Ten Year Challenge…With Wine and Spirits

February 4, 2022 by evebushman

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

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

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

From Napa

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

From Paso

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

Jamaica

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

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

Special Dining

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

Places that no longer exist today

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

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Vintage Eve: The 15 Most Influential Wine Men in My Life – 2011 Edition Part One

August 16, 2016 by evebushman

Instead of reflecting on last year’s favorite wines, or making any pesky wine resolutions, this article, one of the first for Beaconeers in 2012 is my 15-member list (alphabetical, and not in order of importance) of men that have contributed to my wine education in 2011.

I prompt you to start working on your own list if you are like me, and continually strive to learn more about that heavenly elixir we call wine. And, feel free to steal my contacts, as most of these wonderful men are on Facebook:

Eve and Ian Blackburn

Ian Blackburn, CSW, JWE – Founder of LearnAboutWine.com, established in 1995. Ian is studying for the Master of Wine and drinks wine for a living. LearnAboutWine focuses on the best quality events and classes, and a wine credential program that has graduated over 300 wine students in the last 3 years with a Junior Wine Executive credential (JWE). In 2011 Ian released his own wine called www.Beekeepercellars.com and in 2012 – WineCloudInc.com – debuts with a online wine store that provides education with your wine purchase. Focused on smaller artisan producers and limited production collectables that put you “in the know.” Ian has invited me to many events as press where I’ve had a great opportunity to: Learn About Wine via http://www.winela.com

Anthony Dias Blue is a James Beard Award-winning wine and food writer, and Editor-In-Chief of The Tasting Panel Magazine. He is also Executive Director of the SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION and the SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION. Not only do I get a monthly dose of news on spirits and wines from Tasting Panel magazine, I’m also lucky enough to be included in several media tastings a year – further educating my palate. http://www.TastingPanelMag.com

The Husband, Eddie Bushman, has tirelessly kept our wine cellar well stocked –the key hidden – and my wine glass full of irreplaceable memories.

Chef Lance Cowart has kindly allowed me to lift any and all recipes he has with wine as an ingredient for my website. His Facebook group, which you can join, is called “Turn Up the Heat – Men That Love To Cook and Women That Love Men That Cook.” Lance says, “I love cooking. I cook all the time when I can. Yes I am that guy. I love to turn up the heat in my kitchen.” https://www.facebook.com/groups/Theat

Tim DeLuca is my oldest wine friend. He works in the TV industry, and one year invited me to an Emmy dinner. Once seated at a large table with people I didn’t know, Tim broke the ice by suggesting I choose the wine for the table. Don’t recall what the wine was, but the table approved my selection, and it was the perfect “ice breaker”. Tim also started giving me Wine Spectator subscriptions maybe 20 years ago. When he used the word “flabby” to describe a wine I scoffed, later, after some time and reading, I learned how to use the word myself.

Dr. Joel Fisher, founder of the LA Wine Fest, and our new SCV Wine Fest, has kept me educated via his events. Fisher draws on decades of knowledge garnered from his many associations: writing for the Culinary Connection of the Chefs de Cuisine Association of California, the Beverly Hills Courier and the Underground Wine Letter; teaching at Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, wine instruction for the Culinary Arts Department of the Art Institute of California, Los Angeles, as a sommelier for the Escoffier Association of Southern California, a member of The Tasting Panel (formerly the Bon Appetit Tasting Panel) and as a Wine Host for CRN’s What’s Cooking Show….just to name a few. http://www.LAWineFest.com

Our latest contributor on the Eve’s Wine 101 site, brought in by Contributing Editor Mike Perlis, Rick Fraga, provides me (and you) a wealth of knowledge: he currently performs wine education, hospitality and sales for Martinelli Winery, writes his blog, and works full time at following his passion for wine. His experience – over the last 20 years – includes working for a number wineries in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. Additionally, after adding educational background in Wine Business, Marketing, Evaluation and Service at Santa Rosa JC, he continues to work with the Wine Studies program at the JC as a guest speaker and a member of the Wine Studies Department Advisory Committee. Read more about Rick on his site, http://www.GatewayToWine.com

