Lucky’s Malibu is officially open!

May 12, 2021 by evebushman

Opened in December 2020 (for takeout only due to COVID restriction), and in Spring 2021 for onsite dining, Lucky’s is the 2^nd location of Lucky’s Steakhouse in Montecito, the premier steakhouse in Santa Barbara County known as much for its highly acclaimed USDA Prime steaks and live lobster as its world class, yet warm and inviting service. Classic cocktails, an award-winning wine cellar and a staff that remembers your name round out a dining experience that has become legendary with locals and celebrities alike. Lucky’s, located in Malibu Country Mart, is part of The Montesano Group founded by Gene Montesano, which also includes Lucky’s Steakhouse (Montecito), Tre Lune, Joe’s Café and D’Angelo Bakery.

Lucky’s Malibu is located within Malibu Country Mart at 3835 Cross Creek Road, Unit 18, Malibu, California.

For more information, please visit https://www.luckysmalibu.com/

About The Montesano Group

Founded by Lucky Brand entrepreneur Gene Montesano, The Montesano Group is a collection of restaurants in Santa Barbara – and now in Los Angeles — County including Lucky’s Steakhouse, Tre Lune Restaurant, D’Angelo Bakery and Joe’s Café, along with retail clothing store Civilianaire, located in Montecito.

About Malibu Country Mart

Located in the heart of Malibu, nestled against the majestic mountains and just a stone’s throw from the beach, lies Malibu Country Mart, California’s premier location for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Feeling more like a beachside oasis than a shopping center, the mart is home to countless exclusive and luxury boutiques, health and wellness shops, art galleries, and restaurants, attracting the affluent beach set and neighbored families since its opening more than four decades ago.

Perlis Picks: Hoyt Family Vineyards

September 1, 2018 by Michael Perlis

Have you heard of tiny houses? There’ve been a few television shows about them. My wife Karen occasionally watches them and I’ll sometimes lift my head up from wine-related Facebook conversations to see what’s up.

Basically, people downsize to a minimum level of possessions and space requirements in order to live in very small residences, simplifying their lives in the process. Now what that minimum level is varies from family to family depending on their own situation. The whole idea has never really appealed to me; for one thing, what to do with the wine?

But, to stay in a tiny house in a vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles? Heck yes, that is very appealing.

The first episode of DIY Network’s “Cabin Brothers” featured the development and construction of two tiny homes on the vineyard property of Hoyt Family Vineyards. The “brothers” are twins John and Ron Daniels [formerly of the show “Redwood Kings”] and their company Daniels Wood Land is conveniently based in Tin City just south of downtown Paso Robles.

The cabins/homes have all the amenities – two bedrooms [one is a master with a queen size bed and the other is smaller with bunk beds], a shower and full kitchen. Our vineyard view cabin gave us a full frontal view of the beautiful vineyard – just be careful not to give a full frontal view to the vineyard workers; this is a working winery, after all. In case you’re wondering, you also have satellite TV and Wi-Fi.

But all this would mean nothing to me if the wines didn’t measure up.

For a little bit about how that started, we have to begin in…Malibu.

Carol and Stephen Hoyt moved to Malibu and planted their Chardonnay vineyard on their property in 2001. Carol, a self-taught winemaker, made her first wine with purchased Cabernet fruit while waiting for the first Chardonnay grapes to be ready to harvest in 2004. Since that time, Hoyt Family Vineyards became known for producing delicious Chardonnay from Malibu.

But we all know that there is more to wine than Chardonnay, yummy as it is, and in 2011 the Hoyts purchased 86 acres on the west side of Paso Robles in the very highly regarded Willow Creek District, with neighbors like Booker, Tablas Creek and most recently Clos Solene [in other words, a pretty darn good neighborhood], to expand the estate offerings of Hoyt Family Vineyards. After much work [some still ongoing] on the vineyards, which now consist of two adjacent properties totaling 140 acres with 30 acres planted, they now also produce Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Grenache and Petit Verdot.

Tastings are available by appointment at the vineyard property, which is especially convenient if you are staying there. But we wanted to check out the new tasting room in downtown Paso Robles. Located just north of the busy park square, the Hoyt Family Vineyards tasting room is a wonderful addition to the downtown tasting room scene. It is now literally possible to spend a day (or more) tasting wine strolling around without ever needing to drive into the surrounding countryside, should you so choose.

We went through the whole lineup of wines, which I am pleased share with you here, including the winery’s notes:

White

Hoyt2Hoyt Sparkling Wine: Our newest addition, a sophisticated Methode Champignon sourced from Sonoma County. Light, crisp and refreshing. Perfect for a celebration or a Sunday morning. Dry, with notes of pear and apple, delicately tickles your fancy.

2015 Chardonnay: Our newest release! We have taken our Malibu estate grown Chardonnay through 100% malolactic and aged it in new and used French Oak. This is the wine that put us on the map! Crisp, with hints of oak and butter this Chardonnay’s acid is well balanced on your palate and could look forward to it aging beautifully, if you can wait, but we don’t think you will want to! It is our classic “Drink it all day Chardonnay”! Case Production 325

Muscat: For those of you who expect this wine to be overly sweet, we have a surprise for you! Made with no residual sugar, this Muscat presents itself as beautifully dry with a fragrant nose of citrus, clean and crisp. This is a onetime wine from our estate with a small production, get it before it’s gone! Case Production 30

Rosé

2017 Pinot Noir Rose: Sophisticated and elegant, best describes our estate Grown Pinot Noir Rose. This Rose, already turning heads and making a splash, claimed 99 points, double gold and best of class from the California State Fair. Notes of strawberry, and citrus make this perfect for the summer or for that matter anytime.

