Search for

Coming Events Past Events Reviews Recipes Archived Events Archived Reviews

TastersGuildNY Chateau Ste Michelle Estates Wines Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: George A. Foote, National Wine Educator, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates; Brian Strauss, Business Development Manager- LI, NY Founded in 1934, Ste. Michelle Winery pioneered grape growing in Washington State. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates established in 1986 produces and markets a broad portfolio of premium wines from vineyards around the world with more than 4,200 acres of vineyards in Washington, Oregon and California. In addition to Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates today includes: Columbia Crest, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Snoqualmie, 14 Hands, Red Diamond, Col Solare, Northstar, Spring Valley Vineyards, Erath, Conn Creek, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Villa Mt Eden and Hawk Crest. They are also the importers of the wines of Antinori, Nicolas Feuillatte and Villa Maria Estates. The company has quickly grown to rank among the top ten premium wine companies in America and sells more than 30 million bottles of wine annually. The Wine Advocate said,” Chateau Ste Michelle, Washington's largest winery, continues to demonstrate that being big is not incompatible with high quality”. Their wines continue to win awards from Wine Spectator, Parker and Wine Enthusiast. Join us in tasting 12 superb wines of Ste Michelle Wine Estates. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY Argentina Monteviejo Portfolio Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Emilie Dombey Riebel, Director for North America for Bodegas Monteviejo Bodega Monteviejo is located in Vista Flores, south of Mendoza, one of the greatest terroir in this area. The winery benefits from great facilities to make some of the most elegant Malbec of the Mendoza region. Bodega Monteviejo is owned by Catherin Pere-Verg' who also owns Chateau le Gay & Chateau la Violette in Pomerol. The same technical team managed by winemaker Marcelo Pelleriti and Michel Roland is doing the same "haute couture" work both in Pomerol and Mendoza. We will taste 10 elegant wines, including Lindaflor La Violetta, Festivo Malbec, Lindaflor Malbec, Gran Moneviejo, and their new introduction to the United States, Calypso Malbec and more. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY Torres Portfolio Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: William R. Short, Regional Manager Dreyfus Ashby & Co. Albert Medina Brand Ambassador, Miguel Torres S.A. The Torres family is synonymous with quality the world over. The major producer in Spain's Penedes region, Torres also produces highly regarded, award-winning wines in Chile and California. We will taste over a dozen Single Vineyard, Noble, Reserve and Traditional wines including Sangre de Toro, Coronas, Gran Coronas, Grans Muralles, from Spain as well as several wines from the Torres family wineries in the New World. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY Pomerol Tasting; La Ferme de Rougefort Portfolio Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Emilie Dombey Riebel Director for North America for La Ferme de Rougefort La Ferme de Rougefort is owned by Catherin Pere-Verg’ who owns some of the great names of Pomerol; Chateau le Gay & Chateau la Violette. The vineyards are managed by winemaker Marcelo Pelleriti and Michel Roland who is doing the same “haute couture” work both in Pomerol and Mendoza. We will taste 10 elegant Pomerols, including Chateau La Violette, Chateau Le Gay, Chateau Montviel and more. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY Conway Family Wines "Introduces Deep Sea Wines to New York" Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Gillian Conway Conway Family Wines, founded in 2007, is the award-winning Central Coast producer of Deep Sea Wines and Rancho Arroyo Grande Wines. Listed in Wine Spectator Wines of the Year 2010; and named "Most Likely to Succeed in the 2010 Tasting Panels's Yearbook of the Most Outstanding Wines and Spirits of the Year" (www.conwayfamilywines.com) The Conway family includes Chris and Ann Conway and their five children, Gareth, John, Sally, Tom and Gillian. All seven share ownership in Conway Family Wines. They are committed to protecting and preserving the land and wildlife of the beautiful and historic Rancho Arroyo Grande property by using sustainable agricultural and vineyard practices. We believe that the success of our winery is dependent on the passion and dedication of the talented people who have