“Chef” Mike Fraschilla is noted among friends, family, and acquaintances to be “The Passionate Advocate” for wine, beer, spirits, food, and most matters considered to live La Dolce Vita! Mike has over 20-years experience as collector, caterer, promoter, consultant, educator, and pundit in matters relating to the food & beverage industry. I met Mike via Facebook, and later, in a dark parking lot…to buy from his allocation of Robert Mondavi reserves. And lucky for us, he has become a frequent contributor in my blog. He welcomes questions, comments and critiques and can be reached through email at: askchefmike@hotmail.com

Nearing the end of my column’s normal length, and not wanting to edit out any of the accomplishments of my top 15…tune into the Beacon next Friday for numbers 9 and beyond.

Vintage Beacon Circa Oct 2010: Time for the LA…No…Make that the SCV…Wine Fest!

July 28, 2015 by evebushman

Try and keep up Santa Claritans. In a little over three months there will be a new fest in town. Nope, it’s not the Classic or a Goose flying through – although they would both be more than welcome – we’re getting our first SCV Wine Fest from the man that has been orchestrating the LA Wine Fest for five years, Dr. Joel M. Fisher.

And it all started because Fisher knew, via this wine tattletale, that we needed/wanted/missed our fests lately. He made me very happy when he said, “I don’t intend to go away.”

Fisher continued, “Remember I talked to some of the early birds on the scene on working with them.” Fisher, in fact, attended the Loose Goose and the All Corked Up Fest a few years back and has continued to visit the SCV wine world as a guest lecturer in some of DiMaggio Washington’s wine classes at COC.

Fisher, a published author, wine educator and event planner, is usually rooted to LA. But for the past few weeks he’s been up to our ‘hood just to get to know the folks that keep inviting him here for meetings in the city’s tourism office and making trips to “The Embassy” (What the Embassy Suites will be known as from now own for hosting this event.)

I sat down recently with his Director of Sales, Douglas Gould and Executive Director, Gary Choppe’ to talk about the event. Locals know Gary Choppe’ as he owns Choppe’ Advertising Group and managed the ACU Festival last year. And Doug Gould brings an international sales and marketing expertise with a focus on Hospitality and Wine events.

“The Embassy was a natural choice,” said Choppe. “As it’s close enough to the 126 and 5 freeways to accommodate the guests that normally come to our fests from outside of Santa Clarita.”

So, let me tell you what you can expect. I’ve been to Fisher’s LA Wine Fest for the past few years and am continually amazed at the array of talent – yes, talent – that is honored to pour for him.

From Sake Sommeliers to Scotch Sommeliers. From home wine makers in Manhattan Beach to Napa Wineries. Gourmet Cheese to Gourmet Grilled Cheese trucks.

Our event is scheduled for the afternoon on Saturday February 12, 2011 – and includes access to a VIP room for the first 125 guests that sign up – located at The Embassy (Suites) located at 28508 Westinghouse Place, Valencia, 91355.

So for now dear reader, go to www.SCVWineFest.com and be one of the first 100 to snatch up a ticket at an early birdie price of $30. Fisher will announce the next price, yes it will go up in increments as we get closer to the event, in another couple of weeks.

And consider my idea: Buy tickets for holiday gift-giving now! Stocking stuffers, early Valentines present, whatever, I’m telling you this is the E-Ticket for winos here and beyond.

And look for me! I’ll be there as your Honorary Wine Conduit, or some-such-nonsense. Because, gee, I don’t think I could be any more passionate about our newest FEST!

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

When Wine Isn’t on the Menu: Eve-Proof Spirits (Vintage Beacon 8/09)

August 12, 2014 by evebushman

Imagine, it isn’t hard to do…it’s 100 degrees with 100% humidity and, unless you’re inside a nice temperature-controlled wine bar, here are other choices that I am serving up for you this week that should cool you off.

