Our  Zinfandel Flight will include:

• Chateau Felice 2007 Chalk Hill
• OZV 2007 Lodi
• Lang 2007 Oakmont Vineyard Amador
• Christian Lazo 2006 Paso Robles
• Ridge 2007 Lytton Springs Dry Creek

Our  Chardonnay  Flight will include:

• Summers 2008 “Le Nude” Chardonnay Monterey
• Tolosa 2008 “No oak” Chardonnay Edna Valley
• Sierra Madre 2007 Estate Santa Maria Valley
• Summers 2008 Reserve Chardonnay Alexander Valley
• DeSante 2007 Old Vines Napa Valley

The best selling red wine last week (and it was a runaway!) was  the Dubost Ranch 2008 White Heart (Grenache & Viognier) Paso Robles.  The best selling white wine was the Uvagio 2008 Vermentino Napa Valley.

 Wine 101 Class Announcement.  Our  Wine 101 class for Saturday, September 11 at 3:00pm is now full, and in fact “overflowed.”  We have moved some folks to an additional class on the following Saturday,  Saturday, September 18.  There are three seats available.   Our  101 classes include five wines, the process of examining and evaluating each wine to better understand the characteristics of the more commonly used grapes, as well as the history of wine. The classes cost $35 and last about 2 hours.    To register for the September 18 class, please go to www.winewisdomandwit.com .  Scroll down to “Wine Class” and register there. 

Tax Free Wednesdays.   On Wednesdays, the tax on all retail purchases will be on us!   This discount will not compound with others already available.

Chris Parson’s display of photographs continue on the West Wall. The show, which includes sixteen color photographs will take you from Venice, Italy to Norumbega.  Some will appear more like water color than photography; some are color drenched while a few are muted by sunset; all will evoke a memory or a curiosity. Please note that initial pricing did not include the frames.  A new price list, with frames, is now available.

Upcoming Events

Noir Food and Wine will offer an “Anthill Farms” Winemaker Dinner with winemaker Webster Marquez on November 14.  Eleven Anthill Farms Pinot, from 2004 to 2008,  will be paired with a five course dinner. This dinner will cost $119 (+tax & gratuity).  Check www.noirfoodandwine.com for details and reservations.

Our  Dubost Ranch Wines Flight will include:

• 2008 White Heart (Grenache & Viognier) Paso Robles
• 2007 Grenache Starr Ranch Paso Robles
• 2006 Syrah Paso Robles
• 2006 Reserve Syrah Starr Vineyard Paso Robles
• 2007 Crianza Red Wine (Grenache Syrah & Tempranillo) Paso Robles

Our  Mixed White Wines  Flight will include:

• Zocker 2009 Gruner Veltliner Edna Valley
• Uvaggio 2008 Vermentino Napa Valley
• Kenneth Volk 2008 Verdelho Starr Ranch Paso Robles
• Silver Horse 2009 Albarino Edna Valley
• MacMurray Ranch 2008 Pinot Gris Sonoma Coast

And a Touch of Dessert:

• Dubost Ranch 2007 Zinfandel Cushman Vineyard Paso Robles &  a chocolate

The best selling red wine last week was  the Barrel 27 Right Hand man Syrah Paso Robles .  The best selling white was the Sans Liege 2008 Cotes du Coast Westside Paso Robles .  

Kate Dubost of Dubost Ranch had planned to be with us this Friday evening  for the Dubost Ranch tasting, however, the sudden death of her son has precluded her visit. I was in contact with Kate this week, and she encouraged us to go ahead with the tasting as planned. Janet and I have known Kate and her son since January 2009. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family during this very difficult time.

 Wine 101 Class Announcement.  Our  Wine 101 class for Saturday, September 11 at 3:00pm is now full, and in fact “overflowed.”  We have moved some folks to an additional class on the following Saturday,  Saturday, September 18.  There are five seats available.   Our  101 classes include five wines, the process of examining and evaluating each wine to better understand the characteristics of the more commonly used grapes, as well as the history of wine. The classes cost $35 and last about 2 hours.    To register for the September 18 class, please go to www.winewisdomandwit.com .  Scroll down to “Wine Class” and register there.

