Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/658375
April 2016 WINES&VINES 57 TECHNICAL SPOTLIGHT WINEMAKING Contacts: Martin McCarthy North American Sales Director Cell. (707) 303-0941 Deborah Passin Sonoma, Central Coast Cell. (415) 215-5302 Offce: 1285 S. Foothill Blvd - Cloverdale, CA 95425 Ph: (707) 224-2377 - Fax: (707) 224-2390 100% Integrated fr , Full T 100% PEFC, HAACP, ISO 9001, Veritas Certifcation for Wood Aging and Origin A lab provides basic analysis, and Russi said as the winery grows Comstock may bring on an enologist or lab tech. The current production staff consists of Russi and cellar master Saul Cardenes. Events and hospitality The winery also has a fully certi- fied and equipped commercial k i t c h e n f o r c a t e r i n g s p e c i a l events and preparing food pair- ings for tastings. Comstock Fer- ris said the winery is permitted for 56 "event days," which in- cludes everything from the an- n u a l Pa s s p o r t t o D r y C r e e k Valley weekend to winemaker dinners and wine club pick-up parties. She said an expanded tasting with food pairing does not get categorized as a special event, however. Before managing the family winery, Comstock Ferris was the marketing coordinator for the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Val- ley organization and oversaw marketing, hospitality and di- rect sales at two other Dry Creek Valley wineries. Prior to work- ing in the wine industry, Com- s t o c k Fe r r i s l a u n c h e d a n d managed a bar in Manhattan. She said she loved being able to be part of the planning process because it afforded her the op- portunity to design the hospitality areas of the winery just as she wanted them. "It was a lot of fun, and I think for Chris, too, to say, 'OK, here's everything I've ever wanted to do, and here's every hiccup I've ever encountered. So how do we plan in advance for what we want to accomplish with minimal hiccups?'" she said. The main tasting room area fea- tures a hidden back bar and prepa- ration area so all the case hauling, glass washing and other bar work happens out of sight of the visitors. Comstock Ferris said it also prevents guests getting the tasting room "spa Comstock Wines has several portable tasting bars that can be moved through- out the winery to accommodate crowds during busy times and special events.