Eve's Wine 101

NINE TIMES: LA Wine Fest

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One of the first wine fests I attended as press was the LA Wine Fest.  Founder Joel Fisher was very kind in extending passes and personally welcoming us at the event.  Since then I’ve covered the 500+ winery/brew/spirit event in photos, as my hands are always too full with a wine glass and program to manage a pad and pencil.

James Carling, Ventura Limoncello

James Carling, Ventura Limoncello

Through the fest I’ve also benefitted from Sake, Scotch and even cheese pairing classes that Fisher offers from a wide variety of educators.  The first time I had Ventura Limoncello, Herzog Cellars, Roxo Port, and wines from Ventura County was at the fest.  I have fond memories of meeting friends from both Santa Clarita and Los Angeles, as well as people-watching a new generation of wine friendly people.

So, without further adieu, here is photo album link that pairs with the descriptions of what I sampled (below): https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10203084160692339.1073741874.1455706632&type=1&l=60db4f2cb6

Tasted

www.BondBars.com had a homemade bark made from Belgian chocolate, not overly sweet and perfect for my palate.

From www.CieloFarms.com, we enjoyed their Woodstock Collection 2012 Purple Haze and 2011 Anthem red blend.

It was nice to find www.CaseyFlatRanch.com after discovering them earlier this year at Family Winemakers.  I enjoyed their 2013 estate Sauvignon Blanc, Rose and Viognier wines while my husband got his first taste of their 2010 Estate red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Mourvedre.

I spied sommelier Adem Sash of Del Frisco’s Grille leading a pairing seminar to a nice crowd of press and wine tasters.

I took the “Nut Tasting Tour” cleverly offered by www.CrazyGoNutsWalnuts.com and learned that I liked walnuts flavored with orange almost as much as the ones with Parmesan.

The very first display from the Van Ness entrance was from uber-popular www.CupcakeVineyards.com.  I stopped long enough for a splash of refreshing prosecco.

Tried something new at www.DirtyTequila.com: a Dirty Margarita made with their cinnamon and pineapple infused tequila.  Loved it.

www.ReyesWinery.com was there with attentive crowds in both the VIP lounge and at a pouring table sharing their award-winning wines. dirty tequila cocktail

Though the “chocolate man” has melted at the www.EOSChocolates.com table, the samples did not.  Very nice chocolates with flavors ranging from orange to ginger to crushed nuts to pepper.

Greg Martin, winemaker and owner of www.SevenAngelsCellars.com in Paso Robles was very interesting.  His seven kids, angels at one point, were the namesake of the winery, and he made well over 7 wines that we enjoyed: 2010 Petite Sirah, 2011 Kindred red blend, 2011 Grace red blend, 2011 Confession red blend, and several whites including a 2012 Grenache Blanc.  Will definitely be watching this winery.

Loved all of the blends, again, in the www.JadaVineyard.com lineup: 2010 Malstria, 2010 XCV, 2010 Jersey Girl, 2010 Jack of Hearts and 201 Hell’s Kitchen.

Every time I get to try www.VenturaLimoncello.com I’m a happy girl.  Owner James Carling also served up a cocktail with vodka, sparkling water and ice, and my favorite Orangecello.

Tasted a few wines from www.BEvineyards.com: 2009 Merlot and 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon while chatting up with www.LAWineFest.com founder Joel Fisher and his right arm/daughter Sara Fisher Chapin.

Picked up a copy of Len Napolitano’s book, “Nose, Legs and Body” for review – looks like it’s perfect for wine 101ers!

Greg Martin, Seven Angels Cellars

Greg Martin, Seven Angels Cellars

Had a surprise from Temecula Valley: www.LeonessCellars.com impressed me with their lineup that included a 2011 Grenache, 2010 Meritage of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot, 2011 Syrah and Port.

Also from www.TemeculaWines.org, I found both a 2011 Lorimar blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Mourvedre, and 2011 Hart Syrah.

I gave singer Nicki Minaj’s MYX fusion drinks a shot and thought the coconut would pair quite nicely with a little sparkling water…and a bikini.

www.RoxoCellars.com served up several of their yummy Paso Robles’ ports: 2009 Paso Mélange, 2009 Ruby Tradicional and 2008 Magia Preta.

The spiced up nuts from www.SanteNuts.com went well with all of the wine, beer and spirits.

