Day One (aka Travel Hell)

Posted on 12 August 2008

Summary:
6am flight to JFK
930am boarding for Oakland
10am “departure”
JFK closes due to strong thunderstorms
5+ hour wait on the Tarmac
40th in line for takeoff
Finally take off around 230pm
Arrive in Oakland around 530pm (830pm EDT)
Debate over whether to join the last stop on our tour itinerary already in progress (it’s a 3 hour drive–I voted no, but my vote didn’t really count)
The decision is to go to the hotel which is thankfully only 1 hour away
Arrive at hotel to find they are expecting us on Tuesday!!
Hotel doesn’t have enough rooms…

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Ridge Lytton

Posted on 12 August 2008

Alicante Bouschet grapevine @ Ridge Lytton Winery.

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California Trip Map

Posted on 10 August 2008

Here’s a map I created to show all of the vineyards we will be visiting.

View Larger Map

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California Itinerary

Posted on 6 August 2008

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California Wine Experience

Posted on 3 August 2008

Next week I’m going on my first trip through California’s wine country. I’ve only driven through northern CA once back about five years ago on my previous retail life. This time it’s another work trip, but the reason this time is to visit wineries, learn about wine and bring that information back to the other associates I work with. This will truly be an exciting trip. I’ve never been to a winery before.

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Sommariva Prosecco di Conegliano Dry

Posted on 29 June 2007

Selection: Sommariva Prosecco di Conegliano Dry
Appelation: Prosecco di Conegliano, Venteto, Italy
Varietal(s): Spumante
Vintage: NV
Producer: Azienda Vitivinicola
Notes: medium-bodied, touch of sweetness on the tongue, fruity, nice bubbles
Assessment: serve with appetizers, sushi, salads, great for mimosas
Score: 84

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Alsace One

Posted on 29 June 2007

Selection: Pierre Sparr Alsace One
Appelation: Alsace, France
Varietal(s): Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Riesling, Gewurztraminer
Vintage: 2004
Producer: Pierre Sparr
Notes: full-bodied, dark fruit, nice tannins, bit of chocolate/creaminess
Assessment: steaks, BBQ
Score: 83

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Red Knot Signature Cabernet

Posted on 29 June 2007

Selection: Red Knot Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
Appelation: McLaren Vale, Australia
Varietal(s): 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Shiraz
Vintage: 2005
Producer: Red Knot
Notes: full-bodied, dark fruit, nice tannins, bit of chocolate/creaminess
Assessment: steaks, BBQ
Score: 84

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Dom des Preauds Pouilly Fuisse

Posted on 29 June 2007

Selection: Dom des Preauds Pouilly Fuisse
Appelation: Pouilly Fuisse, Burgundy, France
Varietal(s): Chardonnay
Vintage: 2005
Producer: Dom des Preaud
Notes: light bodied, crisp, hints of oak, apple/pear
Assessment: salads, shellfish, seafood
Score: 83

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Nobilis Vinho Verde

Posted on 29 June 2007

Selection: Nobilis Vinho Verde
Appelation: Portugal
Varietal(s): Vinho Verde
Vintage: 2004
Producer: Nobilis
Notes: light, refreshing, crisp, great alternative to Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Assessment: salads, shellfish, seafood
Score: 83