104.7 WXLM

CELEBRITY WINEMAKERS

February 5, 2007

            For hundreds of years, winemakers in Tuscany and Bordeaux brought their wines directly to chefs, restaurateurs and consumers. A new twist to this old tradition is a healthy dose of 21^st century celebrity. Winemakers such as Mondavi, Gallo or Fetzer are as likely to appear in People as they are in Wine Spectator. Restaurateurs, sommeliers and wine merchants know that star power on their wine list is good for business. And marquee restaurant names and celebrity chefs are as important to a winery’s portfolio as a good grape harvest.

            A recent visitor to our area brought Hollywood appeal as well as some choice wines, according to those at restaurants at which she appeared.  Kate MacMurray, the daughter of actors Fred MacMurray and June Haver, grew up on a historic ranch on California’s Russian River owned by her father and known today for its Pinot Noir and other wines. Kate is the spokeswoman and personality of MacMurray Ranch Wines. She came east to represent her winery at the wine festival held recently at Mohegan Sun. As part of her visit, she visited some local restaurants and wine retailers to talk about the wines that bear her family name. She hosted a luncheon at Capriccio, then conducted tastings at Parkside and Hemenways, a staff meeting at Capital Grille, and ended the day with a “meet-and-greet”for restaurateurs and retailers at Meritage in East Greenwich. Tastings “on premise” as restaurants are referred to in the trade can be intense with as many as a dozen wines tasted. [The spit bucket is used extensively.] MacMurray’s focus was on three wines: two Pinots Noir - one from the Russian River Valley and one from the Sonoma Coast grape growing region - and a Sonoma Coast Pinot Gris. “This is my favorite part of my job, to talk to the people who enjoy our wines. It is so rewarding to meet the merchants who feature our products along with the guys and gals in the sales force who work right along with them,” she said over a glass of Pinot Gris. 

            Parkside was the first stop after lunch. MacMurray’s first impression was positive, noting the contemporary ambience which attracted a sophisticated young business and college clientele. “Restaurants are so reflective of the people who live there [in the town]”, she observed. Her enthusiasm was picked up by the staff at the restaurant. “What a wonderful lady!” exclaimed bar manager Michael Breault. “We loved having her. We have been interested in the [MacMurray Ranch] wines for some time but her being here today tasting the wines with us really made our decision to feature them. We’re thinking about pairing the Pinot Gris with our Macadamia nut-crusted salmon or Long Island duck salad.”

            The mutual admiration continued at a server training session at The Capital Grille held to familiarize the staff with both of the Pinots Noir. As dining room manager Ken Johnson put it, “I could feel the energy in that room. It was real!” MacMurray said, “They knew their wines! They asked me great questions.” Johnson recalled, of our servers asked about stress on the vines and Kate told us about how that can actually bring out a more intense flavor in the wine.” Johnson sees a definite connection between visits such as MacMur

ray’s and increased wine sales. “Having the person whose name is on the label in our restaurant makes a big difference. The story really sells [the wines].” MacMurray echoed his feelings. “Story telling is an important part of enjoying wines!”

            And this is especially so when a wine celebrity is telling the story. Rhode Island has seen the number of visiting winemakers increase of late, both at consumer tasting events such as last fall’s Newport Mansions wine festival and on tasting tours of restaurants and wine shops. This puts Providence and Newport in the select company of such dining destination cities as New York and Chicago. So, be on the lookout at your favorite restaurant or wine shop. That person at the next table swirling and sipping might just be a winemaker with an interesting story and a glass to share. 

Dining Out with Bruce Newbury can be heard on News/Talk 102.3 FM WXLM Saturdays at 12:00 Noon.