Eve's Wine 101

Ten Year Challenge…With Wine and Spirits

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My husband Eddie has painstakingly categorized our photos by year on our cell phones, so I recently looked at photos from ten years ago to see if any were worth posting alongside a photo taken recently, for the latest #10YearChallenge on social media. As you can guess, most of my photos back then were of wine, so I thought I would take a look back at what I was drinking then.

(I also searched my name, 2011 and photos on Facebook to add to my wine blast from the past.) This is what I wanted to share:

Contributing Editor Michael Perlis, Eve and then contributor Rusty Sly at All Corked Up in 2011.

From Napa

Meeting with winemaker Gerard Zanzonico in the stunning caves at Del Dotto for maybe the first time, wine tasting at 10 am in the private room for club members at Mondavi, having a seated tasting on an expansive patio with incredible views at Joseph Phelps, an underground tour and tasting in the caves at Schramsberg, meeting with the most gracious host/owner Suzanne Phifer Pavitt at Phifer Pavitt, an evening tasting at the downtown Napa PureCru tasting bar with winemaker Mitch Consentino.

From Paso

Blending wine at TH Estate with winemaker and owner Terry Hoage, visiting Cass for the first time, a mind-blowing multi-course Earth Day dinner at Justin, visiting with the now shuttered Edward Sellers, winery tour and tasting with Lawrence Lohr of J Lohr, discovering that Whalebone really does have whale bones around the property and Calcareous has calcareous rock in their vineyards, time spent with the one and only Gary Eberle, tasting wines, spirits and having dinner at Opolo, seeing Sculpterra for the first time, the dry farming at Minassian Young, Niner when it first opened, the first concrete eggs were at Villa Creek, meeting and tasting incredible wines with Janell Dusi at J Dusi, tasting Nuggucciet Cellars made by a local newspaper man and Mystic Hills Vineyard lovingly owned by local friends.

Jamaica

Though not known for wine we were well taken care of on a trip to Jamaica ten years ago with French Champagne, Appleton rum blended drinks and icy cold Red Stripe Beer.

Events
The annual Union des Grand Crus de Bordeaux tasting is always not only huge but amazing, and since I love Rhone wines the Rhone Rangers can’t be missed, local have Vine 2 Wine with lots of local support, Garagiste Festival offered drinkers events in LA as well as Paso, Pinot Days up in the Skirball Center, Paso’s Earth Day Food and Wine fest was new, and long-time favorite LA Wine Fest with Yoshi Murakami doing sake classes and Chris Uhde teaching about scotch.

Special Dining

Fontanafredda Barolo at Spago Beverly Hills with fellow wine writers, Martinis at Blue Mermaid Chowder House and Bar in San Francisco on vacation, wine and cheese at Wine 661 for locals, A Taste of Monterey Wine Tasting when I visited Eddie there for Naval Postgraduate School, Iron Horse sparkling that came complements of Bourbon Steak in San Francisco for our wedding anniversary dinner.

Places that no longer exist today

Wine bar/restaurant/wine storage facility – and even live music – at All Corked Up as loved by many, the two brothers that opened Artisan Paso Robles that was a favorite for locals and visitors alike, Chef Daniel Otto was first discovered at the Oaks Grille at TPC, Chef Jason Park at Maru Sushi when it was local on Town Center Drive and many times over drinking wine at Valencia Wine Company with owner Guy Lelarge and also attending all of the wine dinners and events he organized at local restaurants.

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 (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Vintage Beacon Circa 5/2011: The Cellar is OPEN

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This week I’ve given over my column to run the full press release I received regarding news of The Cellar. Here as your wine conduit, and wanting to dispel all rumors, I hope that you read this through and share with wine pals. And, I won’t rest until we have a wine bar within a five-mile radius of every home in SCV – or at least a Cellar!

The Cellar Wine Bar & Restaurant is open for business, despite the rumors. (2015 READER’S NOTE: This location no longer exists as a wine bar.)

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Carrie DuShey, Jackie Clavon and Eve at The Cellar

We’ve heard the rumors, so we’re sure you have as well. The truth is, we are not closing. The Cellar Wine Bar & Restaurant is open for business. Unfortunately, All Corked Up is closing their retail wine store. We are sorry to see them go and want to extend an invitation to their current customers to stop into The Cellar and let us know how we might be able to support your wine needs and interests. We will do our best to assist you.

