Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/869846
september 2017 / the tasting panel / 59 DEPARTMENT HEADER BY MARA MARSKI After years of working as a craft cocktail bar- tender, I'm the first to admit I don't know very much about wine. As a new employee at The Tasting Panel, I'm often intimidated by my gaps in knowl- edge—and worse, I sometimes also feel like I'm going to lose my token Millennial card. I'm already in trouble on that front because I don't own many flowy white blouses or have a Pinterest account, but as a bartender, I get a few extra cool points, so I can usually hide my fatal generational flaws behind a vintage-inspired dress and classic cocktail. But I'm about to be found out after being tasked with the ultimate test: hosting a book club for a group of effortlessly cool women I'm still trying to impress. Luckily for me, I now work in an office with several wine experts who love to entertain, so I gathered them together for an educational boot camp I disguised as a "girls' night in." We turned to the new Callie Collection, which offers three wines in its portfolio: Callie Collection 2016 Pinot Grigio, Callie Collection 2015 Chardonnay and Callie Collection 2014 Fresh Red Blend. My inner Hermione Granger came out, and I wanted to do some homework before the big day with my coworkers—and new boss. I spoke to John Seethoff, Vice President of Marketing for Callie Collection, and turns out we were on the right path, because these wines were tailor-made to serve as the go-to option for a girls' night. "Callie Collection wines are all about enhancing moments among friends, with elegant, acces- sible wines that pay tribute to the beautiful California Central Coast where our wines are crafted," he says. Callie Collection wines appeal to Millennials as the perfect option for a girls' night— whether it's at home or out on the town. # PHOTO COURTESY OF CALLIE COLLECTION Actress Hilary Duff is Callie Collection's Brand Ambassador. " . . . She reflects our values: She's warm, spirited and puts friendship, family and laughter first," explains John Seethoff, Vice President of Marketing for Callie Collection.