Colavita Brings Italian Culture and Education to Downtown Napa

December 7, 2017 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Colavita (http://www.colavita.com), the leading family-owned specialty food producer of one of the top-selling extra virgin olive oils in the United States, is proud to announce the latest expansion of its partnership with The Culinary Institute of America (http://www.ciachef.edu), with the opening of the Colavita Olive Grove Terrace and Outdoor Kitchen at the CIA at Copia.

Located in downtown Napa at the recently opened CIA at Copia, the latest expansion provides students the opportunity to host festivities and celebratory events all while engaging in hands-on learning about making the perfect olive oil, from harvesting to extraction and finally, production.

Colavita USA was founded in 1978 by John J Profaci along with Enrico and Leonardo Colavita and pioneered the first major brand of extra virgin olive oil in the US.
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The partnership with CIA became an additional platform to keep extra virgin olive oil and Italian heritage at the forefront of culinary education. From advancing Italian cuisine through The Colavita Center for Italian Food and Wine, to establishing the John J. Profaci Legacy Scholarship and sponsoring the CIA’s annual Leadership Awards, the Colavita family has remained committed to enhancing education and understanding of the quality of extra virgin olive oil for the last 25 years.

“We are proud to be part of the leading culinary college in the world, and we hope that the opening of the Colavita Olive Grove Terrace and Outdoor Kitchen at the CIA at Copia will continue to shape the education and experiences students have at the CIA,” said President and CEO of Colavita USA, Giovanni Colavita. “Napa Valley is renowned as a world-class destination for food and wine, and we’re happy to be able to expand our relationship with an esteemed and recognized partner here.”

Colavita is distributed in over 80 countries and is recognized worldwide as the top authentic Italian extra virgin olive oil. Colavita is the leading brand in premium extra virgin olive oil, Italian pasta, and Italian vinegar in the USA in both the retail and foodservice sectors.

For more information about Colavita, visit http://www.colavita.com. You can follow Colavita on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

About Colavita:
Colavita (http://www.colavita.com) – A long time ago in the quaint hilltop village of Sant’Elia a Pianisi, located in the Molise region of Italy, two small family businesses were born. They were both Colavita families. Today, the Colavita Olive Oil and Colavita Pasta companies are still family-owned and operating in the same town of their ancestors. They have since joined with another family-owned company, Colavita USA, and together they have shared the fruits of their respective crafts with American consumers for over twenty years.

About The Culinary Institute of America:
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers bachelor’s degrees in management, culinary arts, culinary science, and applied food studies, and associate degrees in either culinary arts or baking and pastry arts. The college also offers executive education through its Food Business School along with certificate programs and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of nearly 50,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food business. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore. For more information, visit http://www.ciachef.edu.

Tickets On Sale Now for Big Sur Foragers Festival

December 6, 2017 by evebushman

Big Sur Foragers Festival is excited to announce the return of their feature venue, the Fungus Face Off, to longtime partner, Ventana Big Sur, for 2018. The community’s non-profit, Big Sur Health Center, will receive the proceeds from all of the festival events to help support the continued presence of local healthcare services in the Big Sur area.

From the website, photo from 2016 event.

2018 Includes:

Friday night dinner series with local restaurants giving a percentage of the proceeds to the Big Sur Health Center.

Several local restaurants will host winemaker’s dinners.

The sixth annual Fungus Face Off will take place at Ventana Big Sur Ocean Meadow Lawn. The Big Sur Health Center is looking forward to returning to Ventana Big Sur for 2018.

Tickets On Sale Now

Participants Include:

Chefs/Restaurants

Roy’s
Carmel Valley Ranch
The Sur House at Ventana Big Sur
Alvarado Street Brewery
A Taste of Elegance

Wineries and Breweries

Mesa del Sol
Morgan Winery
Bernardus Winery
Comanche Cellars
Mad Otter Ale
Boony Doon Vineyards
Blair Wines
Baker and Brain
Paul Lato Wines
Fillipponi Winery
Alvarado Street Brewery
Fly Wheel Wine
Chappellet Vineyards

Marketplace Vendors and Tastings:

Carmel Honey Company
Quail and Olive
Percy Pies

Wild Mushroom Walk and Talk Details To Be Announced

Nerano Welcomes Winemaker Matt Dees for the Jonata Wine Dinner on August 22

August 13, 2017 by evebushman

A Menu Created by Chef Michele Lisi and Wine Pairings by Sommelier Samantha Johnston in Celebration of Jonata’s Cult Wines

As part of a continuing series of dinners showcasing domestic and international winemakers, Nerano presents an intimate five-course dinner tasting menu paired with wines from Jonata, one of the Central Coast’s most sought after wine producers, on Tuesday, August 22, 2017.

nerend The wines selected for Nerano’s Jonata wine dinner were chosen to introduce and familiarize the richness of these Santa Barbara County wines to a wider audience. Winemaker Matt Dee’s wines offer something for everyone – Rosé for warm afternoons or Aperitivo, versatile Chardonnay for any food at every price point, and reds that can be enjoyed every day like The Hilt, or something reserved for a memorable dinner, such as Jonata’s Tierra or ‘Alma’ Cabernet Franc.

