Eve's Wine 101

Ember Restaurant at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Receives Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” for 2021

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FORT MCDOWELL, Ariz. /PRNewswire/ — Today, the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort is thrilled to announce that Ember, its fine dining restaurant, has received Wine Spectator‘s esteemed “Best of Award of Excellence.”  The honor recognizes recipients that offer extensive selections with excellent breadth across multiple regions and significant vertical depth, and Ember is now one of 19 restaurants (out of nearly 9,000) in Arizona – and one of approximately 1,000 around the world – to receive this award.

This is the second time that the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation has been lauded by this highly regarded industry publication.  In 2006, the Ahnala Mesquite Room received the “Award of Excellence,” recognizing the restaurant’s wine list that featured a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.  The fact that the tribal nation has now been granted two Wine Spectator awards for excellence – an achievement rare among tribal casinos – affirms their commitment to delivering an exceptional culinary experience.

“American restaurants are back in business, as patrons are eagerly returning to dining rooms across the nation,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “In this year’s Restaurant Awards issue, we reflect on how restaurateurs navigated this incredibly difficult period, and look ahead, with every indication that the coming year will be one of the most promising in decades for an industry we all love. It’s been a long road back, and it feels wonderful to celebrate restaurants and all they bring to the world of wine.”

“The ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ really belongs to our advanced sommelier Dennis Payne, whose 31 years of experience and painstaking efforts over the past year have resulted in this impeccable award-winning wine list,” added Zac Gallo, Executive Director of Food and Beverage for the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort.  “Not only has Dennis cultivated an extensive  wine and spirit program, but he ensures the proper care, storage and handling of our collection to maximize our guests’ dining experiences.”

Ember’s wine program covers seventeen countries, focusing on each country’s top wine-producing regions and most highly acclaimed vineyards.  It includes 517 wines by the bottle and 26 wines by the glass – ranging from a strong California presence to Barbaresco, Rioja, New Zealand, Argentina and Germany – along with 30 Dessert Wines from across the globe as well as 15 Ports and Madeiras.

In addition, Ember has a special page in their 37-page wine list titled “The Century Club,” dedicated to the world’s top 100-point wines.  Curated for fine wine collectors, this list contains 32 critically acclaimed wines spanning more than two decades that have scored a perfect 100 points.

Wine Spectator began its program to recognize the world’s best wine lists in 1981. There are three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award—with 1,673; 1,141; and 103 winners this year in each respective category.

All award winners will be featured in Wine Spectator‘s special 40th Anniversary Restaurant Awards issue, available to readers today.

For more information on Ember, visit www.wekopacasinoresort.com/dining/ember.

About Ember

A destination dining experience at the new We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, Ember is run by critically acclaimed Chef de Cuisine Richard Pelz.  In addition to an exhaustive wine and spirit library, the restaurant features the highest quality USDA Prime and Angus Wagyu beef, game and seafood from around the world, carefully prepared over a custom wood burning grill. Signature items include their Ujih Hot Stone appetizer, Seafood Tower, Snake River Farms Wagyu Striploin, Braised Buffalo Short Rib, and Ember Flaming Liquid Chocolate Truffle.
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The energetic dining space overlooks the all-scratch kitchen with views of the culinary team, and seasonal outdoor dining by the fireplace is also available. A separate piano lounge with live entertainment five nights a week adds to the dynamic vibe.

Coalition Whiskey Introduces the First 100% Rye Whiskey Finished in Bordeaux Wine Barrels

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – A fascinating intersection of traditional hand-crafted American Whiskey and world-renowned French wines is on the horizon with the release of Coalition Whiskey – the first 100% Rye Whiskey finished in hand-selected Bordeaux wine barrels. Coalition Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey comes in three separate expressions: Finished in Margaux Barriques (barrels), Pauillac Barriques, and Sauternes Barriques. For those wanting to taste where it all started, Coalition uniquely also offers the original base 100% Rye Whiskey at barrel proof. All expressions became available in the U.S. in January.

Coalition Whiskey is a new brand started by three whiskey fans who form the actual “Coalition:” Leonid Yangarber, former CEO of Russian Standard Vodka USA; Steve Thompson, owner of Kentucky Artisan Distillery; and Ludwig Vanneron, a 20+ year veteran winemaker and global wine consultant. Together, they envisioned a new frontier for the industry using their collective skills to reimagine and elevate super premium whiskey.

The 100% Rye Whiskey in Coalition Whiskey heralds from Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood, KY. It is created utilizing time-honored, true handcrafting techniques, including zero automation and an all-copper pot still dating back to pre-Prohibition. Attention to detail is paramount at each step in creating the blend of five-year-old Rye Whiskies, including selecting the rye grain from just one mile away from the distillery.

“A 100% Rye Whiskey is a true rarity in the industry,” said Thompson. “While most rye whiskies use malted barley or added corn, Coalition Whiskey is made completely from rye. It’s a more expensive way to go, but there was truly no other way to create that truly deep, rich and spicy flavor we knew would be the ideal match for our velvety Bordeaux wine barrel finishing.”

Vanneron manages the time-consuming process of carefully hand-selecting each wine barrel used for Coalition Whiskey. With his deep relationships with local Bordeaux wine chateaus and cooperages, he knows exactly where to go looking for only the finest barrels. Extensive visual and, more importantly, smell inspections are required to unearth just the right Margaux and Pauillac red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot) and Sauternes white sweet/dessert wine (Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc) barrels.

“It took the inspection of nearly 150 barrels just to find the perfect 25 we are using to finish our Rye Whiskey,” said Vanneron. “You have to first start with the best, most voluptuous wines from the finest chateaus in all of France to get the best possible barrels for Coalition Whiskey. Following up to nine months of finishing, each barrel from the separate Bordeaux wine appellations enhances the whiskey in a different, intriguing way.”

Coalition Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Margaux Barriques (90.8 proof) features delicate and gentle flavors of red fruit and floral aromas. Coalition Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Pauillac Barriques (92.6 proof) delivers rich flavors of black fruit and spice, with an exceptionally long tail. Coalition Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Sauternes Barriques (94.2 proof) captures rounded, velvety flavors of dried fruit and honey with an engaging sweet spice.

“Our goal with Coalition Whiskey is to coax even more flavor out of our 100% Rye Whiskey,” said Yangarber. “A keen understanding of the science behind Rye Whiskey served as the foundation for this grand experiment. From there, we could use our deep wine knowledge to pick just the perfect Bordeaux wine barrels to gently enhance the handcrafted whiskey. This is a deep, rich Rye Whiskey like you have never before tasted.”

The original, base Rye Whiskey is also offered to whiskey aficionados at full barrel strength (108.8 proof), allowing for side-by-side sampling to clearly identify how each Bordeaux barrel enhances the base spirit.

Coalition Whiskey comes packaged in an Art Deco-inspired ridged glass bottle echoing the cut crystal decanters made famous during the 1920s – Rye Whiskey’s heyday. It is crowned with a glass domed closure and accentuated with 18k gold accents, providing a hint to the precious liquid contained within.

Each Coalition Whiskey barrel finished expression retails at $90 MSRP. The barrel-proof whiskey retails at $130 MSRP. Coalition Whiskey can be found at fine whiskey stores in New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, Kentucky, Illinois and Colorado, as well as online at https://www.coalitionwhiskey.com. The company plans to explore additional barrel finishes in the near future.

Follow Coalition Whiskey on Instagram and Facebook.

About Coalition Whiskey
Coalition Whiskey was created when three whiskey fans had a radical thought: what if we found the absolute best wine barrels from world-renowned chateaus in Bordeaux – arguably the most famous wine region on the planet – and used them to draw even more flavor out of their favorite brown spirit. The result is Coalition Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Margaux Barriques, Pauillac Barriques and Sauternes Barriques. The “Coalition” is Leonid Yangarber, former CEO of Russian Standard Vodka USA; Steve Thompson, owner of Kentucky Artisan Distillers; and Ludwig Vanneron, a 20+ year veteran winemaker and global wine consultant. Together, they envisioned a new frontier for the industry using their collective skills to reimagine and elevate whiskey.

Vintage Eve Circa 8/2017: Where Was Your Favorite Winery Experience? (Part Two)

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Last week I asked Facebook pals to share their favorite winery experience, something that made them lifelong fans. I had a few of my own, they had many more, so this is the second group of answers. Feel free to email me if you also have a memorable winery experience to share: Eve@EveWine101.com

Your Favorite Winery Experiences

Denise C. – Well, you know we love Paso Robles……I won’t say how many wine clubs we belong to there. But, like another comment on here we had to buy a big wine fridge and it still doesn’t hold all of it. Lol. But, one of our favorites is Pear Valley! Their wine is good and not too expensive and the views are amazing!

Annette S. – Palmaz Vineyard in Napa. Unbelievable winery and phenomenal wine.

Larry M. – Merry Edwards. Wonderful Pinot Noir up in the Russian River Valley. We were brought into a private room where our own dedicated sommelier taught us about the terroir that makes the Russian River Valley unique. He then guided us through tastings of all of their current offerings. Everything was laid out beautifully with a new glass for each wine. Totally classy.

