Thoughts During a Time of Covid, and What We’ve Been Drinking Through it All

July 10, 2020 by evebushman

We all have found a new normal here in California since our original stay-at-home orders hit us in March and still continue now with the slow re-opening of businesses. There are those that lamented daily on social media and those that joked about it. We all had to find a way to get through this. Personally we had just finished up a wine trip to Paso, and were looking forward to another the same month, then WHAM!

My last trip to Paso was just before the stay-at-home orders.

I was one of those people that focused on the positive on social media, sometimes by sharing silly light-hearted posts. I also decided to work for free. Created and promoted the New-Haul Drive-Through event, suggested that the Vine 2 Wine event I was working on with Circle of Hope change to a To-Go format (where they ended up earning just as much as they had in their last live event), did an Influencer’s Night for one restaurant’s reopening, and spent more time promoting bars, wineries and restaurants on social media more than ever before. Because why not. What did you do and learn from your Covid time out?

Here are a few takeaways of what I learned, and some of the wine and cocktails that have gotten me through it so far:

First off I began to notice that social media had really taken off, there was 30% to 100% more people online daily than ever before. I used this information to begin promoting local businesses by either sharing their posts or by making my own from photos and videos every time I ordered food and drinks to-go.

Along with more attention to social media, and having the time to notice things around me more, I began reaching out to check on friends near and far. Often on Zoom and always with a drink in hand. Friends were more than appreciative.

The “Gin Old Fashioned” was cocktail my nephew Zack told me about. Couple of ounces of gin with a little simple syrup, bitters and an orange peel garnish. He gave me the recipe a couple of years back, but in my effort to find something new to drink at home I tried it again. Very refreshing.

Created a new motto, “If you can afford it support it” that pretty much covers how I feel. It’s been a time to focus on businesses that aren’t doing as well, and if you can help them out why not?

Discovered EmergenCee Hydration packets that I could add to my water and have during my now daily workouts. With spending less time driving to and from the gym I found that I had more time for exercise, and often spent an hour walking my neighborhood after a workout. The energized water may have helped, and at the same time it has helped me feel more covid-protected.

An old time favorite, the Aperol Spritz, came back as March turned into June.
With the heat, and missing a planned trip abroad at the same time, it helped to have the simple-to-make drink at home. It was almost like being in Italy…almost.

Pizza, Amish Bread, Rye and Rolls, oh my! My husband had already been baking bread before this all began, but he upped his game during Covid. The weekly pizza and bread added a nice 5 pounds to my mid-section but it was so worth it! And what goes better with pizza than wine?

Wine on the Porch: this is something we’ve done for years, but once we could get together when friends again, we found a way to add more chairs and space them out. Now pals that aren’t ready to dine out yet have asked to have drinks on our porch with us.

Downloading the TikTok app and enjoying all the booze-related stories I could share on social media. For those of us with a short attention span, or if you don’t have too much time for social media, TikTok is a Godsend.

These wineries were amazing in the Vine 2 Wine, To Go event so support them if you can: Mystic Hills, Entourage by Two Papas, Alonso Family Vineyards, Pagter Brothers, Hoi Polloi, Pulchella, Parhelion Cellars, Byron Blatty, Cavaletti Vineyards, Artisan Uprising, Dusty Nabor and Bolt to Wines.

#CovidCrazy was my hashtag one day as there have been some horrific things happening – won’t go into the specifics here as everyone knows and I prefer not to get political – that I personally think may have been actions partially fueled by the stress of Covid-19.

Wine-themed masks became the rage. A good pal and my sister-in-law made me versions that no one else could duplicate. Thanks again ladies.

We bid on and won a future trip to an all-inclusive – yes including liquor – resort vacation, for up to 8 guests in Barbados. Wouldn’t ever have bid on that if we hadn’t been locked up at home and desperate for a vacation in the future.

I’m going to miss finding a plate of cookies or some other treat on my porch. And I’m sure my neighbors may miss the bottle of wine given in thanks on theirs.

Free local wine delivery, often by the winemaker, was very nice! I was sorry that they had to discount their wines and offer personal delivery at their own cost though.

Zoom offerings became the standard, and some had to step out-of-the-box to be seen as everyone began offering them. Unique ones included Daily Drinking with Wes Hagen, Cheese and Wine pairings with Phifer Pavitt, weekly wine tasting with Byron Blatty and virtual tastings with Paso winemakers.

Things weren’t all perfect, not by a longshot, like everyone else lamenting what they missed so did we: our daughter’s graduation from CSUN and her birthday, missing many friends that have compromised health and couldn’t leave their homes, Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, The Cab Collective, the Tenth Annual Universal Whisky Experience, the Fifth Annual Masters of Taste, Art Beyond the Glass, Wine on the Roof, judging a Chili Cook Off, my birthday and a 12-day cruise that had us starting in Venice (where of course I had booked some wine tastings for a few days before), Greek islands, Croatia (wine tasting again) and Turkey before coming back to Venice.

What did you gain and what did you miss? We pray that you have been well and the same for our loved ones.

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.

