Member Tasting at Wine Vault

Thanks to Wine Vault for inviting WinewomenPSP members to a wine tasting for their clients and friends last Friday night. Besides rolling out an assortment of great wines from California and around the world, they also kept hunger pangs at bay with roasted veggies, cheeses, snacks and juicy tri-tip hot off the grill by New Leaf Catering. Nice!

Make it your business to know this state-of-the-art wine storage facility in north Palm Desert, across the way from Sun City. With nearly six months of heat coming up, you might want to check out what they offer – at affordable rates for wine enthusiasts. They're not just for connoisseurs, country clubs and restaurants. You too can afford to store your private wine stash at Wine Vault under temperature and humidity-controlled conditions that will keep your bottled babies at their best. WVOTD also provides security monitoring, online inventory management software and a backup generator in case of power failures. In other words, they've got you – and your wines – covered.

Southern Wine and Spirits not only brought out an arsenal of wine but also spiced up the tasting with tips for food-wine pairings. A few faves from the crowd, all available for order at knock-down prices: New Zealand's Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough), Rodney Strong "Chalk Hill" Chardonnay (Sonoma), Antinori "Villa Red" Sangiovese-Cabernet-Merlot blend (Tuscany), Paul Dolan Cabernet Sauvignon made from organically grown grapes (Mendocino) and a host of popular picks from Columbia Crest, Chateau Ste. Michelle and more New and Old World producers.

Cachet Fiore's table arrangements added touches of color while savory crisps by Love At First Bite kept tasting palates refreshed.

You can find out about Wine Vault's summer specials, freebies, pick-up services and their restaurant partner program that waives corkage fees for WVOTD members at some of the valley's best dining spots by calling Jack, Ralph and their team at 760.345.3000 or online at wvotd.com

Overheard from a group of ladies who'd never been to this type of wine tasting as they busily filled out ticket orders for the April 9-11 Coachella Wine Festival: "This is so much fun, we've got to go all three days!" We'll drink to that.