Remember all those cool pictures I posted in social media from Beijing? Well, we did actually get some work done too! Here are the spectacular results and statistics of our labours.
The RESULTS are in and medals went to wines from 39 countries!
Join me for our inaugural wine dinner at Gravenstein Grill featuring Balletto Vineyards & Winery. I am hosting the event with winemaker Anthony Beckman, pairing Balleto wines with an incredible menu by Bob Simontacchi, sure to entice and delight any palate!
Seating is limited so call 707-634-6142 or email brandon@gravensteingrill.com now, to guarantee your spot!
A little video to entice your interest in the Cochon555 Heritage BBQ coming to San Francisco on June 4th: This is where five chefs are each given one whole, heritage breed pig and one week to prepare the entire 200 pound animal. The winner is decided between a People’s Vote and 24 Celebrity Judges, who then crown the winner, San Francisco’s “Prince or Princess of Pork.” The winning chef advances to the year-end finale competition called Grand Cochon, to be held this year on October 1st in Chicago.
Hope you got your tickets to Bottlerock because it looks like they are all gone! For those taking the adventure this coming weekend, enjoy some fabulous wine, food and music combos, and please share with us your favorites from the fest! Cheers, Christopher
For a change of pace check out this roaming festival, making a 
weekend stop north of SF on June 4 & 5. The California Beer Festival comes to Stafford Lake in Novato, a lakeside encounter with beer, food and music. Sounds like a great way to get the summer rolling!
I am getting ready for another trip to the lovely Central Coast. This time for The Chardonnay Symposium, May 12 through 14, in the coastal resort towns of Pismo Beach and Avila Beach.
I will be moderating the seminar Taste the Difference: Exploring California’s Distinct Chardonnay Regions on Saturday (10am to 11:30am) at Edna Valley Vineyard, where I will talk about how climate, soil and elevation influence each of these five world-class regions and how to determine the origin by simply nosing and tasting the wine.
However there will be a fabulous selection of events and locations to attend starting on Thursday, here is the list, with more details on each HERE:
Thursday
Vintners Wine Tech Symposium (9:00am–4:00pm)
Sommelier Chardonnay Challenge (10:00am–3:00pm)
Friday
French Forum: Exploring The Wonders of French Chardonnay-lunch included (11:00am–1:30pm)
Wente Clone Comparative Tasting (2:00pm–3:30pm)
Pét-Nat, Sparkling Wine & Oysters Gala (4:00pm–6:00pm)
La Paulée Dinner and Vintners Awards Ceremony (7:00pm–10:00pm)
Saturday
Hone Your Chardonnay Blind-Tasting Skills (10:30am-12:30pm)
What’s Oak Got To Do With It? (11:00am–12:30pm)
Pairing Chardonnay & Artisanal Cheese (11:30am–1:00pm)
Saturday Grand Tasting (1:00pm–5:00pm)
Winemaker Dinners (7:00pm–9:00pm)
Hope you are able to join me for this exciting event!
Cheers, Christopher
Spectacular finish to the North Coast Wine Challenge with some of the finest wine judges in America. Our team sent the top red & white wine winners to the final round and the 2012, 2013 & 2014 vintages were brilliant.
The big winners have been published in the Press Democrat in this article by Diane Peterson:
Joel Riddell talks Flavor! Napa Valley starting today at 1:15, you can listen via the Dining Around link or on the airwaves at Talk910. Listen for his interviews with winemakers, chefs and, at 2pm, myself and Master Sommelier Gillian Balance! Gillian is on the panel for High Elevation Wines Part 1 and The Rhone Zone wine classes: Listen, learn and join one of our classes!
Cheers! Christopher
Pack your bags, and book a flight for the 5th annual Oregon Chardonnay Celebration! This year there will be 48 Chardonnay producers featured this coming Saturday, February 27th at the Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon.
I have yet to attend this event but have enjoyed my affiliation with the Chardonnay group through other OR ventures. This year, the tasting explores the role of the winemaker in presenting the character of this elegant white grape.
Elaine Brown guides through a focused tasting of five winemakers’ interpretation of Durant Vineyard’s 2014 Chardonnay. A Grand Tasting of over 40 of Oregon’s top Chardonnay producers will follow, accompanied by small bites from Sunny Jin, executive chef at Jory at The Allison Inn & Spa. Purchase tickets HERE!
Your favorite Sommelier will be leading a wine experience like no other. Imparting knowledge of wine and more as we journey through Muscardini wine and food pairings by Chef Catherine Venturini Olive & Vine.
April 8 – Wednesday 6-8PM
Muscardini: The Red School House
9380 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, California
To RSVP email alice@muscardinicellars.com or call 707.933.9305
Only 20 seats available
Price is $60/person $45/WINE CLUB MEMBERS
JOIN THE CLUB!