Circle Of Hope Does 180: Vine2Wine is Now Vine2Wine, To Go (Eve is Co-Chair)

May 22, 2020 by evebushman

Circle of Hope Pivots From Vine2Wine Event To Virtual Online Event

with Food, Wine, Beer, Music, Auction, Chef Demos, Winemaker Talks and Wine Lesson

SANTA CLARITA, CA – Non-profit Circle of Hope recently announced enormous changes to their annual Vine2Wine event, now taking place on May 30. “During our April meeting I suggested that we seriously contemplate a change in our plan to a to-go and online format, and I wanted us to be the first to create this type of event,” Eve Bushman co-chair explained. “I wanted our winemakers to have as much exposure as possible so I proposed the task of moving all of the wine from bottles into minis to mimic the wine tasting experience.” The 17-member strong board added ideas that included an online auction to start a week before, on May 23, as well as board member Melanie Meyer serving as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, entertainment from board member and popular singer Alesia Humphries, food from three beloved local restaurants, winemaker talks, chef demos and a wine Q and A with Bushman.

Circle of Hope board member Janine Jones making masks for guests of the event.

Taylor Kellstrom, past chairman and co-chair of the event commented, “Our community needs this. The idea is unique and I’m proud of our board for jumping right in with more concepts to make it a successful much-needed fundraiser.” Tickets are available on the Circle of Hope Website at www.circleofhopeinc.org .

Laura Kirchhoff, Executive Director for Circle of Hope added, “We are taking all the popular and exciting aspects that have drawn attendees over the years to this highly anticipated signature event, plus we added a few more, and we are offering them in a quarantine safe, fun and friendly way – in their own homes.”

Tickets include a choice of a dinner selection from one of three of Santa Clarita’s most popular restaurants: Salt Creek Grille, The Old Town Junction and Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewing Co. VIP tickets will also include an additional bottle of wine and a ticket to be entered into the exclusive VIP Opportunity Drawing.

When guests pick up their meals curbside from the restaurant of their choice, they will also receive a Vine2Wine kit in a bag. The kit includes a wine glass, wine samples, beer, dessert, other assorted favors, giveaways and a program of the evening’s activities – with a link to join the event live.

The on-line silent auction will go live one week prior to the event on Saturday, May 23, 2020.

The entire community, whether purchasing a ticket to the event or not, is encouraged to register and participate in bidding on boutique and library wines, creative baskets, post quarantine trips, gift certificates, home décor, beauty products and more. The online auction can be found at https://charityauction.bid/Vine2WineToGo .

“We are so thankful to all those in our community that have recognized the need to help those with cancer now,” stated organization officials. “Cancer did not stop with COVID-19 and the immediate needs of those with cancer cannot wait until this pandemic is over.” Funds raised at this event will help those in need to pay for their cancer related medical bills and treatments.

Circle of Hope is grateful to Cowe Consulting, Sebastian Velona Foundation, Henry Rodriguez State Farm, Thrivent Financial, Chicago Title, City of Hope and our presenting Sponsor, Logix Federal Credit Union for sponsoring this event. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Wineries include Mystic Hills Vineyard, Stephen Hemmert Wines, Byron Blatty Wines, Bolt To Wines, Dusty Neighbor Wines, Alonso Family Vineyards, Artisan Uprising, Navarro Vineyards, Parhelion Cellars, Double Trouble Wine Room-Pagter Brothers Winery and Hoi Polloi Winery, Entourage by Two Papas Wines, Firestone Vineyard, Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyard, Lincourt Vineyards, Pulchella Winery and Tasting Room, La Crema Wines, Cavaletti Vineyards, Bouchaine Vineyards and Winery.

For information on Vine2Wine, To Go, Circle of Hope services and programs or to receive sponsorship information, please contact Circle of Hope at info@circleofhopeinc.org or at 661 254-5218. Donations and ticket purchases can be made through the Circle of Hope website at www.circleofhopeinc.org .

Circle of Hope is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization. For more information on Circle of Hope and the services they provide, please visit their website at www.circleofhopeinc.org or call 661 254-5218. The Circle of Hope office and Wellness Center is located at 23033 Lyons Ave., Ste 3, Newhall, Ca. 91321

Vintage Eve circa 11/2015: Tasting into the Sunset…in the Vineyard 2015

July 9, 2019 by evebushman

Oh dear, the ladies stepped it up a notch this year! The ladies, those being the hardworking ladies for the Assistance League Santa Clarita, not only gathered a unique group of non-commercial Santa Clarita Valley-based winemakers (only a small handful are commercial), beer brewers, the DeRobertis Family Artisan cheese makers, the ultra-hidden Speakeasy Bakery and College of the Canyons Culinary Arts students – this year they added more space to the two-house-long event by moving a lively auction to the expansive front yard.

L to R: Eve Bushman, Marlee Lauffer, Ann Marie Bjorkman and Alesia Humphries

But that didn’t happen until 2 ½ hours into the event. Guests began by tasting with several winemakers, brewers and food artisans while experiencing one of the rarest sites of the Santa Clarita Valley: the local Compa Vineyard owned by Chris, Jeannie and Tim Carpenter.

