Drink Local: Made in Malibu Launches at Pourtal

When wine aficionados talk about California wine, it’s more than likely they’re discussing the world famous wineries that are well north of our fair city. Santa Monica’s Pourtal aims to change that way of thinking with Made in Malibu, a wine tasting series that explores Malibu’s burgeoning wine region, or American Viticultural Area (AVA). The goal for the month-long series is “to spotlight some of our favorite California wines, all of which are produced right in L.A.’s backyard,” says Pourtal owner Stephen Abronson.

The exclusive wine tasting tour will feature a flight of ten wines crafted solely from grapes grown in the Malibu AVA. Pourtal’s high-tech Enomatic machines will be busy dispensing tastes through the month of January. Each wine is priced per 1 oz. pour, and guests are welcome to sample at their own pace. Two additional Malibu wines will be available from Pourtal’s by-the-glass list.

Made in Malibu featured wines include:

• 2006 Hoyt Family Vineyards Chardonnay
• 2008 Republic of Malibu Pink Lady Rosé
• 2007 Cielo Malibu Rouge
• 2001 Semler Cabernet Sauvignon Library Release
• 2005 Semler Syrah
• 2005 Rosenthal Malibu Newton Canyon Merlot
• 2004 Rosenthal Surfrider Red
• 2007 Griffin Family Vineyard Malbec
• 2007 Malibu Vineyards “Vortex” Sangiovese
• 2008 Malibu Sanity Pinot Noir, Schetter Malibu Vineyard

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Made in Malibu debuts on Wednesday, January 6 with a launch party honoring the winemakers. Representatives from each of the featured wineries will discuss their wines as well as hand-pour an additional wine. Pourtal will provide hosted appetizers for guests. Admission to the launch party is free. The hand-poured tastings are free with the purchase of a $15 Pourtal tasting card, which may be used for pours from the Enomatic machines at any time.

Throughout the month, Pourtal will also host select Malibu wineries for a special series of hand-poured tasting events. Each winemaker will present several off-the-list wines to taste, as well as have a few bottles available for purchase. The tastings are free to guests with the purchase of a $15 Pourtal tasting card.

NOTE: Dates and times for the special tastings are subject to change. For the full schedule of tasting events, please visit Pourtal’s website.

Made in Malibu
Wine Tour and Tasting Series
Jan. 6-31, 2010
Available any time during regular business hours.

Launch Party: Wednesday, January 6th, from 7-10pm.

Pourtal
104 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-7693
www.pourtal.com

Update 1/19: Tonight, you can support the Haiti earthquake relief effort by drinking wine. From 7pm to closing, Pourtal will donate 25% off all tasting sales on Tuesday night to the Santa Monica chapter of the Red Cross specifically for the earthquake relief in Haiti.