Guarachi Wine Partners and Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard announced the acquisition of Parker Station, a Central Coast Pinot Noir brand. Guarachi Wine Partners will be representing and supporting the brand by leveraging its experienced sales team, developing marketing campaigns and national distribution to grow brand awareness and overall volume. The wine will continue to be produced by Fess Parker Winery for a period of five years.
“Ten years ago, I saw an opportunity to expand past South American wines and into California produced wines. Our domestic portfolio now features Guarachi Family Wines – a high-end luxury label sourced from micro lots within Estate vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, and a gathering of high quality wine brands at reasonable prices including Black Ink, tenshǝn, Surf/Swim and BACON,” said Alex Guarachi, founder of Guarachi Wine Partners and owner of Guarachi Family Wines. “Parker Station is the perfect addition and fits a niche for our portfolio with its great price point Pinot Noir and drinkability that consumers are looking for. Part of the future plan for the brand is to extend the line to include Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. I’m excited to share this wine with everyone and looking forward to a long term partnership with Fess Parker.”
Alex Guarachi
Tim Snider, President of Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, added, “As we enter our thirtieth year as a family owned and operated winery here in Santa Barbara County, we feel a return to our core identity by focusing on our higher-end and single-vineyard wines is the best path forward for the family.” Snider continued, “Connecting with Alex Guarachi about his vision to grow the Parker Station label is a mutually beneficial opportunity, and we know the brand will continue to flourish as part of their portfolio, which represents the richness and diversity of the global wine world.”
For more information about the Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, visit www.fessparker.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information about Guarachi Wine Partners, please visit www.guarachiwinepartners.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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DTLA Foodies: South City Fried Chicken Comes Home to Roost, Preux & Proper Lunchtime Pop-up Starting Aug 1
After a year and a half located inside DTLA’s Corporation Food Hall, Partners Joshua Kopel and Executive Chef Sammy Monsour closed South City Fried Chicken on Sunday evening, July 28th, and are now bringing it home to Preux & Proper as they introduce their New South City Fried Chicken Lunchtime Pop-Up every Monday through Saturday starting Thursday, August 1st, 2019!
Originally, from the Good Ol’ Boys that redefined and refined elevated Southern cuisine at Preux & Proper, South City Fried Chicken was meant to welcome guests the delectable opportunity to get lost in their nuanced mouth-watering, finger-lickin’ fried chicken sandwiches prepared with the highest-quality ingredients and packed with the finest flavors the South has to offer. States Kopel, “We decided to close South City Fried Chicken as we realized early on that we were unable to execute the food we wanted, the way we wanted it, in this particular space, so we finally decided to bring it home to Preux & Proper.”
Executive Chef Sammy Monsour; Photo Credit: Courtesy of Preux & Proper
Preux & Proper, the preeminent Southern house on the West Coast where hospitality is a way of life, guests no longer have to wait until dinner during the week to partake in the rich tapestry of the South with Preux & Proper’s New South City Fried Chicken Lunchtime Pop-up every Monday through Saturday. “This is a call and response to our longtime guests and our neighborhood,” explains Kopel. “We are a community driven restaurant first and foremost, and when the community asked for lunch service, we saw this as an opportunity to showcase South City Fried Chicken the way we had always envisioned it and be able to perform a duty and accommodate our neighbors.”
Executive Chef Sammy Monsour entreats guests to delve into one of his South City Fried Chicken Sandwiches described by Chef Sammy as “A love letter to the South written in flavor,” as he highlights five crispy on the outside, succulent on the inside overnight buttermilk brined premium Georgia chicken breast offerings, which are served on a buttered bun.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Preux & Proper
The journey begins as guests take a bite out of Chef Sammy’s neck of the woods with the Chapel Hill Sandwich, a true family affair that begins from the recipe box of Chef Sammy’s father himself with Pop’s Slaw, Jenny’s pimento cheese created and shared by Chef Sammy’s sister Jenny, house pickles and crispy Tarheel country ham.
Next, head southward and partake in South City Fried Chicken’s answer to the Club Sandwich with the Greenville Sandwich. Hickory-smoked chicken bacon begins with chicken thighs cured with salt and sugar and smoked hard with hickory before frying them up to crisped golden brown perfection.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Preux & Proper
Other accoutrements include house mayo, gruyère, baby iceberg lettuce and heirloom tomato. Head over to the Big Easy with the New Orleans Sandwich, where Chef Sammy pushes the envelope with big, bold flavors on what he refers to as “a funky-ass sandwich to match the energy of NOLA.” Comprised of Creole remoulade, Cajun spice, Thai basil, a fried egg, benne seeds, and ginger-miso BBQ.
