Show 563, February 3, 2024: The L.A. International Wine Competition with Chairperson Spreti Valente, MS

Certified Sommelier Spreti Valente

“The Los Angeles International Wine Competition {LAIWC) at Fairplex in Pomona is celebrating 89 years, the oldest wine competition in the USA, tracing its heritage back to the end of the Prohibition era in 1935.”

“As the original L.A.-based competition, the Los Angeles International Wine Competition was established to celebrate the resurgence of winemaking and has continued to uphold its legacy as one of the United States’ foremost wine competitions. With a rich history and a global reach, this competition has attracted entries from wine regions across the world.”

“Under the expert leadership of Chairwoman Spreti Valente, CS, the competition is set for a momentous 2024 edition. Valente, a passionate advocate for exceptional wines, has embarked on a mission to survey diverse wine regions, having already journeyed through much of California, New Mexico, Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and the Finger Lakes Region of New York in search of outstanding wines to enter into the competition.”

The final entry deadline is Feb. 23, 2024, with judging scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on March 20 and 21, 2024.

“Medal-winning wines from LAIWC are featured in the LA County Fair’s wine education program and are poured at a special consumer event in the summer, Cheers. Cheers offers wine aficionados and casual wine drinkers an opportunity to explore the best of the best from the competition, providing them with guidance as they select wines to drink at home and at play.”

Chairwoman Spreti Valente joins us to uncork all that is the Los Angeles International Wine Competition.

Show 558, December 30, 2023: Sommelier Diego Meraviglia, “Campania Unveiled”

Sommelier Diego Meraviglia

Last month at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West and Italy’s Regione Campania hosted “Campania Unveiled – A Gastronomic Exploration Through Tastings and Education” for the trade and media. Sommelier and wine educator Diego Meraviglia presented an informative Master Class on the wines of Campania including a guided tasting of 6 wines as well as an overview of the area.

For red wines the area is known for Aglianico and Piedirosso. For white varieties expect Asprinio, Fiano, Greco and Falanghina.

Geographically the area is best recognized for the Almafi Coast and Naples.

Sommelier Diego Meraviglia is our guest gently pulling the cork on the wines of Campania.

Show 553, November 25, 2023: Switchback Ridge Winery, Calistoga, with Sommelier Pierson Ryan Part One

Ryan Pierson of Switchback Ridge

Switchback Ridge winery produces handcrafted estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah sourced exclusively from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga, Napa Valley.” In recent years they have added a non-estate Sauvignon Blanc (with meticulously sourced premium fruit) to broaden the line.

“In 1914, Eliza and Mads Peterson purchased a 100-acre property located on the floor of the Napa Valley at the mouth of Dutch Henry Canyon. Both Eliza and Mads had immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s–Eliza from Ireland and Mads from Denmark–and headed westward as so many did at that time, seeking a place to call home.”

“The property, located just off the Silverado Trail between St. Helena and Calistoga, hosted a small Zinfandel vineyard. With the onset of Prohibition in 1920, prunes quickly became the cash crop in Napa Valley, and the Petersons planted a plum orchard to help provide for their large family. Caring for the orchard, as well as a large vegetable garden and numerous farm animals, was a full-time job for the whole family, including the six boys and three girls.”

“When the time came to pass the property on, the daughters, and not the sons, took the responsibility. Vera, Carrie, and Mae worked to preserve the family legacy, maintaining the buildings, plum orchard, vegetable garden and livestock. Vera worked the land, Carrie managed the books and Mae returned each summer to help the harvest. Vera’s son, John Peterson, grew up working the farm and, in turn, taught his children, Trish, Kelly and Johnny, the reward of hard work. The inspiration sparked by Mads’s dream, set a true legacy in motion.”

“Slowly the plum orchards transitioned to vineyards, and by the 1990s grape vines were thriving on the property that once hosted plums. The soils with plenty of drainage and a warm, sunny climate made the area perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. There are currently 21 acres under vine, which includes a sixty-plus year-old block of dry farmed Petite Sirah that John Peterson helped plant as a young child.”

“The inspiration to embark upon a family wine project first came to Kelly (representing the 4th generation of Peterson Family ownership) in 1995 with the death of her great aunt, Carrie. Auntie, as she was affectionately called, emphatically insisted that her old vine block of Petite Sirah, or “Pets” as she called them, “not be touched” when the property was replanted in 1990. At the time there was little respect or interest in Petite Sirah and total acreage in California was down to an all-time low of only 1,700 acres. After her death, there was a renewed interest in the variety and Kelly vowed to make a Petite Sirah varietal wine in her honor. That dream became a reality in 1999, with the help of family friend and winemaker Bob Foley, when Switchback Ridge produced its first vintage.”

