Farmstead Cheeses and Wines: Jeff’s Blog

What a transition - after 18 hours in transit (Mendoza, Santiago, Dallas Fort Worth, San Francisco), I’m met at the San Francisco airport by Mrs. Cheesemonger.

We say adieu to our Bay Area compatriots (Meryll from JV in Napa, Jim from Wine Steward in Pleasanton, JP and Andy from Angeles/Kysela), and pile into the Cheesemongermobile for the trek back to the Oakland Hills.

The pups are glad to see me, but not as glad as I am to see them, my great house, and most of all, my lovely wife, Mrs Cheesemonger.

I bathe, unpack, and then it’s off to Farmstead Montclair for our Friday night wine tasting. Mike from Regal was hosting, and we tasted some great Elyse Zin, Mantanzas Creek Chard, Espelt Corali Rosado, and Bored-Doe from Goats do Roam.

It was great to see so many customers in the shop as well as my fabulous staff.

The next morning, it’s back to work, hosting a booth at the Alameda Art and Wine Fair(e). Every year, we man a booth at the fair, providing an educational component to the wine program (they pour mostly supermarket wine).

This year, I chose South Africa as a theme, and we’re pouring selections from MAN Vintners, Porcupine Ridge and Goats do Roam. People seem particularly enamored with Goats White and MAN Pinotage. It’s a great way to teach folks a bit about a new (to them) wine region, and a nice way to extend the Farmstead brand to some new customers.
Joining me are Mrs. Cheesemonger, Michael Tripp from Epic Wines (representing Porcupine Ridge and MAN), Mike Peterson (representing Goats do Roam), and some trusted staff.

Having been to South Africa is definitely a boon here, as I can describe the terroir, winemaking styles and techniques with real world experience…..

Michele and Bill, tasting South African Wines at the Fair(e)