We’re with the (wrist) band: Sipping and spitting around the Isle

The East Bay Vintners Alliance held its annual Passport to Urban Wine Country event on March 15-16. Photo by Denise Shelton.

Event Review: Sixth Annual Passport to Urban Wine Country, March 15-16

A sudden (albeit temporary) lull in the opening of new eating establishments in town prompted me to focus this month on our local wineries, and what better way than by attending the yearly East Bay Vintners Alliance event Passport to Urban Wine Country?

Here’s how it works: Participants arrive at any one of the designated sites, check in and receive a color-coded wrist band and a wine glass that they take with them to other sites where either one or more producers are pouring their wines. A variety of hors d’oeuvres is also included in the price of admission. Either a one or two-day pass can be purchased.

As luck would have it, the Alliance’s public relations rep provided yours truly with passes for myself and a guest to make the rounds of its members’ tastings in various locations last weekend. With my editor’s blessing, I enlisted the help of my husband Doug Shelton in writing this month’s column as his experience with the study and appreciation of wine is far superior to mine. (Don’t worry, I’m not embarrassing him. He’d be the first to agree, plus, I needed to stay sober, drive, and take notes.)

Caveat: Doug prefers mostly New World wines, in particular, those with a lot of fruit showing and very concentrated flavors. The tasting notes that follow are naturally influenced by his personal preference. If you have a marked difference in taste, you may disagree, perhaps strongly. We encourage you to visit these winemakers yourself and see what you think. These notes are intended as simply an “informed opinion.”

In approaching the winery representatives …read more

Source: Alameda News From The Alamedan