Our weekly schedule at The Cellar offers plenty of opportunity for fine dining; yes, there really is fine dining in SCV. There is also plenty of opportunity for a glass of wine with friends, or a quick bite to eat as you run off to your next event. We should also let you know, we are here to schedule your upcoming special event, business or personal. Remember, special events don’t need to be expensive, they need to be memorable. Please let us know how we can help.

A typical week at The Cellar, Tuesday through Sunday; The Cellar offers an array of fine flavors and fabulous presentation in both food and wine. From our “Get Happy” Tuesdays with an extended happy hour from 4-8pm, regular happy hour Wednesday through Friday, 4-6pm and a special happy hour for teachers 3-6pm on Thursdays. Our Wine, Whine, Wine Wednesday’s, offers a wine tasting opportunity to explore different regions and flavors of wine, along with our inviting atmosphere and friendly people to share the mid-week push. Our Thursdays offer quite the sensory experience with our four course dinner with wine pairing and live music. Our four course dinner menu is built around a newly chosen destination, weekly. The presentation, flavor and overall experience are beyond what would be expected from a restaurant tucked away in SCV. Friday and Saturday nights are all about a memorable meal, fabulous wine and friends; old and new. Live music, dancing and a truly good time is had by all. Our Sunday rotation includes up and coming local musicians performing live, to a full on Blues Fest that is a hidden treasure for anyone who enjoys the blues and a real jam session. Other Sunday surprises include an afternoon on the patio with relaxing live music, flavors of great indulgence and wonderful people, as well as once a month wine tasting exclusive for wine club members.

What our customers have to say:

“We love coming to The Cellar — the wine, the food, the entertainment, and seeing our old friends [and making new ones]. Friday night has been our usual night there, but now the Four Course Wine Pairing Dinners on Thursday evenings get our weekends started early. Each week we are transported to another part of the world by The Cellar’s top-notch chefs — Italy, Greece, Spain, France, etc. And DiMaggio’s expertly matched wine pairings complete the meal!” – Karen and Michael Perlis

“A warm and inviting atmosphere to comfortably enjoy oneself. Live music showcasing some of the best talent in the SCV while providing ample room to get your groove on. Nice wine selection served by knowledgeable and friendly staff. Delectable Four Course Dinners with Wine Pairing that arouse the senses from the arrival of the scrumptious 1st Course and thoroughly satisfy through the luscious 4th Course. Truly works of art! Aside from the great menu of both tempting food dishes and palate pleasing wines, The Cellar is The Place to meet great friends!!” – Gloria Stahly

“Celebrated with a glass of wine at The Cellar Wine Bar & Restaurant, our very favorite wine bar! Because life just doesn’t get much better than celebrating with friends and wine! :)” – The Poached Pair

Michael Perlis Picks Pour Into Sandy for your Thanksgiving Weekend Read (Original post 11/2012)

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Well, we did it. What started as a Facebook chat between Eve Bushman and me took on a life of its own.
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Enlisting Al Robles and Terri Rivera [owners of the wine bar and restaurant Cheers at All Corked Up] as well as Shelly Schutz of wine storage facility All Corked Up, a fundraising event was born – Pour Into Sandy, to benefit the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Crowd in vip room and silent auction

As everything came together, it served as a reminder how giving the wine community and our own residents of the Santa Clarita Valley can be. It was very gratifying to see the outpouring of donations, volunteers and the wholesale participation of the residents of our area and beyond.

Karen and Mike Perlis, Chuck Wiedeman, Jackie Curran and Maureen McKaughan

And it definitely did come together. That evening, guests got to enjoy an amazing selection of wines, delicious food, and an awesome selection of silent auction items, donated by wineries as well as local residents and businesses. And, since the best kind of wine tasting events do not involve tickets that limit how many wines you can taste, guests got to taste as many wines as they wanted and re-taste those that interested them most, And while I can’t speak for the rest of the tables [as we were in the VIP lounge with Gagnon Cellars and the silent auction items], we got a LOT of re-tasters!

To everybody who participated in some way – THANK YOU!

I’d especially like to thank the following…

Karen Perlis smiling in VIP room

First of all, thank you to my wonderful wife Karen for putting up with me during the days leading up to the event as well as enthusiastically participating.

Thanks to the following wineries who responded to my personal appeal for donations:
Carlisle Winery
Clavo Cellars
Epoch Estate Wines
Gagnon Cellars
J Dusi Wines
Stillman Wines / Zeppelin Winery
Turley Wine Cellars

Thank you to all the volunteers for your hard work.

