Who doesn’t like champagne, sparkling wine?  Incredibly and uniquely complex reds, like an ’08 Noyes Sonoma Coast Pinot?  And who wouldn’t pair that with some succulent tri-tip on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon?  That’s why all the tables were occupied on Saturday June 25th, for Family Wineries’ Tri-Tip & Wine Saturday.  If not the perfect way to spend a Saturday, then, as one guest told me, “It’d be pretty darn tough to get any closer.” And at this cooperative tasting room, with its many bottled characters, no wonder this gentleman vocalized such elevated regard.

No excess crowds to deal with, just a tranquil afternoon in Sonoma Valley.  Family Wineries, being known for its impressive variety of wine types, varietals and styles, hosted their Saturday Tri-Tip & Wine Saturday.  The pervading profile of the day’s happening, relaxation.  Most of the tables were occupied by wine club members, locals, tourists the same, just out to have a nice wine-timed midday.  Like visiting a friend’s house, that’s what it felt like, many told me.  The structure has the exterior of a cabin, or vacation home.  So, no surprise the day’s guests were so eased.

Some of the favorite Wine & Tri-Tip pairings, that guests notified me of, were with the 1) Cass Winery 2008 Paso Robles Grenache, 2) Cass Winery 2006 Paso Robles Petite Sirah, 3) Collier Falls 2007 Dry Creek Primitivo [romantically layered, this is a must-sip], 4) SL Cellars 2004 Dry Creek Syrah, and 5) Tres Hermanas 2005 Syrah/Sangiovese Blend from the Central Coast.  Oh, one guest reminded me, the N.V. Grand Cuvee, Extra Dry – Pour La Vie.  “And,” she said, “pretty much any other of the champagnes here.”  Myriad, you might mumble.  True, as Family Wineries is a collective tasting Room, representing numerous approaches, appellations, oeno-aesthetics. “Tastes great with a tri-tip sandwich,” she told me, as I snapped a pic of a meat slab on the BBQ.

As the event came to close, the acoustic singer packing up his guitar, gear, most just hung around, not wanting to let go of the pleasant embrace of this distinguished wine world moment in Sonoma’s picturesque valley.  Family Wineries Kenwood is just the spot you’d come to delight in easiness, enjoyment, more than enough wine variety, taste shapes.  That’s just a small pour of the accoladed acclaim sheet that follows this tasting Room.  Keep watch for the other events they have in cue.  All assured, by Family Wineries’ staff, to be equally relaxing, incomparably tasty.  A splendid slice of Sonoma Valley, and County.  Sip, sip …

A sea of wine adorers, what I first saw, what I would wade through in doing my tastings.  Wines from nearly everywhere were represented, pouring some of their winners, and other released bottles.  One impressive reality to this daunting event, the presence of food, water, responsible hospitality.  At events like this, as all we in the industry know, it’s far too easy to lose track of tastes, and the result is never lovely on an empty stomach, or dehydrated.  Fort Mason’s designated structure provided a conducive stage, allowing spots for conversation, snacking, sipping; a truly social wine world scene.  Many could be seen taking pictures of friends, bottles, winery reps, the views of the Bay from the windows, Alcatraz.  Some would just sip, watch the oddly fanatical rain pound the Bay’s waves.

Saw some familiar wines, such as T.R. Elliott, Mike Muscardini, J. Lohr, and was introduced to some new ones, such as Sextant, Sequana, Red Feather, and, perhaps my favorite, XYZin.  I was dazed by how many of these winners were relatively younger wines, and how incredible they tasted.  I noticed more blends and less-known varietals than I thought I would.  Many could be heard saying “Wow,” or “I’ve never heard of that before.” It seemed as though with every new lap I took around the floor, I noticed a new pouring station, tasted new wines, made new contacts.  Then I noticed an upper level, could see what I thought to be winery names, signs, people taking pictures of the human ocean just down the stairs.  I had to investigate.  Not just for the wine, and pics, but to see if there would be anymore amazing breads, cheeses, and other deliciously condensed apps.  The upstairs area was quite social, crowded with conversation.  Here is where you’d want to be if you wished to better hear your friends’ assessment of the wine you were on, wanted to engage in reaction, appreciation.  Great area for wine involvement, like the flourishing floor below, just a bit more manageable.

