New Winemaker in Napa Valley Makes it Right with Haitus

by Frank Mangio

The man on the move with Napa Valley wines that are making a solid statement is Mark Davidowski.

Mark was the guiding force behind the highly successful (and it still is) Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas, which he started in 2002 after a successful run as a tech specialist and wine distributor.  He implemented revolutionary strategy for a wine shop at that time, bringing in wine makers, producing major benefit wine events and establishing relationships with overseas wineries, so much so, they came to Meritage just to hang out and pour wine at its festive wine bar.

Mark Davidowski pours a pop of his 2009 Haitus Napa Valley 2009 Cabernet.

But Mark did a disappearing act a few years ago to bury himself in winemaking Napa Valley style, and a year or so ago emerged as the proud proprietor  of Haitus Cellars, with 5 varietals and blends, now offering his 2nd series of releases.  He was “back at the shop” a couple of months ago at Meritage, pouring his 2011 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($48.), 2010 Apex Napa Valley Cabernet Red Blend $40.), 2010 Napa Valley Chardonnay ($27.), 2007 Hiatus Red Syrah Blend $40.) and the 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet ($50.).

The wines I make are about all the relationships I have developed with vineyards in Napa and Sonoma for the past decade and more,”Davidowski revealed.  “ I really work hard to find and take ownership of the finest grapes I can find.  Once fermented I take over and start with the blending.  I already know what the flavor will be for the  block of grapes I get for Haitus.  I work closely with the vineyard’s top winemakers to make wine on site to my specs.  I ‘m on a first name basis with Paul Hobbs and other greats to make my style of wine. I love elegance in an earthy style, like the best Burgundies.”

I asked him about his 2007 Haitus Red which blew me away.  “ The grapes are from the Pope Valley with a rich and powerful thrust from the 39% Syrah. I put Cab Franc in for flavor.  I needed a lift for the blend so I put a small but potent percent of Zinfandel in and made it that much richer and bigger,” he concluded.

Get to know Mark Davidowski and Haitus at www.haituscellars.com.

Wines from Down Under at Villa Capri 2

My good friend Victor Magalhaes is riding high these days with his successful Villa Capri 2 among several other Italian restaurants along the Carmel Valley 56 corridor in San Diego.  If that were not enough he just bought Twisted Vine Wine Bar in the same area. When I caught up with him, he introduced me to Mark Salter, the Southwest Sales Director for Australian wines, with a few in France, Italy, New Zealand and the U.S. west coast. At Villa Capri 2, he was singing the praises of the signature wines of d’Arenberg from the

D’Arenberg wines were showcased recently at Villa Capri 2 in San Diego.  Sales rep Mark Salter

is shown on the left, with restaurant owner Victor Magalhaes.

McLaren Valley of South Australia.  The ones that broke through on taste and body were:  the 2009 Custodian Grenache ($17.50), the 2010 Footbolt Shiraz($17,50) and the 2009 Cadenza Blend ( Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre( $23.).  See more events at www.villacapri2.com.

Top Ten Most Booked Restaurants in San Diego
Open Table dot com just came out with their Top Ten voted by subscribers:
#1-Seasons 52 in La Jolla.  #2-Cucina Urbana in San Diego.  #3-Stone Brewing World in Escondido.  #4-Benihana in San Diego.  #5-Ruth’s Chris Steak House in San Diego.  #6-Jake’s in Del Mar.  #7-Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Del Mar.  #8-George’s in La Jolla.  #9-Vintana in Escondido.  #10-The Patio in Pacific Beach.

Wine Bytes
Vintana Restaurant Escondido is celebrating its 1 year Anniversary Sun. May 19 starting at 2:30pm.  Enjoy wine tasting, hosted Hors d’oeuvres and live music. Meet Executive Chef Deborah Scott.  RSVP a must at 760-745-7777.

North County Wine Company in San Marcos offers a tasting event from Hendry Napa Valley, Fri. May 17 from 4 to 10pm. Cost is $15. pp.  Wine rep Jacquee Renna appears. 760-744-2119.

Europa Village Winery in Temecula presents a mystery dinner theatre, “Murder on the  Oriental Rug,” Sat. & Sun. May 18 & 19 starting at 6pm.  Broadway costumes encouraged.  Tickets $59. ea.  For RSVP’s contact 951-216-3380.

Vin Opera, a wine and music paired dinner happens at Acqua Al 2 on 5th Ave. Gaslamp San Diego, Wed. May 22 at 7 pm.  4 course dinner with Italian wines and opera.  Cost is $70. RSVP at 619-230-0382.

