Simple Hedonisms

I can’t believe it’s already here again, Sonoma County’s biggest, brightest, best display of its wine and culinary treasures. This is a special event for me; it raised the bar in what a large scale event can achieve in quality, but it’s especially dear to me heart as it was the inaugural Blog Post for Simple Hedonisms, Sept 5th, 2009.

It’s been heartwarming to talk to people who think I have lived in Sonoma County for years and that Simple Hedonisms has been around for ever; but I have only been here full time since July 2009, and Simple Hedonisms is about to be One year old! (More on a Anniversary celebration later.)

What IS Sonoma Wine Country Weekend?

I’ll pretend you are new here. Many associate WCW with the stupendous Taste of Sonoma showcase, set in the gorgeous MacMurray Ranch. The location is a treat of itself, as its only open a few select times a year. But its three full days of events that include:

Saturday, Sept. 4th, Taste of Sonoma

Over 150 wineries pour thousands of wines, paired with 60+ local chefs divine creations. Taste of Sonoma is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for wine lovers and foodies alike. The layout is extremely well done and organized, with separate tents for each of the Sonoma AVAs (regions) – a great way to taste an AVA side by side.

This year I am looking forward to also attending a Sonoma’s Sommelier Stars Wine Tour, and a Taste with Wine Spectator Seminar. (Seminars are full, but some of the Sommelier tastings are still open, and only $20.)

Named one of the 10 Best Wine and Food Events in the United States by Celebrated Living magazine, Taste of Sonoma is an coveted ticket; get one before they sell out.

Other Features:

• The Gloria Ferrer Bubble Lounge: What a great way to kick off the event! Right as you enter, join Gloria Ferrer in the Bubble Lounge! This was one of my faves last year, and I returned a few times. The Bubble Lounge showcases Gloria Ferrer sparkling wines with fanatastic food pairings.

• Steel Chef Competition and Cooking Demonstrations: Watch Sonoma County’s best chefs face off for a fast paced, and educational competition for the coveted title of Sonoma County’s Chef of Steel.  Throughout the day Sonoma’s top chefs share the tricks of the trade. Learn new recipes, techniques and innovative cooking methods.  Sonoma radio celeb Ziggy the Wine Gal is the MC.

• The Crushpad – Experience the Sonoma County Harvest: Throughout the day guests can  join local Sonoma winemakers and growers to taste, touch, listen and learn about the grapes grown in Sonoma’s  vineyards. Featuring tastings of freshly picked winegrapes, a demonstration of basket pressing, and a sample of a finished bottle from the highlighted vineyard, Crushpad is a unique opportunity to engage with the Sonoma Wine community, from grape to glass.

Tickets are still available online, and at the door, although with people flying in from all over the country, ticket sales do stop if maximum capacity is reached. Note: Visa Signature Card holders (like an airline Visa) get a special discount and VIP treatment, details here.

Sunday Sept 5th – Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction

Sonoma County’s  culinary scene takes center stage at the 18th Annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction at Cline Cellars. An all-star line up of Sonoma County chefs will showcase fresh seasonal ingredients from local farms and food purveyors in a sumptuous menu to pair with Sonoma County’s diverse array of world class wines.

The auction is renowned for its themes and skits, performed by the Who’s Who of the Wine Industry.  This years theme is  “Endless Sonoma”; with a backdrop of beach, surf and summer, combined  with wine, food, fun and frivolity. Catch the wine wave dude!

Festivities kick off at 11 a.m.  Hang out in the Long Board Lounge before the Live Auction kicks it old school at 1 p.m.  Each table is hosted by a Winemaker or Grower, your choice, based on availability at ticket purchase. A team of Sonoma County’s most renowned chefs will prepare a multi-course meal.

After churning and burning your way through a most awesome auction, cross step into the Cigar Aficionado Cigar Lounge, or, drop in to the Long Board Lounge where you’ll catch a party wave of cocktails in flavors to please every palate.  This is the first time for Simple Hedonisms to attend this much heralded event, stay tuned for live coverage!

Friday and Saturday Wine Maker Lunches and Dinners

How does one fill in your Sonoma County experience in between these two events? Well with spectacular lunches and dinners with winemakers at their winery of course! Peruse through this tempting list of Friday lunches and Friday and Saturday dinners. Many are sold out, but there is still a great selection of seats throughout the county.

Great Food and Wine Bennies from Visa Signature

If you have a Visa Signature card don’t make the mistake I did for years and not use its benefits, especially if you live in the Bay Area or wine country. Free or discounted wine tasting and bottle discounts all over Sonoma County. Offers change regularly; writing this I was pleased to discover that card holders get a complimentary dessert at Charlie Palmer restaurants, like Dry Creek Kitchen, here in Healdsburg. Check out all current Food and Wine perks here. There are also special discounts for Entertainment events, shopping and more. The discount and VIP treatment to Taste of Sonoma more than makes mine worth it, the rest is icing on the cake!

