Wine 101: Immersing Yourself in Wine

August 11, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

People often ask how I got started on this wine journey, both as a writer and as a marketing consultant. Let me start with the wine, of course!

The Wine Journey

Drinking wine came well before tasting it – sounds crazy but it’s true – But I was perfectly satisfied with a box of Franzia wine for a glass of something cold and pink in my early twenties. I met my future husband, and soon after his sister took us wine tasting – a vertical at Concannon.

From there we were hooked. Classes at the Wine House in West Los Angeles, local wine tasting trips and a subscription to the Wine Spectator wine magazine.

Within ten years of my study I was also a columnist for the Signal newspaper. I wrote a snarky weekly column called “Eve of Destruction”. After 9/11 I had a change of heart and grew a heart – married to a fire chief does that to you – and I retitled my columns “Another Face of Eve”.

Then John Boston, long-time Signal columnist and author, took over the then titled “Escape” weekly entertainment section. He asked what else I could write about for him. I said book reviews and wine reviews. I had been in a book club for a long time, not as long as I had been drinking wine, but both seemed to be a good fit. Boston agreed.

But then…I quickly noticed that there were rewards for wine writers that wanted to hone their craft. Invites to dinners, tastings, events and classes were being extended. No one was sending me free books to review, so I tossed my books in a heap – except the wine books I was now reviewing for review – and immersed myself in wine. That was 10 years ago.

During the past decade I’ve spent time as an “armchair writer” while my daughter was young and, later, time visiting and interviewing winemakers from my own home in the Santa Clarita Valley to Lompoc, Los Olivos, Monterey, Carmel, Napa Valley, Sonoma and finally, the mother lode: Bordeaux. I definitely have more to see.

The Consulting Journey

Before I “immersed myself in wine” I had worked as a manager in both retail establishments and in the medical field. Within ten years I had taken several continuing education courses on how to make these different businesses more profitable, had found a few mentors, started a group of brainstorming managers…and you guessed it: I started consulting. It was difficult working in an office and consulting at the same time, fast forward a few years and I left management behind when I got further into consulting and, at the same time, further into wine studies.

While I never dreamed that these two interests would ever intersect along came Michael Perlis. Michael knew of me from my years at the Signal, and once I made his acquaintance we were both convinced that we had to work together! I have never been so happy in my career! Michael offered to edit all of my articles (in every publication which by now included books and magazines) and offered to write a weekly column in my fledgling website: Eve’s Wine 101.

Michael and I were covering a lot of events pretty quickly. And, due to my friendship with another wine friend, Roman Weiser, we started working together – with a ton of local winemakers – for our Pour Into events: Pour into Haiti and Pour into Sandy. Fast forward some more, and suddenly we were being asked to help almost every non-profit in the Santa Clarita Valley marketing their wine events.

Then, a for-profit business asked us for help. Michael urged me to start Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting, which, due to my former contacts, became Eve Bushman Consulting.

And the rest, like our upcoming Cocktails on the Roof, is history.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Round Up: Favorite Wine or Cocktail Events

March 17, 2017 by evebushman 2 Comments

It’s no secret that Eve’s Wine 101 co-hosts Cocktails on the Roof (save the date: 8/25/17!) and is currently recruiting wineries – and guests – to Wine in the Pines. (That date is set for 6/10/17).

This got me to thinking…what are the best wine or cocktail events our readers/followers have enjoyed and would recommend? So I got some answers from Facebook friends, hyperlinked the event websites for you and added my own notes in italics if it’s an event I’ve attended before:

Robin B: The ones we used to have in SCV which were lots of fun. (The Santa Clarita Wine Fest is the one that Robin B is referring to. The same people that run the LA Wine Fest run it, and I’ve been talking with them as they might bring it back for 2018! So stay tuned! It was/is our only large wine festival held in the Santa Clarita Valley.)

Kathie W: Cocktail event – obviously Cocktails on the Roof. (Clearly, a winner to me! If you Google our event you will see lots of pre and post event coverage for our 2015 and 2016 events. All of the money goes straight to the WiSH Education Foundation that serves all of the students in the Hart District = our middle schools and high schools.)

Jeannie C: The Assistance League Santa Clarita 10th Annual Sunset in the Vineyard is scheduled for the 1st Sunday in November at Compa Vineyard, November 5, 2017. Our inaugural was 2008! From 7 vintners, food made by the ladies from AL, music from an iPod (the event has now has grown) to 20 vintners, 2 craft breweries, the Culinary iCUE chefs and students, Dole/Humphries and friends, Valet parking, not to forget amazing community partners, a live and silent auction – and all the proceeds benefit Operation School Bell and those in need in the SCV! We’ve come a long way baby! (We’ve supported this event since the start. Don’t have much to add to Jeannie’s words, except to say that this is the singular SCV event that showcases local winemakers, some commercial and some not, so it would be tough to find some of these wines anywhere else! Or the opportunity to talk to home winemakers about their craft.)

Terri S: Any of the Rhone Rangers events…the walk around Grand Tastings are superb. (We have been covering the RR events for years. Best way to learn about domestic red and white Rhone grapes being grown here, and the awesome Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre blend, aka the GSM, that is a favorite to many. Rhone Rangers LA is 3/25.)

Russ B: Passport to Dry Creek Valley. They have a theme at each winery such as circus, beach, pirate, the movie Caddyshack, the Kentucky Derby and a Masquerade. They also have food at every winery. Great event. (4/29-30.)