Tax Free Wednesdays.   On Wednesdays,  all retail purchases will be discounted 9.75%.    This discount will not compound with others already available.

Chris Parson’s display of photographs continue on the West Wall. The show, which includes sixteen color photographs will take you from Venice, Italy to Norumbega.  Some will appear more like water color than photography; some are color drenched while a few are muted by sunset; all will evoke a memory or a curiosity. Please note that initial pricing did not include the frames. A new price list, with frames, is now available.

Upcoming Events

Noir Food and Wine will offer a “Best of Pinot Noir” Wine Dinner on August 29. Twelve Pinot Noir are coming out of the cellar to be paired with a five course dinner. This dinner will cost $98 (+tax & gratuity).  Check www.noirfoodandwine.com for details and reservations.

Bistro 45 will offer a Wine Dinner on August 30, featuring Chesebro Wines. Mark Chesebro’s Pinot Noir and Vermentino are frequently on the wine racks at CWaC.  Price-wise, they’re easy on the budget and I suspect the wines will have a lot of new fans after this dinner. Reservations may be made at 626-795-2478.

Our  Red Rhone Flight will include:

• Barrel 27 2006 Right Hand Man Syrah Paso Robles
• Sol Rouge 2007 Syrah Lake County
• Barrel 27 2007 Rock and a Hard Place Grenache Paso Robles
• Autonum 2007 “Law of Return” Grenache Central Coast
• Deep Sea 2008 Red Central Coast 

Our  White Rhone Flight will include:

• Minassian Young 2009 White Rhonoceros Paso Robles
• Barrel 27 2009 High on the Hog Grenache Blanc/Viognier Paso Robles
• Terre Rouge 2007 Enigma Sierra Foothills
• Sans Liege 2008 Cotes du Coast Westside Paso Robles
• Katin 2008 Viognier Paso Robles

The best selling red wine last week was  the Eric Kent 2007 Kalens Big Boy Syrah Sonoma Coast.  The best selling white was the Newton 2008 Unfiltered Chardonnay Napa Valley.   We also received orders for the Eric Kent 2008 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and the 2008 Stiling Vineyard Pinot Noir, both of which will be released on October 1.

Wine 101 Class Announcement. Our  Wine 101 class for Saturday, September 11 at 3:00pm is now full.  Our  101 classes include five wines, the process of examining and evaluating each wine to better understand the characteristics of the more commonly used grapes, as well as the history of wine. The classes cost $35 and last about 2 hours.  We are starting a waiting listed for the next such class.  Please call 626-358-6500 for this purpose.  If there is enough immediate interest, we will set an early date for another 101 class.  otherwise the next such class will be November 13.

Tax Free Wednesdays.   On Wednesdays,  all retail purchases will be discounted 9.75%.    This discount will not compound with others already available.

Chris Parson’s display of photographs continue on the West Wall. The show, which includes sixteen color photographs will take you from Venice, Italy to Norumbega.  Some will appear more like water color than photography; some are color drenched while a few are muted by sunset; all will evoke a memory or a curiosity. Please note that initial pricing did not include the frames. A new price list, with frames, is now available.

Upcoming Events

Kate Dubost of Dubost Ranch will be in the shop pouring their wines on August 27.  We’ll be pouring the following wines: 2008 White Heart, 2007 Crianza (Tempranillo/Syrah/Grenache), 2008 Grenache Starr Ranch, 2006 Syrah and 2006 Syrah Reserve.  This winery event will take place between 5:30 and 8:30pm.

The Derby Restaurant in Arcadia will offer a Wine Dinner on Wednesday, August 25 at 6:30pm.  A five course meal will be paired with wines from the Merryvale/Starmont Winery, Napa CA.  The cost will be $75 per person (+ tax & gratuity).  Reservations required.  Call 626-447-2430.

Il Fornaio Pasadena will offer a Justin Wine Dinner on Thursday, August 26 at 7:00pm.  The five course dinner will be paired with wines from the Justin Winery.   The cost is $70.00++ per person and reservations can be made by calling 626-683-9797.

Noir Food and Wine will offer a “Best of Pinot Noir” Wine Dinner on August 29. Twelve Pinot Noir are coming out of the cellar to be paired with a five course dinner. This dinner will cost $98 (+tax & gratuity).  Check www.noirfoodandwine.com for details and reservations.