David P. – Being a Napa boy (born and raised), I have a few. My #1 would have to be getting married at V. Sattui in St. Helena back in 1993. The wedding ceremony was out on the lawn and the reception was in the cellar.

Buttonwood Farm and Winery.

Beverly A. – When my husband and I went to Rosenthal winery tour with Ian Blackburn years ago, absolutely beautiful. Then again on the Wine101 with Ian to Karen Steinwachs/ Buttonwood Farm Winery had BBQ lunch, to name a few.

Kathie W. – My two favorites in Los Olivos – Carhartt Wine Tasting Room and Saarloos and Sons. Fabulous wine, and they both make you feel like family. Been members for years and always look forward to sharing the experience!

Mike B. – Del Dotto. My fav Napa winery. It’s the dark and musty cave experience. Cool atmosphere. Pourers are informative, entertaining, and funny. All tastings out of the barrel. Just very, very special. It’s a must-go-to every time I’m in Napa. His other tasting experience, what I call the “Italian” one,” is nice, but it’s the dark and musty I keep returning to. Would love to meet Del Dotto. I remember his infomercials from the 80s.

Michael and Lori F. – We cannot put to writing how special our tour of Robert Foley was… Lets just say his passion for music is just as strong as his passion for wine!

And I stopped into the tasting room at Quady up in Madera… Out in the Middle of nowhere (so it seemed). I can no longer remember the name of the assistant winemakers who led my tour and tasting of one, but we spent 4 hours tasting EVERY wine and port in their current release portfolio; barrel tasting dessert and port wines still aging and not yet ready to be released; and opening a half dozen bottles of the winery’s library collection of vintage port wines.

As an added bonus they had just finished their first release of “unaged” Brandy distilled from their Orange Muscat Wine…. They would not call it Grappa because it was distilled from the wine and did not include the “pressings” in the distillation… If you like Grappa this was fantastic in its lack of rough edges and smoothness.

I left the winery with about a case of wine and Brandy I purchased… He also gave me the opened library wines and some of the current release wines to take home telling me that there is not enough foot traffic for those bottles to last till the next visitor arrives!

That was a fantastic memory indeed!

Justin G. – I grabbed 2 of the last 1975 vintage Colheita from Kopke while in Porto. My birth year.

Vicki H. – Mallow Run Winery in Indianapolis, is a fun place to enjoy music and wine. Especially when it is Beach Boys or Beatle day.

Terri S. – Broken Earth Winery in Paso Robles. Award-winning wines (they darn near swept the Central Coast Wine Competition), friendly and knowledgeable staff, excellent pricing, Thirsty Thursday wine specials and a great picnic spot on the way into town on Highway 46 East!

Michael D. – Many years ago we took the Amtrak Coast Starlight to Seattle. They did a wine tasting on board and one of the wines we really liked was from a winery that we had never heard of – Del Dotto. A year or two later I had a business trip up at the Silverado Resort in Napa and on our way to the hotel we passed Del Dotto. Taking the tour of the caves and tasting the same grape in different types of oak was one of our favorite memories from that trip. We ordered several bottles from the actual casks that we tasted and still have some cellared to this day!

Tom H. – Frank Family in Napa the day after I proposed to Carole they treated us great…lots of good wine!

John M. – Jean-Pierre Gaussen in the Bandol area of Southern France. It was a cold day in December 2002 and my then Fiancé and I were exploring the area and stumbled on to this tiny vineyard of gnarled Mourvèdre vines. When we arrived at the Cave no one was there. Finally a a gentleman still in his pajamas peered down at us from a second story balcony and told us to come back in an hour because it was his lunch hour. We came back an hour later and the same man still in his pajamas opened the cellar and poured his wines for us to taste.

It turned out the man was Monsieur Gaussen himself. We spent the next 4 hours talking and drinking wine with him with subjects ranging from the history of the Mourvèdre grape to French politics all in broken English and broken French. In a few days my wife and I along with our 10 and 8 year old kids will be visiting this tiny vineyard again. For us wine lovers a special wine is a time capsule, a message in a bottle, the very notion of terroir itself.

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

Vintage Eve: My Favorite Wines and Cocktails from 2016

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In writing wine and spirit reviews, which include comprehensive tasting notes on appearance, aroma, flavor and sometimes a score, it would be remiss for me not to explain that even when I’m not working on an article I will still employ some of these same methods when drinking wine for pleasure with friends or at a large commercial tasting event. Those wines, sans actual notes, are the ones I want to share today.

