Pinot Noir is an elegant light-bodied red wine that features juicy red fruit, flower, and spice aromas. With silky tannins and a long, smooth finish it delights the senses and keeps one coming back for another glass (or two).
World of Pinot Noir is an annual weekend-long event that gathers premier Pinot Noir wineries from around the world, in addition to established winemakers, sommeliers and leading wine scholars. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara provided a stunning backdrop for the event with sweeping coastal views and stunning Spanish-style architecture. The Mediterranean climate was delightful and perfect for outdoor soirées.
Today, Pinot Noir is planted in over 25 different countries, making it a truly international grape variety. There are many characteristics of pinot noir that pique my interest, but I especially appreciate that it captures the taste of the place where it was grown, taking one on an adventure. Each wine’s profile varies based on climate and producer style keeping pinot lovers on their toes.
I attended various seminars throughout the weekend that expanded my knowledge about the world of pinot noir. After checking in, I headed to a two-hour morning seminar moderated by Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine magazine. The seminar spotlighted 2020 and 2021 vintages of the following brands that are part of Jackson Family Wines’ portfolio: Brewer-Clifton of the Santa Rita Hills and Giant Steps of Australia’s Yarra Valley. Panelists included Greg Brewer, Founder and Winemaker, Brewer-Clifton and Nick Hetzel, Master Sommelier and Director of Wine Education, Jackson Family Wines.
Together we explored the parallels between Sta. Rita Hills in California and the Yarra Valley in Southern Australia. Both wineries produce highly acclaimed, cool-climate Pinot Noir from half a globe apart. I felt fortunate to have experienced the rare opportunity of tasting single-vineyard 2020 vintage wines from each winery side-by-side along with their just-released 2021 vintage of appellation-specific wines.
Afterwards, I headed to the Sta. Rita Hills Luncheon at Angel Oak restaurant and Matt Kettmann of Wine Enthusiast was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. This afternoon fête provided guests the opportunity to experience the breadth of the micro-climate of this AVA and indulge in local gourmet fare. It was fun to mix and mingle with winemakers and industry tastemakers in a beautiful setting.
In the late afternoon, I attended a VIP Grand Tasting at the Bacara’s Grand Ballroom. I had the opportunity to meet winemakers, compare regional characteristics, and discover new labels. After being on my feet for many hours, it was nice to lounge in the Davis Bynum private lounge and nibble on seasonal wine country bites from The Ritz-Carlton Bacara culinary team.
I enjoyed expanding my knowledge at World of Pinot Noir and considering how fun it was, I hope to attend next year’s event!