The evening reception begins with Stuzzichini of Crostino di Pomodoro Verde with Apulian Burrata and Green Tomato Marmellata and Ahi Tuna Tartare with Meyer Lemon, Capers and English Cucumber Cup paired with The Paring, Rosé of Pinot Noir 2016. A Primi course of Capesante with Roasted Scallops, Sunchoke Crema, Toasted Walnuts and Crispy Salsify is paired with The Hilt, ‘Vanguard,’ Chardonnay 2014; followed by a Risotto with Kabocha Squash and Norcia Black Truffles paired with The Hilt, ‘Old Guard,’ Pinot Noir 2014. Next is the Pasta course of house-made Pappardelle with Colorado Lamb Ragu’, Castelmagno Cheese and Crispy Rosemary paired with Jonata, ‘Tierra,’ Sangiovese 2007. For Secondi, guests will savor Braciola Di Cervo – a Roasted Venison Chop with Oregon Chanterelles, Grilled Polenta and Bing Cherry Riduzione paired with Jonata, ‘Alma,’ Cabernet Franc 2013.The dinner is completed with a Dolci of Coconut Sorbet paired with Nerano’s House-Made Limoncello.

Pricing for Nerano’s Jonata Wine Dinner is $175 per person inclusive of menu and wines, and exclusive of tax and gratuity. Dinner will be served in the upstairs BG Lounge promptly at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required and seating availability is limited for this event.

ABOUT JONATA

Matt Dees and the Jonata team’s commitment to a forward thinking approach to winemaking has made Jonata one of the most sought after cult wines of California’s Central Coast. The sandy soil slopes of the 84-acre vineyard in the Ballard Canyon AVA of Santa Barbara County were uncultivated until the Jonata team pioneered the land, planting some of the first and most successful Bordeaux and Rhone varietals in the region. Matt Dees has shown extraordinary results and gained widespread acclaim from critics such as Robert Parker, Antonio Galloni, and Stephen Tanzer. In addition, the Jonata team has an incredible commitment to sustainability. The Jonata Estate integrates livestock into their farming model, which enhances the soil and the health of their land. The ranch also contains a large communal garden, an orchard that produces olives for estate olive oil and honey bees raised for the production of honey. The vineyard team practices judicious water use without using chemicals such as herbicides or pesticides. Small production, meticulously made, with an outstanding commitment to quality – that is Matt Dees and Jonata’s way.

JONATA WINE DINNER WITH SPECIAL GUEST MATT DEES

Executive Chef Michele Lisi

Sommelier Samantha Johnston

Special Guest Winemaker Matt Dees

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

7:30 PM IN THE BG LOUNGE

stuzzichini

Crostino di Pomodoro Verde

apulian burrata, green tomato marmellata

Ahi Tuna Tartare

ahi tuna, meyer lemon, capers, english cucumber cup

The Paring, Rosé of Pinot Noir 2016

primi

Capesante

roasted scallops, sunchoke crema, toasted walnuts, crispy salsify

The Hilt, ‘Vanguard,’ Chardonnay 2014

Risotto

risotto with kabocha squash, norcia black truffles

The Hilt, ‘Old Guard,’ Pinot Noir 2014

pasta

Pappardelle

pappardelle, colorado lamb ragu’, castelmagno cheese, crispy rosemary

JONATA, ‘Tierra,’ Sangiovese 2007

secondi

Braciola di Cervo

roasted venison chop, oregon chanterelles, grilled polenta, bing cherry riduzione

JONATA, ‘Alma,’ Cabernet Franc 2013

dolci

Sorbetto

coconut sorbet

Nerano House-Made Limoncello

$175 per person

inclusive of menu and wines, plus taxes and gratuity.

WHEN:

JONATA WINE DINNER WITH WINEMAKER MATT DEES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2017

7:30 p.m. upstairs in the BG Lounge

Limited availability; advanced reservations required

WHERE:

Nerano & The BG Lounge

9960 South Santa Monica Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

310.405.0155

ABOUT:

Nerano is the fourth restaurant from the Toscana Restaurant Group and is the vision of owners Andy Brandon-Gordon and Carlo Brandon-Gordon’s trips to the Amalfi Coast where they became inspired by the temperate climate, the pure simplicity of the coastal cuisine and the inviting Italian culture. In combining their individual talents with a virtuoso team of culinary and creative professionals, they are fulfilling their vision of a stunning contemporary space matched with exquisite dishes and welcoming service they discovered in the village of Nerano. Executive Chef Michele Lisi’s menu is deftly created with a light touch, using only the finest California and imported Italian ingredients. Mixologist William Perbellini has crafted the cocktail program for both Nerano and the sleek and lush BG Lounge upstairs. The BG Lounge is beautifully appointed and the dramatic and theatrical room is an instant classic, reminiscent of Bemelmans Bar at New York’s Carlyle Hotel or Bar Hemingway in Paris. Nerano and BG Lounge opened in November with much fanfare from The Hollywood Reporter, Eater, Thrillist and Urban Daddy.

Become a Fan of NERANO on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/neranobh

Follow NERANO on Twitter: @neranobh

on Instagram: @neranobh

For OpenTable reservations

Please visit TRG’s restaurants on the Web:

www.toscanabrentwood.com

www.bartoscana.com

www.sykitchen.com

Vintage Eve Circa Dec. 2012: Wine With Attitude and Without

January 24, 2017 by evebushman

I’ve never really had a problem with wine attitudes. Like the first time Eddie and I visited France. We were warned that the waiters would turn up their noses if we selected the wrong wines, scoff at an inexpensive choice and return our check too quickly. I spent the long flight getting there refreshing my French to avoid the problem. Ed scoffed at me. He said just be yourself; no erase that, just be like him: polite.

