Hip Tastes Blog

It's been such a busy week with the impending book launch that I've hardly had a moment to jot down some thoughts and share pics from my AMAZING trip to Sonoma. It's rare that I take a break from work, and I definitely don't get out of the city enough, so when a winemaker friend invited me to go picking and shadow him for a few days during harvest (that's "crush" to the locals), I jumped at the opportunity.

Fresh back, I have to say that harvest is one of the most exhausting - and rejuvenating - times of the year in wine country...

I'll be writing about my experiences in more detail in an upcoming piece for WineCountry.com called "Diary of a Crush", so for now I'll just throw out a few highlights, as well as this link to a great slideshow of shots from my trip:

- Getting up at 5am to pick grapes sounds terrible but is actually fun - especially when there's hot coffee waiting for you and the promise of a cold beer when the picking's done.

- Making wine is, like, 80% about cleaning things. I spent a lot more time hosing down various bins and presses than I did actually working with the good stuff.

- Sorting grapes before they head into the crusher/destemmer is a high-pressure job. The grapes whiz by you on a conveyer belt and you have to make split-second decisions about what SHOULDN'T be there. Fortunately, I was stationed next to the speed dial, so I got to slow things down while I got the hang of it. What I DIDN'T get used to were the bugs and spiders and hornets that were crawling around with the grapes! Still can't believe I didn't get stung.

- Pumping down the caps on the top of wine in fermentation tanks is hard work - even with a pneumatic press. I nearly fell into the tank on my first go at it, but quickly recovered and was thrilled that no one apparently saw.

- Burberry is NOT the best brand to wear in wine country during crush. On second thought, any clothing you value in the slightest should be left at home. At least I'll know that for next year.

- It feels GOOD to sit down at the end of a long day during harvest. As in, REALLY REALLY GOOD. You feel like you earned it - and then some.

- I'm totally crushing on wine country - way more than ever before. Can't you tell?

CC

Posted by Courtney at 04:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I'd always envisioned myself stepping out in my PJs (like Carrie in SNTC when her book came out) to buy the paper containing my first review. But, when you've got a publicist and a Blackberry, the review comes right to you. So instead, I read the SF Chron's terrific review of the book in about 30 seconds on a two-inch screen. Freelancer and cocktail book author Camper English is the guy behind the review, and I must say next time I see him I'll be giving him a great BIG hug for this very cool little review.

Posted by Courtney at 07:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I guess when you get two degrees from the same institution you've officially got a special bond with the place. There's no other way to explain the serious love I'm getting from my double alma mater, UCLA, which just published a fantastic piece on the new book and me at the Young Alumni portion of their web site. Check it out - they even created a freaking slide show of me!

What can I say, but Go Bruins!

Posted by Courtney at 06:38 PM | Permalink

The dating life is tough. Take, for example, an unfortunate coincidence that came up between two good friends of mine not long ago. Both ladies were living in Manhattan, working hard by day and - unbeknownst to each other - enjoying romantic dates with same dashing bachelor by night.

Both believed her relationship was "getting more serious," when in reality the guy was more interested in dating most of Manhattan than moving closer to any sort of commitment. It wasn't until said gentleman went on vacation to Brazil and sent both women flirtatious text messages signed, "Kisses from Rio" that they made the connection...

Continue reading my latest article at WineCountry.com

Posted by Courtney at 07:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Every time I get back from wine country I feel incredibly relaxed, rejuvenated, inspired and, well, happy. Not surprising given my affinity for the good stuff and the people and places behind it, but I DID find it a little odd to see it spelled out in broad daylight on this last trip.

Check out this hilarious message from an empty storefront just off the plaza in Sonoma's ridiculously cute hamlet, Healdsburg. That the spelling of "happieness" recalls hippies is all-too-perfect for this laid-back spot. (For the record, I've chosen to ignore the darker implications behind "buying" happiness; life's too short to dwell on the dark stuff :))

Can't wait to get back.

