Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/6221
2009 eVent wrap-Up january–february 2010 / the tasting panel / 91 K ick-starting in San Francisco on September 24, the annual Tasting Panel Tour traveled the nation, racking up lots of frequent-flier miles and showcasing a selection of Double Gold–winning wines from the 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition and Double Gold–winning spirits from the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. We were joined in each city by some of the competition's judges. Thank you to each and every judge who came out to co-host: San Francisco: Gary Blackwell, Blackwell's Wines & Spirits; Tim Teichgraeber, Decanter.com; Janet Dyer, JAM Wines; and Gerald Weisl, Weimax Wines & Spirits Los Angeles: William Bloxsom-Carter, Playboy Mansion West; Aidan Demarest, The Edison; Meridith May, The Tasting Panel Magazine; Robert Silverstein, Jar Restaurants; George Skorka; and Jeffery K. Stivers, Crustacean Beverly Hills New York: Michael Feil, Westchester Country Club Minneapolis: David Mahoney, wine and spirits writer Chicago: Sean Ludford of BevX.com Arizona: Robert Plotkin of BarMedia Las Vegas: Kevin Vogt, MS, Emeril's at The Venetian Members of the trade and press in 11 cities came out to taste these top wines and spirits, in some of the nation's most talked about bars and restaurants, including: San Francisco Conduit (280 Valencia St., 415-552-5200) fully recognizes the bar as an integral compo- nent of the restaurant's overall service and image. Bar Manager Reza Esmaili knows that the guest experience is the first concern of the entire staff and works to provide Conduit's customers with expertly executed classic cocktails as well as cutting-edge mixes. Tasting panel Tour report by Allison Levine and Emily Steers / photos by Allison Levine THE TASTING PANEL's Anthony Dias Blue out- side Conduit with Bar Manager Reza Esmaili.