Category Archives: Sommelier

Marvelous Marchelle Wines on THE VARIETAL SHOW!

Tasting the wonderful 2026 releases from Marchelle Wines with winemaking legend Greg La Follette and the talented Evan Damiano at the fabulous new tasting room which just opened this month. Discussing the exciting new Pour+Explore tasting “Aromatic Whites & Rose Delights”we will all be at on Thursday evening, Aug 20th, at Banshee Wines in Geyserville!

See the rock-star winery list and get your TICKETS before this exclusive summer tasting sells out!

Pour+Explore Rosés & Aromatic Whites Tasting on Thursday August 20th!

Join me and Sonoma County Vintners for a relaxed evening at Banshee Wines estate in Alexander Valley as we celebrate the vibrant character of Rosés and Aromatic White Wines on Thursday August 20th, 5:30-7:30pm.

With attendance limited to just 100 guests, this Special Edition of Pour + Explore offers a more intimate opportunity to meet winery representatives, explore distinctive wines, and experience the beauty of Sonoma County wine country at your own pace. Get your TICKETS!

Featured Wineries include Balletto Vineyards, Banshee Wines, Breathless Wines, Christopher Creek Winery, Dry Creek Vineyard, G & C Lurton Vineyards, Hearth Wines, Lasseter Family Winery, Marchelle Wines, Mascarin Family Wines, Naidu Wines, Ridge Vineyards, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Talisman Wine, Thumbprint Cellars, Vaughn Duffy Wines & MORE!!!

Festa Italia di Healdsburg on August 16th!

Located at Orsi Family Vineyards in Healdsburg, Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, Festa Italia di Healdsburg is a one-day celebration of Italian grape varieties farmed in California.

Attendees will enjoy a grand tasting of California wineries specializing in Italian varietals, alongside a curated selection of Italian-inspired vendors and cultural experiences. VIP Pass Holders can attend Winemaking Panel with Chris Sawyer & Viticulture Panel with Ryan Knowles, plus early access to the Grand Tasting!

Get your TICKETS here!

​A variety of food options from local culinary partners will also be available for purchase throughout the day, allowing guests to further explore the flavors and traditions that make Italian culture so beloved. 

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 . . .

Special Ram’s Gate preview on THE VARIETAL SHOW!

Fab Carneros AVA selections from Ram’s Gate Winery, with talented winemaker Joe Nielson. Join us there for the next Pour+Explore Sonoma Valley tasting from Sonoma County Vintners on Friday July 24th! There will be 25 more wineries from the AVA’s Bennett Valley, Carneros, Moon Mountain, Sonoma Mountain & Sonoma Valley. Just a few TICKETS left!

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!

Three Sticks Wines On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

Talking with Prema Kerollis about the great Three Sticks Wines with and the exciting Sonoma Valley Pour+Explore event happening next Friday evening, July 24th at Ram’s Gate Winery.

With over 25 wineries will be featured from the Sonoma Valley sub-AVAs of Carneros, Moon Mountain, Sonoma Mountain & Bennett Valley, together for the first time on a Friday night!

Hope to see you there for this exciting tasting, get your TICKETS.

Caribbean & Bahamas cruise With Sawyer Somm in December 2026!

Got your tickets yet? It’s not too late to set sail on this one-of-a-kind experience to the Caribbean, which includes multiple tasting events with expert Sommelier Christopher Sawyer: Caribbean and Bahamas: Kirkland Signature Pinot In Paradise Wine Cruise

Starting December 5th, 2026, this 7-night Celebrity Apex cruise departs from Port Canaveral in Orlando, Florida; with stops in Puerto Plata, Saint Thomas & Basseterre

JOIN ME FOR THIS EXCITING WINE ADVENTURE!!!!

Pour+Explore Sonoma Valley on Friday July 24th!

Join us at Ram’s Gate Winery for our next Pour+Explore, the Sonoma Valley edition, with wines from featured AVA’s; Sonoma Valley, Carneros, Moon Mountain, Sonoma Mountain & Bennett Valley!

Ram’s Gate Winery, located at 28700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma.

This exclusive wine tasting event featuring a special selection of wines from over 25 Sonoma County wineries. Discover wonderful wines that epitomize the essence of each winemaker’s individual style and Sonoma Valley’s distinctive vineyards. Secure your TICKETS!

Presented by Sonoma County Vintners in collaboration with Sommelier Christopher Sawyer, will feature a walk-around tasting of a curated selection of wines from each vintner, paired with light appetizers.

FEATURING: Anaba Wines, Buena Vista, Chateau St. Jean, Dane Cellars, Grand Scheme Wines, Hamel Family Wines, Idell Family Vineyards, Landmark Vineyards, Lasseter Family Winery, Ledson Winery & Vineyards, Mo Family Vineyards, Muscardini Cellars, Patz & Hall, Ram’s Gate Winery, Sangiacomo Wines, Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, Talisman Wine, Turnstile Cellars & more!

Submit Your Wines for “The Judgement of Calistoga”!

On behalf of the Calistoga Wine Society, we are pleased to invite wineries to participate in the inaugural Calistoga AVA Wine Evaluation, to be held on July 15, 2026 at Sterling Vineyards, and culminating in the Calistoga Wine Festival, Awards Ceremony, and Grand Public Tasting on August 15, 2026.

The Calistoga AVA Wine Evaluation is a professional judging event evaluated by experienced wine judges and certified sommeliers: Wines representing the Calistoga AVA, including (but not limited to) Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Charbono, Sauvignon Blanc, and other varietals, will be assessed.

Designed to highlight the unique terroir of the Calistoga AVA and introduce participating wineries to new audiences. Award-winning wines will be:

  • Exclusively poured at the Grand Public Tasting
  • Announced live on stage by the wine judges
  • Recognized through local wine industry media, regional food, wine, and lifestyle publications.

Charitable Component: This event will benefit the community, with a of proceeds donated to UpValley Family Centers, suporting individuals and families in northern Napa County—including Calistoga and St. Helena—who face economic and social challenges.

To Participate go to the CWF website, scroll to the bottom of the page: 1) Download the Wine Entry Form, 2) Pay Entry Fee of $40 per wine entry online

If you have any questions or would like additional details, please feel free to contact us at tolstunov@yahoo.com.