In today's world, we care where our food comes from. We want to know where our fruits and vegetable are grown. We want to know where our meat came from and how the animals lived and what they were fed. We want transparency in our food. We want safety and honesty. And we want good tasting food. All of this is what Cochon 555 stands for and that is why it is the Please The Palate pick of the week.
Cochon 555 was created in 2008 and since 2009 they have been organizing nose-to-tail culinary events around the country. Responding to the lack of education around heritage breed pigs, they support family farmers and educate buyers about the agricultural importance of eating heritage pigs.
The 18th annual World of Pinot Noir took place in Santa Barbara this past weekend. More than 250 wineries from around the world showcased their Pinot Noirs at seminars, lunches, dinners and the grand tastings. Everyone in attendance was friendly and shared the common love of Pinot Noir. I was reminded how overall, the wine industry is one of camaraderie, friendship and support.
Winemakers share their wines and taste each other’s wines, offering their feedback. Winemakers buy fruit from each other and sometimes work in the same facility, sharing equipment. They travel together for events or on sales trips.
Even as competitors, they are friends and that was showcased at a dinner I attended featuring winemakers Wells Guthrie of Copain, Jonathan Nagy of Byron, Greg Brewer of Brewer-Clifton and Adam Lee of Siduri.
From the Alexander Valley to the Santa Ynez Valley and in between, these four winemakers have each been making wine for more than 20 years each and their relationships go back as far.