joined us in our commitment to produce outstanding wines. "Truly a family affair, Conway Family Wines is a labor of love for Chris and Ann Conway and their five children. The Rancho Arroyo Grande wines are made from three estate vineyards totaling more than 200 acres, set amid some of California’s most beautiful coastal scenery - a rugged landscape where wildlife, vines and humans interact in a natural way. The soil is rich in fossil shells that give the wines a distinct terroir and prove that this appellation can produce some of America's finest and most distinctive varietals. Many of the world’s great wines are blends. Oftentimes, a blended wine transcends the individual varietals from which it is made. They have great depth of character and a certain vibrancy not always found in single-varietal wines. Blends are also quite complex, and have multiple layers of flavors and aromatics, and often pair very well with food because the breadth of their flavors is varied and interesting. The family all believe in making the best wine possible. They are proud to share their wines with you today, and hope you'll enjoy a glass or two with us! Join us in tasting 10 exceptional wines including: 2008 Deep Sea Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco 2008 Deep Sea Chardonnay, Central Coast 2008 Deep Sea Viognier, Central Coast 2009 Deep Sea Viognier, Santa Barbara County 2009 Deep Sea Rose, "Sea Flower", Arroyo Grande Valley 2009 Deep Sea Pinot Noir, Central Coast 2008 Deep Sea Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Santa Rita Hills 2009 Deep Sea Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast 2008 Deep Sea Red, Central Coast 2008 Deep Sea Syrah, Whitehawk Vineyard Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY Tour of German Rieslings from one of the leading German Estates Portfolio: Winesellers, Ltd, National Importers Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Valerie Lynch-Giroux, East Coast Sales, Winesellers, Ltd Germany is a nation of small growers. The estate and wine maker is a key ingredient in the selection process in German wine. We will taste 10 wines selected from the greatest estates of Germany. Dr. H Thanisch, Mosel, Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler, Mosel, Georg Albrecht Schneider, Rheinhessen, Dr.Heyden, Rheinhessen and Fitz-Ritter, Pfalz Region. Please join us for an exciting adventure with the best of German wines including two higher quality pradikats: Auslese and Beerenauslese. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY Oregon: Small Pinot Noir Producers from the Willamette Valley Plus a highlight of the highly acclaimed Eola-Amity Hillls AVA Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speakers: Dr. Mauricio Collada Jr., Owner/Manager of Cubanisimo Vineyards; Dr. John Zelko, Founder/Winemaker of Z'IVO Wines In just 40 years Oregon has evolved into a world-class wine growing state with 15 approved winegrowing regions, and more than 300 wineries producing wine from 72 grape varieties. As a wine region it will continue to grow and evolve, but Oregon will always be a place where small, handcrafted wines reign, where collaboration and community are key. And where the growers and winemakers are never far away from the tasting room. Come meet two of Oregon's unique, and highly educated, personalities and taste at least 10 wines from the most well known region of Oregon, the Willamette Valley. Your hosts will be Dr. John Zelko, General Surgeon and Dr. Mauricio Collada Jr, Neurosurgeon. Let's just say we’re confident they'll be able to handle any of your technical questions! Cubanisimo Vineyards: Mauricio Collada started his venture in the wine industry back in 1986 with a purchase of a 21 acre parcel just outside of Salem, OR in what is now the Eola-Amity Hills. He planted Pinot Noir and focused on vineyard management, as excellent wines are made in the vineyards. They initially sold their fruit to larger wineries and through these relationships had the opportunity of meeting their winemaker, Rob Stuart. In 2003, they decided to forge ahead with the dream of producing their own wines under the label of Cubanisimo Vineyards. Cubanisimo means "very Cuban", and is homage to Mauricio's Cuban Heritage. He was born in Havana and came to the U.S. with his family in 1962. His fascination with wine began while in pre-med attending the University of Miami in Florida by making wines at home from mangoes, and bananas. "We have been fortunate that our efforts are being so well received by many who come and visit us in Oregon, and get to know us first hand. We continue to see phenomenal growth in the popularity of our wines as