2016 Cocktails on the Roof.

Why? Because sometimes we make our buying choices dependent on numerical scores from critics. While that is fine, especially if you have found a critic that has a similar palate as yours (you agree with his scores) it also reduces the time spent trying wines on your own, and finding them not to be enjoyable, which can be costly.

Some pals have also reached out to me, believing they will like what I like, and have asked me to share my favorites. So this article is for them as well. (Please keep in mind these are wines and cocktails I enjoyed in 2016 alone.)

And now, without further adieu:

Remarkable vintage years I did note – so it will be easier if you want to duplicate the experience – I found via my Facebook photographs: 1863 Reserva Velha Barbeito Bual Madeira, 2003 Tramin Cerveny (Czech dessert wine), 2000 Don Melchor Puente Alto Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d’Or Brut Champagne, 2004 Robert Mondavi Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 Chateau de la Gardine Chateauneuf du Pape, 2014 Turley from Howell Mountain, Pesenti Vineyard and Dogtown Vineyard, 2003 Joseph Phelps Insignia and a 2006 Backus, 2015 Trombetta Chardonnay, 2015 J. Lohr White Riesling, 2005 Robert Mondavi Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Beckmen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and their 2013 Cuvee Le Bec, 2007 Kosta Browne 4-Barrel Pinot Noir, 2013 Beekeeper Zinfandel Rockpile Appellation, 2005 Chateau Canon, 2013 Hearst Pergola Petite Sirah, 2014 Poet’s Leap Riesling, 2012 Concrete Old Vine Zinfandel, 2012 Kynsi Pinot Noir, 2012 Colome Estate Malbec, 2012 Dilecta Unorthodox, 2013 Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel, 2013 Summers Andriana’s Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 and 2013 Cabernet Franc all from Crocker and Starr.

In general, wines that I enjoyed but didn’t note the various vintage years were from Backus, Insignia, Le Mistral, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon (all from Joseph Phelps club membership), Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, every vintage of Phifer Pavitt DateNight Cabernet Sauvignon, various Del Dotto wines, all wines from Stolpman Vineyards, Silver Oak, Carlisle Mourvedre, Pure Cru wines by Mitch Cosentino, non vintage Champagne Jacquart, Pulchella Zinfandel, Stillman Petite Sirah, Regusci Patriarch, Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon, Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir, Larner Vineyard, Ferrari Trento, Derby Wine Estates, Oso Libre, Frick, Mystic Hills, Calcareous, Workman Ayer Defacto Red Rhone blend, Jaffurs, Epoch Estate, Whalebone, Casa Dumetz, Zaca Mesa, Tercero, Four Brix, Central Coast Group Project (CCGP), Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel, Cellardoor Winery Blueberry wine, wines that my local winemakers serve up every year at Sunset in the Vineyard…

Cocktails: Everything I could get my hands on at Cocktails on the Roof, which included these three award winners: Bourbon Bramble from Newhall Refinery, Trader Vics inspired Mai Tai at Salt Creek Grille Valencia and the Manhattan from Olive Terrace Bar and Grill. I also enjoyed: the Manhattan made by 12 Bottle Bar authors Lesley and David Solmonson, Frozen Margaritas, single barrel tequila and Horchata at solita, Bloody Mary at Egg Plantation, Perfect Rob Roy from The Social, Cucumber Soju Cocktail served up by Xevichez Sushi Bar, Black Manhattan at Bacari PDR, a Moscow Mule I made with Cherry Ginger Beer and a Negroni with St George Gin, Bowen’s Whiskey, Black Momma Vodka, whatever I get to taste with the L.A. Scotch Club and a 10 year old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon I nabbed from a pal.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

ULTIMATE WINE CHALLENGE Announces 2019 Results

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Hawthorne, NY – Ultimate Wine Challenge® (UWC), since 2010 the world’s most progressive global wine competition, released the results of the tenth annual Ultimate Wine Challenge. The judging, which took place throughout May, determined 31 Chairman’s Trophy winners, UWC’s highest honor.

Additional recognitions include Finalist, Great Value (awarded to entries with a high price/value ratio – showing that great wines don’t need to be expensive); and the Tried & True Award™, bestowed on brands that have demonstrated unfailing, consistent quality, year after year.

Led by UBC Founder and Judging Chairman F. Paul Pacult, and 16 of the world’s foremost wine experts, buyers, journalists, and educators convened to evaluate more than 1,100 still, sparkling and fortified wines, and sakes from around the world. Ultimate Wine Challenge was held at the custom-designed Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) Evaluation Center in Hawthorne, NY. To view a full list of UWC judges, please visit www.ultimate-beverage.com/uwc2019judges.

