Perlis Picks: San Luis Obispo County Wine — A World Class History (Book Review)

April 3, 2021 by Michael Perlis

Reading San Luis Obispo County Wine — A World Class History by Libbie Agran and Heather Muran with the Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County brought back a lot of great memories and also filled in a lot of gaps.

I think Karen and I started visiting the Paso Robles wine region in the late 1980s or early 1990s. One of my earliest memories of visiting the wineries of Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County dates back to us driving down the 101 from the San Francisco Bay area and making a pit stop at Castoro Cellars. Around that time, we also had many happy visits to places like York Mountain Winery, Estrella River Winery [Gary Eberle’s first winery], Arciero, Pesenti and others that are no longer with us, at least in their former incarnations. Castoro, of course, is still producing great wines, along with a host of others that we have seen spring up throughout the area that we have come to consider practically our second home.

And while I’ve felt that my knowledge of the Paso Robles wine region has been pretty extensive, this book taught me so much about what I didn’t know and really filled in the connections between the various industry icons over the history of not only Paso Robles but Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande as well.

The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County was founded by Libbie Agran in 2015 to study and document the vineyards, varietals, growers and winemakers of the area going back to the 1700s. Working with Heather Muran [who served as a historian with the project in 2019 and 2020], the book [Libbie’s second], presents the history of the region along with the interrelationships of the people involved in an extremely readable and easy to understand fashion.

Libbie’s writing style flows off the page. She went through numerous oral interviews to collect history and information. The book is also highlighted with many family photographs of the founding members of the SLO Wine region. At the end of each chapter, Libbie lists several historical sites to visit that were discussed in that chapter.

But wait, there’s more!

While the book is a must-read in its own right, I also highly recommend that you check out the Wine History Project’s website. There, you can dig deeper into what is presented in the book and support the work that Libbie is doing. Last April [wow, time flies] I wrote about the film 91 Harvests Perlis Picks: 91 Harvests (evewine101.com) which covers the Dusi family history, but the website provides all the information on the other work that Libbie and her team are doing, as well as exhibitions around the area – I am definitely looking forward to checking these out on our next visit.

Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County

https://winehistoryproject.org/

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 30 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also President of MCP Financial, which provides outsourced controller services. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or mcpfinancial@aol.com.

Vintage Eve 7/2018: What Did I Find at The Latest Garagiste “Urban Exposure” in Santa Monica?

February 9, 2021 by evebushman

Garagiste festival co-founders Stewart McLennan and Doug Minnick (locals know Doug from his shared wine tasting room in Downtown Newhall, Double Trouble) as well as countless experienced volunteers, succeeded once again to bring nearly 50 small producing wineries under one roof – Santa Monica Bay Women’s Club – to be discovered by wine lovers.

Left to right: Erik Siering, Mark Wasserman, me, Paul Quinn and James Schreiner.

(Photo: My favorite people – and wine – at Vinemark Cellars and TW Ferm Co! — left to right: Erik Siering, Mark Wasserman, me, Paul Quinn and James Schreiner.)

Urban Exposure features artisan winemakers from across California, including Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, Los Angeles County and more. The Garagiste Festival is Los Angeles’ only wine festival that exclusively features high quality wines from commercial California ‘garagiste’ winemakers, offering Angelenos a unique opportunity to discover hard-to-find wineries, taste hundreds of their wines, and meet the winemakers…Over 70% of the wineries pouring at the festival do not have tasting rooms, and most are not on “wine country” maps and difficult to find except at the Garagiste Festival.

Pretty sure I’ve covered every Garagiste event that has been produced in Los Angeles for the past five years, as well as a couple in Paso Robles. I look forward to trying the new vintages from wineries we’ve discovered before, and wines from new wineries added to the event. This year I tried to taste as many Rare and Reserve offerings as I could as well, before palate fatigue set in.

Will now share a few of my take-aways (oh how I wish I could’ve taken some of the wine home with me!) from the event. (Too thirsty to read on? Shoot over here to see the event photos.)

Wineries Tastes (I have only noted the wines I enjoyed – keep in mind I did not try every wine that was offered at every winery table.)

Bellante Family Winery: 2016 Viognier, Los Olivos, Camp 4 Vineyard, and 14.9% alcohol.

Betwixt Wines: 2012 Grenache, Boer Vineyard, Sonoma (sold out) and 2010 Syrah.

Byron Blatty: Mark’s brand new Rose of Grenache, LA County, $27 and 2016 Tremor blend of Grenache, Syrah and Merlot, LA County, $58.

Caliza Vineyards: 2013 Estate Grenache, Paso Robles, only 50 cases made, $75

Cutruzzola Vineyards: 2012 Riesling, Riven Rock Vineyard Estate, San Luis Obispo County, 12.5% alcohol, 450 cases, $28 and the 2015 Riesling with 128 cases and $30.

Dusty Nabor: “K” Super Secret Syrah, Ballard Canyon, 27 cases, $45 and 2016 Super Secret Grenache, Ballard Canyon, 27 cases, $45.

Frisco Cellars: 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, Yattes and DiPietro Vineyards, $56.

Gordenker Wines: 2012 Sylvia Drive Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $68. (Parker gave this wine 93 points.)

Hoi Polloi: Everything: Pinot Noirs and Syrah! Love Minnick and happy to support local business!

