How to NOT Gather over Wine and Spirits

January 15, 2021 by evebushman

We wine (and spirit) drinkers are social beasts. We like to drink with friends, discuss a wine or spirit, and maybe settle in for a lengthy multi-bottle tasting over a long luxurious meal. So the question I had was: What have you done, or would like to do, to enjoy liquor without gathering with friends?

For me I’ve had more time to study wine, and am working on some “single bottle posts” where I dedicate an entire blog post to one wine or spirit. What about you? Here are three answers to my query, each expressing a different idea that I’m sharing with my comments:

This was an all-white party celebrating red wine, and orchestrated by my wine friend Doug Gould years ago. Hope we can all gather together safely soon.

Virtual tasting was Mary G’s choice: I am going to virtually taste with my best friend six different sparkling wines six different days! Since we can’t do together right now.

From EB: That’s a lot of sparkling wine, I hope Mary and her pal have splits as those bubbles won’t keep. But yes, ordering the same wine with a pal, and virtually taste together, mimics a real get together. If it were me I would add tasting notes, and see how they compare.

Also, I love that this is just with one good pal, because if they were doing this with a bunch of people over zoom most would have to be muted. And muting isn’t fun at all in my opinion. When I go to a winery tasting room (or a distillery) I get to talk to a representative, owner or winemaker/distiller. Sure, I need to listen, but then I need to ask questions.

Wine Education is something Cathy M is interested in: Interesting…I want to learn more about LA County’s past involvement with wine and spirits. From what I’ve read LA would have resembled wine growing regions like France. Stupid prohibition.

From EB: I think it would be most interesting to hear from LA County winemakers in a class that also includes flights to purchase. Again, as it’s just going to be me and a bottle it’s a bit much to do alone. Oh yea, and I think prohibition was stupid too.

Note: I know some winemakers are offering zoom classes, and I use LearnAboutWine.com and LocalWineEvents.com for finding those. But most Zoom formats are selling something, which is reasonable. Our wineries are in a hard spot right now and we do want to support them, whether you are offered wines by the bottle or flight, do what suits you and your budget.

Innovative distanced gatherings are what Katy M has been doing: Necessity is the mother of invention. We’ve enjoyed themed dinners over Zoom, gathered regularly at a neighborhood park safely distanced and celebrated ‘next’ to each other on our porches. Having to come up with these solutions has made me appreciate the people in my life even more.

From EB: Katy sounds like the perfect party planner that can adapt to any situation. I adore that she is so involved with her neighbors and community. I think she’s really onto something. Motivating me a bit to try to organize a block party, if we are still on lockdown when the weather warms up, where we each gather in front of our homes/driveways to enjoy a meal and drinks NEAR each other.

Back in March of 2020 I tried to organize a block party and a couple of neighbors strolled by, at a distance. We sat on the curb to chat a little and drink wine. It’s time to get back to that. And to being good neighbors.

Conclusion: Did you notice that Zoom meetings are not the only way to enjoy wines with friends? I did. We also had no clue that this situation would last so long. It’s time to get back to checking in with each other, and talking over some ideas to enjoy wine and spirits without gathering. If you have more ideas please share them: Eve@EveWine101.com

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 Circa 8/2014: Tasting the Latest Beekeeper

January 16, 2018 by evebushman

Apparently when you do good deeds in the wine world, you are sometimes rewarded. Such was the case when http://www.winela.com/ founder Ian Blackburn found out (because I told him) that I highlighted his fabulous calendar of classes in my weekly Dear Wine Friend newsletter.

He asked for my address. Then he sent me his latest buzz-worthy wine, the 2012 Beekeeper Cellars Zinfandel. The wine, yet to be publicly released, sat in my cellar for about a month and finally, I had the perfect occasion for it.

My daughter Samantha had just passed her first class, a math class no less, at CSUN. We would celebrate by taking her and her boyfriend out to dinner to her favorite steak restaurant, Backwood’s Inn. And we would celebrate with a Beekeeper, our own wine glasses and a corkage fee under $10.

My Tasting Notes

(Though Ian provided his own notes, I didn’t cheat and look at them before tasting his wine. That’s just a game I play with myself to see if my palate picks up the same flavors. Scroll down to see Ian’s tasting notes.)

Aroma: Having pulled the bottle from my temperature-controlled cellar just an hour before, I could really tell how much the cold could close down a wine’s aromas. Waiting about ten minutes while swirling and warming the glass with my hands, I noted juicy blue to black fruit, grilled mushrooms, chocolate truffles and toasted oak.

Flavor: The blackest of ripe blackberries, cracked pepper, dark chocolate, the hint of a cigar and tannins that rounded it all every-so-nicely in my glass. (I had no idea of the wine’s 15.2% alcohol content until someone read if off the bottle, there was no excessive “heat” in this wine.)

Conclusion: After ten more minutes, and throughout my entire meal (grilled BBQ salmon), I noted how the tannins slowly softened while keeping the wine’s fruit structure firm and resilient. Definitely want to try the older vintages, as well as next year’s release. Well done Ian. 95 Eve Points.

Notes From Founder Ian Blackburn

Beekeeper Cellars
Zinfandel, Black Sears Vineyard “Old Vines” Howell Mountain, Napa Valley 2012 (Nicknamed ‘Black Bee’)

Grape: 99% Zinfandel 1% Petite Sirah

Vineyard: Dry Farmed, Old Vines – Organic and Biodynamic Practices

Appellation: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley

Vintage: 2012 Bottled Dec 17th, 2013

Alcohol: 15.2% RS 2 g/1000ml PH 3.79 TA 5.66

Oak: 100% French – 30% New for 15 months.