Said Pacult of UWC 2019, “Everything we do, each system we’ve installed, is geared to showcase every entry’s virtues on a level playing field of its peers. The responsibility of our judges to render reliable results is paramount to UWC’s mission of No Shortcuts. Just Honest, Impartial Judging.”

Top-scoring wines will be published in the Ultimate Beverage Challenge 2019 Guide To The World’s Best Wines & Spirits in the October 2019 issue of Beverage Media, which is referenced by 70,000 beverage alcohol buyers in the U.S. market.

THE 2019 ULTIMATE WINE CHALLENGE CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY WINNERS

Full results at www.ultimate-beverage.com/uwc2019results
Images at www.ultimate-beverage.com/uwc2019photos

RED WINES
Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot 2016 Alexander Valley, United States (Merlot—World)
Château La Haye Majesté 2016 Saint-Estèphe, France (Red Wine—France)
Fernández de Piérola Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, Spain (Red Wine—Spain)
Frey Organic Malbec 2016 Mendocino, United States (Malbec—World)
Gallo Signature Series Zinfandel 2016 Dry Creek Valley, United States (Zinfandel—USA)
J. Lohr Cuvée ST. E 2015 Paso Robles, United States (Red Blend—North America)
Joana da Cana Reserva 2016 Tejo, Portugal (Red Wine—Portugal)
Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Alexander Valley, United States (Cabernet Sauvignon—World)
McGuigan Hand Made Shiraz 2015 Langhorne Creek, Australia (Shiraz/Syrah—World)
Shiloh Legend Fiddler 2016 Judean Hills, Israel (Red Wine—Eastern Mediterranean)
Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir 2016 Russian River Valley, United States (Pinot Noir—World)
Topografia Reserva Red Blend 2014 Uco Valley, Argentina (Red Blend—Southern Hemisphere)
Villa La Pagliaia 2014 Chianti Classico Riserva, Italy (Red Wine—Italy)
William Fèvre Chile Espino Reserva Especial Carménère 2017 Valle Central, Chile (Other Red Varietals—World)

WHITE WINES
Aluado Chardonnay 2018 Lisboa Vinho Regional, Portugal (White Wine—Portugal)
Kim Crawford Signature Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Marlborough, New Zealand (Sauvignon Blanc—World)
La Perrière 2018 Sancerre, France (White Wine—France)
Pacifica Evan’s Collection Riesling 2017 Washington, United States (Riesling—World)
Protos Verdejo 2018 Rueda, Spain (White Wine—Spain)
Ron Rubin Pinot Gris 2017 Russian River Valley, United States (Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris—World)
SIMI Reserve Chardonnay 2016 Russian River Valley, United States (Chardonnay—World)

ROSÉ WINES
Secret de Léoube 2018 Côtes de Provence, France (Rosé—Europe)
Three Thieves Rosé 2018 California, United States (Rosé—North America)

CHAMPAGNE/SPARKLING WINES
Chapel Down Three Graces 2014 Tenterden, England (Sparkling Wine—World)
J Vineyards Cuvée 20 Russian River Valley, United States (Sparkling Wine—USA)
Mionetto Prestige Brut Prosecco Treviso, Italy (Prosecco—Italy)
Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2012 Extra Brut Rosé Champagne, France (Champagne—France)
Vallformosa Col leció Brut Reserva 2012 Cava, Spain (Cava—Spain)

DESSERT WINE
The Hare Wine Co. Frontier Collection Cabernet Franc Icewine 2017 Niagara-on-the Lake, Canada (Dessert Wine—World)

SAKE
Joto Junmai Ginjo Ibaraki, Japan (Junmai Ginjo—World)

SANGRIA
Tiki Tonga Draft House Tropical White, Spain (Sangria—World)

All products are rated on the 100-point scale. All wines rated 80 points and higher receive an individual results page (accessed by clicking on “MORE DATA…” next to the product name) which provides downloadable marketing art work for the product. Wines rated 85 points and higher receive a tasting note also accessed from the individual results page. UWC results are promoted globally via email and web publication to both trade buyers and consumers.

Ultimate Wine Challenge…No shortcuts. Just honest, impartial judging.

ABOUT ULTIMATE BEVERAGE CHALLENGE
Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) provides expert evaluation of wines and spirits for producers, importers and marketers through its two innovative annual competitions: Ultimate Wine Challenge and Ultimate Spirits Challenge. UBC partners are F. Paul Pacult, Sue Woodley and David Talbot. Photos and more are at ultimate-beverage.com.

