| March 13, 2010 | ||
| 4:00 pm |
Ann Thrup, Ph.d will be presenting a talk on the organic wine industry along with a tasting of organic wines on March 13 at The Ecology Center.
For more information visit www.ecologycenter.org
Filed under: Wine Tasting & Classes, Events
| March 12, 2010 | ||
| 6:00 pm |
What: Wine class with Pierrick Bouquet: The world of Pinot Noir
When: Friday, March 12, 2010 6:00 PM
Where:
Ambrosia Restaurant
801 N Main St
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Join me for a new series of wine classes in the magnificent wine cellar of Ambrosia Restaurant in Santa Ana. The first class will include a blind identification of 6 aromas as well as a guided tasting of five selected Pinot Noir, followed by a 3 course dinner.
The class will be divided in 2 parts:
1- The sense of smell (60 min)
The first part of the class will consist in learning how to recognize aromas in red wines and define perceptions. You will learn about the different type of aromas (primary, secondary, tertiary), the different notes (fruity, floral, vegetal, animal, roasted). It will also include a blind identification of 6 aromas extracted from the publication Le Nez du Vin.
2- A guided tasting of selected Pinot Noir (60 min)
The second part of the class will consist of tasting five different Pinot Noir from different areas : Burgundy, Oregon, Santa Barbara, Monterey… You will discover how different a Pinot Noir wine can be depending on the soil, the climate, the winemaker. You will learn about the characteristics of each regions, the differences between them and the impact on the wine. You will also try to identify the main aromas in the wines
3 course dinner!
The class will be followed by a 3 course dinner including a choice of appetizers, entrées, desserts and a glass of wine. Prix fixe menu: $40 (tax included)
If you decide to stay for dinner, you will save $10 on the price of the wine class.
Cost:
If you just want to attend the wine class : $50 per person
Wine class + dinner: $80 per person (you save $10)
For a better learning experience, the class is limited to 20 people.
RSVP IS REQUIRED by buying your ticket online on my website www.pierrickbouquet.com using the Paypal links or by sending a check to Pierrick Bouquet.
Secure credit card payment with Paypal (a Paypal account is NOT necessary. You can pay using your credit card). Before buying, please read the General Ticket Policy below.
Cheers and Bon Appétit!
Filed under: Wine Tasting & Classes, Events
| May 16, 2010 | ||
| 5:00 pm | to | 7:30 pm |
Red World Tour
In this exploratory red wine series, you will taste some exceptional wines and determine if they represent the signature characteristics of the grape from which it was made.
Red 301, Sunday, May 16 5:00 – 7:30
Explore Red Grape Varieties and Growing Regions of Australia, California, France, Oregon and Spain
Learn and taste the similarities and differences between Pinot Noir from California, Oregon and Burgundy. Discover Spain’s Tempranillo and Garnacha. Then compare Spain’s Garnacha with the Sothern Rhone’s Grenache (same grape). Next we’ll move to the Northern Rhone and Australia where you will learn about Syrah and Shiraz.
9 red wines will be tasted retailing from $15 - $60/bottle
Red 302, Sunday, May 23 5:00 – 7:30
Explore Red Grape Varieties and Growing Regions of Argentina, California, Chile, France and Washington
Learn and taste the similarities and differences between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Chile and Washington. Do you know the difference between a Meritage and Bordeaux? Then we’ll move on to Malbec where in Argentina the grape has become a national variety.
8 red wines will be tasted retailing from $20 - $80/bottle
Red 303, Sunday, May 30 5:00 – 7:30
Explore Red Grape Varieties and Growing Regions of Italy and California
How much do you know about Italian red wines? Barolo, Barbaresco, Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Valpolicella, Amarone…Would you like to learn more about California’s red Zinfandel? If so, you should enjoy this class.
9 red wines will be tasted retailing from $15 - $70/bottle
Classes start promptly in the WineStyles Wine Lounge. The average class size is ten to fourteen students. Assorted Artisan cheeses, wine sausage, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, bread and bottled water will also be provided to enhance the tasting experience. (Please advise prior to class if you have any food sensitivities.) Students will receive a hand-out for each class. Tasting sheets with the session’s wines will be included so that you can record your own notes. Stemware used will be Stolzle or Spiegelau and due to the number of wines being tasted (1 ½ - 2 oz. each) “spitting” will be encouraged so individual spittoons will be made available.
Instructor, Michele Graber CSW, offers practical, fun classes to
familiarize you with wine. Her goal is to supply you with the information and experience to make you comfortable, confident consumers so you know what you like and why.
