Ten Year Challenge…With Wine and Spirits

February 4, 2022 by evebushman

My husband Eddie has painstakingly categorized our photos by year on our cell phones, so I recently looked at photos from ten years ago to see if any were worth posting alongside a photo taken recently, for the latest #10YearChallenge on social media. As you can guess, most of my photos back then were of wine, so I thought I would take a look back at what I was drinking then.

(I also searched my name, 2011 and photos on Facebook to add to my wine blast from the past.) This is what I wanted to share:

Contributing Editor Michael Perlis, Eve and then contributor Rusty Sly at All Corked Up in 2011.

From Napa

Meeting with winemaker Gerard Zanzonico in the stunning caves at Del Dotto for maybe the first time, wine tasting at 10 am in the private room for club members at Mondavi, having a seated tasting on an expansive patio with incredible views at Joseph Phelps, an underground tour and tasting in the caves at Schramsberg, meeting with the most gracious host/owner Suzanne Phifer Pavitt at Phifer Pavitt, an evening tasting at the downtown Napa PureCru tasting bar with winemaker Mitch Consentino.

From Paso

Blending wine at TH Estate with winemaker and owner Terry Hoage, visiting Cass for the first time, a mind-blowing multi-course Earth Day dinner at Justin, visiting with the now shuttered Edward Sellers, winery tour and tasting with Lawrence Lohr of J Lohr, discovering that Whalebone really does have whale bones around the property and Calcareous has calcareous rock in their vineyards, time spent with the one and only Gary Eberle, tasting wines, spirits and having dinner at Opolo, seeing Sculpterra for the first time, the dry farming at Minassian Young, Niner when it first opened, the first concrete eggs were at Villa Creek, meeting and tasting incredible wines with Janell Dusi at J Dusi, tasting Nuggucciet Cellars made by a local newspaper man and Mystic Hills Vineyard lovingly owned by local friends.

Jamaica

Though not known for wine we were well taken care of on a trip to Jamaica ten years ago with French Champagne, Appleton rum blended drinks and icy cold Red Stripe Beer.

Events
The annual Union des Grand Crus de Bordeaux tasting is always not only huge but amazing, and since I love Rhone wines the Rhone Rangers can’t be missed, local have Vine 2 Wine with lots of local support, Garagiste Festival offered drinkers events in LA as well as Paso, Pinot Days up in the Skirball Center, Paso’s Earth Day Food and Wine fest was new, and long-time favorite LA Wine Fest with Yoshi Murakami doing sake classes and Chris Uhde teaching about scotch.

Special Dining

Fontanafredda Barolo at Spago Beverly Hills with fellow wine writers, Martinis at Blue Mermaid Chowder House and Bar in San Francisco on vacation, wine and cheese at Wine 661 for locals, A Taste of Monterey Wine Tasting when I visited Eddie there for Naval Postgraduate School, Iron Horse sparkling that came complements of Bourbon Steak in San Francisco for our wedding anniversary dinner.

Places that no longer exist today

Wine bar/restaurant/wine storage facility – and even live music – at All Corked Up as loved by many, the two brothers that opened Artisan Paso Robles that was a favorite for locals and visitors alike, Chef Daniel Otto was first discovered at the Oaks Grille at TPC, Chef Jason Park at Maru Sushi when it was local on Town Center Drive and many times over drinking wine at Valencia Wine Company with owner Guy Lelarge and also attending all of the wine dinners and events he organized at local restaurants.

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

Vintage Eve 3/2018: Valencia Wine Company Through the Years

December 1, 2020 by evebushman

When Valencia Wine Company opened some 14 or so years ago many people told owner Guy Lelarge that they had the same idea: open the first wine bar in the Santa Clarita Valley for tastings, purchases, advice, classes and private parties. I was one of the first visitors, and a regular for at least the first ten years. In that time I tasted a lot and learned a lot. My article footer below didn’t even exist, and one of the first wine articles I did for the Signal newspaper (now not even available in their archives) was on Valencia Wine Company.

l-r: Guy Lelarge, Jason Park and Edward Sellers. Wine Dinner at Maru Sushi in 2012.

We had done several videos over the year, talking about upcoming dinners, 10 year anniversary and classes, but we had the most fun with a brief series of “Shi- Wine People Say” videos. This is #1 that has nearly 1k views, #2 has wine educator Denise Lowe trying to educate an old friend of mine, #3 with winemaker Shawn Halahmy and Denise Lowe joking about tasting Pinot Noir and #4 jokingly tackled what people say before they spit.

