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Archive for category Wine Tasting

Peterson Winery, Wine Tasting Dinner with Fred Peterson

Mar 2

Posted by in Wine Selection, Wine Tasting | No Comments

Peterson Winery, located in Sonoma, California is a small winery that has been producing wine for over 20 years. Started by Fred Peterson, he recruited his son 8 years ago to be in charge of winemaking. Peterson winery is committed to sustainability and practices a policy known as Zero Manipulation.

Zero Manipulation means using the most gentle, traditional winemaking practices possible to maximize the flavors, aromatics and texture of the wines. Peterson winery doesn’t tweak the wine to obtain consistency of flavors, a common practice in mass-market wineries.

Peterson Winery, owner and founder, Fred Peterson hosted a wine tasting dinner at Pacci in Midtown, Atlanta and I was lucky enough to get an invite to the fabulous event. We were lucky enough to try five Peterson wines which were excellently paired with five dishes a la chef extrodinaire, Keira Mortiz of Pacci.

To begin, we had the 2008 Timber Crest Farms Sauvignon Blanc (16.00). Now, I’m not much of a white wine drinker, but given the choice, I would always choose SB over Chardonnay. And I really loved the flavor of this SB. There was just a touch of oak flavor but overall more of a fruit flavor. This is a white wine that red wine lovers would enjoy.

Next up was 2007 Zero Manipulation (15.00), a blend of red varietals. It was light and fruity. To me, this is a wine that would please just about any red wine drinker. I also could see it pairing well with light meats but could even be served with a steak as well.

Our third course was polenta with garlic mushroom and a fried egg on top. This was paired with a 2006 Bernier Zinfandel (27.00). Hands down, my favorite of the evening. With a lower alcohol content, as far as Zinfandels go, this had a spicy fruity flavor.

For our main course, Chef Mortiz prepared a Venison Osso Buco which Peterson chose to pair with a 2006 IL Granaio Sangiovese (28.00). At first, I was surprised as the wine itself was somewhat sweet with berry flavors, but it paired extremely well with the slightly salty venison.

Lastly, we were treated to dessert, a golden raisin almond cake with peach gelato. Yeah, it was sinfully delicious. The dessert was paired with a 2007 Muscat Blend. While I’m sure it is a tasty wine, I just don’t enjoy dessert wines. I just find them too sweet. But those that do fancy dessert wines seemed very pleased with this wine.

Overall, I’m pleased with the wines I sampled. And prices seem to be very reasonable for the quality of the wine. While they have limited availability here in Georgia, I believe their popularity will continue to spread.

If you’d like to buy any of these wines, you can visit Peterson Winery’s website here.

The Wines of Artesa Winery, Napa Valley, CA

Feb 4

Posted by in Wine Selection, Wine Tasting | 1 Comment

With it’s roots in Spain, Artesa is a small winery located in Napa Valley CA, which began production in the United States in 1991. Actually, Artesa has two Napa estates—a 350-acre estate in Carneros where the winery is located and Foss Valley Vineyards, a 180-acre estate in Atlas Peak appellation on the shoulder of the Vaca Mountains. Although a producer of many different types of varietals, I believe their most popular are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Artesa Winery visited Atlanta last month to spread the word about their wines. They hosted several small gatherings here in Atlanta that allowed attendees to sample some of their wines. I was fortunate enough to get an invite to their wine tasting dinner at Bone’s in Buckhead.

Our hosts for the evening were Tim Shippey, Brand Director and Mark Beringer (see picture below), Artesa Winery Vice President of Production and Winemaking Yep, Beringer as in Beringer wines. Mark is the great grandson of Beringer Winery co-founder, Jacob Beringer. A fifth generation winemaker from Napa Valley and award-winning winemaker, Mark grew up immersed in the wine industry and knew from a very young age that winemaking was his calling.

Mark Beringer of Artesa Winery

During our meal, we sampled Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet. I’ve never been much of a white wine drinker, but others that were Chardonnay lovers, enjoyed it immensely. Next up was Pinot Noir (see picture above), paired with a beef carpaccio salad. What a wonderful combination and to me, the best wine of the evening. I am by no means a wine expert, but I do know when I taste something I like, and I definitely enjoyed that Pinot. This medium-red wine had a spicy flavor and a slight taste of cherries.

Moving on to the Cabernet, obviously more robust, it paired extremely well with our steak dinners as to be expected. In addition to the berry flavor, complimented by cedar and vanilla notes.

After seeing pictures of Artesa Winery, I’m bummed I didn’t visit there when I went to San Francisco years ago. It’s modern design looks to be a work of art in an of itself, wine aside. The entrance to Artesa has a staircase set between twin cascades of water and fountains lead to the winery entrance. The large terrace offers 360° vistas of the surrounding countryside, and on clear days, a view of the San Francisco skyline.

Inside, the winery is modern and sophisticated with soaring columns, and contemporary furniture groupings. The Visitor’s Center provides dramatic sculptures and paintings throughout.

