A little press from The Somm Journal, CHEERS to all the SJ team for including me on this one!
Just a little something in The Somm Journal
Category Archives: Sommelier
African American History Month meets the Wine Industry!
Many people enjoy their vino without knowing where or whom has contributed to their treasured tasting. Well I think it is appropriate to point out some stellar wines to try during African American History Month both for educational and pleasurable purposes! Please peruse this informative article that shares 31 Black Owned Wine Businesses to get started before February ends!
In the article you will find featured, as well as pictured above, Winemaker/Proprietor Mac McDonald of Sonoma County-based Vision Cellars (center). With us is star sommelier Tonya Pitts of One Market restaurant in San Francisco (left), along with myself and fellow judges at the Annual KRSH FM Thanksgiving Wine Picks team last fall.
Also included in the article is Brown Estate, their fabulous Zinfandel is made with fruit from the family’s high-elevation vineyard in the Vaca Mountains above Napa Valley.: Here is a special selfie with Coral Brown (bottom right), before our special Napa Valley Zinfandel Advocates & Producers seminar at the CIA at COPIA.
The top right photo features Football legend Charles Woodson, who launched his Napa-based Charles Woodson Wines with business partner Rick Ruiz in 2001.
Cheers! Christopher
AMAZING EVENING AT THE LEDSON CASTLE
Please welcome guest writer Steve Ledson in this wonderful recounting of the Judges Dinner for East Meets West Wine Challenge, which was graciously and deliciously hosted at the Ledson Castle.
Hosting Chris Sawyer and 35 amazing wine judges and wine writers from all over the United States.
As I approached the Castle from the south, the sun was just setting against Hood Mountain creating this amazing back drop for the Castle. The driveway lanterns were lit and the Castle just glowed with all its lights setting it off against the twilight of this majestic backdrop. What an amazing site.
Walking up the steps and into the entrance I could hear the chatter of everyone’s excitement of what this evening had to share for all of us. To my right was our Dining Room that Stacey and her staff including her incredible husband Sean had set up with black table cloths and napkins and a beautiful flower arrangement of red, white and blue in the center of each table. Every glass and piece of china was in perfect order. I stood and just stared for a moment. It was so rich and inviting. Probably one of the best dining room settings I’ve seen over the last 20 years.
Stacey shuttled me along into Winslow’s Bar where everyone was mingling, Jerry and Brendon were pouring behind the bar with their amazing smiles and incredible hospitality. It was easy to see how everyone was soaking up the attention and kindness of these two handsome gentlemen. I was extremely proud of them as I watched everyone’s enthusiasm as the night unfolded. Scott Eddinger and his lovely wife Audrey were seamlessly moving through our guests passing hors d’oeuvres while mingling and chatting as the guests arrived. Both perfectly dressed for the occasion. Chef Kendyl Bilenkij stole the night starting with her amazing pairing of pickled Shrimp in a Meyer Lemon sauce and Chicken Pate paired so perfectly with our Russian River Pinot Noir Reserve and our Mountain Terraces Viognier. It was quite impressive to watch these two as they offered up Chef Kendyl’s amazing appetizers’ with a very warm and nourishing smile making guests feel so welcome.
With a tap of the glass Chris Sawyer froze the crowd as he introduced me in a way that made me feel like a King. This man has a way of making every person feel important. Chris shared stories of some of the great times he and I have shared over the last 30 years bringing back very special moments during my life here in Sonoma County. There is nothing better than reminiscing great moments of your life.
As I spoke to our Guests it was important to me to recognize all of you here at Ledson. I explained we are just one big family and each and every one of us plays a very important role in the success and most importantly the image we have in the wine world today.
I was very proud to speak and represent all of us in front of some of the greatest wine judges and wine writers in the United States today. Thank all of you for your continued efforts and hard work that has lifted us to an image anyone should be very proud of.