Bistro 45 will offer a Wine Dinner on August 30, featuring Chesebro Wines. Mark Chesebro’s Pinot Noir and Vermentino are frequently on the wine racks at CWaC.  Price-wise, they’re easy on the budget and I suspect the wines will have a lot of new fans after this dinner. Reservations may be made at 626-795-2478.

Join us on Friday evening when we welcome winemaker Kent Humphrey.  Along with his sister, Renee, Kent and our staff will be pouring three of his currently availabable wines and two not yet released.  This event will be from 5:30 to 8:30pm.

Our  Eric Kent Cellars Flight will include:

• 2008 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
• 2008 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
• 2008 Pinot Noir Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley
• 2007 Syrah Dry Stack Vineyard Bennett Valley
• 2007 Syrah Kalen’s Big Boy Sonoma County 

Our  Mixed White Wines Flight will include:

• La Zarre 2007 Pinot Blanc Central Coast
• Hall 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
• Honig 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
• Grgich Hills 2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley
• Newton 2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley

The best selling red wine last week was a tie bewteen the Bodegas Paso Robles 2006 Graciano Central Coast & the Bodegas Paso Robles 2007 Pimentiero Central Coast. The best selling white was the Clayhouse 2008 Adobe White Paso Robles .

Kent Humphrey of Eric Kent Cellars will be here on the evening of Friday the 13th!  Along with his sister, Renee, they’ll be pouring the above listed five wines.  Please note, this will be the debut of the not yet released Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and the Stiling Pinot Noir. They will not be for sale, but we will accept orders. Likewise, these two wines will only be available for tasting on Friday evening.

We’ll have a rare Saturday night winemaker visit when Doug Timewell stops in on Saturday, August 14 to showcase some of his Toucan Wines. The Toucan Winery is located in Arroyo Grande. Doug will be pouring five wines including 2006 Estate Zinfandel, 2007 Estate Zinfandel, 2007 Carignane Evangelho Vyd Contra Costa, 2006 Estate Petite Sirah and a Porto style dessert wine. This tasting will be available only on Saturday evening from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

Wine 101 Class Announcement. Our Sommelier / teacher, Elizabeth Schweitzer, will be returning from Mackinac Island shortly so we are scheduling a long overdue Wine 101 class for Saturday, September 11 at 3:00pm. The class will include five wines, the process of examining and evaluating each wine to better understand the characteristics of the more commonly used grapes, as well as the history of wine. The class will cost $35 and last about 2 hours.  Advance registration is required and payment by check or cash to Elizabeth may be made at the class; however, it would be ideal to go to her web site, www.winewisdomandwit.com, scroll down to the bottom of the page to “Reserve Here,” click on the box arrow, select “CaWine and Cheese” and click “Buy Now.”  Sign-ups are limited to 12 persons per class. Call the shop with additional questions.

Tax Free Wednesdays.   On Wednesdays,  all retail purchases will be discounted 9.75%.    This discount will not compound with others already available.

Chris Parson’s display of photographs continue on the West Wall. The show, which includes sixteen color photograhs will take you from Venice, Italy to Norumbega.  Some will appear more like water color than photography; some are color drenched while a few are muted by sunset; all will evoke a memory or a curiosity. Please note that initial pricing did not include the frames. A new price list, with frames, is now available.

Stop by Sunday afternoons  when we’re joined by Norman Davis who plays classical and light jazz pieces for a couple hours.  His guitar playing provides a relaxing back drop to the whole wine and cheese experience. The music starts at 3:30PM. 

Upcoming Events

Kate Dubost of Dubost Ranch will be in the shop pouring their wines on August 27.  More details next week.

Noir Food and Wine will offer a “Best of Pinot Noir” Wine Dinner on August 29. Twelve Pinot Noir are coming out of the cellar to be paired with a five course dinner. This dinner will cost $98 (+tax & gratuity).  Check www.noirfoodandwine.com for details and reservations.

Bistro 45 will offer a Wine Dinner on August 30, featuring Chesebro Wines. Mark Chesebro’s Pinot Noir and Vermentino are frequently on the racks at CWaC.  Price-wise, they’re easy on the budget and I suspect the wines will have a lot of new fans after this dinner. Reservations may be made at 626-795-2478.

