Category Archives: Tasting

THE VARIETAL SHOW Tastes John Duval Wines

After an amazing meal at Palio, paired with John Duval Wines, THE VARIEAL SHOW sits down for a conversation with his son Tim Duval. The Australian brand is the triumph of John’s years after making wines for Penfolds, now celebrating their 20th anniversary!

We learn the history and share some amazing wines, with some highlights of the Barossa Valley:

  • 2021 Compono Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 2010 Plexus Red (Grenache-Shiraz-Mouvedre/GSM)
  • 2021 Entity Shiraz

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Inaugural Breathless World Champagne Showdown, Saturday, October 28th

Breathless Wines will host the inaugural Breathless World Champagne Showdown Saturday, October 28, 3-5pm, in tribute to World Champagne Day.

Official judges and esteemed guests are invited to a blind tasting of French Champagnes vs. Breathless Sparkling Wine to pick their favorites. In addition to the blind champagne tasting, guests will be treated to fascinating champagne history, varietal insights, and tasting notes from the panel of experts, including:

  • Sharon Cohn, Sister 1-of-3 Breathless Wines
  • Sarah Doyle, Wine Reporter at The Press Democrat
  • Heather Irwin, Professional food and wine writer in Northern California’s Wine Country
  • Chris Sawyer, Renowned sommelier, wine educator, journalist, critic, and public speaker
  • Scott Lange, Sommelier of Be Bubbly Napa
  • Rebecca Rosenberg, Champagne Widows Novels Author

Breathless Wines is located at 499 Moore Ln, Healdsburg, CA 95448. ONLY 70 TICKETS so purchase them ASAP!

Pinot & Chardonnay Paradise @Grav Grill on Weds October 25th!

Come and enjoy harvest season by tasting a mix of West Sonoma County’s premier varietals – Pinot Noir & Chardonnay – on the Gravenstein Grill patio & dining room! We will be pouring wines from 20+ local wineries including Three Sticks, Emeritus, Hartford Court, Porter Creek, Martinelli, Bob Cabral Wines, Lombardi, Bacigalupi, Dutton-Goldfield & More!

Celebrate the season with appetizers by Chefs Bob Simontacchi & Makana Colunga, as well as live music by Jay Messer. TICKETS are $45 if pre-ordered, or $55 at the door. ( 8050 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol, CA 95472)

Featuring James Hall On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

In the heart of harvest, James Hall shares the in-depth origin story of Patz & Hall Wines with THE VARIETAL SHOW! We get a little name dropping, Pinot and Chardonnay discussion, and to taste some mighty fine wines: 2021 Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley; 2019 Pinot Noir, Jenkins Ranch; 2021 Pinot Noir, Little Boot Vineyard.

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Penny Gadd-Coster Sparkles on THE VARIETAL SHOW!

Winemaker Penny Gadd-Coster of Breathless Wines and Rack & Riddle, shares with THE VARIETAL SHOW her evolution into making sparkling wines: With wine judging and winemaking in her pocket, she helps make life festive with her bubbly creations! We taste the Breathless Blanc de Blanc, Sonoma County & Blanc de Blanc, Reserve Organic, Cox Vineyard, Mendocino Co together and discuss the best food pairings.

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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)

Talking RHONE With Emmitt-Scorsone On THE VARIETAL SHOW

Taking a wee break before the Rhone Rendezvous tasting at Gravenstein Grill, THE VARIETAL SHOW sits down with the dynamic duo at Emmitt-Scorsone, located in the Dry Creek Valley AVA. Winegrowers Palmer Emmitt and Michael Scorsone lead us through a discussion and tasting of their Rhone varietals; 2020 Grenache Blanc, 2019 Grenache Estate & 2018 Gusto Rosso.

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THE VARIETAL SHOW Visits Merriam Vineyards

In Healdsburg at Merriam Vineyards, in Russian River Valley THE VARIETAL SHOW chats with Evan Merriam. In the original location of Windacre Vineyards, it was recently certified CCOF, and has an interesting connection with Bordeaux style wines! Tasing together their 2021 Danielle’s Vineyard Fume Blanc, 2019 Merlot, and 2019 SNED Red Blend.

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Truly Truchard On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

At Truchard Vineyards in the cool climate Carneros AVA, southwest corner of Napa Valley, THE VARIETAL SHOW visits with Tony Truchard. We discuss the soil dynamics, how it determines what varietals or clones to grow! Pouring the 2022 Estate Rousanne (TOP white wine of the AFWC!), 2020 Old Block Pinot Noir & 2020 Merlot.

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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