Vino2 Ultimate Events

07/18/2024

This popped up from years ago. However, it was a proud moment for me. I was in a job barely scrapping by and trying to get Vino Squared off of the ground.

I was invited to Saint Anthony's Monastery; not sure why or how. It is still a mystery. I was summoned by Brother Tim and Father Menas. I had no prior engagement here.

After my tour, I understood the massive amount of tile they clean by hand. Given this, being cash poor and seeing the need, I found a way to get the funds. I then located this tile scrubber, fixed it up, and donated it to the Monastery.

Father Menas was so greatful. It is neat because I got to share a meal with all of the monks and drink their wine. Proud moment and super cool experience.

If you would like to view the facility, look at the Saint Anthony's Monastery album on this page.

06/15/2024

Casa Rondena Winery, NM

It is awesome and quite beautiful... The wines are delightful. They have two restaurants on property that are very upscale. Tw***ie brought me here as a special treat. She has a whole list of wineries to try and visit! Loved it. She is my wine girl and love of my life!

06/14/2024

Gruet Winery, NM

Back at stop #1 of our wedding reception. We love Gruet! It is a must for us! If in the neighborhood, don't forget to drop by.

12/03/2023

Tempe Festival of the Arts

Our friends Tamara and Sean are owners of Twisted Union Winery on Elgin, AZ.

Awesome and unique wines. They have a bed and breakfast as well. There are many great wineries in the area for all day tasting and entertainment.

Come and get some Mother Trucker at the festival today! It is a great drink! Holiday wine time.

12/03/2023

Global Wine Production Hits Lowest Level Since 1961.

I will attach the link to this story. As this speaks to many fronts, it does not touch upon vineyard land that is being transitioned for the growth and production of medical and recreational ma*****na.

All of these aspects are having a true impact on the industry and will continue to have a lasting impact with the legalization of the drug.

Having visited the Napa Valley in October of this year, I will say that the valley is strong and those with embedded roots continue to thrive. However, to my dismay, I miss the days of a $5 to $10 dollar tasting and taking home a souvenir glass. As with any industry, local regulations have come into play pushing many producers to rethink business practices. Your average tasting now is $50 plus dollars per person.

My suggestion is to opt for the bottle option if you have had the experience of Napa Valley tastings before. This may lend to a little more private experience, and you host will fill you with information of the region in most cases.

As we quickly approach Christmas and New Years, put on your Champagne caps. If anyone would like to learn more about this aspect, I do have videos on this page on opening Champagne properly, as well as defining the differences of Cava, Prosecco, and Champagne.
https://www.barrons.com/news/global-wine-production-hits-lowest-level-since-1961-3554e023

Happy Holidays!

11/10/2023

It has been months, but we officially received our SOMM Judge notice and newsletter. We will extract information from these that is pertinent and share accordingly.

I'm looking forward to seeing what is ahead on our landscape and educational realm for the Wine Industry.

Until then, "Happy Veteran's Day" from our team to yours. Please raise a toast to your favorite service people! Then take a moment of quite to reflect upon those currently embroiled in conflicts around the world.

Sommelier Judges Information = https://somm.us/sommelier-judges/

10/19/2023

Another fantastic Sparking Wine house in the Yountville Region. Started in Argentina and didn't open a winery in France until 2023.

Great tasting, education, and property.

10/18/2023

This is a must see when in the Napa Valley area.

10/18/2023

Domaine Carneros is very educational regarding the many styles of champagnes and their DNA.

The casks pictured will hold up to 2,200 gallons of wine. This room is available at Merryvale for weddings and corporate events.

When you need a nice break and bite, stop at Gotts. Grab a fabulous burger and enjoy the outdoors.

10/17/2023

So it has begun. We will be posting much information about Napa as Twyla and I celebrate my birthday and her R&R.

Photos from: Cuvaison Winery

09/07/2023

I stumbled across this show at the Westin Resort today. I just thought the arrangements were beautiful. So, I thought that I would share.

09/04/2023

Always make time for a little bubbles. Today was French with a Croque Monsieur breakfast.

Splashed the Prosecco with Prickly Pear Syrup. Grab a loved one and enjoy!