The Austin Sandwich (Sammy’s favorite), is prepared with Rojo bean hummus, Burrata, Javi’s Tia’s Hot Sauce, pickled riadish, cilantro, blue corn tortilla crumble and heirloom tomato. Lastly, put down the guitar and pick up the Nashville Sandwich, a masterfully executed multidimensional sandwich seasoned with a Nashville rub, chili oil, house pickles and a sweet and tangy Cookout slaw.
For those looking for something a little on the lighter side, Chef Sammy does not disappoint with his Baby Iceberg Salads featuring the Pop’s Chop with North Country bacon ends, heirloom tomato, scallion, Humboldt Fog goat’s cheese and buttermilk dressing; the Chicken Bacon Cobb served with house chicken bacon, heirloom tomato, cucumber, hard-boiled egg, queso fresco and avocado ranch, or the OGO Caesar prepared with Monterey Bay seaweed, mustard frills, caper berries, Parmigiano and toasted yellow-eyed peas.
Seafood lovers can savor some of Chef Sammy’s time-honored house staples with the Sustainable Seafood section of the menu including the Cajun “Popcorn” Rock Shrimp with a buttermilk marinade, cornmeal crust, Creole remoulade and chunky cocktail sauce; the Dungeness Crab Hushpuppies with a Low-Country Boil Spice, charred Poblano butter, house bourbon barrel-aged green hot sauce, or the quintessential Southern Fried Mississippi Catfish comprised of buttermilk marinade, cornmeal crust, house pickles, celery salt, and red remoulade.
For fried chicken fans that want to take it to another level, there are the Fried Chicken Plates featuring Chicken & Waffles served with two boneless breasts on cinnamon sugar, cornbread waffles with bourbon-maple, crushed pecans, marjoram and really good butter; Chicken & Biscuit prepared with two boneless breasts and a handmade buttermilk biscuit with charred Poblano butter, Serrano jelly and bourbon barrel-aged green hot; the Nashville Hot served with two boneless breasts, house pickles, Pop’s Slaw on thick cut brioche with a choice of Hot, XXX, Reaper, or Hellfire sauce; Whole Fried Game Hen comprised of four quartered bone-in game hen with Low-Country seasoning, buttermilk dressing, parsley, scallions and dill, or the Crispy Braised Dr Pepper Wings which include twelve whole wings served with a pomegranate-habanero BBQ, lime crema and cilantro.
A Southern meal is never complete without some Sides and Chef Sammy offers up some perfect Southern staples such as the Slaw, Kennebec Fries, Watermelon Cucumber Salad, Braised Collards, Low-Country Baked Beans, and Preux & Proper’s famous Cast Iron Mac & Cheese that can accompany any dish or be enjoyed on its own.
Lastly, y’all better save room for some Sweets and make way for Preux & Proper’s Pâte à Choux Beignets made with “bananas foster” dulce de leche and powdered sugar; Pie Of The Week served with macerated fruit and extra fancy whipped cream; Maria’s Strawberry Shortcake served with a house buttermilk biscuit, brown butter solids and crème fraiche vanilla ice cream, or Chef Sammy’s Banana Puddin’ featuring candied walnuts, bananas, Nilla wafer and toasted coconut.
There is also a selection of lovely lunchtime libations for every palate featuring Beverage Director Kassday Wiggins’ Cocktails like the Punk Evans comprised of Effen Vodka, lemongrass, ginger, and frozen watermelon balls. So delicious it is criminal, the Alabama Slammer features Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Sipsmith Gin, yellow chartreuse, lemon, lavender, and grape soda; while the Texas Two-Timer is made with P&P El Tesoro Reposado, lime, cane sugar, and mint. Heaven has nothing as delightful as the Hells Bells made with Real McCoy Rum, ginger peach tea, and lemon, or down the refreshing Green Gullah made with St. George Gin, green chartreuse, pineapple, lime, ginger beer and chipotle.
Guests preferring a perfectly paired Ice Cold Beer can choose between the Three Weavers Kolsch (12 oz), Pizza Port Honey Blonde (16 oz), Golden State Mighty Dry Cider (16 oz), Glutenberg Pale Ale (16 oz), Modern Times Tropical Sour (16 oz), Florida Cracker Belgium White (12 oz), Westfalia Red Ale (12 oz), Stone IPA (16 oz), or Alesmith Speedway Stout (16 oz).