Many of the wines we tasted came from grapes grown in and around the Santa Clarita Valley and are similar to the Carpenter’s vineyard; while others source grapes or juice from the Central Coast and beyond. The event, now in it’s 8^th year, has motivated many wannabe winemakers to plant grapevines and become dedicated winemakers.

There were several wines that struck my fancy at the tasting, a benefit of having a designated driver perhaps (and I liked the musicians that serenaded us both in the front and in the back of the property too) while I enjoyed:

Mystic Hills Vineyard Unforgiven blend, Les Deux Chats Zinfandel, Compa Vineyard Rose, Whistling Vineyard Syrah, Hundred Red Vines Zinfandel/Petit Syrah blend, Golden Star Purple Haze and Viognier, Bellissimo Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Bouquet Vineyard 2014 Merlot (my fave of the day) and Cabernet Sauvignon, Due Nasi Mourvedre, Stephen Hemmert 2012 Zinfandel and 2014 Entwined white blend, Reyes Winery 2013 Quinn’s Zinfandel and many others offered by the Beer Garden, Browne Family, Capuano Winery, CP Iconic Wines, Pagter Brothers, Gagnon Cellars, One Vine Four Branches, Alonso Family Vineyards, Pulchella Winery, Two Hearts Vineyard and Nuggucciet Cellars.

I took a bazillion photos of the wines and the people tasting, and turned it into a YouTube slide show you can see here.

Sunset in the Vineyard Artisans

Alonso Family Vineyards, Bellissimo Cellars, Bobcat Red, Bouquet Vineyard, Browne Family, Capuano Winery, Compa Vineyard, Copper Hill Brewery, CP Iconic Wines, DeRobertis Family Artisan Cheeses, Due Nasi, Gagnon Cellars, Golden Star Vineyards, Les Deux Chats Cellars, VNYBC, Mystic Hills Vineyard, Nuggucciet Cellars, Oasis Vineyard, One Vine Four Branches, Pagter Brothers Winery, Pulchella Winery, Reyes Winery, Speakeasy Bakery, Two Hearts Estate Vineyard, Nanno Brewery, Wheelhouse Band and Whistling Vineyard.

What The Auction and Ticket Prices Do For Our Community (From the Assistance League Website)

We provide over 22,000 hours of community service each year and touch the lives of over 3,500 people in our valley. We provide new school clothes for students, we cook meals for convalescent home residents, we provide teddy bears to people in traumatic situations, we play games with schoolchildren in an after school program and we help students see better with new eyeglasses.

We are a hands-on group of individuals committed to helping others in need. We operate Assistance League Resale, an all-volunteer thrift store in downtown Newhall. We hold two fundraisers each year to help fund our programs. An added bonus is that Assistance League members become life-long friends.

Platinum Partners: Woodward and the Magazine of Santa Clarita.

Gold Partners: SGL Group, KHTS AM 1220, LensCrafters, Mr. and Mrs. Phil Carlson, Mr. and Mrs. John Hamby, C.A.M. Johnson Family Foundation

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 judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column.

Vintage Eve Circa 3/2016: Tasting the New 2012 (And One 14 Rosé) Mystic Hills Vineyard Releases

April 2, 2019 by evebushman

It was a thrill to taste the newly released 2012 wines (and one 2014!) from Mystic Hills Vineyard because…every wine from their first release has received awards from various competitions! (Read more here) And this, just their second release, is poised for the same level of achievements.

I invited a few wine lovers over to share these first tastes, and to also chime in on the aromas and flavors they found. And, if you’re not interested in tasting notes know this: the tasting was a resounding success with all six guests agreeing that the wines were superb.

2014 H.E.A.R.T.S Rosé

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot

With vibrant aromas of fresh strawberry, ripe raspberry, wet stones and a hint of Meyer lemon it was followed up in the mouth with the same luscious red fruit flavors with the addition of apricot, red ruby grapefruit and a welcoming mild acidic finish.

We paired this Rosé with a BBQ Shrimp recipe that actually has no BBQ sauce or required barbequing; it was just all garlic, unsalted butter, Worchestershire sauce, lemon, pepper and Cajun seasoning. The Rosé was the perfect refresher between bites. 90 Eve pts.

Cabernet Sauvignon

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Sweet plum, cherry, black fruit, toasted marshmallow, wet bark and red rose wafted up in the nose of this Cab. The taste was all cherry, raspberry, earth and a bit of oak with mouth drying tannins. This one was voted “easy to drink” by the group.

Gran Trio

Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Blueberry, black currant, blackberry, incense and earth – all on the nose. Then with the taste we got beautiful red to blue fruit, spice, firm tannins and a nice long finish. As we let this open up in our glasses we noted more fruit developing. 90 Eve pts.

Unforgiven

Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec.

Aromas of dried blue fruit, cloves, mushroom and black pepper filled our noses. Once tasted we found robust jammy qualities with red fruit, spice and cracked pepper all in great balance.

My husband had guests wait to finish this stellar blend with a chocolate caramel Crème Brûlée he had made. As he torched the sugar and fresh mint into a crust, we waited expectantly. It was magical. 92 Eve pts. With the pairing, 93 Eve pts.