Please contact Michele directly if you have any questions regarding the classes, 858.442.2749.
COST: Individual set 3 classes $174, WCM set 3 classes $157, Couples Pkg set 3 classes $296
WineStyles
191 N. El Camino Real, Suite #103
Encinitas, California 92024
ph. 760-633-0057
WEBSITE: WineStyles
Filed under: Wine Tasting & Classes, Events
| April 17, 2010 | to | April 18, 2010 |
If you thought you had a blast at our Wine & Chocolate event, this event will knock your socks off. A. Nonini, Engelmann Cellars, Fresno State, LoMac Winery, Los Californios/Full Circle Brewery and Milla Vineyards will have many different events to enhance the wine tasting experience. We will have resturants, vendors,artisit, exibits and many surprises. $15.00 gets you into each winery to enjoy all of this. And if you do not want to worry about drivivng we will have a wine trolly both Sat & Sun with advance purchase only. These will go fast so do not wait till last minute. That additional cost for the trolley is $30.00. A lot cheaper that a ticket or the stress.
For the first time the wineries will be hosting an Italian Feast @ Milla Vineyards on Sat night right after the Journey. All of the wineries will be there selling glasses of their wines and continuing the party till you can party no more. More infotmation will be posted for the dinner.
WEBSITE: fresnowines.com
Filed under: Spirit Tastings Etc, Wine Tasting & Classes, Events
| April 8, 2010 | to | April 11, 2010 |
Forgotten Grapes is proud to announce our first-ever Forgotten Grapes Wine Tasting Weekend Trip, April 8th -11th, 2010, destination Santa Barbara and Paso Robles. We’re taking 10 lucky Forgotten Grapes lovers with us for 4 days and 3 nights of wine tasting, winery tours, winemaker meet-and-greets, gourmet lunches and dinners and more, all for the low, low, super-low and all-inclusive price of $885.00 per person, based on double occupancy.
This all-inclusive $885 per person price includes all of the following:
Once again, you get all of this for only $885.00 per person, based on double occupancy. But reservations are extremely limited, as there is only room for 10 wine lovers to accompany us on this premiere trip, so don’t hesitate. Sign up at ForgottenGrapes.com today.
For more information, to check out the full itinerary, and to make your reservation, visit ForgottenGrapes.com now! Don’t be late! And we look forward to seeing you in Paso with us April 8th - 11th!
WEBSITE: Forgotten Grapes 2010 Santa Barbara/Paso Robles Wine Weekend Trip Information
Filed under: Fun, Spirit Tastings Etc, Wine Tasting & Classes, Events
| March 13, 2010 | ||
| 3:00 pm | to | 5:00 pm |
The Truth About Wine & Cheese…
(Saturday, March 13 from 3:00 – 5:00)
The concept that wine and cheese are THE perfect partners is somewhat of a myth. There just happens to be a few exceptional pairings such as Port with Stilton or Sancerre with Goat Cheese. Cheese and wine pairing can be quite complicated. So what makes a good pairing work? Is it based on the country of origin or producer of the milk - cow, goat or sheep? How about textures, aromas, flavours? Throw the wine variables into the equation and it’s overwhelming. We will be looking at this in very simple terms in order to understand how wine interacts with the basic elements of taste: sweet, sour, salty and bitter. You are going to discover for yourselves the results of these reactions and decide which pairing(s) leaves the wine tasting as close to the winemaker’s intention. A taste-bud challenge like none other!
4 Artisinal cheeses and 5 wines will be tasted retailing from $15 - $40/bottle
This “Grape Escape” starts promptly at 3:00 in La Costa Wine Co.’s Wine Lounge. The average class size is 12 students. Fruit, crackers, bread and bottled water will be provided to enhance the tasting experience. Students will also receive an informative hand-out. If you would like more information on this session or any of the other classes being offered a brochure is available in PDF format on La Costa Wine Co.’s website under the heading “Classes”. They also have brochures available at the store if you prefer to pick one up.
Instructor, Michele Graber of ‘M’ Wine Education & Consulting, offers practical, fun classes to familiarize you with wine. Her goal is to supply you with the information and experience to make you comfortable, confident consumers so you know what you like and why! Please feel free to contact Michele directly at 858-442-2749 if you have any questions regarding the classes.
WEBSITE: La Costa Wine Co.
La Costa Wine Co.
