Buvare: Learn About Wine

I love wine. But you will never hear me say that I KNOW about wine.
Sure, I've learnt some over the years about your usual suspect regions, a handful of grapes, wine trails I've explored and some makers that dazzle me. However I think a lack of declarative confidence is common for many tenderfoot wine enthusiasts. No secret - It's an intimidating world.

That's where Ian Blackburn begs to differ. Since 1995 his Learn About Wine empire has been educating and encouraging the enjoyment of wine through its website, videos, and diverse programs spanning from Wine Camp to regional tours, 101 intro classes to a L.A.W. school BAR exam for a Junior Wine Executive credential.

This week comes the latest in Learn About Wine’s flagship wine tasting series: The 2nd Annual STARS OF PASO ROBLES, featuring more than two dozen of the leading wineries from this up and coming wine region. The winemakers will be present, pouring over 100 of their most prided wines and explaining their craft.



You may register for the event at STARSofPASOROBLES.com.
100% of the silent auction proceeds benefit the TJ Martell Foundation, and funds children's cancer and aids research and Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

Friday, May 13, 2011 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Via Rodeo at Two Rodeo
Via Rodeo Dr.
Beverly Hills, California 90210

$75 Advanced Purchase
Two for $140
$69 Taste & Vintage Members
$100 at the Door
for tickets visit www.learnaboutwine.com or call 310.451.7600

Below are some of my favorite wines from the extravagant STARS OF NAPA VALLEY, the last L.A.W. tasting event I was lucky enough to attend at the Peninsula Hotel last month (thank you Greg of Sippity Sup for the recommendation!). I got to learn firsthand how intimate these gatherings are, and connected with several winemakers over their exceptional vintages.

The extraordinary 2007 SOLO Cabernet Sauvignon.

The bright Bordeaux-style 2007 Virage Napa Valley (71% Cabernet Franc, 24%Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) was almost as charming as Virage winemaker Emily Richer herself!

The elegant full-bodied Robert Biale 2007 Like Father Like Son Petite Sirah.

There was a lot of talk about the offerings from Veedercrest, who tapped some special reserve bottles.

Probably my across-the-board favorites came from T-Vine Cellars, whose bold 2007 Zinfandel, jammy 2008 Syrah and sublime 2008 Grenache simply blew me away.

learnaboutwine.com