tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80661392024-03-13T23:22:24.394-07:00Mac's Wine Events in SF Area<a href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://mcwong1946.blogspot.com/">
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</a>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-64657266081699152812010-01-22T10:54:00.000-08:002010-01-22T10:56:44.126-08:00Ryhan Winery open house - Pinot, Cab, and 'Rouge Sang'<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last-minute alert from:</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Ryhan Estates, Livermore - Open House This Weekend</span></span></b><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Wine & Hors D'Oeuvres!</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 13.5pt;">Come try our Pinot Noir with chilli chicken & see what our 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and Rouge Sang are paired with!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 13.5pt;"> And there's more, but you'll have to come and see for yourself!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 24pt;">This Saturday & Sunday...</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">January 23rd & 24th, 2010 from 12pm-5pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"> Where: Ryhan Winery Tasting Room </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"> 5385 East Ave, Livermore</span><o:p></o:p><br />
</div>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-83514974262216909642010-01-06T17:07:00.000-08:002010-01-14T10:06:38.048-08:00Mac's Wine Events Calendar for JANUARY 2010<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dear Mac's-Wine-Calendar Friends</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Not much going on in wine events in January, it seems, so this is a short one. I even put in events for February and March to round it out!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Have a great new year, and I'll see you at future wine events! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(PS: Do forward a link to friends and encourage them to follow! And do Comment if this Calendar has been useful -- especially comment about listed events you went to, and how you liked them! People want to know!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">best,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">mac</span></div><div><br /></div></span></div><div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">6-Jan</span> <span class="font7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Wine Wednesday at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">JC</span> Cellars</span></b></span><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, 5-7pm. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">JC</span> Cellars is near Jack London Square, at 55 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> St, Oakland 94607. (510) 465-5900.</span></span></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /> Cost: Event is complimentary, please RSVP to wine@jccellars.com</span></span></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /> Replenish your wine cellar after the holidays. Featured wines include 2007 Stagecoach Vineyard <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Marsanne</span> from the mountainous terrain of Atlas Peak, 2006 Iron Hill Vineyard Zinfandel influenced by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Rhône</span> Valley & 2005 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Frediani</span> Vineyard Petite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sirah</span> from 100+ year old vines in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Calistoga</span>.</span></span></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 15% discount on these wines (20% Club).<br /></span> </span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br />16-Jan</span> <span class="font7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Santa Cruz Mountains Winter Wine Passport</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">-- $40, visit Santa Cruz Mountains wineries not usually open to the public! Call (831) 685-8463 or visit http://www.scmwa.com/passport/wineries.htm for details, maps, participating wineries, and tickets. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Wineries include Bonny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Doon</span>, Close <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">LaChance</span>, Fleming Jenkins, La Honda, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Nebbia</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">McHenry</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Naumann</span>, Nicholson, Ridge, and the new winery <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Odonata</span>.<br /></span> </span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br />16-17 Jan</span> <span style="orphans: 2; text-align:auto;widows: 2;-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px;-webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><span style="text-align:-webkit-left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br />11am-4pm - </span><span class="font10"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Winter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Wineland</span> on The Wine</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> Road</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">,</span></span><span class="font9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> a winery marketing effort for northern </span></span><span class="font10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Sonoma</span></span></span><span class="font9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> County including the Dry Creek, Alexander Valley, and Russian River Valley areas that cleverly avoids the overstuffed late-spring and mid-autumn regional wine events -- go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">wineroad</span>.com for full details, lists of host wineries, etc. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><br /></div><div><span style="orphans: 2; text-align:auto;widows: 2;-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px;-webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><span style="text-align:-webkit-left"><span class="font9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">$40 for the full weekend, $30 for Sunday only, designated drivers $10. </span></span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /><br />25-Jan</span> <span class="font7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Bruce Cass Wine Lab class</span></b></span><span class="font5"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">: 'Fundamentals of Taste & Smell'.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> Three Mondays that will start your sophisticated wine education: 15 wines each session illustrate points. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">First night is about your thresholds with a component tasting, examples of wine faults, and a complete discussion on developing a personal vocabulary. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Second session is about the psychology of preference, with a blind tasting to illustrate price-to-value ratio and the differences between style and quality. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Third night is the hedonistic conclusion with lecture on service & etiquette, with an emphasis on cellars and continued learning techniques. Tasting includes special food matches and some older and expensive wines. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">See website for registration, full class details, and instructor credentials: http://brucecasswinelab.com/ COST: $229 single; $429 couple for three-session series </span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /><br />26-Jan</span> <span class="font7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Australia Day All Aussie Wine Tasting</span></b></span><span class="font5"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> @ MO</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 222 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Sansome</span> St., SF 94104 (415-276-9787). $28, 6-8pm. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Join Aussie Wine Director Nicole <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Kosta</span> for their 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">nd</span> Annual Australia Day!! Walk around and taste all Australian wines and beer, over 40 selections with fun Aussie food to pair including <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">vegemite</span> sandwiches and sausage rolls!!! </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">For reservations call Priscilla Young at (415)279-9773 or email pyoung@mohg.com</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /><br />30-Jan</span> <span class="font7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">th</span> Annual ZAP - The Zinfandel Festival "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Zin</span> In Paradise!"</span></b></span><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> Public tasting Saturday afternoon, evening pairings and such Thurs and Fri evenings. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Go to www.Zinfandel.org for details, tickets. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I never miss ZAP! See you there!</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /><br />12-Feb</span> <span class="font7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">VinOlivo</span></span></b></span><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Presented by The Lodge at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Sonoma</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">VinOlivo</span> is a gala celebration and feast for the senses! Enjoy all that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Sonoma</span> Valley wine country has to offer: </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Sip <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Sonoma</span> Valley’s best wines from over 50 wineries, and taste from 20 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Sonoma</span> restaurants and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">artisans</span>. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">$65 in advance, $75 at the door (limited). For info call 707-935-0803 or purchase tickets at www.sonomavalleywine.com.</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /><br />13-Feb</span> <span class="font7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Top 100 Cabs of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Napa</span> Valley</span></b></span><span class="font5"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> - Public Grand Tasting.</span></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> "Join us as we taste the judges choices for the "Best of the Best" Cabernet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Sauvignon</span> from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Napa</span> Valley at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Napa's</span> top restaurant, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Bayleaf</span> Restaurant on Saturday, February 13, 2010, from 3 to 6pm." </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Bayleaf</span> Restaurant, 2025 Monticello Rd, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Napa</span> 94558 (818-224-8603. </span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /><br />19-Feb</span> <span class="font8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">"Dark & Delicious"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="font8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Petite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Sirah</span> Tasting</span></span><span class="font6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, this year's version of the annual "PS I Love You" event, wine & food pairing, at Rock Wall, Alameda this time. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">40 wineries, 30 food companies, $60, free parking, Fri 6-9pm. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">See http://psiloveyou.org/dd10/ for details. </span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /><br />27-Feb</span> <span class="font8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">JC</span> Cellars presents '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Winestock</span>'!</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="font8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"></span></span><span class="font6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">An evening of wine, appetizers & music, Sat 4-8pm. Bell-bottoms are encouraged!</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">COST: $25 advance online <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">tix</span> sales; $30 at the door (JCCellars.com.) </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Take BART to Lake Merritt, the ferry to Jack London Square or drive to the winery, but don’t miss out on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Winestock</span>!</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /><br />27-Mar</span> <span class="font7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Rhone Rangers--13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">th</span> Annual San Francisco Tasting!</span></b></span><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Every March the Rhone Rangers ride into San Francisco to show their wines at Fort Mason. This is their largest tasting event; it takes place in the Festival Pavilion where over 125 wineries and 35 food purveyors feature their products. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="font5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Mark your calendars! </span></span></div></span>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-81193456397720651452009-11-29T22:16:00.000-08:002010-01-14T10:06:31.864-08:00Wine Events for December 2009<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Hello, Wine-Loving Friends! Let's see what's going on in December in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a focus on the East Bay region.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">(Remember: Tell 'em Mac sent you!)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To start us off:</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">----A BUNCH OF LIVERMORE VALLEY EVENTS----</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">**HOLIDAY IN THE VINEYARDS</span></b> -- Sat-Sun Dec. 5-6 from Noon to 5pm</div><div>Wineries across the Valley will celebrate the season in December. Visit <a href="http://www.blogger.com/v">http://www.lvwine.org/pdf/HolidaysintheVIneyardsWineryActivities2009.pdf</a> for a full list of winery activities. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some of our favorites include</div><div><br /></div><div>* <a href="http://www.cudaridgewines.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cuda Ridge</span></b></a> - Absolutely *terrific* wines across the board.</div><div>* <a href="http://www.blogger.com/v"><b>El Sol Winer</b>y</a> 8626 Lupin Way, Livermore (925) 606-1827 </div><div>* <a href="http://www.fenestrawinery.com/"><b>Fenestra Winery</b></a> 83 Vallecitos Rd., Livermore (925) 447-5246 -- more different wines than you ever saw, including their True Red Rhone-kinda blend.</div><div>* <a href="http://www.longevitywines.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Longevity Wines</span></b></a> 35 Rickenbacker Circle South, Livermore (888) 325-9463 - no tasting fee! Best wines and best winemaker in the Valley, only Cuda Ridge can rival them.</div><div>* <a href="http://www.nottinghamcellars.com/"><b>Nottingham Cellars</b></a> 2245 S. Vasco Rd., Livermore (925) 294-8647 -- Newest winemaker in the Valley! Check 'em out and tell me if they are any good yet!</div><div>* <a href="http://www.occasiowinery.com/"><b>Occasio Winery</b></a><b> </b>2445 S. Vasco Rd., Livermore (925) 371-1987 - with their pretty damned good Pinot Gris!</div><div>* <a href="http://www.thomascoynewinery.com/"><b>Thomas Coyne Winery</b></a> 51 East Vallecitos Rd., Livermore (925) 373-6541 -- personally I like their white dessert wines best.</div><div><br /></div><div>--And many more wineries as well!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">----ELSEWHERE IN THE BAY AREA!----</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>* <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">JC CELLARS: HOLIDAY WINE WEDNESDAY</span></b></div><div>Wed. Dec. 2 - 55 to 7 pm</div><div>55 4th Street, Oakland</div><div><br /></div><div>Taste why JC Cellars is so highly regarded. Complimentary Admission: RSVP to angela@jccellars.com</div><div><br /></div><div>Save 15-20% on the following wines:</div><div>-2006 Stagecoach Vineyard Marsanne (92 Wine Spectator)</div><div>-2005 Ventana Vineyards Syrah</div><div>-2006 Caldwell Vineyard Syrah (92 Robert Parker, 91 Wine Spectator)</div><div>-2005 Ripken Vineyard Late Harvest Viognier</div><div> <i>Get into the holiday spirit and come down to sample a few wines, perfect for holiday entertaining or gifts. Nosh on some artisan cheese and cash in on the Wine Wednesday discount of 15-20%.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>-<b>->>**That's NOTHING! Wait until you see this!</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The debut of The JC Cellars *<b>DAILY RATION</b>*, "our 1st neighborhood wine, a NV red blend from JC. For sale on FRIDAYS in the tasting room. <b>HALF A LITER OF GOODNESS</b> to start your weekend off right! $25 Jug $20 Refills (<b>Bring Your Jug Back and Save</b>) (Yes, that's right! This is old-timey stuff!)(But I'll bet it tastes better than the old-timey stuff, but that's because I have a high regard for JC Cellars plonk!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Varietals: 41.5% Petite Sirah, 24.3% Grenache,19.5% Zinfandel, 11.5% Carginane, 3% Syrah. Alcohol: 14.5% Appellation: California</div><div><br /></div><div>"<i>We would like to introduce our first neighborhood wine. A tribute to our nautical heritage here in the Jack London District and a nod to our locals who want an excuse to drop by on a weekly basis. This blend is meant to quench weekend thirsts. Some of you have expressed reservations about opening our wines for some of your friends who may have questionable palates. So we thought we would provide an option that we can all sit around and enjoy no matter what day it is or how many other bottles have been opened."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Way to GO!</div><div><br /></div><div>---</div><div><b>** HOLIDAY TASTING ROOM at DONKEY & GOAT WINERY **</b></div><div> 2323 B 4th Street, Berkeley, 94710. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stop by the winery for complimentary wine tastings on Saturdays from 12-5 pm when we join our neighbors for<b> **BERKELEY ARTISANS HOLIDAY OPEN STUDIOS**</b> on 12/5, 12/12 & 12/19. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Stop by to taste, warm up and then if you like, take a walking tour of the artists' studios open for the holiday. The winery is located in west Berkeley, 3 blocks south of University and the 4th Street shopping district.</i></div><div>---</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">** HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT ROCK WALL</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"></span></b> in Alameda in the heart of the old Navy base!</div><div>2301 Monarch Street, Suite 300, Alameda, CA 95401 Saturday Dec. 5 from 5pm.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Sample current and new release wines from *</i><b><i>seven</i></b><i>* wineries that produce wine at Rock Wall Wine custom-crush facility. Admission includes heavy appetizers, tours and live music.</i></div><div> </div><div><i>Admission is $30 per person with advance purchase, and $40 per person at the door. ht</i><a href="http://rockwallholidayopenhouse.eventbrite.com/"><i>tp://rockwallholidayopenhouse.eventbrite.com/</i></a><i> or more info at </i><a href="http://www.rockwallwines.com/"><i>www.rockwallwines.com</i></a><i> .