Marleen R: Gosh so many. I loved Pinot Days (6/3), Celebration of Harvest Santa Barbara (10/6-9), and Ventura Winter Wine Walk (12/2). California Wine Festival (held this past Jan 2017) and of course Wine in the Pines are good one too. I look at the participating wineries and what they have to offer, besides location and value price. (The only event here that I still attend is Wine in the Pines. Look for upcoming press on that one, but I will share that this is my ultimate favorite outdoor venue for wine tasting. Why? It is wide open, you are surrounded by nature and PINE TREES.)

Lisa D: This year is SITV 10th Anniversary. Great local event.

Scott K: The Park City Food and Wine Classic is a mind-blower. (For those that want to travel, this event in Utah will be July 6-9.)

Lauren G: Inexpensive but tasty! (Lauren has volunteered for us in our Pour Into events. We raised money for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti and the Hurricane Sandy. Our minimum donation was $25 for the tasting event, with local cellar owners and winemakers donating all the wines. The venue, All Corked Up, is sadly no longer available but we would love another local venue to step up the next time we feel the urge to help others via a wine event.)

Me: Masters of Taste is a richly designed event held on the field of the Rose Bowl with wine, spirits, cocktails and food samples from the best restaurants in LA will be held on 5/7, Lucky Rice LA on 7/28 works with Bombay Sapphire Gin and serves up both Asian inspired cuisine and more, and LA Weekly’s The Essentials held on 3/26 is another event with a heck of a lot of food to sample, wine and spirits, and exceptionally large!

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

March Signals the End of Winter with Fabulous Wine Events, by Barbara Barrielle

February 25, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

The first weekend of March seems to be the traditional kick off to the wine country spring reemergence. After all of this rain and wild weather, don’t we need a little Pinot Noir and a taste of future vintages to give us hope that spring and summer are on their way?

World of Pinot Noir returns to the elegant seaside Bacara Resort and Spa in Goleta in a two day festivity of Pinot Noir tastings, lunches, seminars and dinners. There is also a silent auction that benefits local charities and the winemaking program at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.

Hands down this is the best event and most spectacular venue at which to try an amazing range of Pinot Noirs and other wines like Rosé of Pinot Noirs (rosés are the super trend of 2016-2017) and Pinot Gris. Not only do winemakers flock here from across California and Oregon but Pinot Noir producers around the country make the WOPN pilgrimage.

And Pinot Noir tasting opportunities do not stop at our borders. Meet and try Pinot Noir producers from Burgundy and other parts of France, Germany, Austria, Australia, New Zealand and all regions that produce Pinot around the world.

Tickets to the Focus Grand Tasting on Friday, March 3^rd and the Grand Tasting on Saturday, March 4^th are still available. The lunches and dinners featured throughout the weekend are not only spectacular (Kosta Browne, Hirsch, Anderson Valley, Edna Valley, Burgundy and more) but they are exceptionally well-priced for the quality of the wines and food, much of it prepared by Bacara’s Angel Oak Restaurant and guest chefs like Dustin Valette of Valette’s in Healdsburg.

Go quickly to www.worldofpinotnoir.com and join the celebration. WOPN is a well-oiled event and participants spend the day at one of the most stunning resorts in California enjoying an array of Pinot Noirs found nowhere else.

The same weekend farther north on The Wine Road that encompasses the wine valleys of Dry Creek, Alexander and Russian River centering around the towns of Healdsburg and Sebastopol the 40^th Annual Barrel Tasting Weekend kicks off the first of two weekends in March celebrating recent vintages available to taste only by barrel samples. March 3-5 and March 10-12, 2017, are the weekend dates this year.

Even with the expansion to two weekends it remains hard to do this region justice. The wide variety of wineries and the high caliber of wines make Barrel Tasting Weekend in these three wine valleys the best way to judge what many call a spectacular 2016 vintage and be able to buy futures at a discount before they are bottles. In addition, older vintages that are still in barrel will be available to taste as well as current releases. Given the demand for the wines in these areas, buying futures guarantees you can obtain wines that many times sell out upon release.

Be an insider and be educated on what is coming down the pike among the excellent wineries of Dry Creek Valley (known for Zinfandel), Alexander Valley (known for Cabernet Sauvignon) and Russian River Valley (known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and purchase futures to come back and pick up later. While there, don’t forget to pick up wines to drink now.

Vintage Eve Circa Jan 2013: Eve’s Wine 101 on TV!

February 21, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

What the plan was: As written below. The way it turned out: Watch for yourself – link. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-jEoXlDHa8)

Tami or Dave: Would going to a wine fest be a good idea for a first date?

Eve: Absolutely! Things to consider: If you invite a woman to a wine event, because she appreciates wine, let her know exactly what the extent of your own knowledge is. I can’t believe how little I knew at my first event, and how I’ll never learn it all. So, don’t fake your knowledge, she will spot that. And, don’t over drink, as you are driving your date home.

Tami or Dave: What about couple time?

Eve: There is no better way to get into a romantic mood with your partner than over wine. As you progress from tasting table to tasting table, take a moment to talk about the aromas and flavors you are getting. The time spent savoring wine easily translates for a couple that enjoys savoring life together. Don’t rush it!

Tami or Dave: Okay that leaves friends, is going to a wine tasting with friends a good idea?
Eve: Again, yes. For me, unless someone declares themselves a designated driver in advance (the key is it needs to be in advance) rent a nice limousine. The drive from Santa Clarita to the Sierra Pelona wine event is beautiful! Rolling hills and valleys, seeing it from a limo is probably the best way to go, with friends, a first date or with your spouse!

