Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/46939
EVENT WRAP-UP ORANGE COUNTY: Welcome to the OC The All-Star Arena: In the heart of Downtown Santa Ana, CA, Chapter One: the modern local has become the go-to spot for Orange County's hip young cocktail-seeking crowd. Owners Tim O'Connor and Jeff Hall were thrilled to play host to this stellar group of wines and spirits. "We were so excited to have you guys here! This is such a great opportunity to show the trade what we can do—and to taste some of the best wines and spirits out there," says O'Connor. Vance Frontino, Sales Manager for Fritz Cellars, stopped by to support the Double Gold Medal–winning Fritz Winery 2009 Chardonnay, which was also awarded Best Chardonnay. "We were blown away," says Frontino, "and the reaction has been terrific. Winning awards from such a prestigious event as the San Francisco International Wine Competition is such an honor, and it gives us great exposure." VINTURI in Action Y ou've read our UpFront (if you haven't, turn to page 5), but don't just take our word for it. We put Vinturi to the test in Orange County, and here's how it went down! THE TASTING PANEL's Editor-in-Chief Anthony Dias Blue and Vinturi President Rio Sabadicci experiment with the brand's portable aerator. "This thing is seriously incredible," says Blue. "The things it can do to a glass of wine are amazing!" Eleventh-generation family member Carl Nolet was proud to represent his award- winning Nolet's Dry Gin, saying, "We're At the Orange County, New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas stops on the Tour's cross-country voyage, in addition to the buzz surrounding these spectacular wines and spirits, there was another product gener- ating excitement. Vinturi, a company that produces a groundbreaking lineup of wine and spirit aerators, was on hand to demonstrate their incredible products. The personable President and creator of Vinturi, Rio Sabadicci, says, "Being here gives us the chance to show Vinturi's true capabilities." super-thrilled to get to take our gin on the Tour. It's a wonderful way to display the product, and we're proud of the results." Nolet joined Anthony Dias Blue and Sabadicci for a side-by-side tasting of the gin, pre- and post-Vinturi. The results? "The Vinturi really does do wonderful things to this gin. It just smooths it out even more—it's awesome!" november 201 1 / the tasting panel / 105 PHOTO: RACHEL BURKONS PHOTO: RACHEL BURKONS PHOTO: RACHEL BURKONS PHOTO: RACHEL BURKONS PHOTO: RACHEL BURKONS