In our years of writing about wine we have also had many occasions to serve wine in both public and private tasting events. Couple that with the countless events, bars, wineries and restaurants we’ve reviewed and I came up with a quick training guide for our consulting clients that I’d like to share with our…
The first stop of the day isn’t always the best, but at Rocca Family Vineyards it proved to be. Though we (traveling with pal Claudia Sheridan) thought we may have taken a wrong turn as the quaint home didn’t have a tasting room sign, it was the right address and once through the front doors…
Tailgating Yummy Treats Asian Chicken Bites Ingredients 2/3 cup honey 2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil 1 teaspoon grated orange rind 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs,…
“Pinot Days is coming to Southern California this weekend! (Remember readers, this is Pinot Days #1 from 2010!) After six big events in San Francisco and three in Chicago, the winemakers are loading up and heading over the Grapevine, so to speak. 93 pinot producers (and counting) will show up and pour over 400 acclaimed…
CARMEL HIGHLANDS, CA — Hyatt Carmel Highlands, located at 120 Highlands Drive in the Carmel Highlands, long known as the legendary location for culinary talent and host of the world famous Masters of Food and Wine will serve as the lead sponsor and host of the opening event of the Big Sur Food and Wine…
Thanks for wanting to read about my tasting classes. There are many things that I can do – it’s really up to the host what they want as far as the lesson, wine, spirits and food. My Level Two certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) has given me equal time with wine…
Brian McClintic, Jay Fletcher, Jason Heller and Reggie Narito Teach Level I and Level II Sommelier Courses to be held at Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara WHO: Brian McClintic, managing partner of Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant, the wine bar and retail store which opened in 2013 to rave reviews in Santa…
I’ve often been asked in my pursuit of (wine) knowledge if I’d ever visited a cooperage. I have to admit that the first time I was asked I was like any true wine 101er – and asked what the heck a cooperage is. A cooperage, manned by several coopers, is a barrel making facility. Just…
Our first day in Napa Valley took us (I was traveling with social networking maven Claudia Sheridan) several places — here are two that turned our heads. ZD Wines http://www.zdwines.com/wine Assistant tasting room manager Chris explained that the winery practiced all organic farming, including from the growers they use. Having the benefit of long term…
Liz’s Famous Artichoke Dip Tailgating Favorite! Ingredients 8 ounces cream cheese 1/2 cup mayo 1/2 c sour cream 1 bag frozen artichoke hearts, thawed (you can find at Trader Joes) 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan 1cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon…