Visit Cambria for Food, Wine, & Fun!

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CAMBRIA, Calif. (PRWEB) – Guests in Cambria love tasting the local wines while eating a fresh, tasty meal-after taking part in the many exciting activities available in the area, it’s easy to work up an appetite. Here are some recommendations for perfect wine and food pairings from local establishments, plus the most memorable local activities to match. Those who love food, wine, and fun should plan a getaway to Cambria to enjoy everything this coastal town has to offer!

Stolo Family Vineyards is one of two estate vineyards in Cambria. Their full-bodied Syrah goes well with any meat dish, but the classic pasta dish called Robin’s Chow, from Robin’s Restaurant, is the ultimate coupling. This sophisticated, romantic pair calls for a stroll through town on the Cambria Historical Walking Tour, admiring the architecture; Robin’s is even on the tour.

With a tasting room modeled after a 1920s speakeasy, Black Hand Cellars features a “Flapper” Pinot Noir that is fruity and aromatic. Visitors can bring a bottle to share with a friend, along with fresh seafood, at Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill, and head across the street to take a stroll on the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk after their meal.

Cayucos Cellars‘ Vermentino is a crisp, clean white that will balance the flavorful chicken banh mi wrap from Soto’s True Earth Market. It will make the perfect lunch after a morning ride with Cambria Horseback Rides, featuring meandering trails and ocean views from the saddle.

Jody’s Special from JBJ’s Round Up Pizza features Italian sausage, pineapple, onions, jalapeño, and cilantro. The best way to balance the spicy, savory, and sweet flavors of the pizza is with a bottle of Moonstone Cellars‘ Gewürztraminer, a dry white with a citrus tang. This filling meal is sure to warm up adventurers after kayaking in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Just down the road in the tiny town of Harmony, Harmony Cellars serves their Rosato Vivo, which will accompany a delightful cone full of strawberry ice cream from the local Harmony Valley Creamery truck. Visitors will love to attend the glassblowing classes offered at Harmony Glassworks, as well.

Hearst Ranch is home to more than the historic Hearst Castle. After finishing their tour, guests can head down the hill to the Hearst Ranch Winery Tasting Room for a glass of Zinfandel paired with a juicy Hearst Ranch beef burger from Sebastian’s General Store, to be enjoyed while discussing the lavish luxuries of La Cuesta Encantada.

The slightly sweet, dry Riesling from Cutruzzola Vineyards, the other estate vineyard in Cambria, pairs perfectly with some spicy tacos from Boni’s Tacos, a local favorite eatery and food truck. Visitors can grab a blanket, a bottle, and a to-go box and head for a bench overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Fiscalini Ranch, where the waves and ocean breeze will make this an all-time favorite.

Dessert lovers can stop by Twin Coyotes Winery for a glass of Stowaway Captain’s Reserve Dessert Wine, paired with their original, house-made Stowaway brownie, because nothing is better than red wine and chocolate. Twin Coyotes is part of the Shops at the Garden Shed, so guests can explore the shops after they taste.

Perlis Picks: Family Winemakers of California [Part Two]

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This year’s Family Winemakers event, held at the Pasadena Convention Center, had about 70 wineries presenting their finest bottlings to an appreciative crowd of trade, media and consumer attendees. Yes, I said 70. Obviously, I couldn’t taste everything, but I think I made a pretty good dent. Here are some of my favorites…

21767984_1868097459868826_5657158257243067582_nAscension Cellars – specializing in Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, this was one of several wineries at the event representing Paso Robles. Enjoyed the Rose, the Soul Shaker Cab/Syrah blend as well as the dessert Primitivo.

Bokisch Vineyards – a Lodi winery focused on Spanish varietals, I was excited to see they also produced a Zinfandel from the Kirschenmann Vineyard. This vineyard is owned by Tegan Passalacqua of Turley Wine Cellars. Turley, of course, makes a zin from this vineyard as do a few other wineries. This version was about as pure an expression of the vineyard as I’ve had.

Brecon Estate – I’ve been wanting to try this Paso Robles winery since they were named winery of the year in Doug Wilder’s Purely Domestic Wine Report. Both the Forty-Two red Rhone blend and the Petite Sirah were excellent.

Cass Winery – what can be said about this Paso Robles winery that hasn’t been said? Great white and red Rhones with Ted Plemons providing the entertainment.

DRNK – the name of this Russian River Valley winery is made up of the initials of family members. The “K” is for winemaker Ryan Kunde – yes, that Kunde family so you know the winemaking pedigree is there. Great Pinot Noir and Malbec.