</i></div><div> </div><div><i>This event will feature 3 new releases from Rock Wall Wines as well as over 30 wines from their resident producers</i></div><div><br /></div><div>-Blacksmith Cellars</div><div>-Carica Wines</div><div>-Ehrenberg Cellars</div><div>-JRE (John Robert Eppler) Wines</div><div>-R&B Cellars</div><div>-Rock Wall Wines</div><div>-Virgo Cellars</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mac sez</b>: <i>These are some of the most interesting & enjoyable Urban Wineries around! Some are so small you are unlikely to find them in stores. One of the big benefits of living in the Bay Area of San Francisco are these tiny specialty for-the-love-of-wine winemakers!</i></div><div> </div><div>------------------</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">*</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">* Champagne from Champagne - A spectacular food and champagne pairing dinner from a TOP chef!</span></b></div><div>December 10, 2009 (Thu), 7:00 PM - 9:45 PM</div><div>LOCATION: Faz - Pleasanton</div><div>5121 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, California 94588, ph. 925-828-8356</div><div><br /></div><div>Nine Champagnes, presented by K&L Wine Merchants Champagne buyer, Gary Westby, paired with a delicious five course meal designed by Faz Executive Chef Dolly Jacoby.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Hosted by <b>Tasters Guild</b> #026. Cost: $65 per person inclusive (a few dollars more if you're not a member yet).</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">IF YOU GO TO THIS LET ME KNOW</span>!</b> I am a devoted member of this local Taster's Guild chapter and I get Goodness points for bringing you! But you must <b>act fast</b> as their events fill FAST! </div><div><br /></div><div>PS: The wines are <b>wonderful </b>and the food is *<b>spectacular</b>* - this Chef Dolly is a food-pairing genius!! <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">RECOMMENDED</span></b>!!! Contact me at mac.mccarthy at gmail.</div><div><br /></div><div>---------------</div><div><br /></div><div><b>** <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HEY RICH PEOPLE</span>!</b> Want to bid on fine wines? Got bucks to do so? WineGavel auction house is hosting their 2009 Year-End<b> Fine- and Rare-Wine Auction</b> Dec. 19 at the AME Restaurant in SF's St Regis Hotel on December 19.</div><div><br /></div><div>"From verticals of First Growth Bordeaux to OWC cases of 2006 Domaine de la Romanee Conti Magnums, this auction offers some of the world's finest, best cellared wines." Such as "Lot 149: <b>1982 Chateau Lafite Rothschild</b>, 12 Bottles in Original Wood Case. The 1982 Lafite Rothschild is widely regarded as one of the finest wines ever produced. Prodigious in breadth and intensity.</div><div>Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000"</div><div><br /></div><div>Bordeaux: Lot 179: <b>A full vertical of Chateau Mouton</b> from 1983-2004</div><div>Est: $5,000 - $7,500</div><div><br /></div><div>Burgundy: Lots 14,15 & 16: Rare <b>Magnums of 2006 Domaine de la Romanee Conti</b></div><div>Est: $2,000 - $10,000</div><div> </div><div>California: Lot 184: Stunning <b>vertical of Silver Oak Napa Valley 1979-2004</b></div><div>Est: $2,200 - $2,800</div><div><br /></div><div>Go to <a href="http://winegavel.com/">http://winegavel.com</a> and see if you can figure out how to get in.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then invite me over to your place to help you taste-test what you bought!</div><div><br /></div><div>--- </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">IT'S COMING! IT'S COMING! *ZAP*! </span></b></div><div><b>THE ULTIMATE ANNUAL ZINFANDEL TASTING!</b></div><div>Join Us at Ft. Mason in SF January 28 to 30!</div><div><br /></div><div>This year's theme: "<b>Zin in Paradise!</b>" (Wait 'til you see the cool Zin-Hawaian shirts us volunteers get!)</div><div><br /></div><div>You really ought to join as a ZAP member and get in early! If you love Zins, that is. You DO love Zins, don't you? Why are you looking at me like that?</div><div><br /></div><div>--><b>Order Your Festival Tickets Today!</b></div><div> If you haven't purchased your Festival tickets, take a moment today and sign up! A benefit of ZAP membership is the opportunity to enter the Grand Zinfandel Tasting at 1:00 pm, an hour before the general public. This is a wonderful chance to visit your favorite wineries or discover wineries new to you. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ticket sales to our events are ahead of last year! Order your tickets today - you don't want to miss your favorite events. There are winetasting, wine-food pairing, wine highlight, and meet-the-winemaker events Thursday and Friday, and the general tasting Saturday afternoon -- 300+ winemakers offering some 800++ wines--all Zinfandels! It's the damnest thing you ever saw! And if you go Saturday, you'll see me there! What could be better than that?</div><div><br /></div><div>Go to <a href="http://www.zinfandel.org/default.asp?">http://www.zinfandel.org/default.asp?</a> to join ZAP and purchase your tickets.</div><div>---</div><div><br /></div><div><b>**Hendry Wine Tasting at 'Wine on Piedmont'</b></div><div>Dec 4 (Fri), 4 - 7 PM</div><div>Wine on Piedmont is at 4183 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA 94611 (ph. 510 595-9463)</div><div>"The Hendry Ranch may be the most versatile property in California. George Hendry is able to produce top quality Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and even Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the same property. Partner Susan Ridley will join us to pour several of the winery's current releases. Please stop by Friday December 4th, you will be impressed at the quality across the board."</div><div>---</div><div><br /></div><div>*<b> 'Food & Wine Pairing 101'</b> - Dec 3 (Thu) - 6:30 - 8:30 PM</div><div>at<a href="http://www.solanocellars.com/"> Solano Cellars </a></div><div>1580 Solano Avenue, Albany, CA 94707 (ph. 510.525.9463)</div><div><br /></div><div>"Red wine with fish? What's the best pairing for spicy Thai? Vegetarian fare? Ice cream? Find out what to drink with whatever you eat in this class taught by our fearless leader/fearless eater, Jason Lefler. We promise a delicious, decadent, perfectly paired evening filled with wine and food ... and more wine and more food. $65 includes all food and wine pairings."</div><div> </div><div>-----------------------------------</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">** CRUSHPAD'S 2nd ANNUAL SF WINE ASSOC. HOLIDAY SHOWCASE! **</span></b></div><div>Dec 10 (Thu) 5:30 - 8 PM</div><div>At Crushpad custom crush facility, 2573 Third Street, SF 94107 (ph. 415-695-0221)</div><div><br /></div><div>"Don't miss the San Francisco wine event of the year! Get your ticket early as this will be a very popular event. Featuring the *<b>20 boutique wineries</b>* of the SFWA offering premium wine tasting and some tasty morsels! You will meet your local vintners, enjoy award-winning vintages, and be able to take home the perfect gift for that special wine enthusiast on your list! </div><div><br /></div><div>"It will be fun and festive, and everyone who attends will see (and taste!) first-hand why these small, high-end SF vintners are getting rave reviews from the critics. The SFWA urban wine artisans are truly redefining how fine wines are made! Dress up or dress down --- just make sure you get there and join us in the spirit of the holidays! Online tickets only $25 at www.sfwineassociation.com "</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Featuring</b>: Aver Family Vineyards - Bartz-Allen Winery - Canine Wines - Connor I Brennan Cellars - Damian Rae Winery - Due Cani Cellars - Flying Wine Cellars - Guy Riedel Wines, LLC - Jazz Cellars - Joelle Wine Company - Kindred Wines - Mark Moretti Winery - Milliarium Cellars - PerryMoore Wines - Pug Wine - Ricardus Corculum - Seawind Wines - Think Tank Wine Company - Townley Wines - Wait Cellars </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Mac sez:</i></b><i> I know the woman who runs this custom crush facility - she makes a terrific Chard! This is like Rock Wall but in SF - hosts numerous small winemakers, so it's fun to explore! Hope to see you there!</i></div><div><br /></div><div>-------------------</div><div><br /></div><div><b>** SUMMER DOWN UNDER: THE WINES OF AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND</b></div><div>At the dramatic and luxurious Officer's Club in Fort Mason, San Francisco, on Wed. Dec. 16th from 6 to 9pm. Check out l<a href="http://www.thehardy.net/Parties/Uncorked-Fort-Mason-121008/7053275_HzakK#451843218_qqNzm">ast year's festive pictures</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>And <a href="http://summerdownunder.eventbrite.com/">purchase tickets</a> at $38: As an early holiday gift, anyone who purchases four or more tickets will get an extra ticket at no additional charge. Bring your family! </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the spiel: </div><div>"The Ultimate Holiday Gathering. While the San Francisco summer is over and the holidays are upon us, we can pretend we're in southern hemisphere heat on December 10th. Uncorked Events will transport you to the warm beaches of Australia & beyond for a very festive holiday celebration. We won't have vegemite or koala bears, but we will introduce you to over 100 of the very best wines from Australia & New Zealand. And because one can't live on wine alone, we're adding a tasting station featuring down under beers - for added pleasure and hydration!</div><div><br /></div><div>"A Wide Array of World-Class Wine -- A wide array of Shiraz, Cabernet, Grenache, Chardonnay and Riesling from Australia and Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Merlot from New Zealand. World-Class Wineries from Amisfield, Cloudy Bay, d'Arenberg, Elderton, Felton Road, Giant Steps, Grosset, Henschke, Hewitson, Jim Barry, Kilikanoon, Leeuwin Estate, Penley, Peter Lehman, Plantagenet, Quartz Reef, Robert Oatley, Spy Valley, St. Hallett, Trevor Jones, Two Hands, Vasse Felix, Villa Maria, Wild Earth, and more!" </div><div><br /></div><div>A lot of these you can't even get here in the US!</div><div> </div><div>------------</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">*</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">*****TO COME IN 2010! </span></b></div><div>Besides ZAP, there's the 'PS I Love You' Petit Syrah event Feb. 19 at Rock Wall in Alameda, watch for it!</div><div><br /></div><div>---</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">READING ABOUT WINE</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div>Snooth:</div><div><b>"Learning About German Wine: Getting All the Details"</b></div><div>http://www.snooth.com/articles/commentary/deciphering-german-wine-labels-x/</div><div><br /></div><div><b>*Get Wine Guide to Spain's Wine Countries -- Complimentary* </b></div><div>http://www.winesfromspainusa.com/WFSUSA/Guide/WineGuide.htm</div><div><br /></div><div><b>*Learn More about the Wines of the Loire Valley</b> -- sign up up with the French wine promotional organization at http://www.loirevalleywine.com/home/?q=loirewines/loire365/home and they'll send you a brochure all about it. Loire make some of the most wonderful wines in the world!</div><div><br /></div><div>-----</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">***SUBSCRIBE TO this "<a href="http://mcwong1946.blogspot.com/">MAC'S WINE EVENTS" BLOG</a></span></b></div><div>at <a href="http://mcwong1946.blogspot.com/">http://mcwong1946.blogspot.com/</a> in your blog reader so you don't miss an erratic issue!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">****AND WHILE YOU'RE AT IT, SUBSCRIBE TO <a href="http://savvytaste.blogspot.com/">MAC'S SAVVYTASTE WINE BLOG</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; font-size:medium;">in your blog/newsreader, </span></b>where I write my notes about what I'm drinking.</div><div>at <a href="http://savvytaste.blogspot.com/">http://savvytaste.blogspot.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!</span></b></div><div><br /></div>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-8334722059475585722009-10-10T00:13:00.000-07:002010-01-14T10:06:38.050-08:00(Belated) Wine Events for October 2009<p class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: left; display: block; width: 310px;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:French_taste_of_wines.JPG"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e1/French_taste_of_wines.JPG/300px-French_taste_of_wines.JPG" alt="French wine and French gastronomy are often en..." style="border: medium none ; display: block;" height="225" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:French_taste_of_wines.JPG">Wikipedia</a></span></p>Hello, Friends! Sorry I'm late getting this out. Even sorrier because we missed a few pretty nice events the first week of October, doggone it.<br /><br />Well, let's see what's still on the calendar for October... It's fall harvest time, so things are hopping!<br /><br />(Remember: Tell 'em Mac sent you!)<br /><br /> --**<span style="font-weight: bold;">LODI WINE FEST ON TREASURE ISLAND!</span>*--<br />1st Annual Treasure Island Lodi Wine Festival<br />Sunday October 11, 2009 1:00 PM - 5:00PM<br />291 Avenue of the Palms<br />Treasure Island, San Francisco 94130<br /><br />That's THIS SUNDAY! See? Sorry I'm late!<br /><br />Lodi is gaining a rep for good wines, espec Zins (some of the oldest old Zin vines in the state) that belies its public image as a jug-wine center. Prove this to yourself by sipping from (some of!) 200 different wines. It's Fleet Week, which is good and bad: You'll have the best seats in town for whatever the Navy is doing in the Bay. But traffic to the from TI and the Bay Bridge is likely to be unpredictable.<br /><br />Tickets $55 in advance. See the event site, http://tiwinefest.com , for details, online purchase link, and parking and public transpo info.<br /><br /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">--**A BUNCH OF LIVERMORE VALLEY EVENTS**--</span></span><br /><br />Livermore has grown to more than *40* wineries, most of them truly excellent! Here are six wineries with events in the month of October (there are another dozen in November, mostly holiday events).<br />---<br /><br />* <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cuda Ridge Cabernet Franc Vertical Tasting</span><br />Sat. Oct 24, 5:30-7:30pm<br />Cuda Ridge Tasting Room, 5385 East Avenue, Livermore<br /><br />(Cuda Ridge was one of my favorites at the recent Livermore fall festival. If you don't know much about Cab Franc, this is a really good chance to get up to speed! My notes on the fest called this Best of Show for the Cab Franc's loooong finish! "This is an A-Plus wine, maybe the best of a very impressive bunch. The finish is so long, it slowed me down in my drinking--I had wait for the echoes of the sip to die down before trying the next wine!" And it's only 22 bucks a bottle.)<br /><br />Tasting and discussing the 2005, 2006, and 2007 releases of their Livermore Valley Cabernet Franc. Each tasting will be uniquely paired with Appetizers prepared by Chef Jim Thurman.<br /><br />Cost: $30.00 per person<br />Call the winery at 510-304-0914 or send email to info@cudaridgewines.com to make reservations. Due to the upfront costs to put this on, and the limited seating (25 guests), payment will be due at time of the reservation. Make you reservations early, this is sure to fill up quickly.<br /><br />The three (3) wines will be poured in separate glasses, 3 ounce pours each, so that you can do several passes over the wine to taste and cross compare. The winemaker, Larry (a great guy, passionate about his new winery!--mac), will say a little about each of the wines and would encourage guest participation in the discussion of the wines. Upon completion of the Vertical tasting, the currently releasd Cuda Ridge Wines will also be available for tasting and purchase. There will also be a limited amount of the Vertical Cabernet Franc box sets available for purchase.<br /><br />"This should be a fun time and a good opportunity to enjoy some good wine<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cudaridgewines.com/francverticaltasting.html">http://www.cudaridgewines.com/francverticaltasting.html</a><br /><br />---<br /><br />*<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Football Cheese and Wine Pairing -- Les Chenes Estate Vineyards</span> - Sat Oct 10 and Sun Oct 11, noon-4:30pm<br /><a href="http://www.leschenesvine.com">www.leschenesvine.com</a><br />Where: 5562 Victoria Lane, Livermore, CA, 94550<br />Cost: $5.00 refundable with purchase of wine.<br />Introducing a new cheese to go with our wines for football season--"Buffalo Wing Cheese" -- very spicy cheese that pairs extremely well with our Mourvedre Cuvee. Come in and enjoy!<br />---<br /><br />* <span style="font-weight: bold;">Antique Faire downtown Pleasanton</span><br />Sun Oct 11 8am - 4pm<br />The streets will be closed and you can stroll Downtown Pleasanton and look for that special something. Music from 2-5pm. Wines to taste starting at noon.<br />--<br /><br />* <span style="font-weight: bold;">Live Music from Mud Daddy and Wine Tasting at McGrail Vineyards</span><br />Sat. Oct. 17 noon - 5pm<br /><a href="http://www.mcgrailvineyards.com">www.mcgrailvineyards.com</a><br />Where: 5600 Greenville Road, Livermore, CA, 94550 Cost: $5.00<br />Bring a lunch, buy a bottle of wine, and enjoy a beautiful October afternoon on the patio.<br /><br />--<br />* <span style="font-weight: bold;">Harvest Celebration at Rodrigue Molyneaux Winery</span><br />Sat. Oct. 17 noon-5pm<br />also "Haunted Tasting" Sat. Oct. 31, 12:30-5pm <br /><a href="http://rmwinery.com">rmwinery.com</a><br />Where: 3053 Marina Ave., Livermore, CA, 94550 - Get Directions<br />Tour the winery, view artwork, get a chair massage, get candy for the kiddies--oh yeah, and try their wines.<br />--<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* Get Ghouled and Chill Out - </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" class="zem_slink" href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/the%2Blittle%2Bwine%2Bcompany" title="The Little Wine Company" rel="snooth">Little</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Valley Winery</span><br />Fri and Sat, Oct. 23-24, 5:30pm-8:30pm<br />Repeats the following weekend, Friday, October 30, 2009 - <a href="http://www.littlevalleywinery-lavender.com">www.littlevalleywinery-lavender.com</a><br />Where: 793 Suite J Main St., Pleasanton, CA, 94566Get Ghouled with the Pleasanton Ghost Walk and Chill out with our wines at Little Valley. Do a self-guided Ghost Walk tour through the streets of Pleasanton and let us know if you have seen anyone from the past. The museum on Main has all the walk info. 925.462.2766. So hop on by after your walk and chill out. We will be open until 9pm<br />--<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* Mini Concert at Crooked Vine/Stony Ridge Winery</span><br />Sat. Oct 24 - 6-9pm<br /><a href="http://www.crookedvine.com">www.crookedvine.com</a><br />4948 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA, 94550<br />Cost: $10.00<br />Come and listen to some great music and indulge in some fabulous food and wine. Summer Mini Concert featuring The Catfish Boys, Bay Area band that plays roots-oriented rock and country. Food and Wine for purchase with Crooked Vine's very own "Gotta Lovett BBQ."<br />--<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* Traditional Halloween Candy and Wine Pairing</span><br />Sat. Oct. 24, 5 - 7PM<br />Cedar Mountain Winery, 7000 Tesla Rd, Livermore, CA 94550<br />And enter a drawing for a free bottle of wine. Advance tickets required. $15/person, $10/club members. Call (925) 373-6636 for reservations.<br />--<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* Fall Fest in downtown Pleasanton</span><br />Sat. Oct. 31, 10am-2pm<br />Come to Downtown Pleasanton on Halloween Day and enjoy the events of pumpkin carving, tasty treats and bid on your favorite scarecrow.<br />--<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> --AND IN THE REST OF THE BAY AREA!--</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* TwoMile Winery</span>, Berkeley - Oct. 10, Sat., 2-6pm - $10<br />2816 San Pablo Avenue<br />Berkeley, CA 94702<br />510-868-8713<br />FINAL CALL FOR OPEN TASTING of TwoMile Winery, which is leaving its Berkeley facility due to the economy - No, they aren't closing down, they are just moving out of their Berkely place. So come by Saturday and taste their very nice wines while it's still convenient.