Posted by Courtney at 09:55 PM | Permalink

It's an absolutely GORGEOUS night here in SF, and the earlier part of the eve found me reconoitering with a couple of friends at the Metro Bar on Market (yes, gay friends, for those familiar with the locale). Comfortably seated in our perch high above the Castro, we couldn't stop talking about our upcoming trip to NYC for my splashy book party. But - perhaps more importantly - we were also kibbitzing over the soon-to-come book blitzkrieg - as in PR blitzkrieg. How can we blow this thing out of the water, we wondered? What's the publicity stunt that will push the Hip Tastes book into hyper sales territory, into hyper-royalty-returns and all the fame and fabulousness that go along with it?

With the launch a little over a week away (Oct 4), I must say I'm getting lots of PR suggestions these days - some more plausible than others. Perhaps the best - if totally implausible - suggestion (and there have been some mighty good ones to date) came from a friend down in LA, who phoned up tonight to yack book and all things book sales/PR-related. There is a lot going on right now, so we had a lot to talk about!

His suggestion, to cut to the chase, was to orchestrate a high speed chase a la OJ in a van branded "HIP TASTES".

His suggestion didn't merit a serious response, but it got me thinking about how hard it is to get the good word out about a new book coming out. Hopefully, other more probable and less criminal PR opportunities will materialize in the next few weeks, so - if nothing else - I can get the image of the careening Hip Tastes van out of my mind.

Because - DAMN - that would net a lot of press, now, wouldn't it?

Posted by Courtney at 10:21 PM | Permalink

I'm picking grapes today and tomorrow with my friend Kenny in Russian River. This is my first foray into the real "getting your hands dirty" part of the wine biz, and I must say it feels long overdue. Kenny's been featured in the blog a bunch, so you can read about him here. I promise some fun tidbits about life "behind the scenes" during crush when I get back, so that those of you with office jobs rolling your eyes right now at my incredible luck can live vicariously. Maybe next year you'll play hookey and come with me, eh? Cheers.

Posted by Courtney at 12:36 AM | Permalink

I'm absolutely certain someone is going to give me grief for this post, but I just can't resist. I went to a fantastic and - I must say - eye-opening tasting of Brazilian wine here in SF last week, where I couldn't help but note that not only were some of the wines quite delicious, a couple of the pourers were extremely easy on the eyes. Exhibit A. I'll spare this guy the grief of mentioning is his name, but he actually poured some terrific sparkling wines and was super pleasant. Check out my full report on my fav Brazilian wines in my article at WineCountry.com.

Posted by Courtney at 12:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Time was, a routine visit to a winery involved a few tastes, a brief chat with a bored-looking tasting room employee and an uneventful "tour" of the spot's garish gift shop. Deluxe tours might've involved slightly more animated interactions with employees, the occasional glimpse into a barrel room or winemaking facility and, for a suitably hefty additional price, tastes of "reserve" or "limited release" wines.

But please, people: these cookie cutter visits are SO last year.

Nowadays, not only is it possible to score WAY more personalized perks such as face time with elusive winemakers, you can also go behind the scenes to explore the vineyards and grounds of some wineries courtesy of custom programs they've designed to show off their operations. There's just one caveat: you've got to work for some of these perks... Continue reading my latest article at WineCountry.com

Posted by Courtney at 12:14 AM | Permalink

Whoever said hospitality is dead in the wine industry clearly hasn't been to Mendocino. Well, I haven't either (I know, clearly a little embarrassing for someone who gets up to Napa & Sonoma on a regular basis!), but I DID get a great sense for the friendly people and delicious wines of this exciting region at last Saturday's Mendocino By the Bay tasting here in the city. I'll post more on my discoveries - both vinous and lifestyle/travel-oriented - from my regular column at WineCountry.com in the upcoming weeks, but for now I'll leave you with this pic of Mendo man-about-the-vines Casey Hartlip of Eaglepoint Ranch, who shows off his commitment to his award-winning Coro Mendocino wine (very cool story behind this forthcoming) by way of this tattoo. Now that's dedication, ya'll.

