Category Archives: Wine

ZIN EX Goes Virtual in 2021!

With a series of online events catered to your tasting experience, ZIN EX goes LIVE ONLINE on January 30 & 31, featuring more than three dozen outstanding California wineries. Registration is OPEN NOW which is offered FREE to the general public. In particular be sure to join my 2 Meet The Maker panels on Saturday Jan 30, of the 10 toal moderated sessions on both days between 1-4pm, featuring winemakers or winery principals, among the multiple memorable excursions:

  • Dry Creek Valley Legendary Zinfandel Vineyards – 2:15pm
  • Napa Valley Legendary Zinfandel Vineyards – 2:45pm

Attendees will be able to watch the Legendary Zinfandel Vineyards panel discussions via live stream on the Main Stage, they can ask questions via real-time chat, visit Virtual Booths to speak directly with key winery personnel. Participating wineries will offer special promotions before, during, and after the event with wine details. Guests can purchase the wine in advance to taste along or go shopping post-event.

See you there! Christopher

Sawyer Somm Becomes the Interviewee!

“Turning the Tables – Interviewing the Interviewers” is a Q&A series profiling Wine Writers from The Wine Industry Advisor. The objective of this project is to understand and develop working relationships with journalists: Those that help tell the stories, review wines and potentially provide media coverage.

On Jan 12, it was MY TURN to be the subject of their inquiry. Read the interview HERE! This is part of an ongoing series that will be featured monthly by Wine Industry Network. Cheers! Christopher

Lloyd Cellars Joins CellarPass TV & ME On January 21st!

Check this guy out, our friend, one of Napa Valley’s most notable Winemakers, Rob Lloyd proprietor and co-founder of Lloyd Cellars! He will be with CellarPass TV to discuss some notable wines and beyond, Thursday January 21st at 6pm.

Visit CellarPass TV to register and pre-order their featured wines and have them shipped to your door in time for our broadcast and toast along with us!

Reflecting On The Varietal Show 2020: Some Good Things Did Happen!

Socially distanced visits with (top) the Bouchaine gang and (above) The Nerd Stalker – Adolfo Foranda!

Way back in March we suddenly had a lot more time on our hands. So you know how I kept busy, if you haven’t yet then now is the time for a The Varietal Show replay of my first year conversations and tastings!

Some of your favorites perhaps or something new to inspire your inquisitive mind. The playlist includes such notables as Bouchaine Vineyards, Bambury Wine Collection, Perli Vineyard, Petrified Forest, Tablas Creek to do just a little name-dropping. . . Sit down, login and watch through with a glass of your favorite anything!

Please remember to FOLLOW my channel for more exciting weekly episodes on Tuesdays at 12:30pm (PST)!

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Photo round up! Top, Murder Ridge from Perli Vineyard; David Wilson with Grape Encounters; Radio-Couteau: Bottom, John Bambury shares Bonneau and Egret wines ; Verde Vineyards selection; Haarmeyer Wine Cellars. CHEERS! Christopher

CellarPass TV 2021: Get Started Jan 14th with V. Sattui!

The schedule is rolling out so start off the new year with our first guest, Tom Davies of V. Sattui Winery in Napa. Join me and host Sarah Ellison for a stroll down Sip-tacular Lane on Thursday January 14th at 6pm!

Visit CellarPass TV to register and pre-order your tasting kit: Prepare to sip a little of history with us. You won’t find these wines on grocery store shelves! ~wink~

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Leave it to Glen Lyon: A Creative Reminder

Ready to move beyond the challenges of a pandemic year? Well, it is not quite over yet, so hopefully this video, featuring Suzy Fridell of Glen Lyon Winery, will give you one last push to make it through!

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The Varietal Show Wraps Up The Year With A Triple Feature!

2021 is finally upon us! What better way to celebrate with a BANG than these overlooked tidbits from The Varietal Show episodes of 2020. As always great conversations paired with spectacular wines, including Keller Estate, Albatross Ridge and Allen Wines. All three are posted here for you to relax and enjoy with a favorite glass of sparkling! HAPPY NEW YEAR ~ Christopher

Check them out here and remember to hit LIKESHARE, and FOLLOW my channel for more exciting weekly episodes on Tuesdays at 12:30pm (PST)!

Celebrate The New Year With This Breathless Sparkling Show!

Taking a step back to April, when I joined this Inaugural Zoom “Virtual Tasting” of the Breathless Blanc de Blancs with Winemaker Penny and the Breathless Sisters: Penny shares recipes to pair, plus trivia. A perfect way to get your sparkling fix with me for the transition to 2021! CHEERS & HAPPY NEW YEAR from SAWYER SOMM!

Haarmeyer Delivers a Chenin Blanc Experience On The Varietal Show!

A funny thing happened west of Sacramento, The Varietal Show found itself in the Kingdom of Chenin Blanc with Craig Haarmeyer of Haarmeyer Wine Cellars: We got steeped in CA history, wine geography and saw some cool winery equipment. Then finish off your holiday off with a little Lodi Zinfandel!

Check it out here and remember to hit LIKESHARE, and FOLLOW my channel for more exciting weekly episodes on Tuesdays at 12:30pm!

Spread Holiday Cheer With This Special CellarPass TV Episode!

On-site and socially distanced at Spottswoode with Lindy Novak & Beth Novak-Milliken!

If you missed our live air date, never fret, I have it for you here! The special holiday inspired episode with Spottswoode Winery is linked here for your viewing convenience. So grab yourself a bottle to enjoy with some favorite holiday snacks and tunes, then follow this link below to join me for our titillating conversation.

CellarPassTV: Happy Holidays with Spottswoode Estate and Chris Sawyer Sommelier!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Christopher

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