Bordeaux Wines are Back with the 2010 Vintage

by Frank Mangio
Bordeaux – it’s the most elite name in the history of wine.  It’s red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot command worldwide attention.  These Bordeaux grapes, created the backbone for the California wine miracle.

I say that because the shaping of Napa Valley’s  fabled wine success as the greatest of all the wine countries in California was woven by grapes  brought over from Bordeaux.  Eventually the Napa Valley “made in heaven” climate and soil would propel this area past its mother-earth French mentor, signaled by the “Paris Tasting” in 1976 when California’s wine entries defeated the French in each category it entered.

The current 2010 vintage of Bordeaux wines were rated the highest in over 10 years by the world respected Wine Spectator Magazine

  Up to that date, the legendary Chateau Latour, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Petrus, Chateau Haut-Brion and so on were the world’s finest wines. They were known as wines of terroir, meaning all that they were, they derived from single plots of land.  We were led to believe that only those pieces of property could provide us with the exalted grapes that made up those bottles.

The wine landscape has certainly changed and French wines have undergone great change with new faces, who have made French wines much more approachable.

The wine districts of Bordeaux, both on the left and right bank of the  river that divides Bordeaux, must be congratulated with a brilliant 2010 vintage, cheered by Wine Spectator and other world-class publications, with the best year in over 10 years. With Cabernet on the left bank of the Gironde River and the silky elegance of Merlot on the right bank, the result was “gorgeously integrated structure for long term cellaring,” reported Wine Spectator.  But expensive French wines have lately been a hard sell.  The wild and crazy “futures” market, where collectors gather to gamble and pay cash in advance without tasting, on prices set by the wineries on future vintages, have not gone well for buyers.  The news of the excellent 2010 vintage should help in the recovery.

Some lofty prices for the 2010 vintage include:  Chateau Latour, 2010 Pauillac, rated 99 for $1,450. and Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, 2010 Pauillac, rated 98 for $1,200.  It must be remembered that most French wines are not the wildly expensive, complex wines chased by multi-millionaires.  Most Bordeaux wines are modest dinner wines with very reasonable prices. In my search for a low priced 2010 Bordeaux red blend, I found a Croix De Mason Left Bank Bordeaux for just $6.00.  Drink it now and be happy you had the best French vintage in over 10 years.

Balboa Bay’s Nice Guy Chef is Josef Lageder

With a crisp glass of Napa Valley Chateaux Montelena Riesling in one hand, the Balboa Bay Resort’s Executive Chef, Josef Lageder, took me on a words-eye tour of Southern California’s version of Portofino Italy.  With the yachts almost within reach, Chef Josef traced his roots in Italy’s Alto Adige, where healthy salads and fish where the prime presentation on the menu.

Josef Lageder is the Executive Chef of Balboa Bay Resort

For pastas, chef is a huge fan of gnocchi, with each village in Italy accenting here and there with a singularly different taste.  “I also love risottos, the world’s best comfort food,” he revealed.  Add lemon, parmesan cheese and mushroom with truffles as a garnish and you have a marvelous delicacy.”

The resort is now undergoing upscale changes and wants to be more accessible.  Duke’s Place, a tribute to actor John Wayne who was a neighbor, is being totally re-done with an open air, contemporary design and over 600 wines to select from.  The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. See www.balboabayresort.com.

Wine Bytes
Bacchus Wine Market downtown SanDiego offers an Affordable Bordeaux wine event Sat. May 11 from 2 to 8:30pm.  6 red and white wines poured for a $20. charge.  Call 619-236-0005.

An Artisan Festival is planned for Orfila Winery Sun. May 12 in Escondido from 3 to 7:30pm.  20 local artists and vendors with 10 gourmet food trucks and live entertainment.  $20. ea.  Club members discounts available.  Call 760-738-6500 x 22.

Mothers Day is being celebrated with a special 3 course brunch at Fleming’s.  Lots of entrée choices for $36.95 and a $25. dining card rebate for Mom.  Call 858-535-0078 for an RSVP.

The Rotary Club of Bonsall presents the annual benefit Wine, Brews and Blues Festival Sat. May 18 from 5:30 to 10pm at the Ca. Center for the Arts in Escondido.  Wine and handcrafted beer tastings, tasty bites from local restaurants, silent auction, cigar lounge, and dancing to live blues bands.  Tickets are $65. pp.  For more information 760-695-4042.  Purchase tickets at www.BonsallRotary.com.

New Wines and Summer Concerts Uncorked in Temecula

by Frank Mangio
The sun shines brightly in Temecula this time of year.  My e mails are full of good news from the 35 + wineries, offering  big names, big bites and big vintage wines. It’s the new world version of the sound of music in the vines.

