SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2009

Last weekend I volunteered at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition. I worked with several other courteous volunteers under the tutelage of wine blogger Ray Johnson. Our job was checking in the wineries as they arrived and escorting them to their tables.

It was interesting watching the number of exciting outfits, especially hats, as well as pretty flower arrangements that the winery reps showed up with to help set themselves apart. The gentleman selling Deep Purple Zin had a very nice dress fedora with some pretty feathers on the side.

After 2:00PM it was our turn to grab a glass and attempt to stay ahead of the tsunami of ravenous wine "tasters" surging down the pavilion hall. Wines of note:

Holly Hill - their Grenache and Mourvedre are an example of what I believe the Sierra Foothills could become famous for - gorgeous Rhone style cultivars and blends.

Quivira - another Rhone style producer from Dry Creek - also a pleasure to sample their wines.

Casa Nuestra - an interesting Chenin blanc from Napa that should receive a prize for best endangered species cultivar in Napa - truly a labor of love for a subtle and complex wine.

CoeurD'Alene Cellars - plush Syrah from eastern Washington oaked and cared for in the Idaho panhandle. My home state represents!

DeLoach Winery - always a pleasure to sip their Pinot noir.

Storrs - interesting Petite Syrah.

All in all an extremely pleasant day in the city. I should also conclude with a congratulations to my friend Michelle, who survived her first festival experience pouring for Rainbow Orchards with flying colors, and only one bottle stolen off her table!