Big thank yous to Al Robles, Terri Rivera and Shelly Schutz for the work you did, as well as the use of your facilities and employees.
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The biggest thank you is reserved for Eve. Without her superhuman efforts, this event would never have happened.

Eve and Eddie Bushman

Finally, I’d like to thank the people who actually read my columns. It was gratifying to get to meet some of you at the event.  The coming weeks will probably see a reduction in my writing duties, although I expect to continue my editing responsibilities as well as doing more work behind the scenes to make our website better for you. Any suggestions you have in this regard would be appreciated.

Cheers!

Michael C. Perlis
Contributing Editor
Eve’s Wine 101
661-816-6838
http://evewine101.com/

Vintage Beacon Circa 7/2010: Red, White and Blue Party

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I’ve had many more than just 5 years worth of 4th of July events with relatives.  We have birthdays too.  And the holidays.  Gotta love that.  But better – and harder to do – is finding a way to celebrate a holiday with my friends.  The ones that appreciate wine.

All Corked Up MapThis year Eddie and I, AKA Mr. and Mrs. Waldo, will be thinking outside of the yellow-cake-box by attending an early Independence party on 7/1 and challenge you too.  Do your holiday the way you want.  Without the jello mold and the Rice Krispie treats.  Mom will still be there on the 4th.
Promise.

Here’s what I found out from David Schutz, one of the many Schutzs that work together at All Corked Up, to entice you too:

David, I know that you are currently advertising a wine sale that begins on July 1st.  I think that having your 4th of July event on the 1st is a good way for guests to take advantage of both the party and the deep discounts.

Why did you plan it on the 1st? (2015 REMINDER: SADLY THIS RESTAURANT NO LONGER EXISTS)

David: Our 5th annual party is perfect for “kicking off” the Holiday weekend and enjoying tri-tip bbq’d right as you walk up, a big wine sale (no corkage) and great live music!

The band that will be playing that night, Naked to the World, are they Classic American Rock or something?

David: Naked To The World features award winning singer-songwriter Kevin Fisher, playing a wide range of original and classic favorites.

I understand that you’ll have some menu items available that night from your restaurant, but what’s the story on the Tri-Tip?

David: Retailer BBQ Galore will be featuring and grilling tri-tip on the latest and greatest grills on the market and also offering specials in their stores for those attending.

Will readers get a chance to meet Chef Liz Pack, Sommelier and General Manager DiMaggio Washington, or will Vic Herstein be available in the retail store?

David: Yes!  All three!  All will want to come and meet Chef Liz, talk wine with Dimaggio or Vic and see what’s in and hot for your summer parties and BBQ’s.  But don’t forget: Each year this is a sold out event, so don’t hesitate to RSVP.

The Info:

Thursday, July 1st 6:30-10:30pm
BBQ Tri-Tip Dinner
and Special menu items

20% off all wine bottle purchases
$17.95

Corkage Free Night
Open Seating

Discount Warehouse will have 20% Off Sale until July 3rd

26340 Diamond Place, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 (2015 REMINDER: SADLY THIS RESTAURANT NO LONGER EXISTS)
Please R.S.V.P. 661-799-7979 www.allcorkedup.com
*No one under 21 permitted in facility

Raise Your Glass: Wine Tasting Returns to Cheers @ All Corked Up was, by any account, a great success.

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Locals from the Santa Clarita Valley, and some from out of the area, got to enjoy a great selection of wines produced by some small artisan winemakers, most of which you’d have a hard time finding in retail shops.

Cheers Front entrance new sign Art finalRepresented at the event were wines from:
B & P Winery
Cantara Cellars
Estrella Creek
Gagnon Cellars
Golden Star Vineyards
Nugguciet Cellars
Reyes Winery
Trinitas

Rounding out the selection were additional wines provided by two quality wine distributors – Wine Warehouse and Southern Wine & Spirits.

Wine highlights for me were (I didn’t taste everything):
B & P  — 2009 and 2010 Syrahs
Cantara Cellars – 2010 Zinfandel
Estrella Creek – Moondancer
Gagnon Cellars – 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon Reserve
Golden Star Vineyards – 2012 Syrah

Great appetizers were provided from the Cheers kitchen – my favorite was the chorizo-stuffed empanadas.