07/23/2023

We stumbled on to this gem! I must admit that this is my first Mead (Honey Wine) tasting.

Very unique. Each significantly different in nature and flavor profile. It was quite the experience! I know my favorites now.

07/23/2023

This is a motto that we live by. Nothing survives!!! By choice... Lol

07/04/2023

Happy 4th of July from our crew to yours!

05/15/2023

I have to tell you...the food is delicious. To be in an airport and find something that I can eat has always been a challenge. Especially local food. I sat at the bar to enjoy a mimosa (my staple) and asked the bartender if they had GF bread. Not only did she say "yes" but she (Chanelle) mentioned ways of not having my food cross contaminated. Rarely do I find bartenders educated on GF and going that extra step. Love it. She was super busy but took care of every person sitting at the bar. The food is made fresh and if you like grits...yum. "What is a grit?" LOL. If you have a layover in Baltimore Airport and in the Southwest Terminal, stop and say hello to Chanelle, she is amazing. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

04/20/2023

May I say that it is a great honor to receive such an email from SOMM. I will gladly accept their offer and continue to assist those wanting to travel this path and acquire further education. Wine to me is about time spent with family and friends sharing both stories and wine snippets.

From: Claire Seroskie, SOMM
Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 7:04 PM
To: Jim Sullivan
Subject: Jim has been nominated to be a wine judge for SOMM.



In recognition of Jim Sullivan's contribution to the wine trade.

SOMM



Dear Jim Sullivan,

I hope this email finds you well. I am contacting you on behalf of SOMM, a leading platform for sommelier education and advocacy. We are honored to invite you to join us as a judge.

You have been nominated because of your sterling reputation and contributions to the wine industry. Our judges evaluate and review sommelier programs and wine schools; You would provide insights and ratings to help our readers make informed decisions.

We sincerely hope you will accept our invitation to join us at SOMM. Your voluntary participation would elevate the quality and credibility of wine education in the United States, and be a tremendous honor for us to have you on board.

The first step in the process is to send you a copy of our annual survey, which we will send out next week. It will only take about 10 minutes of your time.

With Respect,

Claire Seroskie
Managing Editor, SOMM
www.somm.us

sommelier schools updated for April, 2023. Top Wine Schools in America Sommelier School Articles

11/11/2022

Happy Veteran's Day from us to all service members and branches.

09/01/2022

Vueve Du Vernay Brut (France). This was a patio wine (Bubbles) really enjoyed on my rooms patio.

The view of the London Bridge really adds to the setting. Crisp acidity and a bright mouthfeel that lingers. Instead of a biscuit note, the flavor leans towards a light lemon citrus.

It is not overly expensive. However, it is very well crafted and quite the pleaser!

07/29/2022

Coming soon to Cottonwood Arizona. This new venture/establishment that Maynard is having built sits high on the hilltop. The structure looks amazing and every surrounding aspect is propagated with vines.

It is a short walk from the Old Town shops. This area is the ultimate stop for the avid wine aficionado. This is a one hour drive from Phoenix.

"The new Caduceus" coming soon.

07/05/2022

Tresori Vineyards - Newburg, OR

A note for you wine fans on Vino Squared. Please don't forget to check out my friends winery "Tresori Vineyards" if you are looking to dial in some great Pinot Noirs or possibly a Viognier.

I put a link below that will take you to their page. If you buy from them on the on-line site you are really putting some funds into the Arizona economy, as Maureen and her husband (proprietors) live here in the valley.

Additionally, they have triplets who are the gems of their lives! Overall, they are just really great people to know and good to their communities both in Oregon and the Phoenix Metro region.

Check out their website too. The link is below. Also, "Support small businesses", and anyone making or drinking wine. Lol. Seriously, it is great juice and I wouldn't put my myself behind them if they weren't.

https://www.tresorivineyards.com/

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=tresori%20vineyards

07/04/2022

Leave it to the French. Here is a photo of the wine cache prior to the war of Gallipoli in 1915. We all have our priorities. I would have voted yes on this distribution of goods.

The Ottomans faired well but the French drank better. Those darn Turks!

Drink up! Happy 4th of July from us at Vino Squared.

06/25/2022

Avissi NV Prosecco.