Winemakers: Clay Mauritson, Emma Kudritzki and Ian Blackburn

Production: 4200 Bottles (350 Cases)
ABOUT: Beekeeper Cellars
Zinfandel, Black Sears Vineyard “Old Vines” Howell Mountain, Napa Valley 2012

The historic “Black Sears Vineyard” returned my call in Summer of 2012, I was looking for some pedigree hillside fruit to grow the Beekeeper brand and to give our clients another peak at our quality approach. I called many of the famous vineyards, but reputable hillside zinfandel is highly spoken for and getting really hard to find. Luckily, Black Sears returned the call, our timing was very good.

Black Sears Vineyard is located at 2400 feet on the top of Howell Mountain, in the Napa Valley. The Vines, planted in the 1970’s are dry farmed (no irrigation) and also farmed organic, with bio-dynamic practices. Planted on St. George rootstock, the bud wood came from the Hayne Vineyard in St. Helena (One of Zinfandel’s “Heritage Clones”). The fruit set was huge in 2012, but optimal conditions provided even ripening and 2012 will be considered a very good vintage, especially for Black Sears.

The resulting Beekeeper Cellars wine is 99% Zinfandel and 1% Petite Sirah. It spent 15 months in French Oak, 30% was new.

It was un-fined but gently filtered at bottling.

Blackburn’s Tasting Notes

A dark ruby colored wine from rim to rim with a nose of spicy cracked black pepper, cold steel, graphite, dried herbs, violets, wild berry and dark plum, and hints of salted caramel. The mouth is rich, endowed and pronounced; with broad structure, ample tannin, and power, yet balanced within its large frame.

Beekeeper Cellars focuses on crafting beautiful Zinfandel, made from pedigree hillside vineyards with distinctive character and quality wine-making techniques.

Announcing: STARS of California Wine

May 18, 2016 by evebushman

Over 45 Californian wineries will be traveling to LA for an elite tasting event on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Peninsula Beverly Hills.

Los Angeles, California – wineLA has searched far and wide to round up some of the best Californian wine producers. At this tasting, Los Angeles wine lovers will be able to experience some Cali favorites such as bold Napa Cabernets, crisp Sauvignon Blancs, and smooth Pinot Noirs guaranteed to have everyone’s taste buds dancing throughout the night. wineLA is proud to announce the participating wineries for 2016! From Napa Valley- Yates Family, Graef Wine, Neal Family, and Round Pond. Paso Robles– Ancient Peaks Winery, Calcareous, Chateau Margene, DAOU, Eberle, Hoyt Family, L’Aventure Winery, Pomar Junction, San Antonio, Sextant, Vina Robles, and Vinemark Cellars. Santa Barbara– Alma Rosa, Archium Cellars, Bougetz Cellars, Coquelicot Estate, FOXEN and Westerly Wines. Sonoma– Cellars 33, Beekeeper Cellars, Dutton Estate, Garden Creek, Pax Mahle Wines, Adobe Road, Rued Wines, and Hawk and Horse. Central Coast – Bernardus Winery, Blair Estate, Carmel Ridge Winery, Carmel Road, Cima Collina, De Tierra Vineyards, Folktale Winery & Vineyards, Scheid Vineyards, Tolosa, Workman/Ayer, Wrath, Hahn Family. Other parts of California– Cole Bailey, Fathers & Daughters Cellars, Galatea Effect, and Miura Vineyards.

General Admission tickets can be purchased for $95 and includes unlimited wine tasting, and an elegant assortment of appetizers, cheeses, and desserts. Wine aficionados can choose to purchase a VIP ticket for $175 ($200 after May 1), which includes early admission, a 6pm plated dinner, VIP gift bags, and an exclusive tasting panel with Californian legends Richard Sanford- Alma Rosa, Dick Dore- Foxen, and Stephen Asseo- L’Adventure.

Guests will also have a chance to bid on an array of extraordinary auction items: rare wines, dinners, collectables, and trips ranging in value from $100 to $10,000. One hundred percent of the silent auction proceeds benefit the TJ Martell Foundation, a Los Angeles based 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to supporting innovative groundbreaking research for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS. We have raised over $350,000, and want to continue raising money for this fantastic life changing cause!

Stars of California Wine will commence at 7:00 p.m. for general admission ticket holders and 6:00 p.m. for VIP attendees.

For more information about Stars of California Wine or to purchase tickets, visit www.winela.com/starsofcalifornia or
call wineLA at (310) 451-7600.

About wineLA

wineLA is focused on enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles. wineLA hosts significant events, occasional classes, and tastings of merit. This is the second phase of what the organization started 20 years ago at LearnAboutWine.com – America’s first wine education website and first in wine event creation.

To accomplish it’s mission, wineLA recognizes that wine must be placed in rhythm with fashion, music, food, geography, centers of interest, and architecture. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, rooftops, gardens, and magical views. wineLA is leaving a footprint of wine lifestyle by celebrating people, places, and passion.

Announcing the 7th Annual STARS of Cabernet

October 10, 2015 by evebushman

Upcoming wine tasting event showcases prestigious collectable wines from California and Washington; over 150 wines from 40 top Cabernet producers on Wednesday, November 18th, 2015 at PENINSULA Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills, California – wineLA has exceeded annual expectations and has procured the best ever – STARS of Cabernet gathering. “All Cabernet producers are now confirmed and set. The line up has never been more diverse nor more exciting!” states Event Founder, Ian Blackburn.