Frog’s Tooth – this winery serves as a great reminder that well-priced high quality wines can be found when you expand your wine search into the Sierra Foothills. Especially liked the Sauvignon Blanc and the Petite Sirah.

Pech Merle – based in Geyserville, this tiny winery is producing some really good juice. I really liked their Zinfandel.

Petrified Forest Vineyards – Ken and Susan Piters are making excellent Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from their vineyard in Sonoma County’s Knight’s Valley.

Pride Mountain Vineyards – speaking of Cabernet, just a big “wow” for the one from this winery that overlaps the north end of Napa and Sonoma counties.

Sobon Estate / Shenandoah Vineyards – consistently one of my favorite Amador County wineries, the reserve Zin was my pick at this table.

Sol Rouge Vineyard & Winery – pouring a wide range of mostly Rhone inspired wines, there was a lot to enjoy at this table. Favorites for me were the Cinsaut and the Cabernet Franc.

Treasure Island Wines / Kohler & Frohling Wines – I had planned on visiting this table anyway and I was especially intrigued when I got an email reminding me of an article that hit The Daily Beast early in 2017. Kohler & Frohling was originally founded in the 1850s in Los Angeles and has now been recreated by the great-great grandson of the founder Charles Kohler. The wines are made by the same winemaker as San Francisco’s Treasure Island Wines, Jim Mirowski. I really enjoyed the Rose wines at this table, my favorite being the K&F Rose of Pinot Noir, which struck me as a pretty serious version of a Rose.

Eve’s article already listed all the wineries that poured at this event, so I won’t bother listing them again. But, I highly recommend you watch our site for more events in the future, both from Family Winemakers and other great organizations.

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. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

How To Learn: Family Winemakers of California

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“Excuse me, are you Eve Bushman from the Wine Down show? (Over 15k views so far of my episode Wine Immersion for Beginners!) I’m at this event because of you, and how you said the best way to learn about wine is to attend tastings like Family Winemakers…” Yes, apparently I do have a fan! Made my day! Now, where was I learning about wine:

Our first tasting was held on November 12, 1991, in the Sheraton Palace Hotel in San Francisco.  Family Winemakers had 71 member wineries back then, and 47 of them poured that night for about 350 members of the wine trade.  We’ve grown.  We have over 375 members today and many of them pour at one or all of our tastings: Bay Area, Del Mar and Pasadena.  We’ve grown, and so have our tastings, but some things haven’t changed.  The wineries are just as dedicated as they were in 1991 to producing the finest wines they can, the winemakers are just as passionate about the right soil, the right grape, the right microclimate.  And Family Winemakers is just as committed to presenting our member wineries and their wines at tastings that showcase the breadth and depth of winemaking in our state.   Family Winemakers … Great Wine a Family Tradition!

21767984_1868097459868826_5657158257243067582_nTasting

Thanks to my editor Michael Perlis I first learned about this event quite a few years ago. Every time they do have the tasting in Pasadena I make an effort to cover it. This year we both did so look for his coverage on this website too – just use our handy search button.

At the event I was in the mood for Rhônes, Zinfandel and Bordeaux varietals so if I have bolded a winery below, and didn’t note the specific wine I liked, it would definitely be in one of those categories! (The multi-page program included a handy “varietal map” for those that also were in the mood for a certain type of wine.)

As is the case in a walk around tasting, it’s not always convenient to make a lot of notes without a crowd building up behind you at the tasting table. (Some tables I missed due to crowds too.) I did however, try to note every wine, vintage year and varietal of most:

Wineries

Amizetta Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

Angwin Estate Vineyards with a deep and dark Cabernet Sauvignon

Ascension Cellars all good especially the “Soul Searcher” blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

AvinoDos Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and a Zinfandel.

Blair Estate

Blue Farm

Bokisch Vineyards

Brecon Estate

Brutocao/Bliss Family Vineyards

G. Di Arie Vineyard & Winery

Cass Winery

Collier Falls

De Novo Wines

Dewitt Family Wines 2014 and 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Donum Estate

DRNK Malbec (DRNK are the initials of the four owners, all family members.)

Fiftyrow/Smokescreen

Frisson Wines

Fritz Winery

Frogs Tooth Vineyards Barbera

Frostwatch Vineyard and Winery

Gordenker 2013 and 2012 Moon Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 Cabernet Franc.

Greyscale Wines 2015 Merlot.

Hagafen Cellars

Hawk and Horse Vineyards

Hearst Ranch Winery Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2015 Petite Sirah.