Tami or Dave: Okay, now, tell us, as you call yourself the SCV Wine Conduit, how does one behave at a wine fest? I mean, are there rules?

Eve: If you want to ensure a good time, yes, I have a few pointers. Winery representatives or winemakers will pour most wines. Each should be versed at answering questions about their wines and are interested in what you think.

With that said, don’t be in a hurry. If the line at one table is long, go to another, and swing back to the one you missed later. When you receive your 1 to 2 ounce taste be aware if others are waiting, if they are, back up a bit to let them in. If there isn’t a wait, take some time, swirl your glass to open up the aromas, and comment on what you find. Swirl again before tasting, and let your taste linger over your tongue and mouth before swallowing, again to detect taste and overall mouth feel. Share your thoughts with the server. Discard what is left in your glass, whether you like it or not, expectorating is also encouraged. The goal at an event isn’t to get drunk, the goal is to keep your palate fresh enough that you can appreciate your first pour as much as your 40^th.

Tami or Dave: Are you going to the Sierra Pelona Wine Fest? Why do you think locals will enjoy it?

Eve: Anytime an inaugural wine fest is planned, wine people and regular people are curious. This brilliant idea of Robert’s not only serves the community’s Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital but also introduces the greater area to one of the newest wine growing areas. And Robert, joined by dozens of others, will be showcasing wines that haven’t been already poured at dozens of other festivals.

Tami or Dave: So, where else can we go for wine in Santa Clarita – and not be intimidated?

Eve: Every place that serves wine serves the wine community best by not making it intimidating. Your local wine bars like Wine 661, Roman Holiday Wine Lounge, Lee’s Wine Bistro and Valencia Wine Company, as well as Pulchella Wine Tasting Room and our wine-serving restaurants all have the same goal: to get you in and to make you want to come back. They do this by talking to you about what you like, and then making suggestions based on that.

Of course, reading my blog, or following me on Facebook helps too…a little wine 101 knowledge can help you feel less intimidated.

Tami or Dave: How much is there, really, to learn about wine?

Eve: The education never ends. But like with any entrepreneurial effort, if your heart is in the work, you just don’t care. I read trade magazines, fiction and non-fiction, the internet and take classes. I’m never bored, and always “thirsty” for more. I would bet this conversation has given you two a craving?

Tell people any more tricks of the trade – especially for the Sierra Pelona event.

Eve: Well…if you are very nice to a winery representative, they often have something “under the table” that they share with other reps or especially nice guests. Sometimes…you might even leave with a bottle! (But don’t be pushy and ask for one.) And, talk to other guests. By the end of a tasting a camaraderie begins to develop. Tell people what you liked and find out what their favorites were. You can even revisit a favorite of your own, to see if it fares just as well with your palate.

Santa Clarita Valley’s Own Vanessa Braxton and Her Line of Black Momma Vodkas

December 30, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

I think I first met Vanessa Braxton at one of the two Santa Clarita Valley Wine Fests, undoubtedly one of the big players organizer Joel Fisher recruited from his uber popular LA Wine Fest.

At the time Vanessa had a uniquely named vodka, Black Momma, and only one. Fast forward just a few years and come to find she just finished building her own distillery and tea facility in Long Island, has a warehouse in Rancho Dominguez, CA, just gained a contract with Carnival Cruises, has a line of organic mixers, and is selling these new flavors – along with the original – locally and nationwide:

Pomegranate Tea

Peach Tea

Chai Tea

Green Tea

Sour Sop Tea

Each is distilled five times and filtered five times as “superior handcrafted” vodkas. They are distilled from corn, bottled (for the time being) in Bend, Oregon by Bend Spirits and are 40% alcohol with an 80% proof.

Vanessa recently dropped off a bottle for me to review, with a promise of sending out samples of all the flavors soon. The woman is so busy growing I’m not holding my breath. But for now, I will share my tongue:

Black Momma Straight Vodka (Eve’s Tasting Notes)

Vodka is a neutral spirit. Which means aromas and flavors can be neutral as well, and balance (burn in this case) might be the only recognizable factor. In my experience tasting other neutral spirits/vodkas at the same time, the differences can be detected. I pulled up that memory/knowledge when I tasted the Black Momma Straight Vodka.

Aroma: vanilla bean, mineral water and a very mild burn.

Flavor: Some of the vanilla bean carried through, which was very cool, and a bit of the burn. Over ice (like adding water to single malt) I got less burn and more balance, easily lending itself to a cocktail, or an easy sipper with just ice and a wedge of lemon.

About Vanessa Braxton

Vanessa Braxton is the first African-American woman owner and operator of a Nationally Distributed Vodka in the United States as known in the Trade. Black Momma Vodka was in 32 States by 2015.

Black Momma Awards

90 point rating from Tasting Panel Magazine, Ultimate Beverage Challenge 84 point rating out of 100 points, rated good and recommended by Industry Experts: F. Paul Pacult, Sean Ludford, Christy Canterbur, John McClement and more! Listed among the 10 U.S. Vodkas.

https://www.facebook.com/BlackMommaVodka/

http://www.blackmommavodka.com/

Eve’s Wine 101 Event Picks: NY in Napa 12/29-1/1, Paso’s Blendfest 1/13-15, Sonoma Winter Wineland 25th Anniversary 1/14-15, STARS of Santa Barbara 1/18, Palate Builder 1/21, What You Need to Know About Wine 1/23, Cambria Art/Wine Fest 1/27-29, Rhone Tasting 1/28, Wine, Cheese and Chocolate 2/11, 2/12 and 2/14, Lodi in LA 2/15. Ongoing: Events locally at Reyes Winery, Wine House events in WLA, LA Wine Tasting, Monopole Wine events in Pasadena and Eve does Wine Themed Parties.

