Flavor! Napa Valley: Five Days, Forty Events – One Legendary Festival

logo3Here is your opportunity to join all the star chefs and winemakers flocking to the CIA and other special venues for Flavor! Napa Valley.  As wine director this year, I have organized some amazing events ranging from local and celebrity chef demonstrations to intimate winemaker workshops along with Grand Tastings and exclusive experiences that bring out the best flavors of Napa Valley.  Be sure to check the schedule to see when you can attend!

dessertThis year Flavor! Napa Valley takes place during Cabernet Season and provides experiences in the finest in farm-to-table cuisine, world-class wines and culinary star talent.  It’s the perfect time of year for five days of culinary indulgence, and to wine and dine with Napa Valley’s legendary talent.

oystableTicket sale proceeds benefit The Culinary Institute of America.  Stay tuned this week as I will be posting more details about individual classes however you can find out more and purchase tickets at the Events Page!

Cheers!  Christopher

ZAP! The Zinfandel Experience comes to SF Feb 25-27

zap2016I will be there with my buddy the Nerd Stalker, celebrating the ZAP 25-year anniversary!  Join us for this amazing tasting opportunity:  The Zinfandel Experience starts this week on February 25 so keep an eye out for my social media posts though Sunday.

Amador County Zinfandel’s?  You bet!  Seek them out at ZAP & tell me what AmadorVintnersLogoyou think to win passes for Behind the Cellar Door on March 5&6 —Entry info posted at SawyerSomm.com.

 

Oregon Chardonnay Celebration, Feb 27 in Newberg, OR

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!

Exploring the beauties of aphrodisiac cuisine all year long

Feeling blue because Valentine’s week is over? Well no worries! For every day can have a romantic twist if you master the skills of working with aphrodisiac cuisine or simply surprise your loved one with meals that follow this romantic theme.

The root of the word “aphrodisiac” is from the Greek goddess Aphrodite, an expert in the fields of sensuality and love. In contemporary times, an aphrodisiac can provide an internal stimulus based on sensory experiences.

For starters, many of these specialty ingredients are things we eat (or want to eat) on a daily basis, including : oysters, garlic, sweet basil, fennel, hearts of palm, radish, carrot, blood orange, pineapple, sweet potato, artichoke, olive, pine nuts, wild mushrooms, truffle, coffee, cocoa, and chocolate.

the callingFor wine lovers, there is always the health-conscious aspect to consider. Wines made with pinot noir and other red grapes naturally contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that helps boost blood flow and improves circulation before and during physical intimacy:  So that’s a positive on many different angles!

Like other forms of classy cuisine, aphrodisiac-style dishes can be even more elegant, sophisticated and complex when the dishes are matched up with superb wines.

With these factors in mind, a few weeks ago my colleague Ziggy the Wine Gal gathered together a great group of food and wine pros to taste through flavorful dishes with distinctive attributes designed by gifted chef Daniel Kedan of Backyard restaurant in Forestville, CA. Other special guests who joined in this special tasting including myself were wine writer Virginie Boone, wine and spirits pro Tim McDonald, and chef and author Michele Anna Jordan.

bourbanIn addition to a specialty sangria and Redemption High Rye Bourbon served at the beginning and the end of this provocative culinary experience, the main courses were paired with the new releases of The Calling, a high-quality brand started by Emmy Award-winning sportscaster Jim Nancy and Peter Deutsch of Deutsch Family Wines.

Here are the pairings, notes and special ingredients used in this sexy dining experience:

Aphrodisiac Inspiration & Deutsch Family Wine

Passed Appetizers
Citrus & Ceviche
Bodega Bay Rock Cod, Winter Citrus, Beet Chips
Sips: Eppa Superfruita Organic Red Sangria
Notes: This lively and expressive fruit-driven sangria helped open up the palate with perky sensations of fresh berries and pomegranate, which complemented the tangy and slightly salty flavors of the fresh seafood and citrus. Taste-tempting, crisp, fruity, and refreshing!

First Course
Point Reyes Oysters with Blood Orange Granita, Lemon Cream Lobster Bisque with Butter Poached Lobster, Chives
Sips: The Calling 2013 Dutton Ranch Vineyards Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ($32)
Notes: This power duo of raw oysters and lobster bisque matched perfectly with the attractive aromas, bright acidity, creamy texture and engaging flavors of melon, citrus and roasted nuts this wine offers in each sip.