It’s back and better than ever! Over 40 top Cabernet brands featured including wineries from Napa Valley: Duckhorn, Alpha Omega, Paradigm, Michael Mondavi, Hendry, Raymond, Cairdean Estate, Acumen, St. Supery Estate, Tierra Roja, The Debate by Jean Hoefliger, Oakville East, Coquerel Family, ZD, Parry Cellars, Mario Bazan, Signorello Estate, Frank Family, Oakville Ranch, Ackerman Family, Priest Ranch, Bougetz, Salvestrin, Cain, Patland, Krupp Brothers, Round Pond Estate, Heitz Cellar, Broman Cellars, and Modus Operandi Wineries. Paso Robles: Justin, Eberle, DAOU, and Calcareous! and from Walla Walla in Washington: Long Shadows, Sleight of Hand Cellars, Va Piano, John Bookwalter and other parts of California: Jordan (Sonoma), Hawk & Horse (Lake County), Westerly Wines (Happy Canyon), and Hidden Ridge (Sonoma)!

Meet the winemakers, executives or winery owners in this intimate tasting featuring over 100 wines. STARS of Cabernet features not only the best in Cabernet but a ratio of one winery to four guests – unmatched in the wine event universe.

Included in the “General Admission Ticket” are unlimited wine tasting, tray passed hors d’oeuvres, and an elegant assortment of breads, cheeses, and chocolate. Wine aficionados can choose from 2 VIP tickets, a $200 VIP ticket ($250 at the door) which includes a “Master Class with Jean Hoefliger” or a $250 VIP ticket ($300 at the door) that includes a “Master Class with 100-Point Collectable Producer – Lawrence Fairchild.” Both include the special VIP tasting w/dinner and a VIP Gift Bag from the event sponsors and partners.

Guests will also have a chance to bid on an array of extraordinary auction items: wine, dinners, collectables and trips ranging in value from $100 to $10,000. One hundred percent of the silent auction proceeds benefit the TJ Martell Foundation, a Los-Angeles based 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to supporting innovative groundbreaking research for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS. We have raised over $300,000 and want to make this our largest contribution yet!

STARS of Cabernet begins at 7:00 p.m. for general admission ticket holders and 6:00 p.m. for VIP attendees.

For more information about Stars of Cabernet or to purchase tickets, visit www.starsofcabernet.com or www.winela.com or call wineLA at (310) 451-7600.

About wineLA

To accomplish its’ mission, wineLA recognizes that wine must be placed in rhythm with fashion, music, food, geography, centers of interest, and architecture. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, rooftops, gardens, and magical views. wineLA is leaving a footprint of wine lifestyle by celebrating people, places, and passion.

LearnAboutWine celebrates 12th Annual STARS of Santa Barbara

January 20, 2015 by evebushman

STARS of Santa Barbara wine tasting at Peninsula Hotel, Beverly Hills

Los Angeles – January 8, 2015 – LearnAboutWine is pleased to announce the 12th Annual STARS of Santa Barbara Wine Tasting at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. Long term industry stallworth, LearnAboutWine (now in its 20th year of service) has been introducing Santa Barbara wineries to key Los Angelenos long prior to Sideways.

Ian Blackburn says “The wines of Santa Barbara rival the best wines in the world, not just the state” and “the community of small producers is what really makes Santa Barbara fun, fresh and cutting edge.”

LearnAboutWine will bring together over 40 top producers for another SOLD OUT affair on January 21st at the Peninsula Hotel. Jonata winemaker, Matt Dees, will be attending and hosting a VIP tasting of his top tier wines, and the lineup of brands participating is set to represent a huge cross section of the best in the business.

Stars of Santa Barbara also informs the masses about the growing refinements in Santa Barbara and in its sub‐appellations; Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, Sta Rita Hills, Happy Canyon and most recently Ballard Canyon! There is always a great amount of change and evolution in Santa Barbara ‐ and if you think you have your hands around it ‐ check back next year its going to grow and change again!

A silent auction, containing lots of collectable and large format wines, benefits TJ Martell Foundation. The T.J. Martell Foundation is the music industry’s largest foundation that funds innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The Foundation sources and supports early‐stage research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients which otherwise might not be funded. Learn more at tjmartell.org.

Tickets on sale now.
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets please visit StarsofSantaBarbara.com.

Confirmed Wineries so far (over 40 will appear)

Kenneth Volk Vineyards Jonata (VIP)

Brave & Maiden (NEW)

Thorne Wines

Alma Rosa Winery

Santa Barbara Winery

Larner Wine

Cebada Wines

Foxen Vineyards

Kita Wines (New)

Zaca Mesa

Barbieri

Silver

Summerland

Buttonwood Farm & Winery

Coquelicot

Tercero

Shai Cellars

Kaena

Tantara Winery

Bonaccorsi

Jaffurs

Imagine

Dolin

Westerly Wine

LaFond

Clos Pepe

Lindley

Fess Parker

Riverbench

Consilience, Marianello & Tre Anelli

Hilliard Bruce small + tall

La Fenêtre

Rancho Sisquoc

Refugio Ranch

Conarium

About LearnAboutWine and the new winela.com
Ian Blackburn, founder of LearnAboutWine, drinks wine for a living. Since it was established in 1995, he has built LearnAboutWine into the leading source for wine education and events in Southern California and as it turns 20 years old in 2015. To celebrate its 20th Anniversary, LearnAboutWine will get a big facelift and a new brand called wineLA (.com) will take over events and classes in Los Angeles. Ian Blackburn say’s “LearnAboutWine has a higher purpose that we intend to grow nationwide in 2015… an exciting time for us indeed.” Ian continues to innovate and focus on demystifying wine for everyone from the casual drinker to the potential collector and was voted as “One of the Top 5 Places to Taste Wine in Los Angeles” by LAist.com (8/2013). Ian’s passion for wine and entertaining makes him one of the top spokespersons in the United States and currently Ian is studying for his Masters of Wine. Ian’s entertaining ways can heard on You Tube, or on many of Los Angeles radio airwaves; ABC’s “The Bachelor” and on Wealth TV.

