Vine and Barrel Portuguese & Spanish Event

Saturday my sister, Lisa and I attended a Spanish & Portuguese wine tasting event at Vine and Barrel.  If you remember my recent post about my Portuguese heritage, you know that my family is Portuguese and I try to attend anything Portuguese, if I can.

Vine and Barrel is owned by a Petaluma native, Jason Jenkins, whom I went to high school with way back when.  The wine shop is located in historic downtown Petaluma in a building that was once a speakeasy and served as both a brothel and card room at one time.  As you walk into the wine shop, you could almost feel what it was like way back then.  In the front door, you walk into a long, narrow room with high ceilings.   Wine bottles line the dark red and warm tone tan painted walls.  A chandelier hangs from above in the center of the room, giving it a cozy glow. 

Lisa trying out some Portuguese wine.

The tapas that were served were Delicious!  My favorite, of course, were the bacon wrapped dates.  Almost like my Portuguese Roll ups but these had an walnut stuffed inside and a tangy sauce (possibly BBQ sauce) over the top.  SO GOOD!  I think I ate four or five of them!

I've been eating WAY too much bacon lately.

I think I may have a problem.

The tapas were plentiful and all included with the $30 per person cost of the event.

There were a number of wines to taste from the Spanish and Portuguese regions.  I really enjoyed tasting the different varietals.  They're so different from the California wines I'm used to.  This is what makes visiting a wine shop, such as Vine and Barrel so different than wine tasting at wineries......you can taste wines from around the world, all under one roof.

They have over a 600 bottle selection available.  Something can be found for every budget. 

Back for one more snack, before it was time to leave.  I can't say no to cheese either.

If you ever get the chance to attend one of these events, do it, you will not be disappointed!

Happy Sunday!