During a recent trip to the Lompoc Ghetto (see story in the Oct/Nov issue of Elite magazine) the first ghetto room owner that I interviewed, with 30 years of experience in the wine business, was Antonio Moretti. Moretti said that he “moved here for the wine that is produced here,” with a special nod to…
From the Medieval hilltop town of Sancerre, we have an incredible view overlooking the Loire River. This is the ancestral homeland of antiquity’s powerful Gaullic Celtic tribe, the Bituriges, “The Kings of the World.” After their defeat at the hands of Julius Caesar, a temple was built on a nearby hillside in the Imperator’s (victorious…
Today I am joined by friend and fellow sommelier, Ivelisse Negroni. We are in the small historical town of Samur in the French region of Pays de la Loire. This area is renown for its chateaus and of course, their wine. From our patio table, we have a lovely view of the plaza square. We…
Ticket Packages On-Sale July 1st, 2013 www.wopn.com The 14th Annual World of Pinot Noir Friday, February 28th and Saturday, March 1st, 2014 Santa Barbara, Ca. – Ten years ago, a movie created a shot heard round the world with Pinot Noir. Based in Santa Barbara wine country, Sideways elevated Pinot Noir to a pedestal, significantly…
The Loire Valley has been producing wines ever since the Romans settled the region back in the 1st century. By the 5th century, Loire had flourished into a premier viticultural region whose wines were highly prized throughout the ancient world. During the Middle Ages, it is interesting to point out that the wines of Loire…
The film SOMM, the correct spelling and abbreviation for the title sommelier, follows four candidates as they prepare to take the Court of Master Sommelier exams and obtain the title Master Sommelier. There are less than 200 that have the Master Sommelier (MS) distinction worldwide. We follow four men, their other halves, their wine glasses…
In trying to find local people that are into wine tasting, a few years ago I entered the meet-up website, searched wine and groups that were within 10 miles of Santa Clarita. I found, and joined, two. I have since been to their events (They’ve also supported the non-profit wine events Eve’s Wine 101 has…
Sardinia is home to the ancient mythological hero-god Sardus Pater, and some surprisingly good wines. So good that these local treasures are indicative of Sardinia’s resurgence as an important wine region that is capable of producing fine wines to meet international standards. Today I am joined by long-time friend, and fellow sommelier, Serena Dutto. Knowing…
As I continue through my education of wine it is quite evident that I will probably never reach the end of my quest. I constantly read and write to satisfy my thirst for knowledge on this subject and realize that I should have started 40 years ago. The good thing is that the quest has…
July 12, 2013 (Paso Robles, CA) – Harvest Wine Weekend in Paso Robles Wine Country is the ideal time for locals and visitors alike to join vintners as they take a break during their busy season to celebrate the beginning of the new vintage. Harvest Wine Weekend 2013 will take place October 18 – 20,…