6986 El Camino Real, Suite D
Carlsbad, CA 92009
ph. 760-431-8455
Filed under: Wine Tasting & Classes, Events
| May 21, 2010 | to | May 23, 2010 |
Join us for the 27th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival the marquee wine tasting event held along California’s Central Coast. Experience a weekend where wine tasting meets culinary delight; a weekend where the simple pleasures of wine, artisanal food and good company come together among the oaks and in the sun.The Paso Robles Wine Festival features more than 90 wineries pouring their best in the quaint Paso Robles Downtown City Park. Wine country cuisine and artisan foods are a true complement to the more than 400 wines being featured at this celebration. Music will resonate through the park on this spring day and the only thing missing is you.
Use the above tabs to navigate through the Wine Festival details.
Wine Tasting
Let your palate point the way through the park in search of your new favorite Paso Robles wine or stay true to those you know. Either way you are sure to have a good time discovering the unique wines of Paso Robles in this unlimited tasting format.
Artisan Alley
Take a walk through Artisan Alley to taste locally grown artisan products from the region. From olive oil to flowers, almonds to cheese, lamb to beef and everything in between. Click here to see a list of Artisan participants.
Demonstration Kitchen
At the demonstration kitchen, attendees will hear from local top chefs as they share their secrets of sourcing local ingredients through 30 minute demonstrations. List of Chefs and demonstration schedule.
Regional Food Masters
Great wine begets great food and the Paso Robles Wine Festival is no exception. Special attention is taken on what foods local vendors are able to present and sell to accompany the premium wines served. Plan to satisfy for food cravings here.
PLEASE TASTE RESPONSIBLY:
While visiting the Paso Robles Wine Country we strongly suggest that you practice the 4 S’s of responsible tasting:
SWIRL, SMELL, SIP & SPIT
Click Here for more info
Filed under: Wine Tasting & Classes, Food Festivals, Events
| May 21, 2010 | to | May 23, 2010 |
Join us for a festive weekend filled with a wide variety of authentic Greek Foods and homemade Greek Pastries.Taste the true flavors of Greece Souvlakia, Moussaka, Pastichio, Tiropita, and Spanakopita. Enjoy the sweetest Grecian delights - Baklava, Galactobouriko, Karidopita and Kourambiethes.Dance to live Greek music and enjoy traditional Greek folk dance exhibitions performed by our 2008 Folk Dance Festival award winning dance groups.Stroll through the Plaka and shop in the many souvenir booths filled with imported artifacts and jewelry.Visit the “Kid’s Zone” filled with games, rides and other special activities.Take a guided tour of Orange County’s oldest Byzantine Church. Tickets $3 per person at the gate.
For list of foods: http://www.ocgreekfest.com/food.html
To print your free ticket: http://www.ocgreekfest.com/StJohn_Festival09_e-ticket.pdf
St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church
405 N. Dale St.
Anaheim CA 92801
Filed under: Live Entertainment, Afternoon Events, Wine Tasting & Classes, Food Festivals, Fund Raisers with Food, Events
| April 17, 2010 | ||
| 6:00 pm | to | 10:00 pm |
Indulge all your senses this spring as Rhythm & Vine, a music and wine festival to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego returns to San Diego North for a one-of-a-kind tasting extravaganza. Held Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Westfield North County Mall in Escondido, the second annual Rhythm & Vine will feature over 60 world-class wineries, spirits and breweries; 35 restaurants and gourmet foods; and some seriously hot live music performances.Music, wine and food lovers will experience the best of all three worlds at this one-day celebration under the stars. Wineries and winemakers at the event from wine growing regions around the world will be represented, along with gourmet cuisine from the finest chefs of North County, an exclusive VIP tent and after-party, wine and lifestyle silent auction and performances from a variety of music genres.
All event proceeds from Rhythm & Vine benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego.
Enjoy a night of music, sipping wine and sampling the best food in the city while supporting the youth of San Diego.
For more information on Rhythm & Vine, please visit www.rhythmandvine.org.
Filed under: Fun, Fund Raisers with Wine, Wine Auction, Dinnertime Live Entertainment, Afternoon Events, Fund Raisers with Food, Food Festivals, Wine Tasting & Classes, Events
| March 14, 2010 | ||
| 1:00 pm | to | 6:00 pm |
Over two hundred wineries, all members of Family Winemakers of California, will be at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Sunday, March 14, for the Association’s 2nd annual appearance in San Diego. The Association has held trade-only tastings in Southern California since 2001 and has chosen to return to San Diego for this one-of-a-kind trade and consumer California wine tasting event. This large tasting will showcase small, family-owned wineries, many of which pour at very few events.
