LA WineFest 2008 Review - Bringing the Best Grapes for Classy Wine Delights

LASplash.com: Food and Beverage

LA WineFest 2008 Review - Bringing the Best Grapes for Classy Wine Delights

By Joe Wehinger

(Hollywood, CA - July 12, 2008)For the third year, the annual LA WineFest gathers the best grapes. Hosted at Hollywood’s Raleigh Studios, local wine Patriarch Dr. Joel M. Fisher reigned over five hundred wines from fourteen different countries, a panel of winery owners, and a private wine tasting with Georg Reidel.

Dr. Fisher led the event with a generous smile and energetic eyes. And he needed the energy. With hundreds of guests each day, panels to satisfy even the most discriminating enthusiasts, and non-stop attention to detail, not to mention all the preparation. He was a busy man. But he does it for the love. After all, he loves wine and wants to share his appreciation with you.

Lovely Addie Daddio with LA Wine Fest's Dr. Joel M. Fisher

On Saturday the line stretched around the street corner as dozens waited to enter. Inside, the first view is engaging. Wine as far as the eye can see. Happy pourers ready to give you a taste. You choose carefully and pace yourself, not wanting to be stumbling by the first turn.

But that turn is what’s truly overwhelming. Suddenly you’re in a larger area. You look around: more wine, more wine, more wine. You can’t help but smile; it’s going to be a good day.

Wine fans enjoy 2-day festivity

Frey Wine offers some Chardonnay; it’s organic and biodynamic. Meaning, basically every part of their process is organic. But that’s not it, then the entire farms strives to be a self-sustaining organism within the ecosystem. That, and they have a tasty vine. Visit them at: www.freywine.com

A few steps past and City Sip LA grabs your attention. The Daddio sisters are a memorable sight. Their energy is contagious and their smiles are as delicious as anything they can serve you. And soon enough, they’ll be serving many of you at their about-to-open shop. Wine tasting and classes. Indulging with these ladies sounds awfully tempting. You can learn more at: www.citysipla.com

Barefoot Wine is a Hollywood hit

The Hollywood crowd mingles around Barefoot Wine. They’ve been connected to the American Film Institute for years and have become renowned with both filmmakers and film-lovers. A perfect match in Tinseltown. At the moment the host is pouring around Champagne. With over forty years of experience their bubbles are known to dazzle your tongue and blossom your lips into a smile. By the second sip, you want to drop to your knee and propose. Visit: www.BarefootWine.com

Rutherford Wine chills for best taste

Rutherford Wine offers several options and the long line suggests each was adored by the excited crowd. The Napa-based estate is a delicious blend and transports you to the relaxing high-grass vineyards of Northern California. Not a bad way to spend your day. www.RutherfordRanch.com

The Art of Wine-tasting Book

So much wine and what to make of it all. Confusing, maybe overwhelming. But to add to the stress, there’s a woman nearby and you want to say something smart to her. But wait; grab that book, “The Art of Wine-Tasting.” Hold on. Drinking Merlot? Find a Merlot page. Find a good line, and deliver. She smiles. Outstanding! You’re gonna love this book.

So, now we’ve tasted many wines, did some reading and wooed a lady. If this hasn’t worked up your appetite, I don’t know what will. Luckily, food is served. Cheese and crackers tucked away in corners. And a variety of catered bites.

Beverly Hills Nuts

Oh, but there’s luxury stuff too. Beverly Hills Nuts offer chocolate variations that go great with red, white and some bubbly. After a few handfuls you realize, you want more, so order some online: www.BeverlyHillsNuts.com

Something that is truly enjoyable is the ambience of a wine event. While generalized and cliché, it’s also true that wine crowds often provide a more sophisticated palate. Today’s highlights include Jaye Johnson's Jaze Pens. Mr. Johnson handcrafts pens. Smooth, strong and contoured. Beautiful writing instruments that fit in your hand as naturally as your own finger. His business is private, not even a website. To visit him, please call (805) 646-4869.

Over the two-day journey there are instructor-led cheese and wine pairings and wine tastings taught by masters of the industry. Your average enthusiastic can become that much closer to an expert about what they love. Or they can just have a whole lot of fun. Both perspectives are welcomed.

Special thanks to Photographer Kimberly Kirven for contributing many of the above photographs.

Published Jul 16, 2008
© Copyright 2003-2004 by LA Splash.com