From Eve’s Wine 101

A search of our Eve’s Wine 101 website showed that there are no less than EIGHTY NINE mentions of Lelarge in our articles. I looked them over – and this took some time and a few tissues. These are just a few from my trip down memory lane if you’d like to join me:

As the owner of the longest running wine bar and retail shop in town, Guy Lelarge continues to take it up a notch. He recently announced that he has selected Amazon to run their international wine club…(more)

Guy Lelarge, and your friends at Valencia Wine Company, are welcoming spring in a whole new way: they’ve just announced their first-ever mid-year over-the-top wine tasting event for…(more)

Guy, Thank you again for including me, and Signal readers through me, into your elite event last night. Meeting winemaker Mitch Cosentino and tasting his wines along Chef Otto’s fine cuisine was no less than stellar! Yours, in wine and out, Eve…(more)

In the first of an exciting new “pairing”, SAKE Bistro has teamed with Valencia Wine Company for their first Wine Dinner on June 21. The “Meet the Winemaker” format will feature only the wines from Paso Robles’ Grey Wolf and their winemaker, Joe Barton….(more)

Valencia Wine Company’s Annual Holiday Tasting was the wine affair of the season, as promised. Delayed a week by fire and freeway closures there wasn’t a lack of interest or attendance. People needed a holiday now and it served to get them ready for the real ones to come….(more)

What does the owner of the classiest wine bar in town do on his birthday? What do you give him as a gift? And how can you surprise a Wine Guru? These questions, and many more, can be found…
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gee let’s see…(more)

From Eve Bushman Consulting

On a testimonial on our Eve Bushman Consulting website Guy wrote, “I met Eve Bushman when she knew next to nothing about wine, and everything about marketing! I shared my wine knowledge with her (she calls me Guru Guy) and she, in turn, has shared countless marketing ideas with me. Whether I’m planning a winemaker dinner, a large tasting event, or co-chairing a fundraiser with Eve, I’ve always felt that she has brought as much to the proverbial table – with me – that she takes from it. I value our friendship, and always look forward our meetings – tasting wine and brainstorming new ideas, a perfect pairing!”

Supporting Santa Clarita

Over the years Valencia Wine Company supported the Soroptimists of Greater Santa Clarita Valley every year for their Sip, Stroll and Savor the Sounds event. He also contributed his wine expertise to the Art and Wine Gala that benefitted our local art’s community.

Guy also allowed me to work for charity in the bar at least twice. The first time I was still using a screw pull corkscrew over a waiter’s corkscrew!

As this door closes for Guy others have opened. He recently redid the wine lists for both Newhall Refinery and The Social. His expertise as a wine buyer began well before Valencia Wine Company opened its doors, and I know he will find a secure footing again, most likely here in the Santa Clarita Valley. 2020 update: Find Guy at Remedy Liquor in Glendale, heading up the huge second story wine department.

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

Vintage Eve Circa 9/2015: The EIGHTH Annual TPC/WEST RANCH art and wine Gala

July 2, 2019 by evebushman

Have you been supporting the Arts in the Santa Clarita Valley? The TPC/WEST RANCH art and wineGala is the only large-scale sell-out annual event that has, before the 8^th event even began on Saturday September 26 at TPC Valencia, raised three-quarters of a million dollars for the arts community of Santa Clarita Valley.

“The whole thing started nine years ago with Guy Lelarge (owner of Valencia Wine Company) and a glass of wine,” Dave Bossert, Co-Founder and Co-Chair said as he began as MC for the evening. “See the catalog for all the charities that will benefit from tonight’s live auction…take a glass of wine, have a big guzzle, and repeat before we begin. Think: Bid heavily and drink indiscriminately!”

Bossert showed his usual combination of showmanship and gratitude throughout the evening. Thanking his wife Nancy, daughters Marlee and Sydney, the volunteers for the event, service staff, chairs and sponsors (listed below).

TimBen Boydston, representing the Canyon Theatre Guild, has been a recipient since the art and wineGala began. “The Bosserts are wonderful people. When Dave and Guy had that drink it was a great day for the arts of Santa Clarita Valley! The art and wineGala has made a real difference to our organization. Without great supporters the arts would not be flourishing. And this event is different from other events in the SCV because we not only get the best of SCV that love the arts, we get famous people as well.” (See the message from Dave Bossert below for a synopsis of the Disney royalty, and other dignitaries, that have been a part of this event.)

While dining on Executive Chef Peyton Poulsen’s exquisite fare (see menu below) guests meandered around the room to catch up with fellow supporters of the arts before the auction began.

Founding partner Greg McWilliams said, “From a very humble beginning the art and wineGala has grown into a premier fundraising event recognizing the arts in the Santa Clarita Valley, attracting wide-spread regional participation. The support of the arts is an absolutely critical component in enhancing the life of every community. I’m proud to be on the Board of Trustees of the Cal Arts Institute and a co-sponsor of this event.”