About Peninsula Hotel:
The only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star‐rated hotel in Southern California every year since 1993, The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers 194 guest rooms, including 38 suites and 16 private villas, nestled among lush tropical gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills. The Peninsula is located at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevards, within easy walking distance of Century City and Beverly Hills’ legendary Rodeo Drive.

Click HERE for photos of past events.

My Goddess of Wine: An Interview with fellow wine blogger and educator Denise Lowe (Vintage Beacon Circa 12/09)

October 21, 2014 by evebushman

“I met you on Facebook Day One I think and couldn’t believe you came to my home for a church fundraiser, albeit a single malt Scotch tasting, without ever having met. Since then I have enjoyed meeting with you, and your husband John Dickey, at numerous “wine-y” adventures. We’re both wine bloggers passionate about the grape, both in Southern California, and while I busy myself in all things Santa Clarita you venture out. I’d love to do a column on you…as you see it’s begun here…to tell my readers more of what you do. Now, don’t make yourself too attractive as I can’t afford to drive all of my readers to your blog!”

John Dickey and Denise Lowe.

How did you get interested in wine?   

When I was finally legal drinking age, I was living in Pennsylvania, where the Liquor Control Board (LCB) stringently controlled the sale of any kind of alcohol. Wine and spirits were sold in “State Stores,” with single bottles displayed on shelves with the price. No notes, no information at all, and the clerks weren’t helpful at all. I used to buy bottles with interesting or pretty labels. Received some nice surprises and a few not-so-nice. One of my friends was a State Store manager, and he was able to order in some wines that he liked. For my 29th birthday, he brought me a bottle of Ruffino Riserva Classico – don’t remember the vintage, but now knowing more about Italian wines, I’m guessing the vintage was somewhere between 1971 – 1976. In any case, it was different from any wine I had ever tasted. Expensive, too. It was $10 in 1980. Big bucks!

Explain your blog and its title.  

My name, Denise, is derived from the name of the Greek god of wine, Dionysius. The name became Dennis, and Denise is the feminine of Dennis; thus, Goddess of Wine! My blog is my personal musings and meanderings in the world of wine. “Write what you know” is what the experts say! So I’m writing about the wines and foods I’m tasting, the events I’m attending, and interspersing other oddments from my life as I go. Some of my postings are focused on one thing, others ramble a bit more. It’s a work in progress at http://goddessofwine.com.

Tell us about your particular training and LearnAboutWine.com

Well, I’ve been drinking wine for a really long time! My husband, John Dickey (JD), and I have been going to wineries since the early 1990’s. We’ve been lucky to be able to connect with winemakers and wine sellers who have been only too happy to share their knowledge with interested amateurs. Dennis Zadell and his partners at the Cambria Wine Shop in Cambria, CA, really began my true education – every tasting turns into a huge educational and fun event.

Three years ago, I decided that I had to find a way to turn my passion for wine into my occupation, and I started searching for information and jobs. Thru www.LocalWineEvents.com I found a class titled, “So you want to be in the wine business?” and it was being offered by www.LearnAboutWine.com. We went to Loft 218 for the first time, and met Ian Blackburn, who provided the class huge amounts of information about what types of jobs were available in the industry. It was a bit startling to discover how many folks in the room were already in the biz – making wine, selling wine, marketing wine, writing about it – and I left the class even more unsure as to where I could apply my skills and knowledge.

A few days after the class, I got an email from LAW advertising a tasting event at HD Buttercup. The ticket price was a bit higher than I wanted to pay, but at the very bottom of the page, there was a link asking the question, “Interested in volunteering?” I emailed Ian – JD and I have a lot experience getting things done quickly and cleanly – and he said yes. That was the beginning. At first we did set up and strike during events, but after I graduated from the inaugural class of LAW School (Learn About Wine School) with my Junior Wine Executive Certification, I started pouring wines for Ian’s events, and now occasionally teach his Wine Camp (Wine 101) class. I’m also a Professional Member of the Society of Wine Educators, and will be starting the course for the Certified Wine Specialist shortly.

And, wineshopathome (Is that right?), are you still doing that and what is it?  

It’s actually WineShop at Home, and yes, I’m still doing that, too. In fact, I was looking for some kind of wine business that I could do along with the mostly volunteer work I was doing for Ian. I actually met my Team Leader for WineShop when I was working one of Ian’s “Palate” classes (a great way to learn about the aromas and tastes found in all kinds of wines). After telling her what I wine snob I was, she invited me to a tasting, and I was hooked!

WineShop at Home is a bonded Napa winery. Like many wineries, we source our grapes from premium growers all over California, and we make small production, artisan wines. Unlike a regular winery, our tasting rooms are our hosts’ living rooms! We do intimate, guided wine tastings in your home. The host pays $59 for the tasting sampler, which includes 5 different kinds of wine, plus a Hospitality bottle, which can be opened for the tasting or saved for later, and provides some small snacks – cheese, crackers, fruit, and chocolate – for pairing with the wines. At the end of the evening, guests have the opportunity to order the wines they like, book tastings of their own, and there are lovely incentives and gifts for the host. We like to say that we bring the Wine Country to you! It’s fun, the wines are well-made and value-priced, and everything is quickly shipped to your door direct from Napa. It’s a great company with a product I really like. And it’s a great way to spend an evening with friends!

