My first wine trade tasting
I may have read the email subject line twice, not because I did not comprehend it, but because it stirred excitement within. “Napa Vintners Tasting Event in Southern California” it read. I eagerly clicked on the invitation to peruse the details. Several trade tasting events held over the next few Wednesdays at locations near me. Without hesitation, I registered for the event at Torrey Pines Lodge in San Diego, California. This venue is spectacular. How can you beat wine, great weather, and an oceanfront view on a Wednesday afternoon in the middle of Fall?
A little History
In 2022, I applied for a fellowship to the Napa Valley Wine Writer’s Symposium. The ad came across my Facebook feed just 5 days before the application deadline. I am not a published wine writer. My knowledge of wine basically lies in what I like drinking and where I enjoy drinking it, which happens to include the Napa region. I took a chance and wrote from the heart answering two essay questions, uploaded my documents, and waited for a response. Several weeks later, the acceptance email arrived. It is official, I am a 2023 Wine Writer’s Symposium Fellow. Curious, overjoyed, and a tiny bit scared, in March of 2023, I drove into the spectacular Meadow Resort in St. Helena, California to begin my journey in wine writing. I met wine enthusiasts from all over the world; some with established deep roots on their path, and others who like me are taking baby steps into an ever-expanding field. It is during this event, that I connected with Napa Valley Vintners. Impressed and intrigued by their work in the valley, particularly the writer’s symposium, I felt grateful to be a part of this group and wondered what the future held for me and wine. Fast forward to Fall 2024 when an email invite piqued my curiosity once again. This time some of the finest wineries in the Napa Valley were coming to Southern California. How exciting!
Trade Tasting November 2024
What are the odds? Over the summer, I visited friends who are wine lovers in their own right. They played an episode of Somm TV that featured Hugh Davies of Schramsberg Vineyards located in Calistoga. I made a mental note to visit their tasting room on my next trip to the Napa Valley. Imagine my delight when I arrived at the trade tasting and the first table I see belongs to them. Warmly greeted by who I later learned was Fred Zammataro, COO, CFO, & Executive Vice President of Schramsberg, I approached the table full of enthusiasm ready to try an iconic sparkling wine. Full of eagerness, I walked up to the table without a glass. With a friendly smile, Fred pointed to the wine glasses suggesting I grabbed one to begin the tasting. He poured a bit of perfectly chilled 2020 Brut Rose Sparkling Wine to start. Ten out of ten, I recommend to those of you who enjoy good bubbles. What happened next is where things got really good.
My next pour was the 2021 J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon which is part of the Schramsberg family of wines. As Fred expertly poured the vino into my glass, he said “Let me know what stands out”. Immediately, I felt like a student shocked by the announcement of a pop quiz Secondly, my mind searched for typical words to describe wine such as notes of dark cherry or tobacco. First sip, I was hooked paused by the balance, the nose, and the rich flavors. What I knew for sure was that this was an incredible wine. Fred turns back to me to get my response, and I froze like a deer in headlights. What am I tasting kept replaying in my mind. He must have read my non-poker face and rushed in to save me from racking my brain. He explained that it was not the taste nor the smell he was after. Perhaps I looked perplexed or relieved, but Fred then shared that he was referring to the mouthfeel of this cab. I smiled as he spoke about the experience of the wine, the texture. I slowly took another sip this time paying less attention to the taste and more on the sensation. Smooth as butter, soft as silk, like drinking liquid deep purply velvet if that in fact were possible.
While savoring the rest of the glass, I shyly admitted to Fred that I am not much of a drinker. Now it was his turn to look perplexed. I explained that I am drawn to wine for the entire experience from beginning to end. From the ambiance of the tasting rooms, to sitting amongst the vineyards catching up with friends over a phenomenal bottle, to understanding the years of labor that go into making the product. To me, wine is not just an alcoholic beverage, it is history, spirituality, connection, celebration, nature, and the stuff of miracles according to the bible. During the rest of the trade tasting, I mindfully evaluated each wine from a three-fold perspective of smell, taste, and texture. That brief but intentional conversation with Fred, elevated this novice’s first trade tasting right from the beginning. What a fantastic start to the day.
As I made my way to other tables, in addition to the wine itself, I noted how I felt when interacting with the winery representative. I understand that trade tastings are different than tasting room visits, but I always go back to the famous Dr. Maya Angelou quote “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Below, I have highlighted my favorite tastings in no particular order not just because of the quality of the product, but the entire interaction from start to finish. I must add a disclaimer that I did not visit every vendor.
On your next trip to the Napa Valley, do not miss Schramsberg/Davies. Overall, my favorite moment of the day for the wine, Fred’s heartfelt professionalism, for his tips when wine tasting, and the program offered by the winery. I thoroughly enjoyed the J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon and cannot wait to make my way to the tasting room. http://www.schramsberg.com http://www.daviesvineyard.com
Reynolds Family Winery Persistence was so enjoyable that I asked for a second pour which I drank outside while enjoying the ocean breeze. Initially drawn to the table by the gorgeous labels, I learned that Cameron Reynolds carefully crafts them. He shared that he picks and presses the wildflowers which he makes into a natural paper. Persistence wine to the paper is sheer artistry. http://www.reynoldsfamilywinery.com
Cuvaison has a winner in my book with this 2022 Estate Pinot Noir, Napa Valley. I did not use the dump bucket. Instead, I found a quiet corner and made an antipasti plate to nibble while I slowly savored the pinot. This is a definite yes for me. Check out their website, looks like they’re hosting some exciting events. http://www.cuvaison.com
Special thank you to Napa Valley Vintners for inviting me to participate in this amazing event.
Teresa Wall, I appreciate your support. Thank you for thinking of me.
I thoroughly relished my conversation on all things wine with Brett Van Emst, the Director of Consumer Marketing.
I received a warm welcome from the legendary Bonnie Graves of Girl Meets Grape.
Torrey Pines Lodge you never disappoint. From your service to your spectacular views, every detail is top tier.
The wine world is changing. I likened it to a train with all these fingers of tracks going in different directions simultaneously. This is not a terrible thing folks. The industry needs people like you and me from consumers to growers and everyone in between for it to flourish. In the meantime, I will share the developments of my journey, and I earnestly await your comments and suggestions on where to enjoy my next glass of vino!
All I can say is WOW!
Thank you so much! Lovely experience.
All the feels! Beautiful writing beautiful you 💕
Such an amazing opportunity, purely delightful!