Red

“Dylema” Our fun red blend. Originally created for the Malibu Chili cook off, this has become a house favorite. A Cab based blend with a little bit of everything else thrown in. Smooth and easy on the palate, we were hard pressed as what to call it, so we named it after our kids, Dylan and Emma. Enjoy our “Dylema”. GOLD Medal Winner

Grenache: Our first Grenache! And we are delighted with its lovely gardenia and soft smokey pepper and burnt Cherry undertones. Case Production 80

2012 Tempranillo: Fruit forward, well balanced. The velvet feel rolls in your mouth, with magical notes of black currant, blackberries, blueberry, vanilla and cooking spices. Very limited production of this hand picked estate fruit. Case Production 55

2013 Petite Sirah: Our 2013 Petite Sirah is totally amazing. Big bold fruit, beautiful legs, rounded mouth feel, we think it’s like “sex in a bottle”. Very limited production, and we feel it will be winning Gold Medals- we expect nothing less!

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon: Already winning Best of Class by the San Francisco Wine Chronicle, this is our favorite Cab yet. It’s unbelievable round mouth feel, is chewy, fruit forward, leggy and lovely. A sophisticated Cab, very limited production, this wine won’t last! Case Production 96

These are very well made wines. The awards they are getting, such as the one from the Chronicle, are about as legit as they get. The Rose really knocked us out and the Petite Sirah is aptly described as amazing. As you can see, production is tiny on many of these so blink and they might be gone. But whatever they are pouring next will be sure to please.

Thank you to Nancy Hoffman of Hoyt Family Vineyards for hosting us at the property and at the tasting room, as well as giving us a whirlwind vineyard tour and pointing out the best places to enjoy a glass of wine at sunset. She is a joy to work with – don’t believe just me; check out the reviews on Airbnb. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23712572

So, am I ready to give it all up and move into a tiny house? Probably not. But I would definitely stay again in a tiny cabin in a beautiful vineyard, especially this vineyard and this winery: Hoyt Family Vineyards. You should too.

Hoyt Family Vineyards

Tasting room:

1322 Park Street, Paso Robles, Ca. 93446

Vineyard:

2015 Township Rd, Paso Robles, Ca. 93446

Cabins:

2110 Township Rd, Paso Robles, Ca. 93446

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

Vintage Eve Circa 5/2015: Family Winemakers, is the Hit-Maker Once Again

May 15, 2018 by evebushman

I almost skipped this year’s Family Winemakers uber-large tasting as it was being held in Pomona at the Fairplex, a two-hour round-trip drive. But then I noticed that the organizers had given the press a four hour window to taste (and recover) from about 100 wineries – each serving up two or more of their latest efforts. So…I made the trek. (If you would like to skip the coverage below you can see the story in photos here.)

Tasting Full Line Ups

Ancient Peaks – Served up some lovely wines, my favorite was the Renegade blend of Syrah, Malbec and Petit Verdot and the Oyster Ridge blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petite Sirah.

Carlisle Winery – Eve Wine 101 VP Michael Perlis is a fan so I have to try and get my hands on these wines whenever I can, usually over our staff lunches (thank you Michael). Today I was loving their Steiner Vineyard Gruner Veltliner, “the only Gruner made in Sonoma.” From there both the 2013 Russian River Valley Zinfandels wowed me: one from the Papera Ranch and the other from Montafi Ranch.

Carol Shelton Wines – From the 2011 Sonoma County Karma Zin, Cucamonga Valley (yes, as in Rancho Cucamonga) 2013 Monga Zin, 2013 Rockpile Sonoma County and through to the 2011 Late Harvest Sonoma County…I was in love with these Zins! They also had some fine wines from their secondary label, Wild Thing, and I especially appreciated the flavor of the Rendezvous Rose.

Clos Pepe Estate – I’m a member of the winery, but since my shipments are usually Pinot Noirs I wanted to try the latest Axis Mundi wines made from grapes outside of the estate; the Rose of Mourvedre and blend (Grenache and Syrah). Glad I didn’t miss either, and I will want them in my next shipment.

Dolin Estate – I had to turn down a wine pairing dinner with Elliott Dolin as it was in Westlake Village on a weeknight – a possible three-hour round-trip trek. I wanted to make it up by tasting them at Family Winemakers. Elliott was happy to take me through his line-up and I was especially smitten with the 2012 Malibu Estate Chardonnay and every Pinot Noir, especially the 2012 Rincon Vineyard out of the Arroyo Grande Valley.

Foxen Vineyard – Starting with lovely fruit from a 2013 Chenin Blanc from the Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, I also enjoyed the 2013 Chardonnay, Block UU, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley; 2013 Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley; 2013 Pinot Noir John Sebastiano Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills.

Frostwatch Vineyard and Winery – Poured and described by wine friend Michael Fraschilla I found myself totally digging every white I tried: the mostly Semillon 2013 Vice Versa, 2013 Chardonnay and their 2012 Ophira Reserve Chardonnay.

Guarachi Family Wines – I doubted that vintner Alex Guarachi would be at the table but I had to look…and was greeted instead by his latest, and very tasty, Pinot Noir: 2013 Sun Chase Vineyard from the Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Coast.

Miner Family Winery – A lovely 2013 Simpson Vineyard California Viognier tickled my fancy and 2010 The Oracle Napa Valley Bordeaux blend put me over the edge. Tasty stuff.

Pride Mountain Vineyards – A delicious 2013 Napa Valley Chardonnay was followed by a 2012 Merlot and 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, both with grapes from Napa and Sonoma Counties.

Rocca Family – Yes! I was so happy to find a new favorite Napa winery that I visited last October and even happier to discover they had new releases for me to try today! There were two Cabernet Sauvignons that were delish, but a Merlot stole the show. For some reason it make me think that even a non-Merlot fan would like it; it was ready to drink now and had very nice fruit and spice. Best Merlot at the event, IMO.