A newer photo: Wine 661 owner Tanya Green

It amazed me that our earnest attempts at French were not laughed at. Our earnest attempts to learn were far from scoffed at. And, in being earnestly polite, we were richly rewarded in enjoying and learning about French wines. Our summarization: Attitude comes from the drinker, not the server, and certainly not the wineries which by basic successful business standards pretty much prohibit discrimination.

With that in mind, we ventured into the cozy local Wine 661 for a taste. We had been disappointed with Wine Savor, the former store ownership, as we would like to drink more than just a $10 bottle limit. We gave it six visits before giving up. We never voiced our complaint, trying to be polite, we just wanted a little more selection and sought it elsewhere. But now, even though there were new owners, we weren’t sure if we would be comfortable in a place that promised “no attitude”. What if they sniffed out our experienced palates and assumed attitude? How should we behave? We settled on our old standby of: “politely”.

We were unsure about the flights of wine offered and ventured into the recesses of the racks to try a mid-priced Australian Shiraz we had never heard of. A nice screw capped Kilikanoon South Australia Killerman’s Run Shiraz Grenache 2004, to be exact, as we bought a bottle before leaving. That’s not all we bought though.

After settling in and watching bartendress Val deftly decant our wine we took a look around to see what a wine bar “without attitude” looked like. It looked like a lot of women. I don’t mean dozens but at least an even half. Young women. Lounging on the comfortable sofas. Relaxing. Gazing out of the store front. Looking glorious in the soft lighting. Checking out the appetizer menu. We were left to consider that a wine bar was probably a more respectable place for women to meet than a regular bar. But then we moved on to what they had: the appetizer menu.

Out of a surprising six selections we settled on the Warm Brie w/Raspberry Chipotle Drizzle that Val warned us was the drizzle to die from. I think she even said she used it in her PB & J. Like spicy chutney, when paired with the warm brie and the Shiraz, our palates were quite pleased. Not sated, of course, we ordered the olive Tampenade. Slightly chunky but with the same favorable bit of dueling flavors. Again it seemed perfectly matched with our wine.

Had we been hungrier we would have ventured on to the Warm Spinach Dip, Assorted Cheese Plate, Chicken Skewers with Teriyaki Sauce and the “Ménage Et Trois” bit of salami, white cheddar and nuts. Next time we told ourselves. As all were reasonably priced, having more than one for a dinner or as a snack sounded just about right.

So next time you want to go out and leave your attitude at home remember it’s all up to you. You can sniff and swirl anywhere. But when will you learn something? When you are open to it and not above it.

Vegetarian Dinner by Heidi Wiedeman

September 11, 2016 by evebushman

Constantly bugging my friend Heidi to share her recipes with readers as well as her Facebook page, this one I think you can figure out even without the actual directions. It’s called:

Grilled zucchini slices drizzled with balsamic glaze, beefsteak tomato, fresh basil, sautéed onion and sweet pepper on toasted ciabatta roll topped with melted racelette cheese and a side of sweet corn flavored kettle chips (find at Sprouts).

And when I said I was going to wing it on the measurements Heidi added, “Yes, no need to measure anything…just go for it. I tossed the slices of zucchini with olive oil and garlic before grilling them in a hot grill pan to get grill marks…added lots of flavor.”

Announcing STARS of Pinot

July 10, 2016 by evebushman

Over 60+ Pinot producers from around the world will be gathering in Los Angeles for an elite tasting event on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.

Los Angeles, California – STARS of Pinot is back for a smashing event… we are preparing this to be wineLA’s biggest event in YEARS!!! From Champagne, France to the heart of the Russian River in Sonoma, from McMinnville Oregon to Casablanca Chile; from Burgundy to Santa Barbara and great vineyards in-between; wineLA is proud to announce their 2016 winery participants which includes Official Champagne Sponsor “Charles Heidsieck” (Yes, “Champagne” is made from Pinot), AVE Winery, AVV Winery Co, Balletto Vineyards, Breathless Wines, Bernardus Winery, Blair Estate, Brittan Vineyards, Cakebread Cellars, Casa Marin, Cellars 33, Center of Effort, Challen Winery, Clos Pepe Estate, Decoy, Dolin Family Cellars, Donelan, Domaine Nicolas-Jay, Ferrari-Carano , Flowers, Fog Crest Vineyard, FOXEN, Frank Family Vineyards, Goldeneye , Guarachi Family Wines, Hanzell Vineyards , Hope & Grace Wines, J. Lohr, Keller Estate, Le Cadeau, Mansfield-Dunne Wines, Migration, Niner Wine Estates, Rocky Point Cellars, Sonoma-Loeb Wines, Talley Vineyards, Temerity Vineyard, Testarossa, The Fifty by Fifty, The Hilt, Timbre Winery, Tolosa Winery, Westwood Annadel, Wrath…. and the list goes on.Adding both delicious bites and conversation; event partners CHEFS WAREHOUSE distributors of all things tasty, and suppliers to some of the greatest restaurants in LOS ANGELES will be producing a luxury food show inside this event. Guest Chefs will be invited to participate and enjoy the PINOT tasting at the same time. Gourmet Cheeses from some of the nations top producers, Charcuterie by the best: Olympia Provisions from Oregon, Chocolate (can you say Val Rhona?) Truffles, Premium Olive Oils as well as our sponsor LA BREA BAKERY will be showcasing their best. Panel hosts and refined lifestyle experts will also be appearing for a luxury food panel (6:00pm VIP evening ticket holders) hosted by LA Restaurant Critic and Book Author Patric KUH – Author of “Finding the Flavors We Lost: From Bread to Bourbon, How Artisans Reclaimed American Food”

