the Festival of Undiscovered Grapes
Festival of Undiscovered Grapes – Truly a Magnificent Event
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Attended Saturday, January 31st, the Festival of Undiscovered Grapes in San Jose. This was their inaugural event in Northern California, and it was a smashing success with approximately 400 attendees. The event featured the “other 7%” of grapes produced rather than the pedestrian 93% which consumers regularly purchase, i.e., Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc. Instead, this event provided consumers with the opportunity to taste wines such as Teroldego, Cinsault, Marsanne, Cabernet Pfeffer, etc. It was a great experience to meet “new friends” both in person and the new liquid ones!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The event began with Lodi grape grower Stuart Spencer and David Glancey, Master Somm of the SF Wine School sharing a brief overview of Lodi’s 100+ varieties of wine grapes and the uniqueness of the region. Sips of sparkling Assyrtiko from Perloegos and Old Vine Carignane from Drava were tasting during the presentation.
It was a great time seeing so many new wineries and discussing why they choose the “undiscovered grapes” to be featured by their winery. Tasting some unique and delicious wines only help convince folks that if they want to be adventurous, this is a great opportunity to explore and taste.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Allison Levine, pictured above, created the framework for this event. The event included 130 wine grapes, 60+ wineries, and was rated the #2 Wine Festival in America based on their previously held event in Los Angeles.
It was also a wonderful time meeting up with long-time friends and meeting up with folks that I had corresponded with via email or phone but now got to meet in person.
These are just a few wineries pouring on this day and the wines they featured:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Picture above Acorn Winery from Healdsburg is Assistant Winemaker Eric Lindae and Melissa Moholt-Sieberton, owner on the right. They were pouring Grüner Veltliner, Rosé of Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Their Cabernet Franc was spicy and earthy.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
JMC Cellars, my first time tasting their wonderful wines. JMC Cellars is located in Livermore, and they were pouring the extremely tasty Teroldego and Roussanne.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Steven Kent Winery was pouring his SKW and L’Autre Côte wines. Picture above Steven and Beth Mirassou pouring the award-winning Cabernet Franc’s from various vineyards throughout Livermore Valley.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Omega Road Winery in Livermore was happily pouring three of her wines: Torrontés, Mencia and Sparkling Rosé of Counoise.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Rob Stinton of Starfield Vineyards in Placerville was pouring his elegant Tannat, Cinsault, Fiano and Sparkling Brut Rosé of Grenache.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Copia Vineyards in Paso Robles had a nice selection to taste of their White Blend, The Story (Grenache/Syrah) and Mourvèdre. Previously I had only tasted one of their wines and today was able to taste their 2022 The Cure, a savory and fruit forward wine.
These are just a few of the wines and wineries that were in attendance and pouring. To get a complete listing of the wines and wineries that attended you can find them at: https://festivalofundiscoveredgrapes.com/
Truly a remarkable event that will be held annually in San Jose.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly