Tasting Notes

FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian tradition. It features seven courses of fish and seafood dishes on Christmas Eve — the freshest catch of the day, as well as clams, oysters, mussels, squid, shrimp and lobster, for example.

Avanguardia’s Cristallo is the perfect wine for the occasion. The dominant grape is the Georgian Rkatsiteli, widely planted in eastern Europe. Award-winning winemaker Rob Chrisman combines it (at about 70-90 percent) with Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Melon de Bourgogne. It is dry, crisp, taut, and relatively full-bodied.

DANCING ON THE CRUSHPAD
Andis Wines presents its annual BBQ and Blue Jeans Bash on November 3 from 5:30- 8:30 p.m. It includes new wine releases, dancing on the crushpad and a feast of mouth-watering baby back ribs, smoked and grilled chicken, Santa Maria pit BBQ beans, mixed green salad, and jalapeño cheddar corn- bread—all cooked up by Wicked Pig BBQ. Knucklehead band performs blues, rock and funk music.

NISENAN ART AT NEVADA CITY WINERY
An art reception at Nevada City Winery on November 2, the night before Nisenan Heritage Day. “Visibility Through Art” brings together artists who will create art discussing the Nisenan, the landscape or the flora and fauna hat also thrived in the area before the Gold Rush.

GRASS VALLEY WINE WALK
The wineries with tasting rooms and wine shops in historic downtown Grass Valley are hosting a wine walk on October 27 from 4-7 p.m. Avanguardia, Lucchesi, Sierra Starr, and Cork 49 will offer complimentary tastings and treats in their downtown tasting rooms. Wear a costume. The wineries also are open during Cornish Christmas: November 23 & 30, Dec- ember 7, 14, and 21.

WINE AND ROASTED TURKEY AT SIERRA STARR
On Nov. 17, Sierra Starr Vineyard hosts its annual food-and-wine pairing at its downtown tasting room in Grass Valley with turkey, cranberry and pumpkin pie. On Nov. 30, Sierra Starr is hosting its annual jewelry trunk show, with proceeds going to a local nonprofit.

TAP & VINE
The Auburn restaurant boasts a solid lineup of wine and craft beer (hence its name). It even brews its own pale ale, IPA and rye lager. The inventive menu featuring dishes like the crunchy-creamy deep-fried avocado tacos and sous vide braised short ribs with sweet potato purée, glazed dashi and miso.