Alcoholics…yes, we’re tackling this today (Circa 12/2009)

December 23, 2016 by evebushman 3 Comments

Alcoholics. The dirty word.

My photo taken on the set of The Wine Down show.

I’m watched for symptoms…comes with the territory. With questions like, “How do you stay so slim and drink so much?” or “You’re always at an event…how do you get home?” and my personal favorite, “I can only have one martini…you can have two?”

Okay. I’m not one of those wine writer’s that uses terms justifying or glorifying my drinking habits. I would list those blog names but the tags might bring them to me in wine-riddled-rage. So I won’t go there. But I will answer the questions.

I don’t “drink so much”. I taste wine. If I LIKE IT I might have a glass. And a wine glass is 4 ounces for me. I routinely share a bottle with my husband. But not a second. So that is 2 to 2 1/2 glasses down my gullet. So staying slim, like for everyone else, is because I eat, and drink, in moderation.

How I get home from events? Whether I have a driver or not, watch me. I stop drinking wine at least an hour or more before I plan on leaving. I drink only water at that time. Before that I have a glass of water for every glass of wine. So, you may see me getting comfortable in my surroundings, but if you know me well enough, you’ll know I’m pretty comfortable in any surroundings.

(I also pour out. I’ll use the bucket at the NEXT table at an event. Or your yard or planter. I do this with any wine I don’t care for. But the reason I use the next table, and the same reason this section is in parenthesis, is because I don’t want you to know it. If you poured me the wine, brought the wine or made the wine…well…I just don’t want to offend you. I have way too many wine friends, and want to keep them all.)

I can have two martinis in the course of an evening. Same rules apply, for Vodka, Scotch, Tequila as it does for wine, at an event or any time. I have YEARS of resistance to alcohol built up in me so “Don’t try this at home” unless you know yourself.

I don’t drink every night. I don’t drink in the day time unless it’s a day event.

Now to the tough love part. I’ve been followed, on Facebook and in real life, by my fair share of alchies. I HATE it. I’m not here to glorify anyone’s addiction, so if you are drunk around me don’t expect me to stay around you. And, please, don’t expect me NOT to tell you if you’ve had too much.

Drunks are ugly, unpleasant and irresponsible. Don’t join my wine group on Facebook if you have an alcohol problem and please don’t follow me into the bathroom, put your face inches from mine, raise a finger to point into my chest, and tell me what you think of me or the wine. Not interested. And I’m sober enough to want to leave events when this happens.

So, there it is, Happy Holidays from your wine bud. And, please, you can (still) tell me when you’ve had to much. I’ll send you home…in a cab. And our Happy Holidays will be happy for everyone else on the road too.

Our Semi-Annual (If We Remember to do it) All Events Column – PART ONE

January 29, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

We try to get wine events that we like listed in our weekly Dear Wine Friend free e-newsletter and/or our SCV Wine Calendar. But every now and then I do the work for you, which means pulling the info from each site and culling it all into one article, especially when there are so many worthwhile events:

Eve’s Wine 101 Event Picks (Part One list events through Feb., Part Two, which will run next week on 2/5, has events from Feb through April)

Wine LA: has continuous Classes and Tastings that include Wine Camp 2/6, Wine Dinner 2/11, Wine, Cheese and Chocolate 2/13, Dry Creek Valley Tour 2/20, James Suckling Wines of Italy Tour 2/25, Brunello vs. Bordeaux 2/28, Stars of Napa Valley 3/2, Wine Camp 3/6, Cult Wines Cab Dinner 3/12, Pinot Noir vs. Burgundy vs. Beaujolais 3/13, Napa Trip 3/18+20, Tapas 3/24, Trip to Sicily and Sardinia 4/2-9…and MORE!

Cambria Art and Wine Festival 1/29-31: Begins Friday Morning with shopping specials, raffle ticket opportunities, wine tasting and demonstrating artists throughout the village. Friday evening an Event Kick-Off Party offering wine and food pairing, entertainment, preview of the Art Show/Silent Auction and special raffle prize packages will be held at the Veterans’ Hall. Saturday offers Wine Tasting at the Veterans’ Hall (west village), The Cambria Center for the Arts (mid village) & the Cambria Historical Museum (east village), over 40 local wineries participating. Saturday Evening offers additional venues with artists, food and wine pairing and continued entertainment. Check the Details Page. Sunday offers an Artist’s Faire with demonstrating artists, wine tasting and a barbecue lunch available. Raffle drawings will be held at the end of the event on Sunday at the Artist’s Faire.

Wally’s UGC Bordeaux 2013 Vintage Tasting 1/29: An opportunity to taste the new 2013 vintage from many of the best producers in Margaux, St Julien, Pauillac, St Estèphe, Listrac, Moulis, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Sauternes and Barsac.   The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGC) is visiting Los Angeles to promote the soon-to-be-released 2013 vintage.  The Union is an affiliation of the best Bordeaux producers from all of the major Bordeaux growing regions. More than 80 châteaux will attend and winemakers and owners will pour over 100 wines from the 2013 vintage. This is the largest Bordeaux tasting in the United States.   Taking place in The Museum of Flying at Santa Monica Airport, guests will be able to take in vintage aircraft and aviation memorabilia while sampling world class wines.   Wally’s Cheese Box, along with Monsieur Madame and The Bison Burger food trucks, will also be on-site.  This event will sell out. Sign up today! All net profit proceeds to benefit Food on Foot.

