Suggestions on wine events, places and more from Modesto columnist
This happens every year. I lose my desk. I know it’s somewhere under mounds of papers that are maybe too interesting or too valuable to throw out. After dumping three trash bags, I rescued six cool wine events you just might be interested in.
The last Lodi Ambassador Class of 2023 will be on Dec. 12, from 2-5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express. What is a Lodi Tourism Ambassador? Get some friends together and find out more at info@visitlodi.com.
Chalone Vineyard opened a new tasting room in Carmel-By-The-Sea this month. It is located in the Carmel Plaza at Ocean Avenue and Mission Street. Chalone Vineyard was founded over 60 years ago and acquired by Foley Family Wines in 2015.
Lange Twins Family Winery and Vineyards, a family-owned and operated winery, has announced that Marissa Lange, fifth generation family member and president, has been nominated for the prestigious “Wine Executive of the Year” Wine Star Award by The Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Cheers to Marissa and Lodi.
The 17th annual Anderson Valley White Wine Weekend is Feb. 17-18. Tickets are now on sale. The early bird rate is $125 for a full weekend which includes food and wine tasting at up to eight different wineries. For six great reasons you should attend the White Wine Weekend, go to www.avwines.com.
Tickets for the 2024 World of Pinot Noir are officially on sale. It will be held Feb. 29-March 2 at the seaside Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara. The three-day extravaganza features more than 200 premier Pinot Noir producers from around the globe, with parties, lively tastings seminars, special pairing dinners and two Grand Tastings. Visit, worldofpinotnoir.com.
The 5th annual Cabernet Franc Celebration is open to both domestic and international producers of Cabernet Franc and also blends with at least 50% Cabernet Franc. The competition will be held at the Copper Valley Clubhouse in Copperopolis on April 3, 2024. For information and registration go to californiawinesandwineries.com. The public tasting is the fun Cabernet Franc Wine Stroll on April 13 from noon-3:30 p.m. with a dazzling 30-foot charcuterie. That evening, at 6 p.m., will be a gourmet dinner provided by Executive Chef Jaime Alderete.
What’s on our table
I took advantage of Grocery Outlet’s 20% off sale and bought three Portuguese red wines. The 2020 Gaios DOC Douro Red was 40% Tinta Barroca, 40% Tinta Roriz and 20% Touriga Nacional for $5.59. It was my favorite (4.5 stars) with bold dark black fruit flavors. The 2020 Cavalo Negro Vinho Regional Tejo ‘Reserve’ was also $5.59. It had a medium body with fresh red wild berries and dark chocolate notes, (3.5 stars). The 2019 Fonte des Setas Vinho Tinto Lisboa $4.79 was a blend of Syrah, Castelao and Touriga Nacional. It was surprisingly light bodied with red fruits and a sweet finish (3.0 stars). Cheers!
Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.