The auction got into full swing, with Bossert paving the way. He got the crowd whipped up into a frenzy when he announced that this year’s entertainment would be a “live painting” and those “seated in the splash zone” donned plastic rain gear. While Disney artist James Mulligan painted on a black canvas the crowd started snapping photos; when he threw Pixie Dust (glitter) over the painting at the end there was a collective audible gasp as Mickey Mouse was revealed. The crowd could not be calmed, another live painting was added to the auction – this one revealed itself to be Walt Disney himself.

I couldn’t have chosen better tablemates, Randy and Rose Marie Burzynski, owners of our local FastFrame on Valencia Blvd, commented “Support of the arts, literally, is good for us all. Custom framing and art go well together like a fine, long lasting marriage, as you can’t have one without the other – especially if you want to preserve it.”

Co-Chair, Disney animator and VP of Communications for Walt Disney, Howard Green, shared some of the highlights of his career, including meeting astronaut Buzz Aldrin when Aldrin had learned of a character that shared his name when Toy Story was in production. Later, it was Green that invited Aldrin to the art & wineGala. “My career has had a number of serendipitous moments.”

(The story in photos can be viewed here.)

Silent Auction Highlights

This year we had our eyes peeled on tickets for Madame Butterfly, pretty Beijo Bags that Alesia Humphries donated, a winery tour, box seats at the Hollywood Bowl, Frank Family Cabernet from the cellars of Jeff and Kiki Hacker, a white gold diamond pendant from Ro,Ma Jewelers, premium Kings tickets, original artwork – yet to be determined which one we might get – by various artists including Marc Davis, Mike Humphries, Michelle St. Laurent, Michael Kalish, Eric Poppleton, Jesse Kalisher, Salvador Dali, Heather Theurer, Rodel Gonzalez, Curt Gunther, Eric Goldberg, Tim Rogerson and Don Hahn.

Sponsors

Corporate Sponsors Underwriters Laboratories Co-Chairs Dave & Nancy Bossert, Don & Cheri Fleming, Guy Lelarge, Greg McWilliams, Howard Green, Michael Young, with Event Producer Michele Reckon-Golden.

Chairs

Co-Chairs Dave & Nancy Bossert, Don & Cheri Fleming, Guy LeLarge, Greg McWilliams, Howard Green and Michael Young with Event Producer Michele Reckon-Golden and Corporate Sponsor Underwriters Laboratories.

Menu, created by Le Cordon Bleu schooled Executive Chef Peyton Poulsen, included assorted tray-passed canapés and the Ice Carving seafood station we always looked forward to during the Champagne Reception. Once seated in the Oaks Grille Chef Poulsen’s other inspired courses included Seared Ahi Tuna served atop avocado mousse, crushed peanuts, shaved green onion, flash fried wontons, and finished with oolong tea gastrique; Shaved cabbage salad wrapped with a crisp cucumber, pickled carrots, roasted beets, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and splashed with sweet sesame vinaigrette; Juniper crusted lamb chop served over Okinawa sweet potatoes, roasted baby bok choy, red radish, and drizzled with a succulent hoisin glaze; Japanese Sweet Honey Loaf Cake served with green tea ice cream, and garnished with handmade almond brittle.

Who Benefits

The TPC/West Ranch Art & Wine Gala has raised over $750,000 in grants and scholarships in support of California Institute of the Arts, The Santa Clarita Ballet Company, Canyon Theatre Guild, The Master Chorale, COC PAC K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program, Art Gallery at COC and COC Division of Fine and Performing Arts as well as other programs throughout our community. California Institute of the Arts 501c3, a non-profit organization serves as fiscal sponsor.

A Message from Dave Bossert

The Santa Clarita Valley has always been an artistic hub. In fact, including the faculty, alumni and students of California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), along with our local residents, who are employed in all aspects of the entertainment industry, Santa Clarita Valley boasts one of the highest concentrations of artists per capita in the world! From the early days of the film industry, to the establishment of Disney’s Golden Oaks Ranch facility, to the founding of CalArts, to increased local filming, to the recently completed UCLA Film Archives, our community has been equally supportive of the arts through numerous local arts organizations and associations.

Over the past eight years, the TPC/West Ranch Art & Wine Gala has become the premier annual charity event supporting the arts in our community. Providing some of the finest food and entertainment, wines and art contributions from leading artists, many of whom have their roots right here in the Santa Clarita Valley, this gala has contributed more than three quarters of a million dollars to local arts organizations.

Each year, we try to bring the best of the arts to the TPC Oaks Grille for one spectacular night. In the past we have had honorary chairs Roy E. Disney, Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Disney Legend Alice Davis, Roy P. Disney, composer and songwriter Richard Sherman, The Hayden Triplets, and many others. Some have spoken and others have performed, but all have delighted our guests. This year is no different. You will witness another, very different and amazing, artistic performance tonight.