Kaleidos Wines: 2014 Praying Mantis, 100% Syrah, Paso Robles, 88 cases, 15.6% alcohol, $65.

Leverage: 2014 Trajectory, GSM, Paso Robles, 85 cases, $60.

Parmeson: 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 149 cases, $60.

Pulchella Winery: My all-time favorite local winery was serving up their Rose of Tannat, “Rogue Rose of Tannat”, Bella Colina Vineyards, 120 cases, $35 as well as six 2016 releases.

Record Family Wines: 2013 Reserve Merlot, Paso Robles, 100 cases, $35.

Siela Wines: 2015 Chardonnay Dry Creek Valley. (SF Chronicle Wine Competition gave this a Silver in 2017, I would’ve given it a Gold.)

TW Fermentations: 2014 “Cultivator” Bordeaux Blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Paso Robles, 14.7% alcohol, $68 and a Malbec with 14.9% alcohol.

Vinemark Cellars: All 2014s: Reserve Pinot, $41; Cabernet Sauvignon, $32; “Mezzanotte” Primitivo/Petite Sirah blend, $32.

Volatus Wine: 2015 White Rhone Blend, $25; 2016 Bolter Rose blend of Tannat, Grenache and Viognier, $14; and Reserve Red blend of Syrah and Malbec, Paso Robles, 65 cases, $45.

All Wineries

Alma Sol+, Ann Albert, Ascension Cellars+, Bellante Family Winery+*, Betwixt Wines, Brophy Clark, Byron Blatty+, Caliza Vineyards, Cavelletti Vineyards, Cloak & Dagger+, Cutruzzola Vineyards, Domaine Kreger, El Lugar Wines, Frisco Cellars*, Golden Triangle, Gordenker Wines, Hoi Polloi+, In Vino Musicas+*, Kaleidos Wines, Kitson Wines*, LA Wine Project+, Lavender Oak Ranch+*, Magna Vita Cellars, Malibu Ridge+*, Marin’s Vineyard, Mastro Scheidt, Metrick Wines+, Monochrome Wines, Murder Ridge, On Your Left, Pulchella Winery+, Record Family Wines*, Siela Wines*, Stolo Family Winery, Sweezter Cellars+, Sycamore Ranch+, The Blending Lab+*, Tlo Winery, Torch Wines, TW Fermentations, Vinemark Cellars+, Volatus Wine, Wildwood Oak Winery* (*First time pouring at the festival, +Based in LA County)

Festival Sponsors: ETS, Glenn Burdette,, Farm Credit, Laffort, Digital Dogma, mWEBB Communications, Travel Paso, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. For sponsorship info, email info@garagistefestival.com.

Keep track of where the next Garagiste festival will be offered here: http://garagistefestival.com

For special discounts and updates on Urban Exposure, Taste of Garagiste mini-tastings and other Garagiste Festival events and news, sign up for The Dirt at http://garagistefestival.com/sign-up/,

Follow on Twitter (@GaragisteFest) or Facebook (http://on.fb.me/1rgBC80).

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 15k 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.

O’NEILL VINTNERS & DISTILLERS WITH CHARLES WOODSON ANNOUNCE NEW COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP SERIES TO SUPPORT BIPOC WINE INDUSTRY STUDENTS WITH TWO TOP CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITIES

November 23, 2020 by evebushman

Larkspur, CA; October 27, 2020 – O’Neill Vintners & Distillers with Charles Woodson are pleased to announce the Charles Woodson & O’Neill Family Wine Scholarship, a new series of college scholarships with California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and Sonoma State University. The scholarships aim to recruit and retain high-achieving Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) interested in pursuing a career in the wine industry. The scholarships will be available to students accepted at the respective Universities for the upcoming Fall 2021 semester.

Editor’s Note: Photo attached courtesy of Christina Schmidhofer.
From left to right: Myles Adams, Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture student Class of ’22; Jeff O’Neill, CEO of O’Neill Vintners & Distillers; Justin Trabue, Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture Class of ’17, Assistant Winemaker at Lumen Wines; Simonne Mitchelson, COO Natural Action Wine Co.; and Charles Woodson, Intercept Wines and Former NFL Player.

BIPOC students applying to the undergraduate programs in Wine and Viticulture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo or Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State are encouraged to apply for these scholarships. The application portal for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo will close December 4, 2020 and the Sonoma State University application portal will close December 15, 2020. Prospective students may refer to the links below for more information on the application process. While these scholarships will offer two students the opportunity to complete a 4-year degree, the goal is to encourage additional donors and wine industry support to create funds for full or partial scholarships to offer more BIPOC students entree to the wine industry.

“I cannot think of a better way to support the next generation of young BIPOC wine professionals than with scholarships at the top universities in the heart of America’s wine country. I look forward to getting to know future recipients of the Charles Woodson & O’Neill Family Wine Scholarships,” comments Charles Woodson, former NFL player and partner of Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines with O’Neill.

The scholarship, in partnership with two California universities, will cover 100% of the tuition and room and board to support recipients over their entire college career. The ongoing scholarships will fund one student at each university at a time. O’Neill Vintners & Distillers will provide internships and mentors to offer hands-on learning opportunities for scholarship recipients to enhance their college experience in the wine industry.

