Cocktail Corner: Pinot Noir Comes to Paradise

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg  |

Shell Beach’s loss is Santa Barbara gain.

After 13 years of hosting the annual World of Pinot Noir, the two-day event moves to Santa Barbara this weekend (February 28-March 1), specifically to the luxurious, oceanfront Bacara Resort and Spa.

The mission is “to bring Pinot Noir producers from the most exceptional and unique regions in the world together with Pinot Noir enthusiasts for a weekend of celebration and education at the edge of California’s beautiful Central Coast.” For a complete look at the impressive list of participants click here.

Friday’s highlights include a seminar titled “Burgundy & Oregon: Parallels in Latitudes” where wine writer Katherine Cole shines a spotlight on the fact that though 4,000 miles apart, Burgundy and Oregon share a latitude and are both stellar Pinot Noir producing regions. As part of the seminar, guests will be treated to a three-course gourmet lunch in Restaurant Miró prepared by executive chef David Reardon and chef de cuisine Johan Denizot, created specifically to pair with the wines of the 45th parallel.

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

Now that’s my kind of professional development day!

Later that afternoon is the Friday Grand Tasting, featuring Pinot Noir from more than 100 producers, as well as a silent auction, screenings of wine-themed movies Somm and Sideways (with wine of course) and special winemaker dinners that evening.

Saturday’s seminar spotlights The Insider Wines of the Cote d’Or, where Don Kinnan CSS, CWE tells all about the secret wines, small producers, and boutique producers of the Cote d’Or. The session also includes a detailed discussion of the mountain of Corton, location of the Cote d’Or’s greatest expanse of Grand Cru vineyard acreage.

In addition to Corton and Corton-Charlemagne, wines will be tasted from Marsannay, Fixin, Pernand-Vergelesses, Savigny-Les-Beaune, Monthelie, Auxey-Duresses, Chassagne-Montrachet and Santenay. A short history of viticulture and principal vineyards in each village will be presented. During the presentation, 12 wines, selected to represent their villages best “terroirs” will be tasted.

Following the seminar, guests will enjoy a Burgundy-inspired three-course luncheon created by Bacara’s culinary team in the Miró Restaurant.

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

That afternoon is a second Grand Tasting, featuring a different roster of wineries from California and even more wines from our international and regional participants—more than 120 producers of this alluring wine.

If you’ve still got a taste for the grape, the Saturday Grand Tasting is followed by an evening gala, with a seasonal and fresh plated amuse bouche as the featured winemakers and the team of sommeliers introduce themselves. Eat, Drink, Enjoy!

For more information and tickets click  here.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 28, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”