I checked out their pricing and most of their wines fall into the $25 to $40 price range. Not bad for such yummy wine. Their website says they ship to GA if you cannot find it at your local wine store. If anyone knows of a wine or liquor store that carries Artesa, please comment and let me know.

Cheers!

1345 Henry Road
Napa, CA 94559
707-224-1668
Website

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Parish Uncorked Saturday Nights

Dec 11

Posted by in Wine Selection, Wine Tasting, atlanta | No Comments

Parish Restaurant will be hosting their “Uncorked” Saturday night party at 7:30pm in the Market. Bring a bottle of wine to share, along with $10 for cover charge that includes cheese and charcuterie plates. All wine that is brought is placed on the communal table for attendees to enjoy. A good way to sample several varieties.

Of course, the more people that come, the more wine there will be for tasting. And remember, moving forward, “Uncorked” will be the first Saturday of every month at 7:30 PM.

240 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30307
404 681 4434

Website

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Afternoon in the Country at Serenbe

Nov 5

Posted by in 5 star restaurants, American, Family, Taste of, Wine Selection, Wine Tasting, cook like a professional chef, culture, outdoor dining, travel | No Comments

If you love good food, you’ll definitely want to be at this event. The Atlanta Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, a worldwide society of women in the culinary, beverage, and hospitality industries, will host its 9th annual Afternoon in the Country at Serenbe this Sunday, November 8, 2009 from 1 -4 p.m.

More than 35 chefs from Atlanta’s best restaurants and select retailers will be set up in a tasting format under festive big-top tents. Some restaurants that will be there are: 4th & Swift, Abattoir, Aria, JCT Kitchen, Joel Brasserie, Kevin Rathbun Steak, , Murphy’s, Muss & Turner’s, Pura Vida, Rathbun’s, Rosebud, Holeman & Finch, Restaurant Eugene, Kevin Rathbun Steak, Woodfire Grill. Select wineries and breweries will also be on hand with tasty samples. For the full list of participants click here.

Other highlights include: Live music by DriveTrain, the South’s premiere Bluegrass band, a one-of-a-kind cake raffle featuring sweets from Atlanta’s top pastry chefs, hayrides and an expanded silent auction offering exclusive dining and travel packages, food and wine merchandise and original art by prominent artists.

Regular ticket price is $95 per person. Children 12 to 20 are $35 each. Children under 12 may attend free of charge. Tickets are now available for purchase here.

9110 Selborne Lane
Palmetto, GA 30268
Serenbe Website

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Georgia Aquarium’s 4th Annual Aqua Vino, Downtown, Atlanta, GA

Oct 26

Posted by in 5 star restaurants, American, Downtown, Taste of, Wine Selection, Wine Tasting, atlanta | No Comments

Got $200 to blow? Then you might want to think about attending the Georgia Aquarium’s 4th Aqua Vino event. It takes place this Thursday at the Georgia Aquarium and there are more than 200 wines to sample. There will also be over 30 Atlanta restaurants providing food. Ok, so the $200 is the for the VIP Tastings which basically means you are granted admission an hour before everyone else and you have access to a VIP area. Regular admission is $150.

Date: Thursday, October 29th, 2009
Time: 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. VIP Tasting
7:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. Grand Tasting
Where: Georgia Aquarium, entrance via Oceans Ballroom
Tickets: VIP Tasting – $200 per person
Grand Tasting – $150 per person
Attire: Cocktail Chic

For a list of participating restaurants, click here. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

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South American Wine Tasting Event at FuegoMundo

Oct 19

Posted by in Brazilian Steakhouse, Cheap, Good for Groups, Taste of, Wine Tasting, atlanta, bar, culture | No Comments

Sample a variety of South American wines at FuegoMundo on Tuesday, 10/20.

What: Wine Tasting
Where: FuegoMundo, Sandy Springs
When: Tuesday, October 20th, from 5:30-8:00 PM
Cost: $12

The wine tasting includes wines from Argentina, Spain and Italy. It will be conducted by a wine expert and there will also be free tapas. Entertainment includes live Latin music and professional tango dancers.

Wines include
3 Malbecs and 1 Chardonnay from Argentina
1 Rioja from Spain
1 Moscato (Sparkling white) from Italy

12 bucks including food, wine tasting and and live entertainment? Sounds like a great deal! If you’d like to RSVP, you can do so here. But I checked it out and looks like you can just show up to the event and pay there.

5590 Roswell Road
Sandy Springs, GA 30342
404-256-4330

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Taste of Atlanta 2009, October 10 and 11 at Technology Square

Oct 5

Posted by in 5 star restaurants, Atlanta visiting, Family, Festivals, Midtown, Recipes, Taste of, Wine Tasting, atlanta, cook like a professional chef, culture | 1 Comment

A Taste of Atlanta, taking place at Technology Square in Midtown will be held on Saturday, October 10th and Sunday October 11th. Taste of Atlanta hours are 11AM to 6 PM both days. There are over 80 restaurants participating in the event. A Taste of Atlanta offers the chance to sample dishes from Atlanta’ top restaurants. In addition, there will be music and celebrity chefs at A Taste of Atlanta as well.

