Appellation Paso Robles Grand Tasting Tour 2010
On April 20th from 6-8pm at the Sacramento Grand Ballroom (629 J Street), wine enthusiasts of all levels can enjoy appetizers and taste award-winning wines from more than 30 winemakers from California’s third largest wine producing region: Paso Robles. Leading up to this main event are smaller, more intimate wine tasting opportunities as well as [...]
The Days of Wine and Chocolate
I just heard about the 13th Annual Lodi Wine and Chocolate Weekend coming up this Saturday and Sunday. It’s co-sponsored by VinVillage and VinVillage Radio, an organization that is new to me. Turns out VinVillage is a new social group for people who like food and wine (and who doesn’t, really?). They are groups all [...]
Wine Starting Wednesday & Beyond
If our wonderful Sacramento area weather has you chomping at the bit, chomp no more! There are a handful of Wednesday wine events to immerse yourself into for pleasure and great education. Then look beyond to the weekend for more wine. Unified Wine & Grape Symposium January 26th through the 29th Sacramento Convention Center Highlight: [...]
Navagating to Nekeas in the Navarra
So just what is Nekeas anyway? A winery making excellent wines in the Navarra region of Spain. Although I’m home now, not continuing to share more of my amazing adventures would be withholding great information. Who knows when one may decide to venture off to Northwest Spain! To give a quick overview of the Navarra, [...]
Navarra Wine, Historic Town: Bodegas Irache and Estella
Bodegas Irache is located in Ayegui, two kilometres from Estella. It was established in 1891 however it’s vineyards go back to the 12th century. The Monestary de Irache, also 12th century, is literally right next to the winery. The monestary was the first hospital for pilgrims on the Way to Compostela. Irache built a new [...]
Wine, Almonds and Hiking in Spain
Hiking in Spain is absolutely beautiful. In addition to our food and wine adventures this trip, we’ve gone on several hikes. Starting in Barcelona, you’ve got Montserrat, a short train ride from the city. From this monastery dating back a few hundred years, (who’s counting centuries!) you have magnificent views of the surrounding area. Depending [...]
Traditional Wine in La Rioja
Established in 1877 and located in the town of Haro, Bodegas Lopez de Heredia is the third oldest bodega (winery) in Rioja, run by the family’s fourth generation, and make wine in a ‘tradional’ method. The visit was fascinating and oh so different from the typical California winery tour (not that I don’t like California [...]
A Sweet Bodega in Navarra
We drove to the the southern end of the Navarra wine region to the town of Corella for our 11:30 a.m. tour of Bodegas Camilo Castilla, the oldest winery in this region. They specialize in sweet wine made from the “Muscat de petit grain” grape, a.k.a. small berry Muscat. The bodega makes four wines with [...]
Fall Into Food Events
It’s officially autumn on Monday (despite the temperatures), and the food events are piling up like pumpkins. Enjoy the last days of Indian summer with some food and drink with friends! 7th Annual Autumn Equinox Celebration, Saturday, Sept. 19, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening at Soil Born Farm, an urban agricultural oasis nestled [...]
Riesling at the Rail Bridge
A casual symposium is coming our way on Monday, May 18th! Located at Sacramento’s own Rail Bridge Cellars, this workshop is brought to you by wine merchant Donal Smith of Corti Bros., and features three wonderfully talented winemakers; Scott Harvey of Scott Harvey Wines in Napa (Scott also spent several years making wine in Germany), [...]