Garagiste Southern Exposure 2/12-13: We are excited to be bringing many of the best, hard-to-find, high-quality micro-production wineries from all over California to the Santa Ynez Valley for The 4th Annual Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure. The majority of our wineries do not have tasting rooms, and their wines can be very hard to find on store shelves. We make it easy for you to find a world of new wine discoveries all under one roof. As with all Garagiste events, only the winemakers and/or owners (often the same person) will be pouring the wines. Come meet the artists who are making some of the most exciting and innovative wines in the world. Over 25 wineries and 100 wines to try both days.Each day begins with one of our engaging, educational and unique winemaker panels and tasting seminars. These seminars are only available as part of the VIP All-Day Ticket, which also includes a Wine Country Box Lunch and early access to the Grand Tasting. Seats are limited. This just in: Also, this year we are running a very cool drawing for 2 Sunday VIP tickets and a room on Valentine’s Day night at the newest luxury boutique hotel in Solvang, The Landsby – http://on.fb.me/1ZHwbpa

NEW Valentine’s Day Dinner at Newhall Refinery: Enjoy a 4-course gourmet candlelit meal paired with beer or wine flight at one of our favorite restaurants. Live background music and complimentary valet parking included. 5pm or 8pm seatings. Please email or call for availability, menu options and pricing: sercek.refinery@gmail.com or 661-388-4477.

American Wine Specialist course Feb 20, 21, 27 and 29 (this is the one you can take with me, so let me know if you signed up: Eve@EveWine101.com) The course consists of 24 hours (4 full days) of class time and tasting, with a final written exam (5th day) required to achieve the official AMERICAN WINE SPECIALIST® certification, issued by the North American Sommelier Association and recognized internationally by the Worldwide Sommelier Association (www.worldwidesommelier.com). Designed around the concept of our widely acclaimed ‘Italian Wine Specialist‘ certification, this course focuses on the same holistic teaching methodology, looking at culture, history, terroir, climate, geology, geography, enography, legislation and tasting of 30+ high quality wines representative of wine regions around the USA. A short portion of the course will be dedicated to the exclusive and advanced WSA/NASA technical wine-tasting technique.

The Essentials 2/20: LA Weekly presents The Essentials, our signature food and wine event benefitting Food Forward: A.O.C., Animal, Beverly Soon Tofu, Broken Spanish, Chengdu Taste, Chichen Itza, Coni’ Seafood, Crossroads, Guelaguetza, Guerrilla Tacos, ink., Jitlada Southern Thai, Kiriko Sushi, Kogi BBQ, La Casita Mexicana, Lucques, Mariscos Jalisco, Park’s BBQ, POT, Providence, Republique, Sotto, Spago, Sqirl, Szechuan Impression, Terrine, the hungry cat, Night + Market, Wexler’s Deli, Baroo, Jon & Vinny’s, Le Comptoir, Racion, Luv2eat Thai Bistro, RedBird, RiceBar, Mélisse, Philippe the Original, Bestia, Cassia, Rustic Canyon Wine Bar and Seasonal Kitchen, Guisados, Lukshon, Connie and Ted’s, Maude, Belcampo Meat Co., Little Sister, Dune, Pine & Crane, Union, Aqui es Texcoco, Burritos La Palma, Cacao Mexicatessen, Corazon y Miel, Bludso’s BBQ, Osteria Mozza, Trois Mec, Papilles Bistro, El Huarache Azteca, Button Mash.

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

What’s Not To Love About Working in the Wine Industry

January 8, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

I often get comments about how lucky I am to be able to work as a wine writer, take continuing education courses centered on wine and spirits (Join me for NASA’s upcoming American Wine Specialist Certification course: Eve@EveWine101.com) and most recently, serving as a wine judge. One reader proclaimed that she would like to be a Mini Me, others want to “stand in” when I can’t make an event while I bet more still have dolls that look like me that they stick pins into…

So these thoughts prompted me to want to write about the dark side of my career. What few people in the wine industry talk about – except to other industry insiders. So here goes.

I can’t bleach my teeth. Because I taste and/or drink red wine several times a week I don’t have a clear window of enough time to bleach my teeth effectively. I can make an appointment and have it done for me, but it seems kind of defeatist. So your teeth will always be whiter than mine.

I can’t wear perfume. Perfume would alter the perception of aroma (bouquet is the term if an older wine) in wine. When I am sitting at home tasting and writing, no other aromas can invade my space. If I’m at an event I resent both perfume and after shave. When judging if anyone is wearing perfume, scented body lotions, hair spray, etc. – they would be disgraced. Problem is I have some nice perfumes, purchased by my husband, but I rarely can find a time to wear any of them.

Wearing white is problematic. When I judge wine, whether in a competition, for a review or at an event, I will breath air in over my tongue – filled with less than an ounce of wine – in an effort to open the wine and get more from a taste. As you can imagine, spills can happen when I do this. It’s a treat to wear white but I have to think about where I’m going and what I’ll be doing first.

I eat more red meat than I should. I have a preference for red wine when I dine out, and will often select my wine from the list before my food. So though I may enjoy a white or sparkling with a salad, or other light appetizer, I usually go for a Bordeaux or Rhone blend with dinner.

