Learn About Wine Blog

SummerTASTE at The Grove “White Wine: Chardonnay vs. ABC” on June 1^st

Hi everyone! Summer is there so it is time for SummerTASTE!!

LearnAboutWine hosts a series of wine events called SummerTASTE on first Wednesday each month from May to October!

May event theme was white wines around the world “White Wine: Chardonnay vs. ABC”

Special Guest: Laura Holmes Haddad – AKA Gourmet Grrl, author of  …”Anything but Chardonnay”

Click HERE to see SummerTaste photos.

File Under: Social tasting, beautiful outdoor location, 10-12 producers sharing ideas, concepts, education, and sampling 200 consumers at #1 Los Angeles shopping complex “THE GROVE” – outside at the fountain park near Nordstorm.  Easy to park, easy to shop, easy to dine, great movie theaters… and now great wine tasting gatherings the first Wednesday of  every month – May thru October. DJ Music, Dog Friendly, Appetizer Foods Provided

Join us…we raise money for Children’s Cancer and Aids Research Charity,

TJ MARTELL FOUNDATION, and we raise the interest in great wine through our tastings… DJ music fills the air, wine fills the glass, and for one small price. Nice foods catered and tailored for each event … and you can bring a well behaved dog on a leash if you have one, as we enjoy the grassy setting.

Chardonnay, in all its forms, is America’s number one white wine.  Production styles vary in extremes – oak, butter, crisp, mineral, unoaked, apple, pear, creamy, ripe, dry, fresh, pure… as complex as white wine can get – to as clean and crisp and pure as possible.  Over the last decade, Chardonnay has been under attack by what we call the “ABC” movement.  “ANYTHING BUT CHARDONNAY” – Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, Viognier, Marsanne, Blends, Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Chenin and thousands of white varietals converged on the white wine category… distracting and tempting the Chardonnay lovers with endless options.  Come enjoy the temptations and see which wine you enjoy the most….

Wine List:

Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards, Chardonnay, Napa, 2008

Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards, Pinot Gris, Napa, 2006

Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, 2009

Ahnfeldt, “Provocative”, Chardonnay, Caneros, 2009

Ahnfeldt, Pinot Grigio, Caneros, 2008

Buttonwood Farm Winery, “Zingy”, Sauvignon Blanc, Estate, Santa Ynez, 2010

Buttonwood Farm Winery, Sauvignon Blanc, Signature Blend, Estate,Santa Ynez, 2009

Buttonwood Farm Winery, Grenache Blanc, Estate, Santa Ynez, 2010

Buttonwood Farm Winery, Marsanne, Estate, Santa Ynez, 2008

Clayhouse, Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles, 2009

Clayhouse, “Adobe White”, Viognier/Grenache Blanc/Roussanne/Princess, Central Coast, 2009

Dierberg Estate Vineyard, Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley 2008

Fontes & Phillips, Chardonnay, Santa Maria, 2008

Fontes & Phillips, Chardonnay, Santa Maria, 2009

Hoyt Family, Chardonnay, Malibu, 2008

Hoyt Family, Chardonnay, Malibu, 2009

Hoyt Family, Collage White Wine Blend, Malibu, 2008

Inception, Viognier, Santa Barbara, 2010

Inception, Chardonnay,Santa Barbara, 2010

J. Lohr,”Riverstone “, Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco, 2010

J. Lohr, “Arroyo Vista”, Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco, 2008

J. Lohr, “Bay Mist”, Riesling, Monterey, 2010

J. Lohr, “Carol’s Vineyard”, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, 2009

Sweeney Canyon, Estate Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills, 2001

Sweeney Canyon, Estate Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills, 2006

Sweeney Canyon, Estate Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills, 2008

Montes Winery, Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc, Leyda Valley, Chile, 2010

Montes Winery, Classic Series Sauvignon Blanc, Leyda Valley, Chile, 2010

Food was provided by La Piazza Ristorante Italiano at The Grove

Click do download SummerTASTE Brochure June 1

8th Annual STARS of SANTA BARBARA

January 18^th at Scott’s Restaurant and Bar in Costa Mesa

January 19^th at The Peninsula Beverly Hills

LearnAboutWine has long known that Santa Barbara winemakers are producing some of the best bottlings in the world.

Approximately 40 soon-to-be-announced wineries gathered to show off what are new in this booming area, and allowed wine fans to re-taste classic brands and to witness the continued improvements and changes coming out of Santa Barbara, one of the world’s premiere wine regions.