<br />--<br /><br /> --><span style="font-weight: bold;">WINE & SPIRITS TOP 100</span><--<br />Wed., Oct. 14, 6:30 to 8:30pm, at The Galleria, SF, 101 Henry Adams St., SF 94103<br />General Admission $95 at <a href="http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=187472">http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=187472</a> <br />"Now in its sixth year, this highly anticipated annual event honors the 100 wineries that delivered the best overall performances in Wine & Spirits’ tastings conducted during the past year. The “Wineries of the Year” will be profiled in the Winter issue of Wine & Spirits, which will be available on newsstands nationwide on October 13, 2009."<br />and <br />"Join us in honoring the Top 100 Wineries of the year, hailing from more than 50 winegrowing regions across the globe. Taste the top-scoring wines from each winery.Meet the winemakers. Revel in fresh oysters, hand-crafted salumi, and the best in local cuisine."<br />---------- <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* Fleming Jenkins Wine Tasting and Fund Raiser for Breast Cancer Charities </span><br />Thurs Oct 15 – 6 to 8pm Vino Locale in Palo Alto<br />- Taste many of the Fleming Jenkins wines and contribute to breast cancer research and awareness. $2 from every bottle of Fleming Jenkins wine sold that evening will be donated by Vino Locale to local breast cancer charities. For more details and to RSVP, and for directions, please email info@vinolocale.com or call (650) 328-0450. <br />(Fleming Jenkins is the winery launched by skating Olympian Peggy Fleming and her husband.)<br />--- <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* At The Wine Club of Santa Clara:</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Arger-Martucci Vineyards</span> Tasting<br />Fri. Oct. 16, 5-7pm<br />The Wine Club wine shop is at 1200 Coleman Avenue, Santa Clara, CA 95050 - near the airport.<br />Cost: $15 <br />(The Wine Club has an incredible selection of international and US wines, and the staff knows the wines.)<br />or this tasting, winemaker Anthony Arger will pour several wines in the store's newly constructed wine bar.<br />--- <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* Wilson Winery 100th Old Tin Barn Anniversary<-- </span><br />Sun Oct 17, 1-4pm, $40 ($30 club members)<br />1960 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448 <a href="http://www.wilsonwinery.com">www.wilsonwinery.com </a><br />Traipse on up to Healdsburg, it's a nice drive and a pretty little town, and taste some of Wilson's <span style="font-style: italic;">*truly fine*</span> wines -- We just had some of the Cabs last week and they were as terrific as I remember. <br />They describe this event as: "Come join the celebration! 100th Anniversary of the Old Tin Barn at Wilson Winery. This fundraiser will benefit The Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society. Your ticket includes Tom’s famous tri tip, live music, The Museum's popular film "Life in Healdsburg" and a special exhibit of Wilson Winery's history. You will also get the opportunity to taste our 7 Gold-Medal-Winning wines from the 2009 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. See you at the Old Tin Barn! "<br /> -- <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-->ROSENBLUM WINEMAKER DINNER CRUISE ON THE BAY!</span><br />Oct 18, 4:30-7:30, from the Oakland Ferry Dock in Jack London Square.<br /><br />Spend a Sunday evening with Kent and Kathy Rosenblum and your fellow club members on a winemaker dinner cruise on the Bay. We'll feature 6 of our stunning wines paired with a 5-course dinner prepared by Kincaid's Bayhouse in Oakland. The menu includes:<br /> -Lomi Lomi Salmon & Prawn Cerviche Appetizers<br /> -Heirloom Tomato & Pancetta Salad<br /> -Kobe Meatloaf Sliders<br /> -Zinfandel-braised Short ribs<br /> -Molten Chocolate Torte<br /><br />Only 60 spaces available at $135 per person, and tickets must be purchased online. For more information, call Andrea at 510.995.4176.<br /><br />Space is limited. Order today! <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?RosenblumCellars/e292292924/cff1e6c62e/eac6f8b36f/siteID=2473&MemberID">http://cts.vresp.com/c/?RosenblumCellars/e292292924/cff1e6c62e/eac6f8b36f/siteID=2473&MemberID</a><br />---<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">PINOT ON THE RIVER 2009 FESTIVAL, RUSSIAN RIVER</span><br /><br />Are you passionate about Pinot Noir?<br /><br />Join us October 25 in the Russian River Valley for the<br />6th Annual "Pinot On The River" Festival, a weekend of great food, tastings & seminars all about Pinot Noir, capped off by Sunday's Grand Tasting with Cheeses & Pinot Noirs from<br />OVER 100 PARTICIPATING WINERIES<br /><br />Full details at <a href="http://www.Pinotfestival.com">www.Pinotfestival.com</a><br />---<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">* WINE AT THE VINE at Bridges</span><br />480 Hartz Ave., Danville, CA 94526<br />ph. 925.820.7210<br /><a href="http://thevineatbridges.com/">http://thevineatbridges.com/</a><br /><br />--<span style="font-weight: bold;">Far Niente/ Nickel Nickel</span>, Thurs., Oct. 15, 6 - 8PM<br />Very very fine wines. $10<br />--<span style="font-weight: bold;">Duckhorn Vineyards,</span> Thurs., Oct. 22, 6 - 8PM<br />Dan Duckhorn (no, really) focusses his vineyard on Merlot - and he's really good at it! $10<br />---<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Franklin Square Restaurant & Wine Bar $1 Wine Tasting Thursdays</span><br />Every Thursday, 5 - 7PM<br />2212 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612<br />ph. 510-251-0100<br />Examples:<br />-Oct 15: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Broc Cellars</span>, an East Bay winemaker<br />-Oct. 22: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pelerin Wines</span>: Rhones from Monterey<br />-Oct. 29: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Briceland Vineyard</span> - Northcoast Wines<br /><br />-----------------------------------<br /><br /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*EVENTS AT ARTISAN WINE DEPOT IN MOUNTAIN VIEW*</span></span><br />Artisan Wine Depot is lucky enough to have as its wine buyer the talented Christine Tran, who hosts a number of events there each month if you're willing to make the trek to the South Peninsula.<br /><br />This month, for example:<br /><br /> * Sat. Oct 10: <span style="font-weight: bold;">DOMAINE DROUHIN's OREGON vs BURGUNDY WINE TASTING</span> - 2 to 5pm.<br /><br />'Domaine Drouhin wines have received world-wide acclaim from the press and has garnered devoted fans throughout the years. The Pinot Noir bottlings are frequently awarded "Outstanding" scores from the Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate critics, and the Chardonnay was recently named "Best New World White Wine" by the UK's influential Decanter magazine.<br /><br />'This is an exciting chance to savor and see the differences between Domaine Drouhin's Oregon Pinot Noirs, and their Burgundy counterparts from France. In the late 1800's the Drouhin business became one of the founding pillars of modern Burgundy. In 1987, the third generation Drouhin (Robert Drouhin) purchased property in the Dundee Hills of Oregon and established Domaine Drouhin Oregon.<br /><br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">-->PS from Mac: I *love* Drouhin's affordable yet delicious Burgundies! What a great oppty to compare to what they are doing in Oregon, a state that likes a different style in its Pinots. Has Drouhin fallen for the Oregon style, or are they true to their Burgundian roots? Here's a chance to find out!</span><br /><br />TICKETS: ONLINE $19.22; walk-in $24.71 (they love these oddball numbers for some reason!).<br />Go to <a href="http://www.artisanwinedepot.com/default.asp">http://www.artisanwinedepot.com/default.asp</a> and dig around for the event ticket-purchase link.<br /><br />Need convincing? How about this: Taste from $250 worth of wines, to wit:<br />-Domaine Drouhin Arthur Chardonnay 2007 (90pts Tanzer) - Retail: $30<br />-Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2006 (93pts W&S, 90pts RP) - Retail: $40<br />-Maison Joseph Drouhin Chablis 2007 - Retail: $25<br />-Maison Joseph Drouhin Meursault 2007 - Retail: $40<br />-Maison Joseph Drouhin Chorey-Les-Beaune 2006 - Retail: $25<br />-Maison Joseph Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny 2006 (90pts WE) - Retail: $80<br /><br /> * Sun Oct 11: <span style="font-weight: bold;">HIGH-END CULT NAPA VALLYE CABS TASTING!</span> 2-4pm at Artisan<br /><br />If these spectacular wine tasting events haven't already been enough, Sunday is an absolute "NOT-TO-BE-MISSED" event. We are having a "Best of the Best: High-End Cult Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Tasting." featuring highly-rated and allocated small-production Napa Valley Cabernets for you to discover and savor. Indulge in the 95 Point-Scoring (R. Parker) O'Shaughnessy Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, with a production of only 500 cases. We will have Soda Canyon Cellars (Winemaker David Phinney of Orin Swift Prisoner and Mercury Head), and Buccella "Mica" (Winemaker Celia Welch Masyczek of Staglin, D. R. Stephens & Scarecrow), plus much more.<br /><br /> DETAILS ON THE WINES:<br />'08 Beau Vigne "Persuasion" Russian River Valley Chard - Retail: $45<br />'07 Beau Vigne "Juliet" Napa Cabernet Sauvignon ('06 scored 93pts RP) - Retail: $45<br />'06 O'Shaughnessy "Howell Mtn." Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (95pts RP) - Retail: $101<br />'06 O'Shaughnessy "Mt. Veeder." Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (95pts RP) - Retail: $128<br />'07 Soda Canyon Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (Winemaker David Phinney of Orin Swift Prisoner and Mercury Head) - Retail: $50<br />'06 Buccella "Mica" Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (Winemaker Celia Welch Masyczek of Staglin, D. R. Stephens, Scarecrow) - Retail: $65<br /><br />TICKETS: Same prices: ONLINE $19.22; walk-in $24.71.<br />Go to <a href="http://www.artisanwinedepot.com/default.asp">http://www.artisanwinedepot.com/default.asp</a> and dig around for the event ticket-purchase link.<br /><br /> * Sun Oct 25: <span style="font-weight: bold;">GRAND PINOT TASTING</span><br />Noon to 4 p.m. YES another Pinot tasting! The wonderful madness never stops!<br /><br />Taste current releases, special bottlings and library wines from over 100 top Pinot producers from the West Coast at this festival tasting.<br /><br />Plus Artisan Cheese Vendors such as Cowgirl Creamery - Achadinha Cheese + Sausage - Valley Ford Cheese Co - Marin French Cheese Co. - Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery - Bohemian Creamery<br />Cheese Plus - Shamrock Artisan Goat Cheese.<br /><br />Tickets: <a href="http://www.xorbia.com/tickets/pinotfestival/">http://www.xorbia.com/tickets/pinotfestival/</a><br /><br />-->PS: Artisanal does events like this all the time, plus "24-hour blowouts" of spectacular wines (I mean, wines I've even heard of!). <span style="font-style: italic;">Get on their email list</span> so you don't have to worry about me being late with the newsletter!<br /><br />----------------------------<br /><br /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">---AN EARLY LOOK AT NOVEMBER!---</span></span><br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">* Rosenblum Nov 7 Open House: Online Ticketing Available Now!</span><br /><br />The upcoming Holiday Open House will be one day only (Saturday), so the less expensive online tickets will certainly sell out. Buy yours now. Club members can buy 2 tickets at the discounted $25 (plus $2.50 service fee) online admission. (Door price is $50).<br /><br />Sample our 2007 releases, and enjoy hearty hors d’oeuvres, Zinfandel ice cream, music and more. The first hour (12-1pm) is reserved for Rosenblum Cellars wine club members. To order tickets, click here.<br />--<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">* Santa Cruz Fall Wine Passport </span>- Sat. Nov. 21<br />Visit wineries not normally open to the public during this and the other three annual Passport days. Cost $40. Call (831) 685-8463 or visit http://www.scmwa.com/passport/wineries.htm for details.<br />--<br /><br /> * <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wine events in San Francisco coming up:</span><br />-<span style="font-style: italic;">Pinot & Bubbles</span> - Thursday, Nov. 12th<br />-<span style="font-style: italic;">Summer Down Under: The Wines of Australia & New Zealand</span> - Wednesday, Dec. 16th<br /><br />More info on these in next month's Mac's Wine Events Calendar & Newsletter!<br /><br />------------<br /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">WINE READING</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://palatepress.com/2009/09/deep-deep-roots-walla-walla-wine-pending-review/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"DEEP DEEP ROOTS: WALLA WALLA WINE"</span></a><br /><br />also:<br /><a href="http://palatepress.com/2009/09/custom-crush-facilities-draw-would-be-winemakers/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"THIS CRUSH FOR RENT: OPTIONS FOR ASPIRING WINEMAKERS"</span></a><br /><br />and<br /><a href="http://palatepress.com/2009/09/english-sparkling-wine-report/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE REPORT"</span></a><br />Opening line tells it all: " I was curious: How could England possibly produce decent sparkling wines?"<br /><br />Palate Press, a new online magazine of sorts, publishes interesting stuff like this all the time. Enjoy!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">AND BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE TO "<a href="http://mcwong1946.blogspot.com/">MAC'S WINE EVENTS IN SF</a>" BLOG</span><br />at <a href="http://mcwong1946.blogspot.com/">http://mcwong1946.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">AND WHILE YOU'RE AT IT, SUBSCRIBE TO <a href="http://savvytaste.blogspot.com/">MAC'S SAVVYTASTE WINE BLOG</a></span> where I write my notes about what I'm drinking.<br />at <a href="http://savvytaste.blogspot.com/">http://savvytaste.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!</span></span><br /><br /><fieldset class="zemanta-related"><legend class="zemanta-related-title">Related articles by Zemanta</legend><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.wineweekly.com/wine-reviews/red-wine-review-concannon-syrah/">Red Wine Review: Concannon Syrah</a> (wineweekly.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=929">Write Off the Vine: Texas Wine News - July 2, 2009</a> (vintagetexas.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.cellarblog.org/2009/09/10-steps-to-successful-virginia-wine.html">10 Steps to a Successful Virginia Wine Tasting</a> (cellarblog.org)</li></ul></fieldset> <div style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;" class="zemanta-pixie"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/ce7ed1ab-3708-41ac-9580-1ec1a9cdfc3c/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img style="border: medium none ; float: right;" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_a.png?x-id=ce7ed1ab-3708-41ac-9580-1ec1a9cdfc3c" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-39766218801642032182009-09-04T19:21:00.000-07:002010-01-14T10:06:38.052-08:00Mac's Wine Events Calendar for SEPT 2009: Livermore Wine Fest AND MORE<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';"><div style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; font: normal normal normal small/normal arial; "><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dear Wine-Loving Friends:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>This is your September 2009 Wine Events newsletter from Mac McCarthy/SavvyTaste.com -- Wine Events for the San Francisco/Northern California area, mainly East Bay/Livermore.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">--</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sun, Sept 6 and Mon, Sept 7-Noon-5/4PM - Labor Day Weekend</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>28th Annual LIVERMORE VALLEY HARVEST WINE CELEBRATION </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">At various wineries in the Livermore Valley AND ALSO in Robertson Park.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">About 20 wineries will pour at their own winery facilities (Mac's warning: Your ticket gets you two drinks at each winery. To try "the good stuff" you have to pay extra, about ten bucks at each winery.) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">--><b>WE RECOMMEND</b> you try the 20 new/small/outlying wineries pouring at the <b>HARVEST VILLAGE</b>, a large white tent at Robertson Park in Livermore. Here you can try something new and fresh! There are bound to be new interesting wineries you haven't heard of yet, even if you visit Livermore regularly. And you will get your two drinks per winery and not have to hop in your car or shuttle--just move to the next table. I found many wonderful wines/wineries at this tent last year!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">OTOH, at the wineries they have live music, arts and crafts vendors, and food vendors. Myeh!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Your ticket gets you rides on the free shuttle busses from one winery to the next ON SUNDAY ONLY, which they expect to be the busiest day. On Monday, you're on your own. Yet another reason to start (and maybe end) with Robertson Park. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">PS: During the wine fest, you can only get INTO the wineries if you hold a ticket. (Which also gets you a free wine glass.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2-Day Ticket $50 advance/$75 day of event</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sunday-Only Ticket $45; Monday-Only Ticket $40. <i>Obviously not saving much on a one-day.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Non-Drinking Ticket $10, valid for both days! Yay! designated drivers!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Go to <a href="http://www.LVWine.org">http://www.LVWine.org</a> for tickets (click the poster on the upper right) and more details and a map. Or get tickets at The Wine Steward in Pleasanton, First Street Wine Country in Livermore, or at participating wineries</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Wineries pouring at the Harvest Village</b> at Robertson Park include<i> (asterisks are my favs--I like them all, these are just extra extra):</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bodegas Aguirre Winery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cedar Mountain Winery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Concannon Vineyard</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cuda Ridge Wines</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Deer Ridge Vineyards</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Eagle Ridge Winery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Eckert Estate Winery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">El Sol Winery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Elliston Vineyards</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fenestra Winery*</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Les Chênes Estate Vineyards</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Little Valley Winery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Longevity Wines**</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Occasio Winery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Page Mill Winery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ruby Hill Winery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ryhan Estate Vineyards*</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Tenuta Vineyards</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thomas Coyne Winery*</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Wente Vineyards Estates</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Westover/Palomares Wineries*</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Wineries Pouring at their own wineries:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Chouinard Vineyards</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">LVC </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bent Creek Winery*</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Big White House</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Charles R Vineyards</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Crooked Vine/Stony Ridge*</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Garré Winery and Café</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">La Rochelle Winery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">McGrail Vineyards</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mitchell Katz Winery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Murrieta’s Well</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Retzlaff Estate Winery*</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Rodrigue Monyneaux Winery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Singing Winemaker</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Steven Kent Winery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Tamás Estates</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Wente Vineyards TR</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">White Crane</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Wood Family*</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div>Thurs Sept. 10, 5-7pm: <b>"$1 Wine Tasting"</b> w/ La Rochelle Winery @ Franklin Square Restaurant, 2212 Broadway, Oakland.