All three reds were paired with our cheese and charcuterie appetizer. Some also enjoyed the reds with the BBQ shrimp, and due to the pepper and spice in the dish, I agreed that it worked well.

http://www.mystichillsvineyard.com/

Vintage Eve Circa 3/2015: A H.E.A.R.T of a Rosé

July 3, 2018 by evebushman

If you are lucky enough to snag one of 80 seats to the release party of Joel and Judy Cox’s latest limited release wine (see below my tasting notes for details) you got lucky – because I gave this very interesting Rosé a whopping 92 Eve points.

2013 Mystic Hills Vineyard Monterey County Rosé

67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc

15.3% alcohol

Appearance – The color of raspberry stretches out from the center of the wine glass until it turns into dark cherry on the edge.

Aroma – Maraschino cherry, grape-flavored hard candy, sliced strawberry, and a garden of wild flowers with a hint of white pepper in the air.

Flavor – Wondering how long the skin was allowed to stay on, as there is a soft tannin backbone to the same cherry and strawberry fruit found on the nose, though now the fruit is brought more forward. There is no unwelcome abundance of acidity, just enough to slightly tickle the taste buds.

Pairing – Anything from fresh fruit to a spicy stir-fry, I’d suggest you try it from your appetizer through to your dessert.

Conclusion – The combination of deep color, beautiful fruit and low acid in this wine surprised me. It is not something I’ve tasted too often, and was wholly pleasant! 92 Eve pts.

Triple-Award Winning Winery Releases Fourth Wine

Mystic Hills Vineyard Releases H.E.A.R.T.S. Rosé at April 25 Party, Less Than 150 Cases Available (Editor’s note: This event has already occurred.)

February 20, 2015 – Paso Robles, CA – At an upcoming April 25 H.E.A.R.T.S. Rosé release party, less than 100 people will be greeted with sparkling wine at the latest sparkling event to come from triple-award winning Mystic Hills Vineyard owners Joel and Judy Cox.

Following their first taste will come many other treats that include tastes of their other award-winning wines, food pairings by Chef Chris New of Locally Grown, live music and the main attraction: being one of the first to sample the new limited production H.E.A.R.T.S. Rosé, destined to be another medal winner. The party will be held in a private home in the Santa Clarita Valley, where the Coxes raised their family before moving to Paso Robles.

In a nod to most of the Mystic Hills Vineyard “crew” the H.E.A.R.T.S. label represents the first letter of the names of each of the Coxes’ six grandchildren.

All three bottles in their first vintage were honored by the esteemed San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition: Mystic Hills Vineyard’s 2011 Unforgiven red blend was awarded a Gold Medal, and the 2011 Sequel red blend and 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon both received Silver Medals. Vintner Joel Cox is also known for his recent Oscar nomination, as Clint Eastwood’s long-standing editor, for the highly acclaimed film American Sniper.

For $65 non-members can reserve a spot at the private event held in a Stevenson Ranch home, Mystic members will receive a 20 percent courtesy, $52, on their tickets. The event will run from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Reserve tickets at info@mystichillsvineyard.com, via FAX 805-467-2019 or call (805) 610-1099.

Mystic Hills Vineyard is located in San Miguel, CA, and 10 miles north of Paso Robles. For a private tasting with the wine makers, please call (805) 610-1099 or email info@mystichillsvineyard.com. For all correspondence, please send to: P.O. Box 5148
Paso Robles, CA 93447, info@mystichillsvineyard.com Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mystic-Hills-Vineyard/174322976034673

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

Vintage Eve Circa 5/2015: Taste of the Town, aka TOTT, x 27 Years Strong!

June 26, 2018 by evebushman

“Over 50 restaurants and caterers serve up all the food you can eat, all the wine & beer you can drink, plus top-notch entertainment, silent & live auctions in a beautiful garden setting.” And this year we got another great teaser, check out the great photo by Laura Kirchhoff, Taste of the Town at Sunrise…

Exhausted. Even though as a media sponsor we were given VIP seating and full table service, we felt compelled to leave our shady seats, plate after plate of tantalizing treats and two bottles of wine – and walk the whole entire event from one end to the other.

We started by checking in with a few of the hardworking people that made this year’s event a success.

Lois Bauccio, President and Executive Director, Child and Family Center Foundation commented, “We are touched and gratified by the incredible outpouring of support from the community for the event this year. It means so much to the kids and families who receive services at Child and Family Center.”

Laina McFerren, Co-Founder, Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewery and event co-chair along with Ginger Levang, “We are so lucky to live in a community that supports its non-profits in such a big way. Thanks to all of the sponsors, Child and Family Center staff and volunteers who made this day possible. It definitely ‘takes a village’ and the whole village seemed to show up yesterday! We couldn’t have asked for a better day in support of a better cause. Looking forward to 2016!”

