Category Archives: Event

Event, Film, Sommelier, Tasting, Virtual, Wine

Cinema & the Cellar at the Rutherford Dust Film Fest

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Rutherford Dust Society
Virtual Premiere Napa Valley Celebration
Thursday, June 3 from 3:00-4:00pm PT

Join the winemakers of Rutherford Dust Society and the world’s first film sommelier, Christopher Sawyer for a virtual wine & movie celebration on June 3rd.

During this high-energy event, Alpha Omega, Amici, Inglenook, Frank Family Vineyards, PEJU, Quintessa and St. Supéry will present their Premiere Napa Valley lots, with a cinematic twist!

Whether you’re in the mood for action, drama, comedy or romance– there will be a wine for you in this action-packed session highlighting the radiant Rutherford region, its famous filmmakers and winemakers, and the elusive “Rutherford Dust” character that keeps wine lovers from around the world coming back for more. Join this list of stellar panelists on ZOOM!

Event, Sports, Tasting, Virtual, Wine

More Wine + Yoga: In Person @ Cuvaison Estate on Sunday May 23

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The time has come for in-person wine and yoga sessions starting this month led by Vino Vinyasa, and hosted by Melier, so you can finally sip and stretch simultaneously (with the option of virtual as well).

the experience will be located at the beautiful Cuvaison Estate Winery guest house, nestled amongst the vineyards, and just minutes from the Cuvaison tasting room: Tempt your taste buds with their 2018 Estate Chardonnay and 2020 Rose of Pinot Noir.

Get registered or check the Melier schedule for more options that might work for you!

Event, Sports, Tasting, Virtual, Wine

Wine + YOGA: Twisting and Tasting with Smith Devereux on May 22

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Ready to try something new? Melier is hosting both virtual and in-person yoga sessions starting this month!

This first VIRTUAL session, on Saturday May 22 from 11am-noon, will include an hour of stretching and sipping with Vino Vinyasa founder Morgan Perry and the respective winery owners featuring two wines from Smith Devereux: The 2017 No 3 Red Blend and SB White Blend!

Get registered or check the Melier schedule for more options that might work for you!

Event, Sommelier, Tasting, Varietal, Virtual, Wine

May 7 Is #SauvBlancDay: Join St Supéry Around The World Virtual Tasting

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Sauvignon Blanc  Around the World: North & South America Live Virtual Tasting 

Friday, May 7 at 5pm PT Sauvignon Blanc has made a name for itself in many regions of the world. Hear “Sommelier to the Stars” Christopher Sawyer chat with global winemakers from California to Chile. Did you know that excellent Sauvignon Blanc is made in Uruguay and Mexico? Discover these great regions in an engaging chat on

  • Moderator: Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier
  • Michael Scholz, VP Winemaking and Viticulture, St. Supéry Estate, Napa Valley, California
  • Christian Wylie, Managing Director, Bodega Garzon, Uruguay
  • Sofia Araya, Winemaker, Ritual, Casablanca Valley, Chile
  • Nikolai Rudametkin, La Lomita Winery, Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

Join us on ZOOM, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or streamed live on my Sawyer Sommelier Facebook page! #SauvBlancDay

Competition, Event, Festivals, Film, Sommelier, Video, Wine

SIFF: The Wine Awards 2021!

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Congratulations to the winners of our 4th Annual SIFF | Safe Harbor Wine Storage Wine Awards presented by San Francisco Magazine

Sonoma International Film Festival and our jury of tasting experts, led by noted sommelier Christopher Sawyer, toast the winners and thank all that participated. Watch the Wine Awards announcement on the SIFF Vimeo Channel and check out the details below!

Event, Food, Tasting, Travels, Varietal, Wine

Chardonnay Classic: On Site In Napa Valley! May 20-22

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The 2021 Chardonnay Classic, from May 20-22, 2021 will reunite wine enthusiasts’ minds and palates to celebrate the greatness of Chardonnay. One of the world’s most beloved, dynamic, and delicious grape varieties. This inaugural gathering will feature some of the finest domestic and international producers of Chardonnay and will take place at the Meritage and Vista Collina Resorts.