I will be broadcasting and uploading live through the weekend on Facebook and Twitter; however its officially a ‘consumer’ day and playtime for me, even Simple Hedonisms has to sometimes stop and smell the…wine. If you see me tasting, playing, chatting, do say hi, I love to meet readers! Whatever you do have a fun, safe, Labor Day Weekend with your friends and family – cheers!

Earlier this year, Simple Hedonisms reviewed the tasty Long Gamma white blend, so I was quite pleased when I got my hands on a bottle of the Long Gamma red to taste.

Review

What is the Black Cat Cabaret?

Experience a magical evening with performances by international cirque aerialists, acrobats and musicians in support of a good cause at the 2nd annual Black Cat Cabaret. This one-of-a-kind event takes place in an intimate venue that transports the audience into an exotic environment with a “Year of the Tiger” theme.

Twenty aerialists, artists, dancers and musicians, who perform daily in one of Las Vegas’ best-known theatrical shows, are taking a time out from the big stage to generously donate their time and talents to present entirely original acts in an exclusive local showing that will support the programs and services offered by Pets Lifeline, Sonoma Valley’s only animal shelter.

So what does this have to do about wine you ask?

Well, directly nothing. (Although I’ll be tasting wine at the event!)  But when I learned about this event from my friend Dyann, I was thrilled to help write and promote, for several reasons.

• I am a massive dog fan. My current companion for the last decade is Flash, an amazing Aussie I got from rescue when he was two, after being abandoned once, then rescued and beaten in his adopted home. His resilient, majestic, loving presence has touched  the hearts of many throughout his life, and I am blessed to have found him; a gem among the many wonderful dogs of my life.

• I am a huge fan of Cirque du Soleil. Their amazing demonstrations of human prowess and grace are stunning to behold, the closer the better.  A number of Cirque performers  volunteer in this fundraiser. You can see their bios here.

• Simple Hedonisms was never just about wine; it celebrates the many simple pleasures, not ‘things’, that enrich our lives, good food, good friends, music, celebration of life; which for many in Sonoma County includes a furry friend who makes our heart lift when we come in the door after a hard day.

Enter to Win Tickets ($150 value):

This event WILL sell out again, but two lucky readers of Simple Hedonisms, and Two Fans of the Facebook page for Pets Lifeline of Sonoma will win a pair of tickets.

To win couldn’t be easier. Head to their Fan page, ‘Like’ Them and then tell us in your own thoughts

What is the best thing about adopting a cat or dog from a shelter?

Personally, I’d love it if you wish to embellish in your answer, or here in blog comments, any heart warming stories about your own adoptions and rescues; but make sure you post on the Fan site to be eligible to win.

Contest starts Thursday, August 26th on their Fan page and ends next Tuesday August 31st.

For a video about the amazing job Pets Lifeline does, and some insights to the show and auction:

More on Black Cat Cabaret

The 2nd Annual Black Cat Cabaret features renowned performers from Las Vegas in an all-original show to benefit Pets Lifeline of Sonoma.

Filled with spectacular theatrical exploits, the Black Cat Cabaret includes exciting pre-show entertainment, fabulous wines, local cuisine, a live auction of extremely distinctive items and special behind-the-scenes VIP receptions. All proceeds go to support the programs and services offered by Pets Lifeline, Sonoma Valley’s only animal shelter.

When: Thursday, September 9 and Friday, September 10

• Time:  6:00 – 7:30 p.m. VIP Reception
• 7:30 – General Admission check-in
• 8:00 -10:00 p.m. Performance with Live Auction
• Location: “Field of Dreams” (Fazio Field)
• 151 First Street West, Sonoma, CA 95476

Tickets and Information: Phone: 707.996.4577 x 110, email: blackcat-tix@petslifeline.org, or online at their website: www.petslifeline.org

Ticket tiers:

$250 Top Dog: Tickets include: Best seats in the house. Pre-show reception with food and wine at the Black Cat lounge and garden. Preferred parking at Veteran’s Hall. Complimentary beverage service at your seat. An invitation to join the artists backstage after the performance.

$175 Cool Cat: Tickets include: Second best seats in the house. Pre-show reception with food and wine at the Black Cat lounge and garden. Complimentary parking at Veteran’s Hall. Complimentary beverage service at your seat.

$75 General Admission: Due to limited supply General Admission tickets are only available by phone. Please call 707.996.4577 x110

The Sonoma Index-Tribune described the event as:

It was an event, an experience, that raised Sonoma Valley fundraising to a new level…an evening that will not be forgotten.

