Monthly Archives: February 2022

Competition, Festivals, Film, Judging, Sommelier, Wine

Submission Time! 5th Annual SIFF Wine Awards

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This professional wine competition became part of Sonoma International Film Festival in 2018: It is organized and executed by sommelier Christopher Sawyer and a panel of wine writers, star sommeliers and retailers, taking place on March 16th, 2022. Deadline for wine submissions is March 11th. CATEGORIES & DETAILS BELOW!

  • Best Sparkling Wine
  • Best Chardonnay
  • Best Aromatic White Wine
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Other White Varietals & Blends
  • Best Pink Wine (still)
  • Best Pinot Noir
  • Best Merlot
  • Best Red Wine Blend
  • Best Zinfandel
  • Best Rhone Varieties
  • Best Bordeaux Varieties
  • Best Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Best Dessert Wine
  • Best Port Wine

Select the categories you want to enter from the list above. Please provide 2 bottles of wine for each category you are entering, including a spec sheet with the level of residual sugar information.

Deliver your wine to the SIFF office @ 103 E Napa Street, Ste. B, Sonoma, CA (above Maya Restaurant) before March 11th, 2022.
Contact Chay or Danyelle, 707-200-8215 , if you have any questions.

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Sommelier, Tasting, Video, Vlog, Wine

Meet Daniel East & Taste Grgich Hills Estate At Sea With The Varietal Show

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A funny thing happened when 2022 hit, Sawyer Somm was invited aboard the Celebrity APEX for a cruise through the Caribbean! Not only did I get to spread the love for Grgich Hills Estate wines with select passengers through Costco Travel, but also got to meet rising star performer Daniel East, and his sidekick Ned Beeran. On The Varietal Show he shares how he came to music, enjoying the cruise life of fine dining and entertainment!

Follow my blog for news about my Alaska & Mexico wine cruises in 2022! LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for notification about upcoming episodes, most Tuesdays @12:30pm!

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Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Video, Vlog, Wine

In Oregon With Ian Burrows On The Varietal Show

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At the newly formed Laurelwood District AVA, The Varietal Show sits down with winemaker Ian Burrows. Join us for this special Oregon tasting in Willamette Valley for his Pinot Noir from Proteus Estate and Gamay from Aerea Vintners.

LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for notification about upcoming episodes, most Tuesdays @12:30pm!

YUMMY PAIRINGS with the wines of Ian Burrows: Proteus Estate & Aerea Vineyards!
Holidays, Sommelier, Tasting, Video, Vlog, Wine

The Varietal Show: Valentines Delight with Wine & Chocolate!

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Kicking off the 2022 season with a double header, just in time for Valentines Day: The Varietal Show is joined by Diana Schweiger of Acumen Wines and chocolatier Phillip Ashley. So sit down for a delicious pairing with us, wine and Phillip Ashley Chocolates!

LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for notification about upcoming episodes, most Tuesdays @12:30pm!

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Food, Holidays, Wine

Celebrate LOVE at Gravenstein Grill!

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Enjoy a romantic three course dinner, all weekend long! To celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, Chef Simontacchi & Chef Garcia worked together to create a fantastic meal full of locally sourced meat, fish, & produce.

Gravenstein Grill menu items include locally sourced NY Strip Steak, Foraged Mushrooms, & Pacific Halibut: To see the menu, click here!

Make Reservations for dinner 4:30pm-9pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday (February 11-13) in either the spacious dining room or the open air patio. The cost of the dinner is $80/person.