“Switchback Ridge is named for the winding trails in the hills above the vineyard that John explored as a child. Today Kelly Peterson continues the legacy that began with her great-grandfather, Mads, over a hundred years ago.”

Certified Sommelier Pierson Ryan who is the National Sales Director for Switchback Ridge joins us to pull the cork on all that is Switchback Ridge.

Show 553, November 25, 2023: Switchback Ridge Winery, Calistoga, with Sommelier Pierson Ryan Part Two

Ryan Pierson of Switchback Ridge

Switchback Ridge winery produces handcrafted estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah sourced exclusively from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga, Napa Valley.” In recent years they have added a non-estate Sauvignon Blanc (with meticulously sourced fruit) to broaden the line.

“In 1914, Eliza and Mads Peterson purchased a 100-acre property located on the floor of the Napa Valley at the mouth of Dutch Henry Canyon. Both Eliza and Mads had immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s–Eliza from Ireland and Mads from Denmark–and headed westward as so many did at that time, seeking a place to call home.”

“When the time came to pass the property on, the daughters, and not the sons, took the responsibility. Vera, Carrie, and Mae worked to preserve the family legacy, maintaining the buildings, plum orchard, vegetable garden and livestock. Vera worked the land, Carrie managed the books and Mae returned each summer to help the harvest. Vera’s son, John Peterson, grew up working the farm and, in turn, taught his children, Trish, Kelly and Johnny, the reward of hard work. The inspiration sparked by Mads’s dream, set a true legacy in motion.”

“Slowly the plum orchards transitioned to vineyards, and by the 1990s grape vines were thriving on the property that once hosted plums. The soils with plenty of drainage and a warm, sunny climate made the area perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. There are currently 21 acres under vine, which includes a sixty-plus year-old block of dry farmed Petite Sirah that John Peterson helped plant as a young child.”

“The inspiration to embark upon a family wine project first came to Kelly (representing the 4th generation of Peterson Family ownership) in 1995 with the death of her great aunt, Carrie. Auntie, as she was affectionately called, emphatically insisted that her old vine block of Petite Sirah, or “Pets” as she called them, “not be touched” when the property was replanted in 1990. At the time there was little respect or interest in Petite Sirah and total acreage in California was down to an all-time low of only 1,700 acres. After her death, there was a renewed interest in the variety and Kelly vowed to make a Petite Sirah varietal wine in her honor. That dream became a reality in 1999, with the help of family friend and winemaker Bob Foley, when Switchback Ridge produced its first vintage.”

“Switchback Ridge is named for the winding trails in the hills above the vineyard that John explored as a child. Today Kelly Peterson continues the legacy that began with her great-grandfather, Mads, over a hundred years ago.”

Certified Sommelier Pierson Ryan who is the National Sales Director for Switchback Ridge stays with us pulling the cork on all that is Switchback Ridge.

Show 551, November 11, 2023: Madeira Wine with Sommelier and Wines of Portugal Brand Ambassador Eugenio Jardim Part One

Sommelier Eugenio Jardim

Madeira Wine from Portugal can be appreciated at any time. According to each type, Dry Madeiras are great with aperitifs, as well as the Medium Dry ones, which are also a wonderful complement of soups. Cheeses are perfect to pair with Medium Sweet Madeiras, while Sweet Madeiras are ideal for sweets, chocolate and with an excellent premium coffee.”

“Food matching with Madeira Wine suggestions are endless and they can be truly surprising, offering flavors, aromas, textures, and unique sensations, You just have to dare yourself!”

At the Maderia Wine Experience’s recent Food and Wine Pairing seminar at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, Eugenio boldly paired Sablefish with white miso and compressed pineapple with Barbeito Baltimore Rainwater Special Reserve Madeira. It matched well.

Sommelier and Wines of Portugal US Brand Ambassador Eugenio Jardim is our guest to help us discover the beauty and versatility of Madeira wine.

Show 551, November 11, 2023: Madeira Wine with Sommelier and Wines of Portugal Brand Ambassador Eugenio Jardim Part Two

Sommelier Eugenio Jardim

Madeira Wine from Portugal can be appreciated at any time. According to each type, Dry Madeiras are great with aperitifs, as well as the Medium Dry ones, which are also a wonderful complement of soups. Cheeses are perfect to pair with Medium Sweet Madeiras, while Sweet Madeiras are ideal for sweets, chocolate and with an excellent premium coffee.”

“Food matching with Madeira Wine suggestions are endless and they can be truly surprising, offering flavors, aromas, textures, and unique sensations, You just have to dare yourself!”

Sommelier and Wines of Portugal US Brand Ambassador Eugenio Jardim continues with us to help us discover the beauty and versatility of Madeira wine.