I have to spit. I would much prefer to taste and then swallow wine, and I do that plenty, but I actually have to spit out wine more than I get to drink it. A few weeks ago I judged the Long Beach Grand Cru for two days and I really looked forward to attending the public event to get to have the pleasurable end, the drinking part.

There are a lot of wine events to cover. I try and attend every local non-profit wine event so that I can advertise it with a column. There are a lot of events, near and far, that I get invited to. It’s very hard to get to them all, and visit so many worthy winemakers, but I do as much as I can. I usually enjoy them but ask any wine writer, it can get physically tiring to cover so much ground.

Some of the I’m-new-to-wine questions can be solved by a Google search. I’m not Google. I love questions from beginners that lead to a discussion, and teach them a little about the big world of wine. But don’t ask me for a dining review (see my Yelp), a hotel in wine country (see my Trip Advisor reviews) or which wineries I like (I have to Google myself and the region you want to give you an answer).

Writing 8 columns a month minimum. I write a weekly Friday column for both Eve’s Wine 101 and the Beacon. I write a bi-monthly column for Elite Magazine. I’ve written for other publications as well, like Wine Dogs, Wine Cats and other websites. So, for the last 7 years I have churned out hundreds of articles. If this still sounds glamorous to you, and you don’t mind getting paid with event tickets in exchange for your articles, email me: Eve@EveWine101.com

Experience California Wine Month this September

August 31, 2015 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Celebrate harvest at more than 50 festivals, winemaker dinners, concerts, tours and classes

SAN FRANCISCO (August 24, 2015)— September is the height of harvest season when a wine lover’s thoughts turn to all things wine. California Wine Month is a great way to celebrate with more than 50 amazing events and immersion experiences—from wine festivals and winemaking classes to winemaker dinners, VIP tastings and tours happening around the state.

This September marks the 11th consecutive year that California’s Governor has proclaimed California Wine Month, honoring America’s largest wine producing state. “We appreciate Governor Brown recognizing the contributions of vintners and growers to our state’s economy, culture and lifestyle,” said Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “Whether you’re a novice or an expert, California’s diverse winegrowing regions offer plenty of activities in America’s leading wine destination.”

Click here for a complete listing by region of all the activities or go to: www.discovercaliforniawines.com/californiawinemonth to search by date. For great California wine and food road trip ideas click here. California Wine Month is a campaign created by Wine Institute.
Event highlights include:

North Coast

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, Sept. 4-6 over Labor Day weekend has been named one of the “10 Best Wine & Food Events in the U.S.” As Sonoma County’s largest charity event, it brings together over 200 of Sonoma’s top winemakers and growers, along with a collection of the area’s best chefs. For three delicious, decadent days, guests can enjoy the Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch, as well as a wine auction, seminars, cooking demonstrations, vineyard tours and multiple winery parties.

Up in redwood country, Mendocino’s Annual Winesong Charity Auction & Tasting begins with the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Celebration on Sept. 11. Mingle with winemakers and savor the offerings of 25 wineries paired with culinary delights, overlooking the ocean at Little River Inn. On Sept. 12, the Winesong Food & Wine Tasting offers guests the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens setting paired with regional vintages, 50 Mendocino County food purveyors and nine diverse music groups. That same day is the Winesong Charity Auction, featuring bidding on incredible trips, wine, art and food—benefitting local health services.

Finish out the month at the 2015 Sonoma Valley Crush Sept. 25-27, where wine lovers can get their grape on. For three days, wineries will be offering a variety of harvest activities including grape sampling in the vineyards, crush pad tours, samples of just-pressed juice and grapes picked fresh off the vine. Guests can sip wine while it’s fermenting and chat with artisan winemakers about harvest.

Napa Valley boasts many fantastic events and immersion experiences, from barn bashes and winemaker tours to harvest balls. An intense immersion experience is the Trefethen Harvest Boot Camp on Sept. 26, where guests can spend the morning “working” in the vineyard followed by an al fresco lunch under the canopy of an ancient walnut tree.

Inland Valleys

The Madera Vintners Association’s California Wine Month Celebration on Sept. 18 will offer wine tasting from local wineries, food by a variety of local restaurants and live music. The Association will be announcing special awards for wine industry professionals and guests will have the opportunity in the People’s Choice Award to vote for their favorite wine of the evening. Proceeds benefit the Community Food Bank.

Lodi vintners and growers will host SIP SAVOR LODI— a three-day harvest celebration held Sept. 25-27, showcasing the region’s agricultural bounty through its boutique wineries, varietal wines and local farm-to-fork restaurants. Festivities kick off on Sept. 25 with an alfresco Harvest Dinner in historic downtown Lodi, with some of the region’s finest wines. Guests will return to downtown Lodi for a Grand Tasting on Sept. 26, highlighting Lodi’s wines alongside savory bites from the region’s restaurants and artisan vendors. The weekend culminates with Cellar Tours on Sept. 27 where guests can visit vintners in their cellars.

San Francisco Bay Area

A great kickoff event on Labor Day weekend is Livermore Valley’s 34th Annual Harvest Wine Celebrationon Sept. 6, where you can visit more than 40 Livermore Valley wineries sharing their finest wines and take in local music, art and food.

In the Santa Cruz Mountains, the 33rd Annual Capitola Art and Wine Festival brings together 23 wineries, local restaurants, 160 artists, crafts and music for a fun weekend Sept. 12-13 near the beach in Capitola. A Kid’s Art Area offers ongoing craft projects while local dance, music and performing arts groups and street performers perform all weekend.

