All posts by christopher

Charity, Feast It Forward, Sommelier

FEASTstock featuring mini-Somm Sessions on October 20th!

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Announcing the Inaugural Oxbow District FEASTstock Festival, presented by Feast it Forward and Oxbow Public Market:  Here is a chance to get your Somm Session sampling with me and guest winemakers throughout the day in a fun interactive setting!

McKinstry Street and Oxbow Annex parking lot will be closed to create a neighborly and family friendly FREE block party.  Come out and play with us for a day filled with wine, craft brew, grub from Oxbow District merchants, kids zone and much more alongside #FEASTstudio playing host as Napa’s Own, Johnny Smith & Friends, Dgiin, Quinn DeVeaux Band and Justin Schaefers & the Blind Barbers jam on stage from 11a-8:30pm.

Presented by Feast it Forward and Oxbow Public Market to RAISE awareness and funds for Community Action of Napa Valley Food Bank!

news, Sommelier, Wine

Radio Show: ISO The Good Life from July 30th!

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I was fortunate to meet radio host Mike The Wine Guy host of In Search of the Good Life, at the Grand Opening of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University.  In such, I was able to hop on for a fun 10 minute interview with him!

Here is the link (scroll to bottom of his page) to listen in on that show if you have a little down time: Christopher Sawyer Of SawyerSomm

Cheers! Christopher

Feast It Forward, Sommelier, Wine

Cabernet Sauvignon & Bordeaux Varietals at Somm Session October 4th!

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Plan your next trip to Napa for my fun and educational Somm Session featuring Rocca Family Vineyards, Terra Valentine and Oberon Wines.

This intimate monthly seminar, Exploring the joys of Cabernet Sauvignon & other Bordeaux Varietals, will introduce you to high-end pure Napa Valley Cabs; smooth textured and graceful Merlot; and spicy profiles of a limited-release Cabernet Franc straight from the mountains, in addition to featured winemakers.

Check out the full Somm Session Schedule for 2018 & get your TICKETS through Feast It Forward!
Feast It Forward, Sommelier, Tasting

Next Quarterly Somm Session on September 15th, plus Full Schedule!

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I know the details for my FIF Somm Sessions have been just trickling out as we start each series, so here is the lowdown on my Quarterly Classes (each 3rd Saturday of the month from 10-11:30am), as well as some more ticket links, and a dedicated schedule page for your reference!  Whew, big breath after getting all that out.  Please proceed as the information unfolds below.

Quarterly Somm Sessions

Vintners, Vintages & Varietals Series:
Sept 15– GIBBS Napa Valley & COHO Wines
Dec 15– Michael Mondavi and Oberon Wines

Trending Now! Series:
Oct 20– The Rebirth of the Hip Red Grape Varietals
January Date TBA

Appellation Series:
Aug 18 (past)–Tasting Two Sides of the Mayacamas Mountains with Aiken Wines of Napa Valley & B. Wise Vineyards of Sonoma Valley
Nov 10– Celebrating the 35-year Anniversaries of the Carneros, Russian River Valley and Paso Robles AVAs

FULL SCHEDULE through 2018

This additionally includes my Monthly Somm Sessions on First Thursdays, 5:30-7pm! Ticket links will be there as they come available. Contact me at wine@sawyersomm.com if you need any assistance!

Cheers!  Hope you are able join me at Feast It Forward.
1031 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559
707-819-2403 info@feastitforward.com

Sommelier, Tasting, Wine

Rhone Wine Rendezvous Tasting at Gravenstein Grill: September 13th

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Before the Sonoma County harvest kicks into high gear, join me and an all-star line-up of local #Rhone-style wine producers at the Rhone Wines Rendezvous happening at Gravenstein Grill in Sebastopol on Thursday evening, September 13 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Relax in the tranquil patio area for this very special walk-around tasting featuring the newest releases from many of the top producers of Rhone-style wines of Sonoma County. Sample lively aromatic white wines made with #Viognier, Grenache Blanc, #Roussanne, #Marsanne and #Picpoul Blanc; vibrant, elegant and spicy versions of complex red wines made with #Syrah, #Grenache, #Mourvedre. #Cinsault, #Carignane and Petit Sirah; zippy, tangy and taste-tempting offerings of sophisticated pink wines that finish dry instead of sweet; and flavorful appetizers prepared by Chef Bob Simontacchi.

In a nutshell, our local Rhone-style wines rock. So, let’s enjoy these fantastic flavor profiles at this amazing Rhone-style event on September 13th!

Participating wineries: Limerick Lane Cellars, Jeff Cohn Cellars, Davis Family Vineyards, Two Shepherds, Lasseter Family Winery, The Larsen Projekt, MacLaren Wine, Keller Estate, Dane Cellars, Montemaggiore, Eric Kent Wine Cellers, ACORN Winery, and many more!