I will be down front enjoying the show, and actively bidding for a good cause, hope to see all of you – cheers!

How do you know when you like a wine?  “It should have a wow factor … it should scream at you,” says John Saemann, vintner at Clouds Rest Winery in Sonoma County.  Clouds Rest has been hand-producing Pinot Noir from a small Sonoma Coast vineyard since 2002.  These are collector’s wines, priced outside my budget at around $100 a bottle. Good news: a new addition to the Clouds Rest Pinot lineup is available, and at a much lower price point. It’s Femme Fatale, a younger release from the same vineyard, priced at $45 ($39 with case discount). K&L Wine passes along their discount, bringing it down to $39 for a single bottle purchase – outright affordable for a Pinot Noir in this class.

2008 Femme Fatale

I got the wow factor when I tasted the 2008 Clouds Rest Femme Fatale recently … rich cherry red, aromas of ripe stone fruit, flavors of blackberry, plum, pepper, light smoky tannins and hint of rosemary … rolling into a soft, mouth-filling viscosity. My attention shifted to follow the flavor explosion and structure of this wine.  And I’m not alone. Beth Arnold wrote of Clouds Rest Pinot Noir in Huffington Post, “Their Pinots retail for at least $100 a bottle. But, my God, I was almost in tears they were so good.”  And she lives in Paris, so you can imagine the wines she has access to on a regular basis.  “Pinot is a wine for me that brings together so many varietal characteristics into one glass,” John told me, with a heavenward roll of his eyes. Wow factor is more than the look, feel and taste of the wine … it is a quality that transports and totally engages you — like a great movie or a conversation with a good friend.

Seamann says Clouds Rest wanted to give more people access to their Pinot Noir, but without compromising the label.  Femme Fatale is the answer; grapes come from the same vines and terroir Clouds Rest is known for, and the wine-making process is the same, except for bottle aging.  Femme Fatale is released earlier (younger), saving the winery on storage cost. How much? Up to 3 years of bottle aging for the collectors wines. Savings are also passed along through simpler packaging. Femme Fatale’s lighter weight bottle is less costly to ship. Paper labels save cost compared to gilt silk-screened labels on the heavy Burgundian bottles used for collectors’ wines.

Narrow rows above the clouds at Clouds Rest -- Photo: Scott Schuette

What goes into creating the “wow factor” in a wine?

A few things: winemaking skill and style, choice of barrels, choice of grape stock planted, farming style – and terroir. Think of terroir as the vineyard version of “location, location, location.” In this respect, Clouds Rest, on it’s perch above Petaluma California, is very unique.

I walked the vineyard with Scott Schuette, Clouds Rest General Manager and unofficial photographer. Scott tells me the vines are planted at 1250 feet, on an ancient volcanic knoll that was never before cultivated. It had been impossible to farm because of steep terrain and the volcanic rocks strewn over the landscape. To create the vineyard, Seamann ripped out rocks – some quite large – down to a 6-foot depth. Huge piles of extracted rocks dot the property today.  Rows are planted just 3 feet apart, the only known 36”x36” density in California — and possibly anywhere. On less than 2 acres, there are 10,000 vines – producing volume equivalent to about 10 acres of vineyard. Crowding plants this way would normally invite mildew and fungus. But because Clouds Rest is situated in the Petaluma wind gap, there is constant movement of marine air between the Sonoma coast and San Pablo Bay. Rows are deliberately angled to capture maximum sun and air movement on the hill.

Volcanic rocks extracted

The Clouds Rest philosophy is to orchestrate what the vineyard gives them. Having a rockstar winemaker helps too: Anthony Austin who studied under Andre Tchelistcheff, a legendary winemaker of Napa and Sonoma Valley. A Healdsburg (Sonoma county) California native and University of California Davis graduate in enology, Austin directed the first crush at Firestone Vineyards in 1976. He went on to become an award-winning winemaker of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Santa Barbara area, and returned to make wine in Sonoma in 2001.

Irrigation lines and a huge water storage tank are visible on our walk, and yet no water was used during this wet weather year. These deliberately austere conditions – rocky, windy, crowded, dry — are influenced by the French “intensive” method. Intensive farming forces the vines to compete and struggle, resulting in small fruit of dense and complex flavor.

Dense clustering

Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape to cultivate. It is thin-skinned, prone to rot, viruses, diseases, and vulnerable to over-crowding.  Tchelistcheff has said, “God made Cabernet Sauvignon whereas the devil made Pinot Noir.” There is a reason Pinot Noir is higher priced: the grape is difficult to grow and takes a great deal of viticultural skill and hands‐on processing to result in a good bottle. Against these odds, the wow factor is alive and well in Femme Fatale.  And Austin believes the harsh conditions at Clouds Rest force the grapes to develop thicker skins; thereby retaining more flavor and essence.