we pursue expansion of our distribution. Our award winning wines are getting increasing recognition in fashionable wine circles. We relish the opportunity of sharing the passion, and pride we have for our wines, and our heritage through your enjoyment of Cubanisimo Vineyards wines." Z'IVO Wines: They say it's all about the dirt! The Z'IVO Pinot Noir is produced entirely from their estate vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The shallow volcanic soil in this rocky, east-facing hillside produces Pinot Noir with intense black fruit, spice and earth tones. Their vineyard is densely planted with five clones of Pinot Noir designed to provide a balance of complex flavors: Dijon Clones 114, 115, 667, and 777 and Pommard. The founder and winemaker, John Zelko, established the vineyard in 1995. He collaborated from the beginning with John Davidson and John Gilpin, veteran vineyard managers and co-owners of WineWorks Oregon, a consortium of like-minded winemakers who grow their own grapes. John works alongside the winemaking staff at WineWorks Oregon to showcase the best of each harvest through minimal handling in small lots and wild yeast fermentations. John Zelko admits "he drank the Kool-Aid". He and his wife Kathy had a friend who owned a wine shop, and then started a winery, and in 1990 she needed help. Intrigued, they became part-time cellar rats and helped as much as a surgeon and lawyer could; they cleaned, crushed and bottled. The Zelko's learned great wine requires great grapes, which requires great money to buy great land and great help. In 1995 they bought 40 acres in the northern tip of what is now the Eola-Amity Hills sub-AVA of the Willamette valley. "We drank a lot of Kool-aid as kids. What’s a little more?" John also enjoys creating unique white blends that pair well with the great seafood of the Northwest and Hawaii, his childhood home. He sources various white varietals from vineyards in Oregon and Washington. Join us in tasting these award winning wines: 2009 Cubanisimo Pinot Grisv 2008 Z'IVO Mika – Chardonnay/Pinot Gris blend from the Willamette Valley 2008 Z'IVO Riesling Columbia Valley, WA 2009 Cubanisimo Rosado de Pinot Noir 2006 Z'IVO Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2007 Z'IVO Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2008 Cubanisimo Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2008 Cubanisimo Estate Pinot Noir 2008 Z'IVO Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2008 Z'IVO Whole Cluster Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY Red Blends of Chateau Ste Michelle Estates Date: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: George A. Foote- National Wine Educator, Ste Michelle Wine Estates Founded in 1934, Ste. Michelle Winery pioneered grape growing in Washington State. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates established in 1986 produces and markets a broad portfolio of premium wines from vineyards around the world with more than 4,200 acres of vineyards in Washington, Oregon and California. In addition to Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates today includes: Columbia Crest, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Snoqualmie, 14 Hands, Red Diamond, Col Solare, Northstar, Spring Valley Vineyards, Erath, Conn Creek, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Villa Mt Eden and Hawk Crest. They are also the importers of the wines of Antinori, Nicolas Feuillatte and Villa Maria Estates. The company has quickly grown to rank among the top ten premium wine companies in America and sells more than 30 million bottles of wine annually. The Wine Advocate said,” Chateau Ste Michelle, Washington's largest winery, continues to demonstrate that being big is not incompatible with high quality”. Their wines continue to win awards from Wine Spectator, Parker and Wine Enthusiast. Join us in tasting 12 superb Red wines of Ste Michelle Wine Estates. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY Four Decades of Chateau Margaux Date: Thursday, November 4, 2010 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator, President Wine & Spirits Program Awarded 3, 4 and 5 stars by Michael Broadbent and rated 93 to100 points by Robert Parker and Wine Spectator, we will present for your tasting pleasure four decades of First Growth Chateau Margaux: 1978, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2004. Join us for this fabulous vertical tasting of Chateau Margaux. Members: $230.00 Limited to 20 attendees Associate Members: $245.00 TastersGuildNY Wines of Marchesi di Barolo Tour of Piedmont Date: Tuesday, October 5, 2010 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Christina Cacciato, Brand Manager Marchesi di Barolo Marchesi di Barolo produces some of the Piedmont region’s most historically significant wines: Single Vineyard Barolo’s from Cru vineyard sites such as -Cannubi, Sarmassa & Coste di Rose. In addition, just released in the US Market (and extremely limited in production) The Cru’ Vineyard Ravera is now home to a beautiful, Barbera d’Alba. Producing the full extension of Piemontese Varieties, Marchesi di Barolo stands true as one of the Keepers of History while maintaining an innovative edge - Perpetually propelling the reputation of Piemontese wines. Join us for a fun evening tasting 12 incredible wines from Marchesi di Barolo. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 Dining On The Italian Riviera - TastersGuild/NY Castello Banfi Wine Dinner at East River Café Date: Sunday, September 26, 2010 Location: East River Cafe, 1111 First Avenue at 61st Street Time: 5:00 PM Time Out New York's restaurant review singled out the restaurant for its "extraordinary food." New York City Menu and Restaurant guide rated the restaurant 4 ½ stars and stated "it was a great dining experience". Dining Guide NY wrote "East River Cafe is an enchanting dining room serving exquisitely presented dished from a varied and large Mediterranean menu". Italian born Executive Chef, Paolo Nozzoli learned his craft in Italy and honed his skills at such culinary stars as Hotel Minerva and Villa Rigacci in Florence and as Executive Chef at Manhattan's Savore Restaurant. Join us and you will be transported to a charming Trattoria overlooking the ocean high above San Remo. All wines were provided by Castello Banfi estate, a leading name in fine wines from the Montalcino district of Tuscany. Castello Banfi’s dedication to excellence has won the admiration of wine lovers around the world. This historic, family-owned property comprises a constellation of single vineyards as well as orchards and olive groves. Jane Kettlewell, Director of Public Relations Banfi Vintners has paired the wines to each course for this dinner and Luciano Castiello of Castello Banfi will be on hand to talk about Castello Banfi and to present its wines. Mr. Castillo, who hails from Italy, is an engaging and charismatic speaker and a wonderful addition to this event. TastersGuildNY/ East River Café Castello Banfi Wine Dinner Sept 26, 2010 Passed Hors d'oeuvres          Vigne Regali Principessa Gavi Perlante 2008 Appetizer    Gamberi Allo Spiedo - Grilled Shrimp wrapped in proscuitto and sage served with canelloni beans, avocado and mango salad. Or Carpaccio - Slices Filet Mignion, Apple, Parmesan Cheese, Arugula, Drizzled with White Truffle Oil    Centine Rose 2009 Pasta    Lasagne - Veal Rague, Porcini Mushroom, Béchamel and Tomato Sauce    Castello Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio 2009 Entree (choice of)    Anatra Ai Fruitti di Bosco - Roasted breast of duck in berries sauce, mashed potatoes, oyster mushroom Or Salmone In Crosta Al Patate all Senape - Baked Salmon wrapped in potatoes served in Dijon mustard sauce, asparagus, frisse and pine nuts    Castello Banfi Belnero 2007 Dessert:    Choice of Assorted Desserts    Rosa Regale 2009 After Dinner Libation:    Coffee or Tea       Members: $90.00 Non-Members: $105.00 TastersGuildNY Mi Terruno Wines of Argentina Date: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED Speaker: Franco Marcus, Bevco Group Mi Terruno is a family owned winery in Mendoza committed to the production of high quality Argentinean wines. Robert Parker gave 92 points in the Wine Advocate for the Mayacaba Malbec and Mi Terruno’s Malbec/Cabernet blend received a Bronze medal in the 2010 Argentina Wine Awards. We will taste 12 wines including Uvas Torrontes, Reserve Chardonnay, Uvas Reserve Malbec, Mayacaba Malbec, Limited Reserve Blend and more from Maipu, Lujan de Coyo, Santa Rosa and the famous Uco Valley. Join us for an exciting evening experiencing 12 high quality Argentina wines. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY New Zealand 2009 Aromatic Wines Date: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Dana Johanson, New York, USA representative, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise We will give you a quick overview of the outstanding quality of New Zealand’s 2009 Aromatics. We will taste Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer from regions throughout New Zealand to illustrate the diverse regional styles. We will also offer several red wines, a Pinot Noir, and an excellent Merlot Cabernet blend, for your tasting pleasure. Join us for a fun filled evening experiencing 12 high quality New Zealand wines. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY Valkenberg Tasting of 12 German Outstanding Wines Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Jack Hecker, Portfolio Manager, Valckenberg International Inc. The Grape Debate Where or When? Which is more important: Where the grape is picked (terroir) or how long the grape hangs on the vine before harvesting? The tasting will address this issue and provide a simple format for deciphering German wine styles. Our speaker will take us through a comparison of the wine making regions and the different levels of ripeness of German wines. We will taste 12 wines from the Mosel, Rheingau, Franken and Baden. from QBA, Kabinett, Spatlese and Auslese levels from Riesling and Sylvaner to Pinot Noir. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY The Glenrothes Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Date: Thursday, April 8, 2010 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Glenrothes Whisky Ambassador Ross Hendry Single Malt Scotch aficionados await the arrival of each rare, new vintage from The Glenrothes, the award-winning distillery known for unparallel quality and taste, with great anticipation. The Glenrothes has always been universally acclaimed by blenders as exceptional Speyside Malt Scotch. Founded in Scotland in 1879, the Glenrothes is one of only three Speyside Malts to hold ’top class’ status. Only 2% of what is distilled each year, the very finest quality – becomes a Glenrothes vintage. Only a small number of vintages have been released. Each vintage is, by definition, rare and finite, with its own unique taste and personality. Join us for an unbelievable tasting of Glenrothes extremely rare vintages: 1975, 1985, 1991, and the newest mark 1994, plus Select Reserve and Alba Reserve Speyside Malt Scotch. In addition, you will enjoy The Glenrothes Blood & Sand cocktail as an aperitif. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY Sartori di Verona Italian Wines including Single-Vineyard Corte Bra Amarone della Valpolicella Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Roland Marandino, Ambassador for Sartori di Verona Sartori, a leading name in fine wines from northeast Italy’s Veneto region, has stood for vision, innovation, and a boundless passion for quality winemaking. A constant theme over the last century has been the Sartori family’s bond with their land: it is a heritage that has evolved and finds expression in Sartori’s range of classic Veronese wines made from indigenous grapes, as well as in Sartori’s interpretation of international grape varieties, all produced under the guidance of superstar consulting winemaker, Franco Bernabei. Join us for a lively and entertaining tasting of 11 award-winning wines from Sartori di Verona, Cerulli Spinozzi,and Verdissimo, including Amarone della Valpolicella, Corte Bra Amarone della Valpolicella, Regolo Corvina, Ferdi Garganega, Montegradella Valpolicella Classico Superiore, and more, conducted by Roland Marandino, a leading authority on northeast Italian wines. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 If you have not yet reserved seats and wish to attend, please make checks payable to Tasters Guild/NY and mail to Vivian Tramontana 108 west 78st #3 - NYC, NY 10024 . To facilitate seating of your guests, please list the names of all individuals in your party. For further information, contact Vivian Tramontana (212) 501-7823, viviantgny@aol.com Estonian House is a private club venue that requires application for Associate Membership for first-time attendees. Membership in the TastersGuildNY also includes Associate Membership in Estonian House TastersGuildNY Ironstone Vineyards Award Winning Wines Date: Tuesday February 23, 2010 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Blanca Valbuena Ironstone Vineyard NY Manager The Kautz Family, owners and operators of Ironstone Vineyards, has been producing high quality; premium California wines for three generations and is celebrating this tradition by expanding their portfolio with Christine Andrew, a new wine brand named for the family's fourth generation. In addition to the Ironstone Vineyards label, Christine Andrews includes 6 varietal grapes from the best growing regions of California. Wine Enthusiasts awarded 90 points to their 07 Reserve Chardonnay and 92 points to their 06 Reserve Meritage while, Beverage Media gave 4 stars to Christine Andrews 08 Old Vine Zinfandel. Join us for a portfolio tasting of 10 Ironstone, Ironstone Reserve and new Christine Andrews high quality award winning wines. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 For 2001-2009 events please click here Top