Round Pond Estate – I had visited Round Pond’s Napa tasting room in April of 2012 and at the time I was fond of the whites, today I was into the Cabernet Sauvignons. The first was a Rutherford estate and the second, a Kith and Kin, which is made from Rutherford and “neighboring appellations.”

Swanson Vineyards – Though I was hoping winemaker Chris Phelps would be there as we dined together years ago, I was equally thrilled to say hello again to his director of national sales, Shelly Eichner. I love their wines, especially the latest Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tablas Creek Vineyard – Can you ever have too many Rhônes? Never! They wowed me with every white Rhône blend, red Rhône blends and single varietals. Their 2014 Vermentino and 2012 Mourvedre were stellar.

About

Family Winemakers of California is an “organization that reflects the small producer’s point of view.” With nearly 5,300 licensed wineries in California someone needs to consistently speak for small, family wineries in the fight for more access to markets, protecting individual freedom from government over-regulation, and fostering aspirations to make the best wine. Our beginnings are humble. Family Winemakers was founded in 1990 after the wine market order extension was voted down in a true grassroots campaign. Industry growth and public policy on a myriad of issues begged for input from small producers. One man, one vote is the bedrock principle behind Family Winemakers that guides our views on legislation, regulation, litigation and business practices. We’ve spent 24 years and counting working to loosen up the post-Prohibition restrictions in California law and broaden access to domestic markets.

A list of the Pomona Participating Wineries can be downloaded here.

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

Along The California Wine Trail: Exploring California’s American Viticultural Areas – Jerry Stroud to Attend

January 27, 2018 by evebushman

Greg Young Publishing is pleased to announce that writer Jerry Stroud will be attending and signing Along The California Wine Trail: Exploring California’s American Viticultural Areas at 7pm on February 3rd, 2018 hosted by Cornell Winery in Agoura, CA. We will have feature pricing on other wines made by Guest Speaker Wes Hagen and J.Wilkes Winery available throughout the evening. We will have cheese, meat, fruit platters and other delicious bites as well as a glass of wine included in your admission. $25 a person plus tax.

Cornell Winery

29975 Mulholland Hwy, Agoura, CA 91301 (818) 735-3542 www.cornellwinery.com Malibu Coast AVA

Guest Speaker
Wes Hagen, J. Wilkes Wines
2717 Aviation Way #201, Santa Maria, CA 93455 (805) 928-9210 jwilkes.com
Santa Maria Valley AVA, Santa Rita Hills AVA, and Paso Robles Highlands AVA

For more information and/or ticket sales, please e-mail Tim@Cornellwinery.com
$5.00 from every book sale will be donated to Direct Relief for victims of the Northern California fires.

Vintage Eve Circa 2/14: Kym’s Kreations, Wine in Art

September 12, 2017 by evebushman

I’m sure the first time I was drawn to Kym and Ron Cappi was at a local wine event. We shared mutual friends and mutual interests, and they’ve since been to my home for dinner and my husband sees Dr. Ron Cappi for his chiropractic needs.

But this article isn’t about our friends or whatever ails my husband. It’s about me finding out that Kym is an artist.

It happened like this: Ron flew past me in his silver sports car on a road to Leona Valley Winery one afternoon. It was maybe the second time I had met them, and once I caught up to them at the winery I noticed something there that Kym had created. It was a cute little hand-painted dog bed made from a wooden wine box for the pooch that resided at the winery. (I wish I had room to put up all of Kym’s Kreations. Follow this hyperlink to see MORE: http://www.kymskreations.net/gallery.html )

Fast-forward a few wine-filled years and I’ve learned that my new pal has a painting business here in Santa Clarita. And she’s been very busy…but she took the time to do one of my 5-question Beacon interviews:

Eve: I’ve included your bio from your website (below) but what else do you want Beacon readers to know about you and your work? I found this on your Facebook and thought that what you wrote was an incredible testament to your compassion:

When buying from an artist, you’re buying more than just an object or painting. You are buying hundreds of hours of failures and experimentation. You are buying days, weeks and months of frustration and moments of PURE JOY. You aren’t just buying a thing. You’re buying a piece of my heart, part of my soul, a moment of my life. MOST importantly, you’re buying the artist more time to do something they are passionate about.

Kym: The above quote is from an unknown author that epitomizes my feeling about art and the creative process. My motto is “art from the heart…where passion meets paintbrush!”

Eve: Okay, for our readers, our very wine-y readers, besides canvases, cheer boxes, furniture refinishing, pet portraits and murals, what wine-themed items have you made?

Kym: First and foremost the personalized wine staves which are the mainstay of my “uncorked” line. I have also created custom hand painted wine and martini glasses. I created signs with hand painted wine quotes such as “I’m aging like a fine wine…I’m getting complex and fruity”, or my favorite for you is “I only drink wine on days that end in ‘Y’”. I can also paint custom wine carriers and cases.

Eve: The hand-painted barrel staves, your latest “Kreation”, are very popular! Have you got some positive feedback from your customers that you would like to share with readers?

Kym: Realtors are ordering them for their buyer’s new homes with an “established” date.

C.S send me a note saying, “ Can’t tell you how many comments we get from friends and family and how great they look!”

A.C. wrote “Bought one for a friend who had just bought a home, the owner who gave me ideas and Kym hit the nail on the head.”

Over the holidays one of my wine quote staves was the last give “stolen” at one of those gift exchanges, which I took as a great compliment since there were 20 other wonderful gifts they could have chosen from.

I have painted staves for wineries, also scotch drinkers and for home wine bars and cellars.

Eve: Is there a connection between your love of art and your love of wine?