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Franklin Square Restaurant & Wine Bar hosts $1 Wine Tasting Every Thursday from 5pm to 7pm. This week we feature the wines of La Rochelle Winery.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"La Rochelle Winery is located in Livermore and produces some of the finest Pinot Noirs in the area. They source their grapes from vineyards throughout California and Oregon. Their vineyard partners are located in top Pinot-producing regions, such as Russian River, Santa Lucia, Arroyo Seco, Chalone, Umpqua Valley and others.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Check out Franklin Square's Summer Calendar of music & $1 wine tastings at <a href="http://www.fswinebar.com">www.fswinebar.com</a> Be sure to sign up for our event newsletter."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">--- </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>CROOKED VINE/STONEY RIDGE WINE AND LIVE MUSIC EVENTS</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">at the Livermore winery, 4948 Tesla Road, 94550, (925) 449-0458 </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fri. Sept. 11, 6-9pm: Wine-Down Friday- The Hurricane Band</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sat. Sept. 26, 6-9pm: Summer Mini-Concert: Red House All-Stars</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fri. Oct. 9, 6-9pm: Wine-Down Friday: CoolTunes</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sat. Oct. 24, 6-9pm: Summer (?) Mini Concert: The Catfish Boys</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Wine, beer, and food available for purchase on site.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div>Sept 12 1-5pm <b>DONKEY & GOAT CELEBRATES THE HARVEST</b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">at their place in Berkeley: 323 B Fourth Street, 510-868-9174</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They were at the Urban Wine thing last month and it's good stuff, let me tell you. Mostly Syrahs - yum!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Twice a year we throw a big party to celebrate our newest creations. This fall we debut 6 new wines plus there are always a few older bottles passed around, not to mention a sneak peek of what's to come with barrel samples. While tasting our libations you can groove to the live Brazilian-jazzy tunes from the Steve Bennett Trio. To top it all of we are thrilled to have our friends from old Oakland's B Restaurant and Bar on hand showcasing their talents and proving once and for all BBQ + Syrah = True Love."</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Admission is $20 in advance at brownpapertickets.com/event/72899 </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">OR $30 at the door (cash only). Ticket includes souvenir Riedel glass -- or save carbon, BYOG (glass) and save $ with a $10 off voucher for any wine purchase. <a href="http://DONKEYANDGOAT.COM/OPENHOUSE">DONKEYANDGOAT.COM/OPENHOUSE</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sept 12 noon-5pm: <b>14th Annual Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">OK, this has NOTHING to do with Wine, but -- it's CHOCOLATE!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ah! Actually, there IS wine at this event -- Cost Plus is hosting a wne-and-chocolate bar! Event is free, but you have to buy tickets, like at Santa Cruz, to get a drink around here: $20 gets you 15 tastes!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.ghirardellisq.com/">http://www.ghirardellisq.com/</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-----------</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Sept 12, 1-5:30pm - Vinos Unicos Imports Wine Tasting @ Vintage Berkeley</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Luis Moya's back in town, folks. Importer and newly christened winemaker extraordinaire, Luis will be pouring some of Spain and Portugal's finest, along with his very own tasty California Red Blend. There are rumblings that there's going to be Paella involved..." </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">FREE!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Note: This tasting takes place at BOTH Vintage Berkeley locations:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">from 1 - 3 p.m. @ VB Vine Street</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. @ VB Elmwood (College Ave @ Ashby)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---------</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sept 13 - Sunday - 11-6pm <b>MONTCLAIR JAZZ & WINE FAIR</b> in the Montclair Village, 6128 LaSalle Ave at Moraga Ave, Oakland. <a href="http://www.montclairjazzandwine.org">www.montclairjazzandwine.org</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Admission to the festival is free, but you need a ticket to taste wine at the Wine Pavillion: $30/person or $50/couple. Go to<a href="http://www.montclairjazzandwine.org/wine.html#"> http://www.montclairjazzandwine.org/wine.html#</a> to print out a $5-off coupon. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"The wine lineup is very impressive this year, with over 25 participating wineries, including store favorites Aubin, Broc, Esterlina, JC Cellars, Keenan, Steven Kent, and Unti." Hmmm. Never heard of Broc, Esterlina, or Unti -- wineries I don't know -- that makes it much more fun! Also fun: Farmstead Cheeses & Wines, the fine cheese purveyer in the Alameda Marketplace, will have a booth there too. Yum.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Between tastes, grab a chair at the Main Stage and enjoy great free jazz from top artists, including Wayne Wallace, Taylor Eigsti and Kitty Margolis. Browse artists' booths and food stands and take advantage of Kids' Town entertainment for children."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">EVENTS AT ARTISAN WINE DEPOT, MOUNTAIN VIEW</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">400 A Villa St., Mountain View, California 94041</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Wine tasting: Featured Winery: CAYMUS VINEYARDS!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Friday September 4th, 2009, 4:00PM - 7:00PM</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">10 DIFFERENT CAYMUS WINES!</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You've heard of this cult vineyard - now taste not one but TEN of their best! Worth driving over to Mountain View!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This is a walk-around event, you may come by anytime between 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ONLY 11 ONLINE TICKETS LEFT! ONLINE TICKET PRICE: $19.22; WALK-IN TICKET PRICE: $24.71</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sept 5, Sat., 2-5pm: <b>"SPANISH SUPERSTARS</b>: A Lip-Smackingly Tasty Tour of Spain"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Tickets $24.71 online, $29.29 walk-in - and no, I don't know why their prices are so oddball!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sept 12: Tasting Tour: <b>Rising Stars of ARGENTINA & CHILE</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2-5pm, tickets $15.56 online and $20.14 walk-in.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you haven't gotten around to tasting what they're doing these days in Chile and especially Argentina, you owe it to yourself to catch up!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yes, taste South American wines cheaper than that SF event elsewhere in this newsletter--probably not the *same* wines, and the SF event has a hundred of them, and you have to drive down to Mountain View -- but still!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>MORE EVENTS AT ARTISAN WINE DEPOT:</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sept 18 - Grand Tour of Italy Part 1</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sept 19 - Tasting Tour: Wines of the Northwest</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sept 25 - Grand Tour of Italy Part 2</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Click here to see the full calendar of events <a href="http://www.artisanwinedepot.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=310">http://www.artisanwinedepot.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=310</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">--</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sat., Sept. 12, 1-5pm: SonRise Equestrian Foundation's <b>3rd Annual WINE & EQUINE FESTIVAL</b>, Castro Valley. Fundraiser: $75.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Murrieta’s Well Winery cohosts. "Fun-filled day of gourmet barbeque, fine wines, live and silent auction, wine cellar raffle and horse show featuring world renowned Charles Wilhelm and the children of SonRise, held at one of the most beautiful ranches in Castro Valley. This unique fundraiser provides funds to assist children through crisis while rescuing horses in need. Please purchase tickets at <a href="http://www.sonriseequestrianfoundation.org">www.sonriseequestrianfoundation.org</a> .</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Location: Charles Wilhelm Training Center, 6496 Crow Canyon Rd., </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Castro Valley, CA 94552; ph. 925-838-RIDE</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sat. Sept. 12 -- <b>SECOND SATURDAYS IN LOS GATOS </b></span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">More than 100 businesses throughout Los Gatos have special offerings and sales throughout the day, including Fleming Jenkins Winery, the one owned by skating star Peggy Fleming -- who is at it turns out very nice, and her and her husband's wines are very, very good.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Free valet parking and maps -- see the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce website. <a href="http://www.losgatoschamber.com/SecondSaturdays.html">http://www.losgatoschamber.com/SecondSaturdays.html</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">------------</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Tues Sept 15, 8pm: <b>Farmstead Artisan Cheeses & Wines WINE DINNER</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Alameda Marketplace cheesemonger is hosting a wine dinner at Rivoli Restaurant on Solano in Berkeley. Here's what they say:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Our Wine Dinner with Jenny Williamson Doré and Dick Doré from Foxen at the Wood Tavern this week was stunning. Wood's chef Max diMare pulled out all of the stops and Rich and Rebecca Wood were consummate hosts, orchestrating the service like Paganini. A great time was had by all. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"So, we've scheduled another Pinot Noir-centric dinner, this time at the fabulous Rivoli Restaurant on Solano in Berkeley, featuring wines from Dutton-Goldfield, with winemaker Dan Goldfield on hand to present the wines! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"The four-course dinner is priced at $80 per person, plus tax and gratuity ($100 total) -- $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity ($95 total) for Farmstead Wine Club members in good standing. Four courses, five wines. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Our last wine dinner sold out in a flash, so don't miss out! Prepaid reservations are a necessity, so call 510 864 9463 to make yours. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---------------</span></div><div>Sat Sept. 15, 1:30-2;30pm: <b>"DRINK BLIND: learn how Master Sommeliers determine blind wines"</b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Two Mile Wines, 2816 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, ph. 510.868.8713</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Two Mile wines with perfect pairings: Learn the fundamentals of food and wine pairing and what works for you. Taste three delicious Two Mile Wines and three gourmet food pairings to go with them. Discover why the perfect match elevates both the food AND the wine.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Class size is limited to 20 people. Take home your favorite class wines at a discount. Sign-up for three or more classes and take an additional 10% off each class.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"These classes are so popular they are selling out fast. Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy these educational and entertaining wine classes by Maria Terry, La Sommelierre, created especially for Two Mile Wines. Reserve your space today! Check out our website <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twomilewines.com">www.twomilewines.com</a> for more information Two Mile-- The best wines and most unique wine education classes in the East Bay!"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Wed., Sept 16, 6-9pm: <b>WALNUT CREEK FALL WINE WALK</b></span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Stroll through the high-end shops and restaurants of downtown Walnut Creek while enjoying fine local wines,served outdoors at participating locations. $25 advance at <a href="http://bit.ly/RNnbd">http://bit.ly/RNnbd</a> , $30 day of, includes glass. Parking is easy at the Locust St Garage. Starts at the Pro Home Systems store at 1561 Civic Drive 94596.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thurs, Sept 17, 6-8pm: <b>LEWIS CELLARS WINE TASTING AT THE VINE AT BRIDGES</b></span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">480 Hartz Ave, Danville, CA 94526 (925) 820-7210. Cost $5-10.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Lewis wines begin as numerous small lots of fruit identified by vineyard and varietal. The Chardonnay is 100% whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented and aged sur lies in 100% French oak for 11 months. We aim for a rich, complex and balanced wine.The reds are picked at full maturity, undergoing extended maceration for approximately 22 days, aged in 70% new French and American oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. We like big, spicy, concentrated wines full of black fruit with soft, mouth coating tannins."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sat., Sept 19 and again Sat. Sept 26: <b>Harvest Tour & Tasting at Wente Vineyards in Livermore</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Experience a unique behind the scenes harvest tour and tasting at Wente Vineyards</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Wente Vineyards invites you to experience the winery as never before with this rare behind the scenes tour and tasting during the upcoming 2009 harvest. Learn how Wente Vineyards produces world class wines. See the processing first hand and sample some current vintages from our small lot winery as well as a barrel sample from an upcoming vintage."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Tour and tasting times: 10 AM, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm. Reservations are required and tour space is limited. $20 to the public and $15 to wine club members. Book by calling 925-456-2305 ext. 4 or visit www.wentevineyards.com . Wente is at 5565 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA 95337.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sat. Sept 19, 2-4pm: <b>PORT SEMINAR & TASTING</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Learn from Cedar Mountain Winery's Winemaker, Earl Ault, how port is made. Taste a variety of award-winning Cedar Mountain Ports, along with California and Portuguese Ports. Light appetizers will be served. Advance reservations required. $10 /person, $7/club members. Limited to 30 people. Call for reservations. (925) 373-6636. http://www.cedarmountainwinery.com/ Cedar Mountain is at 7000 Tesla Road, Livermore 94550.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sat. Sept. 26, 7-9pm: <b>PORT AND CIGARS TASTING!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Join us for a relaxing evening of Port and Cigars on the events deck. Cedar Mountain Winery has partnered with Vino Cellars & Accessories to present you with some of the finest port and cigars available in the Livermore Valley. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"This special one-night event will highlight a fine selection of Cedar Mountain Port and 2-premium cigars (90 pt. or more) hand picked by Vino Cellars and Accessories from downtown Livermore. Hor d' eouvres will be provided. Practice your smoke rings! There will be a prize for the biggest smoke ring!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Tickets $35/person before Sept. 22nd; $40 after. Advance reservations required: Call Cedar Mt tasting room at (925) 373-6636 or Vino Cellars at (925) 447-8000.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sat, Sept 26, 6pm: Girls Incorporated's 18th Annual </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>WOMEN OF TASTE</b> Event -- at the Oakland Museum's outdoor gardens. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Join leading Bay Area chefs for an evening of fine cuisine benefiting Girls Incorporated of Alameda County in its mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"This unforgettable affair features tastings from over 30 notable restaurants and 20 beverage companies, an extensive silent auction, live entertainment, dancing, and an art exhibit."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">[Interested in participating in Women of Taste as a sponsor, chef, beverage vendor, or auction donor? Contact Grace Boone at gboone@girlsinc-alameda.org or 510-357-5515x219.] </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sat. Sept. 26, 1-4pm: <b>D</b><b>ee Vine Wines - RIESLING REVELRY</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">At Dee Vine Wines, Pier 19, The Embarcadero, SF 94111, (415) 398-3838. Off the Embarcadero between Green and Battery.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">$25 is all. I love German/Alsatian whites! Plus they're showing red Spaetburgunders! The lineup for this tasting is insane. I shouldn't post the whole list here, but I can't help it! I'm drooling!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"We will be featuring new 2008 German Rieslings and for the first time, Fred Prinz Spätburgunders! A selection of cheese and charcuterie from Cheese Plus on Polk will be paired with the wines." </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WEINGUT FRITZ HAAG (That's the distributor/importer)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 Estate Riesling</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 Brauneberger Juffer Kabinett</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Spätlese</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WEINGUT JOSEF ROSCH</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 Leiwener Klostergarten Kabinett</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 Trittenheimer Apotheke Spätlese</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WEINGUT ANDREAS SCHMITGES</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 “vom roten Schiefer” Kabinett</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WEINGUT EMRICH-SCHÖNLEBER</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 Estate Riesling trocken</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 Lenz halbtrocken</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 Mineral trocken</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 Monzinger Kabinett</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 Monzinger Frühlingsplätzchen Spätlese</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 Monzinger Halenberg Spätlese</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WEINGUT FRED PRINZ</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 Hallgartener Schönhell Kabinett trocken</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2008 Hallgartener Jungfer Kabinett</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2007 Spätburgunder trocken</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2007 Hendelberg Spätburgunder trocken</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thurs., Oct.15, 6-9pm: <b>SAVOR SOUTH AFRICA</b> at the Officer's Club at Fort Mason.