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Tag: The Festival of Forgotten Grapes

Greg La Follette, left, at the 2024 Festival of Forgotten Grapes.

The Festival for ‘Neglected’ Grapes Returns to Los Angeles

February 14, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I am looking forward to tasting some Grenache Blanc, Counoise, and Albariño (among other “neglected” wines from California) on Saturday, March 29, in Los Angeles. I’ll be doing so at The Festival of Forgotten Grapes. What do I mean by “neglected”? Read on.

The Festival of Forgotten Grapes takes place on March 29 in Los Angeles. (Sandoval Media)

The festival exists, in the words of its organizers, “to celebrate the underdogs of the California Wine World.” These grapes represent 7 percent of the state’s vine plantings – the varieties that comprise the other 93 percent are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Syrah, and Petite Sirah – and while the “forgotten” moniker might not be apt for, say, Riesling, I venture that many drinkers of wine are not familiar with Ruché or Trousseau Gris. And I know that we all love an underdog, so this festival is for you.

Last year’s event was an organized and efficient affair, and a new venue for this year’s edition – and additional food vendors – promises improvement. Pizza ovens are again part of the plan (I recall an excellent pepperoni pie at 2024’s event with which I paired a Nebbiolo), and there will be ample seating as well. No one likes the adventure of standing with wine glass in one hand and plated food in the other, juggling both with awkwardness.

A pie at last year’s Festival of Forgotten Grapes. (Sandoval Media)

But the stars of the festival are the producers (click here for the lineup) and the purchase and shipping system set up by the event’s organizers. In brief, here’s what you need to know about the latter: purchase one bottle or 144 bottles, and the good people behind the event will personally deliver your treasure at no cost (for VIP ticket holders), or $15 if you choose the general admission route. Exception for the GA people: If you purchase 12 bottles or more you, too, will be treated to free delivery. Don’t live in California? Sorry to hear that, but your wine can still be delivered to you for a reasonable shipping rate.

VIP attendees will also take home a copy of the most recent Slow Wine Guide USA and can enter the festival at noon, two full hours ahead of the hoi polloi – more time to taste and eat and mingle. Click here to purchase tickets ($99 for VIP and $69 for GA – use promo code Brockhaus10 for a $10 discount on GA passes).  (A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Minds Matter Southern California.)

Tansy Wines will be poured at The Festival of Forgotten Grapes.

I was impressed with the scope, diversity, and quality of producers at last year’s event, and do not expect to be disappointed this year. I love what William Allen and Karen Daenen produce at Two Shepherds, including a Cinsault made from the Bechthold Vineyard in Lodi, which was planted in 1886, and a lovely Pinot Meunier (Hopkins Ranch/Russian River Valley). Then there’s Tansy Wines, owned by Kitty Oestlien and Shelley Lindgren. I’ve yet to taste anything they’ve made that disappointed, be it a Fiano I paired with some soft and hard cheeses or the pair’s Red Field Blend. Honest winemaking here.

William Allen holding one of his canned wines at the Top Shepherds facility in Windsor, Sonoma County. (James Brock Media)

Two Shepherds and Tansy are but two of the many producers pouring at this year’s festival, and while this is not the space to list them all (see link above for that), I am especially eager to taste the wines of Boutz Cellars, Martha Stoumen Wines, Marchelle Wines, Tatomer Wines, Thacher Winery and Vineyard, and Tercero Wines. All this, and the chance to speak with Greg La Follette … what’s not to love?

William La Follette at the 2024 Festival of Forgotten Grapes. (Sandoval Media)

Most of the wines poured at the festival, which is organized and run by Allison Levine and Chris Kern, are made from varieties planted during the early days of the state’s wine industry or before the Judgment of Paris. This means you’ll taste history, and take some home with you.

Allison Levine (top row third from left) and Chris Kern (top row fifth from left), the duo behind The Festival of Forgotten Grapes. (Sandoval Media)

California is rich with men and women making great wines, and The Festival of Forgotten Grapes is among the best events showcasing some of the state’s producers. Hope to see you there.

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Mark Your Calendars: California’s Forgotten Grapes Come to LA

June 16, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Palomino. Carnelian. Souzao. If you read those words and think, “grape varieties,” I applaud you. If, however, the words are unfamiliar, I suggest you get a ticket to The Festival of Forgotten Grapes, which will take place in Los Angeles on June 29. (If you are in the former group, you, too, should attend this event, because it’s a great opportunity to sample and purchase an outstanding and diverse lineup of wines from California producers at a great price.)

First, I know that many of you know from Dornfelder and Nebbiolo (which are both on the Forgotten Grapes Wine Club’s – the organization behind the festival – list of forgotten varieties). It’s important to note that by “forgotten” we are not talking about wine grapes that have been lost to humans in the mist of time. No, what Allison Levine and Chris Kern mean by the word are grapes that aren’t widely grown in the state. As they write, “More than 100 different grape varieties make up only 7 percent of the total planting in California.” Those grapes are the focus of the festival.

An exciting feature of this festival is the number of wineries that will be pouring their wares (click here for the full list); it’s a cornucopia of producers from the state, including San Rucci Winery, Tansy Wines, Tres Sabores Winery, and Unti Vineyards. Taste, talk to the producers about their wines, and order bottles that you like. If you live locally the Forgotten Grapes team will deliver your selections for a low fee ($15), and for those of you who reside in other locales your wine will be shipped at an economical price.

I love the idea that most of the wines that will be poured at the festival are made either from varieties planted during the settling of California, the early days of the state’s wine industry, or before the Judgment of Paris. This means you’ll taste history and take some home with you.

The Festival of Forgotten Grapes takes place at Frankie in downtown Los Angeles. VIP check-in begins at 11:30 am – I recommend going the VIP route, because the perks are worthwhile, including early admittance; a pre-tasting discussion with Wes Hagen titled “How Forgotten Grapes Became Forgotten: The Changing Landscape of California Wine Since Prohibition;” free delivery of wines that you order at the festival; and discounts on purchases of 6, 12, 24, or more bottles. VIP tickets are $75, and general admission passes are $59. (A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Minds Matter Southern California.)

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