Maybe this is a bit early, but the judging lineup for the 12th annual Critics Challenge International Wine Competition, held in Stay Classy San Diego, has been finalized, and once again I’ll have the honor and pleasure of being one of said critics putting the submitted wines through a GLASS CASE OF EMOTION!!!
Critics Challenge 2015
Previously, the CC has been the origin of many an entertaining and surprising wine find for me, several of which have been reported on these virtual pages. Back in 2013, I was luckily paired up with the irrepressible Leslie Sbrocco, which is kind of like pouring combustible liquid onto a raging fire (let’s not forget that Leslie and I managed to work words such as “Godzilla” and “nipples” into our tasting notes during that incarnation of the CC). Last year, my partner in crime was the elegant and talented Deb Parker Wong, who went ga-ga with me over a wine that eventually made onto the 2014 MIW list here.
So, the expectations I’ve got for CC 2015 are waaaaay high, and I am pretty stoked about being a part of the action.
For more details (or to submit wines), check out criticschallenge.com. For a run-down of how some of the various entrants have fared in previous versions of the Critics Challenge, you can check out the details on their dedicated Wine-Searcher.com page.
Cheers!
I’ve got some huge news for you fine wine-&-travel-lovin’ folk!
This November, I’ll be co-hosting a wine-soaked jaunt to Rioja wine country with esteemed wine writer Ben Weinberg. And hopefully, YOU will be along for the ride!
I’m pretty stoked to be working with Ben on this, and for the opportunity to show you the vinous, cultural, and culinary wonder that is Rioja.
There’s much I could write about the awesomeness that will be encountered on this tour, but the high-level summary is that by joining us, you will get the insider, VIP treatment in Rioja wine country, without having to do an of the work (wine writing, reviewing, spitting) that Ben and I normally have to do to get the same. Score!
You can check out all of the details at http://www.wineontheroad.com/spainwith1winedude.php. If it whets your appetite / blows your skirt up / etc., then download the Preliminary Itinerary and Booking Form to get started. You can, of course, always contact Ben or me for more details. For more on Rioja in general, take a gander through the past here at 1WD land. A bit more detail about our upcoming Rioja jaunt is available in video form below after the jump.
This is going to be an entertaining, informative, and incredibly FUN trip. You’ll need to prepare your wallet, your mind, and your liver for this incredible jaunt…
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What does great music have to do with killer Italian vino?
I’m not 100% sure, either, but we’re going to find out at VINO 2015 in NYC, when the Italian Wine Week and Convention takes over the Waldorf Astoria on Park Avenue February 1-4!
VINO 2015 will showcase 200+ Italian wine producers, and the days are scheduled to be filled with some very intriguing informational sessions and discussions, led by some serious fine wine personalities.
Thanks to my music background, I’ll be on the docket on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 3:30-5pm for Vino e Musica: The International Language, moderated by City Winery’s Michael Dorf. Joining me in the discussion will be Master Somm and nigh-indefatigable hardcore heavy metal music fan Fred Dexheimer, as well as Jon Morrell, the celebrated opera tenor (which I personally equate with being a bad-ass, but that’s just me).
More info. in the screen print below (click to embiggen), with the full program available here for your perusal, along with details on how to register for the event.
I hope to see you there!
Cheers!