We are proud that our annual TPC/West Ranch Art & Wine Gala is as pure a charity event as there can be. We are nearly all volunteer driven, which has allowed us to award grants and scholarships at the highest levels possible. It is our volunteers, the art and wine donations, along with your generosity, that has made this event such a success. Thank you for your continued support of the Santa Clarita Valley arts community!

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column.

Why Not Have…Drinking Goals for 2018? And No, it’s not too late to set them!

January 26, 2018 by evebushman

I’m not a person that makes new year resolutions often. It’s such a joke to set some very far-off sounding goal only to not even achieve it – as that’s become the norm. You can try and fool the system by setting goals that are simple to attain like…planning ahead for the next year’s resolutions you won’t be achieving! Egads, we’ve really become slackers.

So, in between not making resolutions at all or making resolutions that are too easy to achieve I challenge you to set some drinking resolutions. And feel free to be as lax as you want in reaching them – as it won’t matter to anyone whether you do or not! LOL.

These are my Drinking Goals for 2018, none of which requires over-imbibing but if you do please Uber:

Go to a tequila and/or Mezcal tasting as neither are in my comfort zone.

Go to more wine tastings of areas I’m unfamiliar with: Portugal (and not for the Port alone), Republic of Georgia, Finger Lakes…where else? Check out this CNN article on some lesser known wine areas.

Take advantage of more courses, maybe even a new certification, offered via my NASA (North American Sommelier Association) membership.

Frequent our local wine bars (Valencia Wine Company, Wine 661, Lee’s Wine Bistro, Newhall Press Room), winery tasting rooms (Pulchella, Double Trouble) and restaurants with fine wine lists (Le Chene, Newhall Refinery, Larsen’s, Greg’s List at Salt Creek Grille) more often.

Make it to the Japanese Food and Restaurant Expo put on by Mutual Trading again to further my education on Soju, Sake, beer and Japanese wine…all while sampling some delectable foods.

Continue to work with the WiSH Education Foundation to bring a new event to Old Town Newhall. Look for Wine Under the Stars early May where we will have wines culled from the latest winemakers making wine at the SCV Custom Crush Services paired with dishes from several different local restaurants. We will be the first to host an event on the rooftop of our new Laemmle theater.

Continue to work with our WiSH committee to bring in new spirit vendors to Cocktails on the Roof. This year marks our fourth year! (Save the date 9/7!) Last year our new vendor was Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur and they said it was the best event they had ever poured at! (If you rep a spirit vendor and want your product seen in the first and only premier cocktail event Santa Clarita Valley email me: eve@evewine101.com)

Continue looking for the Spirits One Level now offered globally from WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) since my Level Two in both isn’t transferable to take a Level 2 or 3 in Spirits alone. Haven’t found one offered remotely near me yet!

Get back to Denver to visit Stranahan’s again, see if I can get a taste of their annually made limited edition bourbon whiskey.

Get back to Park City to go to High West Distillery again as some of their spirits aren’t sold in here in California.

Continue my education on peated single malt whisky by attending LA Scotch Club’s annual Peatin’ Meetin’ again.

Take more classes at the Nth Show aka Universal Whisky Experience in Vegas early April…even though my husband may ditch me just to taste.

Make it to at least one meeting, aka tasting, of the no-longer-new LA Chapter of Women Who Whisky Club!

I hope to receive a comment or an email (eve@evewine101.com) with what your drinking resolutions are, I had so much fun making up mine!

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

Vintage Eve Circa Feb 2013: Whine Epiphanies

February 28, 2017 by evebushman

In my 20s I drank white wine for several reasons. I ordered the “house white” because I didn’t know anything about wine, it was inexpensive, and I didn’t want to get drunk on the popular cocktails back then: Long Island Iced Teas and Cosmopolitans.

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Bordeaux at night for a special event.

White wine “Spritzers”, as they were called, worked really well when I spent the entire night on a dance floor and wanted to be refreshed just so that I could keep on dancing. My friends, at least the ladies, did the same. While the menfolk drank the cocktails, we stuck to the wine.

My epiphany came before most ladies moved from white wine to White Zinfandel. (I remember learning about Zin before the craze – so much so that when others were ordering the white version I hunted down the red. But I do appreciate what White Zinfandel did for bringing the mainstream drinking public over to wine.)

Readers that have asked me how I got into wine have brought this trip down memory lane to you. I started much like any other wine drinker. But, lucky for me, I had two wine “epiphanies” that sent me very far away from a lifetime of house wine and spritzers.

