30 different Zinfandels from 9 growing regions, and 4 chefs will be on hand at the second annual Grill-o-Rama in Alameda this weekend. The event, hosted by ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates & Producers), provides an opportunity to taste and compare Zins from up and down the California coast. Bonus: this could mark the first time you’ve ever tasted wine in an airplane hangar.
Regions represented include the San Francisco Bay Area, Lodi, Napa, Paso Robles, Sierra Foothills, and Sonoma.
A “People’s Choice” award will be chosen by the attendees.
Respected wine professionals serving as judges—Sara Schneider (Sunset Magazine’s wine editor), Luke Sykora (Associate Editor, Wine & Spirits Magazine), Lynne Char Bennett (San Francisco Chronicle), Charles Olken (Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine), Randy Caparoso (Sommelier Journal) and Frank Thorsberg (KTVU television producer and wine blogger)—will also select a winning “Grill Master.”
Because Zin is BBQ’s best friend, 4 chefs—Chef Tyler Stone, Chef John Ledbetter of Bocanova, Chef Dawn Wofford of Sonoma Smokehouse and Chef Sophina Uong of Pican—will fire up the grills to create tantalizing tastes served alongside the wines.
Grille-o-Rama (I do wish there was a … ahhh, how to put this gracefully: a less Guy Fieri-like name… not that there’s anything wrong with that!) takes place this Saturday. Details below. No word if we should expect zombies.
And don’t forget, wine enthusiasts at Stark Insider have spent years devising this very important set of guidelines for attending these sorts of epic tastings:
– Wear something white – you want to proudly showcase all of your red wine stains as badges of honor.
– Don’t spit. This is great wine. Enjoy it.
– Live a little!
ZAP Grille-o-Rama
August 11 at Rock Wall Wine Company in Alameda
Tickets $50
Participating Wineries:
SF Bay Area:
Dashe Cellars, R&B Cellars, Rock Wall Wine Company, Three Wine CompanyLodi:
Brazin Cellars, Cycles Gladiator Winery, Haraszthy, Ironstone Vineyard, Jessie’s Grove Winery, Klinker Brick Winery, Macchia, Masked RiderNapa Valley:
Green & Red Vineyards, Hendry Wines, Mike & Molly Wine Company, Zinfandel Heritage VineyardPaso Robles:
Castoro Cellars, Four VinesNevada County:
Chacewater WineCalaveras County:
Chatom Vineyards, Milliaire WineryEl Dorado County:
Lava Cap Winery, Mellowood VineyardsAmador County:
Renwood Winery, Scott Harvey WinesSonoma:
Carol Shelton Wines, DeLoach Vineyards, Dutcher Crossing Winery, JC Cellars, Mauritson Family Winery, Red Truck, Starry Night Winery.