General Admission tickets can be purchased for $125 and includes unlimited wine tasting, and an exceptional assortment of appetizers, cheeses, and desserts all provided by some of the great sponsors mentioned above, the list is growing! Wine aficionados may choose to purchase a VIP ticket for $200, VIP includes early admission, a 6:00pm plated dinner, VIP gift bag, and a exclusive panel tasting (Panel A) with Amy Christine, A Master of Wine, who panels with Matt Dees- Jonata/ Hilt, Michael McNeill- Hanzell, Gerald Casale- The Fifty by Fifty, and Tom Mortimer- Le Cadeau or (Panel B) with Patric KUH, and named professions to be announced. All ticket purchasing guests will receive one complimentary take-home SCHOTT ZWIESEL Pinot Wine Glass – a $15 value!

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

Stars of Pinot will commence for General Admission at 7:00p.m., and VIP at 6:00p.m.

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

About wineLA
wineLA is focused on enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles. wineLA hosts significant events, occasional classes, wine programs, private client in-home wine experiences, and tastings of merit. This is the second phase of what the organization started 20 years ago at LearnAboutWine.com – America’s first wine education website and first in wine event creation!!To accomplish it’s mission, wineLA recognizes that wine must be placed in rhythm with fashion, music, food, geography, centers of interest, and architecture. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, rooftops, gardens, and magical views. wineLA is leaving a footprint of wine lifestyle by celebrating people, places, and passion. Come and enjoy!

Vintage Beacon Circa Oct. 2010: A Peep Sent me a Pic…for a Scotch Tasting From Vom Fass

July 21, 2015 by evebushman

The photo, if I’ve done my job right, is here in this post. What appears to be Scotch Casks turned out to be much, much, more. So much more that I’m planning a field trip with other students of the current Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) so that they too can sample Spirits, Liqueurs and more “From The Cask”. (See the e-mail from one of the owners of Vom Fass, and my story, below.)

Hi Eve,

The short answer is yes, we do cask scotch tastings. But there is so much more. Vom Fass (meaning “from the cask” in German) is an international company with approx 250 stores worldwide but only 5 in the U.S. Vom Fass Westlake Village is the first Vom Fass store in California. (Editor’s note: The Westlake store is now closed, this is the closest Vom Fass now: 451 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001)

In our store customers are allowed to taste all of our products before choosing a bottle of a size to their liking to take the product home.

On one side of the store are wonderful olive oils, infused olive oils (citrus and herb infused such as tangerine, basil, rosemary, oregano, truffle etc), nut and seed oils (pistachio oil, pumpkinseed oil, hazelnut oil etc), wonderful aged balsamic vinegars and fruit vinegars such as calamansi, pear, chili-fig and date.

On the other side of the store are single malt whiskeys, cognacs, armagnacs, grappas, liqueurs (including the Green Fairy–Absinthe!) and other spirits. We do have a wine section as well. From your background you I’m sure have much more experience with wine then we do but we are learning fast!

Customers can sample anything in the store (including the wine…and the Absinthe!) and then select from a multitude of bottle sizes (50 ml to 750ml) to take the selected products home. If they choose an oil or vinegar they can bring the bottle back and we will refill it for them as well. We do private tasting and cooking events as well.

We have chefs on staff who can provide you with a full tour of our offerings and suggest various pairings and uses for our products. But allow yourself an hour or so if you want to experience the whole store.

We would love to have you come in and look, taste and enjoy with us! My partner Mike Romance and our General Manager Chef Matt Belzano will be in the store tomorrow and would be happy to host you and give you the tour. Let us know if this would be convenient and we will look forward to meeting you.

Eric Alcorn

Owner

Vom Fass Westlake Village

So, off I went

The only thing that comes prepackaged at Vom Fass? The wine. Although they are happy to open up a bottle, along with anything else in the store, for a sampling. I kept my sampling to things I’d never tried before: Grappa, 144 proof Absinthe and cask strength single malt Scotch.

You could have three tastes of the spirits on the house, and then pay $1 for additional tastes, but Vom Fass isn’t a bar. It’s a store. And this is what I found on their shelves: spirits, liqueurs, Absinthe, Grappa, fruit brandies, Cognac, Armagnac, domestic and imported wines, Scotch and Irish Whiskey.

But that’s not all.

Then came the extra virgin olive oils, wellness oils, nut and seed oils, infused oils…whew…and you have to have the vinegars to pair with the oils right? They have aged fruit vinegars, wine vinegars and Aceto Balsamico Di Modena, the “king of sweet and sour seasonings”. Tastes of the oils and vinegars are unlimited and free.

I tried truffle oil, ginger sesame oil, grape seed oil, lemon oil and…and learned that they were imported from all over Greece, Spain and Italy.