Epiphany #1

My future in-laws took us out for a vertical wine tasting at Concannon Vineyard over 20 years ago. As I recall we started with a couple of barrel tastings for the same red varietal, then ended up tasting the same wines finished in the bottle. Doing it this way allowed for me to begin to see the gradual changes being made in the wine, mature fruit, tannins and structure replaced bright fruit and sweetness. My palate, unbeknownst to me as I had yet to learn the right words to describe it, had matured in one afternoon.

Epiphany #2

Fast-forward a couple of years and my future husband Eddie and I were on a vacation in Europe. I was reading the Wine Spectator avidly by this point and anxious to taste French wines in France. One Parisian restaurant/wine bar, Willi’s Wine Bar, was highly recommended by the Spectator, and run by English-speaking vinophiles. That was to be a stop we had to make.

I’ve written about our first trip to Willi’s (link: http://www.localwineevents.com/Wine-Articles/424-2.html) and the first time I had my first taste of Lynch Bages Bordeaux. I wish I had written tasting notes back then, but I didn’t.

But the epiphany came due to several factors: I was in Paris with my future husband, we were dining at a special restaurant only because of a Wine Spectator review – and we were actively making memories of the night.

We have since purchased Lynch Bages over the years, I even found one bottle from our wedding year at Valencia Wine Company that now rests in our cellar. And we recently purchased the ’09 as a future, and discovered that Spectator highlighted it as #93 out of their Top 100 list for 2012.

Now, with a career firmly entrenched in all things wine, I have an epiphany yearly. I may discover a new winemaker, a new pal with the same appreciation or one just learning. And, most recently, my website’s editor, Michael Perlis, propelled us into the business of Eve Wine 101 consulting (now Eve Bushman Consulting). Gee…maybe if you’re reading this it’s high time you (or your wine business) had an epiphany? Taste and ye shall find my friend; we’re here to lead you on the proper spritzer-less path.

Vintage Eve Circa Jan 2013: Eve’s Wine 101 on TV!

February 21, 2017 by evebushman

What the plan was: As written below. The way it turned out: Watch for yourself – link. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-jEoXlDHa8)

Tami or Dave: Would going to a wine fest be a good idea for a first date?

Eve: Absolutely! Things to consider: If you invite a woman to a wine event, because she appreciates wine, let her know exactly what the extent of your own knowledge is. I can’t believe how little I knew at my first event, and how I’ll never learn it all. So, don’t fake your knowledge, she will spot that. And, don’t over drink, as you are driving your date home.

Tami or Dave: What about couple time?

Eve: There is no better way to get into a romantic mood with your partner than over wine. As you progress from tasting table to tasting table, take a moment to talk about the aromas and flavors you are getting. The time spent savoring wine easily translates for a couple that enjoys savoring life together. Don’t rush it!

Tami or Dave: Okay that leaves friends, is going to a wine tasting with friends a good idea?
Eve: Again, yes. For me, unless someone declares themselves a designated driver in advance (the key is it needs to be in advance) rent a nice limousine. The drive from Santa Clarita to the Sierra Pelona wine event is beautiful! Rolling hills and valleys, seeing it from a limo is probably the best way to go, with friends, a first date or with your spouse!

Tami or Dave: Okay, now, tell us, as you call yourself the SCV Wine Conduit, how does one behave at a wine fest? I mean, are there rules?

Eve: If you want to ensure a good time, yes, I have a few pointers. Winery representatives or winemakers will pour most wines. Each should be versed at answering questions about their wines and are interested in what you think.

With that said, don’t be in a hurry. If the line at one table is long, go to another, and swing back to the one you missed later. When you receive your 1 to 2 ounce taste be aware if others are waiting, if they are, back up a bit to let them in. If there isn’t a wait, take some time, swirl your glass to open up the aromas, and comment on what you find. Swirl again before tasting, and let your taste linger over your tongue and mouth before swallowing, again to detect taste and overall mouth feel. Share your thoughts with the server. Discard what is left in your glass, whether you like it or not, expectorating is also encouraged. The goal at an event isn’t to get drunk, the goal is to keep your palate fresh enough that you can appreciate your first pour as much as your 40^th.

Tami or Dave: Are you going to the Sierra Pelona Wine Fest? Why do you think locals will enjoy it?

Eve: Anytime an inaugural wine fest is planned, wine people and regular people are curious. This brilliant idea of Robert’s not only serves the community’s Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital but also introduces the greater area to one of the newest wine growing areas. And Robert, joined by dozens of others, will be showcasing wines that haven’t been already poured at dozens of other festivals.

Tami or Dave: So, where else can we go for wine in Santa Clarita – and not be intimidated?

