Monday, September 27, 2010

9/27-What's Cookin' on Wine with Michael Jordan and Mike Horn

Live from Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Pasadena, California sommelier Michael Horn and  master sommelier Michael Jordan talk about the lastest news, topics, and much more in the world of wine.

Monday, September 20, 2010

9/20-Michael Weiss, Jim Fiolek

Michael Weiss-Exploring Wine: The Culinary Institute of America's Guide to Wines of the World, 2nd Edition

Michael Weiss is originally from Montreal Canada from a family involved with catering
and hotels. He has 20 years of restaurant experience and has worked as Chef Sommelier and Maitre D' at 4 and 5 star hotels. Michael joined the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York in 1987 and is the chair of wine studies.
Michael Weiss has served as a wine judge in America and abroad. Mr Weiss has a Bachelor of Science in Education , a hotel management diploma, and holds the advanced certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers. In 1998, the Corporation des Vignerons des Champagne France chose him as the American recipient of the St Vincent Diploma of Honor. In 2007 he was inducted in to the Confaria (Brotherhood)of Porto and received the European Wine Councils life time achievement award for wine education.In 2009 he
received the distinguished service award from the Italian Trade Commission.
Michael lectures at wine festivals, conferences, and dinners and features music at many events. He writes a wine column for Hudson Valley Connoisseur magazine. Michael Weiss is co-author of Exploring Wine, a textbook published by Wiley, that was nominated for the James Beard award. He is also co-author of Wine Wise 2009 winner of the James Beard award for best beverage book and Georges Dubouef award for best wine book . Michael Weiss lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with his wife Jennifer who is an artist and art therapist. .
Michael Weiss, C.H.E., The Charmer Sunbelt Group Endowed Chair for Wines and Spirits, Professor in Table Service
Education: B.S., State University of New York, Empire State College, Saratoga Springs, NY; C.E.G.E.P., Dawson College, Montreal, Canada; New York Hotel Management School, NYC. Professional Experience: Adjunct Professor, New School University, NYC. Chef Sommelier, Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach, FL. Maître d’Hôtel, Don Cesar, St. Petersburg, FL. Head Sommelier, Colony Beach Resort, Long Boat Key, FL; Arnauds, New Orleans. Wine Judge, National Restaurant Association, 1987. Author: Exploring Wine. Awards: Diploma of Honor, Corporation des Cignerons de Champagne, 1998. Member: Sommelier Society of America, East Coast Chapter.
Breathtaking vistas overlook valleys and mountains studded with ancient oaks, brilliant wild flowers and magnificent vineyards. Taking a leisurely country drive allows you to fully appreciate the winemaking experience while viewing the ever changing seasons. Pruning in the winter, bud break in spring, canopy management in summer, culminates with the fall harvest. It is a wonderful discovery for any traveler! You'll find great restaurants, galleries, country inns and exceptional tasting rooms. Friendly and knowledgeable people are waiting to welcome, serve and delight you.

Monday, September 13, 2010

9/13-Russ Meek, Bill Brinton

Russ Meek-Sommelier of Red White + Bluezz and The Pasadena Wine Festival

The Pasadena Wine Festival, will be held at the Los Angeles Arboretum on Saturday October 9, 2010 from 2:00 pm to 10 pm.
PLEASE NOTE: Online ticket sales end Friday October 8th at midnight. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate at the Arboretum beginning at 11AM Saturday October 9th.
Fun Stuff you can Expect at the Festival:
  • Stroll the grounds of the beautiful Arboretum and Botanical Garden
  • Tram Tours of the entire 127 Acres
  • Experience wines from California and around the world
  • Learn about and taste cheeses from California and beyond
  • Dine at communal tables while enjoying your wine or scope an area underneath one of the umbrellas
  • Challenge your friends for a game of Bocci Ball, Horse Shoes, Ultimate golf challenge or just throw around the Frisbee
  • Most of all RELAX with friends on the Arboretum's grass while enjoying some vino and listening to some of the area most renowned musical artist—from jazz to funk, to blues and salsa
  • Bring blankets or beach chairs and enjoy the experience under the stars

Bill Brinton resides in Sonoma, but his roots are deep in the Midwest. Midwesterners are known for strong American values, respect for family and institutions, and the ability to create and recognize value in products.

In 1993, Bill, a graduate of the Columbia University MBA program, established a natural products and nutritional beverage firm, The Wiman Beverage Company. This company was sold to a larger firm in 2000.

Bill enjoys vineyard selection and development, as well as the critical evaluation and blending of the juice from grapes into wine. The wines are styled to pair wonderfully with a wide variety of fresh foods, and his vision is to create wines that could be sold for $30 to $75 per bottle, but that provide an exceptional value in the $20 to $25 price range. Value and integrity are the cornerstone of Midwestern values, and the basis upon which Charles Creek Vineyard was founded.

Monday, September 6, 2010

9/6-Kevin Zraly, Honore Comfort

Happy Labor Day!

Kevin Zraly-Windows on the World Wine School



Author and TeacherWindows on The World Complete Wine Course

  • Wine Director of Windows on the World from 1976 - 2001
  • Author of the Windows on the World Complete Wine Course book. Over 3 million copies sold.
  • Founder and instructor of the Windows on the World Wine School, with over 500 students per year. Almost 20,000 students have completed the course to date.
  • Culinary Institute of America's Board of Trustees member since 1990.
  • Recipient of the James Beard Award for Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year.
  • 2009 recipient of Sante's Wine Professional of the Year Award.
  • Recipient of the European Wine Council Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • Kevin has been featured in The New York Times, People Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, GQ Magazine, and Newsweek.
  • Kevin has appeared on the major television networks in the United States including The Early Show on CBS andLive! with Regis and Kelly on ABC.

By combining the Sonoma County Showcase of Wine & Food with the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction, food and wine lovers can revel in the style and sophistication of the popular Taste of Sonoma event before spending an afternoon unlike any other at the 18th Annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction – all in one weekend! It’s an unprecedented partnership of two great events with one goal: Celebrating Sonoma’s incredible bounty of food, wine and fun while raising much needed funds for Sonoma's local charities. Participants experience first-hand the diversity and world-class quality of the region’s artisanal wine and food and distinctive epicurean experiences. Two main events, Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch on Saturday, September 4 and Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction, presented by Trilogy Glass & Packaging, at Cline Cellars on Sunday, September 5 are the signature attractions. More than 150 wineries and 60 chefs offer their wines and food for sampling at Taste of Sonoma, which also includes wine seminars, chef demonstrations, vineyard experiences and a top chef competition.  
The always over-the-top Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction, renowned for its irreverent themes and hilarious winemaker performances, continues the tradition with a California Beach Party theme to raise funds for local charities. Winemaker lunches and dinners on Friday, September 3 and additional dinners on Saturday, September 4 offer a select group of ticket holders a more intimate Sonoma food and wine experience.