So in Texas, they say “go big or go home.” Seems apt. Everything in Texas IS bigger, at least when it comes to organizing wine events. I spent last night with VineSleuth Amy Gross and at event she organized with Robert Larsen and Justin Seidenfeld from Rodney Strong Vineyards. The Symmetry seminar, coordinated last night especially for a group of us attending BlissDom conference and for a few other areas wine lovers, was a seminar/blending event held at the Hotel ZaZa. Robert and Justin talked to us about Sonoma-based Rodney Strong Vineyards’ history and winemaking approach…then let us at the pipets and beakers to develop our own blends in small teams.
Amy coordinated transportation for a group of us from the Gaylord Texan convention center to Hotel ZaZa, complete with Sonoma bubbles.It was a great opportunity to get to know some new people with similar interests, including new pals Amy Gross, Krista House, Krista Gray-Donald, Anna Epp, and Toni Anderson.
The Hotel ZaZa itself was an amazing sight. The ornate, lighted decorations throughout the lobby and hallways were beautiful and entrancing. Walking into the seminar room was almost overwhelming based on the sheer number of wine glasses on our tables! Complete with tasting mats, beakers, pipets, and spittoons, we were ready for an evening of fun. Robert and Justin were amazing. So knowledgable and approachable, they really made the experience a fun, learning one. I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time as I did last night.
The team I was on was consisted of my new pals Anna, Krista, Krista, and Melanie Ofenloch (dallaswinechick.com). We were in it to win it. Our team, the Cork Dorks, put together a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 18% Malbec, 15% Petite Verdot, and 7% Merlot. It wasn’t the winning blend, but it was smooth and our whole team liked it. The winning blend, by the Synergy team, was 50% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Malbec…and I really enjoyed it!
The evening wrapped up with a tasting hour/meet and greet where we got to spend time getting to ask Robert and Justin more questions and got to know our new wine friends a little more.
Thanks again to Amy Gross and Rodney Strong Vineyards for such a wonderful event. Looking forward to the next one!
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I am so glad you joined us for the adventure– it was great meeting you and you made the bus ride a blast! I can’t wait to hear about your upcoming wine country adventures!!!
That sounds like a lot of fun. Hmmmmmmm. Now I need an excuse to have some people over so that we can open several varietals and have our own wine-blending party! 🙂