Where are we? Thanks to Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), the largest International wine competition in the world, The Varietal Show is with Charlie Arturaola in Cosenza, which is on the ankle, of the boot, in southern Italy. He shares his knowledge about Calabrian Wines, history and legends of the area, the origins of wine, and the connection to California. CHEERS!
LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for notification about upcoming episodes, most Tuesdays @12:30pm!
Making the film festival circuit these days you will likely find the documentary Love, Charlie by local filmmaker Lisa Ehrlich: It happens to be about her ex-husband, Charlie “Chuck” Trotter, the famous Chicago chef.
The Varietal Show sits down with Lisa to hear compelling stories about their life in Chicago, starting his restaurant, and her steps into the California wine world. Together, we have a taste of Lingua Franca by winemaker Larry Stone, another early connection from their Chicago days. (For much more in depth wine talk from Larry Stone watch The Varietal Show, episodes #47 & #50!)
LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for notification about upcoming episodes, most Tuesdays @12:30pm!
San Francisco Wine School is thrilled to welcome star sommelier and wine educator, Chris Sawyer and Pinot Noir expert, Ben Papapietro, Owner/Winemaker of Papapietro Perry Winery, and Steve Rogstad, Winemaker of Cuvaison Estate Wines, for a rare opportunity to delve deep into the legacy of the noble red grape Pinot Noir and taste its diverse clonal variations.
Select either In Person or Virtual (Roomer or Zoomer!) at checkout: Reserve your TICKETS for June 10, 6-8pm!
Whet your palate! On the surface, Pinot Noir is commonly marked with a thin skin, light hue, fruity flavors, soft tannins, and delicate demeanor. But when you follow its rich legacy back 2,000 years, you will see it is more than a classic grape variety listed in the vitus vinifera family, but a super genius with the unique special powers to mutate and express itself in different forms.
In the white grape category, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are mutations of Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay is its genetic offspring. It is also the father of the red grape variety Pinot Meunier, commonly grown in the Champagne region. But as a stand-alone grape, Pinot Noir has the rare ability to mutate and multiply in the form of “clones,” which have spread to the United States and propagated amazing variations for winegrowers and winemakers to work with in the cool-climate regions on the West Coast of California!
The #PNV21 Virtual Event was a success! It was an amazing presentation, fun was had by all. I was honored to lead this great show with members of the Rutherford Dust Society, and support the Napa Valley Vintners.
You can watch the show below with talented and energetic winemakers from Inglenook, Peju Winery, Frank Family Vineyards, Alpha Omega, and St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, seen with me in the photo above! Glad to represent and include the great wines from Morisoli Vineyard, Amici Cellars and Quintessa in my film pairings as well!
Experience this virtual wine + music event featuring a live performance by Toronto Symphony Orchestra musicians Sonority Sisters, as well as a guided tasting of three wines from Napa Valley’s Ghost Block Estate Wines on Wednesday June 16, 5-6:30pm PDT. An experience brought to you by Melier.
The Sonority Sisters was founded by musicians Clare Semes and Kelly Zimba, a violin and flute duo that shares music in creative, safe, and socially distanced ways.
Participants will dig into pairing wines with music, engage with the musicians, and socialize with other wine lovers. ORDER YOUR TICKETS (to request wine delivery at least 6 days in advance).
Rutherford Dust Society
Virtual Premiere Napa Valley Celebration
Thursday, June 3 from 3:00-4:00pm PT
Join the winemakers of Rutherford Dust Society and the world’s first film sommelier, Christopher Sawyer for a virtual wine & movie celebration on June 3rd.
During this high-energy event, Alpha Omega, Amici, Inglenook, Frank Family Vineyards, PEJU, Quintessa and St. Supéry will present their Premiere Napa Valley lots, with a cinematic twist!
Whether you’re in the mood for action, drama, comedy or romance– there will be a wine for you in this action-packed session highlighting the radiant Rutherford region, its famous filmmakers and winemakers, and the elusive “Rutherford Dust” character that keeps wine lovers from around the world coming back for more. Join this list of stellar panelists on ZOOM!
The time has come for in-person wine and yoga sessions starting this month led by Vino Vinyasa, and hosted by Melier, so you can finally sip and stretch simultaneously (with the option of virtual as well).
the experience will be located at the beautiful Cuvaison Estate Winery guest house, nestled amongst the vineyards, and just minutes from the Cuvaison tasting room: Tempt your taste buds with their 2018 Estate Chardonnay and 2020 Rose of Pinot Noir.
Get registered or check the Melier schedule for more options that might work for you!
Ready to try something new? Melier is hosting both virtual and in-person yoga sessions starting this month!
This first VIRTUAL session, on Saturday May 22 from 11am-noon, will include an hour of stretching and sipping with Vino Vinyasa founder Morgan Perry and the respective winery owners featuring two wines from Smith Devereux: The 2017 No 3 Red Blend and SB White Blend!
Get registered or check the Melier schedule for more options that might work for you!
Friday, May 7 at 5pm PT Sauvignon Blanc has made a name for itself in many regions of the world. Hear “Sommelier to the Stars” Christopher Sawyer chat with global winemakers from California to Chile. Did you know that excellent Sauvignon Blanc is made in Uruguay and Mexico? Discover these great regions in an engaging chat on
Join us on ZOOM, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or streamed live on my Sawyer Sommelier Facebook page! #SauvBlancDay
Join the Vineyard Vixen & Sawyer Somm for CellarPass TV, broadcasting Thursday from 6PM – 7PM Pacific. In this episode, we’ll get exclusive interview with Sales & Marketing Director of Acumen Wines, Diana Schweiger, special guest, and Jesse & Ty Hiss, of Fresh Sends, Colorado-based florists on a mission to freshen up the cookie-cutter floral industry and redefine floral delivery.
Register online & pre-order the Acumen “Diamonds and Roses” Collection which includes 2020 Acumen Wines Rose, 2016 Acumen Wines Edcora Cabernet Sauvignon & Michel G Brut Rose Champagne .
