Feb
25
2010
I’ve been to a few wine pairings in my day. French Laundry, Gary Danko, Le Bernadine, Guy Savoy, Alain Ducasse. In fact for my 16th birthday my father brought me to Lutece (R.I.P.) and if that doesn’t raise my tasting creed here – nothing will. Which brings me to the subject. A remarkable experience that happened recently. An unexpected, almost accidental pairing that is quite possibly of the best foodwineGasm, I’ve ever had in my life.
It is this: Frick Grenache + the Cicciona Pizza from Diavola in Geyserville. I’d like to think I’m a good writer. However, words escape me right now. It seems nearly impossible that pen and paper can ever do justice to my experience. So, I’ll do my best to describe what happened on one glorious Saturday afternoon in Sonoma County. Continue Reading »
Tags: Daviola, Dry Creek Valley, Food and Wine Pairings, Frick Wines, Sonoma County Wine Tasting
Jun
16
2009
In my race to create a social media storm of epic proportions, for a Really-Goode job, I have discovered some really incredible material on the internet. The “social” part of this storms keeps me very connected to my beloved laptop, far, far away from real people.
Today, I stumbled upon a company called Crushpad. Believe I dug this one up through a Facebook group? The concept is mind blowing. Crushpad is a facility that enables you to make your own wine. “Crushpad is a state-of-the-art winery where you are the wine maker.” They provide the grapes, the facility and you decide what level of involvement you have in making your own wine. Sounds too good to be true?
A step-by-step program has been created. Starting with grape and barrel selection, everything from business plans, to production and licensing; sales and marketing; logistics and storage services are provided. What seems most unique about Crushpad is its dedication to connecting its clients and creating a “virtual” community for them. “Crushnet” (http://www.crushnet.com/) is proprietary online community to connect fellow winemakers and learn about each other’s experiences. I personally LOVE all of the videos that take you through the entire wine making process. If you are new to wine and haven’t had the chance to visit a winery yet, Crushnet has some excellent video that you can watch from your computer while enjoying a nice glass of vino! They also host events and classes for members and wine makers. Continue Reading »
Tags: A Really Goode Job, crushpad
May
21
2009
Last Friday I was on top of the world. The recruiter for Murphy-Goode had sent me an email requesting a phone interview to help determine the top 50 candidates. Naturally, I select the first available slot. I nervously await the call and miss my little sister’s graduation from USC. I answer the routine questions and then we speak a bit more candidly about the position and the interview process. I’m feeling good. Despite the shoddy quality of my video, I stood out enough to get the phone interview. AND, on the Murphy-Goode website, my video is a hit! The winemaker, David Ready Jr., will be in Los Angeles on Sunday for a meet and greet. I ask if I will be turned away as I have already submitted an application and video? No, no, of course not. She encourages me to go.
Over the weekend, I try on outfits. My neighbors vote. Tori Burch and a pair of old white Citizens with heels are deemed Wine Country fabulous. I arrive early. Anticipating a shit storm like there was in SF, Christine the Mini-Cooper and I roll in early. Like embarrassingly early. I wander around The Wine House (http://www.wineaccess.com/store/winehouse). Danger. Me, wine, gourmet foods + credit card = no good! Eventually, I pick up a basket and spend a bunch of money I don’t have on wine and a book I don’t need. I just can’t help myself?
I move upstairs. As luck would have it, Dave is also from Minneapolis. Turns out Dave and I have more than one connection. You see, I have something of a gold card in the Beverage Industry of Mlps. While these connections may have no relevance to this position, I’m bursting to tell him about our less than two degrees of separation. I lived next door to some influential people, the Phillips/Farrells. Point taken. We move on. Next comes hockey. He’s from Edina. I’m from Minnetonka. One of the biggest high school hockey rivalries known to mankind. Words escape me when it comes to describing what hockey means to a Minnesotan. Liar’s dice and Brett Favre are irrelevant when it comes to Edina vs. Mtka.
Candidates start filling the room. At some point, I feel like I’m on an episode of Bachelorette. Time for me to leave. I collect my new belongings and say my adieu – I try to share a “secret” find with Dave – he cannot accept gifts. I get it. Another candidate suggests chilling the wine in the chilling MACHINE downstairs and bringing it up to the tasting room. Duh?? Great idea!
A buyer sits at a desk behind this GENIUS chilling machine. Turns out he is the German buyer. I’ve selected a Washington State Riesling by K Vintners of Walla Walla. He’s impressed with my selection. Winery is sold out. I’ve been all over town, trying to snatch up bottles (http://www.kvintners.com/wines). I know Murphy-Goode and this producer are kindred souls. I share the Riesling with Dave and a few of his wine reps. Seems I have a good palate, as the wine is well received. A Russian girl taps the winemaker on the shoulder “excuse me, can I steal you for a minute”? Oh that’s right, I was leaving …
Dave tries to give me the Hornet’s Cheer as a good-bye. . .