Heritage Oak Winery

Hook & Ladder Winery

Howell Mountain Vineyards

Huge Bear Wines this was probably my pick of the day: 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, their current vintage.

Inspiration Vineyards & Winery

Rickards Winery

Keenan Winery

Kieu Hoang Winery

Meeker Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and “Frozin” dessert wine.

Murder Ridge Winery 2015 Zinfandel and 2015 Red Blend.

Navarro Vineyards

Oak Farm Vineyards

Oakville Cross Wines 2007 (thank you!) and 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Opolo Vineyards

Parmeson Wines

Pech Merle Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2014 Zinfandel.

Petree Cellars

Petrified Forest Vineyards

Pierce Ranch Vineyards

Pine and Brown Winery

Pride Mountain Vineyards everything they poured: 2016 Chardonnay, 2015 Merlot and 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon with a little Petit Verdot and Merlot.

Quady Winery

Rack & Riddle Winery

Robert John Vineyards 2010 to 2014 vertical tasting of their Cabernet Sauvignon.

Saddleback Cellars

Scotto Cellars

Shadow Ranch Vineyard

Silkwood Wines

Sobon Estate/Shenandoah Vineyards

Sojourn Cellars

Sol Rouge Vineyard & Winery had a huge lineup and a sign mentioning many of their 90+ scores from Wine Enthusiast. I enjoyed the Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zinfandel and Cinsault.

Tablas Creek Vineyard both of their white and red Rhône blends.

The Farm Winery 2013 Cardinal Cabernet Sauvignon and “Touchy Feely” Grenache.

Treasure Island Wines 2010 Big Game.

Trione Vineyards & Winery

Uncorqed

Velvet Bee LLC

Vineyard {511} 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vino Noceto Zinfandel.

WesMar Winery

Windrun Vintners

Woodenhead

Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards

 

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, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Tastings.com’s Top Drinks Of The Year

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CHICAGO (PRWEB) – Great news for all discerning drinkers, Tastings.com has awarded their 2017 Best of Category and Best of Show winners. Tastings.com’s beverage experts tasted through over 4,400 products in 2017 and have now announced the best of the best for your drinking pleasure.

Sagatiba Preciosa Cachaca150 top larger logo v.2 is one of the clear standouts of 2017. Silently aged for 23 years, this batch of rare Brazilian sugar cane spirit was uncovered to the delight of Tastings.com’s judges. They awarded the superb sipping cachaça a superlative 98 points. Other barrel-aged spirits joined Sagatiba at the top— Kavalan, a brand that wows connoisseurs year after year, holds 2017’s Best Whiskey accolade with their 98 point Solist Port Single Cask expression; and Grand Marnier’s luxurious Quintessence is crowned 2017’s Best Liqueur.

Beer has its own royalty of 2017. 4 Hands Brewing Company in Saint Louis Missouri created the year’s Best Flavored Beer, Zelllige Moroccan Coffee Stout. Tastings.com calls the beer “An intriguing and exotically spicy Turkish bazaar of a flavored stout.” The prolific Samuel Adams released their smoky, hybrid-styled Rauchbier, Cinderbock, that topped the beer category at 97 points. It is prestigiously awarded Best Beer of 2017. Another can’t miss gem is 96-point WildCraft Cider Works’ Pinot Noir Barrel Aged Cherry Cider, a platinum-medal palate-pleaser that takes the interplay of fruit and wood to the next level.

The year’s Best White Wine is Corner 103’s pretty Grenache Blanc from Alexander Valley. With a long-lasting finish of lilac and wet stone, it’s no wonder that it achieved 95 points.

As for wine of the pink persuasion, the definitive Best Rose of 2017 is the insanely delicious Retrofollies’ 2016 Coteaux Varois de Provence. For those with a sweet tooth, the stylish and elegant Alea Ludendo 2013 Elba Aleatico Passito scored 95 points, topping the dessert wine category. 2017 Best Of Awards are seen in every major wine category as well as all major wine producing countries. See the complete results here.

Devoted to helping consumers discover and understand the world’s best drinks, Tastings.com is proud to share their unbiased reviews with adult beverage enthusiasts everywhere. Their professional judges are esteemed members of the drinks trade and hold prestigious certifications and accolades in wine, beer, and spirits. All products are tasted blind, using proprietary methodology and software in a neutral laboratory environment. Tastings.com, powered by the Beverage Testing Institute, has been known for providing consumers the most impartial, fair reviews in the industry for 38 years. Drink like an expert and follow their motto: drink what you like, love what you drink. Visit Tastings.com before you buy.