Kramer turns wine into words; Noted critic will speak at CCS fund-

Matt Kramer began drinking and learning about wine at the exact same time he started writing about wine.

That's not the way it is usually done, but we are talking about the mid 1970s, when the Portland resident began working for a weekly newspaper as a food writer and ended up one of the country's most widely read wine columnists.

Kramer writes for Wine Spectator, the Oregonian newspaper and other publications and is the author of five books, including a cookbook. He's also an advocate of making wine language more palatable to those interested in exploring wines from around the world.

Kramer will be the guest speaker for a fund-raiser next Thursday for the Spokane Community College Center for the Humanities. The event will be hosted by the Community Colleges of Spokane Foundation and the Spokane Winery Association and will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28 in the Lair Student Center, Building 6 at Spokane Community College.

A wine critic for 28 years, Kramer was one of the first wine columnists to predict Washington would evolve from a white wine producer into a state producing premium red wines - a risky prediction during the time when Washington was producing mostly riesling and chardonnay. He has spent 10 years as a contributing editor for Wine Spectator, a magazine many consider the definitive authority in the wine industry.

For those interested in learning about wine, Kramer's advice is to learn some of the vocabulary, but don't get too hung up or intimidated by it.

"In fairness, talking about wine is a lot like speaking and learning another language," Kramer said in a phone interview. "But people get hung up on the language. They think that wine is an intimidating subject - all that swirling and sniffing and gargling and then holding forth."

He suggests that people find out what they like and not worry about the "voodoo" language surrounding the wine. Despite the fact that he is an experienced cook, Kramer doesn't make pronouncements of what wine should be paired with a particular food.

"A well-made wine will go with just about anything," Kramer said. "When you announce certain food and wine pairings, it sounds so declarative, and people will perceive it that way."

Over the years, Kramer has seen many changes occur in the wine industry - growth being the biggest change. When he began writing about wine, Oregon and Washington had a few wineries, and California was just emerging. He also sees more women in the industry today, both working in the industry and as consumers.

"I've taught wine education classes for many years, and I believe that women are better tasters than men," Kramer said. "Women are raised in a world of nuance - more aware of color and texture and aroma. Men don't learn those nuances growing up. They can learn it and when they do, they are on equal grounds."

Kramer said he is looking forward to coming to Spokane and tasting wines produced by local winemakers. The fee is $75 per person and includes three wine flights (Sangiovese-based wines and Bordeaux- style blends) accompanied by light appetizers made by students of the Spokane Community College culinary arts program. Registration is limited. For tickets or more information call (509) 434-5123.

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