Stacey announced that dinner was served so we slowing flowed into the Dining Room. Stacey and Sean along with Scott and Audrey, as well as Brendon seamlessly served us an incredible meal. The first course, a citrus salad paired with our Zina Hyde Russian River Sauvignon Blanc. The phenomenal entrees of Salmon and Filet Mignon were shared with our Mes Trois Amours, Bellisimo and the Sonoma Valley Estate Reserve Merlot. To finish the evening, Chef Kendyl prepared decadent chocolate cake served with fresh raspberries which we paired with our award winning Stagecoach Reserve and the Mountain Terraces Lex’s Cabernet Sauvignon.
With each course and each pairing, Chris and I introduced the wines as our Guests anxiously listened and graciously commended the entire setting and event. Hours passed by like swift moments in time. Each and every attendee was provided with the most impeccable wines, food and service. At the close of the evening every single person there made a point to come to me personally and thank me.
It just shows what can happen when you have a team of passionate people working together.
To sum it all up for the evening in short. Incredible food, incredible service in and incredible atmosphere with and Amazing group of very talent People.
I’m very proud to be a part of this amazing event, not only should all of you me proud for the incredible job you all did last night, each and every one of you who works here at Ledson should be proud of the image that was present last night to some very talent wine writers and wine judges traveling here from all over the United states.
A very special thanks to my Dear Friend Chris Sawyer for making this all happen.
March 2nd Vintner Dinner with Halleck Vineyard!
Join me at Gravenstein Grill for a very special evening featuring special guest Ross Halleck of Halleck Vineyard!
Chef Simontacchi has created a dish to go alongside some of Halleck Vineyard‘s finest wines – including the #1 Pinot Noir in the US from the 2019 SF Chronicle Wine Competition.
Check out the five course wine-paired menu below and call 707-634-6142 to make your reservations!
3.2.19 Halleck - 1 page
This Somm’s Best Wines for your Thanksgiving Table!
Some of you may have seen the Food Network article online about Sommelier recommendations for your turkey day feast, myself included. However that was a much abbreviated version of what I had to say (of course)! So here is my full answer to help you fill in those lonely decanters in your cabinet. Enjoy & Happy Thanksgiving!!!
“Keeping in mind the enjoyment of the meal, Thanksgiving is a classic time to introduce wines with the various courses and dishes. I recommend starting with crisp light white wines to complement the start of your meals. With seasonal salads or creamy soups, try the Robert Mondavi 2017 Fumé Blanc, Napa Valley ($23). Modeled after the elegant white wines made in Bordeaux region of France, this new release is made with 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon. With aromatic aromas, the wine features lively flavors of a fresh peach, citrus, wild herbs and a smooth texture that can make the flavors in these starting dishes pop. Another Thanksgiving classic is the Gundlach Bundschu 2017 Dry Gewurztraminer, Sonoma Coast ($25). Celebrating their 160th 
Anniversary as the oldest family-owned winery in California, this new release from the Bundschu family features tangy flavors of ripe melon, grapefruit, white pepper, ginger and nutmeg that can pair with a wide range of starting dishes, including spicy soups and salads with zesty dressing.
Moving on to the yams, mashed potatoes, green bean salad, gravy, stuffing and white meats calls for something that can complement the various flavors on the dish. A easy choice would be a young, vibrant Pinot Noir 
with ripe red fruits, spice and a kiss of oak. From the 2016 vintage that just hit the market, delicious examples include The Calling from Russian River Valley, Sanford from the Sta. Rita Hills of Santa Barbara County, and Penner-Ash from Oregon’s Willamette Valley ($28-$38). Beyond pairing nicely with fine cheeses, salads, cranberries and mushroom-based dishes, these Pinot Noir offerings are fabulous options to serve with turkey sandwiches on the days following Thanksgiving.
