Last Friday night Don and I attended the Grand Tasting presented by the American Heart Association at the Hilton Anatole. This was the last in a series of events before the Cotes du Coeur 2014 the very next night. Being a tiny part of the volunteering that takes place at AHA, it was quite a learning experience for me this year watching an amazing voluntary health organization gear up for this black-tie fine wine auction and celebrity chef dinner held every March.
At the Grand Tasting, Schweiger Family Vineyards was celebrated as the Tete du Cuvee, the best of the best! This award is given each year to a winery or individual in the wine industry for outstanding achievements and efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle in compliance with the AMA guidelines.
Don and I had happened by their vineyards the summer of 2012 and fell in love with their wines. We had a wonderful experience in their tasting room and out on the terrace that overlooks their vineyards and parent's home in the distance. We met Andy last year at the Cotes du Coeur gala and sat by him during the event. Thank you to Scott and Heather Alexander of Nest for that invitation and wonderful night of wine and food we'll never forget!
This night we found the Schweiger Family Vineyards table and visited with Andy and his representatives. I found his mom at another winery table and hugged her. I was so excited to see her again. I know she doesn't know me from Adam, but I knew her! We visited for a moment and then she had to go with the family on stage to be recognized. Read below!
Upon arriving at the ballroom, we were given name tags, booklet of wineries and Reidel wine glasses (to keep). Wow! Where to begin! The ballroom was alive with the various vintners, winery owners and representatives sharing their fabulous wines. We were encouraged to meet and interact with them and learn about the wines they were pouring. There were 31 wineries from all over the world represented at this tasting. To say that I tasted all thirty two would be a lie. And most had more than one kind of wine to taste, be it red or white. We traveled around the room tasting at about 8 tables. I had my trusty camera to help me remember what we had tasted.
Food was provided by Ocean Prime and was scrumptious!
The wines we tasted will be shared in another blog. I wanted to focus on the event and Schweiger Family Vineyards!
Here's what we tasted from their vineyard!
2011 Schweiger Vineyards Chardonnay ($30) Their description says it is a full bodied wine with true varietal characteristics, hints of pear, kiwi, citrus, white peach, and apricots, and delicate undertones of oak and tropical fruits. It is every bit that and more. Amazing!
2008 Schweiger Dedication ($85) This is red blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc. Andy poured the 2007 Dedication last year for us at the Cotes du Coeur. As I remember the 2007, this 2008 is just as amazing. Velvety, lush, aromas of blackberry, currant, plum with some dark chocolate, truffle oil, oak, coriander, and minerals. Love that the bottle has no label, but is etched in beautiful gold and white lettering!
Congratulations to the Schweigers! You deserve it!
Don and I had happened by their vineyards the summer of 2012 and fell in love with their wines. We had a wonderful experience in their tasting room and out on the terrace that overlooks their vineyards and parent's home in the distance. We met Andy last year at the Cotes du Coeur gala and sat by him during the event. Thank you to Scott and Heather Alexander of Nest for that invitation and wonderful night of wine and food we'll never forget!
This night we found the Schweiger Family Vineyards table and visited with Andy and his representatives. I found his mom at another winery table and hugged her. I was so excited to see her again. I know she doesn't know me from Adam, but I knew her! We visited for a moment and then she had to go with the family on stage to be recognized. Read below!
Food was provided by Ocean Prime and was scrumptious!
Shrimp shooters, pork sliders, cheeses, fruits, crackers, breads, and the desserts were amazing. Of course I took a pic of the chocolate, but I believe there was carrot cake too! Everything was bite size and easy to eat. Also, there were passed hors d'oeuvres such as salmon pate' and deviled eggs! Fantastic job OP!
The wines we tasted will be shared in another blog. I wanted to focus on the event and Schweiger Family Vineyards!
Here's what we tasted from their vineyard!
2011 Schweiger Vineyards Chardonnay ($30) Their description says it is a full bodied wine with true varietal characteristics, hints of pear, kiwi, citrus, white peach, and apricots, and delicate undertones of oak and tropical fruits. It is every bit that and more. Amazing!
2008 Schweiger Dedication ($85) This is red blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc. Andy poured the 2007 Dedication last year for us at the Cotes du Coeur. As I remember the 2007, this 2008 is just as amazing. Velvety, lush, aromas of blackberry, currant, plum with some dark chocolate, truffle oil, oak, coriander, and minerals. Love that the bottle has no label, but is etched in beautiful gold and white lettering!
Congratulations to the Schweigers! You deserve it!
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