Kym: I think there is definitely a connection between my love of art and my love of wine. As a fine vintner must put passion and care into every bottle and glass, I must do the same with my art. A winemaker must pick the right parcel of land for his vineyard, must walk the vineyard, inspect and pick the very best vines and grapes for the wine, and that is just the beginning of the process. As with art, I must listen to my clients find out what type of mural or art they desire, and make their words and ideas into a mural, canvas or stave. As the vintner takes the grapes and works them into wine, I take the desires and ideas of my clients and work them into the finished product.

Eve: Where do you and Ron like to go, both locally and in wine country, for wine? Are there any places that you visit that also share a love of art?

Kym: As far as local wineries we love going to Malibu, which is an emerging wine market. Cielo and Malibu family wineries are our favorites. We also enjoy Santa Ynez, Los Olivos and Santa Maria on a regular basis. Paso Robles wine country and Napa get a visit at least once a year as well.

As far as places with art and wine, Artesa in Napa has a fantastic collection of art that you can tour while tasting, and the winery is fantastic. Del Dotto’s newest location in Napa has some wonderful pieces as well. There are many fabulous art collections in Napa.

From the Website

Kym’s KreationsTM is a decorative painting and mural business based in Santa Clarita, California run by Artist Kym Cappi.

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” As a child, painting was my life. At age 5, bored with plain white walls, I decided to paint on those walls. My mother was furious at the time, but with encouragement and paper to paint on, I found my calling. I took every art class available to me in school and with some entrepreneurial spirit, I ventured out to paint storefront windows for the holidays. Sign painting, graphic design and tole painting classes helped me to further my business by offering clients stylish and hand painted items thus, Kym’s Kreations was born.

I create decorative illusions with paint for residential and commercial clients. I have a wide range of training and experience that allow me the ability to implement a variety of mural projects regardless of scale and subject matter. Artistically experimenting with many different mediums over the years has given me knowledge and skill, which is executed in my work. My murals have been featured on “HGTV”, in Santa Clarita’s local paper “The Signal”, and “Inside SCV Magazine”. I’m honored to have been voted “Best of 2007” by Santa Clarita Living Magazine.

Call me for a complimentary consultation. I’ll meet you at the commercial site or residence, evaluate the project, take measurements and pictures, etc. I’ll come up with an estimate complete with sketches for your approval. Prices vary according to size, subject matter and detail.

“Life’s too short to live with plain, white walls!”

http://www.kymskreations.net

How Legal Plant Medicine is Shaping Culinary Arts this Summer Festival Season

July 27, 2017 by evebushman

The Herbal Chef™ Invites Guests to a ‘Symphony for the Senses’ at Emerald Exchange, August 12th & 13th, to Experience the First Cannabis-Infused Pop-Up Restaurant to Prelude Future LA-area Brick & Mortar Cannabis Restaurant, HERB

Be among the first to experience what The Herbal Chef, Christopher Sayegh, #1 Cannabis Infusion Chef in the world, has to offer with HERB at EMERALD EXCHANGE’s “SUMMER OF SUN-GROWN” a Cannabis Farmer’s Market & Wellness Festival in MALIBU, CA.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE – PUBLIC TICKETS PURCHASE HERE

LOS ANGELES / MALIBU, CA – HERB, a first-of-its-kind cannabis restaurant by The Herbal Chef™ Christopher Sayegh, will make it’s debut this August 12th and 13th in a series of dinner and brunch dining services at the fourth installment of Emerald Exchange [“EmEx”] “The Summer of Sun-Grown”, a cannabis farmer’s market and wellness festival. Michelin trained chefs leave behind the stuffy confines of the classic kitchen and re-imagine a new style of fine dining, featuring a 5-course meal comprised of fresh produce, outstanding culinary talent and a full sensory experience for the canna-curious foodie. After years of trial and error, edible after edible, The Herbal Chef team brings EmEx guests the perfect balance of cannabis and cuisine as part of a sneak preview to HERB, the first ever brick and mortar cannabis restaurant slotted to open in the LA-area late 2018.

Sayegh, who has a background in molecular science which enables him to understand the chemistry of cannabis, describes the luxury cannabis dining service as a “cerebral experience” meant to introduce more than just a high. “There are terpene (plant) extracts in my centerpieces creating tantalizing aromas, guests are surrounded by art stimulating thoughtful conversation, so now it becomes an immersive experience where you are present in the dining experience,” says Sayegh. “You’re eating with a different perception with each bite, with each course. You’re literally changing your brain chemistry and you are viewing this food differently than you did five minutes ago, and then 10 minutes ago, it’s a journey of sensory pleasures.”

In a captivating atmosphere, this multi-course duet of THC-infusions by Jetty Extracts and gourmet food with kitchen setup by Julabo, all takes place outdoors on a scenic, 17-acre ranch in Malibu, California. Cannabis flower is provided by 3C Farms along with cannabinoid (CBD) water.

Emerald Exchange guests will choose from four separate dining services as festival ticket add-ons including Saturday Dinner at 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. and Sunday Brunch at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. With full bellies and relaxed bodies, guests will be asked to partake in a post-dinner ‘Decompression Lounge’ sponsored by Fontera and Get Higher Beauty – a concept that will be implemented with playful luxury at the future HERB restaurant – which helps ease the mind and balances everyone before sending them back out into the festival environment (or world) to experience everything else Emerald Exchange has to offer.

In a rapidly growing industry (U.S. cannabis sales expected to hit $22.8 billion annually by 2020), Christopher Sayegh continues to change the landscape for cannabis-infused cuisine worldwide. Sayegh and The Herbal Chef team played an active and vocal role as new CA recreational cannabis regulation was being put forth in efforts to pave way for the HERB restaurant reality. Not only is The Herbal Chef creating a dining experience that is completely new to the culinary world, the team is also setting an industry standard across the globe for what a cannabis restaurant should be. From the systems of operation, to the care of each and every guest, the attention to detail is unprecedented in what can only be known as a landmark in culinary revolution.