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Nice venue with a view, plus 100 wines from such stellar wine regions as he Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschoek, Walker Bay and Constantia. In addition to Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Merlot and Pinot Noir, you'll try their world-class Chenin Blanc and intriguing Pinotage. And nibbles and music.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Tickets $38 throug Oct. 7, $45 after, $50 at door (if avail.). Purchase 5 tickets for the price of 4 and bring the group. Buy tickets at <a href="http://bit.ly/S5juv">http://bit.ly/S5juv</a> . Sponsor: Uncorked Events of SF.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">--</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fri., Nov. 6, evening: <b>Prospect 772 Wine Company Release Party</b>, to celebrate this urban winery's latest wines, will be held at At JC Cellars Winery: 55 4th Street in Oakland. More details in next month's newsletter!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sat., Nov 14: <b>SF VINTNERS MARKET</b> at Fort Mason Center, Noon to 6pm at Ft Mason, $15 general, $50 reserve-level access.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Tired of going to wine tasting events, discovering great new wines and then never being able to find them again? We were too. That’s why we created San Francisco Vintners Market at Fort Mason Center. This first of its kind wine tasting and buying event is a farmer’s market style shopping experience where wine enthusiasts can try and buy wines from over 300 wineries.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"The San Francisco Vintners Market will feature top local wineries from Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Russian River Valley and other regional wineries plus imported wines from around the world. San Francisco Vintners Market features wine at all price points and styles including new releases, library collections and end-of-vintage selections—all available for immediate purchase."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">See <a href="http://www.sfvintnersmarket.com/">http://www.sfvintnersmarket.com/</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This will be a very cool new event. I'll be there! Look for me! - <i>mac</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And for those who Just Can't Get Enough, how about:</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sat., Oct. 10, noon to midnight: <b>BOUTIQUE WINE TOUR</b></span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">$367.50 per person. (I like the nice unrounded number; it adds an air of careful calculation.) Get tickets at http://www.localwineevents.com/tickets/i_want/262668/boutique-wine-tour</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Described by the vendor as follows:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This is an exclusive wine tour of some of Napa Valley's most prestigious artisanal wines, just off the beaten tourist path. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This tour takes you on a private shuttle from the Hilton Hotel in San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Calistoga for our first stop at Schramsberg Vineyards. We'll be meeting the winemakers and touring facilities immersed in the history of the valley. Next stop is Rutherford at the newly renovated Alpha Omega tasting room. Finally, we round up our wine tour at Hill Family Estate in Yountville.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Following the close of our tour, we can relax and stroll about the shops and facilities of the charming Yountville, often referred to as the valley's "European village." Our day will end with a magical dinner feast at Celebrity Chef Michael Chiarello's new restaurant Bottega. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As an added bonus, each of the wineries have partnered with Bounty Hunter Rare Wine Co., a Napa-based wine retailer for beginners, collectors and aficionados alike. Any wine sampled along our tour can be purchased and shipped with ease, eliminating the hassle and worries of shipping precious cargo.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So all you would need to do is fill out your information, order and form of payment...the rest will be handled. Rest assured, your wine order will arrive safely upon your return home!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">$367.50 per person includes transportation to and from the Hilton San Francisco Union Square and along entire tour, box lunch on shuttle, all winery tours & tasting fees, dinner (with select non-alcoholic beverage), taxes, tips and wine tour guide package.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For a pdf brochure of this amazing upcoming event, please e-mail danika@theimagegenie.com</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">---</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*FOR MORE LOCAL WINE EVENTS -- GO TO <a href="ttp://www.localwineevents.com/Oakland-East-Bay-Wine/">Local Wine Events.com</a> for a long list of upcoming wine-related events in the East Bay.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> OR GO TO <a href="http://www.localwineevents.com/Livermore-Valley-Wine/">http://www.localwineevents.com/Livermore-Valley-Wine/ </a>for the same for the Livermore Valley.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> You can also sign up for biweekly email alerts for these or other regions you choose!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>TOO MUCH WINE WONDERFULNESS!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-----------------------------------</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hope to see you at an upcoming event. Ping me at <i>mac.mccarthy@gmail.com</i> if you want to meet up.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Best,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mac McCarthy</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http:///www.SavvyTaste.com">http:///www.SavvyTaste.com</a> - Mac McCarthy and Lew Perdue's wine advice site (in beta)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You should subscribe to:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://mcwong1946.blogspot.com/">Mac's Wine Events Blog</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://savvytaste.blogspot.com/">Mac's Wine Blog</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You can also follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/MacMcWong">Twitter </a>.<br /><br /></span><div><br /></div></div></div></span>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-550103640692174202009-08-10T20:53:00.000-07:002009-08-10T20:56:35.879-07:00JC Cellars & Recchiuti Chocolate Pairing<p class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: left; display: block; width: 169px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90665072@N00/3417291798"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3319/3417291798_5a9e088150_m.jpg" alt="JC Cellars" style="border: medium none ; display: block;" width="159" height="240" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90665072@N00/3417291798">Yabbb</a> via Flickr</span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><p><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><span style="font-family:georgia,times new roman,times,serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia,times new roman,times,serif;"> </span></strong></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia,times new roman,times,serif;"><strong><a href="http://www.jccellars.com/e/5d327ax3e/http://www.recchiuti.com/index.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(6, 88, 181);"><img title="Recchiuti Chocolates_1" alt="Recchiuti Chocolates_1" src="http://www.jccellars.com/assets/upload/Recchiuti%20Chocolates_1.jpg" align="left" width="180" height="144" /></a></strong></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia,times new roman,times,serif;font-size:130%;"><strong style="color: rgb(82, 0, 255);">This Sunday</strong>, August 16th from 3-5pm</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia,times new roman,times,serif;font-size:130%;">JC Cellars Winery</span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia,times new roman,times,serif;font-size:130%;">55 4th Street in Oakland<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia,times new roman,times,serif;font-size:130%;">$20 seating; limited to 25 wine & chocolate lovers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(82, 0, 255);">Get your tickets BEFORE 3pm, Thursday, August 13th.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></strong></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia,times new roman,times,serif;"><a href="http://www.jccellars.com/e/5d327ax3e/shop/category_9.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(6, 88, 181);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Click here to purchase tickets!</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></a></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia,times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Michael & Jacky Recchiuti, the founding husband & wife team of Recchiuti Confections, will be on scene navigating your taste buds through an elaborate array of chocolates. The ever gregarious Jeff Cohn will be pulling out all the stops, including the limited production ‘Buffalo Hill’ Syrah to create a swoon-filled afternoon. This event will fill up quickly so get your tickets today!</span><br /></span></p></span></span>Mac Sez: JC wines are dense dynamite! Recchiuti chocolates are the living end! The combo must be fantastico! NOTE TO SF BAY AREA TASTERS! JC Cellars is a SHORT walk from the Oakland Chinatown BART Station!<br /> <div style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;" class="zemanta-pixie"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/2f537205-4915-40d5-83b0-d9d46be915c7/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img style="border: medium none ; float: right;" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_a.png?x-id=2f537205-4915-40d5-83b0-d9d46be915c7" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-37318126148461431222009-08-04T20:37:00.000-07:002009-08-04T21:09:44.424-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R1J1cWR26Mw/SnkFhrsdCZI/AAAAAAAABIo/jc3K-hBS92M/s1600-h/JC+Cellars.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R1J1cWR26Mw/SnkFhrsdCZI/AAAAAAAABIo/jc3K-hBS92M/s200/JC+Cellars.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366326507211655570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Dear Wine-y Friends:<br /><br />This is your August 2009 EVENTS LIST for the San Francisco Bay Area, with emphasis on the East Bay.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">WHERE I'LL BE ON SATURDAY AUG 8!</span></span><br /><br />--><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">EAST BAY URBAN WINE EXPERIENCE - FOURTH ANNUAL</span></span><-- Saturday August 8 - 2 to 5pm Location: Jack London Square--at "The Meadow"near the Ferry Terminal. Yes, you can come over from lunch in SF by ferry! Complimentary limousine SHUTTLE service will be offered to and from the Lake Merritt BART station, courtesy of Angelica Limousines. Just look for their limo. OR you can walk, actually, it's only a few blocks. Cost: $45. Buy in advance, because it's $60 at the door! (Designated drivers are only $15, pay in cash at the door) Buy tickets at http://www.eastbayvintners.com/events.html#uwx4 NOTES: <span style="font-weight: bold;"> -I've been to every one of these events and they are FUN. Wines are great!</span><br />-14 Wineries, all East Bay! And they are great! See link above for list.<br />-Plus food at every booth.<br />-You get a Reidel glass too.<br />-If you want to meet up, just give me a call on my cell, 415-609-5846, when you arrive.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PARTICIPATING WINERIES!</span> -->(TELL THEM YOU WERE SENT BY 'MAC' FROM THE 'MAC'S WINE EVENTS IN SF AREA' BLOG!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R1J1cWR26Mw/SnkFulalwhI/AAAAAAAABI4/dUk6FZYdmRs/s1600-h/wines-07_Late_Harvest-200.0.0.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R1J1cWR26Mw/SnkFulalwhI/AAAAAAAABI4/dUk6FZYdmRs/s200/wines-07_Late_Harvest-200.0.0.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366326728864416274" border="0" /></a>1. Adams Point (fruit wines--strange and wonderful!)<br />2. *Andrew Lane<br />3. Aubin Cellars - French Colombard, two Pinots, Syrah<br />4. *<a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/dashe%2Bcellars" title="Dashe Cellars" rel="snooth">Dashe Cellars</a> -- dense!<br />5. Eno Wines<br />6. *Irish Monkey - yum!<br />7. *JC Cellars - really, *really* dense!<br />8. *<a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/periscope%2Bcellars" title="Periscope Cellars" rel="snooth">Periscope Cellars</a><br />9. Prospect 772<br />10.*<a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/r%2B%26%2Bb%2Bcellars" title="R & B Cellars" rel="snooth">R & B Cellars</a> -- damned good stuff at affordable prices<br />11.*Rock Wall Wine Co (Rosenblum's daughter's winery - new! Oh, do try their Zin! And their Sauv Blanc-Chard blend. And more.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R1J1cWR26Mw/SnkFpISiE4I/AAAAAAAABIw/QKBTFduwVYs/s1600-h/RockWall+branded+Barrel2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R1J1cWR26Mw/SnkFpISiE4I/AAAAAAAABIw/QKBTFduwVYs/s200/RockWall+branded+Barrel2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366326635146646402" border="0" /></a>12.*<a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/rosenblum%2Bcellars" title="Rosenblum Cellars" rel="snooth">Rosenblum Cellars</a> -- Papa Ken!<br />13.Tayerle Wines<br />14.*<a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/two%2Bmile%2Bwines" title="Two Mile Wines" rel="snooth">Two Mile</a><br />15.Urban Legend (new)<br />16.*Urbano Cellars - Rose Syrah, Petit Verdot, Zin<br />(*Wineries I know best & recommend enthusiastically.)<br /><br />------------------<br /><br />****<span style="font-weight: bold;">MORE WINE EVENTS COMING UP in AUGUST</span> for those who love wine and related activities follow.<br /><br />I'VE GOT GOOD NEWS -- AND I'VE GOT BAD NEWS!<br /><br />The good news: There are LOTS of wine events coming up in August, and as the autumn progresses!<br /><br />The bad news: There are SO MANY it's really hard to get to them all! And you want to!<br /><br />So let's give you some choices that will show you what I mean.<br /><br />---<br /><p class="zemanta-img zemanta-action-dragged" style="margin: 1em; float: left; display: block; width: 84px;"><a href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/blacksmith%2Bcellars"><img src="http://images.snooth.com/wine/9/1/1/wine_226283.jpeg" alt="Blacksmith Cellars" style="border: medium none ; display: block;" width="74" height="104" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution">Image of <a href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/blacksmith%2Bcellars">Blacksmith Cellars</a> via Snooth</span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blacksmith Cellars Open House Event.</span></span><br />Thurs Aug 20, 6-8pm<br />World Ground Cafe, 308 Jackson St, Oakland - $5 only<br /><br />Founder and winemaker Matt Smith will serve up Blacksmith's unusual and amazing selections: New white wine releases Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Torrontes, and Late Harvest Malvasia Bianca, as well as the official East Bay release of the Furlong Vineyard Grenache/Syrah. "Our Torrontes recently made the San Francisco Chronicles list of Best Whites under $15 and the Grenache/Syrah has been selling fast and we are down to about 15 cases so this is probably the only chance you will have to taste this amazing wine."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Try the Chenin Blanc,</span> I'm told it's gorgeous. I would kill to go to this, but I have a conflict, darn it. Go on my behalf and tell me later how wonderful it was so I can kick myself.<br /><br />"As always we will have a number of tasty food pairings designed to highlight the wines and a section for children’s activities... RSVP’s are always helpful (to mattsmith@blacksmithcellars.com) but not required."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Mention "Mac's Wine Events" blog -- help me build good will with local winemakers.</span><br /><br />---<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spring Mountain Vineyards Night at AT&T Park</span><br />Tuesday Aug 11.<br />At the other extreme, pricewise, this interesting twist of an event: At the Legends Club luxury suite, start at 5:30 tasting the winery's new release 2005 Elivette (don't know, sorry), and other SMV wines, plus an elaborate buffet dinner. Enjoy the game indoors (glass windows) or outside to the deck with panoramic views of the Park. A few tickets left, at $195 - yes, I know, but I couldn't resist dreaming, could I?<br /><br />If this is for you, call "Ted" at 707-967-4190. And tell 'em The Bawdy sent you.<br /><br />--<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sulphur Creek (Hayward) "Flight to Freedom!"</span><br />Relax under the stars at Hayward's Nature Center, drink wine, beer, coffee, eat food, listen to music from Hugh & The Hefners (?), and witness the release of some young owls raised by the Creek's wildlife rehab program! (Must be 21 to attend.) Beverages provided by Buffalo Bill's Brew Pub, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/owl%2Bridge%2Bwines" title="Owl Ridge Wines" rel="snooth">Owl Ridge Wines</a>, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/thomas%2Bcoyne%2Bwinery" title="Thomas Coyne Winery" rel="snooth">Thomas Coyne Winery</a>, and Westover Vineyards!<br /><br />Saturday Aug 29, 6:30 to 9pm. Sulphur Creek, 1801 D St, Hayward 94541. $70 a ticket, of which $45 is tax-deductible. (This is a fundraiser.) Doesn't this sound charming? The A Team and us'll be going; we're suckers for animals.<br /><br />---<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Raphael Knapp</span></span>, a French wine importer in the San Francisco area, hosts fine-wine-dining events in San Francisco, at spectacularly good restaurants. I've been to a couple and NOT been disappointed. Upcoming is a wine dinner at<span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">La Folie</span></span> restaurant on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday, Aug 17</span>, reception and hors d'oeuvres at 6:30, dinner at 7. Bordeaux Blanc, Vouvray, Pomerol, Cote du Ventoux Rose -- oh yeah. Oh, the food: Amuse Bouche, Sweet Corn soup, Heirloom Tomato & Beet Salad, Day Boat Scallop, roasted Hawaiian butterfish, duck greast, roasted rack of lamb, summer berries, a bittersweet chocolate and passionfruit Bombe. <span style="font-style: italic;">Ahhh</span>! And of course petit fours.<br /><br />$95. Contact the restaurant, which is at 2316 Polk, SF (Russian Hill), at 415-776-5577 or email Lafoliep@aol.com. Or email raphaelknapp@hotmail.com for more details. Mention Mac!<br /><br />-----<br />And if you like the idea of urban wineries - well, guess who is belatedly catching on? San Francisco!<br /><br />Seems all that emptying warehouse space is giving affordable opptys for winemakers there. So they are imitating Oakland by holding their own <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SF Urban Wineries Tasting </span></span>-- Sunday, Aug 9, 1 to 4:30pm, at Del Monte Square at The Cannery in San Francisco -- $15 in advance (https://www.localwineevents.com/tickets/i_want/260425/sf-urban-wineries-tasting), $20 at the door.<br /><br />It sez here: "Taste dozens of wines from San Francisco Urban Wineries and meet winemakers from boutique San Francisco wineries... at San Francisco's Sunday Summer Wine Tasting series in Del Monte Square next to The Cannery. Learn about the highly rated wines produced right here in San Francisco, the diverse wine growing regions where the grapes come from, and meet winemakers and taste through over a dozen wines from Urban Wineries in a casual outdoor setting in San Francisco. Taste over 20 wines from the following boutique California wineries:<br />AP Vin. August West, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/blue%2Bcellars" title="Blue Cellars" rel="snooth">Blue Cellars</a>, Harrington Winery, Morningwood, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/lionheart%2Bwines" title="Lionheart Wines" rel="snooth">Lionheart Wines</a>, Sandler Wines, Sol Rouge, TI Wines, and VIE.