Highlights from Taste of Mendocino 2017

Picture perfect weather and the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon weekend build up for Sunday's race, made parking anywhere near the Marina and the Fort Mason Center for the Arts and Culture challenging. Fortunately we arrived forty-five minutes early so we had plenty of time to do numerous circles around the parking areas before we landed a spot. It was worth it; the tasting was well presented, with an excellent crowd in attendance.  Here's a pictorial of some of the people and wines we discovered at the event. 

Beverly and Proprietress Moira Conzelman of Harmonique Wines poured some beautiful 2010 Pinots.  

Properly aged Pinot Noir of this quality at these price points is a rare commodity.   Click here to buy!

                    Next time you're in Ukiah don't miss Schat's Bakery and Cafe.  

A nice cider lineup from Gowan Family Orchards.

Johnny Frei and Ann Wright with thebiodynamic wines of Frey Vineyards. The wines are made with no sulfur additions, are gluten free and vegan.

The Primitivo and Zinfandel sourced from vineyards due east of Hopland are true to type and hit all the right notes.

A very popular table with good eats for seafood lovers.

  There's a good reason why Joel Clark, Brand Ambassador for Fetzer Vineyards is smiling. He's holding the best Merlot at the event. Look around and you'll find this 2014 organic Merlot fairly priced because the parent company, Concho y Toro, has a commanding marketing presencw

Those of you that don't live within a few hours of Kimberly Mayfield's retail location in Willits can order her mind blowing pies on line. We purchased a couple of Blackberry Crumb Pies to go and had to give one away later to keep from hurting ourselves.

This son and father team Chase and Tom Thornhill, head up the operations at Mendocino Wine Co. They're smiling because...

... they are standing behind an impressive display anchored by the 2014 True Grit Reserve Petite Sirah. This Petite Sirah shows a beautiful core of black and blue fruit fruit ,cocoa and spice, silky and balanced. My vote for best full bodied red of the day. 

Tireless promoter and owner of Theopolis Vineyards in Yorkville, Ms. Theodora Lee and her assistant for the day. Her Symphony,  a cross of Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris is well worth the search.  

And we closed out the event with a slice of pizza from pizzaiola, Cynthia (The Big Cheese) Ariosta of Saucy Ukiah. As yummy as it looks,  and yes this mobile wood burning pizza oven is for hire. Contact Cynthia at  saucyukiah@gmail.com for details.

Thanks to Bernadette Byrne and the Mendocino Wine Growers for inviting us to the event.