Join us on Friday evening when we welcome winemaker Dorothy Schuler.  She will be pouring a line-up of her Spanish and Portuguese  style wines from 5:30 to 8:30.

Our  Bodegas Paso Robles Flight will include:

• 2005 Solea (Tempranillo & Graciano) Central Coast
• 2006 Graciano Central Coast
• 2003 Iberia (Touriga, Tempranillo, Graciano & Tinto Cao) Central Coast
• 2005 Viva Yo (Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon) Central Coast
• 2007 Pimentiero (Trousseau) Central Coast

Our  Mixed White Wines Flight will include:

• Bodegas Paso Robles 2008 Dona Blanca Paso Robles
• Halter Ranch 2009 Cotes du Paso Blanc Paso Robles
• Clayhouse 2008 Adobe White Paso Robles
• Tangent 2008 Albarino Central Coast
• Pavi 2008 Pinot Grigio Napa Valley

The best selling red wine last week was the Drew 2008 Pinot Noir Valenti Vineyard Mendocino Ridge. The best selling white was the Chanin 2008 Chardonnay Los Alamos Vineyard .

For those inquiring minds at the “Wednesday Night Wellness” session, the 2007 Huber Pinot Noir will sell for $30 each or $28 each on a three bottle purchase.

Wine 101 Class Announcement.Our Sommelier / teacher, Elizabeth Schweitzer, will be returning from Mackinac Island shortly so we are scheduling a long overdue Wine 101 class for Saturday, September 11 at 3:00pm. The class will include five wines, the process of examining and evaluating each wine to better understand the characteristics of the more commonly used grapes, as well as the history of wine. The class will cost $35 and last about 2 hours.  Advance registration is required and payment by check or cash to Elizabeth may be made at the class. You may also go to her web site, www.winewisdomandwit.com, scroll down to the bottom of the page to “Reserve Here,” click on the box arrow, select “CaWine and Cheese” and click “Buy Now.” Sign-ups are limited to 12 persons per class. Call the shop with additional questions.

Tax Free Wednesdays.   On Wednesdays,  all retail purchases will be discounted 9.75%.    This discount will not compound with others already available.

Chris Parson’s display of photographs continue on the West Wall. The show, which includes sixteen color photograhs will take you from Venice, Italy to Norumbega. Some will appear more like water color than photography; some are color drenched while a few are muted by sunset; all will evoke a memory or a curiosity. Please note that initial pricing did not include the frames. A new price list, with frames, is now available.

Stop by Sunday afternoons  when we’re joined by Norman Davis who plays classical and light jazz pieces for a couple hours.  His guitar playing provides a relaxing back drop to the whole wine and cheese experience. The music starts at 3:30PM. 

Wine Classes.  Our wine classes are temporarily on hold while our instructor, Elizabeth Schweitzer,  is out of town.  Elizabeth has taken   a temporary position as Wine Director at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.  We will announce new class dates upon her return.    

Upcoming Events

Kent Humphrey of Eric Kent Cellars will be here on the evening of Friday the 13th! Along with his sister, Renee, they’ll be pouring the following five wines: 2008 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, 2008 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, 2008 Pinot Noir Stiling Vineyard, 2007 Dry Stack Syrah and the 2007 Kalen’s Big Boy Syrah. Please note, this will be the debut of the not yet releasedSonoma Coast Chardonnay and the Stiling Pinot Noir. They will not be for sale, but we will accept orders. Likewise these two wines will only be available for tasting on Friday evening.

We’ll have a rare Saturday night winemaker visit when Doug Timewell stops in on August 14 to showcase some of his Toucan Wines. The Toucan Winery is located in Arroyo Grande. Doug will be pouring four wines including 2006 Estate Zinfandel, 2007 Estate Zinfandel, 2007 Carignane Evangelho Vyd Contra Costa and a Porto style dessert wine. This tasting will be available only on Saturday evening from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

Kate Dubost of Dubost Ranch will be in the shop pouring their wines on August 27. More details as we get closer.

Noir Food and Wine will offer a “Best of Pinot Noir” Wine Dinner on August 29. Twelve Pinot Noir are coming out of the cellar to be paired with a five course dinner. This dinner will cost $98 (+tax & gratuity).  Check www.noirfoodandwine.com for details and reservations.