Central Coast

Santa Barbara’s Santa Ynez Valley Wine Month Sept. 1-30 features various wineries offering fun events, classes, winemaker dinners, tastings and special wine and hotel packages in the towns of Buellton, Ballard, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. Another delicious bet is Taste of the Town Santa Barbara on Sept. 13, with tastings from 80 of the finest local restaurants and Central Coast wineries at the beautiful Riviera Park Gardens.

Step into the pages of Sunset magazine and experience the 6th Annual Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast on Sept. 24-27, one of the premier wine and food events in the West. This four-day wine and food extravaganza takes place at the renowned Santa Margarita Ranch and throughout San Luis Obispo County. Enjoy celebrity chefs, winemaker seminars, more than 200 regional wine tastings, adventure tours and attend a new opening night event, Strings at Sunset at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre.

Sierra Foothills

In South Lake Tahoe, Sample the Sierra on Sept. 6is the area’s only farm-to-fork festival, giving guests the chance to taste the creations of Sierra Nevada talent—from food, wine and spirits to fresh produce and art. Each dish is prepared with local ingredients and then paired with a complimentary drink to create a unique local experience.

The 30th Annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival on Sept. 11-13 offers wine and food pairings, celebrity chefs, wine seminars, cooking demos, Farm-to-Tahoe Dinner, the Blazing Pans Mountain Chef Cook-Off, kids cook-off, a “winemaker for a day” immersion class, hikes, gourmet marketplace, culinary competition and grand tasting, winemaker dinners and live entertainment.

Southern California

At The Los Angeles Times’ The Taste, wine and food are the stars Sept. 4-6. Celebrate Southern California’s vibrant culinary scene at Paramount’s iconic backlot, presenting five events with leading chefs and restaurants in L.A. and unlimited tastings. Guests can learn more about wine and food during special seminars and live demos.

Enjoy California wines at CRUSH: Temecula Valley Wine & Culinary Showcase, a Sept. 19 harvest festival featuring 100-plus wines from over 30 Temecula Valley wineries, paired with food from local restaurants and farms and live music. Wine lovers can purchase a SIP, Temecula Style passport, offering savings at four out of 30-plus wineries anytime during the month of September.

Visit www.discovercaliforniawines.com for information on wine regions, wines and winery amenities to plan a trip to California wine country. Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the association of nearly 1,000 California wineries and wine-related businesses with the mission is to initiate and advocate state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. See: www.wineinstitute.org.

Eve’s Annual All Event Post!

April 10, 2015 by evebushman Leave a Comment

For the past seven years that I’ve been writing about wine I would annually run an “All Events” column simply because not everyone, for some strange reason, gets our weekly Dear Wine Friend e-newsletter (email me to sign up: Eve@EveWine101.com) that lists events. I also tend to write these out in a column when there are too many good events happening in and around Santa Clarita, and I want to get the information out there to many more wine peeps. So without further adieu, here you go:

Wine and Magic Shows at Valencia Wine Company are currently being held on the third Wednesday of every month at 7pm at the popular wine bar at 24300 Town Center Drive. The next one is on 4/15: “Enjoy a special evening of magic with Steve Silverman famous magician from The Magic Castle. Steve Silverman lives a retired life…retired from the real world that is. He has transitioned from the Space Business to “monkey business” and has been performing real magic, something he has loved for most of his life. Steve developed his magical skills a long time ago and has since lectured on magic, published tricks, and is a featured performer at The World Famous Magic Castle. Steve has performed Close-up Magic here at the Valencia Wine Company and it has been a wonderful hit; we encourage you to come enjoy it for yourself and friends!” More info: 661-254-9300.

Mystic Hills Vineyard Rosé Release Party will be held in a private Stevenson Ranch home 4/25. Local wine enthusiasts may have been introduced to Mystic Hills Vineyards during a packed house tasting last month at Wine 661, or non-profit tasting events. All three bottles of their very first vintage were honored by the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition: Mystic Hills Vineyard’s 2011 “Unforgiven” red blend was awarded a gold medal, and the 2011 “Sequel” red blend and 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon both received silver medals. Now, with the release of their new H.E.A.R.T.S. rosé, made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc (that I loved!) they’ve planned a special release party for 4/25 in a private home in Stevenson Ranch. Vintners Joel and Judy Cox are SCV natives, Joel has a star on our Western Walk of Fame in Downtown Newhall as he is an Academy-Award winning editor for Clint Eastwood films. Judy is known as the founder of the Betty Ferguson Foundation, which was a long-running and respected non-profit named after Judy’s mother that worked to improve the quality of life of women through educational grants and volunteerism. The tasting event will be held from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Reserve your tickets by emailing info@mystichillsvineyard.com, via fax at (805) 467-2019 or by calling (805) 610-1099.

For the Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend April 23-26, another 4-day event that centers on a Festival Grand Tasting on Saturday April 25, a Vintners’ Visa is included that allows visits to “different wineries throughout Santa Barbara County. The Visa lasts for the entire Spring Weekend…and includes a calendar of events that shows all the open houses special winemaker dinners or lunches, vineyard hikes, and more.”

