Will you be at World of Pinot Noir (WOPN) on March 2-3? If you will be at this Santa Barbara event then please be sure to sign up for my special Saturday seminar ATTACK OF THE CLONES!
A panel of winemakers and I will lead you during my fun and educational seminar. You will get to learn – and taste – the difference between many key Pinot Noir grape clones. Panelists include:
During my Zinfandel Experience this year I ran into The Cork Dorks: This team consists of Adam Montiel and Jeremy West, part of a weekly program on The Krush 92.5. Take a little break to listen and watch this recounting of their ZAP adventure! (And yes, you will hear my voice in spots there as well. . .)
While the trade portion gets going earlier in the week, you can still get the Zinfandel Experience with tickets to a few events that are not already sold out!
Flights: January 19, 10:30-1pm
Moderated by Joel Peterson, winemaker of Ravenswood Winery.
Aimed at the true wine aficionado with a keen curiosity, this seated seminar-style tasting allows attendees to experience the true character of Zinfandel through the eyes of experts.
Grand Tasting: January 20, 11am-5pm
The weekend’s main event is the Grand Tasting, where you will meet the winemakers at the most comprehensive showing of Zinfandels and blends in the world and experience a selection of sumptuous culinary samples from restaurants and winery chefs.
Winemaker Auction & Dinner: January 19
Unfortunately this event is already SOLD OUT. However, if you happen to be a lucky ticket holder be sure to look for my special Auction Package #20 and bid high! The live and silent auctions will showcase one-of-a-kind lots, rare bottles, and winery experiences with proceeds benefitting ZAP’s programming.
There are so many incredible people coming together in support of those affected by the recent fires. For The Love of Napa featured an amazing concert with Michael Franti and Spearhead and Vintage Trouble. With so many affected, this is a chance for locals to show their resilience as a community and lift their spirits through the healing power of music. One-hundred percent of ticket sales went to victims of the region’s recent wildfires through the Napa Valley Community Foundation.
Here is your second chance to experience the best of art, poetry, food, and wine all in one place! Pairings for the Senses is a Sonoma Valley Museum of Art concept inspired by the long-running event Flight of Poets, organized by Bay Area poets Hollie Hardy and Tess Taylor, and myself (Sonoma Sommelier Christopher Sawyer), where live poetry readings are paired with the perfect Sonoma County wines.
Chef Bryan Jones in the kitchen at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards.
Get yourTICKETS to join us Saturday December 2nd, 5:30-7:30: I will be the MC for the evening, with another amazing line up of Poets, Chefs, and Vintners sharing how it all comes together in a set of dynamic pairings to delight all our senses.
The POETS: Introduction by Tess Taylor, Hollie Hardy, Iris Jamahl Dunkle, Tongo Eisen-Martin
The CHEFS & WINES: Armando Navarro of El Dorado Kitchen, Bryan Jones of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Carlo Cavallo of B&V Whiskey Bar and Grille, Jeff Tyler of Palooza Gastropub, Muscardini Cellars, Gloria Ferrer, La Rochelle Winery
Top to bottom: Poet Iris Jamahl Dunkle, Muscardini Cellars selection: Chef Armando Navarro preps at EDK (PD photo); Gorgeous view of La Rochelle Winery
Join me along with Radio-Coteau wines for the Gravenstein GrillHarvest Dinner by Executive Chef Bob Simontacchi, with guest Winegrower Eric Sussman! This is an excellent opportunity to savor a delicious feast, paired with wine while also benefiting the Fire Relief Fund of Sonoma & Napa Counties. This delicious menu includes:
Heirloom Tomato Soup with Brioche Grilled Cheese Aged White Cheddar, Local Heirloom Tomatoes “Eye Cyder” Unfiltered Gravenstein Cider from Sebastopol Grown Apples
Seared Dayboat Scallop Creamed Brussel Sprout Leaves, Tarragon, Hazelnut, & Lemons 2016 County Line Chardonnay, North Coast
Fresh off the Harvest Fair judging this week, an amazing day of twenty different varieties in multiple forms that showcase the diversity of what Sonoma County has to offer; White wines from Albariño, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Muscat; Red wines from Old Vine Zinfandel, Tannat, Syrah, Grenache and individual bottles of Alicante Bousche. An amazing experience and team effort by the 21 judges present!
Check for our results in today’s Press Democrat (September 24th) and get your Harvest Fair tickets to try all the winning wine and food on October 6-8 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
Despite the smoke, gormandizing continues in the Pacific Northwest! Next week is Feast Portland that showcases the energy, creativity
and enthusiasm that’s driving America’s food revolution. Choose activities from a slew of entertaining options!
Sandwich Invitational at RoseQuarter Commons Grand Tasting at Pioneer Courthouse Square Night Market at Zidell Yards Smoked! at The Fields Brunch Village at Pioneer Courthouse Square Dinner Series Hands-On Classes Drink Tank plus Fun-Size Events!
Start Sonoma County Wine Weekend in style by joining us at the annual Russian River Valley Paulée Dinner at the Landmark Vineyards Hop Kiln Estate on Friday, September 1st, 5 to 8:30 pm. I’ll be there with a rocking group of talented winemakers, winery proprietors, star chefs, and some of the top offerings of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in the United States. Only a few TICKETS left, get yours before they are gone!