Sommsation

Just like our Sommeliers, Sommsation's passion lies in serving you! Great article on Sommsation Lead Sommelier Elyse Lovenworth!

We’re excited to share that our Lead Sommelier Elyse Lovenworth was recently featured in Forbes where she detailed her journey and passion for wine. “Don’t be intimidated by sommeliers—we’re here to enhance your enjoyment. Our passion lies in serving you, not ourselves.” With Sommsation, Elyse connects people—from wine enthusiasts to those eager to learn—with sommeliers and independent winemakers, creating curated experiences that focus on wine, hospitality, and human connection. “What is wine without hospitality? What is wine without a human connection?” Elyse asks, highlighting how Sommsation is redefining the wine experience. Whether it's private tastings, cellar management, or discovering rare wines, Sommsation offers a fresh approach to enjoying wine beyond the bottle and our sommeliers like Elyse help power that. Elyse’s journey into the wine world is as unique as it is inspiring. Starting her career in the restaurant industry, she quickly realized that wine was more than just a beverage—it was a way to bring people together. Her pivotal moment came in a Napa Valley vineyard, where she knew she wanted to pursue wine as a full-time career. Now, at Sommsation, she’s creating a platform that gives sommeliers the freedom to share their passion while offering consumers intimate, one-of-a-kind wine experiences. Learn more about Elyse’s story and Sommsation’s mission by reading the full article in Forbes. https://bit.ly/3BDWerv

The Sommsation Lounge is coming to New York! Join us for an extraordinary evening featuring our favorite estate wines expertly paired with delicious gourmet bites, all guided by our seasoned sommeliers. Engage with fellow wine enthusiasts, forge new connections, and expand your wine knowledge while exploring our curated lineup of exceptional wines. This is the perfect opportunity to network with other peers and elevate your appreciation for fine wines! https://bit.ly/3NlQdCv

Harvest is in full swing, a critical time in the winemaking process! The arrival of the first bins of grapes marks the beginning of a season where every decision counts. During harvest, grapes are carefully picked based on various factors, including sugar levels, acidity, and flavor development. This balance is essential, as grapes can’t ripen further once picked. Winemakers utilize sensory analysis, tasting the grapes to evaluate characteristics like flavor and tannin structure. They must also coordinate the availability of picking crews and ensure that all equipment is in working order. The winemaking team, including experienced core staff and seasonal harvest interns, plays a vital role in turning grapes into wine. These interns often come from various wine regions, bringing unique knowledge and enthusiasm to the process. Throughout the season, teams monitor critical factors, such as sugar levels during fermentation, ensuring that each step is executed with precision. Communication and efficiency are key as the grapes move through pressing, fermentation, and aging processes. Learn more about harvest and what makes this time of year so special here. https://bit.ly/3NbkYd6

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Sunday School virtual tasting this past weekend with Tamber Bey and Sommelier Hugo Arias Sanchez! We explored the world of Tamber Bey, tasting a delightful Chardonnay from their Napa Valley estate and a single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the Burnside Vineyard. It was a pleasure to have Tamber Bey owner Barry Waitte join us as he and Sommelier Hugo shared the winery's inspiring story, demonstrated expert wine tasting techniques, and delved into the goals that drive forward the exceptional wines of Tamber Bey. Founded in 1999, Tamber Bey combines the team’s passions for winemaking and equestrianism. After acquiring vineyards in Yountville and Oakville, Barry established a horse ranch in Calistoga in 2012, creating a unique setting for the winery. Tamber Bey is dedicated to sustainable winegrowing, producing high-quality grapes while protecting the environment and fostering community responsibility. The ranch is also home to over 20 horses, showcasing a harmonious blend of viticulture and equestrian pursuits. At Sommsation, we believe in the artistry and stories behind incredible independent wineries, and we’re proud to bring our clients expertise from our team of Sommeliers and our Winemakers. Check out our future virtual tastings and events here to continue exploring and savoring exceptional wines with us! https://bit.ly/3BxSHex