Both our local winemakers, Nate Hasper and Steve Lemley, of www.PulchellaWinery.com, were on hand for the first time sharing their Paso wines at the fest.

www.ShortMountainDistillery.com wowed me with their aptly named “Shine” version of Tennessee Moonshine.

Gotta love this tagline, “KOOKSOONDANG puts human beings on the front burner before brewing wine” and a lineup that included Grapefruit Rice Wine (I was told that the rice wines are made in Korea and not allowed to be called Sake), Raspberry Rice Wine and Plum Wine.  Check them out at www.BeksejuUSA.com or in your local Korean market.

At www.JVSimports.com I enjoyed two single malts: the very smooth and nutty Tamdu and the richly-peated Smokehead.

The very large www.StellaArtois.com tent did a brisk business.  The lovely ladies clad in red served up several beers, including a hard cider, in their appropriate glassware.  The guests really dug getting a full glass, and being able to take the glasses home.

Some of the wineries and vendors we missed (only as we ran out of steam 3 ½ hours into the event) can be found in the listings below:

Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries

  • Allied Importers
  • Alonso Family Vineyards –
    (with Sierra Pelona Valley Vintners Association)
  • Angel City Brewery
  • Bekseju USA (Kooksoondang)
  • Bouquet Vineyards –
    (with Sierra Pelona Valley Vintners Association)
  • Cantara Cellars, Ventura –
    (with Ventura County Winery Association)
  • Casey Flat Ranch
  • Cielo Wineyards, Malibu
  • Claremont Craft Ales
  • Cupcake Vineyards, Livermore
  • Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits
  • Dirty Tequila
  • DM Vineyards & Partners
  • E.D. Wines
  • First Crush Cellars
  • Frey Vineyards
  • Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
  • Grizzly Republic
  • Heritage Auctions
  • Herzog Wine Cellars, Central Coast
  • J. Hamilton Wines
  • Jada Vineyard & Winery, Paso Robles
  • JVS Imports
  • LA International Wine Competition
  • Leoness Cellars, Temecula
  • Lone Madrone
  • Maddalena Vineyard Brands –
    (A San Antonio Winery Company)
  • Marisco Vineyards (Marlborough, NZ)
  • Pulchella Winery –
    (with Sierra Pelona Valley Vintners Association)
  • Ranchero Cellars
  • Reyes Winery, Sierra Pelona
  • Riboli Family Wine Estates –
    (A San Antonio Winery Company)
  • Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
  • Rosenthal, The Malibu Estate
  • Roxo Port Cellars, Paso Robles
  • San Antonio Winery
  • Seven Angels Cellars, Paso Robles
  • Sierra Pelona Valley Vintners Association
  • Simply Vino
  • Stella Artois
  • Temecula Valley Winegrowers Assoc.
  • The Other Guys
  • Ventura County Winery Association
  • Ventura Limoncello
  • VinVillage, San Diego
  • Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula
  • Wood Closet Group –
    (Unique flavored wines & alcoholic beverages)
  • Zaca Mesa Winery, Santa Barbara
  • Zinfandel Advocates & Producers, California
  • Zuri Wine Tasting, Redondo Beach

Lifestyle Boutique Exhibitors

  • Bella Candles
  • BevWizard Co.
  • Bistro Blends
  • Bond Bar
  • Cambozola Black Label
  • Coravin
  • Crazy Go Nuts
  • Dave’s Killer Bread
  • De’ Longhi America
  • DelGrosso Foods
  • Dora Blackman Palm & Card Reader
  • Eos Chocolates
  • Fancifull Fine Foods and Gift Baskets
  • Farm Fresh To You
  • Garlic Expressions
  • Glitz N’ Glamour
  • Gourmet Blends
  • Grand Avenue Coffee
  • Icelandic Glacial
  • Indian Wells Brewing Company
  • JDN73
  • Kaleo Marketing
  • King Barrel
  • Laga Handbags
  • Laguna Salt Company
  • LeeLee Jewels
  • Loom in the Living Room and Heirloom Baskets
  • M. Cigars
  • Olive Oil Boutique
  • Paint & Sip Studios LA
  • Nuts.co Specialty Foods
  • Signature Hand Engraving
  • Soirée
  • Southern Innovations
  • The LA Times
  • The New York Times
  • Uber
  • Ultimate Kitchen Grater
  • Watchdog Breathalyzer
  • Weaver’s Coffee & Tea
  • Welk Resorts
  • Wine Treasures