Bistro 45 will offer a Wine Dinner on August 30, featuring Chesebro Wines. Mark Chesebro’s Pinot Noir and Vermentino are frequently on the racks at CWaC.  Price-wise, they’re easy on the budget and I suspect the wines will have a lot of new fans after this dinner. Reservations may be made at 626-795-2478.

Our  Pinot Noir Flight will include:

• Laetitia 2008  Estate Arroyo Grande
• Alta Maria 2008 Santa Maria Valley
• Athair 2007  Russian River Valley
• Taz 2007  Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta Rita Hills
• Drew 2008  Valenti Vyd Mendocino Ridge

Our  Chardonnay Flight will include:

• Sean Minor 2008  Central Coast
• Bernardus 2007 Monterey Co
• Laetitia 2008 Estate Arroyo Grande
• Chanin 2008 Santa Maria Valley
• Alta Maria 2008 Santa Maria Valley

 The best selling red wine last week was the  Clesi 2007 Dolcetto Juan Navarez Vineyard Paso Robles.  The best selling white was  the Clesi 2009 Malvasia Bianca San Bernabe Vineyard Monterey. 

The debut last Friday evening  of the Clesi Wine line-up was a big success.  The Italian style wines presented by Chris and Adrienne Ferrara were so well received, I was out Monday morning picking up more cases at the distributor’s warehouse. 

Tax Free Wednesdays.   On Wednesdays,  all retail purchases will be discounted 9.75%.    This discount will not compound with others already available.

Stop by Sunday afternoons  when we’re joined by Norman Davis who plays classical and light jazz pieces for a couple hours.  His guitar playing provides a relaxing back drop to the whole wine and cheese experience. The music starts at 3:30PM. 

Wine Classes.  Our wine classes are temporarily on hold while our instructor, Elizabeth Schweitzer,  is out of town.  Elizabeth has taken   a temporary position as Wine Director at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.  We will announce new class dates upon her return.    

Upcoming Events

Next Friday evening, August 6,  Dorothy Schuler, winemaker/owner of Bodegas Paso Robles will be in the shop pouring five of her Spanish & Portuguese style wines.  The tasting will run from 5:30 to 8:30pm.

Kent Humphrey of Eric Kent Cellars  and Kate Dubost of Dubost Ranch will be in the shop pouring their wines on August 13 and 27, respectively.

Our  Clesi Wines Flight will include:

• 2009 Malvasia Bianca San Bernabe Vineyard Monterey
• 2007 Dolcetto Juan Navarez Vineyard Paso Robles
• 2008 Barbera Siletto Vineyard San Benito
• 2008 Sangiovese Paso Robles
• 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

Our  Mixed White  Wines Flight will include:

• Trenza 2009 Blanco Edna Valley
• Woodenhead 2009 French Colombard Russian River Valley
• Tantara 2007 Pinot Blanc Bien Nacido Santa Maria Valley
• Ludwig 2007 Riesling Lorelei’s Vineyard Monterey
• Ludwig 2008 Dry Gewurztraminer Monterey

Based on sales last week, the most popular  red wine was the Kukkula 2005 Sisu  Paso Robles (Grenache, Syrah & Mourvedre blend).  The best selling white was  the Alban 2008 Viognier Central Coast. 

This Friday evening, we’ll debut Clesi Wines and welcome winemaker Chris Ferrara and Adrienne Lindsay. They’ll be in the shop, pouring and talking about their wines from 5:30 to 8:30pm.

Tax Free Wednesdays.   On Wednesdays,  all retail purchases will be discounted 9.75%.    This discount will not compound with others already available.

Stop by Sunday afternoons  when we’re joined by Norman Davis who plays classical and light jazz pieces for a couple hours.  His guitar playing provides a relaxing back drop to the whole wine and cheese experience. The music starts at 3:30PM. 

Wine Classes.  Our wine classes are temporarily on hold while our instructor, Elizabeth Schweitzer,  is out of town.  Elizabeth has taken   a temporary position as Wine Director at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.  We will announce new class dates upon her return.    

