What we’re about
Wine Lovers!!!
We are a group of people who love wine, love socializing, making new friends and having a good time together. We do some wine education (tasting) activities as some wine drinking events. Lots of fun and a great group of people - come join us!
Join Wine Lovers and "Foodies" for some West Valley fun!! Our members are interesting and fun and we all share an enjoyment of wine. Sophisticated tastes or expertise on vintages or varieties are not required.
We will explore new places, enjoy some different wines and even learn a few things about choosing & enjoying wine.
Just bring a taste for good wine... good food... and a fun loving spirit!!!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Thursday Virtual Happy Hour: Side-by-side Syrah: West Coast US vs. N. RhoneLink visible for attendees
This week, we are doing a side-by-side comparison of Syrah from West Coast USA and from Norther Rhone in France. You may want to pair up with someone else to share the different wines.
Syrah has proved successful in multiple viticultural areas around the world; wines are produced in many styles and display myriad of dark-fruit flavors. Varietal Syrah can be quite floral in its youth, developing white and black pepper aromas and herbaceous notes as it ages. Some examples show tanned leather and smoky scents, while the fruit in these wines tends towards the very dark flavors of blackcurrant and licorice. Old World styles of Syrah are generally produced in a more earthy and savory style in comparison to the New World where fruit-forward notes are more common.
Syrah has a cult following in California, Washington and Oregon. In the particularly warm climates such as that of Napa Valley, it is blended more often than it is produced as a varietal wine. In Washington, it is the AVAs of Naches Heights and Walla Walla that the variety is popular.
While it has not seen the runaway success enjoyed by Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, nor the feverish worship of Pinot Noir, a dedicated band of American winemakers has been devotedly working with Syrah since the 1970s. Known as the Rhône Rangers, these men and women have proven that the variety can produce complex, rich wines in all three of the above states.
Some of the world's most famous Syrah wines are the peppery, earthy reds of the northern Rhône, specifically of the Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Joseph appellations. While Hermitage has been held in high regard for many centuries, the "roasted slopes" of Côte-Rôtie have emerged as a leading source of Syrah only towards the end of the 20th Century.
One of Syrah's most valued assets is its ability to produce wines capable of aging and improving over many decades. The most valued appellation in this regard is the hill of Hermitage; its name is so respected that for many years it was used as a synonym for Syrah in Australia. A well-built Hermitage requires 10 years or more to relax into its plummy, spicy fullness, and will reward cellaring for a further decade at least.
We have a choice of videos to watch including:
- https://youtu.be/6fVFKfa3ejE?si=xOj-tsKZ9ibIoTwe - The Wines of Northern Rhône - GuildSomm International (10:13)
- https://youtu.be/55ssdLEJ3m4?si=NqyIQH6Oc0xDZ2Na - M Chapoutier and the Northern Rhône - Gismondi on Wine (6:09)
- https://youtu.be/UyC4mSzJDeg?si=lC2qI9Woa1mKxsHk - Austin Hope Tastes his Estate Grown Syrah from Paso Robles, California - Hope Family Wines (3:00)
- https://youtu.be/S_KoEZ7UtCY?si=04HuFTKvMR9s9Wli - The 'Expressive' Quality of Washington Syrah - JamesSucklingTV (1:35)
So, pick up a bottle of wine and watch a couple of videos. Let us know what you’re drinking and eating, and, if possible, the region from which your wine comes. Do you have any comments (positive or negative) about the videos? And, as always, tell us what’s going on in your life - what's happening with you, how you're feeling about things, updates, successes, challenges - as much or as little as you’re willing to disclose. We are in this together. And - thank goodness - we have wine!
Cheers!!
