How to pick a great wine beyond the pretty label:Intro: You don’t have to be a wine snob to have a great sense of smell, but earning the title Master Sommelier truly puts your sense of smell to the test. It’s the discerning palates from the Court of Master Sommeliers that have developed the go-to method of deductive tasting – a catalogue of clues that help to focus your sniffer and train your taste buds. What’s really cool is that there are exercises you can do to sharpen your sense of smell and get even more flavor, more happiness out of the next glass of wine you sip.
Who: We’ll put that promise to the test and conduct a little sniff therapy session with Master Sommelier Keith Goldston, one of just 140 in the United States to pass the most elite sommelier wine exam and earn the title of Master Sommelier.
What you do: Uncork the nose’s secret power with a guided tasting of two wines – white and red; $12-$18 price range, readily accessible.
• Learn to look at, smell, and taste wine like a pro
• Recognize aromas and flavors in the glass by using the data bank of memories you already have
• Discover how to calibrate your palate
• Uncover the basics of food and wine pairing
Call to action: Power up your sense of smell with a little practice and join the Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory Course in Washington DC at Mandarin Oriental Hotel on August 10-11, a two-day seminar of the Court’s tasting method that includes wine, beer, sake spirits, and food and wine pairings. Upon successful graduation you’ll be a Level 1 sommelier, and on the road to professional wine smeller. Details about the course will be added as August approaches.
The Court of Master Sommeliers was established to encourage improved standards of beverage knowledge and service in hotels and restaurants. Education was then, and remains today, the Court's charter. The first successful Master Sommelier examination was held in the United Kingdom in 1969. By April 1977, the Court of Master Sommeliers was established as the premier international examining body. It took the Court ten years to perfect its qualifications, which are recognized internationally.
About Keith: Born and raised in Napa Valley, Keith Goldston is one of the world’s youngest Master Sommeliers and the proud recipient of the illustrious Krug Cup trophy. His more than 25 years of experience includes front of house serving, writing award-winning wine lists, and consulting, training and lecturing for prestigious and renowned restaurants, hotels, cruise lines and wineries including Domaine Chandon, Masa’s, Spago, Picasso, Aureole, Charlie Palmer Steak, Crystal Cruises and Diageo Chateau and Estates. His “Have Corkscrew – Will Travel” attitude has found him making sake in Japan, judging wine competitions and teaching wine classes in Korea and China, opening wine bars in India, chasing kangaroos in Australia, crossing the Andes in search of great wine, working for the Culinary Institute of America, as well as teaching and examining for the Court of Master Sommeliers. At RANGE, Goldston draws on his travels to create a wine program that showcases hundreds of selections from all corners of the globe from classic styles to wines sourced from the most celebrated producers. With extensive hands-on experience and a natural born talent, it is no wonder Wine Spectator calls Goldston “a wizard at matching food with interesting wines.”
MORGEN MCLAUGHLIN - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SANTA BARBARA VINTNERS – RECAP ON LAST FRIDAY’S TASTING WITH STEVEN SPURRIER
Through the Santa Barbara Vintners’ Foundation, the Association contributes to the community through local charitable, art and educational and scholarship organizations with proceeds from its various events, such as Santa Barbara Wine Auction, held every other year and benefitting Direct Relief International, and silent auctions at all the Association’s festivals.
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STEVE EVANS - "THE MOVIE GUY"
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