Upcoming Events

Bistro 45 will offer a wine dinner on Monday evening, July 26, featuring wines from Tolosa Winery with winemaker Larry Brooks.  The featured wines will include: a 2009 Pinot Gris, a 2008 unoaked Chardonnay, an Estate 2007 Pinot Noir and Syrah, as well as the 2007 “1772 Series” Reserve Pinot Noir.  This will be Bistro 45′s 300th wine dinner and they are offering “retro pricing” of $65pp.  Dinner starts at 6:30.  Reservations can be made at 626-795-2478.

Kate Dubost  of Dubost Ranch,  Kent Humphrey of Eric Kent Cellars and Dorothy Schuler of Bodegas Paso Robles  are  “in the wings” for  August.

Our  Rhone Style Red  Flight will include:

• Kukkula 2005 Sisu Paso Robles
• Bodega de Edgar 2008 Garnacha Santa Barbara Co
• Jaffurs 2007 Grenache Santa Barbara Co
• Jemrose 2007 Foggy Knoll Grenache Bennett Valley Sonoma
• Herman Story 2007 “On the Road” Grenache Santa Barbara Co

Our  Rhone Style White  Flight will include:

• Minassian Young 2008 White Rhonoceros Paso Robles
• Truchard 23008 Roussanne Carneros Sonoma
• Jemrose 2008 Egret Pond Viognier Bennett Valley Sonoma
• Alban 2008 Viognier central Coast
• Herman Story 2009 Tomboy Santa Barbara Co

Based on sales last week, the most popular  red wine was the Christine Andrew 2007 Malbec Lodi.  The best selling white was  Groth 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley.

Tax Free Wednesdays.   On Wednesdays,  all retail purchases will be discounted 9.75%.    This discount will not compound with others already available.

Stop by Sunday afternoons  when we’re joined by Norman Davis who plays classical and light jazz pieces for a couple hours.  His guitar playing provides a relaxing back drop to the whole wine and cheese experience. The music starts at 3:30PM. 

Wine Classes. We were planning to offer our next Wine 101 class on August 7, however, our teacher has taken a temporary position as Wine Director at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.  We will announce a new date for that class before September.     This class will cost $35.00.  After September 1, we will also schedule a variety of  “Subject Specific” classes.  Some of these classes may cost more than $35.00 depending on the wines/curriculum.   We’ll update you on those classes as they are developed.  Seating is usually limited to 12 persons and reservations are necessary.  Our classes are taught byElizabeth Schweitzer, a Master Sommelier.  You can either go to Elizabeth’s site at www.winewisdomandwit.com, where you can click on “C W&C Class” and pre-pay via Paypal or call 626-358-6500 and reserve your space in the class  In that instance, please plan to pay  at the class by check or cash directly to Elizabeth.  Please note that Elizabeth teaches additional classes besides our and you can find out about these at her web site.

Upcoming Events

Christopher Ferrara of Clesi Wines will join us in the shop on the evening of July 23.  Chris has just returned from Sicily and we are working out details at this writing.  I anticipate we are going to be presenting these five wines:  2009 Malvasia, 2008 Barbera Siletto Ranch, 2007 Dolcetto, Nevarez Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2008 Sangiovese, Paso Robles and the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles. 

Kate Dubost  of Dubost Ranch,  Kent Humphrey of Eric Kent Cellars and Dorothy Schuler of Bodegas Paso Robles  are  “in the wings” for  August.

Our  Bordeaux Varietal  Flight will include:

• Athair 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley
• Joyce 2006 Merlot Francis Vineyard Hames Valley
• M. Cosentino 2007 Cabernet Franc California
• Christine Andrew 2007 Malbec Lodi
• Opaque 2006 Petit Verdot Paso Robles

Our  Sauvignon Blanc Flight will include:

• Le Petit Coquerel 2007 Napa Valley
• Grgich Hills 2008 Fume Blanc Napa Valley
• Yorkville Cellars 2009 Yorkville Highlands
• Groth 2009 Napa Valley
• St Clement 2008 Bale Vineyard Napa Valley

Based on sales last week, the most popular  red wine was the Lang 2007 Zinfandel Oakmont Vineyard Amador County.  The best selling white was  Athair 2008 Chardonnay Russian River Valley.