Posted by Courtney at 05:48 PM | Permalink

My grandmother from Colorado - of all people - just sent me a newspaper clipping about Kobe Bryant's Cristal binge at the recent opening of BLUSH nightclub at the Wynn in Vegas. She recognized Cristal from a mention in my book (she has an early copy - shhh!!), and was THRILLED to be "with it" enough to ID the famous bubbly. Great to see the Hip Tastes book having an impact already! The gist of the story is that

the basketball player arrived at the opening only to see star poker player Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari order two bottles of the famed Champagne at $1,400 a pop. Not to be outdone, Bryant then ordered five bottles, after which the poker player upped his order (ante?) to an astounding 10. Kobe apparently had the last word, though, ordering an exorbitant 15 bottles of the luxe bubbly before promptly leaving (without the bubbs).

Ah, disposable income.

Get the full story here.

Posted by Courtney at 10:24 AM | Permalink

For those of you who haven't already seen it, be sure to read the great piece on SF's many unpretentious wine bars in yesterday's NY Times. Even better, SF's own reliable, resourceful and very funny wine blogger, Alder Yarrow of Vinography, has a "starring role" in the article! Wine bars profiled by writer Gregory Dicum include Nectar, Hotel Biron, Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant, and Yield (I STILL haven't been, ugh). Congrats, Alder!

Posted by Courtney at 03:36 PM | Permalink

How do you get a room full of executives to do the wave while one of their colleagues belts out Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" at the front of the room? First you give them lots of wine, then you mistake one of them for offering "Celine Dion" instead of "Semillon" (sounds like say-me-yon) in response to a question about common white grapes found in France. I'd been drinking a bit along with them (occupational hazard), but I think it's pushing it to say I was tipsy...

Instead, it was just a really rambunctious group, and we'd been joking around pretty much throughout my presentation (I was hired to do a wine and food pairing presentation along with my friend Erika Heinemann of Savvy Wine Food). Add to this the fact that no one in the room was particularly well-versed in wine minutia (sometimes a welcome relief!), and I thought the guy was just being funny.

But no, turns out he knew about the white grape Semillon, commonly grown in Bordeaux, and just mispronounced it. As a French speaker, I didn't at first grasp his anglified version of "Semillon," and repeated back, "Celine Dion?!" By the time the room stopped laughing - including yours truly - I decided to offer up the grand prize of the day (a deluxe wine opening and serving kit) to whomever would come up to the front of the room and actually sing a Celine Dion song.

I was half joking, but this gal jumped up immediately and announced that she could sing "any Celine Dion song" (is it just me or will people do pretty much anything after drinking a bunch of wine?). Well, what do you know, her colleague who'd organized the meeting had - bingo! - a whole buncha the chanteuse's songs on her iPod, already conveniently hooked up to the sound system. A few moments later I watched in awe as hands were raised towards the ceiling and the wave put into full effect, while "Because You Loved Me" reverberated throughout the room.

I have never, EVER seen anything like that during my brief tenure hosting corporate wine tastings, but I hope similar situations follow suit. I have to add that before she sang, the gal mumbled on her way up to the stage, "I'm totally getting fired for this."

A hundred bucks says she gets a promotion.

Posted by Courtney at 08:12 PM | Permalink

My editor just overnighted me the finished book (on-sale date is Oct 4) and I must say it looks HOT!!! Check out these snaps, including some shots of interior pages. I love love LOVE the illustrations by Donna Mehalko, who really nailed the fresh, fun side of tasting. Holding the book for the first time was definitely a crazy experience - I don't have kids, but it certainly made feel like I was holding a "baby" ;). Those interested in pre-ordering are more than welcome to do so already at Amazon.

Or, stay tuned for an upcoming list of appearances and signings, and get one from me in person!

Posted by Courtney at 03:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Well, the time has finally come to try to transition from my trusty old (well, no longer so trusty) PC laptop to my sparkly new Mac. Trouble is, I had an easier time mastering the subtleties of financial accounting in business school than making this move. I bought the new goods - MacBook, lovely giant monitor, iPod, etc - from the Mac store nearly a month ago (don't EVEN get me started on that experience), and I'm still using my PC...