Also got this lovely quote from Jennifer Gerard, President and CEO of Whitening Lightning, Gerard Cosmetics Inc., and the “Top Chef” sponsor of the event, “Taste of the Town is always SCV’s greatest event of the year. Attendees can count on great food, music and fun just the way residents of this town can count on our Child and Family Center to be there for us and our families during times of crisis.”

Now with our handy acrylic plates, we braved the heat to keep our plates and glasses filled. Not a problem for any seasoned TOTTers, we enjoyed photographing friends and filling up from:

Participants:

Angel City Brewery – IPA was refreshing.

Anheuser Busch

Bake You Happy – They had a nice selection but I stopped at the Brown Butter Cookies…

Bella Cucina – Looked like you could get your fill of pasta, risotto and rolls!

Bergie’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill – Juicy steak on a toothpick did the trick!

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – Yummy artichoke spinach dip!

Castaic Lake Water Agency – Much needed and appreciated cool bottled water!

Clarice’s Cake & Candy – Milk Chocolate and White Chocolate drenched strawberries.

Culinary Wonders – Doing demonstrations while serving Chilled watercress soup, Moroccan spiced beef and Matcha chocolate tarts; all excellent.

Eat Real Café – Gallons of hand squeezed juices cooled the crowd.

Fetzer Vineyards – A sweet Chardonnay and balanced Merlot were waiting at our table for me to open and sample!

Fireman’s Brew

Henry Mayo Café – Who knew that their Café was so good? They served up a cool-looking salad.

Honu Coffee – Perfect day for their Cold Brew.

Institute of Culinary Education at COC – Wowing us again with a stellar presentation of cheese, fruit and breads.

Island Pacific Grill

Lohr Vineyard & Wines – Back for another year to support our Child and Family Center.

Jasmine Thai Noodle & BBQ – Three different dishes but we were too full to sample them!

Jersey Mike’s Subs – Served up ½-size subs!

Jill’s Cake Creations – A white cake with whipped cream and strawberries was terrific.

Kokolita Cakes – Served as usual by 50s costumed ladies, people loved their yummy signature cupcakes and empanadas.

Kona Ice of Santa Clarita

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que – Very good Pulled Pork Slider and full-sized bottles of their BBQ sauce were free in exchange for your email!

Magnavino – A “Beautiful” white wine blend – look for it!

Marston’s

Mystic Hills Vineyard – Serving up their award-winning Unforgiven blend.

New Moon Valencia

Newhall Refinery – Food looked great (Octopus Ceviche and Chicken Liver Toast) but it was the Moscow Mules from their new craft cocktail menu I was drooling for.

Nothing Bundt Cakes – An awesome array of their frosted Bundt-lets!

Nuggucciet Cellars – Get your hands on the 2013 Pinot Noir – and don’t let go!

Parashars’ Indian Kitchen – I had always wanted to try them, and their spicy sauces over chicken didn’t disappoint.

Persia Restaurant

Pinot’s Palette

Pocock Brewing Company

Rattlers Bar-B Que

Regal Wine Company

Rita’s Italian Ice – Flavors this year included Mango, Strawberry Colada and…Marshmallow Peanut Butter!

Robinson Ranch – Serving up healthy pours of Stag’s Leap Chardonnay, paired with Ahi Poke and Caesar Salad.

Rubio’s

Salt Creek Grille Catering – Hot Dog Slider with Spicy Cucumber Relish and Creamy House Mustard. Heirloom Tomato Sandwich with Smoke Corn Aioli! Paired with a Jalapeno Meyer Lemon Drop!!

Signal Wine Club

Sisley Italian Kitchen

solita Tacos & Margaritas – Serving up their popular signature roasted corn, tacos and Margaritas!

StoneFire Grill

Stone Oven – Moist and meaty Panini triangles.

The Paseo Club – Pork and Mango tacos.

The Shrimp Haus

Valencia Country Club

Valencia Cigars & News

Vines Restaurant & Bar – Seafood Cocktail, very popular!

Whole Foods Market Valencia – GIGANTIC fresh oysters and Ahi Poke. Did you know that they have $1 Oysters on Fridays???

Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co.

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill

Wine Pavilion featuring  select wines from local wineries. (Sponsored by: Signal Wine Club)

Note: If we missed a table it wasn’t due to lack of interest or crowds, we were just getting to full! Next year we will start in the back of the event…maybe!

Story in a bazillion photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10205486763675912.1073741915.1455706632&type=1&l=83890ed442

LIVE AUCTION ITEMS

* Private Party for 20 at Piccola Trattoria

* DC Comics Super Hero Birthday Party for 6 at Six Flags Magic Mountain

* Custom Made Dress by Barbara Moore of Dream Dress

* One week at beachfront home in Mission Beach

* 3-night stay for up to 8 in a 2,536 square foot luxury villa in La Costa plus $500 gift card

* 6 nights retreat at a cabin in Arrowhead

* 7 nights in Maui at a 4,000 square foot home on the beach

* 3 nights for two in New York at the New York Hilton, with dinner at Tribeca & Broadway Show including airfare

* Wine pairing dinner for 8 prepared and served to your guests in your home

* One week in Vail Colorado (November 14-21) at Marriott’s Streamside Resort

* Four night stay at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, includes airfare, golf for two & daily breakfast

PLUS 130 FANTASTIC SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

http://www.childfamilycenter.org

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

New Releases From Mystic Hills Vineyard: From (Their FIRST) White to Red

June 15, 2018 by evebushman

When my longtime friends at Mystic Hills Vineyard, vintners Joel and Judy Cox, sent me their latest five new releases for review I wanted to share the wines with some wine pals for a group tasting: and NINE ladies were thrilled to join me. I was excited too, as I would taste their first white wine, a Sauvignon Blanc, along with their other popular varietals that I had already fallen for.