What gives wine the “wow factor” for you?

At the end of the day, the wow factor is about what you like. Wine preference is unique to each person, so what appeals to you may be different than for others. What gives a wine the wow factor for you? Where does the aroma and taste transport you to? What do you think goes into creating the wow factor in a wine? Please comment below – Simple Hedonisms would love to hear about your experiences!

Where can you find Femme Fatale?

Fem Fatale, as well as Clouds Rest Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, are available at Roadhouse Winery Tasting Room in Healdsburg, and Bounty Hunter in Napa. Check the Clouds Rest website for online purchase and for a list of restaurants pouring Clouds Rest wines. And as mentioned, K&L Wines is carrying 2008 Femme Fatale.

Clouds Rest will be pouring at Family Winemakers of California, Aug 22-23 at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco.

Clouds Rest will be a featured in the “Grand Reserve” tent at Taste of Sonoma: Wine Country Weekend during Labor Day holiday. They are also pouring at the Sept 3^rd Winemakers Lunch and at other venues throughout the event.

The Russian River Valley (RRV) has emerged over the last decade as a world renowned region of wine growing. It’s especially recognized for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but many great varietals from Rhones like roussanne and cool climate syrah, to cool climate zinfandel are produced here.

This weekend, August 20-22 is the showcase event for RRV, the 15th Annual Grape to Glass.

Friday August 20th

There are several great events to choose from Friday:

CELLARPASS WINERY SENSATIONS PASSPORT:

Your very own VIP CellarPass to tour our many participating wineries and discover what makes each sensational. Hosted by CellarPass, an online reservation tool for planning and booking wine country events, wineries will open exclusive bottles and surprise you with their own special attraction. Visit at least four participating wineries and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a return trip back to the Russian River Valley in 2011.  11 a.m. – 430 p.m. $45

IN CONCERT WITH THE ARTISANS

Taste an amazing array of the best of Russian River food and wine, hosted at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek in Santa Rosa.

The Evening’s Schedule:
6:00pm – 8:00pm Russian River Valley Varietal Hosted Garden Tasting
8:15pm – 9:45pm Concert with Nick Palance – No Host Bar, No Host Small Plates
10:00pm – 10:45pm Nick Palance Reception & Signing, No Host Bar

Tickets start at $85

Saturday August 21st

Saturday features a wide array of activities and seminars: everything from Kayaking the Russian River, to Seminars on Green Farming, or touring Pinot Noir Neighborhoods. No matter what your interest in food and wine, there is something for everyone; for the complete list click here. Events have limited space so don’t wait too long!

The amazing day wraps up with the spectacular HOG IN THE FOG ~ Festival of Plenty, hosted at the fabulous Richards Grove in Saralee’s Vineyard, in Windsor, a venue open only a few times a year for events.

The Russian River Valley Winegrowers annual Hog in the Fog ~ Festival of Plenty BBQ is a perennial favorite with its TasteFest and auction. This year add’s live music, art by our vintner artists, and a surprise guest chef known for firing up great BBQ recipes.

The event features more than fifty Russian River Valley wineries, small-bites produced from our region’s fabulous food products, silent auction items, and arts created by our versatile and talented vintners. Grape growers will be prepare the evening’s plentiful BBQ feast.

Dinner will be paired (of course) with Russian River Valley wines.  Vintners and growers will roll up their sleeves and make the rounds with great bottles.  The evening commences with a live auction featuring rare library wines and lifestyle packages.  $115/person.

Sunday August 20th

What better way to spend a Sunday, with Bubbles and gorgeous views at the BUBBLES & PIXELS ~ A Sparkling Pink Finish at Iron Horse Vineyards, a personal favorite. 

Set on the Sterling family’s stunning 350-acre estate, Bubbles & Pixels will feature the Sparkling & Pink wines of the Russian River Valley.  Wines are served with a family-style brunch, created by a top wine country chef and featuring local produce and artisan food products.
A panel of judges will announce the winners of the TasteLive Photo Contest. 10:30 a.m.  – 12:30 p.m.  $80

Have a GREAT Weekend, the Weather looks to

I have been a fan of C. Donatiello since I discovered them some 18 months ago, both for their wines, and the gorgeous property.
For those who may not yet be familiar with C. Donatiello or its location, Chris Donatiello, in partnership with Bill Hambrecht, purchased the facilities from Belvedere in 2006, and have morphed it into a world class facility and producer of stunning Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

C. Donatiello’s winemaker is Webster Marquez, also referred to as Web. An affable winemaker,  Web  is focused, committed, and always chasing making his best vintage yet, he comes to C. Donatiello from famous Pinot producer Williams Selyem. (He also has his own small label, Anthill Farms.)

In addition to their winery being a pleasure to visit, renowned for casual yet elegant service, each Sunday from late June through October 3rd they feature live music, with acts from all over the U.S. at no charge. It’s one of my Sunday’ faves, I almost hate to share to keep it smaller, but somethings are too good to keep to your self.

I was long overdue for a full tasting review; and was delighted for an invitation, as well as be one of the first for their new wine and cheese pairing which for $20, is one of the most underpriced, amazing Hedonistic pairings going on in Russian River. More on this in another post, but take my word for it, call for an appointment to schedule one of these.

Review

I have a special interest in this release, having just recently toured Floodgate Vineyard with vineyard manager Warren Burton, and new wine producer Cartograph Wines.

Region/AVA: Block 15, Floodgate Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County

Color: Lighter cranberry color, slightly opaque. (A thankful break from the ridiculously dark Pinot’s being produced today by many.)

Aroma: Cherry, Cranberry, with a pleasant touch of Earthiness

In The Mouth: Elegant. Despite the youth of this release, it’s a pleasure in the mouth, with velvet texture, wonderful balance and mouthfeel. Flavors of cherry and red fruit, with a nice finish, and  lingering acidity.

Price: $49 Retail

Wine Geek Info:

• Harvest Date – Sept 4, 2008
• Barrel Program – 10 months French Oak, 35% new
• Bottled – July 22, 2009
• 400 cases produced

Highly Recommend.

The World of Social Media can be funny; I can post the most serious, (self perceived) insightful post or blog and get little response, and then sometimes get large immediate responses to random things.

Last Tuesday at the weekly Healdsburg Music on the Square, I posted this pic and comment:

Love my wine spike  http://tweetphoto.com/36680681

And got 5 responses back on Twitter in seconds and 3 on Facebook.

This was enough to spur me into action for an idea I have been percolating for awhile: Wine Gadget reviews. I am a closet geek and love gadgets; both techie and conventional. Lately I have also been approached for input on iPhone apps, gadgets etc and thought why not share these with readers, so tada, welcome to the new feature.

I stumbled across the Wine Spike some months ago on their Facebook site. At that time they didn’t have online ordering, and being the busy geek that I am, waited until they did. Luckily this was on time for the many Outdoor musics events we have Sonoma, including the one I am going to all afternoon today in Petaluma.

“Please drink responsibly, use a Wine, Beer, or Beverage Spike!”

This is the slogan for the product on their web page, along with things like “Don’t Spill Your Wine – Spike it!”

The wine spikes come in a variety of price points, styles, colors. There are (as of now) clearance spikes starting as low as $10, to $35 for premium, with a wide range in between. Spikes can be ordered as single or double glass holders, and even have a stand option so can be used indoors.There is a wide array of colors, designs (expanded since I bought mine) and wood tones. You can even have them customized with your company’s logo.

How Do They Work

I bought two singles and one double to test. I wasn’t sure how some of the colors would look with the wood, so went for a natural wood tone. They are relatively lightweight, but well constructed. The Spike is solid, and once pushed into the ground, is firmly planted.

This won’t win an Academy award, but I thought a little film demonstration might be fun.

Even larger glasses fairly full aren’t going anywhere. Playing around, I discovered stemless glasses like Riedel O series and GoVino can rest ok on the top of these…if the round hole was a tad larger would fit more securely, but its still better than sitting it on the grass.

Tip:

Save the plastic tubing they ship with; the spikes aren’t razor sharp, but are designed to stick in the ground, and could poke through a bag or backpack. I wrap mine in a towel or the blanket.

Wishlist:

I’d like to see an all wire metal frame version, maybe with a tribal or SouthWestern Kokopelli US kinda of theme.

Overall:

I couldn’t be more pleased and will be putting to maximum use today at the Petaluma Music Festival.

Upcoming Reviews:

I have a few more in my hopper, and am taking reader requests/input, and samples for future articles. Next few planned are:

• Wine storage containers/bags for travel
• Portable stemware (am seeking containers as well; why Riedel doesn’t have a hard case for ‘O” escapes me.
• Wine aeration devices: Vinturi, Wine Soiree, etc

Hope you enjoy; feel free to ask questions, make comments below – cheers!

Summer in Wine Country continues to pick up, with a wide array of fun events to chose from this weekend. Contributing Writer Katherine Parker already wrote this week including the Eighth Street Winery Open House (and ticket contest) about whats going in Sonoma proper (also know as “the island’ by locals), so I can focus on the North Sonoma areas and the Wine Road.