A weekend of indulgence curated by master sommeliers and acclaimed winemakers set in the beautiful Napa Valley. The program features iconic wine country experiences, gourmet lunches, luxury dinners and 22 unique tastings that culminate in a Grand Tasting of Chardonnay. Vintners, industry experts, and enthusiasts alike gather together to celebrate the incredible range of Chardonnay!

Purchase your full weekend ticket before 5/8 and save $300 with Early Bird pricing! Use promo code CHARD15 to claim the savings. To purchase your Chardonnay Classic ticket(s) click “TICKETS”.

Event, Sommelier, Tasting, Video, Vlog, Wine

Benovia Winery, So Co Barrel Auction & The Varietal Show!

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Here comes the7th Sonoma County Barrel Auction, an annual event produced by Sonoma County Vintners, for wine futures and collectable wines – representing the stylistic range and world-class quality of Sonoma County. The Varietal Show gets the scoop from winemaker Mike Sullivan of Benovia Winery. In this two part feature we discuss the auction and their spectacular Never Before, Never Again auction lot. #SoCoBA

This virtual auction is for members of the wine trade, wine collectors and media: It opens online Weds May 5, and closes Friday May 7. The funds raised at the Sonoma County Barrel Auction support Sonoma County Vintners marketing programs and initiatives. To register, visit SoCoBarrelAuction.com/attend/

LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for weekly notifications on more exciting episodes, Tuesdays at 12:30pm

Competition, Event, Festivals, Film, Wine

SIFF Wine Competition: Enter Now Through April 5th!

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The splendor of the Sonoma International Film Festival may be coming to a close but your wines can still participate! Info below for more details or contact Chay Woerz.

4th Annual SIFF Wine Awards: Sponsored by Safe Harbor Wine Storage &Presented by San Francisco Magazine

How To Enter: Select the categories you want to enter from the list below.  Then provide 2 bottles of wine for each of the categories you are entering.

Deliver wines to SIFF office: Located above Maya Restaurant (103 E Napa Street, Ste. B, Sonoma) by April 5th, 2021.

CATEGORIES! BEST Sparking Wine, Chardonnay, Aromatic White Wine, Pink Wine (still), Red Wine Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Dessert Wine, Port Wine, Sake (NEW)

Winners receive digital laurels to use for your marketing and a framed certificate to hang in your winery or tasting room as well as some serious bragging rights!

Judging will be organized and executed by sommelier Christopher Sawyer and panel of wine experts, on April 9th. 

The winners will be announced prior to the SIFF Saturday Film Screening on April 24th.

Following the screening the Awards Presentation will then be available on our SIFF Food and Wine Vimeo channel for those that missed it. We encourage you to send us virtual tasting content (10 minutes max) and any special offer (need link, description and promo code) you may have to share with our audience.

Deadline for wine submissions is April 5th and we will need your video by April 15th.

Event, Tasting, Travels, Wine

Behind The Cellar Door in Amador Wine Country: March 26-28!

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With oodles of safety measures in place the Amador Vintners have organized a three day BCD experience! Your ticket will allow you to pre-select each personal time slot and winery of your preference. So check out the list of wineries, get your TICKETS, and lodging if necessary, to enjoy an intimate wine tasting weekend!

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Event, Food, news, Wine

Delicious Grub Everywhere — Go Get Some!

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Perfect timing with many places reopened to outdoor dining, or continuing with take-out & delivery. Whatever suits your preference this Sonoma County Restaurant Week 2021, which starts February 19, keeps going until February 28th! You have plenty of time so get some good #SOCO eats and support a local biz!

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While not on the list this year, just a few examples to help whet the palate (all from delicious menus at Gravenstein Grill)!