Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
In 2022, I received a message that changed my life: “Wanda, would you be interested in leading a wine seminar at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen?” So many emotions flowed through me— stunned, confused, honored, and scared, to name a few. However, I’m a big believer in tackling most things that scare me, and with some trepidation, I said yes. Fast forward: about two weeks ago, I led seminars in Aspen for the fifth consecutive year at the 43rd annual Classic. It’s an honor that I don’t take for granted. My themes this year were Cava, Rioja, Ribera, Oh My: A Wine & Tapas Journey Through Spain, and Ain’t No Vineyard High Enough: Majestic Mountain Wines.
From Aspen to Charleston, festivals are proof that wine matters and people are thirsty to learn more. Sitting in a tent with 100 people at a wine tasting quenches our innate need for community. Tastings are a reminder that, despite the turmoil in the world, we have it in us to get along. Thank you to everyone at Food & Wine, the attendees who chuckled at my jokes while we shared time and wine, and the wineries who entrust me to share their stories.
“What is that in the refrigerator?” My favorite drinking partner is accustomed to wine bottles covering nearly every surface in my Manhattan apartment, but he was shocked by the shiny 3-liter pouch of The Walls 2025 Cruel Summer Rosé ($99) perched in the fridge. The equivalent of 4 bottles, the team at The Walls cheekily calls it a “Double Bagnum.” But don’t let its unconventional packaging fool you: Cruel Summer is a delicious, refreshing, and beautifully crafted rosé.
Made from estate-grown Grenache (75%) and Mourvèdre (25%) from Walla Walla, Washington, Cruel Summer shows some serious winemaking chops; fermented in concrete, and aged in a combination of stainless steel, concrete eggs, and neutral oak. The packaging uses 80% less carbon than glass bottles, and it stays fresh for at least 60 days after opening. I’ve been sipping glasses of Cruel Summer when I want to enjoy a tasty sip without the fuss. A bagnum of Cruel Summer of rosé is a great wine to keep on tap at home and to share at picnics and barbecues. And the song pairing is pretty obvious — Cruel Summer by Bananarama.
Save the Date Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta (September 22-27)
My fall festival season will kick off with the fabulous Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta. Last year was my first visit to Santa Fe and I’m honored to be leading seminars at the Fiesta again.
This year, I’ll guide attendees through a tasting of California wines from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and other exciting Golden State regions. I’ll also moderate the Judgment of Paris: 50 Years Later. Tickets are on sale now. Prominent presenters include Eric Asimov (The New York Times), sommelier Marika Vida-Arnold and Joe Spellman MS (Master Sommelier).
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