“I hope this initial scholarship gift will inspire other members of the wine community to support our top universities in reaching the BIPOC community,” comments Jeff O’Neill, CEO of O’Neill Vintners & Distillers. “In both my personal and professional life, I have made community service a priority – and what better way to support the wine community than to create a nurturing environment for the next generation. I am so excited to partner with Charles Woodson yet again and welcome the scholarship recipients into our O’Neill Vintners & Distillers family.”

Contribute to and find more information on the Cal Poly Scholarship

Prospective students interested in attending Cal Poly, learn more here

Contribute to and find more information on the Sonoma State University Scholarship

Prospective students interested in attending SSU, learn more here

About O’Neill Vintners & Distillers

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers was founded in 2004 by industry veteran and entrepreneur Jeff O’Neill. The vertically integrated winery has grown to become the seventh largest winery in California with a reputation for producing high quality wines from the North Coast, Central Coast and Central Valley. Through its extensive vineyards and modern production facilities, O’Neill provides premium winemaking services to the industry as well as its growing portfolio of national brands. The company’s national brands portfolio includes Charles Woodson’s Intercept, Line 39, Robert Hall Winery, Harken Chardonnay, Exitus, Day Owl Rose, and Allegro Cellars. For more information, please visit www.ONeillWine.com.

Learning About Cosmopolitan’s Wine, the Best Wines “you can afford to drink daily” and the Cab that Stole my Palate – With Guarachi Wine Partners

October 30, 2020 by evebushman

When was the last time you tasted wine with one of your favorite wine influencers? It’s been 8 years since I drove over to Woodland Hills to taste wine with Alex Guarachi, owner of both Guarachi Wine Partners, as well as his own Napa-based Guarachi Family Wines label. Alex’s portfolio of wines have been included in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of the year, dozens of 90+ scored wines from reputable sources and he’s been named Wine Importer of the Year…

Eve and Alex Guarachi, 10/2020.

That paragraph above was one of my public social media posts ahead of my reconnecting with Guarachi. After that came two more posts, one was a video of all of the bottles we shared and the second was nine photos of our fun. This is the story behind it all now.

Guarachi has been kept pretty busy with his distribution company and his winemaking, he now had many more wines to share from both – it’s been 35 years of growth. In our meeting I learned about one wine brand while tasting three others. I’ll start with the one we didn’t taste: Uncorked by Cosmopolitan. Yes, Cosmopolitan magazine with “the largest young women’s media brand in the world.”

Uncorked by Cosmopolitan

Uncorked by Cosmopolitan

First look: the “Uncorked” wine label is silky smooth on one side, holographic on the other and a shape that is reminiscent of an open magazine…I think! We didn’t get to sample these as they are not yet released, so stay tuned as the magazine will surely be advertising their new babies made by Guarachi! And look for these reasonably priced wines on supermarkets and box stores everywhere. Varietals, with these cute little sayings on each, include 2019 “That’s enough todaying for today” Chardonnay, 2019 “Cheers to pour decisions” Rose, 2019 “Cuz Mercury’s always in retrograde” Pinot Noir and 2018 “This is totally one glass” Cabernet Sauvignon.

Parker Station ($15 range)

Parker Station makes a mighty tasty 2018 Chardonnay that has a mild acidity and benefited from four months in French Oak; a 2018 Pinot Noir that was an easy drinker and I could see why it was a #1 selling wine. Guarachi said the Pinot is the best in the price range. I liked the Pinot with a little chill on it and found it both fresh and fruity. Both wines are made with grapes from Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties; they also make a 2017 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon that had a great nose with a bit lighter flavor than most high alcohol Paso Cabs, and a lovely finish. Guarachi bought the label awhile back “but they’re still married” and he continues to purchase the grapes from the Santa Barbara County and Edna County. All labels proudly state, “The best (Chard, Pinot or Cab name is filled in here) you can afford to drink daily.” I agree.

Tenshen Wines ($20 to $25 range)

I was wowed by both a 2017 Central Coast White wine that was predominantly a white Rhone, with a twist (they added Chardonnay to it) that was aged six to seven months in French oak; and a yummy Cabernet Sauvignon made from Paso’s westside and had spent seven to eight months in French oak. These wines are from a partnership between Guarachi and winemaker Joey Tensley.

Guarachi Family Wines ($75 to $95 range)

Really enjoyed the buttery Guarachi 2018 Sun Chase Estate Vineyard, Petaluma Gap, Chardonnay. The wine is a new release, its grown at the highest elevation in the Sonoma Coast, spent 11 months in new French oak, and no barrel is over two years old; then came the 2018 Sun Chase Estate Vineyard, Petaluma Gap, Pinot Noir – an easy drinker, both rich and tannic.

Finally, the giant 2017 Meadowrock Estate Vineyard, Atlas Peak, Cabernet Sauvignon stole my palate. When we were on the Cab Guarachi commented, “Who doesn’t like it?” and I had to agree. It had spent 20 months in new French oak (65% new) and also benefited from all red volcanic soil. I found it rich, tannic and a length that never gave out. The 14.8% alcohol didn’t translate to heat, it gave the wine tremendous backbone. He had started this endeavor over a decade before, and those years of experience shows. Both the Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon have been richly awarded in wine competitions.

https://www.instagram.com/guarachiwinepartners/

https://www.facebook.com/guarachiwinepartners/

http://www.guarachiwinepartners.com

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

Tolosa Winery Announces New Futures Program for 2019 Single Vineyard Wines

October 19, 2020 by evebushman

San Luis Obispo, Calif. — Tolosa winery, acclaimed producer of estate and single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from the Edna Valley, announced a look into the future of its much-anticipated 2019 Single Vineyard wines with private tastings of barrel samples.