And, if all that wasn’t enough for the paltry entrance fee of $20, Theresa Bruneau kept the crowd entertained with her singing.

The place was full, but not uncomfortably so. The television in the VIP lounge had the football game on, and several attendees took a break in there. Wait times were low, and if you did have to wait at least you were being entertained by the music. In most cases, the winemakers were there for one-on-one conversations. And, wine was available to purchase and take home, which is unusual for a wine tasting event. At the end of the event, I saw a lot of smiling faces.  (Some of the photos from the event can be viewed here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10201317318202381.1073741840.1455706632&type=1&l=612a7f62ac)

The owners, Al Robles and Terri Rivera, are planning on putting on more events soon. I’d love some input to provide to them. What did you think of the event? Would you like another one? Or maybe a winemaker dinner? Your comments would be greatly appreciated.

Michael Perlis provides outsourced controller services to businesses that do not need a full-time controller. He balances this with his interest in wine: reading and writing about it and, of course, drinking it. He is still trying to figure out how to combine these two pursuits. Feel free to contact him about either at mcpfinancial@aol.com or michaelthezinfan@aol.com. 

Perlis Picks: Raise Your Glass! Wine Tasting Returns to Cheers @ All Corked Up!

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Anyone who knows me knows that, over the last few years, we’ve spent a lot of time at Cheers @ All Corked Up. While it has gone through a few name and ownership changes, the venue has always been known for its goal of providing its customers an outstanding experience, whether it be a delicious meal, fun weekend entertainment, or great wine. 

When Terri Rivera and Al Robles took over the venue well over a year ago, their goal was to return the place to its former glory, and then some. They put their own spin on it by putting in high quality kitchen equipment and elevating the menu, both with classic dishes and with those inspired by their Latin American roots. 

And they jumped right into the tradition of helping out by hosting the Pour Into Sandy wine tasting event to benefit the victims of last year’s hurricane, raising over $7,500 for the Red Cross. 

Now, they are holding their first private wine tasting event. You can read about it below, but the important thing to remember is: Support this event, and there will be more!  So, join us.

Cheers Front entrance new sign Art finalTaste a selection of international and domestic wines as you support the return of wine tasting to Cheers @ All Corked Up, the only fully-stocked wine bar and restaurant located in the Santa Clarita Valley’s east side and just 10 minutes from the center of town.

Al Robles and Terri Rivera, the owners of Cheers @ All Corked Up, the venue that supported both Pour Into Haiti and Pour Into Sandy wine tasting events, would like to invite local and non-local, wine beginners and aficionados, back for their first private wine tasting event.

According to Al Robles, the following wineries and distributors are confirmed so far for this event: Cantara Cellars, Gagnon Cellars, Golden Star Vineyards, Reyes Winery, Southern Wine & Spirits, Trinitas Cellars and Wine Warehouse.  (Just added: Estrella Creek Wines)

“We’re very excited to be offering this event to the Santa Clarita Valley.” said Robles.

The event will be held on Sunday afternoon, September 15, from 3 PM to 5:30 PM.  Wine paired appetizers are included, and unlimited tasting, for a $20 per person fee.  Additionally, wines that you taste and enjoy can be purchased; some at a special rate.

Contact Cheers @ All Corked Up at 661-259-2000 to guarantee your spot.  The address is 26340 Diamond Place Suite 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 and is located between Soledad Canyon Road and Golden Valley Road just off of Centre Pointe Parkway.  Landmarks include the Santa Clarita Sports Complex on one side and the WalMart SuperCenter.  http://www.cheersatallcorkedup.com

Excitement Continues to Build for First Annual Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival

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The enthusiasm and participation keeps growing for the The First Annual Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival slated for Saturday January 26, 2013 from 11a.m. to 4p.m. at Reyes Winery just 45 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.  The festival will celebrate the recently established AVA, The Sierra Pelona Valley Appellation. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital.

The Sierra Pelona Valley appellation is Los Angeles’ County most recently established and fastest growing wine country destination.

“I would love to see at least 20 vineyards along Sierra Highway for a new wine trail in the next 5 years,” Barry Goldfarb says optimistically, owner of Agua Dulce Winery and Oreana Winery.

Today, festival organizers announced a partial list of wineries that will be joining Reyes Winery to pour at the event.  Among them are:  Agua Dulce Winery, Alonso Family Vineyards, Antelope Valley Winery, Bouquet Vineyard, Caruce Vineyards, Chavez Vineyards, Copper Hill Brewery, Donna Harris Wine Biz, Steve Hemmert Vineyards, High Desert Cellars, Naked Rebel Winery, Oreana Winery, Pulchella Winery, and Winehouse Vineyards.

