The Tempranillo Advocates, Producers and Amigos Society (TAPAS) is hosting the most extensive annual tasting of domestically produced Spanish and Portuguese varietal wines in North America, for the fourth year, in San Francisco.
Grapes native to the Iberian Peninsula produce some of the hottest-selling wines on the market right now, but not many people know that there are excellent and unique domestic versions being grown, too. Trade and general consumers will have the unique opportunity to sample wines from over 30 participating wineries and learn about varieties like Tempranillo, Albariño, Garnacha, Graciano, Mourvedre, Touriga, Verdelho, Bastardo and more.
Many TAPAS members are limited-production, family-owned wineries and will be pouring small lot wines that are not widely available. This year the event will be held at the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion on Sunday, June 5, 2011.
TAPAS President Jeff Stai, Twisted Oak Winery, Murphys CA, says “We’re excited to be able to create an event where consumers can branch out beyond the common varietals and discover a new world of flavors. Come join us and have a Spanish Inspiration!”
Wine Events and News:
Trade, media and consumers will have an opportunity to taste wines produced by TAPAS members from grape varieties indigenous to Spain and Portugal that are now cultivated in America, in a casual walk-around setting where they may chat with the growers and producers. These delightful domestic wines originate in Arizona, California, Texas, Oregon, and Washington State. Chef Marco Rauch will tantalize your palate with delicious paella to accompany the wines. Local restaurants and food purveyors from around the Bay Area – including 9 Catering and Blue Sage Catering – will be on hand with samples designed to pair with the Iberian varieties.
The event will include an auction benefiting the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation, featuring special wines, crystal decanters, and other great items.
Times and ticket information for the trade tasting, public tasting, and seminars will be announced in the coming weeks.
TAPAS Grand Wine Tasting
12pm to 5pm (tentative) 06/05/2011
Venue: Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA
