Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
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    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
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    • About Patricia Decker
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Michael Fogelman and Lisa Liberati pour their Sweetzer Cellars wines at the Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Grand Tasting
Sweetzer Cellars, distinctive and well-priced wines, mostly single vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from some of the best vineyards in Santa Barbara County, began in an unconventional way, very different from most wineries.  A twist of fate led a couple, tutors by trade, to make wine, with no experience, out of their Hollywood apartment.  This ultimate garagiste experience provided the launching pad for the next step, a commercial winery in one of the most exciting wine regions in the US, Santa Barbara County.  Living the dream, Sweetzer Cellars has an unique story, one of trial and error, hard work and a bit of luck, and a love of wine that can't be denied.
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Michael Fogelman and Lisa Liberati at the Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Grand Tasting
Serendipity seems to have guided the fates of Michael Fogelman and Lisa Liberati of Sweetzer Cellars.  A last minute decision by Fogelman to join his girlfriend, Lisa, on a group winemaking trip to France in 2008 changed their lives.  Particularly impressed with his visit to Burgundy’s Clos Vougeot, Fogelman marveled how passionate and dedicated the winemakers were, and how important the details were, such as meticulous harvesting and winemaking cleanliness.  Upon his return, Fogelman announced his desire to make wine, telling Liberati “it seems like fun”.  So, with no official plan, but a connection with one of the graduate students from his month in France, who happened to work at Stag’s Leap in Napa Valley, led to a source of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.  So the grand experiment began, with lots of drama and learning along the way.
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The first two years, Fogelman and Liberati hauled the grapes down from Napa in their van, arriving at their Hollywood apartment in time to start the winemaking process.  He recalled, “We were living in a white carpeted apartment, and we hauled up 750 pounds of grapes.  We pressed it in our tiny kitchen, with a basket press, and every time anything touched the wine, we rinsed it in a solvent solution, it took us from 7:30 at night to 3:30 in the morning to press what now would take us a half hour.”   The third year, Fogelman invested in better equipment and brought more grapes from Sonoma.  Together, they pressed grapes in the carport, fermented in large macrobins in their dining room, and gerry-rigged a cooling system for their barrels in their apartment, which had no a/c at the time, gaining invaluable knowledge and expertise along the way, and eventually an air conditioner!  One lesson of home garagiste winemaking, when working with argon gas to pump wine from barrels to kegs, there are some caveats.  Fogelman can chuckle now, as he remembered spraying their bedroom with wine, after disconnecting the tubing from the keg before relieving the pressure in the barrels, which resulted in a massive cleanup.
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In the fourth year, Fogelman and Liberati switched from Cabernet to Pinot Noir, their first love.  Researching the vineyards of the Central Coast, they knew they wanted to make wines that they loved to drink, and forged a relationship with Presqu’ile Vineyard, which eventually led to getting fruit from some of the best sites in the region, La Encantada, Rita’s Crown, Lafond, and Huber.  After two more years of producing wine in their apartment, they decided to become official and go commercial, legally morphing into a bonded winery five years into their enterprise.  Now making wine in Buellton, but still living in Hollywood, both continue their day jobs, as tutors that prep students for college tests, alongside growing Sweetzer Cellars on their own dime.
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At the Santa Barbara Road Trip LA trade tasting
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With the LA Wine Writers
Gaining recognition and awards for their lineup of almost a dozen wines today, Sweetzer has increased production but still sells directly to the consumer, mainly through their website, but some wines are available in restaurants and wine shops around Los Angeles.  Fogelman and Liberati want to stay hands-on, a smaller operation that can pursue the type of wine that they are passionate about.  Hand-written wine labels, now screened onto the bottles, proudly pay tribute to their winemaking origins, their Sweetzer Ave apartment.  In addition to six Pinots and two Chardonnays, they also dabble in Paso Robles Syrah and Grenache.  A benefit to their independence is that they can release the wines later, allowing them to more fully evolve in the bottle and be ready to drink when uncorked.  Fogelman and Liberati are working hard to get the word out, pouring Sweetzer wines at wine festivals and trade tastings, and getting set to add a tasting room, located in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, 308 N. 9th Street Unit C, which will be open to the public, Friday - Sunday, 11am - 5pm, and other days by appointment.