The Sommsation Lounge is heading to Chicago for our upcoming tasting experience, "West Coast Wines, Gold Coast Dines"! Join us on Wednesday, October 23rd at the Sommsation Lounge at Adalina for a sommelier-led journey through a selection of limited-production wines from the West Coast. During this epicurean event, you'll have the opportunity to discover hidden gems and learn from our expert sommeliers, all while enjoying perfectly paired gourmet appetizers to complement each sip. Network in the Gold Coast, and explore our line up of wines! https://bit.ly/3XAT9je

Harvest season is in full swing—a time when the craftsmanship and art of winemaking truly come to life. It's not just about picking grapes, but balancing ripeness, sunlight, and microclimates to create exceptional wines. Each decision a winemaker makes now—from hand-harvesting on steep slopes to using advanced technology—shapes the journey from vine to glass. What makes this time of year even more fascinating is the blend of tradition and innovation. Some winemakers embrace centuries-old techniques like foot-stomping grapes, while others rely on cutting-edge tools like optical sorters that use AI to perfect the process. The sights and smells of fermentation fill the air, as winemakers capture the magic of this short, but vital window, knowing each choice defines the unique character of the vintage. From the precise timing of grape picking to the careful monitoring of fermentation temperatures, the energy in the vineyards and wineries is electric. Want to dive deeper into the winemaking process during harvest? Read more about it here https://lnkd.in/gzET4HVE

Alberto Oggero, our Winery of the Week, hails from the Roero region in Piedmont, Italy, where he’s revitalizing his family’s 100-year-old vines. As a third-generation winemaker, Alberto has spent over 15 years mastering the art of working with Nebbiolo and Arneis, two grapes that beautifully showcase Roero’s unique terroir. While Piedmont is known for its iconic wines, Alberto is putting Roero on the map with his distinct approach. He’s redefining Nebbiolo as an everyday wine, approachable yet full of complexity, and elevating Arneis beyond its usual role as a light summer sipper, treating it with the same care as its red counterpart. His wines, produced in the old family carriage house, reflect his deep connection to the land, bringing forth the true essence of Roero. Alberto’s winemaking philosophy is rooted in simplicity and tradition. Working from the old family farm, he treats winemaking as an extension of the land, crafting wines that reflect the region's unique character. His passion for Roero shines through in every bottle and we are honored to work with artisans like Alberto, helping share the authentic taste of Piedmont with wine lovers everywhere. 🍇🍷 https://lnkd.in/gT2dj9Wq

We’re pleased to share that Sommsation has been featured in Forbes article "A New Look at Wine Tasting and Travel"! As wine tourism continues to grow, Sommsation is proud to offer truly enriching experiences that stand out. Our Co-Founder, Danielle Diliberti, discusses how we specialize in unique wine-tasting journeys, taking guests off the beaten path to explore lesser-known regions and connect with passionate producers. She adds, “We provide a comprehensive suite of wine-centric hospitality services, including tastings, sommelier services, and bespoke travel experiences led by industry professionals.” Curious to learn more about how we’re redefining wine tourism? Read the full article here https://lnkd.in/d6QAjfbU

We’re thrilled to share that Hawk and Horse Vineyards has received glowing reviews from James Suckling, who described their sparkling wine as “charming and unusual for bubbles, with lots of black cherry aromas, vivid dark fruit flavors, and a touch of sweetness that softens its texture,” awarding it an impressive 90 points. Nestled in the Red Hills AVA of Northern California, their mountain vineyard is renowned for its exceptional growing conditions and meticulous farming practices. We were excited to showcase their Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon at the Whitefish Food and Wine Festival, where it quickly became a crowd favorite. Having Tracey Hawkins, owner of Hawk & Horse, join us made the event even more memorable. Discover the craftsmanship and passion behind Hawk and Horse’s expertly crafted wines. https://lnkd.in/gzkS5YcW