I like a good martini made with Imperia vodka and what I was newly introduced to at the last LA Wine Fest: Vikingfjord http://vikingfjord.com/ . Always shaken and not dirty with some olive that’s been sitting around marinating in its own whatever. Years ago I was introduced to Lillet, a very delicate brand of French Aperitif wine made from 85% wine and citrus liqueurs instead of the usual Vermouth glass rinse. Nowadays I like either Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur http://www.domainedecanton.com/ or Jewel of Russia Berry Infusion. The Key: Only use the same measure as you would of Vermouth. Nothing other than a lemon or orange rind will float across the icy top.

Perfect Rob Roy up with a twist. Patrick at The Social makes it the best I’ve found Martini style – though the color, burnt caramel, is not as attractive as it is over ice. The first time I had it was at a fire chief convention in New Orleans. We had the private room at the original Emeril’s and everyone was having hard liquor and no wine that night. I knew I liked single malt Scotch but wanted something more like an aperitif. Voila: 2.5 oz blended Scotch, 1 oz each of sweet and dry vermouth.

Tequila: Make it easy on yourself and just go to Sabor: http://www.saborcocinamexicana.com/ With 5 different Margaritas and almost 20 different tequilas, in each category of Silver, Reposado and Anejo, I think they take the gold ribbon for tequila selection in the SCV!

Single Malt Scotch: Current favorites from the last Scotch tasting we did in our home were the Littlemill 1990 bottled by Signatory and Tomintoul 16 year old. The lightest color and flavor in the former makes it a perfect “first time for a lady” to try and the faint nutty hazelnut in the latter is dessert. For everyday: Aberlour 10 or 12 year old, Balvenie, Macallan, and if you’re a Glenlivit or Glenfiddich fan, that’s fine, but try the 15 and 18 year olds if you can get your hands on them.

Beer: Not a big one for me but I get it. Hot day = cold beer. Tell me your favorites that are brewed locally but keep in mind that I’ve been to Oktoberfest in Munich.

At least 4 icy mug handles slide up the arms of buxom German beauties before being slammed down onto picnic tables already overflowing with tourists. And, add the scent of cinnamon roasted almonds wafting through the air, and you’ve got the perfect pairing too!

And, yes, I was young once and did enjoy: Jägermeister when gal pal Heidi wore the shot glasses on a belt over her bikini, Yukon Jack in a goatskin boda bag while learning to ski and create my first domino effect with unsuspecting students, Kahlua and milk at Brennan’s during the turtle races, coffee and Frangelico in one of Chicago’s mafia-owned restaurants, dark Myers Rum and OJ when in Santa Barbara for volleyball tournaments, Mai Tai’s at Tom Bombadil’s in Kona, Hawaii, after my husband couldn’t finish his as he had just completed the Ironman triathlon, Pina Coladas in Cabo San Lucas at the Hotel Finisterra while everyone else was having tequila shot into their gaping mouths by employees with a gigantic water pistols.

Last idea: We’ve not had a Bartender’s Competition in the SCV. Would you like one? You can judge which bartender’s signature drink you like best. All of our SCV restaurants can sponsor one bartender each. If it sounds like fun e-mail me what you’d like to see, or what I’ve missed in my own list above, and I’ll bite: Eve@EveWine101.com

NOSE (know wine) LEGS (like the back) BODY (of your hand) By Len Napolitano

July 25, 2014 by evebushman

While walking around at the Los Angeles Wine Fest a month ago I came upon a book signing. Author Len Napolitano was sharing his book, “Nose, Legs, Body”, with wine 101ers! Now, with a copy of my own to review, I set about the task of learning a wee bit more about the author and the book.

Excerpt From the Website

http://noselegsbody.com

…Len Napolitano, “wineologist” from 2003 to 2011 on TV’s Fine Living Network (now Cooking Channel), guides you in taking your first steps in wine—essential steps to exploring, learning, and tasting. With sincerity and whimsy, Len examines a broad range of wine subjects as you gain a new and practical knowledge of wine. Chapters are organized according to meaningful subjects wine lovers want to know, explained in an informal, question-and-answer format.