<br /><br />Doesn't that sound interesting?<br /><br />---<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Downtown Pleasanton's "First Wednesdays" Street Party</span> - 6 to 9, on Main St., with beers and Livermore wines, live music, vendors selling stuff, even a Pooch Parade (!).<br /><br />---<br />Time again for <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">St. Mary's College "Summer Wine Festival,"</span></span> Sun Aug 16, 2-5 PM -- at St. Mary's, Moraga, CA 94575, ph. 925-631-4200.<br /><br />"Support student scholarships while sipping wines from 25 local wineries in the Soda Center at Saint Mary's College. The event will also feature a silent auction, cheeses, chocolates, and a few breweries as well." Costs $30.<br /><br />I go every year and enjoy it!<br /><br />---<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$1 Wine Tasting w/ Dee Vine Wines @ Franklin Square</span></span><br />August 13, 2009 (Thu) 5-7 PM<br />Franklin Square Restaurant & Wine Bar, 2212 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, ph. 510-251-0100<br /><br />This week we'll be featuring the wines of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aubin Cellars</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R1J1cWR26Mw/SnkFPR7fgwI/AAAAAAAABIg/Fwo70mRMezg/s1600-h/ac_letterhead-logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 66px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R1J1cWR26Mw/SnkFPR7fgwI/AAAAAAAABIg/Fwo70mRMezg/s200/ac_letterhead-logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366326191057765122" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Looks like Aubin is making the rounds -- not just the Urban Wineries event, above, but also this one later in the month, and another one (below)! Here's the bio of this ambitious local winemaker. -- Mac):</span><br /><br />Aubin Cellars was founded by Jérôme Aubin in 2001 with the intent to craft limited quantities of single varietal wines from the Pacific Northern cooler climate vineyards in Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain, Central Coast, Willamette Valley and Columbia Valley. www.aubincellars.com<br /><br />Franklin Square Restaurant & Wine Bar hosts '$1 Wine Tasting' every Thursday from 5pm to 7pm. All wines are available at special retail prices, to be enjoyed at home or at the restaurant (with no corkage).<br /><br />----<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">* The Vine at Bridges--Aubin Cellars Wine Tasting</span></span><br />August 27, 2009 (Thu), 6-8 PM<br />480 Hartz Avenue, Danville, CA 94526<br />ph. 925-820-7210 thevineatbridges.com<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Well, here they are again! - mac)</span><br /><br />"Jerome Aubin, has been working in the wine industry in France and the United States for the last 12 years importing French oak barrels from Rousseau of Burgundy, St Martin of Bordeaux, Allary of Cognac, A&K of Missouri, and Balazs of Hungary. In 2008, Jerome started to import and distribute wine concrete tanks from Nomblot of Burgundy. His ongoing career in the barrel business enables him to visit yearly over 300 wineries in California, Oregon, Washington, New York States in the United States and British Columbia, Ontario provinces in Canada. From these numerous barrel tastings, he acquired a taste for different styles of wines, expressing in each a unique quality. He sought to benefit from this fruitful interaction with winemakers and the visits to various wine producting regions to inspire his own style and select the best possible grapes."<br /><br />---<br /><p class="zemanta-img zemanta-action-dragged" style="margin: 1em; float: left; display: block; width: 89px;"><a href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/two%2Bmile%2Bwines"><img src="http://images.snooth.com/wine/8/a/1/wine_1703254_detail.jpeg" alt="Two Mile Wines" style="border: medium none ; display: block;" width="79" height="212" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution">Image of <a href="http://www.snooth.com/wines/two%2Bmile%2Bwines">Two Mile Wines</a> via Snooth</span></p>* <span style="font-weight: bold;">Food Pairings that Rock with La Sommelierre @ Two Mile Wines</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"WINES FROM SOMEWHERE" -- A Class to Discover each of our unique California wine regions</span><br />August 18, 2009 (Sat), 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM<br />Two Mile Wines, 2816 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, ph. 510.868.8713<br /><br />"Two Mile wines with perfect pairings: Learn the fundamentals of food and wine pairing and what works for you. Taste three delicious Two Mile Wines and three gourmet food pairings to go with them. Discover why the perfect match elevates both the food AND the wine.<br /><br />"Class size is limited to 20 people. Take home your favorite class wines at a discount. Sign-up for three or more classes and take an additional 10% off each class.<br /><br />"These classes are so popular they are selling out fast. Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy these educational and entertaining wine classes by Maria Terry, La Sommelierre, created especially for Two Mile Wines.<br /><br />"Reserve your space today! Check out our website www.twomilewines.com for more information Two Mile-- The best wines and most unique wine education classes in the East Bay!"<br /><br />Future classes include:<br />9/15/09 - DRINK BLIND: Learn how Master Sommeliers determine blind wines<br /><br />Hey, <span style="font-style: italic;">I'd</span> like to know <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span>!<br /><br />---<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bluegrass Music and BBQ at Cedar Mountain Winery,</span></span> 7000 Tesla Rd, Livermore, CA 94550<br />ph. 925 373-6636<br />August 8, 2009 (Sat), 5-10PM<br /><br />"Come join us under the trees for Live Bluegrass Music by the 'Forget me Nots' and a 'Bring Your Own Meat' BBQ. Cedar Mountain Winery will supply baked beans, green salad, the grill & coals to cook on. Wine by the glass/bottle, water, and soda will be available for purchase. $10. Call Tasting Room for details and to reserve your spot now. (925) 373-6636 Don't forget your plates and utensils. Make sure to wear your dancing shoes! (No outside alcohol please.)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yeah, but Cedar Mountain really does make some tasty wines, I can vouch! -- mac</span><br /><br />---<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wine & Cheese Special 2009 on the Niles Canyon Railroad!</span></span><br />Every Sunday from Aug 9 to Sept 6!<br />2:30 PM - 5:30 PM Cost $37.50.<br />LOCATION: Sunol, 6 Kilkare Road, Sunol, CA 94586 (sorta near Fremont)<br />ph. 408-835-7119 http://www.ncry.org/wine_ch_09.htm<br /><br />"Enjoy a gustatory Tour de Train. These relaxing two-hour trips through Niles Canyon will present over 30 different selections from six local wineries throughout the event.<br /><br />"These special trains will explore the secrets of wine tasting and food and wine pairing. A typical selection will include two whites and three reds with the foods that highlight their unique characteristics. Different wines are featured every week, along with carefully selected cheeses, breads or chocolates to compliment each offering.<br /><br />"The Wine Tasting Special is a program of the Pacific Locomotive Association demonstrating fine railroad service. The wineries of Livermore are highlighted by the wines chosen for this event. This is a fund raiser for the PLA with the goal that our guests experience and appreciate fine railroad service while learning more of Livermore Area wines.<br /><br />"Guests are served while seated during the trip. The cars used are historic railroad cars and have very limited handicapped access. The aisles are not suitable for wheel chairs.<br /><br />"NCRy commemorative wine glasses, and buffet plates are provided for the guests to take home.<br /><br />"Dress is summer casual. The railroad car seating is a mixture of enclosed and open cars and the weather promises to be warm. Bottled water is provided all guests while onboard.<br /><br />"Boarding at 3pm, departure at 3:30pm and return at 5:30pm are the scheduled times. Guests are encouraged to make area dinner reservations after 6:30pm. Restaurants in Sunol, Niles and Pleasanton are within 15 minutes driving time of the station."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sample Wine Menu’s from previous seasons:</span><br />Grand Cuvee Sparking wine with double crème brie<br />Chardonnay with green apple and sharp cheddar<br />Merlot with middle aged Peccorino Toscano<br />Cabernet Franc with cows milk gorgonzola<br />Tempranillo with bruschetta and mozzarella<br />Riesling with Cotswold cheese<br />Sauvignon Blanc with Pink Lady Apple and Tillamook sharp cheddar<br />Syrah with smoked Gouda<br />Zinfandel with Parmesano Reggiano<br />Cabernet Sauvignon with Camembert<br /><br />"We select wines from the Livermore Valley region exclusively. Each week will typically include two whites and three reds."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yum. We gotta try one of these!</span><br /><br />----<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grey Wolf Wine Maker Dinner at Blackhawk Grille</span></span>, August 20 (Thu), 7-9:30PM<br />Black Hawk Grille, 3540 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville, CA 94506<br />ph. 925.736.4295<br /><br />"Meet Joe Barton from Grey Wolf Cellars, one of the Best Artisan wine producers in Paso Robles and taste his fine hand-crafted limited production wines paired with cuisine specially prepared by Executive Chef Ryan Jackson at the Blackhawk Grille. You don't want to miss this pairing menu, for only $65 pp! Advanced reservations required. Book early to save your spot."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You should see the menu! Oy!</span> Visit www.blackhawkgrille.com/ to reserve, and to get more info.<br /><br />----------------<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Little Valley Winery Grand Opening</span></span>, Aug 15 (Sat), 5-8PM<br />739 Main Street, Suite J, Pleasanton, Ca 94566<br />ph. 925-862-9006 http://www.littlevalleywinery-lavender.com/<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Never heard of 'em. All the more reason to go check them out! -- mac</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Yes, tell 'em Mac sent you!)</span><br /><br />---<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">IS THIS *ALL*? </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NO IT IS NOT! </span></span><br /><br />You have NO IDEA how many events there are in August -- heck, we missed a couple dozen just by not publishing this newsletter until August 4th!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*FOR MORE LOCAL WINE EVENTS -- GO TO Local Wine Events.com!</span></span><br /><br />For East-Bay events, go to http://www.localwineevents.com/Oakland-East-Bay-Wine/<br /><br />OR GO TO http://www.localwineevents.com/Livermore-Valley-Wine/ for the same for the Livermore Valley.<br /><br />You can also sign up for biweekly email alerts for these or other regions you choose. including San Francisco -- and oh yeah! Every state in the U.S.A. that makes wines -- and that's all of them! -- or that hosts winetastings -- and that's all of them too!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">What you still have to read about in the Local Wine Events calendar that I haven't even covered:</span><br />-August First Friday at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ridge </span>in Healdsburg (showing their Lytton Springs), and their Summer Wine Series too.<br />-Chumeia Vineyard <span style="font-weight: bold;">wine ice cream social </span>in Paso Robles<br />-<span style="font-weight: bold;">Hornblower Yachts</span> Wine & Art Cruise<br />-Music Night at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Artisan </span>Wine Lounge in Walnut Creek<br />-Wine & Spirit Education Trust <span style="font-weight: bold;">Intermediate Course Level Two Part One</span>, in San Francisco, where you taste 17-25 wines a day for two days. Woosh!<br />-A <span style="font-weight: bold;">cooking class/Winery Tour and Tasting at Crushpad</span> in San Francisco.<br />--Meet Winemaker <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rudy von Strasser </span>in Mountain View <span style="font-style: italic;">(their cabs - oh my!)</span><br /><br />and that just takes me up to August 15!<br /><br />I told ja, I told ja! <span style="font-weight: bold;">TOO MUCH WONDERFULNESS!</span><br /><br />-----------------------------------<br />AND WE CLOSE, MY PARISHIONERS, with a verse from our friend Allison Wright, please turn to page 39 in your hymnals:<br /><br />"I just read an article on the dangers of heavy drinking....<br /><br />"Scared the shit out of me.<br /><br />"So that's it!<br /><br />"After today --no more reading!"<br />--<br /><br />Hope to see you all at an upcoming event, Bawdy and otherwise!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Mac Daddy<br /><br /><div style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;" class="zemanta-pixie"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/e1bd0605-c98e-44c0-92f3-d5bfc132647e/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img style="border: medium none ; float: right;" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_a.png?x-id=e1bd0605-c98e-44c0-92f3-d5bfc132647e" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-71310823716265365362009-07-14T14:47:00.000-07:002009-07-14T14:48:49.115-07:00It's Back! 4th Annual Urban Wine Experience, Oakland, CA Aug 8!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; "><div>IT'S BACK! </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; "><p align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font-size:130%;">The East Bay Vintners Alliance's<br /></span></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> <strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">4<sup>th</sup> ANNUAL ‘URBAN WINE EXPERIENCE’<br /></span></span></strong></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">SATURDAY, AUGUST 8<sup>th</sup></span></strong></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">2-5pm<sup><br /></sup></span></strong></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">From Berkeley to Emeryville, from Oakland to Alameda, there are over a dozen wineries doing their thing in an urban setting. You can sample an amazing array of wines—from Zinfandel to Petit Verdot, Cabernet, or Viognier, to name just a few-- all without the pressure or price of Napa Valley. Plus, instead of driving over an hour, your trip could take only minutes. There might be a winery down the street or across town, if you just know where to look.<br /><br />The East Bay Vintners Alliance is going to go one better and make it even easier for you. <strong>On Saturday, August 8, from 2pm-5pm, the 4th Annual ‘Urban Wine Experience’</strong> will take place. Fourteen wineries will be camped out at the Meadow at Jack London Square, pouring their wares with an opportunity to try upwards of 50 different delectable wines. Participating wineries include: Adams Point, Andrew Lane, Aubin Cellars, Dashe Cellars, Eno Wines, Irish Monkey, JC Cellars, Periscope Cellars, Prospect 772, Rosenblum Cellars, Tayerle Wines, Two Mile, Urban Legend and Urbano Cellars.<br /><br />Each winery has partnered up with a restaurant or food purveyor to offer sensational pairings with their wines. Participating food purveyors include: Adagia Restaurant, Asena Restaurant, Bellanico, Bucci, E’Era Una Volta, Culina, E-22 Café, Fabrique Délices, Levende East, Miss Pearl’s Jam House, Pappo, SavoryCook Special Event Catering, Whole Foods, Zza’s Trattoria, Enoteca & Catering.<span> </span>Attendees will get to take home their signature Riedel wine glass. Live reggae music from Pan Extasy will set the mood.<br /><br /></p><div align="center"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font-family:times new roman,times,serif;font-size:100%;"><strong>Advanced purchase tickets are $45 online</strong>.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font-family:times new roman,times,serif;font-size:100%;">Visit the website to purchase tickets: <a href="http://www.eastbayvintners.com.">http://www.</a><a href="http://www.eastbayvintners.com."><wbr>eastbayvintners.com</a>.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> Admission at the gate the day of the event will cost $60.</p></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I plan to be there - will you? Those who joined us last year (Hey Ed & Ann!) know how much fun it was and how many tasty wines are made right here in the East Bay!</div></span>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-67740878277527449952009-07-14T14:42:00.000-07:002009-07-14T14:44:47.614-07:00Livermore Valley's Wine & Food Experience July 23, 2009<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 12px; "><table border="0" cellspacing="4" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, verdana, 'san sarif'; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(190, 78, 30); font-weight: bold; ">Livermore Valley's Wine & Food Experience July 23, 2009</td></tr><tr><td align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, verdana, 'san sarif'; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: normal; ">Thursday, July 23, 2009 - Thursday, July 23, 2009</td></tr><tr><td align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, verdana, 'san sarif'; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: normal; ">6:00 PM - 9:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><b>The Palm Event Center</b></td></tr><tr><td align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">1184 Vineyard Avenue, Pleasanton, CA, 94566<br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; "><span style="font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; "><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; "><strong><span style="font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; ">Join Livermore Valley Winemakers and Bay Area Chefs</span></strong> </span>for a delectable evening of wine and food pairings showcasing the Valley's bountiful "terroir" (a french word for soil and is pronounced "ter-wah"). Each winemaker and chef team has worked hard to create innovate wine and food pairings for guests to enjoy. Guests can cast their vote for People's Choice Award as they taste all 16 of the creative pairings. In a blind tasting, our Culinary and Media Judges for the evening will present awards for Most Innovative Pairing, Judges' Best, and Best Use of Local Ingredients (Awards announced at 8:15pm). Guests can also enjoy live music on the patio and bid on silent acution lots.</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; ">2009 Restaurant & Winery Teams:<span style="font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; "><br /></span></span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; ">Charles R Vineyards & Bosco Bones & Brew<br />Concannon Vineyard and Patrick David's Restaurant<br />Eagle Ridge Vineyards and Blue Agave<br />Garre Vineyards & Winery and Garre Winery Cafe<br />La Rochelle Winery & Casa de Cobre<br />Les Chenes Estate Vineyards & Poppy Ridge Grill<br />McGrail Vineyards & Campo di Bocce<br />Mitchell Katz Winery & Palm Event Center<br />Murrieta's Well & Hap's Original Steakhouse Restaurant<br />Ruby Hill Winery & Casa Event Center at Ruby Hill Winery<br />The Steven Kent Winery & Terra Mia<br />Tamas Estates & Amarone Restaurant<br />Wente Vineyards & The Restaurant at Wente Vineayards<br /></span>White Crane Winery & Fuzio Restaurant<br /><br />Wineries pouring wine in the dessert room: Fenestra Winery, Little Valley Winery, The Singing Winemaker<br />Wineries pouring wine on the Patio: Rodrigue Molyneaux Winery, Elliston Vineyards, Occasio Winery<br /><span style="font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; "><br />Live Band, Motel Sheets, will be playing on the patio during the event.<br /><br />View selected works by local artist, Scott Cleek on the patio during the event.