This bottle was fresh and crisp with a slight hint of acidity. It should be paired with the perfect sunset and that special person in your life. A definate quaffer.

06/19/2022

Twomey Napa Valley Merlot - This wine rocks!

This is one of the most elegant Merlots that I have had from the Napa Valley region. Super smoothe texture that just rolls across and coates the palate. Amazing soft tannins but beautiful structure and a lingering finish. Well worth the spend for the experience!

This screams to me for hefty cut grilled bone-in pork chops, or a little Colorado or New Zealand Lamb on a bed of risotto topped with brown butter sauce and a side of Broccolini. Yum!

2013
Merlot Napa Valley
NAPA VALLEY
$65 USD

Winemaker Daniel Baron of Silver Oak
Falls under the Silver Oak Family of wines
Silver Oak purchased Twomey in 2003

Nose
Black cherry, coffee, licorice, creamy bright fruit.

Palate
Chocolate-covered cherries, hoisin sauce. Mouthfeel is, nuanced, texturally plush, velvety tannins, soulful. Full fruity finish buttressed by acidity.

Growing Conditions
Grapes for Twomey Merlot come exclusively from our Soda Canyon Ranch in southeastern Napa Valley. This vineyard's rolling hills of volcanic soils are tightly planted with French Merlot clones, selected for their low yield of small, intensely flavored berries. In this mild climate, tempered by cool breezes and morning fog, Merlot ripens slowly and develops rich black-fruit character and extraordinary complexity.

Harvest
September 2 – 28, 2013

Aging
13 months barrel aged. 100% French oak; 32% new, 31% once-filled, 18% twice-filled, 19% stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. Will provide drinking pleasure through 2030 with proper cellaring.
Appearance - Ruby, garnet.

06/19/2022

Love me some Zinfandel! Alcantara Vineyards having a little Arizona Zin-Fest yesterday .

This tasting room is a little over an hours drive north from Phoenix. This is a fun stop that sits just off of the Verde River and Thousand Trails Road. Beautiful grounds and romantic.

05/07/2022

Krug Grande Cuvée is born from the dream of one man, Joseph Krug, to craft the very best Champagne he could offer, every single year, regardless of annual variations in climate. Since 1843, the House of Krug has honoured this vision with each new Édition of Krug Grande Cuvée: the most generous expression of Champagne.

Krug Grande Cuvée is re-created every year, beyond the notion of vintage and is a blend of over 120 individual wines from more than 10 different years. The fullness or flavours and aromas achieved by this careful art of blending would be impossible to express with the wines of a single year.

The House was established in Reims in 1843, by Joseph Krug, a visionary non-conformist with an uncompromising philosophy. Having understood that the true essence of Champagne is pleasure itself, his dream was to craft the very best Champagne he could offer, every single year, regardless of annual variations in climate. Paying close attention to the vineyard’s character, respecting the individuality of each plot and its wine, as well as building an extensive library of reserve wines from many different years allowed Joseph Krug to fulfil his dream.

With a very original approach to Champagne making, he decided to go beyond the notion of vintage to create the most generous expression of Champagne, every year. Thus, he founded a House in which all Champagnes are of the same level of distinction.

Six generations of the Krug family have perpetuated this dream, enriching the founder’s vision and savoir faire. Thus we have named our Doberman Krug. We wanted her to carry the honor of prestige too. The bottle in the picture we received for our Anniversary in tribute to our pup.

04/22/2022

Here is the map that I promised showing you the regions of the Southern Rhone. Get out and try a "good" Tavel Rose. It will cost you between $19 to $30 for a nice one.

04/22/2022

Tavel Rose Wine of France.

Here is quick overview for you wine lovers out there. These gems come from a very small region in the Southern Rhone. I will be posting a map as well so that you can examine appellations around the region.

As summer approaches, these are great food wines and quaffers too.

Enjoy!

Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery

04/22/2022

We are excited and tomorrow is the big day! Tomorrow we will be releasing our most recent video on wine from Tavel France. I wanted to send out a big thank you to Twylyte Photography for the fun and creative work.

Let me add that it took some time to track down a nice Tavel at our local wine shops here in Arizona. However, the miles driven are worth it to share in this gem with our followers.

Until then... Cheers!