Over the years I keep on being asked how I’ve gotten to the point of being a wine educator and a wine judge. My first response is meant as humorous; “I drink a lot!” but that isn’t the true answer. The true answer is much more convoluted and lengthy. Let’s start with the basics. I’m…
Had a few fun wines to review so sharing a virtual taste with readers this week: From Bisol Crede Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G (SRP: $25) is a brilliantly yellow-green colored Prosecco with a fruity bouquet, flavors of green apples and pears and balanced acidity. Crede hails from the steep south-facing hills of Bisol’s vineyards in…
On August 13 from 6-10 pm thirsty Vine 2 Wine guests are invited to return to their favorite venue, Cal Arts, which has always been perfect for a wine event of this size! And as so many wine events in our popular valley benefit non-profits, Circle of Hope would like you to know up front…
A few weeks ago I received 3 unsolicited bottles of wine to review. All of the words below in italics are directly from the distributor, as to why you might enjoy their wines for the holidays, following my reviews. At the same time, I was given a new wine-aerating device to do a product review…
A few weeks ago I teased Beacon readers about the new Scotch tasting club membership that I purchased for my husband, Eddie, for his birthday from ForScotchLovers.com. Well, five wax-sealed sample bottles arrived, along with the proper nosing glass, and we were off! Our first allocation, as there would be several more in the upcoming…
I have more than one friend that knows much more about wine from drinking alone than I do via classes and tastings, and Timmy is one of them. This week I have two of Timmy’s finds to rate, as even though he knows best, he has grown to trust my growing knowledge, and I’m honored…
PINOT FANS WILL REJOICE – Next Wednesday! The CHAMPAGNE of Pinot Events is here… NEXT Wednesday! THE DIVA of PINOT EVENTS! No, more like the DEVO of Wine Events! 55 STARS of Pinot are invading LA next Wednesday Night! STARS of PINOT is here! And its bigger and better than last year. Some of The Worlds Best Pinot producers will be gathering…
One of the most successful, family-owned winemaking companies in Italy, Zonin1821, has unveiled a decidedly different Prosecco line with its ‘Dress Code’ Collection. It strays away from what the family’s seven generations of winemakers have been producing since 1821 – Prosecco made from 100% Glera grapes. Inspired to create a new concept of Prosecco, Zonin1821’s…
Larsen’s Steakhouse in Valencia, one of the few choices we have in town for a high end/fine dining experience, recently held one of its periodic “wine tasting and locker stocking” events for its VIP locker holders. My wife Karen and I had the pleasure to attend, taste some great wines, try some delicious apps and…
By now you readers are used to these “virtual tastes” from my various tastings. But, in case you are here for your first sip, a media/trade tasting, by definition, allows the wine/spirit maker or winery/spirit representative (rep) the opportunity to “sell” their product by talking about their offerings and pouring a small sample to writers,…