Private seated tastings, available by appointment, are currently offered on the winery’s expansive outdoor patio, allowing guests the rare opportunity to explore these exclusive small-lot wines prior to release. The 2019 Single Vineyard wines will be released November 1, accompanied by the 2019 Primera, also scheduled to be released on November 1, 2020. Futures of the Primera and the Single Vineyard series wines are now available for purchase. Given the prestige of these limited-production bottlings, with under 250 cases of each produced, many of these wines are expected to sell-out prior to release.

“2019 was a textbook cool climate grape growing vintage. Harvest unfolded nicely, the mild weather letting us call for the perfect picking dates with no need to rush things, which is a nice feeling for once. In their youth, the wines are showing bright fruit (definitively on the red side for the Pinots and on the stone fruit one for the Chardonnays) and great freshness. And I am really excited about this, because it is also a guarantee of the aging potential they have,” said Winemaker Frederick Delivert.

Ideally situated close to the Pacific Ocean in California’s coolest wine region, Tolosa is blessed with a myriad of microclimates and soils that prove ideal for growing delicate Burgundian grapes. As a testament to the winery’s dedication to crafting exemplary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Tolosa looks beyond Edna Valley for their Single Vineyard series, selecting the best sites and fruit for these varietals throughout California. The artisanal wines of the Single Vineyard series invite exploration of renowned appellations and acclaimed vineyards — including Tolosa’s own SIP Certified estate vineyard, Edna Ranch — confirming Edna Valley’s place in this distinguished company.

Through November, guests are invited to visit Tolosa to experience barrel samples of the 2019 Single Vineyard Series, each crafted with a similar approach in the cellar in order to capture the true essence of each vineyard and its unique terroir. The following wines are now available to taste:

Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley 2019

This iconic vineyard in Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley AVA benefits from one of the longest growing seasons in California. Located 16 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard was first planted in 1973 and is acclaimed for its world-class Chardonnay. Situated at 600 feet of elevation on the valley floor, the site is punctuated by mild sunny days, an afternoon sea draft, and foggy nights and mornings to moderate the temperature of the vines. These conditions translate into a wine with vibrant acidity, recognized through essences of grapefruit, nectarine and pineapple. Oak aging in 35% new, lightly toasted puncheons adds notes of vanilla and walnuts, while partial Malolactic fermentation reveals fresh green apple flavors on the mineral-driven mid-palate. Tolosa is honored to be one of the few producers to source fruit from this highly sought-after vineyard located just south of us in the Santa Maria Valley.

Poletti – Edna Ranch Chardonnay, Edna Valley 2019

The Poletti portion of Edna Ranch is located on the mountainside slopes of the Edna Valley — home to block 569, featuring own-rooted Tepesquet Chardonnay vines. The slopes offer more sun exposure, while the vineyard sits in the direct path of the coastal sea breeze, offering a cooler temperature to maintain natural acidity and citrusy aromatics. After completing malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged in 30% new, lightly toasted oak puncheons, allowing it to develop a creamy, seamless texture layered with notes of hazelnut, citrus and stone fruit. This elegant Chardonnay encapsulates the Edna Valley, with a refined structure and uplifting acidity that stands out on the finish.

El Coro Vineyard Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap 2019

El Coro translates to “The Chorus” in Spanish. This site is farmed by the Keller family and is located within the Petaluma Gap AVA, the premier gateway to the Sonoma Coast. Located just 7.5 miles from San Pablo Bay, here maritime wind and fog roar into the region cooling off the vines, while less sun exposure from north-facing slopes contributes to the wine’s bright, complex berry fruit flavors. Adding to its appeal is a silky texture and racy acidity that lingers on the impressively long finish. In reverence to its name, this wine brings harmony to the palate.

Apex Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2019

Farmed by the Franscioni family, Apex Vineyard is located 28 miles from the cold water of Monterey Bay in the heart of the renowned Santa Lucia Highlands. The vineyard rests high atop a bench receiving morning sun exposure before being influenced ever so slightly by the daily fog and ocean winds. Typical of its region, this wine paints itself darker, lending more robust flavors of juicy fruit, ripened cherry and sweet spice. This is a Pinot Noir for the Cabernet lover.

Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2019

Solomon Hills Vineyard takes its name from Salomon Pico, a celebrated bandit who travelled frequently along the El Camino Real in the 1850s — and may have inspired the legend of Zorro. This acclaimed Santa Barbara County vineyard is located at the westernmost end of the Santa Maria Valley AVA, where its close proximity just 10 miles to the Pacific Ocean reveals itself through the wines that flourish in its sandy soils. Floral and red fruit aromas carry on through the palate, showcasing notes of pomegranate, raspberry, cherry and rose petals that integrate seamlessly into its fine-grained tannic structure.

