Friday, July 19, 2013

Esporao Reserva Red 2009, Portugal

What a great red blend of Aragones (Tempranillo), Trincadeira (the dark grape used in Port wine), Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet (similar to a Garnacha)!

Fermented in stainless steel tanks, aged in French (30%) and American (70%) oak for 12 months and another 12 in bottle.

Deep red colors in the glass, rich, powerful and full bodied, spicy and herbal aromas with super ripe red berries on the palate along with wood and smoke. Good deep tannins and a wonderful balance. Really enjoyed this gem from Portugal. $25 SRP.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Monterey Wine Festival


FIRST EVER “WINE FEST!” TO BE HELD ON JULY 27, 2013 AT THE MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR & EVENT CENTER
The Next Generation of Wine Festivals is coming to the Monterey County Fair & Event Center!

July 2013. Monterey, CA.  IntroducingWINE FEST! – a Wine Festival and an amazing party for everyone! Don’t miss this new, fun festival that celebrates the wine industry in Monterey County and throughout the globe.  WINEFEST! will be held on Saturday afternoon,  July 27, 2013 at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.
WINE FEST! is an exciting and unique new event produced by Jeff Moses (founder of the Monterey Beer Festival), in association with the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation (a 501(c)3 non-profit organization). It was created for the averagewine drinker; those who like wine, but aren't experts regarding wine varietals, wine styles and wine brands. WINE FEST!  will offer reasonably priced wines for tasting in the outdoor main lawn area at the Monterey Fair & Event Center and high-end wines in an indoor, 10,000-square foot VIP lounge building. Attendees are sure to discover their new favorite wines.
WINE FEST! will feature over 100 greatwines, and more than 10 craft beers including Mimosas and Fresh Fruit Sangria. There will be live music and a DJ, as well as six gourmet food trucks. During the event, six local artists will paint live graffiti and murals, followed by a People’s Choice Graffiti Art & Mural Contest. There will also be a People’s Choice Contest for favorite wine labels and favorite red and white wines, with an award going to the winning wineries.
VIP ticket holders will receive special wines, early entry and an all-day exclusive lounging area. In addition, V.I.P. goers will be able to sip orange & mango mimosas & enjoy winesnacks, beginning at 11:00 AM.
WINE FEST! AT A GLANCE:
WHERE: Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey.
TICKET INFORMATION:
Tickets are available in the online store atwww.WineFestMonterey.com and include all of the wine and beer for the day.
Special VIP Tickets. VIP entry is at 11:00 AM. VIP Admission Presale (through July 26, 2013) is $55 or $60 at the door and includes private access to the indoor VIP building.
Buy your tax-deductible tickets early. (Tax ID # 77-0402426). 
General Admission Presale (through July 26, 2013) is $40 or $45 at the door. 
Parking: $15 on site or nearby on Fairground Road. Green Pedal Couriers will offer free Bike Valet Service.
Age: Must be 21 and over.
Hotels/Sponsorships: Special hotel packages and sponsorships are also available at www.WineFestMonterey.com
Phone/Email: (831) 372-5863 orinfo@montereycountyfair.com

PARTICIPATING WINERIES (PARTIAL LIST):
Mimosa Wines 
Stomper Graffiti Wines
Frey Vineyards
McIntyre Vineyards
Kokopelli Winery of Arizona
Spiced Vines
Blackstone
Black Box
Ooh La La
Red Guitar
Simply Naked
Bernardus
Blair Estates
Comanche Cellars
Leal Vineyards
Chateau Julien
Scheid
District 7
Holman Ranch
Cass Vineyards
Wente Vineyards
Figge Winery
Wrath Wines

PARTICIPATING BREWERIES (PARTIAL LIST)
Big Hurt Beer - http://www.BigHurtBeer.com
Peter B's - http://www.portolahotel.com/dining/brewpub
Sierra Nevada - http://www.sierranevada.com
Mendocino Brewing -http://www.mendobrew.com/home.html
SPECIAL LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
DJ Hanif Wondir spins EDM & Hip Hop, including rock bands, CASEY FRAZIER & DANI PAIGE, with a special appearance by hip-hop & groove, ANIMAL FARM.
Music Set:
Early VIP & First Set - DJ Hanif Wondir -                 http://www.hanifwondir.com/
Second Set -              Casey Fraiser Band -           https://www.facebook.com/CaseyFrazierMusic
Third Set -                  Dani Paige Band -                 http://www.danipaigeband.com/
Fourth Set -    Hanif Wondi & Animal Farm http://www.reverbnation.com/animalfarmrecords
GRAFFITI & MURAL ARTISTS
 Six local artists will paint live graffiti and murals during the event on 4 ft x 8 ft wooden canvases:
Amanda Burkman –   https://www.facebook.com/amanda.burkman
Gabe Peralez -http://www.lighthousedistrict.net/merchantdetails.php?pid=733
Lisa Haas   -  http:www.LisaHaasDesign.com
Eric Mallari -https://www.facebook.com/ERICMALLARIONE
Skan Arts -https://www.facebook.com/SKANARTS?ref=ts&fref=ts
Reggie Lee – Local Graffiti Artist
ABOUT THE MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR HERITAGE FOUNDATION:
The Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation supports the functions of the Monterey County Fair (August 28-September 2, 2013) and its mission. Primarily, the Heritage Foundation funds capital improvements at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, described as one of the most beautiful Fairgrounds in the country. The Heritage Foundation also funds special projects such as School Tour Day and Special Friends Day plus a special student scholarship. The Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation benefits Monterey County through increased ag literacy by educating school children about where their food and fiber comes from, encouraging health, nutrition and fitness. The community is urged to join the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation and receive great VIP benefits at the upcoming Monterey County Fair and other events held throughout the year. Also, honor your family and loved ones by buying a brick in the Heritage Foundation’s Brick-a-Thon Campaign. Check out the newly laid brick path outside of Gate 5. For more information, go towww.montereycountyfair.com/heritage or call(831) 372-5863.
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