Category Archives: Wine

Awards, Competition, Judging, Wine

Harvest Fair Photos and Database of Winners

Leave a comment

Here are a few candid shots from my days judging with the 2015 Harvest Fair. Before you jump into the Press Democrat Database of Winners, get primed with this article published on Sunday that features an interview with me, Harvest Fair wine entries impress judges.

Judge Christopher Sawyer checks the color of a zinfandel at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair wine competition. (JOHN BURGESS / The Press Democrat)
Judge Christopher Sawyer checks the color of a zinfandel at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair wine competition. (JOHN BURGESS / The Press Democrat)

Harvest Fair Wine Database
There were 1,189 award-winning wines, given in the categories of Best of Class, Gold, Silver and Bronze. A total of 629 silver and 205 bronze medals were awarded. Among 1,254 entries, only 65 wines received no award.

Fabulous Sonoma County Harvest Fair Judges Dinner hosted by the Gallo Family at the Frei Ranch in Dry Creek Valley.
Fabulous Sonoma County Harvest Fair Judges Dinner hosted by the Gallo Family at the Frei Ranch in Dry Creek Valley.
With my co-judges Liz Thach MW and wine writer Mike Dunne.
With my co-judges Liz Thach MW and wine writer Mike Dunne.
Getting ready for the Sweepstakes Round of the judging at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
Getting ready for the Sweepstakes Round of the judging at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
Event, History, Video, Wine

International Grenache Day (G-Day) – September 18th!

Leave a comment

G-DAY is the chance to go out and enjoy some great Grenache wherever you are – anything, anywhere, any budget, with anyone. Get started with this animated video that I narrated for a lesson on the Origin of Garnacha:

This year, G-Day is on Friday, September 18th.  Wherever you are, make sure to include some Grenache-based wines in your day or week and share your adventures via social media where you will find me circulating.  Twitter handles to follow are @Grenache_Global and #GRENACHEDAY.

Cheers! Christopher

Event, Food, People, Sommelier, Tasting, Wine

Amazing Weekend for Sommelier Stars at SWCW!

1 Comment

Not only did Sonoma Wine Country Weekend raise an amazing amount of money for local charities, but it was lots of fun too! Read the details in this Press Democrat article, enjoy a few candid shots and plan to join us all next year. . .

Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction breaks records with $4.5 million haul

swcw4
Giving a new meaning to photo bombing with my fellow team members of #SommStars 2015. Special thanks to photo guru George Rose for taking this dynamic action shot!
swcw3
Colorful characters: Chris Donatiello of C. Donatiello Wines and Jean-Charles Boisset of Buena Vista Winery, Deloach Winery and Boisset Estate Wines.
swcw1
Lot 5, the Super Bowl Experience for four guests with Benovia and Kosta Browne wineries, sold for for $160,000!
swcw2
Honoring the charitable contributions of Bob Stone and his family through the years during the Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction at Chateau St. Jean Winery, MC Squire Fridell of Glen Lyon Winery, SVVGA Executive Director Maureen Cottingham, and Carolyn Stone.
History, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Wine

Pure Luxury Transportation supporting Sonoma County Adventures

Leave a comment

Just sending a shout out to Pure Luxury Transportation for their tenth year of partnership with the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Association!

What began in 1991 as a chauffeured ground transportation business with one vehicle, has blossomed into the premier Bay Area transportation provider with the 17th largest fleet in the United States. Gary and Jennifer Buffo, owners of Pure Luxury Transportation, have been consistently dedicated to our local community while their company continues to grow.

Pure Luxury Transportation is dedicated to supporting SVVGA’s programs so that we can continue to increase consumer and trade awareness and subsequently, the financial value of wine grown and made in Sonoma Valley. Not only is Gary Buffo serving as a Board Director, but Pure Luxury is proudly supporting many of the SVVGA programs such as the monthly Concierge Tours, Reserve Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Wine Country Weekend.

black-limoBest of all you can reserve your own personal Sommelier Tour, featuring myself, with Pure Luxury Transportation, offering explorations in various locations throughout wine country.  Schedule your adventure with me by calling 800.626.5466 today!

Food, Tasting, Wine

40 Years with Jordan Winery!

1 Comment
jordan1
The Jordan 1976 vintage was tasting outstanding with lively notes of red fruit, olive, mineral and herbs.

Last week I attended a very special luncheon in Alexander Valley to honor Jordan winemaker Rob Davis. Here is a link to the Jordan blog and some of my photos that explain the significance:

Celebrating Rob Davis’ 40th Harvest as Jordan Winemaker

jordan2
At the Rob Davis 40th Harvest Luncheon at Jordan Vineyard & Winery: Rob with his daughter Andrea (named after his mentor Andre Tchelistcheff) and Rob’s other mentor UC Davis professor emeritus Dr. Ann Noble, the creator of The Wine Aroma Wheel.

 

jordan4
SF Giants coach Bruce Bochy holding a bottle of the famed 1994 vintage we enjoyed with special guest Jean-Claude Berrouet of Chateau Petrus.

 

jordan3
Me with my good friend Leslie Sbracco and SF Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper.

 

Event, Tasting, Wine

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Sept 4-6

Leave a comment

We are heading into the 2015 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend from September 4-6! There you will find me filling various duties:

*Featured Sommelier Star throughout the weekend and the Head Sommelier at the Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction on Sunday

*Host to a series of special tastings with Stolzle Glass on Saturday for the Taste of Sonoma event at MacMurray Estate Vineyards in Russian River Valley

*Guest at the luncheon at Benovia Winery and the Sonoma Starlight event at Francis Ford Coppola Winery on Friday

Hope you can join me for the fun! Christopher
swcw2015

Event, Food, Sommelier, Tasting, Wine

Wind to Wine Dinners & Seminar on Aug 7-8

Leave a comment

Yes, I have been keeping rather busy and it just continues, this weekend it will be the inaugural WIND to WINE Festival hosted by the Petaluma Gap!

The fun starts Friday night August 7th with two wine dinners at  Keller Estate & McEvoy Ranch.  Then at the Sheraton Petaluma on Saturday, August 8th there will be more than 60 wines available for tasting as well as a VIP Seminar “A Winemaker’s Perspective on the Petaluma Gap AVA” hosted by ME!

More information at the Petaluma Gap website.

pgap-wind