Drum Canyon Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2019

Farmed by the Dierberg family, Drum Canyon Vineyard thrives in the eminent Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County. Adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, the region is famous for its transverse mountain range, which allows strong coastal breezes to drift through the vines. These cooling influences, coupled with the vineyard’s sandy loam soils, produce a beautifully structured Pinot Noir with velvety tannins and signature notes of dark cherry, cola and raspberry. A more structured Pinot Noir than many others in the line-up, this is a wine with well-developed tannins that will soften beautifully as it ages.

Gunsalus Vineyard Pinot Noir Green Valley of Russian River Valley 2019

The newest single vineyard Pinot Noir in the series balances the collection as an excellent cellar addition for the wine enthusiast. This small vineyard resides 12 miles from the coast at an elevation of 242 feet in the Green Valley region of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, known for its maritime fog that rolls in and lingers throughout the day. Big and bold in structure, this garnet-colored Pinot Noir leads with aromas of black cherry, strawberry, pine and rose petal. Bright red fruit, fig and tobacco flavors linger on the palate, accented by gentle mouth-coating tannins on the flawless finish.

Hollister – Edna Ranch Pinot Noir, Edna Valley

Located in the core of the Edna Valley, the Hollister section of Tolosa’s home vineyard, Edna Ranch, is the closest to the Pacific Ocean. Located just 5 miles away, it receives a moderating maritime influence to maintain composed acidity in the grapes, while varied soils, including chalky limestone and sand, contribute to the minerality and complexity in this wine. Made from a single block in the vineyard, Block 579, the wine displays aromas of blood orange, wild strawberry, anise and rose petals. Black cherry notes shine on the palate, which is layered with stone fruit and clove to express an exceptional sense of place.

Primera Pinot Noir, Edna Valley 2019

Tolosa’s flagship Primera demonstrates the full potential of the varietal, revealing what makes Pinot Noir one of the most coveted grapes in the world. Primera is a small-lot selection of the best of Tolosa’s estate vineyard, Edna Ranch, located a mere 5 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here, daily fog and prevailing winds funnel into the transverse valley from Morro Bay, cooling off the vines. The result is a wine of power and length characterized by notes of hibiscus, strawberry and dried herbs, enhanced by a seamless mouthfeel and structure. This is truly a vintage-specific statement Pinot Noir for the oenophile looking to add a marquee wine to their cellar.

Futures of the Single Vineyard 2019 series as well as the Primera 2019 are available to taste by appointment through October 2020, with tastings available to both Club Members and non-members. Purchase of wine futures is available prior to their release, November 2020. Tolosa also invites qualified media to look behind the curtain at the winery with a tasting of the Single Vineyard Series. For media inquiries, please contact: Linda@parkersanpei.com.

About Tolosa

Cowboy dreams of owning a cattle ranch brought Robin Baggett to California’s Edna Valley over 40 years ago. The cold Pacific wind and soils from ancient seabed to limestone made him realize he was on a frontier of a different sort. Tolosa is the expression of his commitment to spare no effort to craft Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines of distinctive character to rival any in the world. Founded in 1998 and guided by the core values of integrity, teamwork and meticulous craftsmanship, Tolosa is committed to creating complex, balanced and nuanced wines that are the purest expressions of Edna Valley. The Tolosa winemaking team combines traditional winemaking techniques and cutting-edge technology to achieve the purest translation of place to taste. Tolosa supports numerous environmental and philanthropic initiatives and is an active member of the Central Coast community, welcoming guests daily to enjoy its trademark gracious hospitality and a variety of luxury tasting experiences surrounded by its Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified vineyard, Edna Ranch. Tolosa is open daily at 4910 Edna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or visit the website at tolosawinery.com.

Perlis Picks: 91 Harvests

April 18, 2020 by Michael Perlis

On March 19, 2020, members of the J Dusi Winery wine CLuB (including me) received the following email regarding the film “91 Harvests”:

Initially set to premiere this week at the SLO Film Festival, because of the Coronavirus situation the Film Festival has been cancelled.

This short movie has a very special place in our hearts, not only because we can talk about family, but it is beyond precious to us because our Uncle Beni is in it, as well as Dante Dusi’s wife Dottie, whom have both passed away in the last seven months. This is a personal look into the lives of the people we have loved and learned from. We have memories of time together, and conversations that we cherish.

THANKS TO THE WINE HISTORY PROJECT OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, WE ARE THRILLED TO SHARE AN ONLINE VIEWING EXPERIENCE WITH YOU.

[From the website of the Wine History Project https://winehistoryproject.org/:

“The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County collects and presents two centuries of local viticulture history. Through research, interviews, films, exhibitions, publications and presentations, we work with local vintners and growers to bring to life the wine history of San Luis Obispo County.”

The website is a treasure trove of information on the area’s wine industry and you should definitely spend some time enjoying it. I definitely plan to.]

The email included a Vimeo link and a passcode that was good for that weekend only. I shared the information on Facebook, including to our Eve’s Wine 101 group page. Did you see it? If not, hopefully you will get another chance.

Karen and I really enjoyed watching this film. Janell Dusi and her family have held a special place in our hearts for a long time. We first met Janell and tasted the inaugural commercial vintage of J Dusi Wines at a Paso Robles traveling road show held at a Santa Monica hotel several years ago. We were immediately hooked.

Since then, we’ve visited many times, first at the family house at the Dante Dusi Vineyard just south of Paso Robles and then later when Janell acquired the property on Highway 46 West for her winery and tasting room. We’ve loved hanging out with her and her family and seeing the progression of the winery with new and creative bottlings and now with the new Paper Street vineyard and label.

