Category Archives: Awards

Drink Pink!

Time for a spring awakening with a pink twist: I’m happy to say that the results are in from the Rosé Wine Competition I judged on March 25 at Simi Winery in Healdsburg. Started by my pal, Napa-based wine and travel writer Bob Ecker, this is the largest competition of pink wines in the United States. Of the 192 entries, 155 received medals.

The Best in Class from the “Dry” Rosé Category was won by Martin Ray Vineyards of Santa Rosa, California.  The Best in Class from the “A Little Sweet” Rosé Category was a Rose from Truett Hurst Winery from Healdsburg, California. These wines were from 19 different states and all the unique interpretations of pink wines were tasted blind.

My fellow judges at the competition included Denise Gill, Debra Del Fiorentino, Sue Straight, Debra Parker Wong, Rick Fraga and Ray Johnson. The full list of awards can be found at The Rosé Competition.

The Gold Medal winning Rosé wines will be featured at a special tasting at Simi Winery on May 30th. Stay tuned for more details about the event. In the meantime, don’t forget to drink pink!

Trekking the wine road. . .

mtveeder2This month leads into a collection of treks that keep me moving throughout April!  So many exciting events that I want to share some details.  Perhaps a few of you will be joining me along the way. . .

Begining this week, on Thursday April 16th, I will be at the Mt. Veeder Spring Tasting, discussing the 25-year anniversary of the appellation at their media luncheon.

This is an exciting event so take advantage to participate in their public tasting, tickets are available at Mt Veeder Appellation.

Even sooner, I will be judging two prestigious wine competitions. The first is the Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge, April PD_NC-wine_challange14-15, at the Hilton Sonoma Wine Country Hotel at Fountaingrove in Santa Rosa. Winners of the event will be announced in the Press Democrat.  On May 17, many of these award winning wines will be featured along with dishes made by some of Sonoma County’s top chefs at The Barlowe in Sebastopol.

Then, for the long haul south, I will be at the Sunset International Wine Competition judging between April 26-28.  Besides being one of the top wine competitions in the nation, this year also marks the last time the competition will be held at the expansive Sunset Headquarters in Menlo Park.  For that reason, the other judges and I will be sure to make the most out of this experience, before final sale of the property.  Entries for this competition end on April 17th.

sunset2015You can continue to follow these exploits by virtual means, on my Social Media outlets; Facebook, Twitter  and Instagram.  There will be fun pictures and daily updates.

Last note,  don’t forget that Friday, April 24th is International Sauvignon Blanc Day!  When posting use #SauvBlanc, #nzwine, etc, and don’t forget to spread the word! -CS

2nd Year Honor! Bohemian Best Sommelier of the North Bay

I was very surprised last year to be honored with the title Best Sommelier of the North Bay 2014 by Bohemian Magazine.  I am even more so now, having the same honor bestowed upon me for a second time in 2015, after branching out on my own, unaware so many people are still appreciative of my contribution.

NBB2015_BestOfNorthBayLogoColorTHANK YOU to everyone that voted for me!  Your support has made the transition to private consulting so amazing and enjoyable.

Cheers!  Christopher