Eve: Every place that serves wine serves the wine community best by not making it intimidating. Your local wine bars like Wine 661, Roman Holiday Wine Lounge, Lee’s Wine Bistro and Valencia Wine Company, as well as Pulchella Wine Tasting Room and our wine-serving restaurants all have the same goal: to get you in and to make you want to come back. They do this by talking to you about what you like, and then making suggestions based on that.

Of course, reading my blog, or following me on Facebook helps too…a little wine 101 knowledge can help you feel less intimidated.

Tami or Dave: How much is there, really, to learn about wine?

Eve: The education never ends. But like with any entrepreneurial effort, if your heart is in the work, you just don’t care. I read trade magazines, fiction and non-fiction, the internet and take classes. I’m never bored, and always “thirsty” for more. I would bet this conversation has given you two a craving?

Tell people any more tricks of the trade – especially for the Sierra Pelona event.

Eve: Well…if you are very nice to a winery representative, they often have something “under the table” that they share with other reps or especially nice guests. Sometimes…you might even leave with a bottle! (But don’t be pushy and ask for one.) And, talk to other guests. By the end of a tasting a camaraderie begins to develop.
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Tell people what you liked and find out what their favorites were. You can even revisit a favorite of your own, to see if it fares just as well with your palate.

Eve’s Holiday Picks for Wine and Spirit Themed Gifts 2016 Edition

November 25, 2016 by evebushman

The Name of Your Winery: Maybe it Shouldn’t BE Your Name

October 14, 2016 by evebushman

Driving down Highway 29 in Napa Valley I spied the ivy covered grand front entrance of Cosentino Winery. Then I recalled the many times Mitch Cosentino came to Santa Clarita Valley to do tasting events for Valencia Wine Company. There were many locals that were enamored with Mitch’s wines. Fast forward a few years and the winery was bankrupt, and part of Mitch’s exit involved leaving his name behind.

I’m sure there is more to it than that, but that’s how I recall it. I sought Mitch out later, via his new Napa tasting room, with a new front entrance that now simply reads “Pure Cru”. The winemaker is the same, the only difference I noted was that the price points seemed much more reasonable than other Napa wines, and made the wines much more accessible.

After visiting Mitch a couple of times it got me to thinking. How many wineries are out there with a name that no longer truly represents the wine? Is this lost on the consumer? Does it matter? To me it’s the winemaker that makes all of the difference, wouldn’t others notice that too?

Below please see my Facebook roundup – you may be surprised to find out that a favorite winery no longer has its namesake at its head. In others, especially older wineries where the namesake is no longer living, you shouldn’t be too surprised, but don’t assume a family member is at the helm, or has the same degree of talent as the originator.

The Name Changers

“…One of the places I mentioned to Eve was Parducci. Another not listed here is Mirassou. Swanson was just added to the list. There were many more…” Mitch Cosentino.

“Arrowwood, Pretty-Smith, Beringer, Franzia, Callaway, Charles Krug, Firestone, Deloach, and Fetzer are just a few of the many wineries that are no longer controlled by their founders and namesakes. There are many.” Gary Eberle.

“Stags’ Leap, William Hill, Wild Horse, Chateau Montelena, Cuvaison, J Winery, B R Cohn, Von Strasser and Benzinger. To name a few…” Mitch R.

“Justin.” Jo T.

“Sanford.” Denise L.

“Robert Mondavi.” Kai E.

“Louis Martini.” Lee W.

“Kuleto.” Lisa B.

“Some change the name from the original owners, such a Sawyer in Napa becoming Foley-Johnson, and Stuart Cellars in Temecula becoming Bel

Vino.” Tom D.

“Byron.” Lee T.

“William Hill.” Vincent B.

“Raymond.” Kazia S.

“Erath.” Jaff H.

“Parducci in Mendo-Land has no Family members working (or controlling) the business.” Art N.

“Gary Farrell.” Mark N.

Do consumers care?

“I believe that only in the “cult” wine world do the consumers care as they are mostly tiny to small operations, family run. If you look at all the wineries controlled by Constellation, Gallo and Treasury, thriving because most consumers don’t worry about who owns the wines they like.” Art N.

For me, I think the consumer just needs to be aware. There are several reasons to buy your wine from a winemaker you like, and not just a brand you are used to: you can be guaranteed that the product that you are after has been crafted by the hands you expect.

Vintage Eve: The 15 Most Influential Wine Men in My Life – 2011 Edition Part Two

August 23, 2016 by evebushman

Last week I gave readers the first half of my list of men that have been intrinsic in furthering my wine education, numbers1-8 out of 15. I had to break the list in two, as, these men, as you can guess, had many accolades I didn’t want to abbreviate. Here is part two, beginning with #9:

Perlis, Hasper, Lemley

Jeff Jacobson grew up with amazing Bordeaux and Burgundy wines and began to enjoy the more “affordable” wines from California and other countries, beginning in the 1960s. He and his wife Joan have always been community minded: donating and pouring their wines at the SCV Wine Classic’s library wine tables, staging the first wine-tasting fundraiser COC Library, an then as wine chair for the COC Wine Classic (Which is where I first met Jeff!) benefiting the COC’s Youth Orchestra Foundation. Last year I asked Jeff to assist the Circle of Hope, and we immediately renamed and advertised the event as the new Vine 2 Wine Classic, and grew the event into something incredible.

