Tasting the wonderful 2026 releases from Marchelle Wines with winemaking legend Greg La Follette and the talented Evan Damiano at the fabulous new tasting room which just opened this month. Discussing the exciting new Pour+Explore tasting “Aromatic Whites & Rose Delights”we will all be at on Thursday evening, Aug 20th, at Banshee Wines in Geyserville!
See the rock-star winery list and get your TICKETS before this exclusive summer tasting sells out!
Join me and Sonoma County Vintners for a relaxed evening at Banshee Wines estate in Alexander Valley as we celebrate the vibrant character of Rosés and Aromatic White Wines on Thursday August 20th, 5:30-7:30pm.
With attendance limited to just 100 guests, this Special Edition of Pour + Explore offers a more intimate opportunity to meet winery representatives, explore distinctive wines, and experience the beauty of Sonoma County wine country at your own pace. Get your TICKETS!
Featured Wineries include Balletto Vineyards, Banshee Wines, Breathless Wines, Christopher Creek Winery, Dry Creek Vineyard, G & C Lurton Vineyards, Hearth Wines, Lasseter Family Winery, Marchelle Wines, Mascarin Family Wines, Naidu Wines, Ridge Vineyards, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Talisman Wine, Thumbprint Cellars, Vaughn Duffy Wines & MORE!!!
Just a reminder that Sonoma County Vintners Pour+Explore happens all year round! Rex McNeill and I discuss the next one up, Rosé & Aromatic Whites at Banshee Winery in Geyserville, on Thursday August 20th. Get TICKETS here! More details coming soon . . .
Talking about the top award winning Rose wine and Super Blends with winemaker Jake Lachowitzer of Banshee Winery on THE VARIETAL SHOW as a preview for the newest edition of the exciting Pour+Explore series I am doing with Sonoma County Vintners on Thursday, August 21 at Trentadue Winery in Geyserville.
Links here for Pour+ Explore Super Blends INFO & TICKETS: Hope you can join us!
The AFWC’s THE Rosé Competition 2025, which benefits multiple charities, is thrilled to announce the outcome of its twelfth annual event, hosted along with The Fort Lauderdale Women’s Club in South Florida on Saturday, May 31st, 2025. It was a special year welcoming Chris Sawyer to the team, and adding new categories due to the abundance of entries. (Scroll down for full results!)
Outstanding Winners in THE Rosé Competition
The prestigious organization, The American Fine Wine Competition, which encompasses both THE Rosé Competition and The Invitational (held in January), has crowned the 2019 Gloria Ferrer Cuvee Rosé, Methode Champenois, as the Best of Show Sparkling ($94). Located in Carneros (Sonoma), California, the wine is described by the judges as complex and elegant, with aromas of cranberries, strawberry, and rhubarb pie; apples, cherries and some spice. It’s beautifully balanced and just delicious!
In the Dry Rosé category, the prestigious Best of Show title was bestowed upon V. Sattui Rosato di Pinot Noir, priced at $37. Last year V. Sattui earned Best of Show for their Sparkling Rose! This winery is worth paying attention to! The judges were captivated by their juicy watermelon flavors and vibrant strawberries; and a sophisticated profile that culminates in a long, gratifying finish.
Moving to the Off Dry Rosé category, the highest accolade was secured by one of Sonoma’s most beautiful wineries, Deerfield Ranch. Their Checkerbloom Rosé, made from organic Syrah grapes, at $28 impressed the judges! They were enchanted by the lusciousness and vibrant flavors. A slightly sweet wine that should be enjoyed year-round.
A new category was introduced by Chris Sawyer this year called “Super Blend”, the blend of the winner was Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Black Muscat, Carignan and Syrah. The winner was Banshee with 97 points. Banshee is located in Sonoma and produces this magnificent wine plus multiple other varietals.
Congratulations to these exceptional Rosé wines and all the winners!
Final-Flights-Results-THE-Rose-2025.xlsx-Sheet1-1
This year, the event “Fifty Shades of Pink” followed THE Rosé Competition 2025 and was held on June 1st, also at the Ft. Lauderdale Women’s Club. Attended by more than 150 guests, it proved to be a huge success for the charities as well as for the wineries. The event benefited both the Ft. Lauderdale Women’s Club and the Joel Feigenheimer Endowment Fund. It featured scores of magnificent award-winning Rosé wines plus fine red and white wines from AFWC’s The Invitational. Since its inception, AFWC has donated more than $1,250,000 to charity.
Join Gravenstein Grill for an early evening celebrating all the incredible aromatic white & rose wines produced in Sonoma County! We’ll have wines being poured by over 20 guest wineries, including Balletto Vineyards, Anaba, Crux, Cochon, Banshee, Davis Family, Muscardini Cellars, Radio-Coteau, Red Car Wine, Sea Wolf, Marimar, Porter Creek, Raft, Inman Family, Quivira, Chenoweth Wines, Kobler Estate, Benziger Winery, Imagery Winery, Rodney Strong & More!
This event is Thursday May 25th, 5-7pm, outdoors on the garden patio. TICKETS are $35 if ordered online, $45 at the door, and includes tastings with all the wineries!
To accompany these world class wines there will be passed appetizers by Chefs Bob Simontacchi & Makana Colunga. This is the first of the Summer wine series at Gravenstein Grill – and it is not to be missed!