The tasting will be held on March 14, 2010 in Exhibit Hall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, California.
It will take place from 1:00-6:00pm, open to wine-buying trade only from 1:00-3:00pm, and to both the public and trade from 3:00-6:00pm.
Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door.
For more information on participating wineries, ticket sales, and trade registration, please go to www.familywinemakers.org.
For further information, please contact: tasting@familywinemakers.org or call at 415-705-0646.
Filed under: Afternoon Events, Wine Tasting & Classes, Industry Seminars, Meetings & Events, Events
Wine Tasting This Week during store hours“Vino From Italia”5 for $10Venica Collio Friulano 2007This vigorous wine, made from an indigenous varietal, with a careful vinification, develops unique characteristics: the color is straw yellow with greenish reflections, its bouquet is reminiscent of bitter almond, and its flavor delicately fruity. It can age for a few years in the bottle. Serve with poultry, fish, and pasta dishes.Pieropan Soave Classico Bianco 2003The 2005 Soave Classico (90% Garganega, 10% Trebbiano) reveals a delicate, minerally personality with sweet fruit and excellent length although it comes across as somewhat lean.Balbium Terre Di Balbia Calabria Rosso 2006The 2006 Balbium (Magliocco) is made by the Venica family, who are best known for the wines they produce in their native Friuli. This 2006 Balbium is a sleek, rich wine laced with perfumed red fruit, French oak and flowers. Medium in body, this attractive, mid-weight wine shows excellent length, even if the tannins dry out a touch on the close. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012.Marchesi De Frescobaldi Nipozzano Riserva Chianti Rufina 2006Shows sweet blueberry notes, with mineral and lilac. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and vanilla and bright fruit flavors. Clean and racy. Best after 2010.Dessilani Spanna Colline Novaresi Riserva 2005There’s some stewed plum and jam on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, with light tannins and a jammy, fruity finish. There’s plenty of fruit. Best after 2009.WE DO PRIVATE PARTIES, WINE PAIRING DINNERS AND EVENTS!Call for details: 818/224.5662
Filed under: Special Promotions, Wine Tasting & Classes
| April 19, 2010 | to | April 23, 2010 |
Join Us
In 2010 you will meet producers from Paso Robles at a series of trade and consumer events around the State of California. If these events are near you, take advantage of the opportunity to taste more than 150 wines from California’s fastest growing wine region. Experience how Paso Robles is the optimal area for producing more than 40 wine varieties. Updates on the cities, including exact dates, venues, times, RSVP (trade & media), and ticket information will begin in mid December.
Meet the Winemakers
This event is sponsored by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and brings the winemakers and principals themselves out of the cellar and into your neighborhood for these special market visits. Look for winemaker dinners at your favorite restaurant, tastings at your favorite bottleshop, or gather your friends for a walk around tasting that can bring more than 40 Paso Robles wineries under one roof at a unique venue space in your town.
Click Here for more information
Filed under: Wine Tasting & Classes, Events
| March 19, 2010 | to | March 21, 2010 |
From backyard barbecue to gourmet dishes, from family dinners to a romantic afternoon picnic, Zinfandel is the perfect companion to your Wine Country experience. Join Paso Robles Wine Country in celebration of Zinfandel March 19 - 21, 2010.
Tickets to the Zin Tasting and Wine Country Auction are now on sale! Purchase your ticket and experience what happens when Zinfandel producers and enthusiasts come together on one vibrant evening of wine, food, and one-of-a-kind auction lots as we celebrate at the Paso Robles Event Center.
A portion of the proceeds from the Zin Tasting will be donated to causes benefiting health, education and community services for the vineyard worker population in the local community. We strongly encourage advance ticket purchase as these events sell out quickly. All ticket holders must be 21 or older to attend event.
2010 Zin Tasting
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Paso Robles Event Center, Paso Robles, CA
Click Here for more info
Filed under: Fun, culinary seminars, Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting & Classes, Food Festivals, Events
| January 30, 2010 | ||
| March 12, 2010 | ||
| March 13, 2010 | to | March 14, 2010 |
| March 27, 2010 | ||
Celebrate Napa Valley’s food, wine, art, agricultural and cultural bounties during the Mustard Season, January through March. The Napa Valley Mustard Festival offers a full palette of food, wine, art, entertainment, and cultural activities staged throughout the world-famous grape growing region when vineyards are vibrant with wild mustard in bloom: A perfect reason to visit The Legendary Napa Valley during winter.
