Grape and Gourmet 2010: More Drinks, Less Food = Better Event, but Less People

Mr. Rex Goliath from Constellation Wines

So this year's version of Grape and Gourmet (a.k.a Best of Sacramento - the sequel) was different than years past, in good ways and in bad. The V.I.P tickets were a nice addition to the experience and one I would gladly do again. A very different wine world exists in the annexes prior to the onslaught of the general public being released on the vendors en mass. The V.I.P tickets are $100 vs. the $55-$75 priced ticket and allow patrons a window of 2pm to 5pm for tasting, schmoozing, and relating to the wine vendors (this is largely an industry crowd). There is little if any food vendors set up at this time, as this is the wine award ceremonies and prolonged tasting and talking to winemakers part. If your time and pocketbook allow I would definitely recommend this as an experience vs. the general public hours of 5pm to 8pm where the crowd becomes much more happy hour style, and people are looking for multiple pours despite what's in the glass - thought to be fair there was not nearly as many drunk people this year.


Novarro Wines - Special Pouring of the Late Harvest Gewurztraminer

Throughout the event there were some noteworthy mentions that must be made; these were brought to my attentions by the new sommelier of Red Lotus, Leon Moore (who was doing no little amount of research for his next venture). These included: Navarro's 2007 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer, and Vitus's 2007 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (minerally and deep flavor). My personal additions to this list were Berryessa Gap's 2007 Tempranillo (I love how easy drinking it is, and the price point is so approachable) and Spoto's 2007 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (rich flavor (check him out on Facebook here))
There was also a great 2008 Mourvedre from Crystal Basin in the El Dorado hills area served by a hilarious winemaker team, and a shockingly good Tangerine Wheat put out by The Lost Coast Brewery (wonderful tangerine smell, but great wheat flavor).


Fat Cat Scones and Michal David Winery (Lodi) pouring their entire sin series including: Lust, Rapture, Sloth, and Gluttony


V.Sattui Wines (special single pour of Madeira)


Thinner crowd than most years, this was half way through the event (6pm)


2008 Cline Cashmere - This is an utterly charming wine, without pretense, blended from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.


Paul Martin's American Bistro putting out a short rib with a goat cheese mashed potato and ju, and Savemart with a HUGE center island booth serving cheeses, fruit, and chocolate dipped strawberries.



Mr. Ginger Elizabeth Hahns and Sean Kohmescher of Temple Coffee Co, two of the most passionate people in their respective businesses in Sacramento today.

Of the really standout improvements of the event there was 2 water vendors (SmartWater and Alhambra) on opposite ends of the venue. Alhambra's style wasn't really conducive to drinking while you were on the move, as you need to fill your glass (leaving no room for wine) whereas SmartWater brought lots of small format bottles to be grabbed while you walked. But better than the water (which is no small potatoes at a wine event) were the increases in microbreweries and non-alcoholic beverage alternatives like Temple Coffee Co pairing up with Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates. Sean (Temple Coffee) was serving 2 french pressed coffees and a cold press that were specifically matched with the chocolates that Ginger Elizabeth was serving. Very nice addition to the usual revelry.



Constantly putting out exceptional food is Russell Michel from Morgan's Central Valley Bistro at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento. Serving a sun dried tomato compote with basil in a pastry shell to the truffle oil macaroni and cheese, these were standout good eats!

...and so closes another year for Grape and Gourmet, I was quite pleased to talk to the winemakers/ sales directors/ and chefs in a more approachable capacity this year than in years past - and this might be a direct reflection of the amount of people attending events like these in Sacramento these days, maybe it's a sign of the times? or a lack of media interaction? the loss of multiple food vendors of large name (The Firehouse, Tuli, Crush 29 and P.F Changs) to name a few. I know there is a high vendor booth fee for this shindig but when the food comes so do the people and this years event was a predominantly wine event. Now don't get me wrong, I did love the wine, but there was a noticeable loss, on the upside great small guys like Fat Cat Scones, The Bread Store, and Luddy's BBQ were in attendance. Here's looking at next year!