Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/326040
THE MESSAGE 18 / the tasting panel / june 2014 THE VOICE OF FIVE GENERATIONS The Winemakers Studio at Wente Vineyards T here has been an explosive growth of wineries over the last few decades in Northern California and Livermore Valley is no exception. In fact, the number of wineries in Livermore Valley has doubled in the last decade. Given the increase in tasting rooms that are open to the public, wineries need to offer a stellar and memorable wine tasting experience to entice customers to a tasting room or motivate them to return again. In an effort to enhance their tasting room offerings, Wente Vineyards, the country's oldest, continuously-operated and family-owned winery, has recently unveiled its newest venture, The Winemakers Studio. This state-of-the-art wine education studio will offer consumers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at wine- making, grape growing, wine and food pairing, and wine tasting. Wente Vineyards is the only winery in Northern California to offer the public access to such a wide-ranging and comprehensive set of wine-related experiences in one destination. Visitors can have fun with hands-on experiences that will appeal to both the wine novice and expert. The Winemakers Studio offers a tasting bar where guests can choose among an array of Winemakers Selection wines by the bottle and on tap, and education stations where guests can embark on a self-guided tour to test their wine I.Q. via interactive seasonal modules, games and videos. At the Winemakers Table, guests can uncork their inner winemaker and have fun blending and creating their own bottle of wine in the Winemakers Blending Experience. They will also learn how to identify specific aromas in wine in the Wine Aroma Seminar and discover their perfect wine and cheese pairings through an entertaining Wine & Cheese Pairing class. For more information on the tastings, educational seminars and costs, visit www.wentewinemakers.com or visit Facebook.com/wentewinemakers. Beverage Director Jason Eisner at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood. Giving Gracias "S itting with other human beings and sharing an experience of celebra- tion, that is our goal here," says Jason Eisner, Beverage Director at the recently opened Gracias Madre restaurant in West Hollywood, CA. With an exciting and innovative bar program and a vegan cuisine inspired by the kitchens of Mexico and sourced from locally grown organic ingredi- ents, there is much cause for celebration. Walking into the naturally cozy and decorated Gracias Madre instantly instills an energy of gratitude and authenticity. "In my 13 years of bartending, I have never been as excited and thankful to oversee a menu and staff," smiles Eisner. "Gracias Madre is unique in that it provides an opportunity of education for those unfamiliar with the rich history of Mexico and agave spirits," he continues. Eisner extends his knowledge to those willing to listen to his "nerdy" stories by retelling traditional Mexican folklore and legend over lovingly crafted cocktails garnished with heart shaped grapefruit peels and lavender flowers. Gracias Madre's delicious cocktail menu spotlights small-batch mezcals and tequilas and showcases organic wine and spirits. Their unique bottling program at the bar allows them to serve craft cocktails at high volume by storing previously mixed cocktails in airtight bottles that do not compromise flavor. Along with impeccable cocktails, Gracias Madre serves organic, farm-fresh, locally sourced food, full of flavor and love. Gracias Madre will surely be filling the hearts, and cocktail glasses, of their guests for years to come. —Brian Kustera Beverage Director Jason Eisner at Gracias TP0614_001-33.indd 18 5/23/14 8:29 PM