The biggest problem is that the Mac store people didn't transfer all my data to the new machine, although they insisted that they had (jerks). So, even though in theory I could use the new email application on the Mac, I couldn't attach any of my files to emails because - well, there weren't any files to attach! Besides this, there are all the peripheral gadgets to attach and synch up to the new machine, and the small issue that I really have no idea how the Mac operating system works.

Fortunately, my tech guy is on his way over to - hopefully - help me successfully complete the migration. So, if you start seeing more fancy-looking graphics and pics (and hopefully video, too!) in the blog before long, you'll know I've made it safely to the other side. Just taking a bit longer than I'd expected.

Posted by Courtney at 11:18 AM | Permalink

I asked a handful of up-and-coming winemakers, such as Richard of Napa's HALL winery, to answer a few questions about things I thought readers would like to hear about. Read on for Richard's responses, and be sure to check out the Napa Man blog for the scoop on HALL's totally fabulous upcoming collaboration with the one and only Frank Gehry (yes, that means there will be a Gehry-designed winery for you all to visit in Napa before too long).

Interview with Richard Batchelor

This New Zealand native joined HALL in 2003 as assistant winemaker and was promoted to head winemaker in 2006. Before coming to HALL, Richard was an enologist and lab director at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards in Santa Rosa for three years. In New Zealand he worked at Sherwood Estate and Seifried Estate wineries and received a postgraduate degree in viticulture and enology from Lincoln University in Christchurch.

- best white under $10, hands down?
Oxford Landing Chardonnay, Australia

- best red under $10, hands down?
Rosemont Diamond Shiraz

- your favorite pink wine?
Sorry I don't usually drink Pink.

- fav bubbly?
Cristal - While I know it's the cliche pop star bubbly of choice, it's really excellent wine!

- fav new "hip" wine region?
Rioja, Spain

- a really great glass of wine, to me, is like...
Wow, this is dangerous.

- best white over $30?
Why is white wine over $30?

- best red over $50?
Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon

- best wine you've ever had?
Every new vintage of wine I try.

- quick advice for the wine novice?
If you're not enjoying the wine in your glass, don't talk yourself into "liking" a wine if you don't. Pour it out and try the next one and the next one. Don't deny your palate-figure out what YOU like and branch out from there.

Taste his wines

Posted by Courtney at 12:07 PM | Permalink

Those of you who keep up with the blog will recall that I took part in a really fun panel discussion called "Hot Young Sommeliers" (I didn't pick the name!!!) held at San Francisco's historic Commonwealth Club not long ago. Author and Emmy award-winning television host Leslie Sbrocco moderated the discussion, and my co-panelists included Christine Dufault, sommelier at the fabulous Quince restaurant, and Mark Bright, sommelier at Oola (and winner of best new sommelier honors from Wine & Spirits magazine at the tender age of 21).

Listen in here!

Posted by Courtney at 10:49 AM | Permalink

Posted by Courtney at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The book tour, like the book, is finally here! Hip tasters, please come out and meet and drink with me at any of the following spots - I can't wait to meet you! ;)

Oct. 9 - Warwick's book signing/wine tasting @ Jonathan's of La Jolla (San Diego), CA
San Diego bookselling standout Warwick's is hosting a little fete just for me! $40 includes a copy of the book and delicious wine & eats. So come on out, So Cal'ers!
Tickets & Event 411


Oct. 10 - Wine & Sign @ Borders, Westwood (Los Angeles), CA
Free - And just down the street from my double alma mater, UCLA (go Bruins!!). Come on out and enjoy a glass of wine and say hi if you're in La La land. Love to see/meet you, whatever the case may be!
More Info


Oct. 13 - Signing @ K&L Wine Merchants' French Connection tasting, San Francisco, CA
This will be a FABULOUS tasting of high-end wines from throughout France. Oh, gourmet bites, too. $75 includes food and lots of delicious wine (book not included with entry).
Tickets & Event 411


Oct. 13 - Official Sonoma County Release Party
There will be a reading followed by a band, and free wine and food. In other words, what's not to like? Email me for details at signings@hiptastes.com.