The tasting notes below are a collective from all:

The Wine Tasting

Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Lots of citrus on the nose, followed by both yellow and green apple, a slightly chalky/powdery scent and a steeliness. On the mouth we got flavors of crisp lemon-lime with an acidic backbone. The group agreed with me when I thought the wine was Sangria-worthy and would lend itself well served in the glass with fresh cut fruit and some spritz.

“H.E.A.R.T.S.” Rosé 2017

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc

Named after the Coxes five grandchildren (their first initial) with a beautiful artsy label and the color of ripe watermelon, all were excited about trying this rosé. We got the gamut from fruit to minerality in the aroma: strawberry, raspberry, honeydew melon, fruit cocktail, butter, earth and wet sidewalk. When we went in for our tasting we also found: red cherry, stewed fruit, clove, black pepper, as well as that butter and wet sidewalk again.

Gran Trio 2014

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot

A lovely balanced nose of both spice and fruit that included blackberry, black cherry, pepper and forest floor. We tasted complex notes of that same pepper and spice as well as layers of deep dark fruit, smoke, tannins and even a hint of bourbon. One taster called it “a hug in a glass.” This was a favorite among the red wine lovers in the group.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

And this was to be the favorite of both the red and white wine lovers in the group! We were literally seduced by notes of chocolate covered cherries, plum, blackberry and stems in the aroma. The flavor had that same chocolate, spice with the addition of dried blue to black fruit and toasted oak.

Unforgiven 2014

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot, 15% Merlot, 5% Malbec

Another favorite for our big red wine lovers. This Bordeaux blend had it all: dark chocolate, dark fruit, plums, dark cherry, blackberry, rich and port-wine-like all on the nose. The taste gave off big notes of spice and fruit: black to blue fruit, spice, espresso and an incredibly long finish.

About Mystic Hills Vineyard

Mystic Hills Vineyard is a boutique, family-owned vineyard nestled in the beautiful rolling hills outside of Paso Robles, California. We focus on sustainable estate-grown Bordeaux style wines that showcase our passion for excellence and our tenacity for a memorable bottle of wine. We are blessed with crisp mornings acquired from the Pacific Ocean influence, and hot days soothed by the cooler afternoon winds. This climate, with the beneficial temperature swings, helps to create superior fruit for our wines.

Owner Joel Cox is an Academy Award winning Film Editor who brings his professional and creative love of film to his wine. His meticulous and diligent eye for a well-crafted scene in a movie is brought to life in our beautiful, extraordinary wines that will surely captivate your palette and produce a memorable experience for you to embrace.

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

Mystic Hills Vineyard: Eve Tastes the New Releases and…an Opportunity to YOU Taste

April 7, 2017 by evebushman

“You may not remember a specific grape in a blend comprised of thousands. But you will always remember that one varietal that is bold enough to stand on its own. Mystic Hills Vineyard Reserve Malbec…stubbornly refusing to fit in.” Nice teaser about a Malbec only available to wine club members – and their guests:

“Come to our 2013 Reserve Malbec Release Party, and taste this special wine… and some yummy appetizers to go with it! We will be pouring our other fabulous 2013 Reds as well! We can’t wait to see you there! And, don’t forget to RSVP: 805–610-1099 or email info@mystichillsvineyard.com” The party will be held on April 29, from 1-4pm at The Paseo Club for $40 per person. Please rsvp by April 20.

Tasting Mystic Hills Latest (As is my habit, I present the winery tasting notes along with my own – but I never peek at theirs until I’m done with mine. Its kind of fun to see where we may intersect!)

2013 Gran Trio

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot

Our grapes are hand picked and sorted by each varietal and our wines spend two years in oak barrels to insure consistent balance and character.

Winery Tasting Notes Our 2013 Gran Trio has the dark cherry and plum right from the start, followed by earthiness and mushroom. A touch of ginger and caramel help to finish off the cedar on the nose…(read more)

Eve’s Tasting Notes

Opaque with a deep cranberry color – picture cranberry sauce in your head – followed by aromas of dried black cherry, stewed plums, red licorice, white pepper and a slight hint of anise. In the mouth I got more Cabernet Franc flavors than the Cabernet Sauvignon that is the predominant grape in this wine, that dry black cherry again, black currant, black pepper and ash. The wine’s balance was quite perfect. Thought it might pair well with smoked meat, Beef Bourguignon, a Caprese Salad with Mozzarella or Burrata cheese. 90 Eve pts.

2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Our grapes are hand picked and sorted by each varietal and our wines spend two years in oak barrels to insure consistent balance and character.