CANNABIS FARMER’S MARKET SHOWCASING NORTHERN CALIFORNIA’S TOP SUN-GROWN CANNABIS CULTIVATORS
ELEVATED CANNABIS INDUSTRY NETWORKING & EDUCATIONAL SPEAKERS SERIES
WELLNESS VILLAGE FEATURING SPA ACTIVITIES & HEALING WORKSHOPS
MUSIC FESTIVAL, INFUSED DINING & INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

Defining the future of elevated ‘Pot Culture’, Christopher Sayegh joins fellow cannabis entrepreneurs and EmEx co-founders Justin Calvino of the Mendocino Appellations Project and Michael Katz of EVOXE Laboratories, along with partner and event producer Jessica Cure of Cure Designs.

Emerald Exchange originated from the collective vision of likeminded cannabis lovers and entrepreneurs who wanted to create experiences that not only empower small businesses and promote mindful communities fostering sun-grown organic product, but also celebrate the rich history of the Northern California cannabis movement; simultaneously penetrating mainstream, popular events with a new paradigm and perception of cannabis being fostered today.

For additional interview opportunities with the founders of Emerald Exchange and The Herbal Chef team, imagery from past events, and information on how to obtain VIP media passes to the August 12th/13th EmEx event, contact press@emeraldexchangeca.com.

About Christopher Sayegh, The Herbal Chef ™ – A walking brand full of charisma and charm, Christopher Sayegh, The Herbal Chef, has pioneered Cannabis Infused Fine-Dining to elevate the perception of Marijuana into mainstream media. Dinners include a synergistic blend of art, music, fine wine and top notch ingredients, simultaneously educating his audience and effortlessly entertaining at the same time. Currently, Christopher is producing a brand of gourmet edibles and frozen CBD and THC-infused dinners, as well as offering catered and private dinners. With the innovation of the ready-made frozen THC/CBD infused meals and the two television shows being produced about The Herbal Chef, Christopher has already been able to solidify his space as the #1 Cannabis Infusion Chef in the World. Science minded biology student turned to the chemistry of food and herbs to feed the intellectual side of creation. Chris is eager to share his brick & mortar cannabis restaurant vision with the world – HERB by The Herbal Chef ™. For more information, please visit www.theherbalchef.com, or follow The Herbal Chef on Instagram @the_herbal_chef.

About Emerald Exchange – The innovative and exquisitely curated Emerald Exchange brings together Cannabis advocates, cultivators, investors and patients on a scenic country, Malibu ranch to elevate the cannabis consumer experience and business potential. Peruse a Cannabis Farmer’s Market featuring Northern California sun-grown cannabis cultivators to enjoy a variety of products, discover new approaches to health and education at various workshops and EmEx speakers series, and partake in a Tasting Panel led by co-Founder Justin Calvino. After sunset, wind down the day of professional development, educational exploration, and amplified wellness by enveloping one’s self in the evening magic of Malibu canyon – musical beats featuring various DJs, musicians and other performance artists. Guests spend the day connecting with cannabis products, health & wellness brands, education visionaries, emerging leaders and patient communities amongst the rustic, natural beauty of Malibu at this new age-conference styled 2-day event.

EMERALD EXCHANGE “THE SUMMER OF SUN-GROWN”

Saturday, August 12th – 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. PST, Sunday, August 13th – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST

Malibu, CA (Exact event location revealed to ticket holders 24hrs prior to event)

www.consciouscityguide.com/emeraldexchange | www.EmeraldExchangeCA.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Web: www.emeraldexchangeca.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theemeraldexchange/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeraldexchange/

Vintage Eve Circa Oct. 2012: Wine Tasting on Pacific Coast Highway with Eve

December 6, 2016 by evebushman

What a lovely way to spend an afternoon: Driving through the hilly Las Virgenes Canyon until it becomes Malibu Canyon, passing by the grand green lawn of Pepperdine University to go to a beautiful new wine tasting bar across the street from the Pacific Ocean to mingle with a dozen other wine writers and social networkers.

I’d made a slight error in judgment of the drive, and woefully arrived too late to hear owner Jim Palmer talk about his new venture* but what I lacked in timing I made up for by edging my way past my pals to the front of the bar to meet him and the other two wine makers/owners in attendance, Shawn Halahmy of Shai Cellars and Carol Hoyt of Hoyt Family Vineyards.

“…It’s all been a learning experience,” began Jim Palmer. “Every day you are a student learning something new. And being in California with over 9000 wine labels, and many UC Davis viticulture graduates, you are accepted for your passion.”

Carol Hoyt, a resident of Malibu with grapes sourced from Malibu and Paso Robles, added, “We support, and are fans, of one another.”

Shawn Halahmy, a businessman turned winemaker from the San Fernando Valley, with grapes grown in Santa Ynez, brought in two of his outstanding reds…that even though I had before I happily tasted again.

Shawn said, “Coming from a business background I was pleased to be treated so warmly into the wine biz industry.”

Tasting

Malibu Vineyards

Starting with a Pinot Grigio named “Ramato” that Jim had made in the Italian “orange wine” style by leaving the skins on for a bit to create a blush color to the wine, I found it very crispy, lean and interesting, His Rose of Sangiovese greeted me with a burst of strawberries followed by butter and melon. The ‘10 Syrah had a beautiful garnet color followed by wonderful perfumy aromas of raspberry and mushroom and a balanced taste of both fruit and tannin lending to a long finish.

