Every year near the end of June, in the small Spanish town of Haro, you can witness the Batalla del Vino. It may have begun as a land dispute with the neighbouring town, but each year bands of townsfolk ascend a particular hill and throw, jetison or hose quantities of red wine on the perceived 'enemy'. It is an entirely good natured battle, one that originated in the early 20th century. Up to a week of festivities take place during the wine fair, before the day of battle. On this morning, events are opened by a parade of horsemen in the town, and the placement of a flag upon the summit. The crowds ascend the hill and battle commences. Afterwards, they return to the town to where further festivities await. These include running with smallish cattle in the bullring, eating, drinking and merrymaking in the town centre.
Any festivity where you're encouraged to drink wine AND wear it, all while running with random cattle, is our kind of gig. These Spaniards are a true testament to what wine with friends is all about. Their enthusiasm for wine, food, and family and their appreciation for tradition (even if it is all in good-natured fun) leaves us no choice but to select the villagers of Haro, Spain as our WINOS OF THE WEEK!
Being a southern boy, I admit I am more drawn to the staunch bourbons, and, being specifically from New Orleans, a good quality rum every now and again. From Mint Julips to Hurricanes, the darker stuff has always tempted my palate. They say this is the time for change, and the vitners of vodka at this year's Spirit Fest were serving up just the catalyst.
Even the animals need a little wine and relaxation now and then - and Mother Nature provides! These guys obviously prefer white. Looks like they're in Temecula, doesn't it? These guys really know how to party, and that's why the monkey at the end is TastingSanDiego.com's Wino of the Week!
This past weekend, our beloved Gaslamp welcomed the San Diego Spirits Festival, hosted by LetsPlayDowntown. The event boasted attendance by over 25 of the adult beverage world's hottest new vendors and distributors, each providing savory samples from their assortment of various vodkas, vermouths, and vices in the hopes of breaking into the San Diego beverage scene. The party was happenin', the people were hot, the pool was cool, the juices were flowing, and I was there.
The event was held on the fourth floor of the Sé Hotel in the Siren Pool and Uber Lounge. I heard a lot of chatter about the sheer beauty of this venue, but no description could have done this place justice. From the first steps I took toward the infinity-edge pool, I was in complete awe.
From my (fairly seasoned) experience, Siren is undoubtedly one of the most attractive lounge spots in downtown San Diego. The rooftop space, with it's relaxing, open-air luxury actually reminded me of one of my favorite spots in Ibiza, Spain, called KM5; both of these venues have mixed up the perfect blend of indoor/outdoor lounging that no doubt attracts the Gaslamp's hottest crowds who are always looking for a chic location and demanding a classy good time. Siren opens up to an outdoor bar surrounded by cabanas and comfy lounge chairs, with an infinity-edge pool in the center of the action. Overall, the venue was a very intimate paradise with just the right mix of movers and shakers prowling the scene for good booze and valuable connections. As I expected (and welcomed), the tone of the event was low stress and high-spirited - quite inviting to say the least. Cheers to Liz Edwards and her crew for scoring such a heart-stopping spot to throw their bash.
I know I don't have them ALL; I've started with the ones I actually read. If you've got your own blog you'd like to post or know of a good one I may have missed, suggest it here! Yes, that means I'll probably read it.