Nose, Legs, Body! is perfect for social wine drinkers, businesspeople who entertain wine-savvy clients, cooking hobbyists, and food service professionals. It’s also for anyone transitioning from a beer or martini as their beverage of choice to a crisp pinot grigio or robust cabernet sauvignon…

Review

I was once asked during an interview if my wine knowledge is still relevant to my wine 101 audience, now that I’ve had more education over the years. Maybe. However, in reading Len’s book I searched for tidbits that would not only interest wine 101ers but a few wine 201ers, as I expect that some of my readers have also grown in their knowledge, and interests. Let’s see how I fared:

People will not necessarily come up with the same wine descriptors when they describe their wine. There is no accurate answer; it’s all based on your own experience.
Len gives less than a three-page explanation on how red wine gets its color. Buy the book to find out.
What you taste in your wine is 80% aroma. So yes, stop and sniff!
Want to help increase your scents-ability? Len suggests having a pal hold up different spice jars for you to test your knowledge – with your eyes closed of course. I definitely want to try that.
In case you didn’t guess it, the vintage year you see on a wine bottle is the year the grapes were harvested.
It’s most likely dehydration and not sulfites that cause that headache after drinking wine.
Google the “Organic Wine Exchange” website as another avenue to find organic wines.
Having a tough time figuring out what grapes are in a French wine? Try again, as many French wineries are adjusting more to the foreign market (we Americans) by listing the grapes on the label.
Len says, “…Your own personal wine preference overrides all other rules” when pairing wine with food, so “it is always acceptable to match your favorite wine with anything on your plate.”
Add alcohol late in the cooking process if you want to retain the alcohol. Add it sooner if you want the flavor alone of the wine or spirit you used, and not the alcohol.
Len says, “Once wine is damaged by heat it is destroyed forever.”
Towards the end of the under 200-page book Len gives readers four pages of wine choices for your cellar by describing the flavor components and costs of popular varietals.
Then there is this experiment: Chill one glass of wine and serve the other at room temperature – it doesn’t matter if you select to experiment with a red or white wine. If you don’t have it at room temperature heat it* for 20 seconds in the microwave. Then taste the difference.

*To try this at home please remember to use a glass and not a foil sealed wine bottle!

Buy the book: http://www.wineology.com

GOLD Award, Non-Fiction Authors Association Book Awards

SILVER Award, Independent Publisher Book Awards

SILVER Award, IBPA Benjamin Franklin Digital Book Awards

FINALIST ForeWord Reviews IndieFab Book of The Year Awards

WINNER, 2014 Indie Reader Book Awards

QED Seal of Approval, Digital Book Awards
Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column.

NINE TIMES: LA Wine Fest

June 6, 2014 by evebushman

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

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.

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

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)

May 29, 2014 by evebushman

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.

Wine, 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.

Announcement: The Santa Clarita Wine Fest (SCWF) will not take place this year

February 23, 2014 by evebushman

I had been receiving queries from local peeps as to when the Santa Clarita Wine Fest (SCWF) was going to take place this year. I reached out to the founder, Joel Fisher, to find out what was happeneing. He sent me back this formal announcement for me to release to the public. Suffice it to say, we’ll miss the event this year! And, it’s a good reminder that if we want large wine festivals in Santa Clarita we need to support them:

Dear Eve:

We have decided, after considerable deliberation, to take the year off at Santa Clarita. We love Santa Clarita, and are pleased with the growth of the event these past three years. With proper business and community support, we hope to return next year. In the meanwhile, come check out the LAWineFest, Santa Clarita WineFest’s big sister. This year we are lining up great wines from around the world, a fun demo stage, informative seminars, a fun crowd, and more. Lots of people come down from Santa Clarita, so let us know if you’re interested in having us help arrange carpools.

With best regards,

Joel

Joel M. Fisher, Ph.D

Founder/CEO
LAWineFest, Inc.,
Joel@lawinefest.com

LA Wine Fest 2013: The Party Continues

July 5, 2013 by evebushman

In this, the eighth annual LA WineFest to hit the historical Raleigh Studios the first weekend in June, my husband had this comment, “Joel’s doing a great job of introducing wine to the hipsters.”