Hoyt Family Vineyards

Using 50% new and used oak the Chardonnay had a sweeter nose than I expected and a nice crisp flavor. The white blend, of Pinot Grigio, Viognier and Chardonnay, which Carol called, “a party in your mouth”, had a full mouthfeel with tropical fruits and a hint of honey. From there I moved onto the reds. The first that I had, and later chose to buy for only $19, was the “Dylema” blend named after the Hoyts’ two children Dylan and Emma. Equal parts of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah gave way to a robust nose of mint, eucalyptus, forest floor, rich fruit and cigar. The taste was dry and tannic but overlaid with dark, rich fruits. Next I tried the ’09 Tempranillo and got a whiff of leather and dark fruits followed by a lighter-than-expected taste of cherry. The final Hoyt wine I tried, a ’09 Cabernet Sauvignon, delivered balanced black pepper and dark fruits and a taste of blackberry/blueberry jam on toast. Carol called that one, “Velveteen rabbit in my mouth.”

Shai Cellars

Starting with Shawn’s ’09 Adome red blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon I loved the aromas of black fruit, plum, black cherry and black pepper followed by nice deep fruit flavors nuanced by a smoky finish. The ‘09 Grenache had a great nose of red fruit, plums again and some mushroom; the taste was of smoothly developed fruit.

The Pairing Treats

Mageeʼs nuts (Great fresh peanut butter too!)

Just Janʼs jams (The whole tasting lineup was awesome after the wine!)

Gotta Have Smore (One word, “adorable”!)

Franklinʼs Teleme Cheese (My dairy-eating friends were uber-happy with the cheese and crackers from Rustic Bakery.)

McQuadeʼs Celtic Chutneys (Yummy!)

From our Host, Miz en Place

Jim Palmer, owner of Malibu Vineyards, opened Malibu Beach Wines in September with a grand opening celebration on September 15th. He began the process 3 years ago and opened the first tasting room in the city of Malibu.

Jim planted his Decker Canyon vineyard, in western Malibu, in 1997 and takes a great deal of pride in working his 4 acre vineyard himself. It was a dream of Jim’s to open a tasting room in Malibu to feature the wines of Malibu and other boutique producers who don’t have a place to sell their wines. Most vineyards here do not have a place to pour their wine or sell to the public so we are giving them that opportunity.

He has a passion for small boutique producers and for many of the wines of Malibu. There are about 50 vineyards in the Santa Monica Mountains and about 20 to 30 are producing wine. Some of these vineyards are as small as a half acre. “There are a lot of small producers making 20 to 30 cases a year of great wine and they have few outlets to sell them.” says Palmer. His aim is to carry as many of the local wine producers as possible. He also is bringing in wines from smaller less known wineries throughout California, with a few from outside the state as well as France. Jim likes to bring in wines from producers he has a relationship with. Each of the winemakers has a unique story to tell that is reflected in the wines they produce.

Our company culture is to give the Malibu community an opportunity to experience the fruits of labor done by their own beloved locals. Our goal is to turn this into a business mecca for all the Malibu locals in the wine industry.

Some local Malibu wines and winemakers that have been garnishing awards include:

Malibu Vineyards Meritage ’08 – San Francisco Wine Competition – “Best in Class” Bordeaux Blend
Malibu Vineyards Cabernet Franc “08 – San Francisco Wine Competition – “Gold”
Malibu Vineyards Sangiovese “Vortex” “08 – San Francisco Wine Competition – “Gold” • Dolin Chardonnay ’10 – San Francisco Wine Competition – “Double Gold” in premium

Chardonnay class. 94 points – Tasting Panel Magazine

Pizzulli ’07 Barbera – Gold Medal 95points – Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition
Pizzulli ’08 Sangiovese – Best in Class 94points – Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition
Hoyt Chardonnay ’09 – Hoyt Family Vineyards – Selected micro winery of year at California State Fair

Other Malibu wines featured are – La Vina Gomez Winemaker David Gomez, Republic of Malibu winemaker Michael Barnes and Casa Dumetz, winemaker Sonja Magdevski

Malibu Beach Wines is a specialty wine tasting room and retail store located on Pacific Coast Highway in the center of Malibu California. We offer a community of local vintners creating hand-crafted, artisanal wines. We have the largest selection of limited production and ultra-premium wines from the Coast and Canyons of Malibu. 22775 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA (Editor’s note: While many of the wineries mentioned still exist, sadly the Malbu tasting room has shuttered.)

Vintage Eve March 2012: Santa Clarita Wine Fest – Part Deux!

September 27, 2016 by evebushman

It was a picture perfect day for wine tasting. The pesky wind was held at bay and white wine stayed chilled under the expansive tents while guests collected at tables serving wine, spirits, beer and lots of goodies to pair them with.

Also cool this year was that the event was held at the Bridgeport Marketplace. Guests had the food trucks by day, and by night, so many great restaurants to have dinner in (and sober up!) before driving home: Sabor Cocina Mexicana, Marston’s, SAKE Bistro and Sushi, and Frankie’s NY Italian being some of my favorites.

Faves

The Michael Hoefflin Foundation table had an impromptu raffle set up that few were aware of. For a $10 donation you went home with a $10 bottle of wine…or up to a $100 bottle of wine. Even I bought a ticket. I hope they did well.

The P and the K in P & K Chocolates were charming: Pam Dirickson and Kim Larsen. Serving several different cake bites they were certainly a hit. Reminded me to make the short trip to their Canyon Country store and get a box.

My other personal favorites included Wedell Cellars three Pinot Noirs and one Syrah, B & P Winery’s 08 Merlot, Robert Reyes Chardonnay and White Port, ValBeMar Specialty Coffee, Inception Wines 10 Viognier and Pinot Noirs, Sips Sparkling Cocktails’ Cucumber Mojito, Ventura Limoncello by the shot and in a cocktail, the fun people in the Valencia Cigar Lounge, Rocky Fino, aka “Will Cook for Sex”, The Wine Rack, and the entire lineups from Boutique Sake, JVS Imports for Scotch, Bourbon and Rye, Pacific Edge for Anejo, Tequila and Reposado.