CLICK HERE to see OC event photos

CLICK HERE to see LA event photos

THE FINAL WINE LIST

40 Wineries showing over 100 Wines!

Alma Rosa, Pinot Gris, Santa Barbara, 2009

Alma Rosa, Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills, El Jabali Vineyard, 2007

Alma Rosa, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, 2007

Alma Rosa, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, 2007

Ampelos, Viognier, Santa Ynez, 2009

Ampelos, “Rho”, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, Ampelos Vineyard, 2006

Ampelos, “Syrache”, Syrah/Grenache, Santa Barbara, 2007

Ampelos, “Gamma”, Syrah, Santa Rita Hills, Ampelos Vineyard, 2007

Bonaccorsi, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, Cargasacchi Vineyard, 2007

Bonaccorsi, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, 2008

Bonaccorsi, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2008

Buttonwood, Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez, 2009

Buttonwood, “Zingy”, Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez, 2010

Buttonwood, Cabernet Franc, Santa Ynez, 2007

Buttonwood, Merlot, Santa Ynez, 2007

Camino Real Wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Barbara, 2009

Camino Real Wines, Syrah, Santa Barbara, 2006

Cargasacchi, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, Cargasacchi-Jalama Vineyard, 2009

Cargasacchi, “Invincible Sun”, Late Harvest Pinot Grigio, Santa Barbara, Cargasacchi-Jalama Vineyard, 2009

Carr, Pinot Gris, Turner Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills, 2009

Carr, Cabernet Franc, Santa Ynez, 2008

Carr, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, Three Vineyards, 2008

Carr, Syrah, Santa Ynez, Morehouse Vineyard, 2007

Coquelicot, “Sixer”, Syrah/Viognier, Happy Canyon, McGinley Vineyard, 2008

Coquelicot, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2009

Coquelicot, Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez, 2008

Coquelicot, Estate Chardonnay, Santa Ynez, 2008

Curtis, Grenache, Santa Barbara, 2007

Curtis, “Heritage Cuvee”, Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre/Cinsault, Santa Barbara, 2006

Curtis, “Heritage Blanc”, Viognier/Roussanne/Marsanne, Santa Barbara, 2009

Dragonette, Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez, 2009

Dragonette, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, 2009

Dragonette, Syrah, California, 2009

Epiphany, Grenache Blanc, Santa Barbara, Camp Four Vineyard, 2009

Epiphany, “Gypsy”, Red Rhone Blend, Santa Barbara, 2007

Epiphany, “Revelation”, Red Rhone Blend, Santa Barbara, 2007

Epiphany, Syrah, Santa Barbara, Hampton Vineyard, 2007

Foxen, Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Block UU, 2009

Foxen, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria, 2009

Foxen, Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Ynez, 2007

Grassini, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Happy Canyon, 2007

Grassini, Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Happy Canyon, 2007

Hitching Post, “Hometown”, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2008

Hitching Post, “Highliner”, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2007

Hitching Post, “Big Circle”, Syrah, Santa Barbara, 2007

Hitching Post, “Gen Red”, Cab Franc/Merlot/Syrah/Valdiguie, Central Coast, 2007

Inception, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, 2009

Inception, Pinot Noir, Central Coast, 2008

Inception, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2008

Jaffurs, Grenache Blanc, Santa Barbara, 2009

Jaffurs, Viognier, Santa Barbara, 2009

Jaffurs, Syrah, Santa Barbara, 2009

Jaffurs, Petite Sirah, Santa Barbara, 2009

Kenneth Volk, Chardonnay, Estate, 2008

Kenneth Volk, Chardonnay, Estate, Santa Maria Cuvee, 2007

Kenneth Volk, Pinot Noir, Nielson Vineyard, 2007

Kenneth Volk, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Cuvee, 2007

La Fenetre, Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard, 2008

La Fenetre, Pinot Noir, Le Bon Climat Vineyard, 2008

La Fenetre, Syrah, Santa Barbara, Alisos Vineyard, 2008

Loring, Chardonnay, Keefer Ranch Vineyard, 2009

Loring, Pinot Noir, Cargasacchi Vineyard, 2009

Loring, Pinot Noir, Clos Pepe Vineyard, 2009

Loring, Pinot Noir, Rancho La Vina, 2009

Martian Ranch, Grenache Blanc, Santa Ynez, 2008

Martian Ranch, Viognier, Santa Ynez, 2009

Martian Ranch, Grenache Rose, Santa Ynez, 2009

Martian Ranch, Syrah, Santa Ynez, 2008

McKeon Phillips, Pinot Noir, Los Alamos, 2007

McKeon Phillips, “Bailey’s Private Reserve”, Cabernet Sauvignon, Valley View, 2006