A drop of very special vinegar was then added to the oil in my tasting spoon – “Aceto Balsamico Di Modena Maletti Riserva Speciale. OMG, I had died and gone to heaven in Italy.

The liquor items were stored on the other side of the brightly lit shop. I made my move…

Mike Silk, one of the store chefs, and Matt Belzano, a chef and the General Manager, were there that day to help me. Mike told me that his years with the culinary school in Oxnard as well as his restaurant experience with the Plug Nickel and Mariann’s Italian Villa, suited him to staff a shop like this. And Matt, with equal culinary credentials and management experience, led me on to my first Absinthe tasting.

With 72% alcohol and 140 proof I was happy to watch the “Absinthe Fountain” dilute the star anise liquor from its bright green color to a more manageable shade. The fountain trickled water over a waiting sugar cube and into a small glass. From that I had my first, and possibly not my last, taste of Absinthe. If for nothing else, go to Vom Fass for that!

By the time I got to the single malt Scotches I had grown anxious – as I was keeping track of so many new favorites! So I took advantage of their bottling. I could get any size glass container, and in a wide choice of unique styles, of whatever I liked. I have a square bottle of absinthe, a couple of mini pitchers of the Modena vinegar and the truffle oil, and two small (compared to my normal stash) bottles of single malt.

The smaller sizes made it easy for me to take home more “samples” of what I liked.

I watched as they hand-wrote on each bottle with a thin white marker. What a show that was! I’m planning on making a show of them again later when I have friends over! No doubt that my find was truly unique. Who’s to say that when you go, and you shall, you might choose the same item in the same container?

While my order was being wrapped up I learned that Vom Fass, established 17 years ago, has 250 stores in Europe. This one, in Westlake Village, is the only one in California so yes, dear reader, I drove almost an hour for this. And, I will again!

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

Chianti Classico Collection 2015 (La Leopolda del Vino)

June 1, 2015 by evebushman

Florence – Presentation of the latest Chianti Classico vintages to the top wine experts marks a unique occasion for learning all about the Chianti Classico appellation, its labels and what’s new in one of the world’s most important wine regions.

This is the Chianti Classico Collection, one of the major events on the international wine world calendar, held on February 17 and 18 in the beautiful setting of the Stazione Leopolda in Florence, its customary venue.

Here are the figures for the Leopolda of Wine: 149 wineries participating, 517 labels tasted for a total of 6,200 bottles opened and served by a team of 50 sommeliers during the two days of the event, which was attended by more than 200 journalists from 30 different countries and more than 1,300 trade professionals. There were 39 barrel previews of the 2014 vintage and 56 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines tasted.

“This is the third time I participated in the Chianti Classico Collection, not only as a vintner but as president of the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico,” says Sergio Zingarelli. “With increasing awareness of its importance, this event grows every year, bringing to Florence the wine press and trade from all over the world. The wines that were tasted here come from a territory that next year will be celebrating the 300th anniversary of the 1716 edict with which Cosimo III de Medici established the borders of our production territory. Since then there has been a succession of Grand Dukes, vintners, production regulations, markets and merchants, consumers, harvests, historic events and normal moments of rural life – but our terroir, our grapes and our passion have remained the same.”

As usual, the first day of the event, February 17, was reserved exclusively for journalists of the Italian and international press, who in the afternoon tasted the wines in the presence of the vintners, while on February 18, from 10 am on, the event was also open to trade and professionals, who were able to meet with producers and sample their wines.

In a talk show replacing the customary press conference, The Collection was also an occasion for discussing the importance of cooperation and interaction among wineries, and in particular those of Chianti Classico, which are different in size and origin but all united for the past 90 years by membership in Italy’s oldest wine consortium.

Also not to be missed was the party in honor of Chianti Classico and its symbol, the Black Rooster, held at the Stazione Leopolda: for the last day of Carnival guests sported a charming accessory provided by the evening’s organizers. The recommended dress code was red and black, not in reference to Stendhal or soccer teams but in tribute to the world’s most famous wine trademark, the Black Rooster encircled in red. The guest list was top secret and in addition to wine experts also included members of local institutions and VIPs.

This year, too, the partners in the event were top names in the wine & food industry, including some of the finest Italian DOP products, which, under the institutional umbrella of the AICIG (Italian Association of Geographical Indication Consortiums) gave presentations and offered tastings at the Collection. They included the Prosciutto di San Daniele Consortium, the Grana Padano Consortium, the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP Consortium, the Prosciutto Toscano Consortium, the Pecorino Toscano DOP Consortium, the Consortium for “Oliva da mensa” DOP – La Bella della Daunia – cultivar La Bella di Cerignola, the Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP Consortium, the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Consortium, the Gorgonzola cheese DOP Consortium, and the Mortadella Bologna Consortium.

Also among traditional sponsors of the Collection were RCR, Firenze Parcheggi, Aqua di Toscana®San Felice and Pulltex.

Vintage Hollywood for Zinfandel Weekend at Two Tasting Rooms

March 16, 2015 by evebushman

Chateau Lettau and Grizzly Republic Tasting Rooms host a Vintage Hollywood party to celebrate the famous Vintage Paso Zinfandel Weekend March 20-22.

