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.
It all took place at Robert Mondavi Winery, in conjunction with BottleRock Presents, and raised in excess of $90K for fire relief.
THANK YOU to all that contributed time, money, music and wine!
#NapaStrong #WineCountryStrong
#CAWineStrong #FeastItForward
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.
Get your TICKETS 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 Grill Harvest 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
Butternut Squash Gnocchi Foraged Mushrooms, Brown Butter, & Parmesan
2013 Radio-Coteau Pinot Noir, Dierke Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Tomato, Orange & Rosemary Braised Lamb Shank Cauliflower Puree, Spinach, Pine Nuts, & Golden Raisins
topped with Gremolata
2013 Radio-Coteau Syrah, Dusty Lane, Sonoma Coast Chocolate “Bomb”
Kahlua Chocolate Mousse, Coffee Genoise,
Espresso Creme Anglaise
2013 Radio-Coteau Lemorel “Estate” Sonoma Coast Zinfandel
The Harvest Dinner is $120/person, RSVP Required – call (707) 634-6142: 15% of which benefits the Fire Relief Fund of Sonoma & Napa Counties.
Last weekend a gathering ensued to announce and present BIG winners of the Harvest Fair wine sweepstakes. To see the list of all winners then read this: 2017 Harvest Fair winning wines announced
Then be sure to attend the Sonoma County Harvest Fair on October 6-8 for your chance to taste these exceptional wines. Maybe I will see you there!
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!
Follow up the Zin Zin Din Din with a cool (air-conditioned) weekend outing! Head to Trentadue Winery in Geyserville for the Simply Summer Celebration to continue celebrating Zinfadel of Northern Sonoma County, pairing the widest range of foods, while showcasing the unlimited expressions of taste. Mark your calendar for this coming Sunday, August 13th, from 12:30-3:30.
There you will find. . .
~More than 60 wineries from all over California
~A chance to meet celebrity winemakers
~BBQ meal selections available for purchase by Cochon Volant
~Free dessert samples by Sonoma Cake Creations
~Ticket includes admittance, wine tasting, and ZAP logo wine glass
See you there! Christopher
