Eve's Wine 101

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. 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.

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/

Goodbye to Cheers @ All Corked Up

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Late yesterday afternoon, I received notification from Al Robles, co-owner of Cheers @ All Corked Up, that December 31st would be their final day of operation.

 

Here is the official message from Al and his business partner Terri Rivera:

 

Cheers @AllCorkedUp exteriorHi all loyal Cheers customers,

 

Tuesday night New Years Eve will be our last night at Cheers @ All Corked Up. We’d love it if you would stop by.

Thank you for your all support that you have given us at Cheers while under our ownership.

 

We have enjoyed all your company and support, and all the musicians that have played at Cheers — the music was great!

 

We hope we all meet again soon, maybe at the new Cheers or whatever the new name will be.

 

We are sure you will like the new place when it reopens real soon, because we have heard they want to do what we wish we had had the time to do.

 

We will cross paths again soon; we will miss you for now.

 

Thank you all,

Al / Terri

 

Karen and I enjoyed the many evenings we spent at Cheers, and have become friends with Al and Terri and their families. We wish them well in whatever the future brings.

Michael C. Perlis
Vice President – Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting (https://www.facebook.com/EvesWine101Consulting)
Contributing Editor – Eve’s Wine 101 (http://evewine101.com/)

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

Brought to you by Reyes Winery: The Inaugural Sierra Pelona Wine Fest

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Your little every-ready bunny (not-so-fresh from the tummy flu) did her best to cover the first Sierra Pelona Wine Fest hosted by Reyes Winery last Saturday.  It was an event locals just couldn’t miss – as it seemed that I ran into friends at every tasting table!

The weather, albeit a little windy, was picture perfect – lots of people snapped lots of photos – and a beautiful frame was set to check out new wines, foods and lifestyle vendors.

Each guest was handed a swag bag with several goodies, including a program (thanks for the shout out to Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting that helped market the event to Santa Clarita folks) and a Save the Date notice for next year’s event: April 26, 2014.  A portion of the ticket sales benefited the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Foundation.

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Reyes Winery was fresh from winning three medals – the day before the fest – at the Critics Challenge International Wine Competition!  One more reason to give them a taste, eh?

Reyes Winery borders Agua Dulce Winery, and Steve Wizan, the General Manager for Agua Dulce Winery was having fun entertaining tasters and talking about his own winery’s upcoming events.

Donna Harris is the winemaker for the Harris Wine Biz.  She is making wine from the vineyards formerly owned by Leona Valley.  Harris said she obtained the land via a short sale and it was a good purchase.  At their booth the wines were paired with several Pampered Chef items.  Apparently you can contact them to schedule a wine tasting and Pampered Chef party combined.  Donna bottled wines just for us to taste that day, so we had a barrel tasting.  I enjoyed her 2011 Petit Verdot the most.

Juan Alonso, chef and owner of Le Chene, served up some cured meats next door to his winemaking partner, Stephen Hemmert.  As usual, these two friends pair well together.

Thomas Lukas was very popular with his non-commercial wines from his “Bobcat Winery.”  Thomas makes wines with local grapes, along with some of his local winemaking pals, and it’s always interesting to see what different winemakers will do with the same grapes.

Sharon Lindquist, my wine pal that is also a Dove Chocolatier, had some kind of chocolate and cinnamon coated almonds and a decadent orange truffle.  The first made my mouth water for the second.

Sharon Lindquist

Two Hearts Vineyard, hands-down, was creating a buzz at the fest.  I adore Kerry and Susie Clark, the winemaking couple that buys local grapes and juice from all over the globe to create dozens of varietals.  My husband and I have been fans for years (Ed loves the Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and I love those and the whites too).  Not going commercial, I’m hoping to convince Susie to create a Facebook page so people can learn where they will be pouring next as they support many wine events.

I wish I could have stopped at the Mascari Vineyard table, but it was packed.  I’ve had Danny Mascari wines every year, so no doubt a new crowd had their turn!

Teri Diamond, the artist behind Precision Cutting and Engraving, is a local engraver in Santa Clarita that loves to do personalization with wine – creating unique wine charms, working with wood, glass and more.  Teri had recently donated two lovely wine glasses to our WiSH event, engraved with charging horses, and today she surprised me with a bottle of J. Lohr Cabernet engraved with my name on it! TeriDiamond@sbcglobal.net

Teri Diamond, Precision Cutting & Engraving

Pulchella Winery, another winery that pours at local events but also has a tasting room in downtown Newhall, was also very popular at the fest.  Both owners/winemakers Nate Hasper and Steve Lemley were there.  I was happy to see my friend, and fellow wine writer, Denise Lowe setting up some time for a private interview with these two remarkable men.