Oct. 14 - Official Napa County Release Party @ The Vintner's Collective, Napa
This should be a terrific event at one of the valley's hottest spots to taste. Check out the article I wrote about The Collective here. Free wine & food, people - come on out! Email me for details at signings@hiptastes.com.



Oct. 17-20 - Private events in NYC
I will update this page if a public signing materializes in New York. Those of you flying out to support - I love you!!! ;)








Oct. 25 - Changing Hands Wine & Sign @ Duck & Decanter, Phoenix, AZ
Who knew - This AZ book store is HOT and they want Hip Tastes. So, away I go to Phoenix, for the first time, at that. Should be great - $60 includes a copy of the book, wine & appetizers.
Event details & 411


Nov. 8 - Wine & Sign @ Vintage Press Restaurant, Visalia, CA
Free - This is my home town, people! I'm stoked to be heading home to see the folks and meet, greet & sign at my favorite resto in V-Town, "The VP." Email me for more info at signings@hiptastes.com.

Posted by Courtney at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Check out this quick video (just under 3 mins!) of me chatting about the book. It's shot in Napa, so you can expect some gorgeous scenery. Enjoy!

See the video here

Posted by Courtney at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Oeno-What? Don't worry, Courtney Cochran makes wine easy. She incorporates simple tips that give you that "A-Ha!" moment, over and over again. Cochran is the consummate hip sommelier, and HIP TASTES, the perfect companion. She's not afraid to go outside of the traditional, often safe, varietals and suggest delicious wines a little off the beaten path. Her tips aren't just tips, they are rules to live buy if you're serious - or not - about a good Aglianico. HIP TASTES is the pocket guide to wine success!

- Danny DiVella, Manager & Sommelier - Michael's NY

I always wanted a crash course on wine that didn't require endless hours of studying while leaving me with an empty bank account. Courtney's book is beautifully written, easy to read, memorable, and most importantly informative. If it worked for me, it can work for anyone!

- Sarah Wagman, NYC

I loved Courtney's book because of its accessibility - I was surprised at how thoroughly it covers all types of wine while still being fun to read. The book is a lot like one of Courtney's events - it's casual, tasteful, and fun.

- Kevin Rogers, SF/NYC

Posted by Courtney at 12:00 AM | Permalink

9.28 - SF Chronicle Is Hot for Hip Tastes!

In a review titled "Is That a Sommelier In Your Pocket?", the Chronicle praises Courtney's "short answers" to the wide world of wine and practical solutions for modern drinking problems, like how to get by at a business reception with terrible wine (clue: reach for the ice).






9.28 - Napa Man Praises Hip Tastes

Food, wine, restaurant critic and bon vivant-about-Napa Jim White includes Courtney's new book amongst his top picks for wine tomes. Check out the review - the book's in great company (we're talking Parker & Lynch - not bad!!).






Oct, 2007 - San Francisco Magazine Says Hip Tastes Is "Wine Minus the Snob Factor"

In a great piece by SF's favorite cheeky food maven, Marcia Gagliardi, San Francisco Magazine says that "the funkiest events for the new generation of winos who are saying au revoir to 'wine-and-cheese' affairs are run by Courtney Cochran of Hip Tastes." (The book's mentioned, too!)

Download a copy at courtneycochran.com


9.26 - UCLA Recent Grads Spotlight On Courtney

Double Bruin alum Courtney (BA '01, MBA '05) shares her thoughts on her new book, making it as an entrepreneur, and life after UCLA.






Oct, 2007 - Domino Magazine Features Hip Tastes As A Must-Have Wine Party Guide

The October issue of this fresh new design mag includes a special profile on Courtney's new book and her favorite wine party gadgets and accessories.

Download a copy at courtneycochran.com






Dec, 2007 - 7x7 Mag features Hip Tastes in its holiday issue!

San Fran's stylish 7x7 Magazine included the Hip Tastes book in its lineup of the season's best new food and wine-themed books penned local authors.

Download a copy at courtneycochran.com

Posted by Courtney at 12:00 AM | Permalink