The “Joel” is Dr. Joel Fisher, the founder of the event, and he continues to find new wines and spirits every year for a new crowd to try. This isn’t a wine event for wine snobs, rather, it is an event tailored for anyone that enjoys wine and spirits and beer and food and seminars and shopping and just plain partying.

In between my story, and the long list of booze suppliers at the end, are some photos of what I found interesting.

For the winos my favorites were Jada from Paso Robles, Magnavino from Oxnard, Reyes Winery in Agua Dulce, K L Wines in Hollywood, Vina Sympatico Sparkling Wines in LA, Cantara in Camarillo, Vibrant Rioja, ZAP and Stella Artois Belgian Beer.

For spirits we liked Ventura Limoncello original and Orangecello, VEE V Acai straight, Pisco Porton and all of the various Sakes distilled as wine and spirits.

Food we sampled and dug included Garlic Expressions salad dressing, Think Thin bars, La Brea Bakery, Carnevale cookies from the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas and the much-needed Icelandic Glacial water.

Vendors we always enjoy seeing: Rob Barnett with Vin Village; James Carling, owner Ventura Limoncello; Beth Heiserman, Marketing and Sales Director with Reyes Winery; Robert Wagner, owner/winemaker Magnavino Cellars; Tuanni Price, owner Zuri Wine Tasting; Yoshi Murakami with Boutique sake; David Galzignato, winemaker, Jada Vineyard & Winery; and of course, Dr. Joel Fisher, his daughter Sara Fisher Chapin, event organizer Scherr Lillico and Shawn Burgert.

Yes, I tried it. Not a fave for me but it was with most everyone else there!

All Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries:

Allied Importers, New York

Teperburg Collage, white, 2011, Israel

Teperburg Israeli Semi-Dry Cabernet, 2011, Israel

Teperburg Reserve Merlot, 2009, Israel

Dalton Canaan red, 2011, Israel

Dalton Almo White (Chardonnay-Viognier) 2010, Israel

Dalton Estate Petite Sirah, 2010, Israel

Boutique Sake (by Smart Assist), Rancho Dominguez

Sake

Shochu (Japanese Vodka)

Rum

Bekseju USA/Kooksoondang Brewery

BEK SE JU (herbal wine)

BEK SE JU DRY (herbal wine)

DRAFT MAKKOLI (rice wine)

SSAL MAKKOLI (rice wine)

MYUNGJAK BOKBUNJA (Raspberry wine)

NATURE’S BOKBUNJA MAKKOLI (Raspberry rice wine)

CHARM SOON (Soju-distilled spirit)

Cantara Cellars, Central Coast

Cielo Malibu Estate Wineyards

Darms Lane Wine, Napa Valley

2009 Darms Lane Cabernet Sauvignon, Bon Passe Vineyard

2008 Darms Lane Cabernet Sauvignon, Linda’s Hillside

2011 Darms Lane Pinot Noir

2010 Fortune 1621 Cabernet Sauvignon

Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, New York

George DuBoeuf

Josh Cellars, Mendocino

Eppa North Coast

Double Bond Winery, Central Coast

Frey Vineyards, Mendocino

Sauvignon Blanc

Pinot Noir

Biodynamic Field Blend

Zinfandel

Syrah

Cabernet Sauvignon

Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Paso Robles

First Crush Winemaking Experience, Paso Robles

Herzog Wine Cellars, Ventura

J. Hamilton Wines, Westlake Village

Jada Vineyard & Winery, Paso Robles

11 “88”

10 Jersey Girl

09 Malstria

10 Jack of Hearts

JVS Imports, San Francisco/Commerce

Karl Strauss Brewery, San Diego

Red Trolley Ale

Pintail Pale Ale

L.A. International Wine and Spirits Competition

Alexander Valley Vineyards, Alluvia, Alexander School Reserve, Alexander Valley, 2008 www.avvwine.com – Gold Medal

Amici Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2009 www.amicicellars.com – Gold Medal

Aquinas, Merlot, Napa Valley, 2009 www.donandsons.com – Gold Medal

Cupcake Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2011 www.cupcakevineyards.com – Gold Medal