Second Course
Roasted Maitake Mushroom
Sour Cherry & Fennel Pan Perdue, Poached Cherries
Sips: The Calling 2013 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Notes: When done right, the pairing of exotic mushrooms and Pinot Noir can be a match made in heaven. This course was no exception. Made with fruit from selected vineyards in the Russian River Valley, the combination of wild berries, ripe cherry, dried cranberries, earth, smooth tannins, and long engaging finish helped bring out the deep flavors in this magnificent combination of cherries and mushroom that shined in this dish.

Third Course
The Calling Cabernet Sauvignon
Cocoa & Cayenne Crusted Ribeye
Wild Arugula, Pickled Pearl Onions, King Trumpet Mushrooms
Sips: The Calling 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley ($37)
Notes: One of the trademarks of a fine cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley is the combination of deep flavors and smooth tannins. On top of these classic characteristics, this new release was layered with notes of espresso beans, briary blackberry, ripe plum, blueberry, chocolate nibs, and roasted black walnuts. Our group felt this special profile worked wonders with the deep flavors and spicy tones that resonate in the Ribeye steak from the 5 Dot Ranch, the sautéed mushrooms, and even the slight bitterness of the arugula.

Fourth Course
“Cupid’s Arrow” Redemption High Rye Bourbon Profiteroles Candy Cap Ice Cream, Salted Caramel
Sips: “Cupid’s Arrow” Redemption High Rye Bourbon
Notes: Who says cocktails always have to be served at the beginning of the meal? Ziggy’s special cocktail helped reinvigorated the palate at the end of a long enjoyable luncheon. And the delectable combination of bourbon, fresh egg whites, simple syrup, ginger, citrus, and a touch of bitterness on the finish helped bring out the sweet and salty flavors in the dessert. Sexy and ohhhh so stimulating! For a recipe for this cocktail, visit www.ziggythewinegal.com.

Win Tickets! Behind The Cellar Door, share your Amador Wine story. . .

What are your plans the weekend of March 5 & 6? If you are lucky, the answer is Behind The Cellar Door to taste amazing Amador County wines with unique food pairings.

Let me share a special memory with you about Amador wines. Thirteen years ago my wife and I decided to elope and were married in the amazing Black Chasm Cavern, near the small town of Volcano.  I had recently done a story on Renwood Winery, who generously shared a case of delicous Zinfandel for our small wedding party to enjoy that wonderful evening!

bcd-footerSo here is my proposal!  Share your Amador Wine Story in the comments below. . . my favorite post will win two free weekend passes which includes commemorative wine glasses to do some barrel tasting, with scrumptious eats at 43 family-owned Amador wineries, along with a cornucopia of themed tastings, seminars and demonstration! (Deadline to post is Feb 28th.)

If you don’t have something to share yet, perhaps you can create a memory at the weekend event.  I look forward to hearing all your adventures!  Purchase tickets HERE.

30 Wineries at the SRJC Wine Classic, Sunday Feb 21st

While I trek south to judge for the Toast of the Coast, you can enjoy this local event Sunday Feb 21st, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Lawrence A. Bertolini Student Center on the Santa Rosa campus. The SRJC Wine Classic is an afternoon celebrating Honorary Co-Chairs, Chef John Ash and Gaye LeBaron. Both are prolific contributors to the history of Sonoma County food and wine and long-time supporters of Santa Rosa Junior College.

The walk-around tasting reception with 30 Sonoma County wineries pouring over 50 wines, and featuring live music, gourmet appetizer buffet, and a souvenir glass for each attendee. All proceeds will fund SRJC Wine, Culinary Arts & Hospitality programs and student scholarships. Tickets are $75 per person for adults age 21 or over and can be purchased at www.srjcwineclassic.com.

Just in time for Valentines, Crab is back!

Dungeness Crab is back! As seen in this tasty new pasta dish at Cucina Paradiso in Petaluma with fresh crab, cauliflower, pepper flakes, lite cream, and a lovely bottle of #Presqu'ile Pinot Noir. Yum!
Dungeness Crab is back! As seen in this tasty new pasta dish at Cucina Paradiso in Petaluma with fresh crab, cauliflower, pepper flakes, lite cream, and a lovely bottle of #Presqu’ile Pinot Noir. Yum!

