California Wine Festival: Part Two

Hopefully you all got a chance to read my last post on the myriad of wonderful, reasonably priced wines at the annual California Wine Festival in Santa Barbara. If you didn't, I highly recommend it. If only for the footage of the groove-tastic lone dancer getting his reggae on midway through the accompanying video.

This week we delve into chocolate and cheese and more wine, oh my! Read on for my festival picks for Best Artisan Winery, Best in Show and more.BestArtisan Winery - Core Wine Company

Coreis well known among California wine aficionados for its devotion to unusual blendsand off-the-beaten path varietals. Winemaker Dave Corey consistently turns outamazing Tempranillo, Grenache, Mourvedre and my personal favorite, a blendcalled Hard Core. Core wines are already incredibly reasonably priced for thequality you are getting, but Dave and his wife Becky also regularly offertasting room specials and discounts through facebook and twitter @corewine.

BestChocolate - Brix and Must

Just can?t decide, so Best Chocolate is a tie. At the Brix Chocolate table they were givingout samples of their Extra Dark Chocolate, which is specially blendedto pair with Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux and Barolo. I enjoyed it all on itsown, thank you very much. Brad Addis from Must Chocolate traveled all the wayfrom New Jersey to hand out his Celestial Milk with Caramel and Sea Salt and Iam oh-so-very glad he did! Sea salt truly does add some nice bite to the richcaramel, which he recommends pairing with Chardonnay.

BestCheese- Kerrygold Dubliner With Irish Stout

I was seriously in danger of wearing out my welcome at the Kerrygold table. I?d seen the brand at the grocery store before, but never picked anyup. I righted that wrong the very next day after the festival, when I went and boughtsome Kerrygold Dubliner With Irish Stout for company that was coming over for dinner. Everyone loved it just asmuch as I did. Sharp, nutty flavor and it crumbles just right--what more canyou ask for in a cheese?

Best in Show- 2006 Pear Valley "Distraction"

I was previously unfamiliar with Pear Valley Vineyards and Winery, but they certainly made an impression on me with this wine! 60% Cab, 20% Cab Franc, 20% Petite Verdot and 100% delicious, their Distraction blend sells for $40. But get this, Pear Valley Wine Club members get it for just $28! Proof that joining wine clubs can be a very savvy move for a wine consumer.

Follow me on twitter for more wine reviews and advice and general merriment @SavingsHSimas.Add a Comment

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