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; "><span style="font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; ">COST: $75 per person. <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; ">(<a href="http://www.lvwine.org/event/613/1248321600_1248321600/Taste_of_Terroir_Livermore_Valleys_Wine_Food_Experience_July_23_2009.html">Tickets on sale NOW</a>) This event has sold out the last three years. Buy your tickets early!</span><br /></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; ">Must be 21 to attend. Agricultural Parking so please carpool.<br />Recommended Attire is Wine Country Casual</span></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></span>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-35451968443610394522009-06-23T17:40:00.001-07:002009-06-23T20:15:49.961-07:00Wine Judging in San Joaquin, and Pinot Noires in San Francisco<p class="zemanta-img zemanta-action-dragged" style="margin: 1em; float: left; display: block; width: 310px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Picture_07.06.07_236.jpg"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/55/Picture_07.06.07_236.jpg/300px-Picture_07.06.07_236.jpg" alt="An example of the extreme differences between ..." style="border: medium none ; display: block;" width="300" height="225" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Picture_07.06.07_236.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span><span class="zemanta-img-attribution"> </span><span class="zemanta-img-attribution">California Central Valley</span><br /></p><br />On Friday (June 26) Lew Perdue and I will be down in the Central Valley of California, judging at the 5th Annual San Joaquin Wine Competition.<br /><br />This is part of the Valley winegrowers' efforts to make clear that flat, dry, hot lands can produce quality wines -- contrary to the impression everyone (including me) has that you need at least some coolness, preferably fog, at certain times in the growing season if you want depth and character to your wines.<br /><br />I very much look forward to the Association proving this point to me in the form of many dozens of their best wines. A full report will follow!<br /><br />The same weekend, I'll be volunteering at the Pinot Days festival at Ft Mason in San Francisco, the annual display of the best efforts of some 200 (!) producers. Yes, folks, it's another 500+-wine tasting opportunity! I'll be roaming the floor Sunday before my shift starts. <p class="zemanta-img zemanta-action-dragged" style="margin: 1em; float: left; display: block; width: 310px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Pinot_Noir_Moldova.JPG"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ae/Pinot_Noir_Moldova.JPG/300px-Pinot_Noir_Moldova.JPG" alt="Pinot noir grapes in a vineyard in Moldova." style="border: medium none ; display: block;" width="300" height="225" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Pinot_Noir_Moldova.JPG">Wikipedia</a></span></p>Volunteering for such events gives you added insights into what wines people are talking about, and the mood of the show. Again -- a report will follow In Due Time.<br /><br /><fieldset class="zemanta-related"><legend class="zemanta-related-title">Related articles by Zemanta</legend><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.seriousaboutwine.co.za/?p=2305"> San Francisco Celebrates Pinot Days </a> (seriousaboutwine.co.za)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://winebiznews.blogspot.com/2009/06/why-costco-rules-wine-retailing-world.html"> Why Costco Rules the Wine Retailing World: One reason is Brian Ellis </a> (winebiznews.blogspot.com)</li></ul></fieldset> <div style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;" class="zemanta-pixie"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/5247b2ca-bab7-4b2b-b53b-83971c1d1c75/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img style="border: medium none ; float: right;" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_a.png?x-id=5247b2ca-bab7-4b2b-b53b-83971c1d1c75" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-75701590719812244372009-06-03T21:44:00.000-07:002009-06-03T21:52:25.382-07:00Rose Release Party at Urbano and Periscope in Berkeley!<p class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: left; display: block; width: 170px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/85853333@N00/3278417296"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3358/3278417296_f1afd772f1_m.jpg" alt="Periscope Cellars" style="border: medium none ; display: block;" height="240" width="160" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/85853333@N00/3278417296">Jeremy Brooks</a> via Flickr</span></p>Roses--the underappreciated wine (thanks a lot, White Zin, you bastard drink!). Overcome your prejudices and see what urban wineries Urbano Cellars and Periscope Cellars have come up with! Celebrate the start of Summer with the release of the perfect summer wine. (Periscopes will be in a "unique" packaging -- "187 ML bottle w/ silver bottle cap & pink straws), the way God intended Rose' to be drunk."<br /><br />"Can you think of any better way to celebrate the start of summer?" Well, no I can't. So I'll be there! Will you?<br /><br /><br />Rose' Release Party<br />Hosted by Urbano Cellars<br />Sunday, June 21, 2009 from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (PT)<br />Periscope Cellars - Emeryville, CA<br /><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/302977213">RSVP</a><br /><p class="zemanta-action-dragged zemanta-rich" style="margin: 1em; float: left; display: block; width: 310px;"><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=37.8358333333,-122.287222222&spn=0.219778,0.613861&z=11&output=embed&s=AARTsJqzARj-Z8VnW5pkPMLMmZbqrJcYpw" frameborder="0" height="250" scrolling="no" width="300"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=37.8358333333,-122.287222222&spn=0.219778,0.613861&z=11&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></p><fieldset class="zemanta-related"><legend class="zemanta-related-title">Related articles by Zemanta</legend><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://savvytaste.blogspot.com/2009/03/san-francisco-east-bays-urban-wine.html">San Francisco East Bay's "Urban Wine Trail" Tasting Apr 4</a> (savvytaste.blogspot.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://womenandwine.blogs.com/women__wine/2009/04/women-wine-a-rose-by-any-other-name.html"> Women & Wine - A Rose By Any Other Name </a> (womenandwine.blogs.com)</li></ul></fieldset> <div style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;" class="zemanta-pixie"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/51a1be62-a71f-4525-b525-827cea3ddf57/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img style="border: medium none ; float: right;" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_a.png?x-id=51a1be62-a71f-4525-b525-827cea3ddf57" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-31616234836546331162009-05-04T14:12:00.000-07:002009-05-26T11:03:38.842-07:00JC Cellars "Syrahs and More" Tasting<p class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: left; display: block; width: 310px;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Grapes.jpg"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/Grapes.jpg/300px-Grapes.jpg" alt="Wine grapes." style="border: medium none ; display: block;" width="300" height="365" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Grapes.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></p>I hosted the April 2009 tasting for the Hayward, CA wine group, <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Pompous Twits</span> -- though we had to shift it over to May 2nd, at Hayward's <a href="http://neumanali.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Neumanali </span></a>restaurant, which is in a restored 1890's Victorian. We were actually in the annex, another Victorian a few doors down (which doubles as owner Julie's office--she's a CPA in her Other Life).<br /><br />My theme this year was Syrahs from Oakland's <a href="http://www.jccellars.com/home.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">JC Cellars</span></a>, one of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">East Bay Urban Wineries</span>, owned by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeff Cohn</span> and his wife <span style="font-weight: bold;">Alexandra</span>. Jeff was for many years the winemaker at Rosenblum, my favorite winemaker, and Jeff's taste in big chewy wines is evident in his JC Cellars lineup. Most of his wines are Syrahs, though he also makes Rhone-style blends and a few Zins.<br /><br />The 15 Twits in attendance seemed very happy with the results of JC's efforts! The lineup is listed below. Every wine was delicious -- no losers -- but the ones that garnered the most enthused comments included the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rose of Syrah</span> (created using the "bleedoff" method, it was rich and delicious; I'm telling you, you only *think* you don't like roses!); the <span style="font-weight: bold;">'04 Rockpile Vineyards Syrah</span> (there appears to be no such thing as a bad Rockpile wine); many liked the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cuvee Syrah</span>, and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Broken Compass Syrah</span>.<br /><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">'05 Frediani Petite Syrah</span> surprised me -- I have trouble with PS's, but this one was one of the tastiest wines I've ever had, rich and spirited, and aromatic, without the offputting bitterness some PS's show. I've got to buy me another bottle of that one!<br /><br />Also a happy surprise was the <span style="font-weight: bold;">'05 Arrowhead Mountain Vineyard Zin</span> -- it had an unusual nose that was so interesting that we were all sniffing away for several minutes before we could drag ourselves away from that wonderful aroma to actually taste it -- Zins don't always have a remarkable nose, so that had everyone's attention. And the taste -- geez, I kept coming back for more tries, and so did everyone else! Congratulations, Jeff, on creating such a deliciously unusual Zinfandel! What's your secret?<br /><br />As a bonus, I brought a bottle of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rosenblum's 04 Snow's Lake Zin</span> -- I had a bottle at my hosting last year, on the Rosenblum theme, and it was so good that Tom and I argued over whether it was actually -- as hard as this seems to believe -- better-tasting than <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rosenblum's Rockpile Road</span>! He also said it could be aged another year or two, so I had promised to bring a bottle along this year -- my last bottle of that case, sorry to say.<br /><br />It was indeed very tasty; some of the leathery character had gone away, which was unfortunately. We were uncertain as to whether it tasted better than it had last year. Unfortunately, I have no more of that year's Rockpile to compare. You always wish you had bought another case. (I'm barely able to buy a couple of cases of anything in any given year; it's always a bottle or two here and there of this and that; when you hit something spectacular, it's always too late to go back and get more!)<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Steve Arnold</span></span></span> brought a bonus surprise: Two <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rosenblum Richard Sauret Zins</span>, one from 2004, the other from 1994! One, as they said, from when Jeff was winemaker, and one after he left. The 04 was delicious -- unfortunately, the 94 hadn't aged particularly well. That's common for Zins, which just aren't built to age more than a few years.<br /><br />We finished up with a dessert-wine Syrah:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Blacksmith 2006 Alexander Valley Late Harvest Syrah</span>; only 15.8% alcohol, it had been picked at (gasp!) 40 brix and was, of course, intensely sweet and intensely blackberry, and a great finish to the evening!<br /><br />A most successful tasting!<br /><br />The Wines: A Survey of JC Cellars Syrahs--Plus!<br />The Pompous Twits, May 2, 2009, Mac McCarthy hosting, at Neumanali's, Hayward.<br />1. 2008 Rose of Syrah, Rockpile Vineyard, just released - $14<br />2. 2004 Ventana Vineyards/Arroyo Seca Syrah – Cellar ($30 in 2007)<br />3. 2004 Rockpile Vineyards/Rockpile Syrah – Cellar ($60 2005/2006)<br />4. 2005 Caldwell Vineyards Syrah - $31.50<br />5. 2005 A La Cave Syrah - $28<br />6. 2006 Fess Parker's Vineyard Syrah - $30<br />7. 2006 California Cuvée Syrah - $25<br />8. 2006 Broken Compass - 97% Syrah, 3% Petite Syrah – 460 cases made - $40<br />9. 2005 Frediani Vineyard Petite Syrah - $45<br />10. 2005 The Imposter, a Zin-Syrah blend - $32 (Courtesy Mary and John Warner!)<br />11. 2005 Arrowhead Mountain Vineyard Zinfandel - $35<br />BONUS WINES:<br />12. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">200</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">4</span> Snow's Lake (Rosenblum) - $35<br />13. 1994 Rosenblum Richard Sauret Zinfandel (Courtesy <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Steve Arnold</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">!</span></span>)<br />14. 2004 Rosenblum Richard Sauret Zinfandel (Courtesy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Steve Arnold</span></span></span>!)<br />15. 2006 Blacksmith Alexander Valley Late Harvest Syrah - NA<br /><br /> <div style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;" class="zemanta-pixie"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/40b22fe7-6ee9-47d2-ba23-51f14f4f2c0f/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img style="border: medium none ; float: right;" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_a.png?x-id=40b22fe7-6ee9-47d2-ba23-51f14f4f2c0f" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-79958631838323497772009-04-30T18:04:00.000-07:002009-04-30T18:13:35.270-07:00May 2009 Wine Tastings in San Francisco Bay Area<span style="font-style:italic;">These are just a few of the events going on in the San Francisco Bay Area/California for May, 2009. Enjoy!<br /><br />mac daddy</span><br /><br />*To start you off on the right note, check this article: <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=alUESRae.1tc&refer=home#">"Wine Adds Five Years to Life, More Than Beer, Dutch Study Finds</a>"<br /><br />****<span style="font-weight:bold;">EVENTS COMING UP</span> for those who love wine and related activities:<br /><br />*J<span style="font-weight:bold;">C Cellars Wine Wednesday</span>, Wed. May 6th, 5pm-7pm--This month featuring the release of the new 2007 Smoke & Mirrors Syrah and the 2007 Fess Parker's Vineyard Syrah. <br /><br />Where: 55 4th Street in Oakland near Jack London Square (you can actually BART to it -- the downtown Oakland stop on the Fremont line). <br /><br />Free, but they request RSVP to angela@jccellars.com RIGHT AWAY!<br /><br />And if you're a JC fan (and we know who we are, don't we!), they're selling off the last of some of their lots, such as the 2005 Arrowhead Mountain Zinfandel - $35 (3 cases left), 2004 Ventana Vineyard Syrah - $30 (10 cases), and 2005 Frediani Vineyard Petite Syrah - $45 (12 cases left) -- all 92-point wines.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">FYI, Jeff Cohn</span> is chief winemaker for famed Zinfandel champion Rosenblum Cellars in Alameda, CA. He set up shop as a side business, as another of the so-called Urban Wineries, where the winemaking, from grapes brought in from the region, is done in industrial areas of cities where large spaces are relatively cheap -- such as aircraft hangers (Rosenblum and Hanger One in Alameda) and even a submarine repair facility (Periscope in Berkeley). Jeff started with Syrahs, rather than competing in Zins, but of course his Syrahs taste like big, fat, dense Rosenblum Zins! Now he makes a wide range of tasty wines -- 18 of them at last count -- my own tasting group will be trying 14 of them this weekend!<br /><br /><br />*<span style="font-weight:bold;">ZINFEST at Lodi Lake</span> - May 15-17, see <a href="http://www.zinfest.com">www.zinfest.com</a> or 209-365-0621<br />Starts with the Vintner's Grille at Lodi Lake on Fri. (6 to 9pm, $75, ouch!), featuring the "Top 12 Zins of Lodi." Zinfest Wine Festival is on Sat., noon to 6, $35-$35, featuring wines "from the Lodi appellation," and winds up with ther Zinfest Winery Open Houses in the Lodi area Sunday; no price mentioned for that. You can also win a free pair of tickets, see the Web site above for details. Wineries in the Lodi area you might have heard of include Barefoot Cellars, Cosentino, Gnarly Head, Jessie's Grove, Klinker Brick, Macchia (ummmm! Macchia!), Michael-David, St. Amant, Trinitas Cellars, Talus, and, uh, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi.<br /><br />*<span style="font-weight:bold;">Rosenblum's "Annual Wine Celebration CIRCO DI VINO"</span> is May 16 at their store in Rutherford. "Escape into the world of jugglers, acrobats and much more, as you dance with our winemakers—juggling hundreds of bottles for your enjoyment. Feast upon hors d'oeuvres, exquisite cheeses and taste an array of wines from many acclaimed vineyards at extraordinary once a year savings." It will have to be extraordinary savings, because it costs $50 a person to attend ($90 for couples); although some real bargains, especially on wines in short supply, have showed up before! See www.rosenblumcellars.com for full details.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.scmwa.com/wine_auction.htm">Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Express</a></span>, May 17, 2-5pm at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton (in the Santa Cruz Mountains). $55 in advance / $65 at the door ($20 for children under 12, children under 3 are free) -- dogs on leash welcome for tasting and on train! <br /><br />"Only opportunity to taste all 70 Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation Wines in one location!" Ride the train, play bocce ball, bid at live auction of rare wines, getaways to resorts, overseas trips, private winemaker dinners, and more. Hors d'oeuvres from eleven local restaurants. <br /><br />*<span style="font-weight:bold;">Spring Event at <a href="http://www.ryhanestatevineyards.com/">Ryhan Estate Vineyards</a></span> in Livermore Sat May 23: (5385 East Avenue 94550) -- this is a new wine company founded by an Indian (subcontinent) family that I discovered at last year's Livermore wine weekend. Good stuff, really!<br /><br />---------------------------------<br />*<span style="font-weight:bold;">FOR MORE LOCAL WINE EVENTS</span> -- GO TO<a href="http://www.localwineevents.com/Oakland-East-Bay-Wine/"> <span style="font-weight:bold;">Local Wine Events--Oakland-East Bay</span></a> for a long list of upcoming wine-related events in the East Bay. <br /> OR GO TO <a href="http://www.localwineevents.com/Livermore-Valley-Wine/">http://www.localwineevents.com/Livermore-Valley-Wine/</a> for the same for the Livermore Valley.<br /> Or just go to the <a href="http://www.localwineevents.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">main site</span></a>, where you can also sign up for biweekly email alerts for these or other regions you choose--they have wine-events newsletters for every state in the U.S.! That's how I know what's going on in the the world of wine tastings around here! (PS: If you are hosting a wine event, you can post it here too.)<br />---------------------------------<br /><br />Hope to see you all at an upcoming event!<br /><br />best regards,<br /><br />Mac Daddy and BernieMcWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-38446033100973704512009-03-05T16:23:00.000-08:002009-03-05T16:24:37.570-08:00East Bay (San Francisco) Wine Trail event Apr 4--Don't Miss<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><div>Fourteen of the finest so-called Urban Wineries in California will offer their wines on Saturday, April 4 for the second annual Urban Wine Trail -- full details below.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've done this before, and it's a huge blast! Just go from winery to winery in the Oakland-Berkeley area and see what wonderful wines you can make in an urban warehouse district using grapes from all over California! These are professional operations, not homebrew (not that there's anything wrong with homebrew!) and you will be delighted to open your mind to these wineries, many of them small and probably new to you!</div><div><br /></div><div>See you there!!