Winery Tasting Notes From the moment the bottle is opened there is a fun watermelon candy on the nose that slowly softens into vanilla and cranberry. Lovely cedar and suede appear, along with cassis and a hint of ginger at the back, to help round out a slight lilac scented aroma…(read more)

Eve’s Tasting Notes

Very opaque and dark blackberry in color, then I was greeted with aromas of blue to black fruits: dark plum, blueberry, blackberry and black currant. I also found vanilla, wet hay, black pepper, tobacco and almond. The tasting showed flavors of blueberry, black cherry, and thick berry jam slathered on toast. As with the other Mystic Hills Vineyard reds this wine could stand up to a great piece of meat, maybe a nice tri tip with a smoky marinade, sweet potato fries and a wedge salad. I could drink this now, but would also love to cellar a bottle to try in 5-10 years. 91 Eve pts.

2013 Unforgiven

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot, 15% Merlot, 5% Malbec

Our grapes are hand picked and sorted by each varietal and our wines spend two years in oak barrels to insure consistent balance and character. Fewer than 500 cases of superior blend were made.

Winery Tasting Notes This full-bodied wine emerges with toasted spice, cassis and plum and follows with delectable strawberry and bay leaf, giving it a fruity and herbaceous nose. It builds with cocoa and cedar aromatics that carry onto the palate…(read more)

Eve’s Tasting Notes

The color of the wine was an inky blackberry, and completely opaque from the center of my wine glass to the rim. Aromas of crushed blackberry, juicy plum, cracked green peppercorns, French toast, vanilla, clove, rich earth and…yes…was it pine needles? It sure was for me. Wow, all together it made me imagine a lovely holiday centerpiece, rich with the fruits and spices of the season. Couldn’t wait to dive in for a taste…and on the mouth I found dry and dark blue to black fruit, black pepper, dark chocolate, char, butterscotch, black olive and enough tannins for an incredibly long and satisfying finish. The wine would only benefit further with decanting and a decadent meal of anything from grilled filet mignon to a hearty beef stew to pepperoni pizza to chocolate bark. 92 Eve pts.

2013 Reserve Malbec

Monterey County, 14.8% alcohol

Check the website for availability of the 2013 Malbec. Currently this wine is only available to wine club members.

Eve’s Tasting Notes

The color of a resplendent garnet jewel enticed me in for aromas of BAM! RED ROSES you could detect from a distance, then mushroom, wet stone and black olives. In the mouth it was all spice and leather, followed by loads of black fruit, black olives, a wee bit of scallion – and all staying on the palate for a very long finish. Would be so yummy with loaded potato skins, your preference of steak and some cheese toast. (I tasted this one with a friend, and after we were done she wedged the cork back in and stole the rest to take home.) 91 Eve pts.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mystic-Hills-Vineyard-174322976034673/

Website: http://mystichillsvineyard.com/

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

A Turn for the Ladies: Women I’ve Known That Have Influenced My Wine

January 20, 2017 by evebushman

I covered The 15 Most Influential Wine Men in my Life back in 2011, even needed a part two, but realize now that I never covered the women. I even reran both parts on the men in early 2016. With more male than female winemakers, sommeliers and educators I had an excuse not to write about the women I knew in the wine industry. But, on hindsight I’ve come to realize that there are some wonderful ladies that have influenced me over the years, and it’s high time to pay tribute to them.

12-7-10-claudia-denise-eve-with-our-wset-pins-at-vwc

L to R: Claudia Sheridan, Denise Lowe and Eve Bushman

My Wine Ladies (in no particular order)

Jeannie Carpenter, co-owner Compa vineyard, founder Sunset in the Vineyard, Assistance League Santa Clarita: This hard working local volunteer knows a lot about wine, knows everyone in town and has been a supporter of my non-profit events for years. Jeannie replies to our weekly Dear Wine Friend newsletter, often remarking on how much I have learned about wine over the years.

Julie Brosterman, founder Women and Wine: Julie was probably one of the first women in the wine world that I met. I wrote some blog pieces for her wildly popular website, have been invited to her home to cover events and have met many wonderful wine people simply due to her influence.

Claudia Sheridan, fellow student Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2, social media educator and author at ClaudiaSheridan.com: Claudia has been my “wing man” not only through WSET but also on various wine trips. She knows a lot about wine, people, event organization, and now has literally written the book on social media. She is my biggest female supporter and true wine buddy. I like to tease my young friend when she uses descriptors like “Jolly Rancher candy” to describe a wine we may be tasting, but the fact is, her palate is pretty damn good.

Suzanne Phifer Pavitt, proprietor Phifer Pavitt Wine: Suzanne is filled with Southern-girl charm. She was the first vintner to invite me into her Calistoga home for an overnight stay, and has suffered through many interviews, even one on her Wine Dog. Her DateNight Cabernet Sauvignon is not to be missed, every vintage has been noteworthy.

