Grape Radio

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We’re back with part 2 of our coverage of the 2007 Sta. Rita Hills annual celebration of wine. Saturday, it was seminar time, complete with a series of mock “trials” where local winemakers and grape growers defend or prosecute their contributions to what ends up in the glass.

Sitting as judge in ceremonial garb was real-life attorney Cathy Pepe, co-owner of Clos Pepe Vineyards. Among the issues on trial: Chardonnay - to oak or not to oak, that is the question; and Pinot Noir - do clones or terroir have the greater effect; and finally, is it the growing conditions or the winemaking the greater influence on the wine.

Join us as we hear from various growers and producers, as well as get a glimpse of some of the marvelous food that will be matched up with local Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Wine and Fire and Santa Rita Hills Wine Growers Alliance: www.staritahills.com

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The Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance held its 2nd annual Wine & Fire event in June of 2007. The festivities began on Friday evening with a reception at the restored La Purisima Mission, where over two dozen winemakers poured library wines and current releases from their Sta. Rita Hills appellation. People mingled from late afternoon through dusk and into dark, sampling the various wines.

Join us at the opening night tasting as we talk with attendees, growers like Peter Cargasacchi, and producers like Norm Yost (Flying Goat), Peter Work (Ampelos), and Victor Gallegos (Sea Smoke) to hear how and why the Sta. Rita Hills is unique as a Pinot growing area.

Wine and Fire and Santa Rita Hills Wine Growers Alliance: www.staritahills.com

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We’re back with Part 2 of our coverage of the 2008 World of Pinot Noir. Without a doubt, this annual Pinot Noir spectatular is considered to be a “must attend” for devotees of the grape. Join us as we hear more from wine columnist Laurie Daniel, and we’ll check in with the Iron Sommelier Challenge - where sommeliers compare food and wine matches. In addition, we’ll spend some time with Burgundian producer Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier and the Burghound Allen Meadows, plus visit with Central Coast producers Lane Tanner and James Ontiveros, and still more Pinot producers from around the world (how about Pinot from Tazmania and British Columbia).

With seminars ranging from Riedel glassware to a full-on discussion of new world vs. old world clones, as well as an in-depth examination of the “left coast” terroir, and a close look at Oregon’s Pinot focus, you’ll see why a full immersion event such as this can do more to awaken your total Pinot Noir experience.

For more information on the World of Pinot Noir: www.worldofpinotnoir.com

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The first weekend in March signals the World of Pinot Noir. Held on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this event includes two days of in-depth Tasting Seminars, Grand Tastings (each with a unique roster of wineries), a Featured Tasting with a guest Burgundian producer and two Pinot Noir Dinners featuring prominent guest chefs. These food and wine extravaganzas will be hosted by participating wineries and feature an outstanding panel of sommeliers from across the U.S.

Join us for Part 1, as we talk with wine columnist Laurie Daniel, local producers as well as vintners from around the world (how about Pinot from Switzerland and New Zealand). We’ll hear from attendees and presenters about what makes this event special, and we even check in on a Riedel seminar led by Georg Riedel to see how the shape of stemware can make Pinot smell and taste different.

For more information on the World of Pinot Noir: www.worldofpinotnoir.com