Jenny Ketchepaw on the wine Sexual Chocolate: “I liked the wine, I liked that it’s from San Luis Obispo, I liked the vibe, I liked that it’s young and fresh – great with a chocolate-covered strawberry!”

Kathleen Carson Marquart: “Inception – the purple labeled Pinot.”

Matthew Rungaitis and Christine Andrews: “B & P had the best wines!”

Danielle Whitener: “The Cielo Purple Haze…smoky, and so good!”

Dan and Joanie Warner: “The tequila was great! Our fav wine was Inceptions Viognier…we really liked the limoncello too. Dan did try the scotch.”

Meredith Kent McGowan: “I was impressed with the Malibu hills winery, Cielo!”

Kevin Friend: “Loved the Tempranillo from Witch Creek, also the Roxo Bordeaux blend ‘port’.”

Jacob Stark: “The Firestone Walker Brewery was great.”

Denise Lowe, Fest Sommelier: “It was a crazy day! Everyone was happy, challenges were well-handled and a lotta money was raised for the Michael Hoefflin Foundation. My team worked their butts off and made me look good.”

Seen

Bob Kellar, David Gauny, Chris Shoemaker, Judy Penman, Meredith Kent McGowan, Cheryl Gray, Tim and Jenny Ketchepaw, Danielle Whitener, David Barlavi Lxix, Jacob and Ann Stark, Dave and Patty Williams, Adam Rubenstein, Brandon Drake, Eric Bermudez, Carla Palacios, David Locken, John Dickey and Denise Lowe, Xochitl Maiman, Shawn Burgert, Dan and Joanie Warner, Joe Wehinger, Kai Ellis, Kimberly Rockwell Clark, Kim Larsen and Pam Dirickson, Mark Newman, Barrie Lynn, Shawn Halahmy, Tanya Dickson, Kym Cappi, Patrice Rifkind, Bob Jones and Susie Majesky, Kai Ellis, Julie Edwards-Sanchez, Darrin and Cathy Craig, Dr. Andrew Friend and Jessica Javier, Kathleen Carson Marquart, Matthew Rungaitis and Christine Andrews, Dave Dow and Lisa Hawkins Blowers, Sharon Lindquist, Laurie Rein, Kathy Lockhart, Rob Barnett, Carol Maglione, Mary Bradway, Jim Walker, Shannon Bohte, Yoshi Murakami, Chris Uhde, Qiana Tarlow and Karen Dhillion.

Beverage List

Accolade Brands
Casa Dumetz, Malibu
Cielo Winery, Malibu
Dalton Winery, Israel

Firestone Walker Brewery, Paso Robles
Grizzly Republic, Paso Robles
Grande Cortage, France
Inception Wines, Santa Barbara
JVS Imports, Scotland
Chieftains Aberfeldy 1998 13yr un-chillfiltered
Isle of Skye 12yr
Hart Brothers Tobermory 13yr
Isle of Arran 14yr un-chillfiltered
Isle of Arran Amarone Cask Finish
Caol Ila 1997 St. Etienne Rum Finish 14yr un-chillfiltered
Chieftains Mortlach Cask Strength 1995 16yr 54.2% alc
Benrinnes 1984 26 yr Cask Strength 58.1% alc
Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition
LAWineFest, Los Angeles
Marston’s Restaurant, Santa Clarita
Patel Winery, Napa
Regency Wines, France
Chateau Galiniere cuvee Cengle Cotes de Provence (Rose), France
Chateau d]Eau Pinot Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Languedoc, France
Moillard Cotes du Rhone Red, Les Vilettes, France
Reyes Winery, Agua Dulce
White Port
Riboli Family Wine Estates
San Simeon Winery, Paso Robles
Maddalena Winery, Central Coast
Bodega del Fin del Mundo, Argentina
Alberft Bichot Wines,Burgundy, France
Pasqua Wines, Italy
Sips Sparkling Cocktails, US
Roxo Port Cellars, Paso Robles
Port
San Antonio Winery
SLO Down Wines, Napa
Stanger Vineyards, Paso Robles

Ventura Limoncello Company, Ventura
Vin Village
Carpathian Wines
Vino Kupjen, Slovenia
Bock Prince, Hungary
Ricardus Corculom Winery, Napa
Witch Creek, San Diego
Wedell Cellars, Arroyo Grande

Lifestyle

BevWizard
Cambozola
The Chocolate Traveler
Culinary Brand Management
Diamond Studios
Essence of Jeunesse
Exquisite Handbags with Heart
Glitz N’ Glamour
Gourmet Blends
Green Convergence
Massage Envy Spa
Pacific Monarch Resorts, Inc.
Inside Pandora’s Box

PK’s Chocolates
Somerdale
ValBeMar Coffee
Will Cook for Sex
Wine Spectator
Wine Treasures

Programs

Wines of Italy and Spain
Discover the wines of Italy and Spain with international wine consultant and sommelier ‘Million Dollar Palate’ Mark Newman

Artisanal Cheese & Wine Pairing
The Cheese Impresario will be pairing cheeses from the Artisan Cheesemakers of Wisconsin with three of San Antonio Winery’s finest wines. It will fill up. First come gets the limited number of seats. If you want to learn more about cheese before you experience the Santa Clarita WineFest, check out Barrie Lynn’s show, CHEESE RULES .