The glorious news just in this week, Dungeness crab is back!  Happy days ahead for lovers of the crustacean delicacy and most especially the fabulous fishermen that collect them for our markets. Congratulations to all!

Read more in this SF Examiner article: Recreational Dungeness Crab Season Opens

Cheers! Christopher

La Vie En Rose: Pink Bubbles for Valentines Day!

Until recently, it was rare to find sparkling wines with majestic pink hues outside of Champagne, the bubbly capital of France. But thanks to the growing interest in Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the two main red grapes used to add layers of flavor and color to these wines, the fascination for the color pink has spread around the globe.

lavieMost of these marvelous new wines are made using the classic méthode champenoise technique, which helps convert the base wine into a sparkler. When making the base wine, a portion of the Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier grapes used in the blend are fermented separately on the skins to add depth and subtle color to this unique sparkling wine.

A tasty example of this technique is the Schramsberg 2012 Brut Rosé, $44, a bright and beautiful wine made with Pinot Noir grapes grown in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and other premium locations in Northern California. To add more complexity, a smaller portion of Chardonnay grapes is also used to give the wine more spice, structure and length on the palate. After the blend is made, the wine is aged in the bottle for about two years.

Once finished, the end result is an elegant bubbly that is creamy and lush with lovely aromas and complex flavors of fresh raspberry, wild strawberry, white peach, orange blossom, ruby grapefruit and toasted brioche, a burst of vibrant acidity, and a elegant finish. Along with tasting great by itself; this versatile wine pairs great with gourmet salads, fine cheeses, salmon, prawns, sushi, roasted chicken, and a wide variety of barbecued meats.

To find out more about the beauty of aging Schramsberg Sparkling Wines, visit www.schramsberg.com.

Wine & Film Pairing: Schramsberg Brut Rosé with La Vie En Rose

This is a wonderful wine to share with someone special while watching La Vie en Rose (2007). In French, this term means “The Life in Pink,” which loosely translates to mean “life through rose-tinted glasses” in English. In a dynamic performance that won her an Oscar, Marion Cottillard plays the legendary French singer Edith Piaf. This biopic journey follows Piaf’s life as a young girl singing on the street corners of Paris, to her emergence as a star at center stage. And despite the ups and downs of her life, it is not hard to tell that the legendary singer is a true believer in love.

Towards the end of the film, we see Piaf performing one of her best songs, “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rein.” In English, the title of the song means “No, I regret nothing” or “No regrets.” After enjoying this powerful film and a bottle of the delicious Schramsberg Brut Rosé, odds are you’ll feel the same way!

Schramsberg at Flavor Napa Valley, March 16-20

To extend your Valentine’s Day delights, taste more sophisticated bubbles made by Schramsberg and other Napa Valley producers at Flavor Napa Valley, March 16-20. In addition to being on a panel with me on Saturday March 19th to talk about the magnificent J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon made with world-class fruit grown on the historic estate property between Calistoga and St. Helena; Schramsberg proprietor Hugh Davies will also be part of a special seminar focused on high-end sparkling wines prior to the splendid Brunch at Meritage Resort & Spa on Sunday, March 20th. See below for more details and to view the complete calendar of events, visit www.flavornapavalley.com. Hope to see you there!

Saturday, March 19, 3pm-4:30pm: High Elevation Wines Pt.2—Westside

Explore flavorful selections of wines made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and other special varieties used to create limited release wines and proprietary blends from hidden sites on the Mayacamas Range overlooking Napa Valley, at the Rudd Center, Culinary Institute of America Greystone, St. Helena.

Hugh Davies, J. Davies/Schramsberg (Diamond Mountain); Mariano Navarro, Mt. Brave & Lokoya Wines (Mt. Veeder); Christopher Howell, Cain Vineyards & Winery (Spring Mountain); Stuart Smith, Smith-Madrone Winery (Spring Mountain); Jay Turnipseed, Mount Veeder Winery (Mt. Veeder). Moderator: Christopher Sawyer, Wine Director of Flavor Napa Valley SawyerSomm.com.