So, come on in and pull up a seat as Preux & Proper spoils their guest’s Southern style all week long with their New South City Fried Chicken Lunchtime Pop-Up!
Preux & Proper is NOW OPEN for Lunch every Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Dinner is served every Monday through Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Sammy’s Cookout is every Thursday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Sunday Supper is served every Sunday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Sunday Brunch is served every Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Preux & Proper also serves Happy Hour every Monday through Saturday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information or reservations, please visit www.preuxandproper.com or call Preux & Proper directly at 213.896.0090.
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The Best Holiday Lights in Los Angeles 2019
During the special seasons, amazing light shows all through Los Angeles carry the city to life each evening. From conventional lighting events to “merry mayhem” at well-known attractions and neighborhoods all through the city, here are the best holiday light shows in LA.
Moonlight Forest – Los Angeles Arboretum (Nov. 9, 2019 – Jan. 12, 2020)
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden invites you to experience the Moonlight Forest, an unforgettable evening of art, culture and discovery that celebrates the ancient tradition of Chinese lantern art. Master artisans from China’s Sichuan province have crafted a dazzling array of lanterns for this year’s festival; step into a winter wonderland with playful penguins and cuddly sled dogs in the new Polar Dreams experience. The festival offers food trucks, cafe and a full bar – no outside food or beverages.
The exhibition route is a gentle one-mile walk and takes about an hour. The festival is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs and mobility assisting devices. Wheelchairs are not provided and cannot be rented on site.
Moonlight Forest is on view Wednesday to Sunday from 5:30-10pm. Ticketed entry times are 5:30pm, 7pm and 8pm. Tickets can be purchased online at the Moonlight Forest website and at the box office during Arboretum business hours (9am – 4:30pm, Monday – Sunday) and during event hours, limited to capacity. Moonlight Forest does not guarantee ticket availability at the box office on the day of the event. Due to high demand the Arboretum strongly recommends buying advance tickets to guarantee entry. Group sales are available.
Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration (Nov. 14, 2019)
BOLD Holidays 2019 will kick off with the Holiday Lighting Celebration along Rodeo Drive on Thursday, November 14 from 5–8 p.m. DJ CoryLive! will warm up the evening followed by Jazz ensemble The Cufflink Crooners, while contemporary and hip-hop dance numbers will thrill with holiday pop. Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe award-nominated TV actor and Broadway performer Matthew Morrison will take the stage for a special headlining performance of holiday songs, along with a sneak peek from his upcoming 2020 album of Disney classic covers.
The evening will be capped by Beverly Hills Mayor John Mirisch and fellow City Council members, who will illuminate the length of Rodeo Drive and its iconic palm trees with an abundance of sparkle before a dramatic and glittering grand finale of fireworks.
LA Zoo Lights (Nov. 15, 2019 – Jan. 5, 2020)
Since its debut in 2014, LA Zoo Lights has grown into a can’t-miss holiday light experience. Glowing animals welcome you as you embark on an unforgettable night time journey that includes the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook, a magical disco ball forest, giant glittering snowflakes, and a twinkling tunnel filled with dynamic swirls of color. This year’s event features more light animals than ever before, spectacular new additions – both hand-crafted and high-tech – and returning favorites.
- Take a self-guided 60- to 90-minute stroll through a large area of the Zoo filled with wildlife-inspired displays, dynamic lights and projections, immersive interactive experiences, fabulous photo ops, and seasonal magic.
- Explore a wild wonderland of light and discover more light animals than ever before – with tigers, lions, macaws, monkeys, meerkats, and flamingos “decorating” the Zoo just for you.
- New this season: see the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook!
- Take photos with Santa in a charming new setting on select dates. Photos with Santa require an additional fee and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Admission for this all-ages evening program is separate from daytime Zoo admission. No live animals other than the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles) and Asian elephants will be on display during evening events.
LA Zoo Lights is open nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving Day (November 28), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit www.lazoolights.org.
Note: the Safari Shuttle will not be running during LA Zoo Lights. For guests who may not be able to walk the entire route, wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.