Guests will be treated to gourmet food pairings from highly acclaimed Los Angeles area chefs and artisanal food makers such as Le Chene French Cuisine, Cheers At All Corked Up, The Whole Wheatery, Natcheryl Organic Cafe, Roman Holiday, Truffles n Toffee, Naked Juice, California Bakery, and Lindquist Chocolates. There will also be music; an open-air bazaar with area artists; a gift boutique; and an expansive silent auction.  Silent Auction items will include Wine and Dine gift certificates; and a variety of other wines, gift packages, and certificates from other sponsors. The event sponsors include Galpin Motors, Union Bank of California, Southern California Edison, Golf Cars LA, Robinson Ranch, All American Container, Power Media Group, Adam and Al Gottfried of Tee It Up Radio Network INC, Santa Clarita Valley TV, The Whole Wheatery, Country Journal, Mail America, and Antelope Valley Winery.

General admission event passes will include a commemorative tasting glass; specialty gift bag; a “ticketless” wine tasting; gourmet fancy food sampling; and free parking. Prepaid general admission tickets are $65.00 and $75.00 at the door.

Exclusive V.I.P. Access Event Passes will include early entrance at 11 a.m., private winery tour with barrel tastings, V.I.P. lounge reserve wine tasting paired with gourmet lunch; plus all general admission ticket benefits. Only a limited amount of V.I.P tickets will be available online at $90.00 until January 20. After January 20, V.I.P. passes will return to their original price of $100.00.

To reserve tickets and for more information on the First Annual Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival, please visit reyeswinery.com/spv-winefestival

About the Sierra Pelona Valley Viticultural Area of California
Nestled in the Sierra Pelona Mountains of the Southern California, just 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles lays California’s newest American Viticultural Area. The untouched natural beauty provides the perfect environment for burgeoning vineyards, boutique wineries and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a day of discovery and relaxation exploring the areas many fine wineries and tasting rooms.
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For information on how to make the most of your time in Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Country, join the Sierra Pelona Valley Vintner’s on Facebook.

What We Poured Into Sandy, by Eve

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Thanks to everyone who came, volunteered, served, donated and gave to the American Red Cross at our “Pour Into Sandy” event on November 14 at the new Cheers@All Corked Up!  The grand total sent to the American Red Cross by the residents of Santa Clarita will total approximately $7,000.

Rusty and Tracy Sly handing out wine glasses

We had arranged for almost one bottle per person, as we really had no way of knowing how many would turn out, and kept the price low: $25 in cash or check to the American Red Cross got you in, a wine glass, and a trip to about a dozen wine tasting stations.

Some of the wine, by the case and half case, came from local winemakers, winery representatives and wineries as close as Santa Ynez to as far as Oregon.  (I was very warmed by one winemaker who drove up from Malibu with a case and another that shipped hers from Oregon.)  Private parties donated almost half of the remaining wine, so some of our tasting stations had dozens of single bottles, some older and rare vintages, just itching to be sampled.

Cheers@All Corked up owners, Al Robles and Terri Rivera, greeted each guest outside as they arrived.  Then I had asked one of my writers, Rusty Sly, and his wife Tracy, to hand them their wine glasses as they came inside.  My husband Eddie manned “our” tasting table, the majority of the time alone, while I made announcements in the three rooms of Cheers@All Corked Up where we had set up for the event.

My editor Michael Perlis and his wife Karen served their own wines, as well as wines that had been donated by wineries Michael had contacted, in the VIP room.  Also in the VIP room was All Corked Up’s Shelly Schutz who took care of the silent auction.  (A shout-out to Shelly: It takes a lot of charm – which she has – to gracefully accept donations from arriving guests that just wanted to help our cause.  Shelly’s tables were crowded, and she had to add more tables to make room, but the auction items were well worth it.  We had a magnum of Sea Smoke Pinot Noir, vertical sets, an Opus One, rare vintage wines from the Elzer and Stahly cellars, wines donated from wineries, jewelry, vintage Champagne, gift baskets and personal care items.)

As was the case with our previous event, Pour Into Haiti, we don’t plan for these catastrophic events, we only react as swiftly as we can to them.  With that said, I never heard anything negative about any part of our event because, in all honesty, I think that any errors were forgiven by our guests as they wholeheartedly were behind our earnestness for our cause.