If you are a wine and /or beer lover and don’t mind the $65 per ticket price, you’ll want to attend the Wine & Beer Experience featuring scheduled seminars led by top industry professionals as well as tastings of many different wines, beers and cocktails.

Tickets are on sale now. Tickets are $30 at the door and $25 in advance. Tickets include 15 (up from only 10 last year) “tastes” from various restaurants. Get your tickets here. Save $5 when you enter the code JSHOP.

Extras: Children 13 and under get free entrance with each paying adult

Other Resources:

Secret Restaurant Recipes Cookbook
Turn Your Kitchen into Your Favorite Restaurant

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Morton’s Steakhouse Launches New Cookbook

Sep 15

Posted by in 5 star restaurants, American, Books and Information, Prix Fixe, Recipes, Wine Selection, Wine Tasting, atlanta, steakhouse | No Comments

Morton’s The Steakhouse is celebrating the launch of their newest cookbook, Morton’s The Cookbook: 100 Steakhouse Recipes for Every Kitchen. Morton’s is celebrating by hosting a series of cookbook tour parties at various locations throughout the country.The Atlanta event takes place at Morton’s The Steakhouse-Buckhead on Monday, September 21, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The evening will include a sampling of recipes from Morton’s The Cookbook paired with a selection of wine and cocktails. Morton’s Vice President of Wine & Spirits Tylor Field will be at the event to talk with guests and sign the cookbook he helped author.

Guests will also be invited to participate in a silent auction that includes a ‘Morton’s Chef Table,’ where six guests will enjoy a personal wine dinner paired with a signature Morton’s menu. 100% of auction proceeds will benefit Feeding America, and locally, the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Tickets to the event are $39 per person and Morton’s The Cookbook will be available for purchase for $20. To purchase tickets to the event, click here.

Morton’s The Steakhouse-Buckhead
3379 Peachtree Road
404-816-6535

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Summer Shade / Corks and Forks Festival Grant Park, Atlanta, GA

Aug 25

Posted by in 5 star restaurants, Family, Festivals, Good for Groups, Taste of, Wine Tasting, atlanta, culture, outdoor dining | No Comments

For the 7th year in a row, the Summer Shade Festival is taking place in Grant Park, Atlanta, GA. This goes on in conjunction with the Corks and Forks Festival. The Corks and Forks Festival is an opportunity to meet some local Atlanta chefs and sample some of their food.

The idea of the festival is to encourage people to get out of the stale air-conditioning to enjoy the cooling shade of century old trees in Grant Park. The festival kicks off with the Adams Realtors 5k run at 8 AM. The Festival Artist Market opens at 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. Live Entertainment revs up at 11:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. and a Children’s Fun Center opens at 12:00 noon.

Corks & Forks — A Fine Food and Wine Event is open both Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Atlanta’s top chefs will offer specialty items and you will be able to sample some great wines and ales that are offered at Atlanta restaurants. Corks & Forks is a ticketed event; tickets are $35 in advance/$45 at the gate — Saturday and Sunday tickets sold separately.

Some chefs that will be on hand are Top Chef contestants, Kevin Gillespie (Woodfire Grill) and Eli Kirshtein (Eno). Others include:

Bhojanic – Chef Arehna Malhotra Becker
Cabot Creamery
Canoe – Chef Carvel Grant Gould
Dolce’ – Chef Kris Callaway
Geisha House – Chef Kris Callaway
Graveyard Tavern – Cristy Nolton
Holy Taco – Robert Phalen
JCT Kitchen – Chef Ford Fry
Legal Seafoods – Chef John Piper
Livingston Restaurant & Bar – Chef Gary Mennie
Metrotainment Bakery
Murphy’s – Chef Gregg McCarthy
ONE midtown kitchen – Chef Tom Harvey
PARISH Foods – Chef Nick Melvin
Peasant Bistro – Russell Hayes
Rathbun’s – Chef Kevin Rathbun & Kirk Parks
Rise Sushi Lounge – Chef Tony Wang
Rosebud – Chef Ron Eyester
Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House – Nancy Mitchell
Serpas True Food, Scott Serpas
TAP – ChefAdrian Villarreal
The Melting Pot
The Shed at Glenwood – Chef Lance Gummere
The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View – Chef Christian Messier
Trader Vic’s – Michael Broderick
Trois – Chef Drew Van Leuvan
TWO urban licks – Chef Cameron Thompson

For more information and to buy tickets, click here. Also, OT has a $5 promotion going on, but I am not sure when that expires. When you go to buy your tickets, type in “OPENTABLE” in the promotion code and you may receive $5 off your ticket.

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Wine Tastings at Marlow’s Tavern, Kennesaw, Atlanta, GA

Aug 4

Posted by in American, Wine Selection, Wine Tasting, atlanta | No Comments

Beginning, Tuesday, August 4th, Marlow’s Tavern in Kennesaw will begin Wine Tastings. The tastings, lead by wine-savvy hosts, will be from 6 to 8 pm. The cost is s$20 per person and includes food and drink.

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