Cocavin Vineyards, Syrah, Velvet Noir, Paso Robles, 2010 www.cocavin.com – Gold Medal

Col Solare, Bordeaux Style Blend, Columbia Valley, 2007 www.colsarewinery.com – Gold Medal

Eberle Vineyards, Muscat Canelli, Paso Robles, 2011 www.eberlewinery.com – Silver Medal

Forchini Vineyards & Winery, Bordeaux Style Red, BeauSierra, Dry Creek Valley, 2009 www.forchini.com – Gold Medal

Mission Hill Family Estate, Pinot Grigio, Five Vineyards, Okanagna Valley VQA, 2010 www.missionhillwinery.com – Silver Medal

Navvaro Vineyards, Gewurztraminer, Dry, Cuvee Traditional, Anderson Valley, Mendocino, 2010 www.navarrowine.com – Gold Medal

Oakridge Winery, OZV, Old Zin Vines, Lodi, 2009 www.oldzinvines.com – Gold Medal

Ravenswood, Zinfandel, Old Vine, Lodi, 2009 www.ravenswoodwinery.com – Silver Medal

Raymond Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, 2010 www.raymondvineyards.com – Silver Medal

Red Rooster, Rosé, Reserve, Okanagan Valley VQA, 2011 www.redroosterwinery.com – Best of Class, Gold Medal

Red Rooster, Viognier, Okanagan Valley VQA, 2011 www.redroosterwinery.com – Gold Medal

Rodney Strong Vineyard, Chardonnay, Sonoma County, 2010 www.rodneystrong.com – Silver Medal

Santa Barbara Winery, Grenache, Santa Rita Hills, 2009 www.sbwinery.com – Silver Medal

Sierra Madre Vineyard, Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley, 2010 www.sierramadrevineyard.com – Silver Medal

Smoking Loon, Chardonnay, California, 2010 www.smookingloon.com – Gold Medal

Sofia, Riesling, Monterey County, 2010 www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com – Gold Medal

South Coast Winery, Riesling, Carter Estate Vineyards, Temecula Valley, 2011 www.southcoastwinery.com – Best of Class, Gold Medal

Stonegate, Chardonnay, California, 2010 www.stonegatewinery.com – Gold Medal

Whalebone Vineyard, Meritage, Bob Wine, Paso Robles, 2008 www.whalebonevineyard.com – Gold Medal

[yellow tail], Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, South Eastern Australia, 2010 www.yellowtailwines.com – Best of Class, Cellars, Syrah, Lake

Martian Ranch & Vineyard, Los Alamos

Naked Rebel Winery, San Mateo

Pink Panda Champagne

Naked Rebel Cab

Phantom Rivers Winery, Central Coast

2008 Phantom Rivers Pinot Noir

2009 Phantom Rivers Grenache

2011 Phantom Rivers Sauvignon Blanc

Pisco Porton, Peru

Reyes Winery, Agua Dulce

2010 Cabernet

2010 Merlot

2010 Syrah

2011 Chardonnay

nv White Delight

Rosenthal Estate Winery, Malibu

2011 Surfrider Grenache Blanc/Albarino

2009 Rosenthal Chardonnay

2008 Surfrider Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 Rosenthal Cab Franc

Roxo Port Cellars, Paso Robles

08 Paso Melange

08 Ruby Traditional

08 Magia Preta

San Antonio Winery/Maddalena, Los Angeles

Maddalena Winery , Paso Robles

San Simeon Winery, Paso Robles, Monterey

Stella Rosa Winery ,Italy

San Antonio Bowtie Winery, California

San Felice Winery, Italy

Rare Red and White Winery

San Diego Spirits Festival

Pisco Porto

619 Vodka

Black Momma Vodka

Roaring Lion Energy Drink

Josef Mach Herbal Liqueur

El Cartel Tequila

Simply Vino, Los Angeles

Vina Sympatica White, California Sparkling Wine

Vina Sympatica Violet, California Sparkling Wine

Vina Sympatica Red, California Sparkling Wine

Powell & Mahoney Vintage Original Cocktail Mixers (powellandmahoney.com)

, Mañana Tequila (tequilamanana.com)

Diplomatico Rum (rondiplomatico.com)

Compass Box Scotch Whiskey (compassboxwhisky.com).

