Pinot Days! The Grand Festival Tasting at the Skirball Cultural Center last Saturday was truly an enjoyable afternoon. Almost 50 wineries were represented in this beautiful space.

Photo by Michael Baroff

There was a wide array of Pinots with different styles all possessing one common trait: they were well-made and delectable. The diversity of wineries from California included Santa Maria, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Cruz, the Dundee Hills of Oregon, and as far away as New Zealand. A special treat, for fans of the film “Sideways” was having the Hitching Post in Buellton come to us this afternoon.

There were large well known wineries as well as small wineries offering tastings of their blends as well as single vineyard and estate wines. Each winery was pleased to educate us on their unique climate, terroir and craft, and mingling with other tasters added to the experience. A key lesson learned from Tom Gable, Contributing Wine Editor at San Diego Magazine, as to how to develop one’s palate was, “practice, practice, practice” and that we did.

For art lovers, and we know that art goes well with wine, was the presence of the Robert John Russo Gallery that displayed a number of elegantly classic lithographs from modern masters including Matisse, Chagall and Miro. http://robertjohnrussogallery.com/

Photo by Michael Baroff

All in all, Pinot Days as their tag line states, and just like their wines, offered diversity, character and enjoyment.

Check the website to find out where and when the next Pinot Days happens near you. http://www.pinotdays.com/

LA Art Party sponsors this event and often raffles off FREE tickets, so be sure to check (and LIKE) our FB Page to find out about our giveaway/raffle program! https://www.facebook.com/laartparty