

I haven’t had a facial in years, but since I had to wait for Samantha to have a massage, I booked one. My aesthetician was generous – with the slathering on and washing off, yes, but also with her time. She ran 30 minutes over without realizing it. Best facial Of My Life.

And, as you can probably guess, we were far too relaxed to head out to dinner so we walked across the street to Cal Mart Napa Valley where I made myself a fresh salad, and chose some bread and a nice split of wine to pair it with. Samantha had a much bigger haul as there are tons to choose from. We went back to the room, ate our dinners, set our alarms and then there was a knock at the door.

We were being delivered their Tote Breakfast at night as we were leaving so early in the morning: Oatmeal with dried fruit, scones, juice and my favorite Calistoga Roastery coffee. So very pleasant, I can’t wait to come back.

From http://www.hideawaycottages.com/aboutus.html

Situated amongst mature shade trees and lovely gardens, Hideaway Cottages is a perfect setting for a completely relaxing vacation. We are a unique cottage vacation resort offering a peaceful getaway. Hideaway is an ideal setting offering a quiet atmosphere, yet is within minutes of many world-class restaurants, wineries, and shops…

The Wine Dogs

Teaser: My take-home swag included six copies of Wine Dogs 3, and the “Anatomy of a Wine Dog” sketch on both a handy Frisbee and t-shirt.

This was the real reason I was coming to Napa for one day: The Wine Dogs 3 book signing party at St. Supery.

I was met in the parking lot by someone who had just purchased the book, and of course I told her I was in it, and of course she was forced to ask me to sign it. A highlight for me!

At the party, Craig McGill and Susan Elliott, the writers and publishers of this very popular series – and plenty of dogs – met me. I had lots of fun trying to get photos of the animated creatures but I’d have to say my best shots came as I watched the dog paw printing in action. Pick up the paw, put it in the inkpad, press it gently on the book’s first page, wipe and repeat.

I could go on about the book but most of you that read me know that I contributed an essay and Michael Perlis edited if for me. Suffice it to say seeing my work printed in a book was a thrill, so I just had to buy all the swag and was grateful that the generous publishers gifted my six copies to share with my family and Michael.

From http://www.winedogs.com

Wherever good wine is made, you’re likely to find a dog scouting the tasting room or winery. Wine Dogs USA 3 features over 190 wineries across the United States and over 200 stunning photos of their loyal pooches. Along the way, the mutts and purebreds are interspersed with short essays by Robert Parker Jr, Cole Danehower, Eve Bushman, Benjamin Spencer, Greg Duncan Powell and many more…

Part Two of my one-day Napa trip will be on this blog next Friday, 12/21…stay tuned!

Santa Clarita Wine Writer Contributes Essay in Wine Dog 3 USA Hardcover Edition

September 28, 2012 by evebushman 2 Comments

Santa Clarita, CA – September 28, 2012 – The best-selling series is back with its third edition, featuring brand-new Wine Dogs from all around the USA. Wherever good wine is made, you’re likely to find a dog scouting the tasting room or winery. Wine Dogs USA 3 features over 190 wineries across the United States and over 200 stunning photos of their loyal pooches.

Along the way, the mutts and purebreds are interspersed with short essays by Robert Parker Jr, Cole Danehower, Eve Bushman, Benjamin Spencer, Greg Duncan Powell and many more.

Find out which dog holds the bagel-eating record, who is the Oregon canine wedding crasher, and uncover Napa’s infamous cheesecake thief.

Wine Dogs USA 3 is a photographic journal of stunning pictures and great stories created all for the love of dogs and wines.

Publication date is October 1 following a book launch party at the dog-friendly St. Supery Vineyards in Napa Valley on October 6.

Links for purchase:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wine-Craig-McGill-Susan-Elliott/dp/1921336293/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347824114&sr=1-6&keywords=wine+dogs+usa+3

Wine Dogs website: http://winedogs.com/p-47-wine-dogs-usa-3.aspx

“I enjoy being Santa Clarita’s ‘wine-conduit’ – by advertising every local non-profit event where wine is involved – but my real passion is writing about wine,” Eve Bushman said. “And with special thanks to my editor, Michael Perlis, I look forward to this book’s release and my contribution to the 2013 inaugural release of Wine Cats. I hope you can join me…for a taste!”

Info about Eve from Wine Dogs Website:

Eve Bushman has over 20 years of wine ‘immersion’ experience from attending classes, commercial tastings, winery tours, winemaker interviews and wine studies. She received her Level 2 Intermediate Certification from Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) in November 2010, was the subject of a 30-minute interview on The Wine Down internet show, hosts wine events for non-profits and promotes the wine industry with daily content on her website. Her own wine dog, a Welsh Corgi named Tyson, is tasked with the job of barking at her when she attempts to unlock her cellar without her husband present. Her wine columns can be found at EveWine101.com, scvEliteMagazine.com and WestRanchBeacon.com