VIP EXPERIENCES
Several VIP Experiences are available during LA Zoo Lights, including an Overnight Adventure that includes a guided tour of LA Zoo Lights, meals (dinner, snack, and continental breakfast), indoor overnight “camping,” a beastly bedtime story, morning animal encounters, and more. Priced at $85, the Overnight Adventure is available on November 23-24, December 7-8, December 14-15, and January 4-5. For more VIP Experiences and to purchase tickets, visit the LA Zoo Lights website.
Light the Night – Westfield Topanga & The Village (Nov. 15, 2019)
Experience the magic of the holidays at the annual Light the Night, taking place at The Village at Westfield Topanga on Friday, November 15 from 7pm-9pm. Hosted by AJ Gibson, this event will include family-friendly musical performances by Snowfall, a Rockette-style performance by LA Follies, as well as an energetic dancing and singing act with Mini Pop Kids. Rejoice in the season’s first snowfall, a visit from Santa, and more!
Westfield Rewards members can also enjoy exclusive treats from retailers at the Rewards Corner, located outside Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que. The first 200 Westfield Rewards members who check in at the center court Rewards Tent (by Veggie Grill) will receive a free camper mug.
While this event is free, Westfield appreciates your donation of a new, unwrapped toy for the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. Standing-room-only space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enchanted: Forest of Light – Descanso Gardens (Nov. 17, 2019 – Jan. 5, 2020)
Enchanted: Forest of Light is an interactive nighttime experience that features a one-mile walk through stunning lighting displays in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Many of the large-scale light displays are interactive, allowing visitors to manipulate the lights and sounds.
While guests usually take about an hour to walk through Enchanted, Descanso Gardens recommends allowing at least 90 minutes to enjoy the experience. Evenings in La Cañada Flintridge can be chilly – for their comfort, guests are encouraged to dress warmly and wear walking shoes. Enchanted is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs and mobility assistance devices.
Enchanted: Forest of Light runs daily 5:30 -10 p.m., from Sunday, November 17 to Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. The event is closed on December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 25 (Christmas Day). Tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance. General Admission tickets start at $28, with a 15% discount for Descanso Gardens members. To purchase tickets, visit the Enchanted website.
Union Station Tree Lighting & Cocoa Concert (Nov. 21, 2019)
The landmark Union Station in Downtown LA is hosting the annual Tree Lighting & Cocoa Concert under the stars on Thursday, November 21. Union Station will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring “Cocoa Bars” with Elftenders, Santa selfies and a “Candy Cane Lane” where a custom neon photo-op will make your season bright alongside a soaring Candy Cane Queen and holiday-themed arts, crafts, interactive games and entertainment. Don’t miss the marshmallow eating contest where winners will celebrate their sweet victory with prizes and sticky fingers!
Taking place on the station’s south patio, the family-friendly holiday celebration features performances by the Grand Arts Chamber Singers, The Beverly Belles and the Toy Soldiers Drumline. Inspired by the sound of vintage “Girl Groups” from the 1930s, ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, The Beverly Belles will deliver an acapella celebration of the season. The Toy Soldiers Drumline will harness the awesome power and speed of their sticks to bring rhythm to the festive evening.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with the tree lighting scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The Tree Lighting kicks off a month-long series of free “Cocoa Concerts” at Union Station (Fridays – December 6, 13, 20).
LA County Christmas Tree Lighting – Music Center Plaza (Dec. 2, 2019)
On Monday, December 2 usher in this festive time of year with the official lighting of the LA County Christmas tree at the Music Center Plaza. Enjoy holiday favorites from chamber music ensemble Brass Pacifica and chorale performances. Grab your coworkers, friends and family to celebrate the light and love of the holidays. And there’s free hot chocolate! The tree lighting ceremony is free, open to all ages and takes place at 5 p.m.
Grand Park’s Winter Glow (Dec. 6-25, 2019)
Expanded across Grand Avenue to include the newly renovated Music Center Plaza, Grand Park’s Winter Glow returns for its second annual nighttime public art display, offering an immersive experience that will span two Downtown LA locations this holiday season. As the days shorten and darken, the park will celebrate light as a giver of warmth, a source of beauty and the key component to bringing people together during the fall and winter months. Families and friends will make new holiday memories as they stroll through an illuminated and interactive art installation. Familiar pathways and historic fountains will lead to exciting new discoveries as the latest in light and projection technology transforms spaces on The Music Center Plaza and in Grand Park.
