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© 2010 ACMEFINEWINES.
A dozen winemakers spotlighted at Acme event
By David Stoneberg
STAFF WRITER
Thursday, March 05, 2009
* read article ONLINE.
An event designed to showcase a dozen “rock star” winemakers — including Heidi Barrett, Sara Gott, Philippe Melka, Dave Phinney and Celia Masyczek — will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at Acme Fine Wines, 1080 Fulton Lane in St. Helena.
David Stevens and Karen Williams, proprietors of the wine store, said the idea grew from the fact that they know so many “terrific” people in the wine industry and have been tasting their wines on a weekly basis.
Additionally, the two have spent the last eight or nine years building relationships with these winemakers, beginning when they worked at Tra Vigne. Stevens said he first met Dave Phinney when he was making only one wine. For the event, he will bring four or five of the wines he makes. “This event gives us the opportunity to share our good fortune with others,” Stevens said.
Williams said they began with a thread of an idea: “We got to thinking that perhaps the media and consumers would appreciate, in a tasting setting, the pure indulgence of being in the presence of these amazing winemakers and their wines.”
Stevens contacted Celia Masyczek, who has been named the Winemaker of the Year for 2008 by Food & Wine Magazine. She told Stevens the tasting sounded like a great idea. She’s bringing nine of the wines she makes. They include DR Stephens, Lindstrom, Scarecrow, Husic, Fleming, Cornerstone, Corra, Keever and Hollywood & Vine.
Stevens added, “We wanted the event to put the focus on the winemaker first and then their wines.”
Williams said planning for the event “started with a bang. We contacted the high-profile people we do business with.”
Other winemakers pouring at the inaugural Acme “atelier” tasting are Russell Bevan, Andy Erickson, Mark Herold, Mike Hirby, Craig MacLean, Robbie Meyer and Pam Starr. The 12 winemakers will be pouring more than 50 of their wines, each is required to bring at least three, and the vintners associated with the wines have been invited to attend.
Williams said since their wine business is “right here at ground zero for wine,” they seek new wines and winemakers, who operate under the radar, both in the Napa Valley and beyond.
The two are expecting 135-140 people and have been keeping it quiet, because they believe it will sell out quickly. Cost is $175 a person and tickets may be obtained by contacting Erin Sullivan, 963-0440, by sending her an e-mail at erin@acmefinewines.com or visiting www.acmefinewines.com. The deadline to obtain tickets is March 14.
888.963.0440
