LA WineFest 2009 Review -- The Celebrated Los Angeles Tradition Keeps Pouring

LA Winefest 2009 brought out thousands of LA’s finest afficionado's to celebrate and enjoy wine, good company, partake in special events with Georg Reidel and others, and have a great weekend.
Just as in years past, and what I promised you this year, the collection of tastes, talent and palatable temptations bubbled over the two-day merry marathon.  The President and CEO of Winefest, Dr. Joel M. Fisher, brought together friends from near and far to illicit the ultimate in wine and spirits.  
Just to name a few.... Anglim Winery, Austin Hope, Saucelito dabbled in the red's and white's. Pacific Edge visited with their best tequila’s.  And our Malibu friends at Rosenthal’s came down as well.

When asked, Dr. Fisher was modest:  "Considering the economic downtown since last years' sold out event, I'm happy that more than 3,000 enthused wine afficianado's participated in our event, down to filling up the seminars.  I look forward to a larger, ever improved LA WineFest 2010."

People....  They’re Everywhere

It was crowded.  This sentiment was echoed many times throughout the day.  By visitors, by vendors, by bustling but happy food servers.  

As you enter the fest, the first sight is always intimidating.   One long narrow corridor filled with people.  Not chaos, just saturated with high-end humanity.
But as you turn the corner, there’s a sigh of relief.  A big open space ready for you and yours to play, indulge and adventure.  And you’ll do a bit of all three before the day is over.
For me personally, there’s many ways to enjoy wine, spirits and the nibbles that pair so perfectly with both.  The inexpensively-priced everyday stuff, the upper shelf celebration, and the best-of-the-best ‘she better be worth it’ delicacy.  LA Winefest samples all.  Not only that, but for those who yearn to learn, the specialized sessions will explain why certain brands are so good and even better yet, the perfect glassware to help you indulge.
Knob Creek Whiskey held a tasting.  Barrie Lynn taught us about cheese.  Vivienne Sosnowski’s “When The Rivers Ran Red” is a book I’m aching to explore. I missed Ichiro Saito’s Sake tasting, but am trying to make up for it.  And Georg Riedel.  Well, we’ll get to him later.

Fun Stuff

Barefoot Wine is among my favorites in the accessible category.  They offer a wide variety.  Their philosophy is “to make delicious, affordable wines that can be enjoyed by everyone, from first-time wine consumers to long-time connoisseurs.” Whether it’s a glass of Pinot Grigio, a celebratory bottle of Barefoot Bubbly, or a taste of Zinfandel, their award-winning wines offer something for anyone who wants to kick back and “Go Barefoot.”  For more information, click here.

Chocolatey Goodness

The Chocolate Traveler provides chocolate connoisseurs with the civilized way to enjoy, share and save this special delicacy.  The Chocolate Traveler wedge provides chocolate lovers with individual servings. It is ready for personal indulging by the piece, without having to break bars or chunks in your bare hands, or for sharing with others right from the container, with several servings all ready for entertaining. The unique tin serves as handy travel container, serving bowl and colorful collectible, all in one.
The Chocolate Traveler offers seven collections Traditional, International, Sugar-free, Seasonal, Lifestyle, State Tin.  For more information, please visit them at: www.thechocolatetraveler.com

Just an Hour North....

Yes, yes, wine lives in Northern California.  I know what you’re saying.  Drive faster!  Usually Napa and Santa Barbara are heavily promoted.  And gotta be honest, among them and Solvang, are my trifecta of choice.  But walking around this year I saw a lot of Pasa Robles.  And what I saw impressed me.  A weekend exploration is in my future.
Hotel Cheval caught my eye.  It regards itself as Paso Robles' finest boutique luxury hotel, located in the heart of Downtown. Situated in California's prized Central Coast food and wine region, the sophisticated and intimate Hotel Cheval offers well-traveled guests an experience unlike any other in the area. Hotel Cheval features exceptional, personalized service amidst thoughtfully designed and refined accommodations.  For more information, www.HotelCheval.com       

“Wine is an Experience”

If I uttered those words, people would laugh at me.  But Mr. Reidel makes them poetry.  Either you believe and enjoy, or you’re a cynic...and still enjoy.

Georg Reidel hosted a wine tasting session at the end of Day 1.   Reidel treats wine as an art form.  As he says: ““In some glasses, you taste wine.  In these, you feel wine.”
Over a hundred people took the private class using his fine wine glasses and enjoying the study as he talked us through four wines; and we woft and sipped each.  At times in the correct glasses, at times in the wrong.  It truly shows you how the wine can be enhanced by the contour of the glass.  Each varietal is enjoyed better in its appropriate glass, or maybe more importantly, the delivery of the taste and aroma isn’t nearly as robust in the wrong glass.   

Can’t Wait

We all owe a big thanks to Dr. Joel M. Fisher and his staff for once again putting on the event and making it a huge success.  As the good doctor said himself, cheers to 2010!

Published on Jul 08, 2009