Your Kind Words

Driven by social networking, I was not surprised to find 36 notifications waiting to be read on Facebook the next morning, with several more to come as peeps woke up.  Here are some of the things you said about our little event:

Robert “Shipwreck” Schwemmer: Great evening hanging with friends and meeting new friends all for a great cause.

Jay Schutz: Congratulations to everyone who made this event successful. A big shout out to the residents of Santa Clarita, their generosity and participation were instrumental in making this a successful fundraising event. The residents of Santa Clarita should be very proud and hopefully feel a sense of accomplishment in providing funds to those who remain in dire straits. The Red Cross thanks you as well.

Mark Le Vang: Great job everyone!

Gloria Stahly: Both Michael Perlis and Eve Bushman did an amazing job in making “Pour Into Sandy” such a success!!

Kathy Lockhart: Eve, this was wonderful event. Thanks to everyone that helped make this an amazing event.

Marlee Lauffer: Great event!

Sonya Rowin: Eve, what a great event!!!! Jon and I had a great time and met some amazing people!! Thank you and your peeps for all you did! Hope we raised a great amount for the Red Cross!

David Schutz: Fantastic event last night and hope we raised some money for a great cause…especially in today’s tough times and the residents of Santa Clarita truly stepped up!

Ckay Walker: Thank you for a wonderful event! I had a blast and was so happy to win a couple of auctions. Pour into Sandy!

Kym Cappi: Amazing Event! Thanks Eve, Al, Terri, Claudia, Shelly & Cheers staff for a wonderful evening. Hope you raised a ton of $$$ for Sandy relief! Great to see Claudia Sheridan, John and Debbie Heys, Shelly Hahn, Marlee Lauffer, Shipwreck Bob, and so many more turn out for a great fundraiser!

Linda Hafizi, me, Alex Hafizi, photo-bomb Rusty Sly, Rose Chegwin

Victor Herstein: Like old times at ACU except no Yoon.

Claudia Sheridan: Eve – you rocked it girlfriend! Job well done! Thank you Michael & Al for all you did and to everyone who donated and who helped. Again, GREAT JOB, I was THRILLED to be a part of it!

Cheryl Dellepiane: Congratulations to Michael Perlis and Eve Bushman on an amazingly successful event!

Sonya Rowin: We had a great time at “Pour Into Sandy” Wine event! Now off to bed. Good night all.

Brenda Schaecher: Was great fun meeting new people seeing familiar friends. Keep me in mind for future events.

Sharon Lindquist: Pour into Sandy fundraiser last night. So much wine! Had a good time.

Lisa Drago: It was a great event. I have friends who were impacted by the storm so this meant a lot to me! Glad I could come.

Don Dellepiane: Pour into Sandy–wow!

Bill Miranda: I ate. I drank. I was merry. What more could I ask for? Thanks Al and Teresa and the entire Cheers team.

Andrew Kevin Friend: You did an awesome job Eve! Go take a well-deserved nap!

Al Robles and me making announcements

Al Robles: Pour Into Sandy was great! Thank you everyone who came, donated, bid, poured wine and had a great time helping us raise money for the victims of Sandy! When I get a total of how much was raised for The Red Cross I will let you all know. Thanks again everyone!

Wendy Hersh: Had a blast, tasted some yummy wines, talked with friends, heard good music… all to raise money for my families back east…. awesome.

These kind folks made our Wine, Auction and Other Items available:

Steve and Amy Elzer, Shelly Schutz, Michael and Karen Perlis, Louise Castaldo, Larry and Gloria Stahly, Marlee Lauffer, Don and Cheryl Dellepiane, Jason Park, Al Robles, Terri Rivera, Judy Cox, Angela Freeman, Chris and Jeannie Carpenter, Andrew Kevin Friend and Joyce Murphy.  Wineries at last count included J Dusi Wines, Carlisle Winery and Vineyards, Stillman Wines, Clavo Cellars, Zeppelin Winery, Les Deux Chats, Pulchella Winery, Stephen Hemmert Wines, Turley Wine Cellars, Gioia Wine, Two Hearts Cellars, TGIC Importers, Reyes Winery, Alonso Family Vineyards, Nuggucciet Estate Vineyard, Bouquet Vineyard, Bobcat Wines, B & P Winery, Gagnon Cellars, Lucas & Lewellen, Vines on the Marycrest, Shai Cellars, Liquid Farm, Six Foaks, Rosellas Winery, Whistling Vineyard Wines, Estrella Creek, Epoch Estate Wines, Italia Wine Imports, Winery Direct Distributors and Southern Wine & Spirits.  “Joe Iaquinto and Friends” provided live music. Alex Hafizi, who also took photos at the event, designed our artwork.  And further photographs were by Moe McKaughan.