But the film was not just about the J Dusi Winery, of course. As the title of the film tells you, the tale of the Dusi family is integral to the story of the Paso Robles Wine Country – 91 harvests is a long time! Learning more about this rich history that started with the emigration from Italy of Janell’s great-grandparents Sylvester and Caterina Dusi gives the viewer a greater appreciation of all that has been accomplished. And Janell only uses about 10% of the Dante Dusi Vineyard harvest for the J Dusi wines, so there is plenty left for certain select other wineries (like Turley and Ridge) to carry on the tradition as well.

Admittedly, our favorite parts of “91 Harvests” were the scenes with Janell and her mother Joni. We really miss these two wonderful women and are looking forward to being able to visit them again.

J Dusi Wines

https://www.jdusiwines.com/

1401 CA-46, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Garagiste Wine Festival Wins ‘Best of the Fests’, Kicks off 10th Anniversary Year in Sonoma on February 15th

January 1, 2020 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, CALIF. (PRWEB) – The Garagiste Wine Festival, which was just named ‘Best of the Fests’ for 2019 by Fest Forums, is kicking off its 10th anniversary year with its popular Garagiste Northern Exposure event in Sonoma on February 15th, 2020. The Sonoma event offers wine lovers rare access to cutting-edge wines from over 40 micro-production, commercial wineries from Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Sierra Foothills, Lodi, Santa Cruz and more.

The Garagiste Festival premiered in 2011 and is the nation’s first and only festival to showcase the wines of micro-production commercial ‘garagiste*’ winemakers. The ‘Best of Fest’ Award from Fest Forums, the country’s leading conference for Event and Festival producers nationwide, recognized The Garagiste Festival for its innovation. Because Garagiste offers wine lovers one-of-a-kind opportunities to taste a range of each year’s most exciting handcrafted small-lot production wines, all under one roof, its four annual festivals in Sonoma, Solvang, Los Angeles and Paso Robles consistently sell out. This is the second national award for the festival which was also named the ‘Best Wine Festival in the US in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

“2020 is a landmark year for Garagiste, and we are so grateful to receive this prestigious award as we head into our 10th anniversary year,” said Garagiste Festival Co-founder Doug Minnick. “The Garagiste Festival is the ‘little engine that could’ in a world of bigtime events featuring major stars and corporations, and we know it is all down to the amazing winemakers who pour at our festivals and each year inject freshness, creativity and a renegade spirit into the wine establishment.”

The non-profit Garagiste Festival also supports the Garagiste Festival Scholarships at the Wine and Viticulture Department at Cal Poly University San Luis Obispo.

“Our mission over the last decade has been to shine a spotlight on small-lot winemakers, who you don’t find in grocery stores or on wine country maps, while supporting the winemakers of the future through our Garagiste Festival Scholarships,” said Garagiste Co-founder Stewart McLennan. “Our intimate and ‘no snobs’ allowed atmosphere has made the Garagiste Festivals unique and memorable, while our winemakers have expanded the horizons and palates of thousands of wine lovers. 2020 will be our best year of festivals ever. Stay tuned!”

Northern Exposure in Sonoma:
The February 15th 2020 Garagiste Festival Northern Exposure will be held at the Sonoma Veterans Building near Sonoma’s historic downtown plaza and features 40 winemakers, one-in-four of which are brand new to the festival, pouring over 100+ wines from 20+ grape varieties. Limited availability VIP Experience tickets celebrate Valentine’s weekend with a Rare and Reserve tasting featuring library, club only and reserve wines; a wine county box lunch from local fave, The Girl & the Fig; a full glass of sparkling Rosé from Garagiste Festival winemaker, Carboniste Modern Sparkling, as well as a themed treat from artisan chocolatiers Fleur Sauvage Chocolates.

Among the 40+ winemakers scheduled to pour at the Sonoma Northern Exposure Festival are:
601 Cellars, Abbot’s Passage, Aesop Wines, Ampere/Pine Mountain Vineyards, Armitage Wines, Benevolent Neglect Wines, Boonville Road Wines, Brombeere Wines, Carboniste Modern Sparkling, Carpenter Wine, Crux Winery, Dane Cellars, DeWitt Vineyard, Enriquez Estate Wines, Fallon Place Wines, Ferguson Family Wines, Fields Family Wines, Frostwatch Vineyard, Greyscale Wines, Jardesca Aperitvo, JonEVino, March Wines, Mastro Scheidt, Montagne Russe Wines, Oceano Wines, Oceans Churning, Old County Cellars, Ondule Wines, Perri Jaye Vineyards, Piezo Winery, Purple Dragon Cellars, Ricci Vineyards, Sosie Wines, Sutro Wine, T. Berkley Wines, Weatherborne Wine Corp. and Zo Wines

2020 Garagiste Festival Dates and Places:
The Garagiste Festival’s 10-year anniversary celebration will continue throughout the year with special events, signature tastings, local chefs, after parties, and rare and reserve nights.

