ALONG COMES MARY

Last year, a major mile stone occurred for me and my blog. Much like my recent article that asked what does “making it” mean to you. Getting invited to cover The Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival was a pretty great honor.

One of the most annually anticipated food and wine events, anywhere, is coming to Los Angeles and the heart of Downtown once again. From August 25th through August 28th, Grand Street is transformed to the most hip and posh food event to be at. Some of the world’s best Chefs, Sommeliers and restaurants will be on hand plating dishes and pouring only their best varietals.

As well as the festivities to be enjoyed Downtown, you can also experience LA Food and Wine at Santa Monica’s Fairmont Miramar, Rose Cafe in Venice, Manhattan Beach, and more.

What I enjoyed experiencing at their 2015 event, was, of course, the wines. I am pleased to see that some of my stand out’s are once again pouring this year, as well as some I am familiar with, and hope to try:

ADELAIDA CELLARS: 

Out of Paso Robles, I can honestly say I have never not enjoyed a varietal from California’s Central Coast (perhaps I am biased since I am a native?). Sure, some were more memorable, and maybe some I have not continued drinking, but, you cannot beat the Paso climate for a more peach-y, light Chardonnay or a Merlot with those bold moments of cherry, and sweet interludes of cocoa. I have heard much about Adelaida and know they will be an excellent choice during this week.

CHAMPAGNE HENRIOT

Having had their champagne, I can tell you that Henriot is absolutely exquisite. It transforms you to the vineyards of France. While I usually am not a fan of Brut, Henriot was one that I adored. Very floral and “toasty”, as another review stated. Very accurate.

J. LOHR VINEYARDS

One that we frequent at our grocery store. J. Lohr has manged to make wines that are truly “For every occasion”, as their web-site says. If you need a great wine under $15 to go with dinner, or are hosting a party and need to step things up a notch, consider their Cuvée PAU Red Blend (vintage: 2012). J. Lohr knows how to keep their varietals wonderful and your wallet happy. I’m so happy they will be in attendance once again.

KUNIN WINES

I had a great chat with Kunin last year and think Owner, Seth Kunin’s simple philosophy on wine making sums up my feelings, too:  when you open a bottle of Kunin Wine, you can be assured, from vineyard to glass, very little has been done to alter the purity of the fruit or its natural terroir.

MULDERBOSCH

While I am unfamiliar with Mulderbosch, just hearing they hail from South Africa has me intrigued. I love to step out of my “comfort zone” with wines and try those from other regions, or countries, even, that I have not had too much from. From their Bio:
“Widely recognized as one of South Africa’s most iconic producers, Mulderbosch is well-known for its approachable, easy-drinking, and affordable, fun wines. Under new ownership, Mulderbosch has entered an exciting new era of quality and promises to over-deliver on its value to quality.”

Tickets are on sale NOW for LA Food and Wine Festival. I hope to see you there, and remember to grab a cab or the metro to ensure you can eat and drink yourself silly! xo