Tax Free Wednesdays.   On Wednesdays,  all retail purchases will be discounted 9.75%.    This discount will not compound with others already available.

Stop by Sunday afternoons  when we’re joined by Norman Davis who plays classical and light jazz pieces for a couple hours.  His guitar playing provides a relaxing back drop to the whole wine and cheese experience. The music starts at 3:30PM. 

Wine Classes. We were planning to offer our next Wine 101 class on August 7, however, our teacher has taken a temporary position as Wine Director at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.  We will announce a new date for that class before September.     This class will cost $35.00.  After September 1, we will also schedule a variety of  “Subject Specific” classes.  Some of these classes may cost more than $35.00 depending on the wines/curriculum.   We’ll update you on those classes as they are developed.  Seating is usually limited to 12 persons and reservations are necessary.  Our classes are taught byElizabeth Schweitzer, a Master Sommelier.  You can either go to Elizabeth’s site at www.winewisdomandwit.com, where you can click on “C W&C Class” and pre-pay via Paypal or call 626-358-6500 and reserve your space in the class  In that instance, please plan to pay  at the class by check or cash directly to Elizabeth.  Please note that Elizabeth teaches additional classes besides our and you can find out about these at her web site.

Upcoming Events

Christopher Ferrara of Clesi Wineswill join us in the shop on the evening of July 23.  Chris is in Sicily right now so all the details have not yet been worked out, but I think we are going to be presenting these five wines:  2009 Malvasia, 2008 Barbera Siletto Ranch, 2007 Dolcetto, Nevarez Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2008 Sangiovese, Paso Robles and the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles. 

Kate Dubost  of Dubost Ranch,  Kent Humphrey of Eric Kent Cellars and Dorothy Schuler of Bodegas Paso Robles  are  “in the wings” for  August.

Beginning on Friday (June 25), and continuing through the following week, we’ll pour  Flights of  Vergari Wines  and Mixed Whites.

Our  Zinfandel  Flight will include:

• Mill Creek 2005 Old Vine Dry Creek
• Lang 2007 Oakmont Vineyard Amador
• CalStar 2007 Za Za Zin Old Vine Lodi
• Wine Guerrilla 2007 Goat Trek Vineyard Sonoma
• Gamba 2007 Russian River Valley

Our  Chardonnay Flight will include:

• Kenneth Volk 2007 Santa Maria Cuvee
• De Sante 2007 Old Vine Napa Valley
• DeMuth 2005 Anderson Valley
• Athair 2008 Russian River Valley
• Maldonado 2007 Parr Vineyard Sonoma Co

Based on sales last week, the most popular  red wine was the Vergari 2006 Pinot Noir Van der Kamp Sonoma Mountain.  The best selling white was La Zarre 2007 Pinot Blanc Central Coast.

There will not be any live music this Sunday.

We will offer a blind tasting  next Thursday, July 8.  Three wines will be on offer for you to ascertain the varietal and their origin.  The tasting will take place between 5 and 8:00pm

Tax Free Wednesdays.   On Wednesdays,  all retail purchases will be discounted 9.75%.    This discount will not compound with others already available.

Wine Classes. We were planning to offer our next Wine 101 class on August 7, however, our teacher has taken a temporary position as Wine Director at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.  We will announce a new date for that class before September.     This class will cost $35.00.  After September 1, we will also schedule a variety of  “Subject Specific” classes.  Some of these classes may cost more than $35.00 depending on the wines/curriculum.   We’ll update you on those classes as they are developed.  Seating is usually limited to 12 persons and reservations are necessary.  Our classes are taught byElizabeth Schweitzer, a Master Sommelier.  You can either go to Elizabeth’s site at www.winewisdomandwit.com, where you can click on “C W&C Class” and pre-pay via Paypal or call 626-358-6500 and reserve your space in the class  In that instance, please plan to pay  at the class by check or cash directly to Elizabeth.  Please note that Elizabeth teaches additional classes besides our and you can find out about these at her web site.

Upcoming Events

Christopher Ferrara of Clesi Wines will join us in the shop on the evening of July 23.

Kate Dubost  of Dubost Ranch,  Kent Humphrey of Eric Kent Cellars and Dorothy Schuler of Bodegas Paso Robles  are  “in the wings” for  August.