Monthly Archives: January 2021

Sommelier, Tasting, Video, Virtual, Wine

Turn it Up To ELEVEN On Feb 4th With CPTV!

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Travel with us to Washington state for an hour to visit with Matt Albee, founder and winemaker at Eleven Winery! Join CellarPass TV on Thursday February 4th, 6-7pm to learn about how Matt’s deep experience in the lab, the kitchen, and on the road prepared him well for the day that he first wandered into the cellar, and emerged a changed man.

FREE Registration HERE and your PRE-ORDER opportunity to taste along with their 2019 Eleven Viognier Yakima Valley, 2019 Eleven Mourvedre and 2019 Eleven LEM!

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Sommelier, Tasting, Video, Vlog, Wine

The Varietal Show Gets Educated At Locanda!

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The Varietal Show saved this gem for just such a rainy day, to explore these magnificent profiles of the Locanda Estate Chardonnay and Cabernet from the Beckstoffer Vineyards in Napa Valley. Join me, socially-distanced at the charming estate, with winemaker Brian Graham and special guest Liz Thach MW!

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my You Tube Channel for each weekly episode on Tuesdays at 12:30pm.

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Food, Sommelier, Tasting, Video, Virtual, Wine

CPTV Features Acumen Wines & Phillip Ashley Chocolates on January 28th

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Did somebody say WINE & CHOCOLATE? Well then sign me up for the next episode of CellarPass TV, with guests from Acumen Wines and Phillip Ashley Chocolates to tantalize our tastebuds!

Diana Schweiger of Acumen (top) & Phillip Ashley Rix with a colorful chocolate display! (above)

Show starts at 6pm on Thursday January 28th, featuring a two-vintage vertical of our renowned Acumen PEAK Edcora Cabernet Sauvignon (including two 100-point vintages!). In addition to savoring this sought-after vertical, we will be unveiling the new Edcora Wine Molasses Dark Chocolate Bon Bons, which are infused with the 2015 Edcora Cabernet.

REGISTER & PRE-ORDER the Three-Vintage Vertical Tasting Pack, with exclusive event pricing. As an added treat, the first 25 people to order will also receive a complimentary box of six Edcora Bon Bons shipped directly from Phillip Ashley Chocolates.

CHEERS & See You Then! Christopher

Sommelier, Tasting, Video, Virtual, Vlog, Wine

Matthiasson Wines Replay With The Varietal Show!

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Way back in 2020 (remember that year?), I foraged my way through pandemic and smoke to have some socially-distanced visits to extraordinary wineries. Here is a favorite insightful conversation with well-respected farmer and winemaker Steve Matthiasson. Join The Varietal Show to find out more about working with unique grape varieties from Matthiasson Wines.

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

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Sommelier, Tasting, Varietal, Virtual, Wine

ZIN EX Goes Virtual in 2021!

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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

news, People, Sommelier, Wine

Sawyer Somm Becomes the Interviewee!

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“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

Sommelier, Tasting, Video, Virtual, Wine

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

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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!

Sommelier, Tasting, Video, Virtual, Vlog, Wine

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

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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

Sommelier, Tasting, Video, Virtual, Wine

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

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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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Holidays, Music, People, Video, Wine

Leave it to Glen Lyon: A Creative Reminder

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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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