How to check out San Francisco WhiskyFest, Pinot Noir, more from Modesto wine columnist
The Whisky Advocate magazine is hosting the 2022 WhiskyFest at the Marriott San Francisco Marquis on Oct. 28. The Grand Tastings are from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. with VIP tastings starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are online for $295 and VIP $375. Hundreds of whiskies, including single malt and blended Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye, Tennessee, Japanese, Canadian, French, Australian, Indian and craft-distilled. Also there is a Glencairn crystal nosing glass, program booklet, gift bag, admission to all seminars and a gourmet buffet throughout the evening. For information and tickets go to whiskeyfestsanfrancisco.com.
Affordable Pinot Noir
The Navigator always asks for a nice light red wine for dinner. She’s also the executive chef, so I try very hard to please.
The problem is, finding a daily Pinot Noir (read under $12) is not easy. However, I just discovered Costco now has three $9.99 Pinot Noirs and all were given a “thumbs-up” by the chef. They are the 2019 Lyric Santa Barbara County, the 2019 Primarius from Oregon and the 2020 Kirkland Signature Carneros Napa Valley. Now she’s happy, I’m relieved and her entrees are terrific.
Out and about
Whenever we head to the Bay Area, we try to leave early to do some wine tasting in Livermore Valley. Our latest stop was just one exit off the freeway at 2271 South Vasco Road, the Longevity Winery. The founder and winemaker is Phil Long who started production in 2006. He makes excellent Rhone varietal blends, has inside and outside seating, reservations are only needed for six or more and the facility is dog friendly. The tasting fee is $15 and refundable with purchase. Bring your own picnic and do the wine flight, order a glass or a bottle. There are four more tasting rooms nearby. Longevity Winery was voted Winery of the Year in 2018 and Phil Long is also the President of the Association of African American Vintners.
While the Navigator went to her annual girl cousin escape, I drove up to Amador County. Yes, I can drive all by myself and made it to Rombauer Vineyards. Their second best selling wine is Zinfandel so buying this property in Shenandoah Valley in 2019 was a perfect fit. The relaxed hosted tasting experience held at your own private table is worth phoning in sick and heading to the hills. The tasting is $20 with six generous pours. It’s refundable if you join the wine club or purchase two bottles. If you want food with your tasting visit Friday-Monday. The Amador Mobile Kitchen, connected with Taste Restaurant in Plymouth, also prepares a brunch Friday-Sunday 10 a.m. to noon. I seriously suggest you take a day off and visit Rombauer Winery in the Sierra Foothills. And yes, the Carneros Chardonnay is in the tasting. Cheers!
Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.