Goals for your future that I can steal…err…follow?  

As I mentioned, I’m going to go for the CWS certification. Once I achieve that, the next step will be the Certified Wine Educator certification, which seems to have some prestige, although my main interest is really just learning as much about wine as possible and continuing to teach about it. I also plan to continue to write about wine and my experiences in the wine biz. I never thought writing would be this much fun! And I’m meeting such interesting people!

What’s your favorite wine/experience?

Folks always ask me what’s my favorite wine, and I always wish I could give a straight answer! I start out by saying something about Bordeaux and California Bordeaux-styles, and suddenly I’m going on about Rhones and Burgundies and wines from Australia and Argentina and Santa Barbara and Oregon!!

I just love wine; I love talking to winemakers who are passionate about their craft, and I love introducing people to wines they’ve never tasted; I love sharing wine with friends and family – and I love making new friends over a glass of wine! Cheers!

Wine 101: Drinking in Public

June 20, 2014 by evebushman

No, this article is not about over-drinking in public and then finding your way home. Call a Taxi for that. This article is about how to feel comfortable attending your first small or large wine tasting event. So if you have been invited to one, or would like to purchase a ticket yourself, here are a few important points so that you are comfortable in your surroundings:

Happy couple from Valencia Wine Co. holiday tasting

Select a small, local tasting event held in a wine bar or restaurant that you are already comfortable in visiting. It’s the closest thing to drinking at home. You can look at my http://evewine101.com/scv-wine-calendar, www.LocalWineEvents.com or www.LearnAboutWine.com

If you are more adventurous, or prefer to get “lost in the crowd”, look for events that are called “fests” as they are usually larger in scale with more offerings. The price of the event often reflects the number of wineries, however, if the event is for a non-profit most, if not all, of the money goes to the charity.

Don’t bring a lot of “stuff” with you.
You will need to carry a wine glass, a program and sometimes a plate of food. Ladies would be most comfortable with a small purse with a cross body strap.

Leave the perfume and after-shave at home, it conflicts with the tasting as people are trying to smell their wine…not each other.

Once you’ve arrived the first thing that may happen is that you are handed an empty glass. Holding it by the stem, take the time to walk around the venue, or look over the program, to familiarize yourself – there is no need to barrel right into tasting. My husband does it this way and it really allows him time to savor the event, and make informed decisions about what he would like to taste.

Finally, with program in hand and/or having toured the venue, select pouring stations that you have decided to visit based on several factors:

You can literally see that there is a buzz surrounding some of the tables as many people are clamoring for a taste.
You found a favorite winery of your own is pouring, and you might enjoy learning more about the winery from their representative.
If the program listed grape varietals being poured, and you’re, say, a Zinfandel fan, head for the table promising pours of your favorite.
Talk to other guests to find out what they’ve enjoyed, and which winery representatives were most interesting. Just like sitting at a sushi bar, camaraderie builds at a wine tasting event.
Stop at a table without a crowd – it doesn’t necessarily mean that there is anything negative about the wine so give it a try, you might make a new discovery to share with others!

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 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.

Stars of Santa Barbara – Creating a Buzz

January 31, 2014 by evebushman

Instead of attending as media during the day, this time I opted to dress up, bring my hubby, and see what it’s like to attend http://www.LearnAboutWine.com’s STARS of Santa Barbara wine tasting event at night, like normal people.

I quickly discovered that the crowd didn’t walk around with notepads or cameras, so I easily got to work. The crowd was also more relaxed and less hurried, as no one was on a mission to taste everything, tweet and then get home and write about it. The one thing the guests had in common with the media is that within an hour they shared their favorites.

A story in photos can be found here, whether you are on Facebook or not: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10202248370318102.1073741857.1455706632&type=1&l=0a1bbce998

2014 Participating Wineries

Zaca Mesa
www.zacamesa.com
Viognier 2012
Roussanne 2009
Z Blanc 2011
Z Three 2010 – Loved this blend of 15% Grenache, 50% Syrah and 35% Mourvedre.
Syrah 2009

Tantara
www.tantarawines.com
Chardonnay Cadence 2011
Pinot Noir Solomon Hills 2011
Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Old Vine 2011
Pinot Noir Lindsay’s 2010
Syrah Bien Nacido 2010

Alma Rosa
www.almarosawinery.com
Pinot Gris, La Encantada 2011
Pinot Blanc, La Encantada 2011
Chardonnay, El Jabali 2011
Pinot Noir, Clone 667, La Encantada 2011 – My husband Eddie’s pick.

Riverbench
www.riverbench.com
Bedrock Chardonnay 2012 – Great floral aromas, one of the few Chards I dug.
Estate Chardonnay 2012
Estate Pinot Noir 2011
Mesa Pinot Noir 2010 – A standout Pinot.