Windsor Oaks – Nature Walks & Wine – 3 Days!

Friday August 6th – Sunday August 8th

Wine Tasting and Picnicking: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

Windsor Oak’s vineyard and winery team are ready for more summer fun!  They are only open to the public 18 days each year, and these are the last 3 before harvest preparations begin.

Trail levels for all guests! Scale the rugged summit or stroll casually through vineyards with a glass of wine in hand, or do nothing but relax by our winery pond.  Hikes begin as early as 8:30 am. Come early to beat the heat if you want to cover some ground.  Hiking snacks and beverages will be available for sale. Click Here for Hiking Details

Wine Club Members may sign up for a “rare” 4-wheel-drive truck tour with Douglas, through our 350 acres Forever Wild Preserve. After your outdoor adventure, sit back and relax as you sip our award-winning artisan wines! Tasting fee is $10 per person, refundable with 2 bottle purchase. Wine Club members and their guests are FREE!  Wine tasting hours are from 11:00 to 5:00. Enjoy new wine-by-the-glass or bottle options for a perfect lunch! Picnics are also welcome! They’ll have the tables, umbrellas and Riedel glasses waiting for you at our picnic site that overlooks the winery pond.  Choose from our list of our gourmet lunches, or bring goodies from home.  Please contact Jil to reserve a table or order a lunch! Please place orders 24 hours prior to arrival! Click Here for Picnic Lunch Options

RSVP: Jil@windsoroaks.com – wine@windsoroaks.com – 707-433-3810

Friday Night – Napa  Cheers St Helena

(Ok, I know its not Sonoma, but its a great event)

Cheers St Helena is a fun event May to October, the 1st Friday of every month on Main Street in St. Helena. Head there from 6-9pm for a kicked-up Social as they toast friendship and wine in the heart of the Napa Valley! Over 100 of Napa Valley’s Top Wineries will be pouring! Attendance is free, only $35 to taste wines from participating wineries.

Eastside Bunch Summer Wine Experience

Eastside Bunch Wineries of Russian River present the  2010 Summer Wine Experience, Saturday, August 7 11am- 4pm

Explore the exceptional family-owned wineries on the eastside of the Russian River in Healdsburg.  Enjoy a fantastic day of special wine tastings, food pairings, and day only event specials. $20 per person, includes a logo tasting glass.

Participating Wineries: Acorn Winery, Christie Vineyards, Christopher Creek Winery, Deux Amis Winery, Merriam Vineyards, Mietz Cellars,  Mutt Lynch Winery

Kendall Jackson Farm Stand – Saturday August 7th

Visit the Kendall Jackson Wine Center and Farm Stand - culinary gardens that are home to hundreds of fruit, vegetable and herb varietals from around the globe. It’s the source of fresh produce for our own culinary team and many exclusive restaurants in the Bay Area.

• Purchase Heirloom Vegetables from the Gardens
• Chef’s Cooking Demonstrations
• Garden Seminars with Master Gardeners
• Wine Tasting and Education

Bring your shopping list and your palate to the Wine Center on the first Saturday of each month May through October.

3rd Annual – Petaluma Music Festival – Saturday August 7th

Benefit for Music Education Programs in All Petaluma Area Schools

An intimate, relaxed, and upbeat celebration: The 3^rd Annual Petaluma Music Festival on Saturday, August 7^th, 2010, at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma with performances by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, ALO, Poor Man’s Whiskey, Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums, Sol Horizon, Zydeco Flames, the Peter Welker Sextet featuring Jeff Oster, Hillside Fire, and The Artifacts.

This year’s festival will also feature:

• The fine beers of the Lagunitas Brewing Company, and an extensive selection of award-winning wines for tasting
• A unique silent auction and raffle featuring celebrity autographed guitars
• A shaded VIP seating section with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer (where you’ll find Simple Hedonisms covering)
• A variety of specialty food, craft and local business vendors

The large grassy area and park-like setting of the festival grounds are perfect for blankets and low-profile lawn chairs, and the two performance stages guarantee the music never ends.

Because funding for the arts in California is problematic, there is never enough for school music programs.  Festival attendees will help ensure that our children will continue to enjoy the positive influence of music in their lives.

Tickets: $25 General Admission, $75 VIP Premium (shaded reserved seating with complimentary wine, beer, and light appetizers), children 12 and under free with paying adult.  Tickets are available for purchase online at www.petalumamusicfestival.org.  Gates open and music begins at 11:00 AM, wine tasting from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, festival ends at 8:00 PM.  Festival location is the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, CA 94952.  For more information about the Petaluma Music Festival please visit their website.

Rodney Strong Concert Series – Saturday August 7th, 5 p.m.

