Friday, January 27, 2012

Zinfest 2012


Wow. What a fun event.

Last night was Epicuria night. Which basically means each wine was paired with food. There were amazing chefs preparing fancy little bites everywhere you looked.

I went with my friend Rachel Vorhees, another food and wine blogger. We were so excited to be there we could barely get our wristbands on as they handed them to us.

Then of course we had trouble juggling the plate, wine glass, iphone, purse, coat, and big camera. So we talked our new friend Bill Smart, from Dry Creek Vineyard, into letting us stash some of our stuff under his table. He really saved the day. I ditched the big camera and just stuck with the iphone.

We ran into a lot of wine friends we've met at events, and on Twitter. It was a really great time.

And the wine. Yum-my. There was so much good wine being poured. I did have three HUGE favorites of the evening.

Dry Creek Vineyard '09 Somers Ranch, Dry Creek Valley and '08 Old Vine, Dry Creek Valley
Grgich Hills Estate '08 Zinfandel, Napa Valley
J. Rickards Winery '08 Old Vine Zin, Brignoli Vineyard, Alexander Valley  

Favorite food of the evening goes to: 

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Lamb lollipops with Zinfandel demi-glace
Componere Fine Catering - Crispy pork cheek, smoked potatoes, spicy pickeled fennel
Johnny Garlic's - Seared Ahi on a wonton topped with mango-jicama salsa, eel sauce, wasabi cream
Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill - House honey roasted winter squash bruschetta
Rose's Cafe - Whipped gorgonzola crostini with a spiced honey gastrique
Wayfare Tavern - Braised lamb shoulder, black pepper spaetzle, burnt orange, white anchovy salsa

Favorite desserts:

Koller Chocolates - Zinfandel chocolate truffles
Sonoma Cake Creations - Mini cupcakes, brownies and cheesecakes with Zinfandel sauces
Chef Tyler Stone - Zinfandel Ice Cream

We're both going back Saturday for the Grand Tasting. I can hardly wait for that! No food pairings, but lots of good Zinfandel. And BevMo! will be there pouring Zynthesis, one of their Vineyard Partner brands. Go BevMo!

One more thing before I wrap this up. I know Zinfandel gets a bad wrap from people sometimes. I just want you to know I did not try one overly jammy zin last night! They were fruity, and spicy and really so delicious. Rachel and I were both quite impressed with what we tasted.

So, go out and drink some zin. Or better yet, go to the big grand tasting in San Francisco on Saturday!

Here are some pics from our fun evening.


Rachel and Bill Smart, Dry Creek Vineyard


Sonoma Cake Creations - Mini cupcakes, brownies and cheesecakes with Zinfandel sauces



Tristan and Mark from Hahn, Cycles Gladiator and Boneshaker


Rose's Cafe - Whipped gorgonzola crostini with a spiced honey gastrique
The Chefs from Rose's Cafe
Keller Chocolates - Zinfandel chocolate truffles


Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill - House honey roasted winter squash bruschetta
Johnny Garlic's - Seared Ahi on a wonton topped with mango-jicama salsa, eel sauce, wasabi cream



Componere Fine Catering - Crispy pork cheek, smoked potatoes, spicy pickeled fennel

Rachel and Thea, "The Wine Brat"




ZINFANDEL FESTIVAL - Schedule of events
FRIDAY - Winemakers Dinner
SATURDAY - Grand Tasting

Maybe I'll see you there on Saturday!

9 comments:

  1. Awesome! I have been pleasantly surprised by some of the Old Vine zins I have tried...very good! And your pics are amazing!

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    1. I have always loved Zin. The wines last night were really awesome. Wish you could be there with us. Next time!

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  2. LOVE the recap!!! Can't wait to see you tomorrow for more Zin!!

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  3. Waaaaaaaaait a minute.........did you forget to include your mother in such an important event...........I must have misplaced my invitation somewhere........what fun you all had.........Hope today was as good as yesterday!
    Mom

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  4. Nice to see a post of this event! I really wanted to go, but so great to get a sense of the event here. Nice shots too! Cheers!

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    Replies
    1. You'll have to go next year. It was really fun.

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Thanks for your feedback!

~Kris