Bonaccorsi
www.bonawine.net
Fiddlestix 2010
Cargasacchi 2010
Bentrock 2010
Bien Nacido Syrah 2009

Labyrinth
www.labyrinthwine.com
SMV Pinot Noir 2011
Sta Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2011
HAKA SBC Chardonnay 2011

Larner – A new discovery for me, in Ballard Canyon.
www.larnervineyard.com
Reserve Syrah 2009
Syrah 2009
Grenache 2009
Elemental Blend 2009 – Excellent w/65% Grenache, 23% Syrah and 12% Mourvedre.
Added: Viognier 2011

Silver
www.silverwines.com
El Ojo Blanco Cuvee Uno 2010
Chardonnay Sierra Madre Vineyard 2009
Trentotto Fiel Syrah 2008
Fifty Cask NV (dessert wine)

Bien Nacido
www.thornhillvineyards.com
Chardonnay 2011
Pinot Noir 2010
Syrah 2010

Solomon Hills
www.thornhillvineyards.com
Pinot Noir 2010

Clos Pepe
www.clospepe.com

Added: 07 and 08 Pinot – Classic Wes Hagen.
Estate Pinot Noir 2011
BF Chardonnay 2011
Axis Mundi Grenache/Syrah Blend 2011

Kenneth Volk Vineyards
www.volkwines.com
TBA

La Fenêtre
www.lafenetrewines.com
A Cote Chardonnay 2012
Bien Nacido Chardonnay 2010
A Cote Pinot Noir 2012
LF Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2011
LF Bien Nacido Pinot Noir 2010
Dr Klapper Riesling 2012

Buttonwood
www.buttonwoodwinery.com
Sauvignon Blanc, Signature Blend 2012
Rosé 2013
Merlot 2009
Cabernet Franc 2010
Trevin, Bordeaux blend 2009 – Winemaker Karen Steinwachs poured this, their latest in bottle – delish.

Fess Parker – Liked the reds the best, they also pour at Rhone Rangers.
www.fessparker.com
Ashley’s Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills 2012
Ashley’s Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2010
Syrah, Santa Barbara County 2011
Epiphany Grenache Blanc, Camp Four Vineyard 2012
Epiphany Revelation, red Rhone blend, Santa Barbara County 2010 – Awesome.

Marianello
www.marianellowines.com
Cielo Rubio 2011 – A well-done Sangiovese blend with Petit Verdot, Cabernet.
Estelle Bianco 2011

Lafond & Santa Barbara Winery
www.lafondwinery.com
Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay 2012
Santa Barbara Winery Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2011
Santa Barbara Winery Syrah Santa Ynez Valley 2011
Chardonnay SRH Sta. Rita Hills 2012
Pinot Noir SRH Sta. Rita Hills 2011
Syrah SHR Sta. Rita Hills 2011

Shai Cellars – All well done by winemaker Shawn Halahmy. Always love his Adome.
www.shaicellars.com
Adome – 65% Syrah 35% Cab 2009 – My fave of Shawn’s current line-up.
Grenache 2009
Adome 65% Syrah 35% Grenache 2010
Syrah 2010

Pence Ranch
www.penceranch.com
Estate Pinot Noir 2010
Uplands Pinot Noir 2010
Westslope Pinot Noir 2010
Estate Pinot Noir 2011

Foxen Winery
www.foxenvineyard.com
Chardonnay, Bien Nacido, Block UU 2012
Chardonnay, Tinaquaic Vyd 2012
Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2012
Cuvee Jeanne Marie 2011 – An outstanding Grenache Mourvedre (no Syrah) blend.
“foxen 7200” Cabernet Sauvignon, Vogelzang Vyd 2010 – Must visit 7200 location.

Westerly Wines
www.westerlywines.com
Happy Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Fletcher’s Red 2009
Fletcher’s White 2012
Merlot 2010
Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Bridlewood Estate
www.bridlewoodwinery.com
Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2012
Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2010
Happy Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Kessler-Haak
www.kesslerhaakwine.com
Pinot Noir 2010
Pinot Noir-Clone 2A 2010
Chardonnay 2010
Syrah 2011
Sparkling Brut 2012 – Fun, both tart and sweet.

Jaffurs
www.jaffurswine.com
Viognier 2012
Grenache Blanc 2012
Grenache 2010
Syrah 2011 – They make 7 different Syrahs, this was great, want the other 6.
Petite Sirah 2012 – A definite standout, may have been the only Petite Sirah.

D’Alfonso-Curran
www.d-cwines.com
Curran Grenache Blanc, Santa Ynez 2012
D-C Chardonnay, Santa Barbara 2008
Curran Grenache Rose, Santa Ynez 2012
Curran Tempranillo, Santa Ynez 2008
BADGE Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2009
D-C Pinot Noir, Rancho La Vina 2007

Paring by Jonata
www.thehiltwines.com
Paring GS Red Blend2010
Paring Red 2010

The Hilt by Jonata
www.thehiltwines.com
Hilt Vanguard Chardonnay 2011
Vanguard Pinot Noir 2010

Summerland
www.summerlandwine.com
Proprietor’s Reserve Pinot Noir Theresa-Noelle Vineyard 2011
Proprietor’s Reserve 50/50 2011
Chardonnay Sierra Madre Vineyard 2012
Trio Rhone Blend 2012
Petite Sirah Wolff Vineyard 2012

Tercero
www.tercerowines.com
The Outlier 2012
Grenache Blanc 2012
Viognier 2012
Mourvedre 2010
Grenache – Larner Vineyad 2009
Cuvee Christie 2009
Petite Sirah 2009

Palmina
www.palminawines.com
Tocai Friulano 2012
Malvasia Bianca 2011
Alisos (Sangiovese & Merlot blend) 2010
Nebbiolo “Santa Barbara County” 2008

Consilience
www.consiliencewines.com
Consilience Syrah 2011
Consilience Petite Sirah 2011