This Saturday the Rodney Strong Concert Series continues, and with a handful of tickets remaining for the  Dave Koz & Jonathan Butler – Together Again Tour
Featuring Shelia E.

Enjoy Amazing wines, breathtaking views and concerts with contemporary artists – there’s no better way to enjoy a Sonoma County summer than at Rodney Strong’s annual Summer Concert Series. Be  surrounded by acres of beautiful vineyards, guests enjoy top performers while picnicking at the winery’s intimate concert venue, The Green.

Doors: 4 p.m./ Show Time: 5 p.m. Tickets VIP: $75 / General Admission: $50: Tickets are here.

Live Music – C. Donatiello Winery.  Sunday 1-4 p.m.

I almost want to not share this one, as its one of my favorite Sunday events to sneak away to, enjoy their great wines, music and beautiful grounds. C. Donatiello offers free live music every Sunday, with a great list of artists. Grab wine by the glass or bottle, buy local cheeses and snacks, and sit at a table or bring a blanket and enjoy the sights and sounds. This Sunday is Chris O’Brien, who has made quite a name for himself in Boston’s competitive music scene. Enjoy!

Enjoy a GREAT Sonoma (Or Wine Country) Weekend, no matter what you do – cheers!

As contributing editor Katherine Parker wrote earlier this week in her article on  Wine Goings-on in and around town of Sonoma August 7-8th, Simple Hedonisms has teamed up with the ten artisanal wineries of the Eighth Street Enclave to offer two different drawings for free tickets.

This one-day event will feature both current and new releases as well as library offerings,  barrel tastings, and food pairings. Tickets  include all food and wine plus a souvenir wine glass.  Even if you don’t win, for $30 its a heck of a value for a day out – try and have a quality date with food and wine for less than that!

1. Trivia Contest

Enter to Win a pair of tickets ($6o value) by responding in comments below to these three simple questions, which you can find by clicking on the wineries on from the main web page for Eighth Street Wineries.

1. Whats the website price for the Ty Caton 2008 The Ridge George’s Malbec?
2. What wine release from Tin Barn just won Double Gold medals at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2010?
3. Name either of the two two less common white wine Rhone releases from Parmalee Hill, named after Daughters. (White Rhone wines rock, branch out!)

Submissions will not be published until after the contest winner is picked so that people can’t see each others answers. All information is secure and never shared.

A drawing at 1pm Friday August 6th will be held.

2. Second Chance to Win: Drawing from Simple Hedonisms Email Subscribers

One drawing at random for a ticket will be awarded to validated email subscribers. Not an email subsriber? Register in the top right; your email is secure, never shared per our privacy policy. You will receive a brief one sentence email summary when new blog posts come out – a great way to stay in touch with events, news, wine reviews, and tips.

This drawing will also be at 1pm this Friday.

Enjoy and Remember:

Winners and Attendees: enjoy the event and remember the four mantras of Simple Hedonisms for Wine Events:

1. Drink/taste responsibly: Ten wineries pouring 3-4 wines adds up to a lot. Consider paying that unemployed summer teen a few dollars to drive you around!
2. Dump/Spit: If you are serious about wine tasting to experience and compare wines; consider learning to use a spit cup, as industry people do, or dump regularly wine you don’t wish to consume. If you had four 1 oz tastes at two wineries, that’s already two full glasses. Its scientifically proven that your sensory analysis is  impaired; you have gone from tasting to drinking. (Which if following rule 1 is fine, have fun.)
3. Its a Business, Not a Charity: These are small wineries who stay in business by selling their product, not large corporations. Think $30 covers their costs for an event like this? Not even close. Try a wine you like, purchase a bottle to take home. Many of these wines will only be available at the winery anyway.
4. Bring a Cooler: In summer months, load up a cooler in the car with a few beverages and a place to store your purchases, even at a event like this where all wineries are close. Heat is like kryptonite to wine.

Sonoma Valley and surrounds are characterized by family-owned wineries large and small. Here are a few weekend events offering a chance to taste artisan and estate wines of some of Sonoma’s family vintners. You’ll find the winemakers on hand to answer your questions too. (Check Simple Hedonisms for tips on how to plan for a day of wine-tasting.)

8^th Street Wineries Open House

August 7 – 11:00am-4:00pm. On Saturday August 7 you can taste wines from 10 artisan wineries matched with top-notch food pairings, converse with the winemakers, even meet the winery dogs – all in one warehouse complex in Sonoma. Over the past year, Sonoma’s 8^th Street Wineries collective has grown from 8 to 10 wineries, representing at least 15 different varietals – most of them Sonoma-grown. The wineries are independently owned, most wines are limited production, and many of them are unavailable to taste – other than a at few exclusive restaurants. This bi-annual open house is a chance to experience hard-to-find wines and the unique personality of each winery warehouse. You’ll find the winemaking philosophy of each producer reflected in their workspace.