Thanks to Doug Gould of the SCV Wine Enthusiasts and Kathy Lockhart of Wine-y Women Unwind – two local meet-up group leaders that I asked to make Pour Into Sandy their meet-up events – we had about 50 more guests.

My husband Eddie and my sister Lauren were volunteers!

Thanks to the West Ranch Beacon www.WestRanchBeacon.com, The Signal www.The-Signal.com, KHTS radio station www.HomeStation.com and SCVNews www.SCVNews.com for running our announcement and to fellow bloggers pals that also ran our news release: Claudia Sheridan www.aToasttoMe.com, Denise Lowe www.GoddessofWine.com, Rob Barnett  www.vinvillage.com.  The event was also spread across several friend’s Facebook pages, twitter feeds and other social networking sites.

And our Merry Band O’ Volunteers: Michael and Karen Perlis, Al Robles, Terri Rivera, Shelly Schutz, Claudia Sheridan, Eddie and Eve Bushman, Lauren Lefkowitz Greber, Brenda Schaecher, Tracy and Rusty Sly, Mary Ann Mogan and Cindy Baker.

Karen and Michael Perlis

Our sponsors

Well, Sandy didn’t give us time to find sponsors.  But the people that I would consider sponsors of the event were Michael Perlis and myself for marketing and planning the event through Eve’s Wine 101, Al Robles and Terri Rivera for lending us their venue, their staff and countless other necessary items needed for an event, and Shelly Schutz, one of the owners as well as the managing general partner of All Corked Up.

Seen (and NOT listed already above)

Moe, Linda and Alex Hafizi, Michele Buttelman, Shelley Hann, Joel Cox, Mary Robles, Steve and Rose Chegwin, Dr. Greg Jenkins, Andrew Kevin Friend, Jessica Javier, Chuck and Heidi Wiedeman, Cathy Craig, Mike and Donna Harris, Francine Danny, Dr. Kimberly Rosen, Kevin Norris, Mike Lebecki, Ron Cappi, Mark and Ginger Le Vang, Kerri Emmer, Jeff and Tamra Levine, Leah Granen, Clive and Beverly Langeveldt, Ramon Rebel, Ed and Kelly Sorenson, Gail Pinsker, Lara Lawrence, Mary Bradway, Chris and Patty Connolly, Danny and Nina Mascari, Juan Alonso, Stephen Hemmert, Gil Gagnon, Russ and Nancy Briley, Derrick McKaughan, Betsy Donley, Rich and Pam Jaffke, Amy Daniels, Randi Tyrrell, Nyla Rogers, Toni Brady, Ola Mikail, Denise Van Arsdale-West, Zaheer Ali, Bonnie Stauch, Terri Apruzzese, Jo Ann Vindigni, Diane DeBoer, Laine Hedwell, Steve and Cathy Martin.

More photos can be found on this album on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.588385264508489.136973.100000110615682&type=1

Michael Perlis Picks #PourIntoSandy

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We’ve all seen the pictures on television and the internet. So much devastation, and right in our own backyard this time. Most of us have some kind of ties to the East Coast, and the images are hard to look at.

The Holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving is right around the corner; Christmas will be here soon. The weather will be getting colder – as I write my draft of this article there are fears of another Nor’easter bearing down on an area than can really take no more.

So, it was pretty much a no-brainer when Eve and I discussed that there should be a fundraiser. The question wasn’t “How do we do this?” but “How can we not do this?” The venue was obvious. All Corked Up was the site of the very successful Pour Into Haiti fundraising event a couple of years ago [for which Eve was also heavily responsible]. So we met with Al Robles, co-owner with Terri Rivera, of the restaurant Cheers @ All Corked Up to discuss it. Of course, they were immediately on board. Robert Reyes of Reyes Winery in Agua Dulce happened to drop by, and pledged his support. Finally, we were joined by Shelly Schutz of All Corked Up wine storage, and an event was born – Pour Into Sandy.