Feb 15 in Sonoma at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall: 126 1st Street W. Sonoma, CA
April 17 & 18 at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall in the heart of Solvang: 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA
July 25 at the historic Glendale Civic Auditorium: 1401 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA
Nov 12 -15 – The 10th Annual Garagiste Festival in Paso Robles includes a series of special events and The Grand Tasting at the Paso Robles Fairgrounds: 2198 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles, CA

For more information and full Garagiste Festival Northern Exposure schedule details, go to: http://californiagaragistes.com/

Tickets are limited for the Sonoma festival and Garagiste Festivals always sell out. To buy tickets, go to:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-garagiste-wine-festival-northern-exposure-tickets-75598187213?aff=website For breaking 10 anniversary celebration festival news and special discounts, sign-up for our free newsletter, The Dirt athttps://www.garagistefestival.com/garagiste-blog or follow us on Twitter (@GaragisteFest) or Facebook.

About The Garagiste Wine Festival
The Garagiste Wine Festival (http://www.garagistefestival.com), named Best of the Fests for 2019 by Fest Forums and the ‘Best Wine Festival in the US in 2018 in USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards, is the first and only wine festival dedicated to the undiscovered and under-recognized American artisan ‘garagiste’ producers who are making some of the best, most exciting, handcrafted small-lot production wines in the world. Founded by fellow garagistes Stewart McLennan and Douglas Minnick, the Garagiste Festivals are committed to discovering the best and most innovative limited-production winemakers and promoting and showcasing them to a broad audience of discerning wine consumers. In addition to its flagship annual festival in Paso Robles, CA, the Garagiste Festival line-up includes Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure, featuring Santa Ynez Valley garagistes; the Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure, in Los Angeles; the Garagiste Festival, Northern Exposure, in Sonoma; winemaker dinners, a newsletter, garagiste profiles and more.

In addition to being named the US’ Best Wine Festival, the Garagiste Festival was named one of the ‘Top Nine Incredible Epicurean Vacations’ in the world by ABC News, * “one of the premier wine events of the year,” by the LA Times and “Best Festival” by Sunset Magazine’s ‘Best of the West.’ The festivals are produced by Garagiste Events, a non-profit dedicated to furthering the education of future winemakers and those training for employment within the wine industry. Proceeds from the festivals support the Garagiste Festival Scholarship fund of the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo Wine and Viticulture Department.

*Garagiste (garage-east) is a term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to denigrate renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their “garages” (anything considered not a chateau), who refused to follow the “rules,” and is now a full-fledged movement responsible for making some of the best wine in the world. The Garagiste Festivals were the first to shine a light on the American garagiste winemaker in 2011.

2019 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards Announced

August 3, 2019 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, CA – The San Luis Obispo County wine industry annually comes together to honor members of the local wine community. These awards recognize dedication, stewardship, innovation and leadership demonstrated in the San Luis Obispo County wine community. The 2019 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards go to – Winegrape Grower of the Year, Paul Hoover, Still Waters Vineyards; Winemaker of the Year, Justin Smith, Saxum Vineyards; and Wine Industry Person of the Year (posthumously), Scott Welcher, Opolo Vineyards.

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance in partnership with the San Luis Obispo Wine Country Association, the Independent Grape Growers of the Paso Robles Area, The Vineyard Team, and past award recipients worked together to identify the 2019 winners. The honorees are evaluated on their leadership and accomplishments in California’s third largest wine region, San Luis Obispo County.

“Each year the San Luis Obispo County wine community looks forward to the Mid-State Fair as a time we can recognize the leadership, hard work, and dedication of those who have helped bring worldwide recognition for our region’s wines,” said Joel Peterson, Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “We are excited to celebrate these passionate individuals with their friends, family, and colleagues, and honor the mark they’ve left on our wine community with their quest for quality in the vineyard and winery.”

The San Luis Obispo County Wine Community celebrated this year’s award winners at a special event on July 19 at the California Mid-State Fair within the Mission Square.

Links to bios:

Winegrape Grower of the Year – Paul Hoover, Still Waters Vineyards

Winemaker of the Year — Justin Smith, Saxum Vineyards

Wine Industry Person of the Year (posthumously) – Scott Welcher, Opolo Vineyards

ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance represents wineries, growers and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California’s third largest wine region. It encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit www.pasowine.com. Social – #pasowine, @pasorobleswine (Twitter and Facebook), @Pasowine (Instagram)

AUSTIN HOPE NAMED THE 2018 PASO ROBLES WINE INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR

January 27, 2019 by evebushman

Paso Robles, CA – On January 18 the Paso Robles wine community come together to recognize one of their own who has exemplified the spirit of Paso Robles Wine Country with outstanding leadership and vision in promoting the region. Austin Hope, President and Winemaker of Hope Family Wines will receive the 2018 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year award at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s annual winter gathering.

Austin Hope (photo credit: Carpe Travel)

Austin Hope, President and Winemaker of Hope Family Wines, is a steadfast advocate for the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area. Austin has played an important role in introducing the wines of Paso Robles to a global audience while holding leadership positions within the industry leading to the region being recognized and respected as one of the great wine regions of the world.

“I am humbled to be recognized as the 2018 Wine Industry Person of the Year,” said Austin Hope, “I have had the great benefit to work with an amazing team at Hope Family Wines who share my philosophy in promoting the region with the same enthusiasm as promoting our own wine brands. This honor would not be possible without the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance team as well as the endless support from my wife and daughters.”

