The Italian Incident...at LearnAboutWine...

A week ago, JD and I had the great fortune to participate in another of LearnAboutWine's fabulous Friday night wine events.  This one was titled 'An Offer You Can't Refuse!' and featured Bay Cities' Godmother sandwiches and 20 terrific Italian wines - tasted blind - to accompany them.  Ian always puts together a diverse selection of wines for his tastings and this one did not disappoint. 

We arrived early to help set up the tables and prepour the wines.  2010 Sommelier of the Year (Southern California Restaurant Writers Association), Jared Hooper, was on hand to do the pouring as we placed the precious glasses on the appropriate spaces on the numbered place mats.

Wining and dining all over the place...

It has been quite a weekend!  And now I have the chance to really catch up on everything that's been going on.  Maybe.

Back in February, JD and I attended an event put on by I'll Drink to That, a networking group organized by Xochitl Maiman, where we had the opportunity to taste the wines made by Dutcher Crossing, a Sonoma winery.  Proprietor Debra Mathy (left) brought several of her wines, which were perfectly matched by the delicious cheeses and breads provided by Melody of the Artisan Cheese Gallery in Studio City.  I was lucky enough to be gifted with a bottle of Dutcher Crossing Zinfandel, and I'm saving it for the right meal.  Winemaker Kerry Damskey makes big, fruit forward wines in small quantities.