Stella Artois, Belgium

Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Danza del Sol Winery

Europa Village

Hart Winery

Leoness Cellars

Lorimar Vineyard & Winery

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Weins Family Cellars

VeeV Spirits

VeeV Acai Spirit

VitaFrute by VeeV – Margarita

VitaFrute by VeeV – Cosmo

VitaFrute by VeeV Lemonade

Ventura County Winery Association

Bella Victorian Vineyards

Cantara Cellars

Four Brix Winery

Magnavino Cellars

Panarro Brothers Winery

Plan B Cellars

San Vicente Cellars

Ventura Limoncello Company, Ventura

Liqueurs & Cocktails

Vibrant Rioja, Spain

Marques de Riscal Reserva 2006
Marques de Riscal Proximo 2009
Conde de Valdemar Rosado 2012
Conde de Valdemar Sierra Cantabria Blanco 2011
Conde de Valdemar Crianza 2008
Antano Tempranillo 2010
Antano Viura 2011
Dinastia Vivanco Crianza 2008
Dinastia Vivanco Reserva 2005
Faustino VII Tempranillo 2010
Beronia Crianza 2008

Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards, Temecula

Almond Champagne

Orange Mimosa

Peach Bellini

Sparkling Sangria

Decadecia

Vin Village

Ricardus Corculum (Napa/Sonoma)

Synopsis Winery (Chile)

Village Vin (My Wine from “Mendocino”)

Witch Creek (San Diego)

ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates & Producers),

ZAP 2011 Heritage Wine (produced by Scott Harvey Wines)

Michael Perlis on Wine in the Pines

June 29, 2013 by evebushman

Wine In The Pines

http://www.wineinthepines.com

The second weekend of June was pretty amazing for those of us who live in the Los Angeles area.

Eve has already written about the two-day Los Angeles Wine Festival. In addition to that, there were two other events that weekend – Wine In The Pines on Saturday, June 8th and the Ojai Wine Festival on Sunday, June 9th, both held at incredible outdoor venues.

Wine In the Pines has been held since 2003 at Pine Mountain Club, which is just about an hour drive from the Santa Clarita Valley, but a whole different world. Just take the 5 freeway north to the Frazier Park exit and head northwest into the mountains

I had the pleasure of being joined on this trip with my friend, well-known local wine professional Vic Herstein. We got to the event about a half hour early, as typically that was when people would start to line up. The new organizer of the event had made a change – no waiting in line, turn in your ticket, grab a glass and go on in! And even though technically the event didn’t start until noon, no one seemed to mind pouring a taste early.

This was especially great for that particular day. For the first time since I’ve attended this event, it was hot.

Temperatures appeared to get into the 90s very quickly, which would have made it uncomfortable to wait in line.

But, the heat admittedly did impact how I handled my wine tasting experience. I drank a lot more water, tended to taste more white wines than red, tried to limit my alcohol consumption even more than usual, and most importantly, focused primarily on enjoying the festival.

Some of the wineries represented were:
Tolosa
Vista Del Rey
Castoro
Hug Cellars
Christian Lazo
Rio Seco
Tobin James
Laraneta
Cass
Lapis Luna
Pear Valley
Andrew Lane
W.H. Smith
Bianchi
Hope Family
One Hope
Tejon Ranch
Treana
Cupcake
Scott Harvey

And for those who wanted something to drink other than wine, Stella Artois was there, pouring their beer and giving away their great glasses.

Food was provided as well, at no additional charge, such as:
Big Mike’s Ragin’ BBQ
The Garden Spot
Pine Mountain Pizza Co.
La Lena Mexican Restaurant
Basecamp Café
Café Med

I’d be remiss not to mention the entertainment. Boys Nite Out put on a great show. And wouldn’t you know it – Vic had played with some of them before, as besides being a wine guy he is a great bass guitarist.

All this in a setting so nice that you’d swear you were in Big Bear or somewhere similar.

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.