Gourmet Food Stations/Trucks

  • Border Grill Truck
  • Carb & Nation
  • Crepe de Ville
  • Kogi BBQ
  • Mi Dolce Vita Cupcakery
  • Poke-Poke
  • Raleigh Grill
  • Slammin’ Sliders
  • Sweet Arleen’s
  • Tainamite
  • The Grilled Cheese Truck
  • The Surfer Taco

LAWineFest Serves Up an Exploration of Taste in Hollywood, May 31 & June 1 (Use code EVE2014 for discount)

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9th Annual LAWineFest to Showcase Hundreds of Top Wines, plus Craft Brews, Artisanal Cocktails, Food Trucks, Celebrity Chefs and More

(With code EVE2014 price is reduced to $50 for Sat, $45 for Sun: http://www.lawinefest.com/buy-tickets/. Click the number of tickets you want, enter promo code, apply, and watch the price drop!)

Thirsty Angelenos will have plenty to choose from at the 9th Annual LAWineFest, happening May 31 and June 1 at Hollywood’s Raleigh Studios. With hundreds of wines, craft brews and spirits on offer, the weekend-long festival is a relaxed, welcoming setting for people to explore the world of wine and more, alongside cool L.A. food trucks, live bands and handcrafted goods.

New LAWF logoWine, Beer & Spirits

California wines regions from Napa Valley to Temecula will be out in full force, as well as representatives from around the world. From major labels such as Cupcake Vineyards to emerging gems like Jada Vineyard & Winery, the event will showcase an eclectic variety of vino. In addition to wine, a beer garden and exotic spirits offer attendees a diverse selection.

Main Stage Presentations & Seminars

The main stage will host short, fun talks on wine-related topics and cooking demonstrations by local celebrity chefs. Additional seminars on a variety of topics will be offered for a nominal fee; see www.LAWineFest.com for details and updates, which will be added on an ongoing basis.

Food, Artisan Boutiques & Music

Folks hungry for more than liquid refreshment will find affordable bites from some of L.A.’s top food trucks, which will be parked throughout the festival. Chef Eric Greenspan’s new venture, El Nosh, will debuts alongside the award-winning Grilled Cheese Truck, Surfer Taco and many others. Attendees will also enjoy live music while browsing the Fest’s artisan boutiques, which sell a range of gourmet foods, wine-related accessories, and more.

VIPs

Those seeking an affordable luxury can upgrade to VIP status for just a little more (+$40 on Saturday, +$25 on Sunday). VIP perks include access to the private VIP Garden— featuring complimentary light hors d’oeuvres, exclusive wine pours, shaded seating—and a gift bag filled with take-home goodies, and on Saturday only, early entrance (meaning, no waiting in line to enter or at the tasting tables);. Limited VIP tickets available.

Tickets

Individual tickets are $85; Couples tickets are $150. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at www.LAWineFest.com; various promotions will be offered in the months leading up to the event, so see website for current pricing. Admission price include a complimentary logo glass, unlimited wine/beer/spirits tasting, bottled water and coffee, as well as bread and cheese.

LAWineFest At a Glance
WHAT: 9th Annual LAWineFest
WHEN: Saturday, May 31, 2-6 p.m. (VIP entrance starts at noon) and Sunday, June 1, 12-5p.m.
WHERE: The historic Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood TICKETS: One-day: $85/single; $150/couple; $25 designated driver
VIP Upgrade: $40 Saturday/$25 Sunday. Visit www.LAWineFest.com to purchase tickets
PARKING: Street parking (metered on Saturday) and paid parking available at Paramount Studios lots on Bronson and Van Ness. UBER is official transportation partner.

L.A.’s largest and longest-running consumer wine-tasting event, LAWineFest aims to make the world of wine fun and accessible for Angelenos. Founded in 2005 by renowned wine personality Dr. Joel M. Fisher, LAWineFest proudly supports local organizations while serving as the Southland’s signature celebration of wine, beer, spirits and food. For more information, visit www.LAWineFest.com.

2014 Charitable Beneficiary

LAWineFest is partnering with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles, which will receive a donation from the event corporation, plus 100 percent of the silent auction proceeds. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Since its founding in 1983, they have brightened the lives of nearly 7,500 children.