There will also be a live performance by the wonderful Aly Rose Trio during the event.  Get your $25 ticket at EVENTBRITE!

Feast It Forward, Sommelier, Tasting

FIF Somm Sessions: Monthly Class Series Begins Sept 6th

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Doesn’t this venue look just smashing? This featured picture is from my first Quarterly Series (with detailed schedule coming soon):  Yet you can join me at this amazing Feast It Forward setting sooner, and as promised, here is the list of the Monthly Somm Sessions  in Napa through the end of 2018: They will always be on the First Thursdays of the month from 5:30-7pm.

First up, join me and some amazing wines on Thursday September 6th, 5:30-7pm, for The Rosé Revolution & Aromatic Wine Picks for Autumn 2018! GET TICKETS NOW

At “Somm Sessions; The Rose Revolution & Aromatic White Picks for Autumn 2018” on September 6, try this classy Pinot Grigio, the newest release from Benessere Vineyards—one of the top producers of Italian varietals in the New World!
At “Somm Sessions; The Rose Revolution & Aromatic White Picks for Autumn 2018” on September 6, try this classy Pinot Grigio, the newest release from Benessere Vineyards—one of the top producers of Italian varietals in the New World!

Looking for some bright, fresh and expressive new wines to serve with appetizers, fresh soups, salads, gourmet dishes or to simply refresh the palate as the warm days of summer lead to the joyous months of harvest? Then join Feast It Forward Sommelier Chris Sawyer and special winery guests for this fun, interactive tasting focused on the wide range of dry, elegant and sophisticated styles of pink wines and aromatic white wines made with premium grapes from Napa Valley and beyond!

  • October 4th Exploring the Joys of Cabernet Sauvignon & Other Bordeaux Varietals
  • November 1st Messages in the Bottles — Unlocking the Mysteries Behind Crafting World-Class Pinot Noir and Elite Red Proprietary Blends
  • December 6th Holiday Wine Pairings with Films & Fine Cuisine

Mark your calendar!  Tickets available at FIF Events.
Cheers! Christopher

Smiles everyone, smiles! At the #SommSessions gathering on Thursday, September 6th, sample the tangy sensations of the intriguing white grape variety Verdelho made by winemaker Christine Barbe of Coquerel Wines (second from left) and the long, dry finish of the Rosé of Cinsault crafted by Onestra winemaker/proprietor Jillian Johnson Deleon (far right).
Smiles everyone, smiles! At the #SommSessions gathering on Thursday, September 6th, sample the tangy sensations of the intriguing white grape variety Verdelho made by winemaker Christine Barbe of Coquerel Wines (second from left) and the long, dry finish of the Rosé of Cinsault crafted by Onestra winemaker/proprietor Jillian Johnson Deleon (far right).
Feast It Forward, Sommelier, Tasting

My Somm Sessions getting started at FIF, August 18th!

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Feast It Forward is finally open at 1031 McKinstry Street in Napa, and with that my educational seminars can begin!  Starting with my quarterly Appellation Series on Saturday, August 18, 10-11:30am.  Reserve your space for $35, details below.

The Appellation Series: Tasting Two Sides of the Mayacamas Mountains with Aiken Wines of Napa Valley & B. Wise Vineyards of Sonoma Valley
The two sides of the Mayacamas Mountain Range come together in this one-of-a-kind exploration of high-class wines made with cherished grapes grown on the famed “Rutherford Dust” soils of Napa Valley and the rugged western-facing hillside of the Moon Mountain appellation overlooking Sonoma Valley. Taste and discover the complex profiles of these delicious gems with gifted winemaker Joel Aiken and other special guests. All this while relaxing in the comforts of The Studio by Feast it Forward in downtown Napa. Your $35 ticket to the Appellation Series includes a superb flight of six elite wines; discussion of each wine; food pairing tips; and much more!

I will post an extended schedule of monthy & quarterly offerings for the remainder of 2018 soon, so you can mark your calendars!
Cheers ~ Christopher

FEAST IT FORWARD!

Sommelier, Tasting, Wine

Rosés of Sonoma County at Gravenstein Grill! Thursday, July 19th

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Join me at the Gravenstein Grill for the evening of July 19, from 6-8pm, celebrating the incredible local Rosé wines of Sonoma County. We’ll have guest wineries pouring on our patio including Radio-Coteau Wine Cellars LLC, Kokomo Winery, Benovia Winery, Kobler Estate Winery, Friedeman Wines, Claypool Cellars, and more!

Accompanying the incredible wines will be seasonal passed appetizers by Chef Bob Simontacchi featuring the great summertime local produce of West Sonoma.

There will also be a performance by the incredibly talented Sebastopol band the Aly Rose Trio. Don’t miss out on this event, one of Gravenstein Grill’s Summer Wine Series!

GET YOUR TICKETS!