Paso Robles – Two Downtown Tasting Rooms join forces for the first time to celebrate Vintage Paso Zinfandel Weekend. Join Chateau Lettau and Grizzly Republic March 20^th through the 22^nd for a Vintage Hollywood celebration! Friday and Saturday Night enjoy gourmet food and live music. No cover charge, and select wines by the glass will be just $6.00. Newly released and barrel sample Zinfandels will be the spotlight of the party! Vintage Hollywood costumes are encouraged as a photographer will be on site to take your photo on the red carpet.

This star studded event will take place all weekend long. Friday night Enjoy live music from Tim Jackson at Chateau Lettau, and Phil Cisneros next door at Grizzly Republic from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Chateau Lettau will be serving up some gourmet meatballs in a zinfandel reduction sauce plus a glass of the New Release 2013 Old Time Torgy Zinfandel for only $10 per person. All wines, including other new releases will be available as well.

Saturday night the Vintage Hollywood experience is happening all day from 1-8pm. Lulu & the Cowtippers will be performing outside in the breezeway between the two tasting rooms from 4-7pm. This rockabilly blues band has evolved right here on the Central Coast of California. They have combined their unique styles and talents to infuse a delicate blend of southern rock, blues and hard rock. Notably, the band has played with an eclectic group of greats; Everclear, X, 311, No Doubt, The Kottonmouth Kings and Eddie Money.

Dress in your best Vintage Hollywood style and walk the red carpet to this star studded event of lights, music, and glamour. Photographers will be on hand to take photos in front of the Vintage Hollywood backdrop. Social media contests for best glamour shot will take place during and after the event. Don’t forget to use #ZinGlamour!

The Pairing Knife mobile gourmet food truck will be parked at the curb from 3-8pm with all kinds of culinary delights available for purchase, including salads, sliders, cheese plates and chili verdé tacos. Inside Chateau Lettau try the entire lineup featuring the brand new 2013 Old Time Torgy Zinfandel. This Chateau Lettau favorite is a staple for zinfandel weekend every year and is quick to sell out. Also enjoya tasting of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar from our good friends and local favorite Robbins Family Farms.

Sunday will be a great way to wind the weekend down. Taste the newly release 2013 Old Time Torgy Zinfandel alongside the Rhapsody Rosé, Diva Pinot Noir and Afterglow Port and Chocolate at Chateau Lettau. Taste Grizzly Republic Tempranillo and Petite Sirah. Take advantage of Zinfandel Weekend Specials this weekend only.

All Paso Robles Visitors are encouraged to join the roaring fun at these two tasting rooms on Zinfandel Weekend. Experience the lights, wine and glamour March 20-22 all while staying tucked away in the Downtown Paso Robles Wine Trail. Chateau Lettau and Grizzly Republic are located in downtown Paso Robles at 840 13^th Street.

Your SCV (and MORE) Happy Hour List

March 13, 2015 by evebushman

Besides the SCV Wine Calendar for events, we also have compiled a list of local Happy Hours taken from website pages or via email. Some of our hyperlinks go straight to the Happy Hour menus! (We have not visited all of these, so this is not a list of Eve Wine 101 recommended Happy Hours, it’s just a list of all the ones you can check out in Santa Clarita that we now know about!) If you know of any others please email them to us, as you see a pal emailed us a couple outside of SCV that we shared at the bottom of our list:

Azul Tequila: Monday through Friday 3pm until 7pm, $3.75 House Margaritas, $3.50 wine by the glass, $3.50 well drinks, $.99 Coors light draft, (All other draft beers $3.50) and $5 appetizers.

Bier Academy, Beer Bar and Grill: From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. $1 off pints and appetizers. Pints can range from $3.50 to $7 depending on the type of beer. Always have 16 ounce $3 Rolling Rocks or PBR.

BJ’s Brewhouse: Monday through Friday 3-7pm, Sunday through Thursday 10pm until closing and all day Tuesday is half off wines by the glass or bottle. $4 craft beers and call drinks, $5 Mojitos and Martinis, $6 select wines by the glass, Happy Hour food menu.

Black Angus Steakhouse: Monday through Friday from 3pm until 7pm in the bar, Tuesdays and Sundays all day long, $3.50 well drinks, $4.50 16 ounce bottled and draft beers, $5.50 select wines by the glass and reduced prices on full sized appetizers.

Claim Jumper Valencia: Monday through Friday from 3pm until 6:30pm, Saturday 11am until 3pm, in the saloon only. Select menu of items priced between $2 and $8, $4 pints of draft beer, $5 to $8 select cocktails and $5 select wines by the glass.

Sazerac with Whistle Pig, Antigua Bitters, nice and neat at Cuvee.

NEW 2015: Cuvée Bistro & Raw Bar: 2-7pm every day with $2 Taco Bar from 2-5pm. (Though at press time I was just there on a Tuesday and we were offered but one get one drinks until 7pm.)

Don Cuco Newhall: Daily from 4pm until 7pm, select beers between $3.00 and 4.50, $5.95 Margaritas and $5.25 well drinks, half price on all appetizers, in the bar only.

Gyi-Kaku Sushi Bar: After 8:30 p.m. you can get house sake for $2.95, a mug of Sapporo for $3, a pitcher for $6.50, 50% off all cocktails.

Islands: Monday through Friday from 4pm until 7pm, select appetizers and drinks under $5. (A perusal of their website no longer shows pricing only the Happy Hour time.)

Kabuki: Monday through Friday 3pm until 6pm, Monday through Thursdays 9pm until closing and 8 pm until closing on Sundays. Select cocktails $5.95 to $6.50, lowered prices on select hot and cold Sakes, select wines are $3.50 a glass and lowered prices on select beers.