2014 Event Sponsors

LAWineFest and its charitable efforts are supported by exceptional sponsors, including the Southern
California Acura Dealers. Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 18 dealers within Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside Counties. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX Sport Wagon and sedan, the ILX compact luxury sedan, the RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the all-new MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

LAWineFest’s official media sponsor, Los Angeles magazine is the definitive resource and indispensable guide for in-the-know and on-the-go Southern Californians. A regional magazine of national stature, Los Angeles magazine is the authority on everything from cutting edge cuisine, style trends, and thought leadership to all that is the Best of L.A. Available every month in print and every day online at LAMag.com, Los Angeles magazine covers the people, lifestyle, culture, entertainment, fashion, art and architecture, and news that define Southern California.

Wine in the Pines 2014 In Pine Mountain Village Center

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Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 14th, for the annual Pine Mountain Club Wine in the Pines, in Pine Mountain Village Center. For four hours, from 12 noon to 4 pm, you’ll be able to taste exciting wines from throughout California’s wine- growing regions, with dozens of premiere 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 favorite restaurants will be on hand serving everything from classic European finger-food to good-ole western barbeque.

witpThere’s nothing like pine-scented air and the shade of tall pines to compliment 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.

You must be 21 or older to purchase tickets for Wine in the Pines. Admission to the wine festival is $45 in advance and $60 at the door. This event could sell out, so buy your tickets early. Admission includes wine & beer tasting from noon to 4pm, a logo glass, and fabulous food.

Tickets for Wine in the Pines can be purchased online at the event website: www.wineinthepines.com , at the Pine Mountain Club Property Owners Association business office at 2524 Beechwood Way, at Pine Mountain Auto Center, at various merchants in Pine Mountain Village Center, and at the Wine in the Pines ticket booth at the Lilac Festival, May 17th and 18th.

Pine Mountain Club is located just 20 minutes west of Interstate 5 at the Frazier Park exit. For a map and directions, hotel & cabin rental links and other information, go to www.wineinthepines.com , or email info@wineinthepines.com or call (661) 242-1996.

Wine in the Pines is presented by the Pine Mountain Club Commercial Property Owners Association, Inc.

Perlis Picks: Simply Wine Festival

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I just got off the phone with Martha Peretz, CEO and one of the founders of Simply Wine Festival, which will be taking place the evening of March 14th, 2014 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, CA. I really loved her enthusiasm – this is a young lady who apparently got bitten by the wine bug fairly recently, but she got bitten hard.

Before getting married just last year, she attended a Bridal Expo at the Four Seasons in San Francisco. Of course, one can’t go to San Francisco without heading up to wine country – well, one can, but one shouldn’t. She followed that experience with trips to Paris where she learned more about wine first hand, and also to Mexico to experience tequila and mezcal at their respective sources. Martha was firmly hooked.

Martha Peretz, CEO and Founder, Simply Wine Fest

Martha Peretz, CEO and Founder, Simply Wine Fest

After attending a few small wine festivals near her home, Martha thought why not bring something bigger to the area she lived in.  So, working with the Four Seasons and a number of boutique wineries, she put together an event with a few added twists.

Yes, there will be lots of outstanding wineries pouring their latest releases. Some you are probably familiar with, such as Montes, Kaiken, Summerland Winery, Dragonette Cellars, Casa Barranca, and Larner Vineyard, among many others.
https://www.parkviewortho.com/wp-content/languages/new/wellbutrin.html

There will also be beer from breweries like Wolf Creek and Ventura’s Surf Brewery. In addition, there will be mezcal and tequila as well as food provided by many fine local restaurants such as Mastro’s and Saddle Peak Lodge from Malibu. And there will be a center stage with a variety of musical entertainment – all to benefit the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Tricounties.

But, what really makes this festival unique is that Tesla Motors, the electric car company that I’m sure you have all read about or seen on the news, will have a car sitting right in the middle of the ballroom. Not only that, but Tesla will be offering test drives – I’m sure not in the ballroom and I’m sure before you’ve had too much wine.

Now for the BAD news – this inaugural festival is SOLD OUT. Sorry folks, but I will definitely report back to you on it so you can plan for next year. In the meantime, go to their website and sign up for their email list, because I do have some very GOOD news…

Martha is planning an Agave Festival for early November, which will feature lots of tequila and mezcal producers, as well as professional mixologists so you can experience the libations in all of their delicious forms. You’re not going to want to miss this, so STAY TUNED and buy your tickets early.simplylogo

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. (2013 Update: Eve and Michael announced Eve Wine 101 Consulting. Info is here: http://evewine101.com/press-releases/) Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com.