Spin the Globe – Where I’ve Been and Where I’m Going

Oh wine world, you are such a temptress. So many places to see, wines to taste, people to meet and so little time to do it all. Not to mention trying to stay on top of bloging it all. I am in the midst of a three back-to-back trips. First stop was Mendocino for Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Fest for three fabulous days.

I was home for a day before I flew off to Quebec and the Eastern Townships for Printemps Rose Festival and now just a two days later, I am leaving in just a few hours for Portland where I will meet up with Mattie Bamman of @ravenoustravelr and we will embark on our roadtrip to WBC13  in Penticton, B.C.

We will drive through Seattle and up to Vancouver/Richmond area for two nights where we will be the guests of Tourism Richmond and then on to Oliver, where we will stay at Tinhorn Creek for one night where the Cab Franc is one of my all-time favorites, then we’ll head back up to Penticton and visit Upper Bench Winery and Creamery before we check in to Penticton Lakeside resort for WBC. Follow our hashtag #NWRoadtrip for all the hijinks.

Despite what Richard Jennings wrote here-- I am looking forward to exploring the Vancouver region and will form my own opinion. But my hat is off to him for writing true to his experience and not pulling any punches—although I did take him to task for it in the comments, because who can resist that kind of blog bait? Not me apparently.

At WBC I’ll be part of a panel Friday, June 7th with Michael Wangbickler from Through the Bunghole, Jeannette Montgomery from The Third Glass and Okanagan Writing--on Creating Compelling Content and what exactly it is. But it’s really open to interpretation, so join us if you can, and lend your opinion on the topic.

I hope to catch up soon with all the posts I want to share with you on the wonderful wine regions I have been so fortunate to visit-- including more posts on my darling Croatia and the #RakijaRoad, Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy, Quebec/Eastern Townships, and the Anderson Valley in Mendocino.

See you at WBC, or here on the blog soon.

Cheers—Marcy

8th Annual International Alsace Fest Preview

When most people think “winter whites,” images of department store linen sales may pop to mind, but the first thing I think of is wine. Nothing perks up a dark winter day better than a crisp white wine. If you’re a fan of fragrant and luscious whites, the 8th Annual International Alsace Varietals Festival is for you.

This year’s event takes place February 9 through 10 in Boonville, Calif., located in Anderson Valley — the wine sweet spot of Mendocino County — tucked between rolling hills, coastal ranges and many exceptional wineries and vineyards.

READ MORE HERE... 

Recap: Taste Of Mendocino

When is the last time you attended a wine tasting where you could actually buy the wine you liked on the spot, attend a farmers market at the same time, and watch circus acrobatics? My guess is never. But I did all that and more at the extrodinary Taste of Mendocino event at Fort Mason in San Francisco yesterday.

My palate was expanded, my imagination captured, my wallet was opened, and my mind was blown. Mendocino... who knew? Well I do now.

In addition to all the wine to taste, there was live music, flying acts by the Flynn Creek Circus, beer from Mendocino brewers, art, and a mini farmers market featuring chocloates, handmade soaps, sea salt and exotic seaweed too.

I plan to visit Mendocino wine land in person soon and make a full report on my findings. So stay tuned.

Mendocino Wine Country: Wine She Wrote

Mention Mendocino and most people will conjure thoughts of quaint B&B’s on the remote northern coast of California, or perhaps the popular TV series Murder She Wrote, since the fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine, was actually filmed in Mendocino. If the series was still being filmed today, I expect it could now be called Wine She Wrote or better yet, Wine She Drank. Mendocino County is now home to over 12 AVA’s with over 90 wineries and hundreds of grape growers.

Mendocino Wine County is a perfect example of a great wine tourism destination. It’s more than just wine, the great local food, crafts and personalities give the region it it’s unique flavor.

It’s been a while since I’ve ventured up to Mendocino and I’m long overdue for a visit. But if you live in the Bay Area and can’t make it to Mendocino, no problem, Mendocino is coming to you this Monday, June 13, at the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco from 5-7pm. It will be like stepping into the Star Trek Teleporter, but with out the messy rearrangement of your molecules.

The Taste of Mendocino will feature 60 wineries, local restaurants, organic beer-makers, artisan olive oil producers, cheese makers and ranchers as well as great artists from Mendocino. Plus you will be able to buy products too! This is a pretty great idea, since usually tastings are just that. Tasting only. But now you can buy what you like on the spot.

Yes I know it’s on a Monday evening, but so what? How do you ever expect to live long and prosper if you stay in on Monday nights? So get it in gear and get yourself a ticket to The Taste of Mendocino now.

DETAILS: 

Tickets are just $35 in advance and $45 at the door. Ticket Link: http://tasteofmendocino2011.eventbrite.com

Taste of Mendocino

Monday, June 13, 2011

5-8pm

Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco

www.tasteofmendo.com.

Twitter: @TasteofMendo

Facebook.com/TasteofMendocino