The Cheese Impresario will be presenting cheeses from the Artisan Cheesemakers from Wisconsin’s Sartori Family along with the impressive wines from Maddalena Wines and Riboli Family Estate.
Scotch Tasting
Learn about the single malt making process including what separates single malts from blends as well as a scotch from other whiskies. You will try 8 different malts from different regions around Scotland. This class will be hosted by Chris Uhde, Scotch Master for the USS Highland Games Costa Mesa and Brand Ambassador for Impex Beverages and Chieftain Single Cask Whiskies. Chris has over 12 years experience in the Spirits industry. Pouring:
Chieftains Aberfeldy 1998 13yr un-chillfiltered
Isle of Skye 12yr
Hart Brothers Tobermory 13yr
Isle of Arran 14yr un-chillfiltered
Isle of Arran Amarone Cask Finish
Caol Ila 1997 St. Etienne Rum Finish 14yr un-chillfiltered
Chieftains Mortlach Cask Strength 1995 16yr 54.2% alc
Benrinnes 1984 26 yr Cask Strength 58.1% alc

Close Up Magic by Steve Silverman
Featured performer at the Magic Castle will be astounding guests at various locations.

Wine in the Pines 2016: Pines, Wines and Beers In The Woods

May 6, 2016 by evebushman

PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB, CA – Pine Mountain Club, home to the popular Lilac Festival showcasing an abundance of flora, weather that showcases actual visible change every season and the 24/7 richness of pine trees and wildlife…is also known for one other thing: Wine in the Pines for over 10 years. This year the event is on Saturday, June 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a 12:00 VIP entry.

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Pine Mountain Village is located about one hour north of Los Angeles at the crest of the 5-freeway. Many of the guests enjoy the fresh pine scented air that they may choose to make a weekend out of it and stay overnight in a log cabin or a resort facility, go for a horseback ride, visit the quaint General Store, look for deer and then, on Saturday afternoon, enjoy the wine, beer, food and lifestyle vendors there for your pleasure.

“By all accounts the 2015 Wine in the Pines was Pine Mountain’s best wine festival ever.” Mark Bailey, owner of the local Madd Bailey’s Pub and the Wine Room Gallery said. “This year’s event is shaping up to exceed that.”

At press time winery participants include Ampelos Cellars, Arndt Cellars, AVE Winery, Bradley Family Winery, Cantara Cellars, Charles Wine, Christian Lazo, Fiddlehead Cellars, Frolicking Frog Cellars, Flying Goat, Golden Star Vineyards, JFC International (sake), Madd Bailey’s, Malibu Estate Cielo Wineyards, MMOrganics, Mystic Hills Vineyard, Plan B Wine Cellars, Pomar Junction, Quady Winery, Ranchita Canyon Vineyard, Stephen Hemmert Wines, Turiya, Gen7 Wines, Cass Vineyard and Winery, Veritas Tapas and Wine, Silkwood Wines, Enjoy Wine and Tobin James. The Breweries signed up so far are Wolf Creek Brewery, Stella Artois, Tioga Sequoia and Firestone Walker Brewing Company.

Information on cabins available for rent is also on our website: www.WineInThePines.com.

Additionally The Wine Room Gallery Wine Bar in Pine Mountain will be open on Saturday from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. and guests will be able to purchase and take some of the wine they tasted at the festival. Tickets and information: www.WineInThePines.com, 661-242-1996 and Facebook.

Dolin Estate Wines of Malibu and the Malibu AVA, by Barbara Barrielle

January 29, 2015 by evebushman

Earlier this year, in a vast hall in downtown LA called the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, the growers and vintners of the newly-designated Malibu AVA came together to fight for their futures. The County Board of Supervisors was voting to decide whether the Coastal Commission’s ruling that no new vineyards be planted or expanded would stand as law.

Every vintner had a say in public comment but uninformed environmentalists had power in numbers and the Malibu AVA vineyards found the right to develop their own land senselessly restricted.

This was the first time I met Elliot Dolin who, although his vineyard is in the city of Malibu and unaffected by the County’s ruling, was there in vocal support of the AVA as a whole and continues to fight the good fight for vineyard rights. Soon after, I was invited to a dinner where Elliot and his wife, Lynn, introduced the line of single vineyard Pinot Noirs that join their spectacular estate Chardonnay.

The Dolin estate is that rare piece of property that sits on a gentle slope about 400 feet above sea level and overlooks the Pacific in the distance. The house, which was bought in foreclosure, has been completely restored and the vineyard was a brainstorm after noticing the beauty of the vines on neighboring properties. It also seems to fit Elliott well, who, after a long career in music which brought him to Los Angeles, segued into commercial real estate and financial success…although he maintains a rock ‘n’ roll soul!

The Dolin Malibu Estate Chardonnay has a gorgeous golden hue and a bouquet of pears, apples caramel and vanilla. Burgundian in character, the wine is well structured and balanced with mild acid and understated oak. Excellent flavor and elegant finish. The 2011 rated 90 points by Wine Spectator and was included in a piece about “Outstanding California Chardonnays”. The wine was also awarded a Double Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.

The Dolin family has now added single vineyard Pinot Noirs from the Central Coast and a Santa Rita Hills offering. Most intriguing for me was the Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir that is the exact block

Elliot Dolin

that the famed Tantara Wines gave up when they had a management rift a couple years ago. Tantara’s loss is clearly Dolin’s gain and the 2012 is full of fruit and bright cherry on the nose which pops on the palate and finishes long, fruity and memorable. Although Dolin will lose this Bien Nacido block but will have access to one equally as desirable.

Other single vineyard Dolin wines include Talley’s Rincon Vineyard and Solomon Hills Vineyard, both of which are well-made and express the characteristics of those notable properties as crafted by winemaker Kirby Anderson. A fantastic array of excellent wines and, in my opinion, at very reasonable prices for the quality.

Wines can be found online at http://www.dolinestate.com or in the tasting room at Cornell Winery http://www.cornellwinery.com