My “Guru”, as I’ve always called him, Guy Lelarge, will be celebrating 10 years of business at the Valencia Wine Company this September. Guy remembers me from day one and has not only enjoyed watching (and poking fun!) at my wine journey, but has done more than his fair share of contributing to it with tastings, dinners and classes. He has been another great go-to person when I have a question and I’ve also enjoyed dining and drinking with him yearly just to chat. He’s been a frequent “subject” in my youtubes as well. http://valenciawine.com

Steve Lemley has a passion for wine that led him to start in 1999 as a home winemaker. After many years of perfecting the craft, he met Nate Hasper and Pulchella Winery was born in 2006. The winery is located in Paso Robles and the tasting room is located in Newhall. They focus on producing hand crafted, small lots of single vineyard and complex blends. All of their grapes are sourced from the Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo counties. The Pulchella Winery tasting room is minutes from my house, and I find myself there when new varietals are released, always with bended ear to all I can learn from Steve and his partner Nate. http://www.Pulchella.com

Michael Perlis has been a staff writer, and is now the Contributing Editor for the Eve’s Wine 101 website, since 2009. If it weren’t for Mike, our readers – and me – wouldn’t have learned so much about Paso Robles wines. He provides outsourced controller services to businesses that do not need a full-time controller. He balances this with his interest in wine: reading and writing about it and, of course, drinking it. He is still trying to figure out how to combine these two pursuits. Feel free to contact him about either at mcpfinancial@aol.com or michaelthezinfan@aol.com.

Rusty Dale Sly is a Rocket Scientist, no pun intended. He is a specialist in the Launch Systems and Integration Department for an aerospace company where he is involved with launch interface requirements. Well versed in Chemistry, he enjoys brewing and creating new beer recipes. He also has a passion for fine wines, especially French wines, which he studies and analyzes from a technical approach. Rusty, as a staff writer for Eve’s Wine 101 website since ’09, and in running a monthly wine tasting group called Grape of the Night, continues to keep me informed, and challenged, in the world of wine.

From teaching wine education at College of the Canyons, to being the recent owner of the now shuttered Cellar bar and restaurant, DiMaggio Washington has been intrinsic in instructing me about wine. I’ve sat in on his classes, helped at his harvest and gained my Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 2 Certification through his instruction. Once, when a winemaker did something I questioned I called DiMaggio for his opinion. He not only set me straight, but drove over to the winery to help them out too.

Before Lee’s Wine Bistro, and before All Corked Up, Lee Yoon was at the center of our growing wine community in Santa Clarita at International Liquors. Over the years many people have benefited from meeting Lee at his different venues. For me, I’ve enjoyed his “blending” behind the bar and his inquisitive questions as to what I think I’m tasting. He has a wealth of knowledge that I continue to marvel at. http://facebook.com/leeswine.bistro

Non-Wine Amendments:

Douglas Stone, through his http://www.ForScotchLovers.com site is teaching me more about Whisky than I ever thought possible: http://westranchbeacon.com/2011/12/eve%E2%80%99s-wine-101-it-has-arrived-my-scotch-explorers-club-first-sample/

And Arthur Przebinda, founder of http://www.RedWineBuzz.com (now links to http://www.CentralCoastWineReport.com) gave me quite the education on Vodka: http://evewine101.com/2011/01/28/arthur-przebinda-redwinebuzz-com-and-me-vodka-wars/

So dear wine friend, who were your wine mentors in 2011? (And yes, I did start doing one on females – but my list was too short. I will work on finding more female wine aficionados in 2012! I guess I really do have a resolution after all.)

2007 Vintage Eve: It’s not all About Sushi and Wine

August 9, 2016 by evebushman

On my way to what promised to be the wine dinner of the year; a first for me with a pairing from a thought-they-just-made-sushi bar and Paso Robles winery Edward Sellers, I stopped in at Valencia Wine Bar because they were hosting the event. Say it was fate, say it was because Maru Sushi was only a few steps away…but if you say it was to see how a drunk can be managed then you would have been right. It went like this:

l-r: Guy Lelarge, Jason Park and Edward Sellers

A smartly dressed middle-aged woman took a seat at the bar. Nothing remarkable there. She quickly ordered a glass of wine. After receiving her glass she proceeded to fold her arms on the bar and nestle her head in their warmth. The employee that served her deftly removed the untouched glass. She peaked through an elbow, slurring her irritations, the staffer alerted the owner. A cab was called for and paid for. Then it got even more interesting when two other female patrons stepped in to offer assistance.

