Category Archives: People

Rock On With David J On THE VARIETAL SHOW

What??? Yes, David J, British alternative rock musician, producer, writer, and bassist for iconic goth rock bands Bauhaus and Love & Rockets. He joins local musician Darwin Meiners (of the band Temptation) on THE VARIETAL SHOW to reminisce about Spanish wine, B Sides and #LIVE105! We all share a glass of Patz & Hall, Pisoni Vineyard, Pinot Noir & Lasseter Family Winery, Amoureux

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

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Global Tasting Series, May 23rd: Italian Wines & Dinner

Announcing the premiere of The Global Tasting Series, brought to you by Tony Moll of Three Fat Guys Winery! A special blind-tasting of six Italian wines from different regions of Italy, will be paired with a spectacular Italian dinner, catered by A16 restaurant of San Francisco, which is celebrating its 20 year anniversary. Wines to be revealed after the tasting!

Dinner and tasting will be at Three Fat Guys Winery, 6:30 to 9pm on Thursday, May 23rd. TICKETS $135, available through Cellar Pass!

Join Tony, along with proprietor Shelley Lindgren of A16, and Sonoma County “Sommelier to the Stars” Christopher Sawyer to explore this fantastic wine and food pairing. Lindgren recently published her book Italian Wine.

Contact Dusty (dusty@tfgwines.com) or Chris (wine@sawyersomm.com) for more information!

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Robert Biale Vineyards Features Fine Zin On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

The perfect #Zinning combination, THE VARIETAL SHOW talks to winemaker David Natali, of Robert Biale Vineyards: Focus in on Zinfandel, the official state grape of California, and its origins in Napa Valley. From this traditional farming region, we discuss old vines averaging 50 years old and celebrate the revered vineyards. Taste the history with us: 2022 Black Chicken, Napa Valley; 2022 Dickerson Vineyard, St Helena, Napa Valley; 2022 Morisoli Vineyard, Rutherford, Napa Valley

Join us for more #Zinning moments at ZAP in SF Jan 25-27!


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

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The Amazing Chef Duskie Estes On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

So much to OINK about! THE VARIETAL SHOW visits the amazing Chef Duskie Estes whose culinary history in Sonoma County is outstanding. She and husband, fellow chef, John Stewart, currently run the amazing “Black Piglet”, food truck featuring their Black Pig Meat Co. However she is also Executive Director at Farm To Pantry, a volunteer organization that gleans produce from all over the county, for distribution to more than 100 community organizations!

Join the conversation and taste a few wines with us! Davis Family Vineyard, 2021 Cuvee Luke, Mendocino County & Kobler Estate, 2021 Grenache, Russian River 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

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Trifecta Of CABERNET! Thursday, September 21st

On the cusp of Autumn, Gravenstein Grill would like to invite you to the FIRST Annual Trifecta Of Cabernet Tasting, on Thursday, September 21st, featuring a variety of spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Merlot! Enjoy wines from 20+ local world class Cabernet producers including Ehret Winery, Ramey Wine Cellars, Laurel Glen, Tom Mackey Cellars, Zialena Estate, Merriam Vineyards, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Flanagan Wines, Goldschmidt Vineyards, Fritz & MORE!

As always, deliciously paired passed appetizers will be provided by Chefs Bob Simontacchi & Makana Colunga; as well as featured live music by Jay Messer. Get your TICKETS! ($45 pre-ordered, $55 at the door)

Marvelous Miro On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

Tune in for a wonderful conversation with gifted winemaker Miro Tcholakov, of Miro Cellars and Trentadue Winery, in Alexander Valley. THE VARIETAL SHOW goes international with his migration from Bulgaria, beginning his journey as a winery intern, and gets in depth discussing Italian blends. It is all so interesting we just lose track of time . . . more for the next show with Miro!

  • Miro Cellars, 2021 Cuvée Sasha
  • La Storia by Trentadue, 2020 Cuvée 32
  • La Storia by Trentadue, 2021 Zinfandel
  • La Storia by Trentadue, 2020 Petite Sirah

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

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GO-GO-GO Goldschmidt Vineyards On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

Intrepid tasters are we, Nick & me (center row above) at the North Coast Wine Challenge! Get ready for fun times with legendary Kiwi and Sonoma County winemaker Nick Goldschmidt! THE VARIETAL SHOW talks to this multinational wine personality about his history in the industry, with his home base in Dry Creek Valley for Goldschmidt Vineyards. Tasting together the 2019 Singing Tree Chardonnay, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley; 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Game Ranch, Oakville; 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Yoeman, Alexander Valley.

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

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A Week Of Sweets & Treats For #VALENTINESDAY

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.

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Legends: Next Gen @Watch It on SawyerSomm.com!

Here is the video for those that were unable to attend the Sonoma County Wine Library: Sonoma County Wine Legends event in November, Legends: Next Gen that was moderated by Sawyer Somm and features five next-generation professionals of the local wine community. Sit down with a local glass of vino and enjoy the discussion!