Somewhere, I’ve been given too much credit for this. To clarify, I had the initial discussion with Eve, and for the record I am donating some wine and have contacted some of my winemaker friends. But Eve has taken this on like a Force of Nature [watch out Sandy, we have Eve!] and is putting in countless hours and enlisting the help of a lot of great people [who will be dutifully acknowledged]. We can thank her, as well as the owners of the facilities holding the event, for making this happen.

So, please join us Wednesday evening, November 14th, 6-9 p.m. For $25, you’ll get to taste a lot of wonderful wines [much more than $25 worth]. All proceeds are going to the American Red Cross. Wines are being donated from wineries, distributors, and from the personal cellars of some very giving residents of our Valley. Food will be available for purchase, wines and other items will be auctioned, and you’ll get to hang out with a lot of terrific people and do something really good and helpful to kick off the Holidays.

See you there.

To date, the donors include private cellared wines and other items from Steve and Amy Elzer, Shelly Schutz, Michael and Karen Perlis, Larry and Gloria Stahly, Marlee Lauffer, Don and Cheryl Dellepiane, Jason Park, Al Robles, Judy Cox, Angela Freeman and Joyce Murphy.  Wineries to date include J Dusi Wines, Carlisle Winery and Vineyards, Stillman Wines, Clavo Cellars, Zeppelin Winery, Les Deux Chats, Pulchella Winery, Stephen Hemmert Wines, Turley Wine Cellars, Gioia Wine, Two Hearts Cellars, TGIC Importers, Reyes Winery, Alonso Family Vineyards, Nuggucciet Estate Vineyard, Bouquet Vineyard, Bobcat Wines, B & P Winery, Gagnon Cellars, Lucas & Lewellen, Vines on the Marycrest, Shai Cellars, Liquid Farm, Six Foaks and Whistling Vineyard Wines.  Live music will be provided by “Joe Iaquinto and Friends”.

Cheers@All Corked Up is located at 26340 Diamond Place Ste 100 Santa Clarita, CA 91350, reserve: 661-259-2000.  Please use #PourIntoSandy if you would like to share our event with your Twitter followers.

Eve’s Wine 101 Event: #PourIntoSandy

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Please join us from 6-9 p.m. November 14 for a wine tasting and a silent auction fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  Just like our “Pour Into Haiti” event, the cost is $25 cash at the door (bring a little more – or a personal check – for the auction!) and 100% goes right to the American Red Cross.

Guests will enjoy tasting local wines as well as wines donated from Paso Robles and beyond.  As of 11-5-12 the donators include private cellared wines and other items from Steve and Amy Elzer, Michael and Karen Perlis, Larry and Gloria Stahly, Marlee Lauffer, Don and Cheryl Dellepiane, Jason Park, Al Robles, Judy Cox and Shelly Schutz. Wineries to date include Stillman Wines, Clavo Cellars, Zeppelin Winery, Gagnon Cellars, Lucas & Lewellen, J Dusi Winery, Les Deux Chats, Pulchella Winery, Stephen Hemmert Wines, Two Hearts Cellars, Reyes Winery, Alonso Family Vineyards, Nuggucciet Estate Vineyard, Bouquet Vineyard, Bobcat Wines, B & P Winery, Six Foaks and Whistling Vineyard wines.  More information can be found on our Facebook invite (https://www.facebook.com/events/377954048956010)

Live music will be provided by “Joe Iaquinto and Friends”.

This event was suggested by Eve Wine 101 editor and writer Michael Perlis (a frequent Cheers@All Corked Up customer and a locker holder!), and organized along with Eve Bushman, Al Robles, Terri Rivera and Shelly Schutz.

To attend this event, simply call to reserve a spot, or just show up!  The last time we did this we had a very large crowd of very happy people.  And one thing we learned from that event is that we feel much more connected to a cause when we participate in fundraising efforts that supply help.

((To volunteer or to donate an auction item contact Michael: MichaelTheZinfan@aol.com, Al: al@cheersatallcorkedup.com, Shelly: Shelly@allcorkedup.com or Eve: eve@evewine101.com to arrange a pick up.  Note: Call to reserve your spot, leaving a message on their machine works too, just leave an e-mail address: 661-259-2000. Address: 26340 Diamond Place, Santa Clarita, 91350  www.CheersAtAllCorkedUp.com And if you tweet to share please use #PourIntoSandy)

Art Designed by Alex Hafizi