If you would like a flyer, please contact KutaSomm@gmail.com.  Cheers!

In November, I traveled to Australia, partially for vacation and partially to obtain wines for upcoming MiraCosta wine appreciation classes.  The wine portion of the trip started in Victoria, where a day was spent in the Yarra Valley north of Melbourne, known for growing cool-weather varietals such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  You may have seen Innocent Bystander wines here in the US.

The next stop was Tasmania.  Yup, it’s cold down there, and they make great sparkling wines.  Only the tip of Chile and the south island of New Zealand are closer to Antarctica.

Barossa Valley, called simply The Barossa by the locals, is famous for world-class Shiraz and the area did not disappoint.  The iconic Penfolds Grange hails from Barossa Valley, and I was lucky enough to taste the 2014.

The Barossa has some very old vines, some over 150+ years.  Strict import laws along with The Barossa being relatively isolated has kept phylloxera at bay.  I got to meet some 100 year-old vines.

Next up was Eden Valley, which is a high valley just above The Barossa.  Henschke is here, and they are known for the Hill of Grace Shiraz, which most consider to be on par with Penfolds Grange.  After tasting the iconic offering, we got to visit the HoG vineyard and see how small and it really is.

The final stop on the wine tour was McLaren Vale, which included tastings at Shingleback and Chapel Hill.  One of my favorite wines of the trip was the flagship wine from Chapel Hill named The Vicor. Bryn (head winemaker from Chapel Hill) gave us a fantastic winery tour and hosted our tasting.  Thank you very much for the hospitality!

Australia, I shall return!

 

Check out this great article from Delectable!

https://delectable.com/feeds/ec_san_diego_somm_con_somms

 

What a success last Saturday night!  Everyone enjoyed the sample class focusing on Old World wines.  We enjoyed six selections, two each from Spain, France, and Italy.  A party favorite was the low-tannin Barbera d’Alba, which also paired nicely with the evening’s food.  If you are hosting a private party and looking for a sommelier, don’t hesitate to reach out to KutaSomm. I’ll be there in a flash!

Below:  Certified Sommelier and Italian Wine Professional

Below:  Leading a tasting during an entertaining presentation

Below:  Students engaged in the presentation

Thanks to Bree and Megan for putting together fantastic charcuterie boards for the final class session.  If you are in need of catering for a party, reach out to Breeana’s Kitchen.  Both Bree and Megan passed the final exam, so they received a certificate for completing the MiraCosta Fall 2018 wine appreciation class Old World vs. New World.  Congratulations!

This week wraps up the Fall 2018 semester of Old World vs. New World at MiraCosta College.  Session 1 began with white wines, comparing Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from different regions.  Session 2 was all about sparkling wine.  While my favorite was the Franciacorta, everyone else’s favorite seemed to be the Veuve Clicquot Champagne.  We had a Pinot Party for Session 3, enjoying delicious Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Oregon, California, and New Zealand.  Session 4 focused on Bordeaux from both the Left and Right banks, while comparing similar varietals from Napa Valley and the California Central Coast.  In Session 5 we traveled to Italy (figuratively), and hosted a guest speaker, Brandon Boghosian.  That Barolo sure was delicious!  For the final Session 6, we tried three different quality levels of GSM from the Southern Rhône Valley, and had another fabulous guest, Brian Kordik, lead the class in a blind tasting.  What a fantastic group of students!  I’m hoping everyone had a stellar time and I hope to see everyone in future wine appreciation classes.  I will teach an Italian wine appreciation class in Spring 2019, along with a repeat of Old World vs. New World, both at MiraCosta College.  Also look for me teaching at CSUSM Extended Learning thru the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.  Sign up today!  Cheers!

Success at the Boundless Regenerative Medicine 10 Year Anniversary Patient Appreciation Party.  A selection of 7 varietals was poured.  Fun times were had by all.  Thank you Dr. Bunyak and the Boundless team for having me at this wonderful event.

The book for the Fall 2018 MiraCosta Wine Appreciation Class, Old World vs. New World, arrived just in time. I signed a few copies for the friends and family that helped with the publishing costs. If you Go Funded Me, look for your free copy in the mail soon. Cheers!

I had so much fun at the Cardiff Greek Festival that I went back for a second day. Below are the wines that I poured at the Taverna tent. The Restina and Ouzo were the most popular beverages, by far!

Come check out the 40th annual Cardiff Greek Festival, where I will be pouring wines on Sat Sep 8 from 10am to 2pm. Lots of Greek wine will be available, from Assyrtiko to Xinomavro to Naoussa. Plus have the last chance to sign up for the Fall 2018 Old World vs. New World wine tasting class at MiraCosta college, right next door to the Greek church! Hope to see you there. Cheers!