Solminer – Winery owner is Austrian – and a huge influence on these low-alcohol refreshing wines.
www.solminer.com
Dry Riesling – Rancho Sisquoc – Santa Maria 2012
Grüner Veltliner – John Sebastiano Vineyard – Santa Ynez 2012
Linus Rosé – deLanda Vineyard – Santa Ynez 2012
Rubellite Syrah – deLand Vineyard – Santa Ynez 2012

Gypsy Canyon
www.gypsycanyon.com
Estate Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2011
Ancient Vine Angelica

Sunstone
www.sunstonewinery.com
Chardonnay SBC – Goodchild Vineyard 2012
Viognier – Paso Robles 2012
Cab Franc, Estate 2010
Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate 2010

Demetria Estate
www.demetriaestate.com
Eighteen Chardonnay 2011
Cuvee Papou 2012
Cuvee Constantine 2011
Pantheon 2011

Crawford – Tasting room in Buellton, off of 2^nd St, and part of a new 3-winery ghetto on the horizon.
www.crawfordfamilywines.com
Chardonnay, Tin Shack, Sta. Rita Hills 2012 – Another great Chard.
Pinot Noir, Zotovich Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills 2012
Pinot Noir, “22”, Sta. Rita Hills 2012

Cebada
www.cebadawine.com
Estate Pinot Noir 2011
Estate Chardonnay 2011

Refugio Ranch
www.refugioranch.com
Tiradora (Sauvignon Blanc) 2011
Ineseno (Roussanne/Viognier) 2011
Escondrijo (Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah) 2011
Barbareno (Syrah, Petite Sirah) 2010
Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Petite Sirah 2011
Viognier 2011

Lindley
www.lindleywines.com
“Sierra Madre Vineyard” Chardonnay 2011
“La Lomita Vineyard” Pinot Noir 2011

Pali Wine Co.
www.paliwineco.com
“Huntington” Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2012
“Summit” Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2011
Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011
Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011
Rancho la Vina Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011

Montemar
www.facebook.com/montemarwinery
Sta Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2011
Watch Hill Syrah 2009

From http://www.LearnAboutWine.com

Dedicated to keeping the populous current on the great wines coming out of Santa Barbara, this Annual Tasting Event features the namesakes, owners, winemakers pouring some of the best wine made in California. Long before Sideways, LearnAboutWine was bullish about the quality of Santa Barbara wine.

Today, with number of brands doubling in the past 10 years, the story is continuing to evolve. Tasting areas like THE FUNK ZONE continue to elevate the Santa Barbara tasting experience. New Appellations like Happy Canyon, Buellton, Los Alamos and further refinements coming, Santa Barbara is remaining topical and improving with each and every vintage. Come see the story first hand at Stars of Santa Barbara.

Pinot Days 2013: Mid-Size Event Benefits, Single Varital Tastings and My Faves of the Day!

December 20, 2013 by evebushman

The difference between a large wine tasting event and a small one should be fairly obvious to a wine 101er. However, at the latest incarnation of Pinot Days, an event where only wines made from the Pinot Noir grape are offered, we enjoyed a mid-sized tasting that incorporated the best of both worlds, satisfying every type of attendee.

In a large venue guests can’t possibly visit every tasting table, so they select what they can, some racing from place to place; some taking their time. In this version I am the one on a race, and my husband is the meanderer.

In a small event, maybe a wine pairing dinner, there is more time to enjoy the wines and maybe get to know a winemaker. This is a pleasant interlude, no racing involved, but only one winery, or a handful, may be available to taste.

At the latest Pinot Days, taking up one of the rooms at the Skirball Cultural Center, we had the perfect mid-sized event. No need to rush the entire time, there was more than enough time to visit every table if that’s desired.

The event’s size also gave us time to visit with friends that also love Pinot Noir like Mary Bradway, Terri Templeton, Ed and Marijo Clark, Carl Kanowsky, Rusty and Tracy Sly, George Skorka and Jennifer Tremayne, Nancy Friedman, Ron and Kym Cappi, John Dickey and Denise Lowe, Joe Wehinger, Shawn Burgert, Jamie Edlin, Stan Friedman…and a wine expert who walked up to me to chat because he thought I was Helen Turley, a famous winemaker with a blond mane…

Explaining Pinot Noir and Other Single Varietal Tastings

In tasting one grape varietal at an event like this you get a chance to really compare terroir – a word that roughly means natural things that effects a wine’s outcome, such as soil, weather and vineyard location.

The same grape is labeled in Burgundy, France, as a Burgundy. Many people that taste Pinot Noir from California can tell subtle differences from those made in Burgundy, and it requires time to develop that palate. I have no doubt that if I were to blind taste a California Pinot Noir against a French Burgundy I may not be able to tell the difference. (Suffice it to say the French have been making it a lot longer, and for a French palate. Experts that routinely taste both could easily spot differences.)

The reason I explained a little more about Pinot Noir is to promote events like this, as well as Rhone Rangers, where we get to taste all Rhone varietals; the Cabernet Collective, where we try Cabs from Paso Robles; and all of the LearnAboutWine events such as Stars of Santa Barbara, Stars of Paso Robles and Stars of California, where we get to learn how different terroirs can effect taste.

Now, onto the domestic Pinots that I thoroughly enjoyed meandering through – but didn’t take photos of: 2011 Ancient Oaks Cellars, 2011 Donelan Family Wines, 2011 Emiritus Vineyards, 2011 and 2012 Foxen, 2010 and 2011 Inman Family Wines, and a 2012 Loring Wine Company.

