The Winemaker's Night Out

So in addition to hanging out with other winemakers and chefs, I know some musicians. Above, my pal Nemesis Enforcer of Sexy Time Explosion, backstage before the show. I sang a song with them ("Selfdestructo Bust" by Turbonegro), did an Iggy Pop stage dive and was crowd surfed to safety with nary a button popped from my vintage pink suit.

Punk rock ain't what it used to be.

WET ZEPPELIN Sept. 25, 2009, Cayucos CA

Note the minor changes; the party is from 2 pm until 2 am, the donation is requested but undefined (an amount in dollars just below legal drinking age is proper, unless you want to wind up in the dancing cage with Mr. Bunnypants) and Sexy Time Explosion is replaced by Meth Leopard, a band that consists of the same musicians. We are auditioning musicians as I write!

Hospice du Rhone 2009, part 2

Though I heard mutterings about the parochial focus of the seminars from people who weren't going to attend anyway, I was more than happy to see California in the spotlight at HdR this year; it's not as if it's going to happen on a regular basis. I'm a nasty critic, but to my ear only one speaker talked too much on stage, and only one prevaricated for commercial gain. That's nothing compared to what goes on at non-wine industry conferences! I thought Sashi Moorman from Stolpman Vineyards was this year's star, as he shoveled forth information on clone/vineyard trials that point the way to the future of Central Coast Syrah. We can all agree that there is 'too much Syrah' out there (there's too much of every varietal, if you count the Merde!) but Stolpman, which started out with high yields and mediocre wines, has accomplished a stunning transformation.

Hospice du Rhone 2009, part 1

The world's most prestigious celebration of Rhone varietals, or America's at least, has now begun. The Syrah Shootout just ended, with 45 wines judged, of which the Stillman clone 877 came in 4th; the Four Vines One Tree Hill was first, which is not exactly hard to take as the owners and winemakers are good friends . . .

WET ZEPPELIN Sept. 25, 2009 in Cayucos CA

As some of you know, I like to throw parties; this will be the biggest in several years (since Black Velvet Voodoo in April '01, in fact!) and possibly the best. Some of the information is on the poster, shown above; to get a pdf of it for printing yourself, send me an email at StillmanB@aol.com. Yes, you're invited.
This is the wildest winery party you'll ever attend, period. Next to the pier in beautiful Cayucos, California, an extravaganza of music and wine. The dress code? Impress, improvise, disguise. Think of a surfing Elvis, tikis in Vegas, and a Mardi Gras masquerade ball all rolled into one and served hot. Featuring our official band, the one and only Dread Zeppelin, the great Dario Rosa, the dangerous Sexy Time Explosion, and an open wine bar hosted by Red Zeppelin Winery! $20 donation benefits local surf and wine education charities.

Facebook won!

Well, you know the story; between my travels and my absurd ADD, both this blog and even MySpace updates have fallen off the tractor and into the weeds. I really oughta put up one more Wine and Roses picture, though . . .

Sioux City Wine and Roses

The lost member of the Lewis and Clark expedition?