Sierra Pelona Wine Fest is set for 4/25. This is the third year of the fest and as of right now, the only large wine fest we have in Santa Clarita. By supporting and attending the fest we can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more from their website, “Reyes Winery is hosting the Third Annual Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival on Saturday April 25, 2015 from 12pm-4pm (with VIP entrance at 11am). We are happy to be part of one of California’s most exciting burgeoning wine regions. The Sierra Pelona Valley Vintners Association is an organization that brings together the talents and resources of its members, partners and community to promote the production and appreciation of fine wines grown or produced within the Sierra Pelona Valley AVA and surrounding areas. Nestled in the Sierra Pelona Mountains of Southern California, just 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, the Sierra Pelona Valley’s untouched natural beauty provides the perfect environment for burgeoning vineyards, boutique wineries, tasting rooms, and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy a day of discovery and relaxation exploring the area’s fine wineries, tasting rooms, events, and hiking trails.”

The Cabs of Distinction will be a big hit in Paso Robles on 5/2. We went last year and were really well educated on the Bordeaux blends and single varietals coming out of Paso. If you thought Paso was Zinfandel or Rhone country alone, think again. Paso has much more land under vine than Napa Valley and these wineries are taking advantage of it, “A Celebration of Cabernet Sauvignon & Red Bordeaux Varietals,  Perfected in Paso Robles. The elegant lakeside grand tasting brings consumers face-to-face with winemakers and their award-winning wines as they sip over 75 different Cabernet and red Bordeaux varietals. ENJOY: World-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals, access to acclaimed producers, personal cheese and charcuterie plates prepared by Vivant Fine Cheese, small bites and artisanal offerings from local producers Heaven Squared Brownie Co., Monterey Chocolate Company, Therabee, panoramic views in an elegant setting and live music. Founding members of the PRCC include: DAOU Vineyards & Winery, ADELAIDA Cellars, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery, Chateau Margene and Eberle Winery.”

MEET ME HERE: These are two on the same day, Sunday 5/3, which I will be at: The Chardonnay Run 5k in Santa Monica for the morning and then Taste of the Town that afternoon. The Chardonnay Run is a first for me. Never really thought about having a glass of Chardonnay, or any kind of wine, after a race. But this race, a nice flat course in a cool climate, will finish with wine as well as food and entertainment in the race day expo. (Learn the FAQS here.) Registration includes, a “custom commemorative wine glass, quality event t-shirt, race bib, one glass of wine, food pairings, access to the post-race bash expo!”

Then it’s home for a shower and meandering around the giant lawn of the Mann Biomedical Park for Taste of the Town. Come out and join us in support of all of the vendors that give their food and beverages for free in support of our Child and Family Center – for the 27^th year! There is a silent auction, opportunities to win a 15- day Hawaiian island Princess cruise and a one-carat Belgium diamond, and live “danceable” music!

How about taking a Historic Vineyard Tour and Dinner in Lodi on 5/9? Last year Michael and Karen Perlis took the bus ride, listened to stories from the winemakers, traipsed through historic vineyards and then ended the day with a stellar wine dinner. Read Michael’s story here in his Part One and Part Two coverage. And this from the website, “Join Mike Officer, David Gates, Bob Biale, Morgan Twain-Peterson, Tegan Passalacqua and special guests as the Historic Vineyard Society celebrates the great historic Vineyards of Lodi. Vineyards to be toured: Bechtoldt, Moore-Fry, Dogtown and Train Wreck. Following the vineyard tour, a dinner will be held at Wine & Roses in Lodi.”

This year’s 33^rd Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival takes place over four days, 5/14 through 5/17, and is guaranteed to be a hit as usual. Get your hotel, pick what interests you most, and immerse yourself in wine. “The 33rd Annual Wine Festival kicks-off Thursday, May 14 with a selection of Winemaker Dinners. Details coming soon! On Friday, May 15, select wineries feature their Library, Reserve, White/Rosé, and Futures complemented by fresh and local gourmet bites at the RESERVE Event. Start your morning on Saturday, May 16 with a fun and educational Winemaker Seminar. Following the seminar, more than 70 wineries come together in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park to showcase their wines during the Grand Tasting. Wineries at the Grand Tasting will be arranged by “regions” for a seamless and focused tasting experience: Bordeaux-style, Rhône-style, Zinfandel, Burgundian-style, Italian varieties and Other Wild Wines for your tasting pleasure. In a new, expanded band and picnic area of the Grand Tasting, the Damon Castillo Band will provide the perfect music to complement your wine tasting experience.

MEET ME HERE: Join Pulchella Winemakers and Eve on 5/31 for a Wine Tasting and Lesson on 5/31 (not a holiday weekend!) in Valencia’s FIRST bonded and licensed winery! You may have been to Pulchella’s tasting room in downtown Newhall but did you know that they have a winery in the industrial center? For this event, where part of the proceeds will be benefit the work of the Unitarian Universalists of Santa Clarita, Lemley and Hasper will be assisted by yours truly as we taste through their new releases and answer questions. The event will run from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and small bites are included in the $25 ticket price. Reserve by visiting this PayPal link: http://uuofscv.org/goings-on/192-wine-tasting-and-lesson

Get out of town and into the woods: For its 12^th year Wine in the Pines promises that “…for four hours, from 12 noon to 4 pm on 6/13, you’ll be able to taste exciting wines from throughout California’s top wine-growing regions, with dozens of premier wineries to choose from. If wine isn’t on your favorite list, Stella Artois and Wolf Creek microbrew will be available for tasting. And then there’s the food: some of Kern County’s, Santa Clarita Valley’s, and our own local favorite restaurants will be on hand to serve you everything from classic European finger food and gourmet pizza to good-ole western barbeque. There’s nothing like pine-scented air and the shade of tall pines to complement the taste of good wine and equally good food, unless it’s live music—loud enough to set the mood, but smooth enough not to ruin it. Wine-themed art will also be on display to round out the afternoon.

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