I poured the Art of Wine event in Carmel last weekend. Gorgeous weather, big thirsty crowd that delighted in the six wines being sampled from the Crush & Brew table. Three white, three red, all available at local retailers. Fan favorites included the Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc-a zippy tangy New Zealand white wine with notes of white grapefruit, lemongrass and honeydew melon; Villa Pozzi Moscato-an off dry white from Italy with a fresh white grape flavor, and a softly sweet finish; Septima Malbec from the Mendoza region of Argentina-lush, bold dry red with aromas and flavors of mulberry, blackberry and a hint of sage; and the 2013 Darcie Kent Vineyards "Madden Cab", mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Petite Syrah that offers up an easy drinker medium bodied dry red with notes of black cherry, eucalyptus and hint of spice.

Another dry rose to find: V. Sattui Winery Rosato di Sangiovese. One of Napa's oldest wineries and the first to offer outdoor picnic seating when wine tasting in Napa was limited to a handful of wineries and the experience was just that-tasting wine. My first visit was in 1996 and I've been in love with their old world style ever since. Their dry rose offers up aromas and flavors of black cherry and almond with a crisp yet full finish. Delicious!!