Category Archives: Travels

Festivals, Literature, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Varietal, Video, Virtual, Vlog, Wine

Rex Pickett Goes Sideways On THE VARIETAL SHOW

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At the Anderson Valley Pinot Festival, THE VARIETAL SHOW was lucky to run into Rex Pickett, world renowned author of Sideways. If you recall the film based on his novel, it makes sense to find him celebrating Pinot Noir. Together we discuss the AVA, the film, his books and his latest novel based in New Zealand. Of course, all the while, tasting spectacular PN from Anderson Valley, including Waits-Mast Family Cellars, Lula Cellars & Goldeneye Winery! #GoMendo #GoSideways

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Food, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Video, Virtual, Vlog, Wine

Getting Todo Un Poco On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

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Be forewarned, this episode will make you hungry! Todo Un Poco is the creation of Chef & Sommelier Maria Mertz; THE VARIETAL SHOW visits this amazingly unique restaurant located in Elk Grove, not far from Sacramento. To translate from Spanish, it means “a little bit of everything” which perfectly describes the menu of these Mexican & Italian dishes with influences from around the world.

Celebrating their 25 year anniversary we sample prawn salad, meatballs with tomatilla salsa and an Indian chorizo mixup, as well as some equally interesting wines of their list; Clarksburg Wine Co, White Delta Blanc & Zuccardi, Concreto Malbec.

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Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Video, Virtual, Vlog, Wine

Diggin’ Jessies Grove Winery On THE VARIETAL SHOW

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Proprietor Greg Burns, and winemaker Tana Cole, of Jessies Grove Winery in Lodi host THE VARIETAL SHOW! Find out about this historic property from 1868, before wine grapes were finally planted in 1900. Together we taste unique grape varietals including . . .

  • 2022 Rose of Cinsault, Bechhold Vineyard
  • 2021 Cinsault, Bechhold Vineyard
  • 2019 Carignane, Ancient Vine, Estate
  • 2020 Fancy Quest Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi Appelation
  • 2020 Alicante Bouschet, Estate

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Appellation, Event, Farm, Food, Garden, History, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Wine

Get Your PASSPORT To Dry Creek Valley! April 29-30

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Join 35 wineries for the 32nd Passport to Dry Creek Valley April 29 & 30, 2023. Enjoy amazing wine, delicious food, vibrant entertainment and a fun-filled spring weekend within the backdrop of idyllic Dry Creek Valley.

TICKETS with the special Sawyer Somm pricing are available at this link! How does it work?

  • Choose your starting winery and go at your own pace with no reservations necessary
  • Fabulous wine & food pairings
  • Access to countless wines that you can’t find on the shelf
  • Interactions with the winemakers and growers
  • Coveted spots in wine clubs
  • Entertainment all weekend
  • Skip the line with check-in option Friday in Healdsburg (info at checkout)
  • OPTION to purchase Friday evening (April 28) Winemakers welcome dinner at The Madrona
  • Hope to be seeing you in DCV! ~Chris
Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Video, Virtual, Vlog, Wine

Feelin’ Foxen On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

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Reminiscing about my visit to Santa Maria Valley last year: The Varietal Show sat down with Dick Dore & Jenny Williamson Dore at Foxen Vineyard & Winery! Join us to taste and talk about a slew of wonderful wines; 2020 Chenin Blanc, 2017 Syrah, 2018 Cuvee Jeanne Marie, 2017 Pinot Noir Block 8, 2017 Pinot Noir from Santa Rita Hills and 2018 Cabernet Franc.

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Art, Event, Festivals, Food, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Virtual, Wine

Let SAWYER SOMM Entertain YOU!

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Want to spice up your wine tastings? Bring in Sawyer Somm!

I am always interested in sharing my knowledge with you, and your group, at wineries or along with tour visits. We could also set up a special tasting, Seminar Style, for your large or small group onsite, or at another select venue around wine county. Food pairings are always a fun addition!

So let us know what you are thinking and let Sawyer Somm supplement your incredible wine experience! Cheers, Chris

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Competition, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Varietal, Video, Virtual, Vlog, Wine

Friends Of Pinot Meunier Society Visit THE VARIETAL SHOW

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For the past 5 years, down in Del Mar at the Toast Of The Coast (TOTC) Wine Competition, the annual meeting for Friends of Pinot Meunier Society has been held. THE VARIETAL SHOW talks to Traci Dutton (CIA) and Adam LaZarre (LaZarre Wines) to find out more about this distinctive varietal!

Join the FOPMS group on Facebook! LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for notification about upcoming episodes, most Tuesdays @11am PST!

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Some stellar PINOT MEUNIER examples to share: Best’s Great Western, Bouchaine, Draxton & Left Coast!

Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Video, Virtual, Vlog, Wine

Passion For Posada On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

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Do you have a hankering for contemporary southwestern cuisine? Well then you should hop on the saddle and mozy over to Posada Restaurant in the Livermore Valley! THE VARIETAL SHOW sips wine with owner Eduardo Posada & sommelier Jorge Tinoco, to discuss the humble beginnings of this fine establishment, featuring Mexican food with a twist! #MakeThePanCry

Match that with an extensive wine list from around the world;
Jean-Claude Ramonet Chardonnay, Familia Torres Pazo das Bruxas Alberiño, Steven Kent Cabernet Franc

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Food, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Wine

ALASKA 2023: Cruise With Me On The CELEBRITY SOLSTICE!

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Did you miss my epic Alaska wine cruise last summer? Well now you have another opportunity to join me on this spectacular voyage!

This 7-day Celebrity Cruise on the Solstice, exclusively through Costco Travel, departs from Seattle on July 21, 2023. Your exclusive wine experiences will include a welcome reception, two wine tasting seminars and a wine-paired luncheon!

Let me know if you have any questions and BOOK YOUR WINE CRUISE (<—here) before it sells out like the last one. Cheers! Chris

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Some snapshots from my Alaska cruise in Summer 2022!

Competition, Event, Food, Holidays, Judging, Sommelier, Travels, Wine

Happy Holidays from Sawyer Somm!

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Just a quick note to say I appreciate you following my exciting adventures this year! Stick around for more in 2023 and enjoy this little collection of photos from a year of memories.

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A perfect vintage 2022

From my visit to Chef Laura Pauli, winter lights in Oregon, chocolate & wine at Acumen, and the release of A Perfect Vintage. . .

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. . . to Be Bubbly in Napa, the stellar crew of Celebrity Solstice, Sonoma Burger delights and the always incredible eats at Gravenstein Grill! So much to share, join me for more in 2023. CHEERS! Christopher