They helped her up and to the outside tables as not to disrupt the bar and to get her closer to her taxi when it arrived. Owner Guy Lelarge protested, as they were missing their evening to attend to his customer. They wouldn’t be swayed. They herded her into the cab. Then we all walked down to Maru Sushi. Me feeling I was in good hands if I were to make any missteps and the others, feeling the same, were now ready to start their evening!

I was delighted to be seated next to winery owner Edward Sellers and took full advantage of it. Visiting the area of Paso Robles for golf Sellers quickly fell in love with the landscape. He decided to buy a few acres to start. But by the end of 2004 he couldn’t resist his fate any longer: He bought a vineyard.

He explained that he had started his winery in 2004 and now had thirty acres of vines. Like Bordeaux or Napa where you cannot put the area’s name on a label without having the grapes behind it, his wines are all 100% Paso Robles. His winemaker Amy Butler, he is proud to boast, is one a few female winemakers available. Her education at UC Davis and her work at Staggs Leap and Schramsberg made her impossible not to snap up. Their first vintage, only available in Santa Clarita from Valencia Wine Company, was 2,500 cases.

As the reception began with appetizers that tickled your tongue with tastes of tomato, peaches and goat cheese, we started our pairing perfectly with their Paso Robles Viognier 2005. Guy Lelarge commented, “A perfect floral wine, served at room temperature it shows everything”. And I heard once again the old wine adage that when wine is only good served very cold it has something to hide. Usually an err in flavor.

Moving on to the first course of Seared Diver’s Scallops with a blood orange Nage Over wilted Swiss chard & arugula with Paso Robles Blanc du Rhone 2005 we were equally astounded at how well “disciplined and passionate” chef Jason Park had used his fine French restaurant experience to it’s fullest. And I was again reminded that the best fish is sushi-grade. The scallop, the size of my mighty palm, had been slowly sliced by me to take full advantage of every bit of sauce and Swiss chard.

The second course was Pan roasted Skate Wing over Pomme Puree over Wild Porcini Mushrooms with a Warm Herb Vinaigrette and only recognized by fifty percent of the guests beforehand as fish. Skate Wing, to which guest Dave Bossert referred to as similar to a Flounder (not an inside joke to his Disney friends), was much more delicate and flavorful. It was to be the second dish I would not leave a scrap on my plate of. Others, in the mood to joke, were happy to find that Skate Wing wasn’t pigeon or the collar bone of some other small animal. The delicate fruit of the Paso Robles Rousanne 2005 was another perfect match to which Sellers remarked, “We make wine that balances the food and does not become the food.”

Next came Roasted Peking Duck Breast over a Chopped Udon Risotto with a Cherry-Syrah reduction paired with our first red wine of the evening: Paso Robles Cuvee des Cinq 2004. This award winning wine had the room buzzing with words like “elegant yet understandable” and a wine that you “don’t have to wait four years to drink; this was made to drink today”.

We now wanted to linger when the fourth course of Lamb Sirloin Confit over Banana Fingerling Potatoes Tossed with Crème Fraiche and a Boysenberry Glaze was served with another wine I had chosen for my own: Paso Robles Cognito 2004. Produced as a “black label” the first year; Sellers had since decided it had to be produced again. This was one of Dave Bossert’s favorite wines. “I happened to be at the wine bar when Sellers came in with a cooler of his wines, including this Cognito, for Guy to try. Seller’s wines showed that he’s interested in perfecting his craft, making great wines and not just making money.”

Then came our finale: Chocolate Cherry Tart Tatin with a Tahitian Vanilla Bean Ice Cream paired with Paso Robles Grenache 2004. The Grenache was only slightly sweet as opposed to other red dessert styles with 15% alcohol and had been blended with nothing less than Chateauneuf du Pape. This choice did not fail to please. It was 9:30 and the crowd was buzzing.

Mark White, whose business Golden Empire Mortgage, with its location above Valencia Wine Company had afforded many of us the view of his cycling home from the wine bar on more than one occasion, had this to say: “I always had my favorite wine bar – the first licensed in our valley – right downstairs and now my favorite restaurant too. Being a resident of SCV since 1964 there has never been a better restaurant to go with these phenomenal wines!”

The wait staff, that had been attentive all evening, couldn’t help but comment that they had been getting “rave reviews”. Add one more I thought as I made my exit; comfortable that my tastes didn’t equal more than two full glasses and that there was plenty more for those that could handle it! If not, Guy was an expert “cab caller” on top of everything else!