Category Archives: Food

Food, Sommelier, Tasting, Varietal, Wine

Passion For Pinot On Thurs June 29 @Gravenstein Grill!

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It’s here – the Passion for Pinot segment of the Summer Wine Series! Join Gravenstein Grill for 25 of the top Pinot Noir producers who work with world-class fruit grown in the celebrated cool-climate regions of Russian River Valley, Green Valley, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Coast and beyond.

Featured wineries include: Benovia Winery, Cobb Wines, Marimar Estate, Joseph Swan, Radio Coteau, Sherrer Winery, Papapietro Perry, Hartford Family Winery, La Follette Wines, Davis Bynum, & More!

Appetizers will be provided by Chefs Bob Simontacchi & Makana Colunga & live Jazz Guitar by Jay Messer on the scene!

This event sells out and is not to be missed, so buy a ticket today! Tickets are $55 preorder, $65 at the door, and include tastings with all participating wineries.

Appellation, Food, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Video, Virtual, Vlog, Wine

Flambeaux Wine On THE VARIETAL SHOW Is Tres Fabuleux!

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In the northern regions of Sonoma County lies the Dry Creek Valley AVA, where Flambeaux Wine is located, not far from the idyllic town of Healdsburg. THE VARIETAL SHOW joins proprietor Art Murray and winemaker Ryan Prichard for a discussion of New Orleans roots, culinary connections and to taste some mighty fine wines!

  • Flambeaux 2020 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
  • Flambeaux 2020 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
  • Flambeaux 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for notification about upcoming episodes, most Tuesdays @11am PST! Email me about featuring your winery on #THEVARIETALSHOW

Food, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Video, Virtual, Vlog, Wine

Getting Todo Un Poco On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

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Be forewarned, this episode will make you hungry! Todo Un Poco is the creation of Chef & Sommelier Maria Mertz; THE VARIETAL SHOW visits this amazingly unique restaurant located in Elk Grove, not far from Sacramento. To translate from Spanish, it means “a little bit of everything” which perfectly describes the menu of these Mexican & Italian dishes with influences from around the world.

Celebrating their 25 year anniversary we sample prawn salad, meatballs with tomatilla salsa and an Indian chorizo mixup, as well as some equally interesting wines of their list; Clarksburg Wine Co, White Delta Blanc & Zuccardi, Concreto Malbec.

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LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for notification about upcoming episodes, most Tuesdays @11am PST!

Event, Food, Sommelier, Tasting, Varietal, Wine

Rose & Aromatic White/Pink Wine Festival on Thurs May 25th!

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Join Gravenstein Grill for an early evening celebrating all the incredible aromatic white & rose wines produced in Sonoma County! We’ll have wines being poured by over 20 guest wineries, including Balletto Vineyards, Anaba, Crux, Cochon, Banshee, Davis Family, Muscardini Cellars, Radio-Coteau, Red Car Wine, Sea Wolf, Marimar, Porter Creek, Raft, Inman Family, Quivira, Chenoweth Wines, Kobler Estate, Benziger Winery, Imagery Winery, Rodney Strong & More!

This event is Thursday May 25th, 5-7pm, outdoors on the garden patio. TICKETS are $35 if ordered online, $45 at the door, and includes tastings with all the wineries!

To accompany these world class wines there will be passed appetizers by Chefs Bob Simontacchi & Makana Colunga. This is the first of the Summer wine series at Gravenstein Grill – and it is not to be missed!

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Appellation, Event, Farm, Food, Garden, History, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Wine

Get Your PASSPORT To Dry Creek Valley! April 29-30

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Join 35 wineries for the 32nd Passport to Dry Creek Valley April 29 & 30, 2023. Enjoy amazing wine, delicious food, vibrant entertainment and a fun-filled spring weekend within the backdrop of idyllic Dry Creek Valley.

TICKETS with the special Sawyer Somm pricing are available at this link! How does it work?

  • Choose your starting winery and go at your own pace with no reservations necessary
  • Fabulous wine & food pairings
  • Access to countless wines that you can’t find on the shelf
  • Interactions with the winemakers and growers
  • Coveted spots in wine clubs
  • Entertainment all weekend
  • Skip the line with check-in option Friday in Healdsburg (info at checkout)
  • OPTION to purchase Friday evening (April 28) Winemakers welcome dinner at The Madrona
  • Hope to be seeing you in DCV! ~Chris
Art, Event, Festivals, Food, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Virtual, Wine

Let SAWYER SOMM Entertain YOU!

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Want to spice up your wine tastings? Bring in Sawyer Somm!

I am always interested in sharing my knowledge with you, and your group, at wineries or along with tour visits. We could also set up a special tasting, Seminar Style, for your large or small group onsite, or at another select venue around wine county. Food pairings are always a fun addition!

So let us know what you are thinking and let Sawyer Somm supplement your incredible wine experience! Cheers, Chris

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Food, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Wine

ALASKA 2023: Cruise With Me On The CELEBRITY SOLSTICE!

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Did you miss my epic Alaska wine cruise last summer? Well now you have another opportunity to join me on this spectacular voyage!

This 7-day Celebrity Cruise on the Solstice, exclusively through Costco Travel, departs from Seattle on July 21, 2023. Your exclusive wine experiences will include a welcome reception, two wine tasting seminars and a wine-paired luncheon!

Let me know if you have any questions and BOOK YOUR WINE CRUISE (<—here) before it sells out like the last one. Cheers! Chris

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Some snapshots from my Alaska cruise in Summer 2022!

Film, Food, Holidays, People, Sommelier, Tasting, Video, Virtual, Vlog, Wine

A Week Of Sweets & Treats For #VALENTINESDAY

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For Valentines Week, I am going to assail you with some special tidbits in this single blast of love! Start by reading this seductive article by Dr. Liz Thach, for a lovely selection of cocktails: Mine is the Blood Orange Rose 75, so start mixing!

Follow that up with the classic romantic film, An Affair To Remember: A fine sparkling wine that can live up to this level of romance is Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé. This charming bubbly exudes fruity, tangy flavor, has a beautiful color and a long enchanting finish. To further enliven the senses, serve this sparkling gem with aphrodisiac delights such as oysters on the half shell, fresh berries, or toasted nuts.

Lastly, let’s revisit my wine & chocolate pairing on THE VARIETAL SHOW from last year. It’s never too late to get specialty treats for your loved ones! Especially if it is Acumen Wine & Phillip Ashley Chocolates.

LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for notification about upcoming episodes, most Tuesdays @11am PST!

Competition, Event, Food, Holidays, Judging, Sommelier, Travels, Wine

Happy Holidays from Sawyer Somm!

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Just a quick note to say I appreciate you following my exciting adventures this year! Stick around for more in 2023 and enjoy this little collection of photos from a year of memories.

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A perfect vintage 2022

From my visit to Chef Laura Pauli, winter lights in Oregon, chocolate & wine at Acumen, and the release of A Perfect Vintage. . .

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. . . to Be Bubbly in Napa, the stellar crew of Celebrity Solstice, Sonoma Burger delights and the always incredible eats at Gravenstein Grill! So much to share, join me for more in 2023. CHEERS! Christopher

Food, Holidays, People, Sommelier, Wine

What is SPôRK?

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So glad you asked! SPôRK is the mastermind of Chef Pat Langst which encompasses many things: Specializing in Gluten-Free treats and leading cooking classes for kids and adults. Some excellent stocking stuffers to be sure!

He is also my partner with Fire & Vine, an opportunity for you to experience a personal epicurian delight! We prepare the food and host a wine pairing in your home, inquire for details.

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