Category Archives: Sommelier

In The Cellar At Joel Palmer House Restaurant On THE VARIETAL SHOW

Levi Seed is the Sommelier extraordinaire at the amazing Joel Palmer House Restaurant! THE VARIETAL SHOW huddles with him in the wine cellar to discuss the history of this mushroom centric eatery in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, as well as the ‘Omakase’ Experience, and the largest selection of Pinot Noir in the country: We celebrate with some Ribbon RidgeRR‘ Reisling & Authentique Pinot Noir!

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Sergio González On THE VARIETAL SHOW Sharing Mexican Wines!

México Selection is a special competition put on by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. This year THE VARIETAL SHOW was in Parras de la Fuente, in the region of Coahuila. While there I sat down with representative Sergio González, Certified Sommelier for The Court of Master Sommeliers, to discuss the history of wine in México, which includes the oldest winery in the Americas. Together we enjoy the tastes of Casa Madero, Don Leo and Parvada. (Of special note, this region is also famous for Dinosaurs!)

México Selection RESULTS from a total of 737 wines and spirits, from 21 producing states of Mexico and the United States, “Guest Country of Honor 2022”, competed for a distinction. LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for notification about upcoming episodes, most Tuesdays @12:30pm!

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Stoller & THE VARIETAL SHOW Wishing You HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

With a nod to Thanksgiving week, THE VARIETAL SHOW returns to Stoller Family Estate, that was originally home to a turkey farm! Here I met with Karl Weichold, Production Winemaker, in the vineyard to discuss weather patterns in Willamette Valley, winemaking techniques and his status as Vigneron. Taste along with us the 2021 Chardonnay, Rose and Pinot Noir Dundee Hills.

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Chillin’ With Chehalem Winery On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

Continuing my visits in the Willamette Valley, next stop Chehalem Winery for THE VARIETAL SHOW. There I met with winemaker Katie Santora where we discuss some interesting sub-AVA’s, and dip into the beauty of Pinot Blanc, Reisling fruit and Reserve Pinot Noir!

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THE VARIETAL SHOW Has Wine With Wynne of Ribbon Ridge!

Try saying that 10 times fast! In the Yamhill-Carlton AVA of Willamette Valley, Oregon, THE VARIETAL SHOW dropped in on good friend Wynne Peterson-Nedry of Ribbon Ridge Winery. We discuss the details of this family project she shares with her father Harry, and try some of their tasty products; Ridgecrest Estate 2021 Grüner Veltliner, Ridgecrest Estate 2021 Dry Riesling, Ridgecrest Estate 2019 Pinot Noir & RR 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir.

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A Top 100 Winery! THE VARIETAL SHOW Meets Bergström Wines

Josh with Tony Soter, of Soter Vineyards!

On my southern Oregon press trip, we gathered Abbey Road Farm, in the wonderful Willamette Valley, where THE VARIETAL SHOW was able to catch up with Josh Bergström of Bergström Wines. They were recently announced as a Wine & Spirits Top 100 Winery! We discuss and taste Pinot Noir, and weird weather dynamics in recent vintages.

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Stoller Family Estate Makes Perfect PINOT NOIR On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

Stopping by Stoller Family Estate in the amazing Dundee Hills of Oregon, THE VARIETAL SHOW was able to chat with winemaker Kate Payne Brown. Tilt your screen forward to brighten the your the view, where they just finished their picking at this Willamette Valley vineyard! We discuss and taste the diversity of their Pinot Noir, as well as what to pair with each; Estate 2020 White Pinot Noir, Winemaker’s Series 2021 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir & Estate Brut Sparkling Wine.

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Legends: Next Gen @Sonoma County Wine Library – Nov 10th!

Meet The Future of Sonoma County Wine – Legends: Next Gen

After a three-year pause, the Sonoma County Wine Library is bringing back its Sonoma County Wine Legends event on Thursday, November 10th, 6:30 pm at the Steele Lane Community Center (415 Steele Ln) in Santa Rosa. (Photo credit Christopher Cheung/PD)

Moderated by Sommelier Christopher Sawyer, Legends: Next Gen will feature a panel discussion of these legends in the making, five next-generation professionals of the local wine community:

This fundraiser for the Sonoma County Wine Library includes wine pouring with charcuterie platter, and silent auction featuring special wines, gifts, and wine-country experiences. Early bird TICKETS are $45 for members and $60 for non-members, and $55 and $70 respectively after October 31st.

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Chappellet LOVES Chenin Blanc On THE VARIETAL SHOW

At my monthly educational wine lunch we dove into Chenin Blanc, which of course had to include Chappellet in the lineup! THE VARIETAL SHOW snagged Dominic Chappellet for a wee discussion about his winery’s story and their first vintage in 1969. We rounded it out discussing some of the other amazing contenders present; Haarmeyer 2021 Cresci, The Sadie Family ‘Skurfberg’ South Africa, Domaine des Baumard 2017 Quarts de Chaume & Domaine Huet 2016 Vouvray, Cuvee Constance.

LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for notification about upcoming episodes, most Tuesdays @12:30pm:Watch the classic TVS interview with Haarmeyer Wine Cellars!

The Swingin’ Crew Jazzes It Up On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

On my final Celebrity Cruises voyage this year along the Mexican Riviera, I was pleased to see my favorite jazz quartet The Swingin’ Crew! These talented young musicians are from Buenos Aires, Argentina: Sophia, Ailen, Tomas & Theo are on a six-month Solstice ship tour that ends in January. THE VARIETAL SHOW shared some delicious Bacigalupi Petite Sirah and Kokomo Grenache, discussing some interesting comparisons to their wines back home.

Scroll below to enjoy their fabulous music, or hop onboard the Celebrity Solstice, and be sure to pair it with some spectacular wines! LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for notification about upcoming episodes, most Tuesdays @12:30pm.

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All aboard the amazing Celebrity Solstice, with views of Cabo San Lucas! Drinking fine wines with Theo, Sophia, Ailen & Tomas.