My two standout favorites of the day were the 2011 Cargasacchi and the 2011 Foxen.

And these are the wines I liked that I was able to photograph:

l-r: Cushing Donelan, Carol Kanowsky, Eve, Tripp Donelan

The Wine List at Press Time

Ancient Oak Cellars
August West
Blair Estate
Cargasacchi Wines
Domaine Chandon
Donelan Family Wines
Double Bond

Emeritus Vineyards
Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
FOXEN
Fritz Winery
Gros Ventre Cellars
Hahn Estate
Inman Family Wines
J Vineyards & Winery

Ken Brown Wines
Kendric Vineyards
Kenneth Volk Vineyards
La Follette Wines
Loring Wine Company
MacMurray Ranch
MacPhail Family Wines
Martinelli Winery

Meiomi
Monterey Chocolate Company
Morgan Winery
New Zealand Winegrowers
Ousterhout Wines & Vineyard
Pali Wine Company
Reuling Vineyard
Romililly Wines
Rusack Vineyards
Saintsbury
Scherrer Winery
Siduri Wines
Sojourn Cellars
Sokol Blosser Winery
The Wine Check
Thomas Fogarty Winery
Thomas George Estates
Thorne Wine
Trombetta Family Wines
VinVillage.com
Waits-Mast Family Cellars
Wren Hop Vineyards
Z’IVO Wines

Pinot Days is the largest gathering of Pinot Noir producers in the world. It has to be; pinot noir is exceptionally stylistically diverse, and our aim is to give every pinot lover a place to “go deep” within the style you love. And, if you’re open to venturing outside of your comfort zone, you can learn about, and quite possibly love, other styles as well. To this end we gather hundreds of pinot noir winemakers to pour hundreds of pinots that range from the picture of elegance to forward and “wow.” You can’t try them all – don’t try – it’s not the point! The point is to follow your palate like a North Star, and experience this beautiful little grape in as many forms and styles as compel you. It is an endless pursuit of knowledge. So, ignore the critics; ask folks in the crowd, “Who have you tried? What do you like?” Pinot noir is way more than a grape variety – it’s an art form. It is an endlessly fascinating intellectual and aesthetic pursuit for people who want to savor the good things in life. So we invite the world to Pinot Days, because pinot noir can change the world, one pretty, little, thin-skinned grape at a time.

Perlis Picks: Ian Blackburn and the Stars of Cabernet

November 23, 2013 by evebushman

Thank goodness for Ian Blackburn.

Allow me to explain…

Not long ago, I had the extreme displeasure to attend a wine seminar and tasting event that was run so poorly that I ended up leaving far earlier than I normally would, and vowed never to attend an event again by that particular organizer until I could be sure they had solved their problems – which will probably be never, as they seemed genuinely clueless.

Fortunately, a few weeks later, I had the great pleasure to attend Ian Blackburn’s Learn About Wine Stars of Cabernet seminar and tasting, held the at the beautiful Peninsula hotel in Beverly Hills. It reminded me how wonderful these types of events can be when run properly, which Ian has proven time and time again he can do, and nobody does it better.

For the seminar, Ian Blackburn was moderator of a panel that consisted of:

Jean Hoefliger, winemaker for Alpha Omega.

Aaron Pott, consulting winemaker for several wineries as well as winemaker for his own label – Pott Wine.

Lars Ryssdal, general manager of Ackerman Family Vineyards.

The primary focus of the seminar was the 2011 vintage, and part of the seminar, of course, included tasting wines from this vintage from each of the above name wineries:

Alpha Omega ERA Napa Valley 2011

Pott Wine La carte et Le Territoire Napa Valley 2011

Ackerman Napa Valley 2011

The discussion continued well beyond that to include the careers paths of the gentlemen on the panel and their winemaking philosophies. And, we got to taste other wines from these winemakers, including:

Ackerman Napa Valley 2003

Monteverro, Toscana by Jean Hoefliger from a project he is involved with in Italy.

Pott Wine Carbernet Sauvignon from the iconic Stagecoach Vineyard on Atlas Peak.

After the seminar, it was time for the tasting, which included about 50 wineries pouring their latest Cabernet Sauvignon offerings. Most of the wineries were from the Napa Valley, but there were wines from other areas as well.

Some of my favorites [with my comments, if any, in brackets] were:

Louis M. Martini

http://staging.louismartini.com/

2010 Monte Rosso Cabernet

2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Lot 1

[Admittedly not a winery that I have paid attention to in a while. Very impressive .]

Hall

www.hallwines.com

2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Tanner DaFoe

www.tannerdafoe.com

2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Tasting

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

[Hard to believe this Cab came from Santa Ynez. And having an actual mini barrel for the barrel tasting was a nice touch.]

Hawk and Horse Vineyards

www.hawkandhorsevineyards.com

2009 HHV / Block Three

2009 Latigo

[Biodynamic and organic winery based in Lake County.]

Anakota

www.anakota.com

Helena Montana Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Helena Dakota Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Tierra Roja

www.tierraroja.com

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

[A great wine that really emphasized the fruit.]

Gentleman Farmer

www.gentlemanfarmerwines.com

2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Collier Falls

www.collierfalls.com

2010 Hillside Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

[I’m a big fan of this Sonoma winery’s Primitivo. Their Cab was very tasty and it was nice to see some Sonoma representation.]

As usual, I couldn’t try everything, but that is, I think, one of the marks of a good event – to leave you wanting more and looking forward to next time. And I am definitely looking forward to Ian’s next event. You should too – sign up for the Learn About Wine email list at www.learnaboutwine.com.

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.