Custom Caterers, located right in Newhall, served up an amazing Ahi Poke and seared Ahi skewers.  The owner, Richard Ortiz, used to own La Rumba.  I’d like to see them at MORE events.

Santa Paula Distributors had several spirits (rum, tequila and vodka) I was itching to try…but my tummy was not up for that.  Come to find out that they are right here in Castaic, so I’m hoping for a “make-up” tasting soon.

From Cheers@All Corked Up, Ada, owner Al Robles’ sister-in-law, was serving awesome spinach empanadas.  Al, along with co-owner Terri Rivera, are often asked to share their foods at events; and we’re lucky to have them!

Cyndee Donato, a partner at Antelope Valley Winery, was also doing a swift business of pouring for guests that hadn’t made it out to the AV for their wines.

Cindy Smith, formerly of local RSVP Catering, had people clamoring to try her spicy Bacon Jam…and other delectable treats from her new company, Red Haute, at the same location in Newhall.  661-291-1155

Chocolatier Vladimir, Truffles n' Toffee

Truffles n’ Toffee, was serving up homemade chocolates that were infused only with Reyes Winery wines.  People readily paid $15 for a box of 9 little guys nestled in a box.  See their entire line-up of chocolates on their website, my husband loves their toffee.

Coruce Vineyards, making wine with grapes grown in Sierra Pelona vineyards, and then they are sent to Bob Balentine in Paso Robles to turn the grapes into wines.  I enjoyed the 2012 Paso Viognier.  info@CoruceVineyards.com

More Photos

Sommelier Tom Stangl in the VIP tent

Trays to hold wine glasses by Carlos Bacelar and Co

l-r- Steve Iland, Roman Weiser, Doug Gould, Jeff Jacobson

Coreen Savikko and Bruce Burch, Coruce vineyards

Portos traveled a distance

Doug Gould, pouring his own Short Lil Bastard wine

Shaunt Printsian and Michelle Crooks for Custom Caterers

Donna Harris, Harris Wine Biz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wine, Beer and Spirits

Coruce Vineyards, Chavez Vineyards, Diosa Tequila, Donna Harris Wine Biz, High Desert Cellars, Mike Rinn Wines, Mascari Vineyard in Bouquet Canyon, Montalvo Tequila,  Naked Rebel Winery, Oreana Winery, Pulchella Winery, Reyes Winery, Steve Hemmert Vineyards, Two Hearts Vineyards, Winehouse Vineyards, 88 Tequila Co. Anheuser-Busch, Bobcat Winery, Douglas Gould, Golden Star Vineyards, Malagon Winery,  Montalvo Tequila, Mi Rancho Tequila, Crillon Importers, San Antonio Winery.

Miscellaneous Boutique Items

Pour Wine and Bites, Blanca Ortiz Casual Cool Jewelry, Bling Your Glass, Bacelar Wood Works, Twisted Staves, M Cigars, Patina Soul, Yoga Works.

Gourmet Bites

California Bakery, Cheers At All Corked Up, Gourmet Blends, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Gourmet Tamale Factory, Le Chene French Cuisine, Naked Juice, Natcheryl Organic Café, Truffles n Toffee, The Whole Wheatery, Mickey’s Mommas BBQ, Mi Dolce Vita Cupcakery, Pampered Chef, Valley Wing Pit, Thelma’s and Luis Restaurant, Gourmet Blends, Red Haute, Raspado Express, Custom Caterers, Organo Gold Coffee.

Art Exhibit

Featured work by Lalo Garcia, Rosa Alvarez, Luis Villanueva, Ricardo Ortega and a classical art exhibit will featuring the paintings of Virginia Miranda and her art students, and the paintings of Winemaker Robert Reyes.

Sponsors

Union Bank, Galpin Motors, Southern California Edison, Golf Cars LA, All American Container, Power Media Group, Adam and Al Gottfried of Tee It Up Radio Network INC, The Whole Wheatery, Country Journal, Andy Gump, Max Mart Drapery,  Steve’s Valencia Florist, Robinson Ranch Golf Club, Newhall Ice Co., Antelope Valley Winery, Advanced Smile Dentistry, Buca di Bepo, Trader Joe’s, Outback Restaurant, Wolf Creek Brewery, Reyes Winery and others.

About the Sierra Pelona Valley Viticultural Area of California

In the Sierra Pelona Mountains of the Southern California just 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles lies California’s most recently established American Viticultural Area, the Sierra Pelona Valley AVA. 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 area’s fine wineries and tasting rooms.