McKeon Phillips, Syrah, Paso Robles, Halcyon Vineyards, 2006

McKeon Phillips, Cabernet Franc, Valley View, 2006

Melville, Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, Carrie’s Small Lot Collection, 2009

Melville, Estate Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills, Inox Small Lot Collection, 2009

Melville, Estate Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills, 2009

Melville, Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, 2009

Palmina, Tocai Friulano, Honea Vineyard, 2009

Palmina, Arneis, Honea Vineyard, 2009

Palmina, Dolcetto, Santa Barbara, 2009

Palmina, Barbera, Santa Barbara, 2008

Palmina, Nebbiolo, Santa Barbara, 2006

Point Concepcion, “Celestina”, Pinot Grigio, Santa Barbara, 2009

Point Concepcion, “Caponera”, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, 2009

Presidio, A.L., Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2008

Presidio, A.L., Syrah, Santa Barbara, 2006

Presidio, A.L., Pinot Gris, Santa Barbara, 2009

Presidio, A.L., Syrah, Rose’, Santa Barbara, 2009

Presqu’ile, Chardonnay, Santa Maria, 2009

Presqu’ile, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria, 2009

Presqu’ile, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria, Presquile Vineyard, 2009

Reeves Ranch, Syrah, Santa Ynez, 2008

Riverbench, “Bedrock”, Chardonnay, 2009

Riverbench, Chardonnay, Estate, 2008

Riverbench, Pinot Noir, Estate, 2008

Riverbench, “Mesa”, Pinot Noir, 2008

Rock Hollow, Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Barbara, 2009

Sanford, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, 2008

Sanford, Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills, La Rinconada, 2007

Sanford, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, 2008

Sanguis, “As the Crow Flies”, Syrah, 2006

Sanguis, “Backseat Betty”, Syrah/Grenache, 2007

Sanguis, “The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea”, Syrah/Grenache/Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007

Shai Cellars, “Adome”, Syrah/Cabernet, Santa Ynez, 2008

Sierra Madre, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria, 2007    OC ONLY

Sierra Madre, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria, Block 216, 2008

Sierra Madre, Chardonnay, Santa Maria, 2008

Sierra Madre, Chardonnay, Santa Maria, Block 210, 2008

Sierra Madre, Pinot Blanc, Santa Maria, 2009

Sierra Madre, Pinot Gris, Santa Maria, 2009

Silver, Grenache Blanc, Santa Barbara, 2009

Silver, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, Sierra Madre Vineyard, 2009

Silver, Viognier/Grenache Blanc, Santa Barbara, 2007

Silver, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, Coteau Palmer Vineyard, 2008

Silver, “Tre Figli”, Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangiovese/Cabernet Franc, NV

Summerland, Pinot Noir, Vintner Select, Santa Barbara, 2009

Summerland, Chardonnay, Santa Maria, Bien Nacido Vineyard, 2007

Summerland, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, Fiddlestix Vineyard, 2008

Summerland, Syrah, Santa Ynez, Paradise Road Vineyard, 2006

Sweeney Canyon, Estate Chardonnay, 2006

Sweeney Canyon, Estate Chardonnay, 2008

Sweeney Canyon, Estate Pinot Noir, 2006

Sweeney Canyon, Estate Pinot Noir, 2007

Tantara, Chardonnay, Santa Maria, Bien Nacido Adobe Vineyard, 2008

Tantara, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria, Bien Nacido Adobe Vineyard, 2008

Tantara, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria, Solomon Hills Vineyard, 2008

Tantara, Pinot Noir, Dierberg Vineyard, Santa Maria, 2008

William James, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, 2009

William James, Rose’, Santa Barbara, 2009

William James, Grenache, Santa Barbara, 2007

William James, Syrah, Santa Ynez, Hampton Family Vineyard, 2007

William James, Syrah, Santa Ynez, Hampton Family Vineyard, 2006

William James, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, 2005

Zaca Mesa, Viognier, Estate Grown & Bottled, Santa Ynez, 2009

Zaca Mesa, Roussanne, Estate Grown & Bottled, Santa Ynez, 2007

Zaca Mesa, “Z Cuvee”, Estate Grown & Bottled, Santa Ynez, 2007

Zaca Mesa, Syrah, Estate Grown & Bottled, Santa Ynez, 2007

Zotovich, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, Zotovich Estate Vineyard, 2007

Zotovich, Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills, Zotovich Estate Vineyard, 2008

Zotovich, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, Zotovich Estate Vineyard, 2008

CLICK HERE to see STARS of Santa Barbara Brochure 2011