Show 539, August 19, 2023: Sommelier Rick Arline, Director of Beverage, The City Club L.A. – The Wines of Loire Valley, France Part One

Rick Arline of the City Club Los Angeles

“Within France’s 3rd largest Appellation wine region, stretching from the Atlantic coast to Auvergne, Loire Valley wines represent the balance point between north and south, mellowness and freshness, arts and literature, tradition and modernity.”

“From this harmonious blending, helped by a generally temperate climate and remarkably varied terroirs, comes a great diversity of wines. 20 per cent of the production is exported to over 150 countries amounting to over 54 million bottles in 2020.”

Cabernet Franc, the Loire region’s leading red varietal, is generally made into single-varietal wines. “They are crystal-clear and luminous in color, ranging from candy pink to raspberry, with aromatic finesse that is perceptible on the nose. On the palate, they express marked notes of ripe red berries (strawberries, raspberries and red currants) and tropical fruits. Their mellow smoothness mixes with their luscious indulgent character.”

The wines of Loire Valley are generally available locally at your favorite wine merchant including The Wine House in West Los Angeles, K & L Wine Merchants in Hollywood and Hi-Times Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa.

Sommelier Rick Arline, Director of Beverage, The City Club, Los Angeles is our well-informed guide to the wines of Loire Valley.

Show 539, August 19, 2023: Sommelier Rick Arline, Director of Beverage, The City Club L.A. – The Wines of Loire Valley, France Part Two

Rick Arline of the City Club Los Angeles

“Within France’s 3rd largest Appellation wine region, stretching from the Atlantic coast to Auvergne, Loire Valley wines represent the balance point between north and south, mellowness and freshness, arts and literature, tradition and modernity.”

“From this harmonious blending, helped by a generally temperate climate and remarkably varied terroirs, comes a great diversity of wines. 20 per cent of the production is exported to over 150 countries amounting to over 54 million bottles in 2020.”

Cabernet Franc, the Loire region’s leading red varietal, is generally made into single-varietal wines. “They are crystal-clear and luminous in color, ranging from candy pink to raspberry, with aromatic finesse that is perceptible on the nose. On the palate, they express marked notes of ripe red berries (strawberries, raspberries and red currants) and tropical fruits. Their mellow smoothness mixes with their luscious indulgent character.”

The wines of Loire Valley are generally available locally at your favorite wine merchant including The Wine House in West Los Angeles, K & L Wine Merchants in Hollywood and Hi-Times Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa.

Sommelier Rick Arline, Director of Beverage, The City Club, Los Angeles continues as our well-informed guide to the wines of Loire Valley.

Show 509, January 28, 2023: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part One

Jonathan Rosenson of FIrst and Oak

Jonathan Rosenson is the knowledgeable and personable Owner and Creative Director for Coquelicot Organic Estate Vineyards in Solvang (vineyard) with their Tasting Room in Los Olivos. He’s also a seasoned restaurateur and hotelier.

“Jonathan Rosenson, a level 2 sommelier, currently is director of hospitality for a collection of boutique hotels consisting of the Mirabelle Inn, Solvang, CA, Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, CA, and The Mansion on Sutter, San Francisco, CA. Each boutique hotel offers luxurious dining options in an on-site destination restaurant including the Michelin Plate awarded First & Oak in Solvang.”

“Jonathan is also the creative director and owner for Coquelicot Estate Vineyards and is heavily involved in their wine growing and wholesale practices. Past endeavors have included The Sky Room in Long Beach, Wine Cask, Santa Barbara, and Bernard’s Wine Gallery. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry Jonathan is a seasoned pro at creating a culinary experience. Crafting elaborate menus, exquisite tastings, and special events are his forte.”

Jonathan joins us to uncork all that is First & Oak and Coquelicot Estate Vineyard.

Show 509, January 28, 2023: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part Two

Jonathan Rosenson of FIrst and Oak

Jonathan Rosenson is the knowledgeable and personable Owner and Creative Director for Coquelicot Organic Estate Vineyards in Solvang (vineyard) with their Tasting Room in Los Olivos. He’s also a seasoned restaurateur and hotelier.

“Jonathan Rosenson, a level 2 sommelier, currently is director of hospitality for a collection of boutique hotels consisting of the Mirabelle Inn, Solvang, CA, Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, CA, and The Mansion on Sutter, San Francisco, CA. Each boutique hotel offers luxurious dining options in an on-site destination restaurant including the Michelin Plate awarded First & Oak in Solvang.”

“Jonathan is also the creative director and owner for Coquelicot Estate Vineyards and is heavily involved in their wine growing and wholesale practices. Past endeavors have included The Sky Room in Long Beach, Wine Cask, Santa Barbara, and Bernard’s Wine Gallery. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry Jonathan is a seasoned pro at creating a culinary experience. Crafting elaborate menus, exquisite tastings, and special events are his forte.”

Jonathan continues with us pulling the cork on all that is First & Oak and Coquelicot Estate Vineyard.