Unique Wine Tasting Experience at O’Brien’s Market (Modesto)
It was a few years back that I attended my first tasting at O’Brien’s Market in the wine department. O’Brien’s has the best wine selection both domestic and internationally in all of Modesto. This was purposed under the direction of the wine department manager, Tom Bender. Tom Bender has headed up the California Sierra Foothill Competition for over 35 years, served on the California State Fair judge’s panel, is a well-known writer for various wine magazines and teaches wine and hospitality at the local college.
Picture from O’Brien’s website
His approach at O’Brien’s is unique with various themes. For example the lineup for January and February were the following tastings:
WINES OF BURGUNDY – “France’s Most Famous Wine Region”
For centuries the region of Burgundy has been celebrated as one of the most heralded wine regions in the world as well as the most expensive. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the players here and we will feature several distinctive but moderately priced finds from the region including Beaujolais.
TASTING BLENDS – “Wines that Mix It Up”
Some of the most interesting wines are a result of skillful blending to create more complex flavors. Syrah, Cabernet and Zinfandel have become prominent players that mix it up.
SAN FRANCISCO WINE COMPETITION – “Tasting Gold Medal Winners”
The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Judging has become the largest competition of American wines in the World. Over 5000 wines from over 1100 producers are judged in early January. We’ll pour some of their 2024 Gold Medal winners including some Best of Class and Double Gold Medal wines.
FAVORITE FINDS FROM ITALY – “Traveling the Italian Countryside”
We will highlight a number of Italian regions including, Abruzzo, Puglia, Umbria, Piedmont or Veneto. Enjoy tasting regional wines with character and historic influences.
ANNUAL ZINFANDEL CHALLENGE! – “Blind Tasting of Regional Zins”
Here is a chance to determine your favorite regional style of Zinfandel as we conduct a fun blind tasting of five favorites from California’s top locations and producers. Zinfandel is one of Modesto’s favorite reds. So enjoy this all American wine on Presidents Weekend.
Events are typically held on Thursday, twos sessions 4 pm and 5 pm and Friday and Saturday at 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm. Each session last approximately 45 minutes and the cost is $5/pp.
I attended the tasting Saturday at 1 pm with about 6 others and here were the delicious wines chosen by Tom for this event:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Today my two favorites blends were the Châteauneuf du Pape and the “Pessimist”.
One of the benefits of attending these events is that Tom provides carefully constructed notes and is always available to answer questions. Tom’s character is always being the college professor.
In the picture below Tom is standing behind the wine bar and a couple of the other tasters for this session.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
By the way, Tom also has for the last five years headed up the Professional Judges at Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition, this year on April 3rd, 2024.
Should you get a chance to go to any of the themed sessions, you will experience some delicious wine, offered at a discount to purchase and for $5/pp can’t beat the opportunity to taste wines you might not ordinarily try and be educated on perhaps new wines by Tom.
Sláinte,
Michael