Lazy Dog: Monday through Friday 3pm until 6pm, Sunday through Thursday 9pm until closing in the bar and patio only, drinks priced from $3 to $7 and Happy Hour portioned appetizers between $3 and $6.

Le Chene: 4:30pm until 7pm every day except Saturday. No specifics on website.

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: In the bar only from 3 until 7 pm Monday through Friday and 9pm until closing every day. Happy Hour menu, select 22 ounce draft beers between $4 and $5, $5.50 – $7.50 select wines by the glass, $4.25 well drinks, $6.50 – $7.25 Martinis, featured cocktails between $4.75 and $7.50.

Margaritas Mexican Grill: Monday through Friday from 3pm-7pm in bar area only. No drink specials listed on website.

Marston’s Valencia: Tuesday through Sunday 5pm to 7pm. $1 off Marston’s specialty drinks and Martinis, $4 select glasses of wine, $4 all draft beer, $3.25 bottled beer, $5 well drinks, $6 well martinis and Cosmopolitans. Happy Hour Appetizer menu.

Newhall Refinery: Available Tuesday – Friday 3:00pm-5:00pm: House Wine – Cabernet or Chardonnay $4, Specialty Beer Flight – Bartender’s Choice (3) 4oz. Draught $4, Custom Beer Flight – your choice of (3) 4oz. Draught $6, Brown Bag Special – 12oz. Bottle, Bartender’s Choice $4 (Guess brown bag style beer for additional comp), Wine Flights – your choice of (3) 2oz wine by the glass from $6, $2 off small bottled beer, $4 off large bottled beer, $2 off wine flights, $2 off wine by the glass, HAPPY HOUR BITES Available Tuesday – Sunday 4:00pm-5:00pm – Chipotle wings, lime cream, peanuts & cilantro $6, Chicharones, house yuzu kosho hot sauce, celery greens, radish $4, Pickled beets and cherries, frisee, warm goat crostini $5, Mini refiners fries $5, Warm olives $3 and Chili lime bar nuts $3.

New Moon Valencia: In the bar and lounge weekdays from 5pm until closing and all day long on weekends. Cocktails from $5 to $6, beer $3.75 to $5.50, wine $5 and appetizers from $3 to $6 (most are $4).

The Oaks Grille (inside TPC, Tournament Players Club): 4:30-6:30 Wednesdays and Thursday.

Persia Restaurant and Persia Lounge: Monday to Thursday 3pm to 7pm house wine $3.50 Domestic Beer $3, and Reverse Happy Hours every night from 8pm until closing for the same prices.

Presidente Santa Clarita: Monday through Friday from 2:30pm until 6pm in the cantina only, small bites starting at $2.50, all draft beer $3.25 for 14 ounce and $5.50 for 22 ounce, $4 plain and $4.50 flavored16 ounce house Margaritas, $5 to $6.75 for 16 ounce premium Margaritas, $3.50 to $4.25 tequilas, $3 well drinks, $4 house wine by the glass.

Rattler’s Bar B Que: Monday to Friday 3-7 p.m. bar only, food priced between $1.50 and $5.50, 16 oz. draft beer $4.99, 20 oz. draft beer $5.99, specialty cocktails $7 to $9.

Route 66 Classic Grill: Happy Hour in the bar and patio only and not during special events, Monday through Friday 3pm until 6pm and again from 9pm until closing, Saturday 9pm until closing and Sunday 7pm until closing. $1 off draft beer and $1 off well drinks.

Sabor Cocina Mexicana: Monday to Friday 2pm until 6pm $6 margaritas, $4 beer, $4 well drinks and $6 appetizers.

Salt Creek Grille Valencia: Monday through Friday 4-6:30 pm in the bar only, well drinks $4, draft and bottled beers $4 and house wines by the glass $4. Bites ranging from $4 (soup of the day) to $10 (jumbo shrimp cocktail).

Sisley Italian Kitchen Valencia: Monday through Friday 3-7pm, Saturday 8-10pm and all day Sunday well drinks between $3 and $5, several appetizers between $3 and $4.95.

Watermelon Margaritas at solita

NEW 2015: Solita Tacos and Margaritas: Two Wood Grilled Chicken, Crispy Fish and Tofu tacos for $4.00, Oak-Roasted Chicken, Pork Carnitas, Chorizo Sweet Potato and Black Bean or the Chicken Taquitos are $5. Guacamole $6. House, Frozen or Skinny Margarita for $6. Well drinks and wines $5.00. (solita Tacos & Margaritas Valencia will be rolling out more specials every Tuesday, for Taco & Tequila Tuesday, offering live music, Frozen Margarita Flights, taco options and more from 3:00 pm to close.) Happy Hour and Reverse Happy Hour every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:15 pm and 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm; Taco Tuesday is every Tuesday from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with the bar staying open until 12:00 Midnight.

TGI Fridays: “Drink specials all day, every day” includes $3 – $4 beers, cocktails $4 and up.

Vines (in the Hyatt on Town Center Drive): Lounge and patio from 4pm until 7pm daily, $6 bites, $5 bartender specials as well as select wines, $4 domestic beer and $5 craft beer.

The Vu: Everyday 4 to 8pm.