</div><div>--Mac</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; "><p><img height="300" align="left" width="150" src="http://www.jccellars.com/assets/upload/EBVA_Logo_Color_180.jpg" alt="EBVA_Logo_Color_180" title="EBVA_Logo_Color_180" /><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia,times new roman,times,serif;font-size:130%;"><strong>Passport to the East Bay Wine Trail </strong></span><span style="font-family:georgia,times new roman,times,serif;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia,times new roman,times,serif;">On <strong>Saturday, April 4, from 12 to 5pm</strong>, the 2nd Annual <a href="http://www.jccellars.com/e/472b59x17/http://public.serviceu.com/ticketing/default.asp?qs=orgID%3D11412" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(6, 88, 181); ">“Passport to the East Bay Wine Trail”</a> will take place. <strong>Fourteen wineries</strong>, some not normally open to the public, will be pouring their wares at <strong>seven locations</strong>, within ten miles of each other. The participating wineries include Adams Point, Andrew Lane, Aubin Cellars, Dashe Cellars, Eno Wines, Irish Monkey, JC Cellars, Periscope Cellars, Prospect 772, Rosenblum Cellars, Stage Left Cellars, Tayerle Wines, Two Mile, and Urbano Cellars. Each location will offer food, and some will provide entertainment. Participants receive a passport booklet detailing all the wineries, along with a souvenir glass.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia,times new roman,times,serif;">All this is only <strong>$30 online</strong> at <a href="http://www.jccellars.com/e/472b59x17/http://www.eastbayvintners.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(6, 88, 181); ">www.eastbayvintners.com</a>. You can also buy tickets for <strong>$45 at the door </strong>at the seven host wineries.<strong> (Designated drivers pay only $10 to encourage responsible drinking.)</strong> So, grab some friends and satisfy your thirst for wine, all the while supporting local businesses.</span></p></span></div></div></span>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-11497411705279022262009-03-04T20:28:00.001-08:002009-03-04T20:32:59.733-08:00JC Cellars makes Syrah that tastes like the biggest Zin!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 15px; font-family:Tahoma;font-size:11px;"><div class="weblog-title"><h3 style=" line-height: 133%; font-weight: 700; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: -0.3px; margin-left: 0px; text-transform: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; font-size:11px;">JC Cellars of Oakland, CA specializes in Syrahs -- Jeff Cohen is the winemaker for Rosenblum Cellars in Alameda, CA, an outfit famous as the maker of the biggest Zinfandels of all time, and so Jeff doesn't do Zins at his own outfit (or hardly any) to avoid competing -- but by gum, he proves that Syrah is capable of being not just a light and refreshing red, but as big and fat and dense and heavy as the biggest Zin you've ever uncorked!</span></h3><h3 style=" line-height: 133%; font-weight: 700; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: -0.3px; margin-left: 0px; text-transform: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; font-size:11px;">At a recent tasting at their Oakland urban winery tasting room, they showed off their newly released A La Cav 2005 Syrah, with 15% petite syrah, listed at $40, and their 2005 Caldwell Vineyard 100% Syrah from Napa, listed at $45.</span></h3></div><div class="post"><p style="margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; ">The A La Cav was excellent, but you could taste that strange bitter note that Petite Syrah often has (to me, anyway).</p><p style="margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; "> The Caldwell was UN-believable -- maybe the biggest, densest, most intense red wine I've ever tasted! If you like a big wine, this will knock you right off your seat! Highly, highly recommended, even at that price! </p></div></span>McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-56402060378004745142008-09-17T20:32:00.000-07:002008-09-17T21:37:33.592-07:00Livermore (CA) Wine Fest—Getting Stingy! But I Found a Good New Winemaker!For the third year, I drove a short distance over the hill to the <a href="http://www.lvwine.org/event/189/1220155200_1220241600/27th_Annual_Harvest_Wine_Celebration.html">27th Annual Livermore Valley Harvest Wine Celebration</a> the first week of September 2008, to enjoy some fine wines from an overlooked gem of a wine area in California.<br /><br>(If you're visiting Northern California and want to see the wine country, skip Napa, which is crowded and overpriced, and skip Sonoma, which is much nicer but a bit of a drive from San Francisco – instead, try Livermore, in the East Bay – 43 wineries as last count, and every one a gem!) <br /><br>You pay one price for two days (about $50), park your car, and take the busses along some of the six routes that zigzag through the Valley. That way you don't have to decipher the map, nor worry about driving after drinking (until it's time to go home, of course!). <br /><br><b>But I Do Have a Complaint!</b><br /><br>As in the past, the wineries pour you some wine tastes, while musicians play, and various booths tempt you with crafts and food. You get three or so wines to taste at each winery – and then there's the Special wines, usually inside the barn, for access to which you have to pay an extra fee, usually about $10.<br /><br>This isn't so bad because you can taste many yummy wines for your initial fee, and don't have to pay extra for the good stuff (though it certainly is good stuff). The problem is that THIS year they've gotten a little too cute for their own good – most of the wineries have cut way back on the free tastes, and are pushing instead to have you spend extra for the special stuff.<br /><br>Concannon, for example, had only two wines out front; Retzlaff, a fine winery, had only *one*! A good one, but still... ONE wine on offer! Red Feather had, I think, two – one was a very interesting strawberry-flavored sparkling wine. Of the wineries I visited, only Thomas Coyne had a decent cross-section of its wines for us.<br /><br>It must get expensive to participate in this event, and none of the money we pay for the event goes to the wineries themselves, I believe – so I understand that the wineries would like to make a buck from all those people flocking in. But think about it from our perspective: We already paid $50 to attend the event. If we pay another $10 for each of the five or six wineries we will be visiting – the day will cost us $100 – each, double that if we're a couple!<br /><br>I'm sorry, but that's Napa Valley-level gouging, and I'm seriously wondering if this previously wonderful and eye-opening event will be worth going to next year. <br /><br>(For pictures of the wineries, in case you ever plan to visit—and most don't charge during regular visitor's hours—go to <a href="http://www.elivermore.com/photos/Wine_fest3.htm">http://www.elivermore.com/photos/Wine_fest3.htm</a>.)McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-82299745401280227812007-09-03T10:51:00.000-07:002008-03-05T21:46:43.930-08:00Livermore CA Harvest Wine Festival---yum!Anne-Marie and Rodney St.John-Brookes and I drove out to Livermore (California) for the annual Harvest Festival Sunday, and had a great time! It was hotter than hell -- nearly 100 -- but under shade there was a nice breeze that cooled everything just right.<br /><br />The Harvest Fest shows off 36 of the wineries in the Livermore Valley, which is due east about 50 miles from San Francisco -- it's relatively unknown to the millions of Wine Country visitors, who head up to the overcrowded and overpriced Napa Valley north of here, but the locals know and love it. In fact, Livermore Valley is site of the oldest winemaking vines in California. They are strong in zinfandel, but also grow a wide variety of other grapes -- prices are reasonable, the wines often delicious.<br /><br />We got to PageMill Winery, a new one transplanted from the SF Peninsula. Somebody we know from our BAWDY winetasting group was supposed to be a volunteer there but we couldn't find them. The PageMill wines don't do much for me. We were supposed to visit Red Skye, one of wineries we tasted in the earliest days of the BAWDY group, with very good wines; but the winery was in a complex of several wineries that was so overwhelmingly crowded with cars that we couldn't find parking. There were only a few wineires like that -- the best-known names, like Wente; my advice is to use this kind of festival as a chance to visit wineries you *haven't* heard of. Livermore Valley is open most of the time, you can visit COncannon and the like any time you want.<br /><br />We went to Retzlaff first; a few years ago I got talked into buying a mixed case of reds on futures at this festival, and boy did that turn out to be a good move. The cabs, merlots, and cab-merlot blends I got in that case tasted good, then every few months I'd open another bottle and it was noticeable better than before -- a little aging was treating the Retzlaff very well! I am down to two bottles and almost afraid to open them! So I again bought a case of futures, which at $312 isn't overpriced, and will pick it up in January when it's bottled.<br /><br />We stopped by Fenestra to see how their True Red was tasting. True Red is a blend I discovered a decade ago. They call them "Lot X" where X is a number that increments each year. I had started with Lot 9 back then, and really liked it (and it's cheap -- under ten bucks). I discovered in this visit that up until Lot 11, the True Reds were a Zin-based blend (with grenache, for one); after Lot 11, they switched to a fully Rhone-style blend. Zins aren't blended often, and I had really liked the old True Reds. But now the Rhone-styles I like OK, but not nearly as much. <br /><br />We also visited two smaller vintners, Rios-Lovell and Cedar Mountan, both of which have lovely tasting rooms. Rodney liked Cedar Mountain's sangiovese and barbero; he wants to host a tasting of sangioveses and barberos and of course I encouraged him.<br /><br />We then drove all the way out to Westover, out in the Hayward hills, because Anne-Marie and Rodney had never been up there, even though it's behind their house in the Hayward Hills. At Westover's very nice facility, someone named Chambier Bechtel (!), Dir of Dev and Design for Tres Classique Specialty Foods of Sonoma, was selling the most amazingly delicious flavored olive oils and vinegars you have ever tasted! I bought four bottles -- and broke two of them putting them in my car. Sigh. Westover's wines were fine; they are most famous for bottling 20 different kinds of ports and dessert wines, probably more than anyone in California.<br /><br />We then visited Chouinard, next door, where Rodney and I each bought a mixed case of reds (alicante bouchet, zin, and red table wine) that was, well, ok, but mainly because it was at clearance sale prices. And I bought a case of surprisingly good Viognier, also on deep discount -- a steal at $4 a bottle. because Anne-Marie and Rodney had never been there. The Chouinard, which is on Palomares Road, has some truly wonderful whites -- their Chenin Blanc is as good as any I've ever tasted. And they have a mild and tasty Green-Apple wine (!). Their Gewurtz was good, and they actually have an "ice viognier" -- they put the grapes in a freezer -- that, like a typical ice wine, was sweet and tasty and tangy.<br /><br />But we ran out of time and steam before hitting all the others of the 36 wineries displaying their wares. Too Many Wineries/Not Enough Time! or Liver! <br /><br />Next year, we promised, we'd keep track of what we saw so we can work our way through the rest of the list. Or maybe we'll just drive over to Livermore from time to time on our own - it's only, like, 30 minutes away!<br /><br />macMcWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-15284120880364252552007-08-13T16:39:00.000-07:002007-08-13T16:40:39.798-07:00Livermore Wine Harvest Festival coming! A good one!Dear Wineloving Friend or Friend I Suspect Likes Wine, What The Heck:<br /><br />Just to make sure you don't miss it, the Livermore (Northern California) Wine Harvest Festival is Sunday and Monday September 2nd and 3rd - the holiday weekend - noon to 5pm.<br /><br />Full details and a link to buy tickets: h<a href="ttp://www.livermorewine.com/next_event.html">ttp://www.livermorewine.com/next_event.html</a><br /><br />How It Works: There are 35 wineries participating - 35! You can't hit them all. You can't even drive among them without hitting something! So buy your ticket early, park at the main parking lot in Livermore (or take BART and the shuttle), then shuttle busses take you along the four or five routes to the various wineries. Your biggest problem will be deciding which route to take - I usually pick at random because they're all good. It's actually easier to take than the fabulous ZAP because the delays while you wait for the next shuttle let your body adjust to the last round.<br /><br />There are tastings and munchies at each winery and often music and trinkets for sale. Most wineries also offer, for an extra five bucks or so, to let you try their SPecial Stuff in the barn in the back -- and invite you to buy wine or to buy futures. I've bought futures and been *very* happy with my selection. But you can have quite an afternoon just drinking the stuff up front without paying extra.<br /><br />Some years it is very hot in the Valley; last year it was quite pleasant. No way to tell.<br /><br />Livermore has some of the oldest wineyards in California and currently has some of the most interesting winemaking operations. THis event is a memorable one and well worth setting aside your Sunday or Monday for. I enthusiastically recommend you check it out -- and let me know if you will be going so I can keep a tipsy eye out for you as we jitney by!<br /><br />Ping me if you have questions.<br /><br />Best regards,<br /><br />Mac McCarthyMcWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-90454080750227539732007-08-13T16:37:00.000-07:002007-08-13T16:39:15.611-07:00Two upcoming wine events: East Bay Vintners at Rosenblum/Family Winemakers at Ft MasonTwo more upcoming wine events: East Bay Vintners at Rosenblum/Family Winemakers at Ft Mason<br /> <br />Folks:<br /><br />As long as I have you on the line, there are two more winetasting opportunities, these both are next weekend, that you might want to know about.<br /><br />1. THE EAST BAY VINTNERS URBAN WINE EXPERIENCE<br />Saturday August 18 3-6pm <br />$35 advance $45 at door. see <a href="http://www.eastbayvintners.com">www.eastbayvintners.com</a> for details and tickets. <br /><br />The East Bay of San Francisco has developed a surprising number of surprisingly fine wineries in the past few years. In addition to the world-renowned Rosenblum Cellars in Alameda and its spinoff, JC Cellars, in Jack London Square, several are creating a lot of excitement. (My two other favs are Lost Cayon and Dashe.) This tasting, the second annual, is held at the Rosenblum Cellars winemaking operation on the island of Alameda, in the former Naval Air Station. No, they don't grow the grapes there. Drive over, or check out the San Francisco-Alameda ferry!<br /><br />Winemakers represented will include:<br />Aubin Cellars Andrew Lane Wines<br />Blacksmith Cellars Dashe Cellars<br />A Donkey and a Goat Dashe Cellars<br />Edmunds St.john Eno Wines<br />Harrington Wines JC Cellars<br />Lost Canyon Winery Periscope Cellars<br />Prospect 772 Rosenblum Cellars<br />Tayerle Wines Urbano Cellars<br /><br /><br />2. FAMILY WINEMAKERS OF CALIFORNIA TASTING 2007 - Ft Mason<br />Sun Aug 19 noon-4pm $55<br />details and tickets at <br /><a href="http://www.familywinemakers.org/tastings/TastingsMain.cfm?TID=9">http://www.familywinemakers.org/tastings/TastingsMain.cfm?TID=9</a><br />For background on the event: <a href="http://www.familywinemakers.org/tastings/tastingHistory.cfm">http://www.familywinemakers.org/tastings/tastingHistory.cfm</a><br /><br />Founded in 1991, this event has burgeoned to become one of the finest opportunities to taste a broad, cross section of California wines, a rare opportunity where all of California’s wine regions and many of the finest wineries in the state were on display. This year over 400 wineries pour 1,000 wines and upwards of 30 wineries make their debut before more than 5000 people.<br /><br />I will try to make both, though it's an event-crowded weekend for me! See you there maybe!<br /><br />Mac McCarthyMcWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066139.post-7332558850930099322007-06-19T19:03:00.000-07:002007-06-19T19:17:11.721-07:00The Charles Shaw "Two-Buck Chuck" 2003 California Merlot is ready to drink!I just cracked open a bottle from my case of <a href="http://www.wineloverspage.com/wines/tn.phtml?id=184">Charles Shaw 03 Merlot</a> and am here to tell you that it's *ready*, baby!<br /><br />The wine is mild, with a nice fruit. There's a hint of green to it, which I don't like, but it's very drinkable. If you put away a case of this cheap stuff back then, now's the time to break it out -- and I'm guessing from how it's tasting now that it won't last much longer.<br /><br />Background: Like many of you, I've tipped a few glasses of the notorious $2 Buck Chuck <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Shaw_wine">(it's even made it into Wikipedia)</a>, a line of wines that sell at the <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/product_categories.html">Trader Joe's</a> grocery chain for $1.99 the bottle -- and at $24 the case (12 bottles) that's one tempting opportunity.<br /><br />The brand became famous (and even infamous, as <a href="http://www.snopes.com/business/market/shawwine.asp">this entry</a> in Snopes.com's Urban Legends page testifies) for its initial run of cheap but very tasty Chardonnays. They quickly followed with Cabs and Merlots, same price. They weren't bad -- certainly they didn't taste like wines retailing for under two dollars. They tasted like $10 wines, or $20 wines, or even $30 wines, depending on which case you bought in which month.<br /><br />Which, it turns out, was the trick. The source of this cheap wine was leftovers from growers and vintners and winemakers who were stuck with excess supply back in the 2002 period. Rather than dump it, they sold it to this firm for literally pennies on the dollar.<br /><br />So the basic wine/grapes/juice was decent stuff -- rumor had it that some of it was very decent indeed -- supposedly some juice that had been going into $30 bottles was fire-saled off to this company.<br /><br />At $2 a bottle retail, they couldn't have been paying much for the wine, that's for sure. It's hard to sell empty bottles at that price and make a profit.<br /><br />So a visit to Trader Joe's could turn up a darn good bottle of wine for a ridiculous price. Problem is, there hasn't been much consistency from batch to batch, because the company was picking up its wine from whereever it could get it. The source varied from month to month -- or from one week's shipment to Trader Joe's to the next week's shipment. That's why the Charles Shaw bottles are always so vague about the wine: "California Merlot" isn't very specific; it could be Napa one week, Sonoma another, Lodi the following week.<br /><br />That's not a bad thing -- the wines might be decent in each case -- but it has made it hard to get a case of what you especially like. You buy a bottle, a few weeks later you open and taste it -- bingo! it's great! You rush back to Trader Joe's to buy a case for $24, you open the next bottle and -- it's not as tasty as you expected. Different juice, that's why.<br /><br />So the Trader Joe Shuffle ensues: Buy a test bottle one day, drink it *that same night!*, and if you like it, go back to Trader Joe's the next morning -- EARLY! -- and buy the case -- while it's still the same wine! and before the next shipment arrives!<br /><br />The case of Charles Shaw 03 Merlot I bought a couple of years ago turned out to be a bit on the harsh side, so I left it under the house for a while. Last year I tried a bottle and it was still too tangy to suit me. But a couple of evenings ago I opened another bottle -- and Lo! it had mellowed!<br /><br />This is a reasonably mouth-filling wine with nice fruit, easy to drink with a meal or just while watching TV. So if you got a case of this particular item Back When, or know somebody who did -- OPEN IT NOW!McWonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434794805492018385noreply@blogger.com2