It’s difficult for me, as a journalist, especially a wine journalist, to be relegated to the who-what-why-where-when seat, when there are dozens of each.  Yes, it was a bit overwhelming to the ticket holder, but all the more reason to explore, investigate.  See what’s out there.  A couple of pourers actually could be heard saying such to flustered glass holders.  One said it to me, without me telling him my purpose for attendance, “Education, experimentation, enrichment.”  The Chronicle delivered a masterful event and arrangement of wine stunners, one consistent with the encompassing many hold of wine: an occasion, a good time.  Sip, sip …

As most of our followers know, Mutineer Magazine just wrapped up an incredible comedy filled weekend in Napa and Sonoma and all for an equally incredible cause, Mutineer Magazine’s charity partner A Child’s Right. Our events were promoted through multiple print and online mediums, as well as other traditional and non-traditional approaches, social media, grassroots campaigns, and the help of our Official Bloggers.

With things finally calming down for us, Mutineer wanted to this opportunity to recognize the Official Bloggers of The Mutineer Magazine Holiday Comedy Festival. Continue Reading »

I know you must be sitting there wondering how we could possibly make an evening of fine beverage, amazing comedians and helping children even better, but we’ve done it. The wonderful people of Kara’s Cupcakes have just agreed to set up shop at the Mutineer Magazine Holiday Comedy Festival and we are so pleased to have them join us.

We Mutineers are all pretty excited about this turn of events so don’t be surprised to see us lining up to buy one of Kara’s adorable little treats. I am personally looking forward to their vanilla cupcake with sweet Madagascar bourbon vanilla frosting. And, I have it on good authority that our fearless Editor in Chief is excited to have a coconut cupcake, having seen him thoroughly devour enjoying one at the Oxbow Market in Napa recently.

This weekend the food trucks (and trailers and vans) are pulling out all the stops at the Mutineer Magazine Holiday Comedy Festival. We are happy to announce that Cochon Volant (Flying Pig!) Barbecue will be joining us. Owner and chef Rob Larman will be serving up barbecued pork and brisket sliders from his flying pig smoker for your dining pleasure.

The trucks will open for business at 7:00pm Saturday, so be sure to get there in time to grab an amazing (and cheap) dinner at the trucks before the show starts. I know I will!

Don’t want to drive home after the Mutineer Magazine Holiday Comedy Festival? Why don’t you reserve a room nearby. Below is a list of hotels in a range of prices within about 10 miles of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. So come, taste, laugh and stay for the Mutineer Magazine Holiday Comedy Festival.

Just below is the link to a special offer from The Lodge at Sonoma.  They are offering a $149 per night room with no restrictions on length of stay.  Folks looking for lodging can click on the below link to make reservations.

The Lodge at Sonoma
For reservations call 415-260-3270 or log on to their website Continue Reading »

You’ve already heard of the popular Napa food truck Dim Sum Charlie’s bringing their amazing treats to the Mutineer Magazine Comedy Festival, now its time to introduce you to Mark’s the Spot. Owned by Mark and Alicia Raymond, Mark’s the Spot hasn’t been rolling for very long, but they’ve already gained quite a following.

Mark, a chef and New Zealander ex-pat, serves dishes like grass fed beef hot dogs, sliders of bacon, basil and brie and the most incredible sticky sweet French toast known to man. What I’m really waiting for though is the duck confit wings with sweet and spicy plum sauce. I imagine they will go well with some of the brews from Firestone Walker we’ll be serving up at the tasting before the show.

There is going to be some amazing food and beverage at the Mutineer Holiday Comedy Festival. The trucks will start serving at 7:00pm so be sure to come hungry!

Things have been insane in the world of Mutineer Magazine and we couldn’t be more excited! We have some very, very big things coming up that need as much attention as possible and we want to share them with you!

The Mutineer Magazine Holiday Comedy Festival
Don Roberto Tequila presents the The Mutineer Magazine Holiday Comedy Festival at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. This December 11, join Mutineer Magazine and top Los Angeles stand-up comedians for an evening of spectacular holiday-fueled comedy and delicious fine beverages in support of global water relief through A Child’s Right.

Visit our event page for more information.

Continue Reading »