Wokcano Valencia: In the bar and lounge area: Monday 11am until 2am, Tuesday – Thursday 3pm to 7pm and 9pm to 2am, Friday 3pm until 7pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm and 9pm to 2am. Happy Hour food menu, $4 draft beer, $4 Sangria, $4 well drinks, $4 house wine, $5 Sake Bomb.

Wolf Creek Restaurant: In the bar area only Monday 4pm until closing, Tuesday through Friday 4pm until 6:30pm, Saturday 8pm until closing. Happy Hour pizzas $5.50 and 25% off other appetizers.

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill: Happy Hour 3pm until 6pm.

And Outside of SCV:

MAGNOLIA HOUSE: No need to knock, as the door is always open at Magnolia House! Pasadena’s favorite new restaurant and bar introduces Neighborhood Hour every Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Offering discounted wines, well drinks and their signature cocktails, this cozy bungalow has something for everyone on the block. Sip on Bar Manager Colin Shearn’s tasty Cocktail of the Moment from his newly released cocktail menu for only $7.00, or kick back and relax while you enjoy the signature Magnolia House Sangria for $6.00. Pint-loving pedestrians will not be able to resist popping in to try all five craft beer options (at just $5.00 each), including the Craftsman 1903, Heavenly Hefe, Mother Earth Cali’ Creamin’, Santa Barbara Common Ale and Swamis IPA. Pair these budget-friendly beverages with gourmet snacks from Executive Chef Kyu Yi and bite into delicious dishes like Crunchy Ahi Tacos with spicy tuna, avocado crema and radish or Margherita Flatbread ($8.00) topped with spicy tomato, burrata, basil and a cilantro-pistachio pesto. Or get food tipsy off the Drunken Nachos ($7.00) smothered in beer queso sauce. Additionally, guests can dine on Blistered Shishitos ($5.00) served with sweet Thai chili and ponzu sauce, as well as Lebanese Beef Skewers,($6.00) drizzled with tahini yogurt sauce. Do not miss out on this new hotspot, where Neighborhood Houris reinventing Pasadena evenings and making it easy for you (and your wallet)! Magnolia House is open for Neighborhood Hour Monday through Friday from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm; 492 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101; 626.584.1126.

RASCAL: The only rule at Rascal, is that there are no rules! This favorite local hotspot on South La Brea Avenue hosts Happy Hour seven days a week. With $6.00 Eats & House Libations available throughout the entire restaurant (not just bar), it is quickly becoming everyone’s favorite pastime. With something for everyone, Rascaloffers traditional beverage choices including cocktails like the Moscow Mule and Margarita, as well as House-Made Red Sangria and the Cold Duck, a sangria topped off with sparkling cava brut. Beer lovers can enjoy pints of the North Cost Scrimshaw Pilsner, while discriminating winos will delight in select red, white and sparkling wines like the 2013 Solar de Estraunza and the 2011 Garnacha Beso de Vino. Executive Chef Andy Lee keeps everyone happy with favorites like Spicy Italian Sausage with blistered red watercress, olive oil and olive tapenade, a classic Burger topped with beer-deglazed caramelized onions, cheddar, arugula, vine-ripened tomato and herb remoulade, as well as Brussels Sprouts sprinkled with smoked bacon, shallots and garlic and drizzled with whole grain mustard sauce. Buttermilk marinated fried chickenis so good, it is served two ways: A Fried Chicken Sandwich, which is stacked with tomato, Napa cabbage and tzatziki and the classic comfort-dish, Fried Chicken & Gravy is smothered with Italian sausage gravy. Non meat-eaters can enjoy a pita bread-packed Vegetable Gyro Sandwich stuffed with potato croquet, tabbouleh, curry hummus, tzatziki and queso fresco. Why let the happy stop there? Rascal wonders the same thing, which is why every Sunday is Sunday Funday, a game night, offering a variety of board games for patrons to play, while sipping on Happy Hour cocktails (at Happy Hour prices) “all night long.” Checkmate! Rascal is open for Happy Hour from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm every Tuesday through Saturday, and 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm every Monday; and Sunday Funday is every Sunday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; 801 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.933.3229.

TIPPLE & BRINE: Known for their bountiful bivalve bar of fresh oysters and creative custom cocktails, Tipple & Brine continues to shine and is quickly becoming the gem (or pearl, more appropriately) of Sherman Oaks. Currently presenting a Social Hour every Monday through Friday, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, guests can stop in for gourmet fare and drinks at discounted pricing. Dive in with $5.00 Oyster Shooters and $7.00 house-made classic cocktails, like the Old Fashioned or Moscow Mule crafted with Tito’s Vodka.The beer and wine is more than fine, with $5.00 draft offerings of Firestone IPA, Mama’s Little Yella Pils, Golden Road Hefe, Craftsman 1903 or Dogtown Brown and four wine selections of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon for just $6.00 per glass. Slurp down fresh Oysters for just $2.00 a piece or a plate of Warm Marinated Olives for only $4.00. Additional menu favorites are occasionally rotated during Social Hour, but generally consist of delectable dishes like Crispy Oysters with sauce gribiche ($7.00), Brussels Sprouts ($5.00) and Mussels & Fries ($7.00). Stop in for some social time and savor some of these select pairings at this Sherman Oaks hotspot! Tipple & Brine is open for Social Hour every Monday through Friday from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm; 14633 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403; 818.528.2550.