Austin has emerged as a visionary leader after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in fruit science, today he is a third-generation California farmer and first-generation winemaker. He built and leads Hope Family Wines which includes Austin Hope, Treana, Troublemaker, Liberty School, and Quest wine brands.

Working locally, nationally, and internationally on behalf of the Paso Robles wine industry, Austin has held several important positions, including past Chairman and current Secretary of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance where as a board member he worked with 58 vintners and growers to establish the region’s 11 AVAs. Austin currently sits as a board member of the CAB Collective, a group dedicated to promoting Cabernet Sauvignon and red Bordeaux wines of Paso Robles. Austin, and his wife Celeste, support Must! Charities by hosting an annual golf tournament as well as hosting an annual Dia de Los Muertos event benefiting children’s art programs for Studios on the Park.

Austin Hope was nominated and named the 2018 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance membership which represents 450+ companies including wineries, vineyards, and associated businesses. Austin was recognized by industry colleagues at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s Annual Gala on Friday, January 18 at the Park Ballroom.

The evening also featured the installation of the Alliance’s 2019 Board of Directors and the presentation of the new incoming Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (official announcement to follow in the coming week.)

Board of Directors Installation
The incoming Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Board of Directors and Executive Team are as follows:

•   Jason Yeager – Chairman
•   Jason Haas – Vice Chairman, Tablas Creek Vineyard
•   Austin Hope – Secretary, Treana And Hope Family Wines
•   Sarah Kramer – Treasurer, Umpqua Bank
•   Tyler Russell – Director, Cordant|Nelle
•   Molly Scott – Director, Justin Vineyards & Winery
•   Bob Tillman – Director, Alta Colina Vineyards & Winery
•   Faith Wells – Director, Hospice du Rhone
•   Malani Anderson – Director, Turley Wine Cellars

ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance represents wineries, growers, and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 250 wineries. For more information, visit www.pasowine.com. @PasoRoblesWine, @PasoWine, #pasowine

J. LOHR VINEYARDS & WINES NAMES STEVE PECK DIRECTOR OF WINEMAKING

October 6, 2018 by evebushman

San Jose, Calif. – J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines is excited to announce that Steve Peck has been promoted from winemaker, red wines to director of winemaking. In his new role, Peck will be responsible for leading the family-owned-and-operated winery’s winemaking program at its Paso Robles and Monterey County wineries, which includes five acclaimed tiers of wine. An invaluable member of the J. Lohr team since joining the company in 2007, Peck is the handpicked successor to Jeff Meier, who has been with J. Lohr since 1984 and has been COO, president and director of winemaking since 2013. With Peck’s promotion, Meier will focus exclusively on his role as president and COO and will continue to work alongside the Lohr family to guide the future of J. Lohr.

top row l-r: Tim McDonald, Richard Jennings, Eve, Steve Peck. bottom l-r: Eva and Fred Swan, Steve Heimoff, Gina DeGirolamo

After a career that included positions as the winemaker for Five Rivers Winery and Jekel Vineyards, Peck was named winemaker for the full portfolio of J. Lohr red wines in 2007. In the decade since, Peck has made some of the most highly rated wines in J. Lohr’s storied four and a half decades, and has earned a reputation as one of the Central Coast’s most respected winemakers. In 2016, Peck was honored as Winemaker of the Year by the San Luis Obispo County wine industry.

“Steve is a gifted winemaker and team leader who makes everyone around him better,” says Meier. “From his involvement in the creation of our Rhône-focused J. Lohr Gesture wines to the debut of our J. Lohr Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Steve’s love of innovation and experimentation, along with his remarkable winemaking skill, have helped to set new benchmarks for quality and creativity at J. Lohr. Steve also understands our commitment to making wines with a deep and authentic sense of place. His collaborative approach with Kristen Barnhisel, winemaker, white wines; Brenden Wood, assistant winemaker, red wines; Karl Antink, production winemaker and our vineyard team is something that you can taste in every J. Lohr wine.”

Meier, named J. Lohr’s winemaker in 1995, has played an instrumental role in establishing J. Lohr as one of North America’s most successful wineries, and has helped to introduce a global audience to the wines of Paso Robles and Monterey. In his continuing role as president and COO, Meier oversees marketing, operations and production for J. Lohr.

“As a leader who believes in cultivating talent, I know that Jeff is proud to pass the winemaking baton to Steve,” says J. Lohr Founder and Chairman Jerry Lohr. “Over the past 34 years, Jeff’s contributions to our success have been innumerable. He is a master of his craft, who helped to shape our reputation for quality while creating iconic wines that have brought global attention to the Central Coast. We are a winery that values our employees—they are our extended family and our greatest strength. Jeff has built a world-class winemaking team with a culture of trust, respect and excellence that will ensure that our future is as dynamic and successful as our past.”

About J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

Founded more than four decades ago by Jerry Lohr and still family owned and operated today, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines crafts a full line of internationally recognized wines from 4,000 acres of sustainably certified estate vineyards in Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands appellations, Paso Robles, and St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Offering an expressive range of styles, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines produces five tiers of award-winning releases showcasing its estate fruit: J. Lohr Estates, J. Lohr Vineyard Series, J. Lohr Cuvée Series, J. Lohr Gesture, and J. Lohr Signature Cabernet Sauvignon. The J. Lohr Wine Centers in Paso Robles and San Jose welcome visitors daily, and the company’s online home is JLohr.com.