Chef John McReynolds

Doors open at 11:00am when you pick up your “Passport” and enjoy some tasting at renowned MacRostie Winery.  After visiting MacRostie, cross the street to visit 9 more wineries. Get your Passport stamped at each winery, and submit it for the wine raffle when you leave. Three names will be selected to receive 3 half-case selections from the 8^th Street Wineries.

Rosso Pizzeria will bring their wood-fired pizza oven for pairings at  Tin Barn and Kamen Estate. Sage Fine Foods of nearby Cornerstone Sonoma, and John McReynolds — chef and olive oil meister at new 8^thStreet winery Stone Edge Farms — are among the other purveyors. Each warehouse sets up their own food station, so expect some yummy surprises.

Eighth Street Wineries is an informal collective comprised of [winery/winemaker]:

• Anaba Wines /Jennifer Marion
• Enkidu Wines / Phil Staehl
• Kamen Estate Wines / Mark Herold, Katy Wilson
• MacRostie Winery and Vineyards / Steve MacRostie
• Parmelee-Hill Wines and Vineyards / Steve Hill
• Stone Edge Farms / Jeff Baker
• Talisman Wines / Scott Rich
• Three Sticks Winery / DonVan Staaveren
• Tin Barn Vineyards / Michael Lancaster
• Ty Caton Vineyards / Ty Caton

Open Warehouses at 8th Street Wineries

Many awards and accolades are attributed to this collective of wineries. For instance, Tin Barn was awarded 5 medals at this years’ San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, including a Double Gold for their 2007 Zinfandel from Russian River Valley. In recent news, new member Kamen Estate was cited in a New York Times article on California Syrah.

Current releases, new releases, library wines and barrel tastings are offered. The price of $30 per person ($20 for wine club members of any 8^th Street winery) includes tastings, pairings, and a souvenir wine glass. Parking is free and once parked, you can walk from winery to winery. Each winery will also have special discounts running this day. The most recent open house in February drew over 700 guests. I was there and can’t wait to return. The quality of the wines, enhanced by foods and conversations with the winemaking families make this a memorable experience. Come early for best selection and savory food pairings. Purchase advance tickets here.

Tip: Check back with Simple Hedonisms on Tuesday August 3rd for a contest to win free tickets!

Muscardini Cellars 5^th Annual Barrel Tasting

August 7th and 8th, 12:00-5:00pm. This year’s Barrel Tasting will be held at the Muscardini Estate ~ Monte Terra, where guests can enjoy an afternoon in the courtyard, by the koi pond and under the oaks. Tickets are a steal at $20 – including a tour of the Estate Sangiovese vineyard, live music, delectable food and wine pairings, and special wine discounts. 2009 futures from the barrel as well as current releases will be tasted. Buy tickets here.

GunBun Summer Film Festival

August 7 at 7:00pm. Saturday is Movie Night at Sonoma’s Gundlach Bundschu Estate Winery. This evening features the 1996 film Swingers. Gun Bun’s annual night under the stars features a high-energy local band at 7pm, followed by the movie at dusk. Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy an evening under the stars. Wines available for purchase. $10/pp advance tickets to film; $15/pp tickets at door. Buy tickets here.

Screening of Smokestack Lightening, a Day in the Life of Barbecue with Lolis Eric Eliez

Lolis Eric Eliez and Sheana Davis

August 8^th, 6:00-10:00pm. Sonoma’s own Epicurean Connection hosts an evening of food, wine, dancing to live music that is sure to be PRIMAL! Lolis Eric Elie, a New Orleans based writer and filmmaker and recognized expert on New Orleans food and culture, is the author of Smokestack Lightening: Adventures in the Heart of Barbecue Country and co-producer of the documentary based upon the book. Elie most recently joined the staff of the HBO series Treme. He also produced and wrote the PBS documentary Faubourg Treme.

Memphis Minnies, The Epicurean Connection & Wild Thyme Catering and Events will cook a Barbecue dinner. Highway 12 Winery and Vineyards & Spann Vineyards will pour their wines, and beer will be available from Moonlight Brewing Company & Uncommon Brewers. Local group The Hellhounds will play for dinner and dancing. The event will be held at Wild Thyme. Cost is $45 per person, and includes screening, dinner and dancing. Tickets are available at The Epicurean Connection, Wild Thyme & Readers’ Books in Sonoma. For more information, call 707-935-7960 or sheana@vom.com. Proceeds from this event benefit Southern Foodways Alliance.