Category Archives: People

Log-on to SRJC in Spring 2027 for WINE SALES!

Hey gang, do you want to learn about the history and status of the wine sales industry? Join me online at SRJC!

I will be teaching WINE 101: Wine Sales, an 8-week synchronous virtual course at Santa Rosa Junior College, beginning Tuesdays, January 13th though March 3rd-which means you can join me from anywhere with your device!

Spring 2027 will be my second year with the Wine Studies Department and teaching this interesting course, with creative assignments, and very special wine industry guests! Plan to apply & register in early November.

Hope to see you there on ZOOM! Cheers, Chris

Quench Live! Sonoma Leaders & Legacy

In case you missed it, here is the Quench Live! Sonoma Leaders & Legacy episode from September 9 I did with Andrea Immer Robinson for a deep dive into the cellars and souls of two Sonoma icons – Hanzell & Bacigalupi – who helped write Sonoma’s, and California’s, post Prohibition rise to global fame!

Quench Live: Sonoma Leadership & Legacy with Chris Sawyer September 9

Some wine families don’t just make great wine, they help write the history of an entire region.

Join us Wednesday, September 9, from 5:30-6:30 PM PT, live at the CIA at Copia in Napa (or streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn), as Andrea Robinson sits down with Sonoma County sommelier, educator, and journalist Christopher Sawyer to explore the leadership and legacy behind two of Sonoma County’s most important wine families: Hanzell Vineyards and Bacigalupi Vineyards.

Hanzell’s 1953 vines are believed to be the oldest continually producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines in the Western Hemisphere (let that sink in), and Bacigalupi’s fruit helped make the Chardonnay that famously beat top white Burgundies at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. We’ll be joined by Hanzell’s Head Winemaker Michael McNeill and Bacigalupi’s Nicole Bacigalupi Dericco, third-generation winegrower and Operations Manager, for their own take on the families’ stories.

We’ll taste through six wines side by side, including Hanzell’s 2011 “Ambassador” Chardonnay (poured from magnums!), Bacigalupi’s 2023 “Renouveau” Chardonnay, and both wineries’ Pinot Noirs.

Two families, six wines, decades of Sonoma history in the glass. We can’t wait to taste through this lineup with our winery guests. Join us, either in person at Copia or streaming from wherever you are, get your TICKETS for September 9th!


Coming Soon, More Pour+Explore Fun!

Just a reminder that Sonoma County Vintners Pour+Explore happens all year round! Rex McNeill and I discuss the next one up, Rosé & Aromatic Whites at Banshee Winery in Geyserville, on Thursday August 20th. Get TICKETS here! More details coming soon . . .

Tasting Talisman with Marta Rich!

Talking about the glories of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Sonoma Valley and the exciting SCV Pour+Explore tasting event happening next Friday, July 24th at Ram’s Gate Winery — all of this with my great pal Marta Rich of Talisman Wine which is based on the beautiful town of Glen Ellen in Sonoma Valley. It is almost sold out so GET YOUR TICKETS!

A Taste of Bacigalupi!

Wow! Sipping, savoring talking with Pam Bacigalupi about the key contribution her family’s famous Bacigalupi Vineyards made to the success of wine when fruit from their property helped the Chateau Montelena 1973 Chardonnay win, over the elite White Burgundys at the celebrated Judgement of Paris 50 years ago!

Join us to taste the fabulous Chardonnays we talked about, made by more than 30 other top Sonoma County Vintners at the exciting Pour+Explore event coming to Kendall-Jackson Winery on the evening of Thursday, June 18! TICKET LINK HERE

Pour+Explore: Chardonnay & Friends! Thurs June 18th

Come sip Chardonnay and other refreshing white wines for our next Pour + Explore: Chardonnay & Friends on Thursday, June 18, 5:30-7:30pm, at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, to try a selection from 25+ Sonoma County Vintners. Meet local winemakers, and enjoy a curated selection of wines, paired with complimentary light appetizers in an unforgettable wine country setting.

The evening will also feature music from DJ Armin, known for creating energetic, wine country-inspired atmospheres at events throughout Sonoma County.

GET YOUR TICKETS!

Mill Creek Vineyards on THE VARIETAL SHOW!

THE VARIETAL SHOW visits Jeremy Kreck at Mill Creek Vineyards, family operated since 1974, where Dry Creek & Russian River Valleys intersect: Find out why we are tasting Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Cabernet and why appellations matter!

AND join us to taste for yourself at Pour+Explore Four Valleys on Thursday May 21st, at Paradise Ridge Winery!

High-Lights of A. Rafanelli on TVS!

Talking about great wines and the upcoming Pour+Explore Four Valleys event happening Thursday, May 21 at Paradise Ridge, with guests including talented winemaker Shelly Rafanelli from A. Rafanelli Winey in Dry Creek Valley, and many more from Russian River Valley, Knights Valley & Alexander Valley!

For more info and TICKETS visit Sonoma County Vintners!