Sparkling Wines

It seems like everything is coming up bubbles. Sparkling wine has reached a pinnacle of popularity. No longer saved for just moments of celebration, sparkling wine is a great choice to bring joy to every day moments. Lucky for us, there is a wealth of sparkling wines to be had, from sea to shining sea. What a joy it is to be able to taste all the many bubbles our amazing world offers.

Effervescence LA launched its inaugural Champagne and Sparkling Wine Celebration at the beautiful Avalon Theatre at Hollywood and Vine in Los Angeles. The first of its kind, Effervescence LA was the USA’s premier comprehensive epicurean event centered on champagne and sparkling wine.

The three-day affair included two incredible walk-around wine tastings with the best bubbles the world has to offer, as well as gourmet meals prepared by acclaimed chefs, private tastings, master classes with world-renowned champagne experts, and finally, an elegant Champagne Gala Dinner at the popular Republique restaurant. Truly an epic weekend!

On Friday evening, Effervescence LA invited guests to sample fantastic fizz from around the world in the Sparkling Wine Extravaganza Walk-Around Style Tasting. Guests were treated to just about everything under the sun that sparkles. From sparkling sauvignon blanc from New Zealand and Spain’s celebrated cava to spritzy green wine from Arizona and California’s best bubbles, it was a fabulous celebration of superb international sparkles.

Some of the featured countries represented were Italy, France, England, Austria, Spain, USA, Australia, New Zealand and more. All wines were included in the ticket price and guests were treated to a smorgasbord of delicious meats, various cheeses, and crusty breads to complement their tasting selections.

Saturday’s Grand Champagne Tasting offered the very best of France’s Champagne region, in all its shimmering glory—a grand tasting tour of the most celebrated wine region on earth. The evening was merry, as guests were treated to champagnes from fine small producers, mid-size champagne houses, as well as the legendary names of Champagne.  Among the prestigious houses represented were Dom Perignon, Krug, Barons Rothschild, Ruinart, Moet Chandon, Bollinger, and Billecart-Salmon.

As in the Sparkling Wine Extravaganza, a beautiful selection of delectable meats, tasty cheeses, and yeasty breads accompanied the champagne as well as iced fresh oysters on the half shell. What a treat! Servers shucked tasty oysters all evening and visitors indulged in their briny goodness—a decadent and perfect pairing with champagne!

The Master Classes included topics such as the differences between sparkling wine and champagne, an exploration of chardonnay in Krug (chardonnay is one of the primary grapes used in the crafting of champagne), a study of mature champagnes, and even a pairing seminar of Krug champagne and classical music. Dining events featured a “Krug Lovers” Dinner with Chef Casey Lane, a Billecart-Salmon Collector Champagne Luncheon with Chef Walter Manzke, and the Champagne Gala Dinner with Chef Walter Manzke on the final evening.  Each was the opportunity to be educated and indulgent at the same time—a win-win, any way you look at it.

If you are a lover of sparkling wine, look for Effervescence LA next year, or better still, let’s organize an Effervescence East Bay and bring the celebration here!  “Effervescence East Bay” has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? Connect with the best of the bubbles at www.effervescenceLA.com. Mention that the East Bay would like to have its own Effervescence. You won’t want to miss one moment of this action-packed weekend dedicated solely to the celebration of bubbles. The best is yet to come.

May all your happy moments be joyous, and all your pain, champagne….

Cheers!