Sunday, March 20, 9:30am – 11am: Bubbly Sensation: Exploring the Top Sparkling Wines of Napa Valley

Start your Sunday off in style by tasting through the top sparkling wines of Napa Valley! Find out where the grapes are grown and how the winemakers create levels of flavor and complexity that make their sparkling gems so special. Bubbles and knowledge in every sip! Participating Wineries: Schramsberg, Domaine Carneros, Domaine Chandon, Mumm Napa.

Sunday, March 20, 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM: Brunch Party – Meet Your Maker: The Butcher, The Baker, and the Sparkling Winemaker

Cap off the weekend with an exclusive brunch party hosted by The Meritage Resort and Spa. Engage with the ‘makers’ and learn how to cure bacon with artisan meat purveyors, bake with local pastry chefs, build a benedict with Meritage chefs, and more — all while sipping local sparkling wines and imbibing from roving bloody mary carts!
Participating Wineries: Schramsberg, Domaine Carneros, Domaine Chandon, Mumm Napa. Participating Artisans: Cate & Co., Cococlectic, Mr. Espresso, Napastak, Napa General Store, Napa Valley Cookie Co., Olive and Poppy, Platanito Pupusas. Secure your tickets!

SF Chronicle Public Tasting this Saturday Feb 13th!

The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest competition of American wines in the world!  This Saturday, February 13,  is the chronicle22016 Public Tasting at Fort Mason Center, San Francisco.

Now in its 16th year and with more than 6,000 entries, thousands of wine lovers experience award-winning wines paired with delicious food, while top, professional wine judges have the challenging task of selecting the finest wines from a crowded field of varietals in various categories.

Join me and the other judges to learn more about delicious wine and fine food.  Get your Tickets online now!

Action shot: With my judging team of Kent Rosenblum and Victoria Wilson getting ready for the next round with a little gift from the SF Chronicle staff and Gloria Ferrer!
Action shot: With my judging team of Kent Rosenblum and Victoria Wilson getting ready for the next round with a little gift from the SF Chronicle staff and Gloria Ferrer!

Celebrating Sonoma County wines at Super Bowl City!

Smiles everyone smiles, welcome to ‪Super Bowl 50‬! Great fun stopping by the ‪Taste of Sonoma‬ Lounge in ‪Super Bowl City‬ in SF this weekend. Even better seeing enthusiastic football fans from across the nation lovin’ the wines from ‪Sonoma County‬!

Make sure to visit Ferry Building Wine Merchant & Wine Bar, Hogsland Oyster Co, Cowgirl Creamery Cheese Shop, Slanted Door, and the other amazing food and wine purveyors inside the Ferry Bldg this week too!
Make sure to visit Ferry Building Wine Merchant & Wine Bar, Hogsland Oyster Co, Cowgirl Creamery Cheese Shop, Slanted Door, and the other amazing food and wine purveyors inside the Ferry Bldg this week too!

Here are some photos to pique your curiousity:  Later this week, catch me at Market One restaurant on Feb 5 & 6 as a featured pre-game sommelier!

My kind of trophy! Festive SB50 photo taken by Carolyn Stark of Sonoma County Vintners.
My kind of trophy! Festive SB50 photo taken by Carolyn Stark of Sonoma County Vintners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fabulous lineup of wines from Sonoma County producers Lambert Bridge Winery, Sehesio Family Vineyards and Parmeson Wines.
Fabulous lineup of wines from Sonoma County producers Lambert Bridge Winery, Sehesio Family Vineyards and Parmeson Wines.

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The Taste of Sonoma Lounge at Super Bowl City in San Francisco
The Taste of Sonoma Lounge at Super Bowl City in San Francisco

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selfie Delux with great friends from Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma County Tourism, and a happy photo bomber in the background! — with Carolyn Stark, Capo Creek Winery, Ken Fischang, #designatedphotobomber and Marta Hayden at SB50 Super Bowl City.
Selfie Delux with great friends from Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma County Tourism, and a happy photo bomber in the background! — with Carolyn Stark, Capo Creek Winery, Ken Fischang, #designatedphotobomber and Marta Hayden at SB50 Super Bowl City.