* Mustard Magic ~ January 30, 2010
* The Awards ~ March 12, 2010
* Napa Riverwalk Marketplace ~ March 13 & 14, 2010
* The Photo Finish ~ March 27, 2010
CLICK HERE for more info
Filed under: culinary seminars, Fun, Wine Tasting & Classes, Food Festivals, Events
Wine tasting in Temecula. Take advantage of the special rates for the month of September.
For more information call: 1.800.801.9463
Filed under: Wine Tasting & Classes, Temecula Valley
Sample the nectar from regions near and far, with savory samplings of cheese to match, at this upscale tasting room. $35 per person.
Schedule of upcoming Eno-Versity Sessions:
August 14: Chocolate tasting
August 28: Big Bold California Cabs
For more information or to make reservations contact: 949.240.2000
Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
www.enowinerooms.com
Filed under: Special Promotions, Wine Tasting & Classes
You’ll find excellent prices on tasting wines by the bottle & we’ve made it easy on your wallet to have an extra glass of your favorite wine too. Wine Awareness Thursday Tastings w/ Garrett Carrington of Wine Warehouse. Served w/ Avanti Tasty Bites. $11 per person from 6:30 to 8 PM.
Avanti Cafe
259 E. 17th St
Costa Mesa CA, 92627
Filed under: Special Promotions, Wine Tasting & Classes
You’ll find excellent prices on tasting wines by the bottle & we’ve made it easy on your wallet to have an extra glass of your favorite wine too. Wine Awareness Thursday Tastings w/ Garrett Carrington of Wine Warehouse. Served w/ Avanti Tasty Bites. $11 per person from 6:30 to 8 PM.
Avanti Cafe
259 E. 17th St
Costa Mesa CA, 92627
Filed under: Special Promotions, Wine Tasting & Classes
Kimera Restaurant now offers guests wine samplings from around the world at the newly opened Decanter Wine bar. The $18.00 wine tastings will focus on wines from beautiful Argentina, the largest producer of wine in South America. The final stop of the June tour will be in charming Portugal.
For more information call: 949-261-1222
Filed under: Special Promotions, Wine Tasting & Classes
Big Red Bus, Morry’s of Naples and Tracht’s presents Saturday Sippers, with additional wine tastings on the bus. This month’s theme is wines from Sonoma County. Saturday Sippers wine tasting tours every second Saturday of the month. Guests will board the double-decker Big Red Bus where they’ll breeze through Long Beach between stops at Morry’s of Naples and Tracht’s. This month, guests will enjoy additional wine pours on the bus as they take a relaxing and scenic drive along the harbor and waterfront. Enjoy tastings of hand-selected wines and appetizers at each venue on the open-air tour. Future dates: June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12 & Oct. 10. Guests will start their tour at Morry’s where they will enjoy a wine and appetizer tasting before boarding the Big Red Bus to continue the tour to Tracht’s plus wine tastings on the bus ride.$42 per person.
Purchase tickets online at:www.ticketderby.com/saturdaysipper
Filed under: Afternoon Events, Special Promotions, Wine Tasting & Classes, Long Beach
California Wineries will be on hand to share there knowledge and enjoy fabulous hors d’ oeuvres and cheeses paired will three to four varietals. $30 per person.
For more information call: 714.744.4442
Filed under: Special Promotions, Wine Tasting & Classes
When you enter the Lab, all the wine stored on the wall is red. On the left is our Rhone varietals section (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, etc.) and on the right is the Bordeaux varietals section (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, etc.) I love both of these groups of wines. Each group is often blended to create unique flavor experiences.
Please join us as we continue to allow you to taste wines from across the wine spectrum. More info at: winelabnewport.com
Wine Lab Newport
2901 W. Coast Hwy - Suite 100
Newport Beach 92663
949-515-VINO
Filed under: Wine Tasting & Classes
An informal wine tasting mixer on the first Wednesday of every month. The first one will take place on May 6th, at 6:30 pm.
For more information visit: www.thewineryrestaurant.net
Filed under: Special Promotions, Wine Tasting & Classes
join us every Tuesday 5 to 6:30 for wine tasting.
visit: news@charliepalmer.com for more info.
Filed under: Spirit Tastings Etc, Wine Tasting & Classes
All events on the Great Taste Calendar are submitted by individuals outside of Great Taste and are subject to change without notice. Contact each individual restaurant/venue for their most updated event information.