Of course, the main dish could range from deliciously brined or smoked turkey to savory pork or ham. Therefore, one needs a flexible varietal to suit these options. An easy solution to deal with the diverse flavors is to serve a medium to full-bodied Bordeaux style blend. Crafted with estate fruit from Paso Robles, the J. Lohr 2016 Los Osos Merlot ($15) is made 
with 85% Merlot and smaller portions of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The end result is a generous wine with deep, rich flavors of black cherry, plum, dark chocolate, baking spices, roasted nuts and smooth tannins that can complement each bite on the plate. For spicy and savory dishes, tangy sauces or heavier meats like dark turkey or ham, an admirable alternative would be the Dry Creek Vineyard 2016 Heritage Vines Zinfandel ($24). Honoring the old vine plantings in Dry Creek Valley and other special winegrowing regions in Sonoma County, this wine features lavish notes of blackberry, dark cherry, raspberry, black pepper, licorice and a long, graceful finish.”
SVMA/12.2.18/Art & Poetry + Food & Wine
Pairings for the Senses
Come together on Sunday, December 2nd from 5:30-7:30pm, at our 3rd-annual Pairings event. Taste the fruits of Sonoma winemakers and chefs, see the art on view in the museum, and listen to live readings by our featured “Flight of Poets:” Julia Bouwsma, Joseph Rios, Sam Sax, and Melissa Stein. I will be the featured Sommelier along with MCs with poets Tess Taylor and Hollie Hardy.
Featured wineries include Gloria Ferrer, Stone Edge Farm, Eco Terreno Wines, Dane Cellars, Once & Future, Garnet Wines, Belden Barns, and Winery Sixteen 600.
Featured Chefs include John McReynolds, EDGE at Stone Edge Farm, Sondra Bernstein & John Toulze, girl & the fig, Kyle Kuklewski, Ramekins, Ari Weiswasser, Glen Ellen Star, Sheana Davis, The Epicurean Connection and special visiting chef from Mei Prefecture, Japan, Takahisa Shirakawa, courtesy of Sonoma Cultural Exchange.
Get your TICKETS!
Poets (clockwise from top left): Joseph Rios, Melissa Stein, Sam Sax, Julia Bouwsma
In Amoré with Amarone: The Sawyer-Casale Tasting
So happy to share this Napa Valley Register article by columnist Eduardo Dingler (and some of my pictures!) about our recent private wine tasting at the home 
of Don Sebastiani.
Every month, Keith Casale and I orchestrate a wine theme and food pairing to dazzle a table-full of people. October featured Amarone, read more at the link below!
*Exploding violets and cigar boxes, an afternoon with Amarone*
Cheers! Christopher & Friends
Vote Vote Vote! Bohemian Best of for 2019
We all love to VOTE right? With the official election in sight, let’s all get warmed up with some online participation of this North Bay’s longest running Best Of contest.
Please remember to enter Christopher Sawyer for Best Sommelier & Gravenstein Grill for Best Restaurant!
If you need a reason why to add my name then maybe you need to have an Exclusive Sommelier Wine Tour, or private wine dinner with Fire & Vine, or attend one of my Somm Sessions at Feast It Forward, or just go to the Gravenstein Grill and sample from my wine list. Why not? Enjoy and happy voting!
Cheers! Christopher
FEASTstock featuring mini-Somm Sessions on October 20th!
Announcing the Inaugural Oxbow District FEASTstock Festival, presented by Feast it Forward and Oxbow Public Market: Here is a chance to get your Somm Session sampling with me and guest winemakers throughout the day in a fun interactive setting!
McKinstry Street and Oxbow Annex parking lot will be closed to create a neighborly and family friendly FREE block party. Come out and play with us for a day filled with wine, craft brew, grub from Oxbow District merchants, kids zone and much more alongside #FEASTstudio playing host as Napa’s Own, Johnny Smith & Friends, Dgiin, Quinn DeVeaux Band and Justin Schaefers & the Blind Barbers jam on stage from 11a-8:30pm.
Presented by Feast it Forward and Oxbow Public Market to RAISE awareness and funds for Community Action of Napa Valley Food Bank!
Radio Show: ISO The Good Life from July 30th!
I was fortunate to meet radio host Mike The Wine Guy host of In Search of the Good Life, at the Grand Opening of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. In such, I was able to hop on for a fun 10 minute interview with him!
Here is the link (scroll to bottom of his page) to listen in on that show if you have a little down time: Christopher Sawyer Of SawyerSomm
Cheers! Christopher