Lil Lepore, former owner Vino 100: I miss Lil. Back in the day she and partner Shari Frazier, opened a nice wine store and bar in Valencia that not only gave wine to every event in town, but hosted wine tastings, lessons, women only nights and even film showings. Learned, made some wine friends that I still have to this day and tasted a lot in those years thanks to Lil and Shari.

Tanya Green, owner Wine 661: Tanya took over Wine 661 and it suddenly became a place to hang out – especially for women that aren’t looking for a bar atmosphere in my opinion. It’s a top choice for me to meet a pal there for a glass or a bottle, or take my newly minted 21 year-old daughter in for some pink Champagne. The wine racks always hold something new each time I come, and even though it’s small, live bands and dancing are more than welcome there.

Judy Cox, co-owner Mystic Hills Vineyard: I’ve known Judy since she ran the Betty Ferguson Foundation and I was a volunteer about 10 years ago. Fast forward and she, along with husband Joel Cox and other family members, picked up and moved to Paso Robles. Fast forward some more and they decided to plant vines and become vintners. I was lucky enough to work with them when they started out promoting their wines in press releases and events. At “press” time every single wine they produced has won at least one award.I especially like their Unforgiven Bordeaux blend and Rose.

Denise Lowe, fellow student Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2, wine educator Goddess of Wine: Loved bantering wine with Denise, she kept me on my toes testing my knowledge and then she moved to Morro Bay where she has since become more involved as the area’s wine educator.

Nina Rosenblatt Sventitsky, Board Member and Secretary General for the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Rioja Specialist: Nina got her hands on me for the American Wine Certification course I recently took and passed. Her wealth of knowledge is immense. I look forward to many more years of education.

Marlee Lauffer, Foundation President at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, wine lover: Marlee is a good pal, and like Jeannie Carpenter, a supporter – and more recently a co-host – of events I have produced and promoted (with the help of many). Marlee’s main function in my wine education has been to promote Pinot Noir – kind of an inside joke – and has introduced me to several wineries that I hadn’t known about.

Kathy Lockhart, founder Wine-y Women Unwind Meet-up and Facebook group: Kathy also supports many of the events I’ve promoted. Along with that, she has created a growing group of female wine lovers – over 300 I believe – that are interested in all kinds of wine-centric activities. I wish I had Kathy’s energy!

Mystic Hills Vineyard Crushing it Again in the New Awards Season

July 2, 2016 by evebushman

Vintners Feel Success…is partly due to the support of treasured friends

Paso Robles, California – Just in from the New York International Wine Competition, Monterey County’s Mystic Hills Vineyard received two special USA Individual Awards: Monterey Winery of the Year 2016 and Paso Robles Dry Red Blend Producer of the Year. Adding to the accolades from that competition: Gold Medal for Unforgiven 2012, Silver Medal for 2014 H.E.A.R.T.S. Rosé, and Bronze Medal for 2012 Gran Trio, all Bordeaux Blends.

In other competitions announced this June, Mystic Hills Vineyard received top prizes at the 2016 San Diego International Wine Challenge: Platinum for their 2012 Unforgiven, Bordeaux Blend (score 94), Gold for their 2012 Gran Trio, and Silver for the 2014 H.E.A.R.T.S. Rosé.

“Made in a typical style for California’s Central Coast,” Robert Whitley, wine columnist and director of the San Diego competition said, “The 2012 Unforgiven is ripe and juicy, with layers of black fruit and a touch of oak vanillin. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be consumed even at this early stage of its evolution. A platinum award-winner at the San Diego International Wine Challenge.”

Adding even more to their week of awards, The Los Angeles International Wine Competition, awarded the BEST OF CLASS, GOLD MEDAL to Unforgiven, 91 Points Bordeaux Blend Monterey County 2011. They also took home Bronze Medals for Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey County 2012 and Gran Trio, Bordeaux Blend, Monterey County 2012.

They are still awaiting results of other competitions, but if this year is anything like last year, more medals will be coming their way. In 2015, Mystic Hills was the recipient of more than 12 awards, including being named Monterey Winery of the Year 2015.

About Mystic Hills Vineyard

Making these awards all the more special is the fact that this is only their second year of public releases. The vineyard is family owned by Judy and Joel Cox, he of Oscar winning fame as a film editor for more than 40 years, most exclusively with Director Clint Eastwood.

The grapes at Mystic Hills are hand-picked and the process is all hand crafted, vine to bottle. Everything is overseen by expert winemaker Keith Roberts and the Cox family. Mystic Hills Vineyard is truly a boutique vineyard, nestled on 14 acres in the beautiful rolling hills of San Miguel, California, just minutes from Paso Robles. They currently have 4 Bordeaux varietals released, with a fifth, a Reserve Malbec, due later this year.

Contact and Tastings

Mystic Hills Vineyard does not have a public tasting room, but graciously provides private tastings with the winemakers for individuals or small groups by appointment, at their home near the vineyard. You may find them at many wine events in Paso Robles and Southern California. For more information on their wines, wine club, upcoming events or to schedule a private tasting, please contact:

Judy or Joel Cox 805-610-1099 Info@mystichillsvineyard.com www.mystichillsvineyard.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mystic-Hills-Vineyard-174322976034673/timeline