Treat Yo Self! Sipping and Sailing at Mandarin Oriental SF

Pretty much anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I am a “local economy” girl.  I love that I can pretty much shop for anything I need within Mountain View’s city limits, and whatever I cannot get can be obtained in the bordering cities. I will attend the occasional event in San Jose or San Francisco, but it’s pretty rare for me to make an entire day of it.

Such a rare occasion happened this past Saturday. After months of dealing with an illness, I was feeling energized enough to go out on an adventure.  If you’re a fan of the television program Parks and Recreation, you may be familiar with the term “Treat Yo Self!”  Treat Yo Self is a day of shopping, pampering…whatever you may be in the mood for without concern for cost or indulgence.

So, I had a Treat Yo Self Day in San Francisco.

I decided to indulge in the Summer of Sipping & Sailing wine tasting event held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.  The tastings are held on days that the America’s Cup races occur.  The hotel has an amazing view of the Bay from their 40th floor sky deck.  For two hours, I enjoyed several glasses of New Zealand wines (the theme for this tasting) which noshing on oysters and several other finger foods.  Mandarin Oriental SF Wine Director, Nicole Kosta, was on hand the entire time ensuring that everyone enjoyed themselves.

I was impressed with the selections that were offered, including those from Nautilus, Villa Marie Estate (who handed out post cards), Salmond and Mt. Beautiful.   My absolute favorite was a Sophora Cuvee Sparkling Rose.  It was probably a good thing that you couldn’t purchase the wine onsite, but many had locations in and around San Francisco.  However, when I inquired about retailers in the peninsula, I was happy to learn many of the wines are available via K&L Wine Merchants.

While the tasting and the views were thoroughly enjoyable, I would have to say my favorite part of the adventure happened later in the afternoon.  I headed to the hotel restaurant for a late lunch and saw several of the wine representatives enjoying post-event conversation.  I was waved over and invited to join them. For the next hour or so, I received some great insight about the business of wine making and spirits.  It didn’t hurt that I was gifted with a few choice glasses of vino, which I paired with some very flavorful crab cakes.

I originally planned to treat myself for just this time, but after enjoying the views, vino and conversation, I’m pretty certain I will attend the last Summer of Sipping & Sailing on September 21st…and you should too!  This time, Aussie wines will be featured. 

Now, if I could treat myself to an overnight stay.  ..

For more information:

Summer of Sipping & Sailing: https://summerofsippingandsailing.eventbrite.com/

Mandarian Oriental Hotel SF: www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco/

Campari: www.campari.com

Mt. Beautiful: www.mtbeautiful.co.nz

Nautilus: www.negociantsusa.com

Salmond: www.salmondwines.com

Villa Maria Estate: www.villamaria.co.nz