Holiday Lamplight Celebration – Heritage Square (Dec. 7-8, 2019)
Discover the ghosts of the past, present and future at the annual Holiday Lamplight Celebration Tours, taking place at Heritage Square Museum on Saturday and Sunday, December 7-8. What if the former occupants of the historic homes at Heritage Square need to learn the true meaning of the Holiday Spirit? Heritage Square will answer this question with a fictionalized re-telling of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol.
Tours begin at 4 p.m. with a new tour starting every 20 minutes. Admission is $45 for adults, $40 for HSM Members, and $15 for children over 6 years old. Advance reservations only, tickets are on sale at Brown Paper Tickets. Included with admission is an immersive experience and a reception of delicious libations and tasty appetizers. This program is not suitable for children under 6 years old. As an evening tour, guests need to be aware of dimly lit conditions, walking on uneven surfaces, up-and-down steps, and long periods of standing.
Tree Lighting Ceremony – The Abbey Food & Bar (Dec. 1, 2019)
Each year, The Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood commemorates World AIDS Day on December 1 with its Tree Lighting Ceremony. The 10th annual event is taking place 6-8 p.m. on December 1 in collaboration with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Venice Sign Holiday Lighting (Dec. 7, 2019)
Now in its eighth year, the Venice Sign Holiday Lighting has become a beloved tradition of changing the lights of the famous Venice Sign from white to red and green for the holidays. Windward Avenue east of Pacific Avenue will be closed for the event, which takes place on Saturday, December 1 and includes live music, a poster contest and activities for the whole family. The festivities start at 6:15 p.m. on Windward and the holiday lighting of the Venice Sign is scheduled for 8 p.m.
Marina Lights – Burton Chace Park (Dec. 1-31, 2019)
Marina Lights will cast a festive glow on Burton Chace Park from 4–10 p.m. nightly in December. Make it a fun family outing with dinner at one of the Marina’s waterfront restaurants, then a walk around the park and enjoy the light displays. Select Saturdays feature free entertainment, a warming station and refreshments for purchase.
Highlights include Holiday Music by The Wonderelles and The Voices of Christmas; free Saturday night movie screenings, Snow Wonder, featuring tons of real snow (December 14); Holiday Boat Parade (December 14), and Glow Party & Fireworks on New Year’s Eve. For more info, check out the Visit Marina del Rey page.
Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony (Dec. 14, 2019)
The 99th Annual Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony and Winter Arts & Crafts Festival is taking place on Saturday, December 14. Located just north of Pasadena on Santa Rosa Avenue in Altadena, Christmas Tree Lane is the oldest large-scale Christmas lighting spectacle in the United States. Every Christmas season since 1920, the majestic deodars on the “Mile of Christmas Trees” are strung with 10,000 lights. The festive lighting ceremony attracts thousands of revelers from around the area, as well as local choirs, marching bands, solo performers, and of course – Santa Claus. Christmas Tree Lane was added to the National Register of Historic Places in September 1990 and is designated a California Historical Landmark.
Candy Cane Lane (December 2019)
Every year, an eight square-block area of the San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Woodland Hills is transformed into Candy Cane Lane, a dazzling celebration of lights, figures and artificial snow. Candy Cane Lane is an informal group of Woodland Hills homeowners who collectively put on an amazing holiday display of lights and decorations each year. Candy Cane Lane has been a Woodland Hills tradition since 1952, and participants try to outdo each other with their light displays. Santa is often seen posing for photos with children and some of Santa’s elves have been glimpsed roaming the neighborhood. The annual event begins on the second Saturday of December and lasts through the end of the year.
Candy Cane Lane is located at the intersection of Lubao and Oxnard Streets in Woodland Hills. Visitors drive slowly down the street with their headlights dimmed so that everyone can enjoy the lights. The closest exit is Winnetka, off the 101 freeway. Residents ask that visitors drive by no later than 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends.
Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza (December 2019 – January 2020)
Its name sounds more like a place you’d visit on Halloween, but the Torrance neighborhood of Sleepy Hollow has been embracing the Christmas spirit for decades with spectacular holiday light displays. Begin your visit to the Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza from Pacific Coast Highway in Torrance, then slowly drive or stroll along Robert Road, where every house is decorated and the tree-lined street is glittering with lights. Local kids will often sell hot cocoa to visitors as they pass by their houses. The Sleepy Hollow christmas lights start brightening the holidays the first full weekend of December and last until the first week of January.