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Recently, Michael Fogelman shared his wines and story with the LA Wine Writers, over lunch at Cafe del Rey, paired with Chef David Vilchez’s creations.  Over an introductory glass of Chardonnay, Fogelman recalled his almost decade long journey as the accidental winemaker, and shared his enthusiasm for Sweetzer Cellars' bright future.
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The 2013 Sweetzer Cellars Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay ($25) is a reflection of high quality fruit, of which four different Chardonnay clones are blended.  Vibrant and mineral, ripe tropical fruit, apple, and Meyer lemon, with toasty accents, and a butterscotch note shine from the glass.  The 2013 is slightly different, since an unintentional winery accident forced Fogelman to deviate from 100% tank fermentation, ending up with 15% new oak barrels.
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First course, the 2014 Sweetzer Cellars Presqu’ile Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay ($40), made from the best of the best, is rich and balanced, with a similar mineral acidity and flavor profile, but a bit more elegant.  Paired with a fabulous Blue Crab Pasta, paccheri pasta with Peas and Tomato, in a Parmesan Sauce, the wine was bright and delicious, with a depth of flavor.
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Second course, the 2013 Sweetzer Cellars Lafond Vineyard Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills ($30) has a beautiful nose, with ripe red cherry fruit, and upon the first sip, it blooms in your mouth.  This is a blend of Clones 115 and 667, aged in 30% new barrels for 14 months, a very good wine.  Full-bodied and rich, and structured with a mineral spine, it lingers long after the last swallow, really great.  Paired with an Oxtail Flatbread, with Arugula, Bleu Cheese, and Lemon Vinaigrette, the wine was sturdy enough to stand up to the bold flavors, but silky and round, a true delight!
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Third course, the 2014 Sweetzer Cellars La Encantada Vineyard Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills ($45) is bold, with a nose of black cherry, raspberry and spice, and on the palate, it channels an earthy, crushed rock profile, and a long, velvety finish.  A second wine, the 2014 Sweetzer Cellars Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir ($33), is a blend of some of the best vineyards in the region, and offers a lighter, but complex profile of red and black fruit, with touches of earth and spice, this is one of Sweetzer’s workhorse blends, with over 500 cases produced.  Paired with a Duck Breast with Beets and Berry Sauce, both wines’ deep flavors and dark cherry fruit complimented the dish.
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Fourth course, the 2013 Sweetzer Cellars Grenache Paso Robles ($30) is expressive, red-fruited and vibrant, and well balanced despite it’s high alcohol.  Paired, with a Lamb Chop, with Israeli Cous Cous, Dates, and a Pistachio Mint Pistou, the fruit really came out, but not a jammy wine, as Michael explained, “this is not like any Grenache you’ve ever had”, and it really delivered.
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At the Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Grand Tasting
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Later, that same week, Fogelman and Liberati poured six of their wines at the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Grand Tasting, and attracted quite a crowd!  They brought out a couple of different Pinots that were top notch.  The 2014 Sweetzer Cellars Rita’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is a real stunner, complex and high-toned, smooth and savory, with dark fruit and spice, along with the 2014 Sweetzer Cellars Presqu'ile Vineyard Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley, an elegant beauty with dark cherry and what is known as Santa Maria spice, akin to an exotic Indian spice blend, and lower alcohol.  These wines rounded out an intriguing study of some of the best single vineyard Pinot Noir wines in the area, all very distinct, with their own personality.  Sweetzer Cellars’ current vintage in release is the 2014, and the wines retail from $28-55, excellent quality for the price, essentially made from the same fruit as many higher-priced wines in the region.
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Sweetzer Cellars went from zero to sixty in a blink of an eye, self-taught winemakers whose passion and dedication are earning them recognition in a crowded field of wineries.  Well-priced, distinctive and well-made wines, it is worthwhile to visit their new tasting room, and discover for yourself the magic in the bottle.