Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience 2023
This past week I attended the 2nd Annual Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience in Sonoma County. I was invited to join an amazing group of wine professionals to assist as a Sommelier during the Festival.
The week focused on informative wine tasting seminars that allowed us to both taste through and learn about the varietals being produced in Sonoma County and also the winegrowers behind each label.
‘Diversity’ referring to the Varietals grown, include: Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Voila (Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc), Pinot Gris, Grenache Blanc, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese, Schioppettino and Petite Sirah.
Tasting Seminars included:
Sustainability & Sonoma County Winegrowers Overview
Sonoma County Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Seminar with Ray Isle and Panelists (Williams Selyem, Dutton Ranch, Sangiacomo etc.)
Diversity of Sonoma County Education with Ray Isle and Panelists (ACORN Winery, Inman Family Winery, Kokomo Winery, Orsi Winery etc.)
Heritage Vines Zinfandel Education Seminar with Ray Isle (Carlisle Winery, Ridge Vineyards & Winery, Nalle Winery etc.)
If the name Ray Isle is familiar to you, it’s because you may have read the monthly “Bottle Service” column, as he’s the Executive Wine Editor at Food & Wine Magazine and the Wine & Spirits Editor for Travel + Leisure.
Welcome Rosé upon arrival for al fresco lunch hosted by winemaker Nicole Hitchcock of J Vineyards
When not attending seminars we enjoyed delicious Food & Wine Pairing Lunches—all of which included a refreshing welcome Rosé or Champagne, “Santé!” The lunches showcased the wineries portfolio of wines (with some that you may see on the NOIRE wine list!) while also allowing us to get to know one another as colleagues within the wine industry complimented by delicious meals—and even a couple were al fresco!
Welcome Reception & 4-course Dinner at Vérité
Food & Wine Pairing Lunch at J Vineyards with winemaker Nicole Hitchcock
Wine Tasting & Dinner at The Terrace at Rodney Strong Vineyards
Dutton Ranch BBQ Lunch with Celebrity BBQ Chef Matt Horn
Vérité Dinner, Second Course - Liberty Duck: smoked breast, cured foie, compressed confit, pickled dried cherry, cocoa nib, tatsoi - paired with La Muse 2019 & La Muse 2009
One of the many highlights for me from the week was the Winegrower Truck Talks. The Truck Talks were the opportunity where groups of two are paired with a winegrower to meet one-on-one and visit their vineyard(s).
Walking the vineyards alongside George Martinelli
I was paired with George Martinelli of Martinelli Winery & Vineyard.
Fun Fact: Their vineyards were once apple orchards, however, they are not the cider producing Martinelli’s but are distant cousins. George took us to three different vineyard sites that have been in his family for generations.
The first visit was to Bondi Vineyard which used to be where the family’s apple orchard was located but is now exclusively a Pinot Noir vineyard. The second vineyard site had these remarkable undulating hills where the vines were planted, contributing to the unique micro-climate conditions. And the last vineyard we visited was my favorite and where I was the most in awe. The site is known as “Jackass Hill” because “only a jackass would farm a hill that steep” (if you're familiar with the Martinelli Jackass Hill 🍷 Zinfandel). Directly below Jackass Hill were the 140 year old Zinfandel vines which had me in awe. It was a cool full circle moment because earlier that day was the Heritage Vines Zinfandel Tasting Seminar which I throughly enjoyed. Interestingly, old vines grow independently of one another and don’t typically utilize a trellis so I was able to walk around each individual vine, admire the soil and take it all in. It was so special!
Erin and I pictured with George Martinelli at the end of our Truck Talk.
So… you’re probably thinking did I actually work? Yes, I did! It was a week filled with learning, tasting and community.
Champagne & Caviar Tasting - Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes D’Or 2008 Brut
There were tasting seminars for attendees of the Festival. I had my assignments on which seminars I would be pouring for. One of which included a Champagne & Caviar Tasting 🥂 and on the last night pouring wines for attendees at the Magnum Party. As the name suggests, there were literal Magnums that guests were able to taste from during the party—and now my right bicep is stronger and summer ready! 💪🏾🍾
Wine Unify Mentor, Gary Obligacion (left) and Wine Unify Co-Founder, DLynn Proctor (right).
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the reason that the invitation was extended to me was due to Alicia Towns-Franken, Executive Director of Wine Unify. I’m so grateful to have her in my corner as both the fierce leader of the amazing community I’m proud to be a part of as Wine Unify Alumni & Ambassador but also blessed to have her as my advocate and Advisor for NOIRE.
Thank you Alicia & my Wine Unify family ♥️
Cheers!