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

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

Eve has the results of our “SCV Corkage Fees” search

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I recently queried Facebook pals, restaurant owners and those that receive our Dear Wine Friend newsletter to collect corkage fees around Santa Clarita.  This article is the result.

But first a definition of a corkage fee: For my wine 101ers a corkage fee is a set amount a restaurant or wine bar may charge you if you bring a bottle of your own wine in – that is preferably not on their wine list – and they usually open and serve for you.

Eve at SCV Wine fest 2012, photo credit Candy Sparks

We are still collecting the fee policies from our local Santa Clarita area.  If you know a fee (that is not already listed below) please e-mail it back to me.  We have quite a few so far but there are plenty more we don’t know yet.  Please keep in mind this list was partially compiled by readers – those in bold came directly from restaurant owners or their representative.

Non-wine serving restaurants: With some restaurants that don’t serve wine, don’t presume you can’t bring it in.  With the Philly Cheese Steak place I called and asked about corkage and the owner was thrilled to not only learn what it was, he offered plastic cups if we wanted them.  Any restaurateur knows that money is made on alcohol, and, if they aren’t selling it, they may be more than willing to let you bring it – as they will be making money on the food you buy to go with it instead of you going elsewhere.

So, if you normally would have wine at home with Chinese, Mexican or whatever, ask about corkage.  You may find that not only will your dining experience be enhanced, your restaurant appreciates your business enough to accommodate you!

Our List

Backwoods: Been quoted $5 and, more recently, $7.

Bj’s: Used to be free on first bottle.

Cheers @All Corked Up: $10.

Downtown Philly Cheese Steaks*: Free, bring wine glass (or they will give you a complimentary plastic cup) and corkscrew.

Hidden Havana Cuban Café: Free.

Lazy Dog Café: No corkage fee on wine brought in as long as it’s not currently listed on their menu, and any leftover can be taken home.

Le Chene: $15.

Lee’s Wine Bistro: $20.

Lima Limon: $7.

Marstons: None.

Maru: $15, $18 if need a decanter.

Mom Can Cook Thai Kitchen: $9.

Mulligans Valencia: $10.

Oaks Grille Valencia (Inside TPC): Non-member price is $20 per bottle (plus tax & tip) and members is $12 per bottle. We charge $12 per bottle for special events as well.

Piccola Trattoria: $15, additionally, if the party purchases another bottle of wine from our wine list on their visit, we waive the corkage fee!

Poached Pair: Bring on your own Champagne any Saturday morning and the corkage is free.

Rattlers BBQ: $5.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill: Unfortunately locations are not BYOB although they said they “have an extensive wine list available at our Valencia location.”

Roman Holiday Wine Lounge: $10.00 for 25oz (standard bottle) and $20 for a Magnum.

Route 66 Classic Grill: $10.

Sabor: $15.

SAKE Bistro: $14.

Salt Creek Grille: $10.

Spumoni: $12.

Stonefire Grill: $2.

Thelma’s: Free.

Vines: $15.

Wine 661: No corkage on wine purchased at my store. $20 corkage for those who bring in outside wine. With more than 150 wines by the bottle, I liken bringing wine to a wine bar as bringing your own steak to Morton’s.

Wolf Creek: $10 first bottle and $5 for any that come next.

Michael Perlis News: Italian Food and Wine Tasting at Cheers

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I know that Cheers @ All Corked Up has barely been open a couple of weeks, but Chef Carolyn is already going to prepare a wine-pairing dinner. For the first one, she chose Italy – a five course dinner with wines to match, for $75 per person.

Carolyn is planning to have these themed dinners at Cheers on a regular basis, so I’m hoping the turnout from Eve Wine 101ers helps to encourage her to keep them going! Here’s the menu:

Italian Food & Wine Tasting
June 6, 2012

Cheers At All Corked Up
661-259-2000
26340 Diamond Place Suite 100 Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Includes 5 Courses, Each Paired with a Wine

Reception
Vignalta ‘Fior d’Aranci’ (sparkling)

Antipasto
Seared Octopus with a Spicy Limoncello Vinaigrette, Olives, and Arugul
Mottura Grechetto

Secondi
Cedar Smoked Whole Branzino, Light Scampi Sauce, Spicy Broccoli Rab
Stefano Inama Soave

Pasta
Pappardelle with a Lamb Ragu
Badia Coltibuono Chianti Classico

Secondi
Home Made Gnocchi with Braised Short-Ribs, Brown Butter, Sage, and Watercress
Vietti Barolo Castaglione

Dolce
Panna Cotta prepared with Apples & Pears
2011 La Badia Moscato d’Asti

$75.00 Per Person plus tax and gratuity.