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Wine Industry Comes Together in Napa Valley For Global Garnacha Summit
(PRNewsfoto/D.O.P. Cariñena)
Expert panelists including world winemakers, master sommeliers, lead buyers and media joined forces this week on Tuesday, April 24 for the Global Garnacha Summit. Sponsored by D.O.P. Cariñena, the birthplace of Garnacha in Spain, the first Global Garnacha Summit was held at The CIA at Copia in Napa.
The one-day exploration was shared with leading sommeliers, buyers, distributors, educators and journalists, encompassing dozens of regions and a full range of styles from around the globe. A full house attended two dynamic seminars and a walk-around tasting featuring close to 100 bottlings from over 50 points-of-origin. The organizers plan to release an industry white paper in the coming months, with results to be shared at www.globalgarnachasummit.com.
A Stunning Grape, Terroir-Friendly and an Alternative to Pinot Noir
The morning seminar – Garnacha Unveiled – was moderated by Bob Bath, MS and Professor of Wine and Beverage Studies, at The Culinary Institute of America. It featured a deep dive into the varietal characteristics of Garnacha/Grenache; how it performs in different regions and terroir around the globe; and how it’s interpreted by renowned producers worldwide. Key insights were shared by a dynamic global panel who spoke to their passion for the variety, as well as their drive to develop the distinctly “terroir-driven” personality of the variety.
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California panelists Randall Grahm of Bonny Doonrevealed his success with Garnacha in California’s long ripening season, following a “jilted relationship” with Pinot Noir, while winemaker Chelsea Franchi of Tablas Creek, a well-known producer in Paso Robles with additional ownership in the Rhône, declared it a “stunning grape to work with!” Boutique winemaker Angela Osborne likes Grenache so much that it’s the only variety she works with in California, traveling between vineyards some 700 miles apart to develop its potential in signature wines such as “A Tribute to Grace.”
Spanish Master of Wine Pedro Ballesteros stressed the “generosity” of the variety, a “global traveler” which shares commonality in different regions, but also takes on terroir with gusto, a perspective which was reinforced by tasting with winemakers Emmanuel Kemiji, MS of Clos Pissarra in Priorat and California, and Even Bakke from Clos de Trias in the southern Rhône.
Business Potential and Opportunities Take Centerstage
The afternoon panel – Garnacha Rising – was led by Peter Granoff, MS and Owner/Partner of Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant. The discussion delved into strategies for promoting Garnacha wines in addition to current consumption trends. Panelists engaged in a lively exchange with the attendees about strategies for making wine drinkers aware of quality and value-driven Garnacha as a comparable option to Pinot Noir and red blends. Panelists agreed that Garnacha ranks high among food-friendly wines and is a bridge for white wine drinkers looking for medium-bodied, expressive reds.
Buyer Stevie Stacionis of wine shop Bay Grape in Oakland, CA echoed a common refrain that Garnacha offers a wide spectrum and range, affording the trade many opportunities to find a consumer match from lighter to more full-bodied styles. The often-outstanding price points and food-friendly character of Garnacha from regions as distinct as
Cariñena, Paso Robles, Châteauneuf du Pape, and Barossa was also cited as a point of discovery for by-the-glass programs, where it was said to consistently “deliver what Pinot Noir promises.” Overall, there was a consensus that the business opportunity and consumer appeal of Garnacha/Grenache makes this a grape whose time has come, a view summarized by Gilian Handelman of Kendall Jackson Wineswith insights on plantings from Australia to California: “The elasticity of Garnacha is laudable! The key is to lay the groundwork for education now.”
The walk around food & wine pairing – Garnacha: The Perfect Partner – took place between sessions and featured dishes created exclusively for the event by the Chefs of COPIA, inspired by the signature flavors of Spain, France, and California. To highlight food-friendly character, attendees were able to pair and taste 100% Garnacha and blends from over 50 points-of-origin.
The summit concluded with a blind tasting, hosted by the SOMM Foundation. The cash prize awards were provided by Global Garnacha Summit media sponsor, The SOMM Journal. First place for $1,000 was given to Jay O’Leary of Jays-Wine-Stop, and second place for $500 went to Susan Meyer of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery.
Details on the next edition of the Global Garnacha Summit, as well as highlights from the inaugural event, will continue to be shared on www.globalgarnachasummit.com, so be sure to check back for the most recent information. Images can be downloaded here.
For the latest news on D.O.P. Cariñena, sign up for the regional newsletter here.
SOURCE D.O.P. Cariñena