Nobody does it better than Thornton Winery producing 20 Champagne Jazz concerts from Saturday May 4 through Sunday October 20. It’s Thornton’s 25th season of presenting leading Jazz headliners that draw from all over to enjoy the brightest stars, like:  Peter White, Michael McDonald,

Thornton Winery is the Temecula venue for top drawer Jazz concerts as the season starts May 4th.

Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, Kenny G, George Benson and many more.  One thing always stands out with Thornton concerts.  These events are well attended by concert-goers who love the music and appreciate that these musician who could be playing in large arenas commanding many more dollars, choose to return to Temecula year after year.  I have spoken to many who love playing this venue.  The sound system is flawless, Chairs for general seating are set up so that every seat is a good seat, and those who buy dinner tables have an intimate club atmosphere as they enjoy the music, sip their wine and savor a full menu of gourmet food.

For artist dates, times and Champagne Jazz tickets, go to www.thorntonwine.com.

Proving that there is always room for another great Jazz concert series for another great winery, Leonesse Cellars, in the DePortola Trail district of Temecula Wine Country, introduces its “Friends and Wine” lineup from May though August, hosted by Jazz and R& B great Ronnie Laws.  Kickoff concert on Mothers Day, May 12, is the “First Lady of Jazz,” two time Grammy winner , Diane Schuur with a performance at 4:30pm. The series of three concerts will benefit Our Nicholas Foundation, supporting music therapy for students with autism, and placement of musical instruments in local Temecula Valley schools.

Diane Schuur, two-time Grammy award winner and performer at the White House and Carnegie

Hall, will open the Leoness Cellars Jazz concert series.

Following the opening concert, Joe Sample, pioneer of contemporary Jazz piano and a Platinum selling recording artist, will play on Sunday, June 9th at 4:30pm.  Ronnie Laws, formerly with Earth, Wind and Fire, will play Saturday July 20th at 7pm.  The top tier VIP concert tickets include a winery tour, a meet and greet the artist, wine reception and prime seating.

Concert producer Joel Reese is encouraging guests to bring a musical instrument of any kind to donate to the Our Nicholas Foundation.

Leoness Cellars concerts are outdoors on the vineyard lawn.  It has an outdoor restaurant for food service.  For concert pricing and other information, call 951-302-7601, extension 150 or access www.leonesscellars.com.

Most Temecula Wine country wineries are making a concerted effort  to offer Jazz and other types of music on the weekend as a free accompaniment in the tasting rooms and outdoor lawn areas, so as you cruise around, enjoy the sound of wine.  It’s music for the palate.

Wine Bytes
The Junior League of San Diego has a Food and Wine Festival at La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, Sat. May 4 from 2 to 6pm.  Over 50 restaurants and beverage companies will participate. Cost is $75. with VIP perks for $125.  Ticket info at 858-869-5771.

A Night at the Mission Wine Tasting is happening at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, Fri. May 10 from 6 to 9pm.  Sample international wine selections from Schlossadler, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.

Tickets $30. in advance, $35. at the door.  Call 760-213-5622.

Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas is offering a Justin Wine Dinner Thurs. May 9 from 6:30 to 9pm.  Justin is a top wine selection from Paso Robles. Cost is $65.  Make an RSVP at 760-635-1066.

Speaking of Paso Robles, this wine country is presenting its annual Wine Festival, with 60+ wineries planning to pour in the downtown city park on Fri. May 17 thru Sun. May 19. Times and prices vary, so check out the web site at www.pasowine.com.

Hangin’ Out in the Wine Countries of Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

by Frank Mangio
California is truly a remarkable state for many reasons, but none more significant than its wines that make up about 80% of the country’s sales worldwide.

My home base in the San Diego area, has its own wine country that is beginning to awaken and realize what it can do, given the desert-like land and weather conditions, and many of the 80 some vineyards turn to Mediterranean style grapes.  But the great majority of travelers to wine countries in California instead prefer to spend their days along the Central and North coasts, from Paso Robles up into Napa Valley and Sonoma. I am one of those that when I set out to see and experience the great vineyards, I choose the historic wineries from Paso north.  It’s time now to consider that 100 miles of wine country between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obisbo, affectionately called “SLO LIFE.”

Fess Parker Winery in Los Olivos is one of the wineries on a must-see and taste list of premium properties in Santa Barbara County making many Rhone varietals including Syrah.

 SLO is a cute little nickname for San Luis  Obispo.  This is another California town where wine making began in the mission era in 1772.  Zinfandel was the first varietal to show up in the Arroyo Grande district.  The area began to get a reputation just south of town in the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande areas in the late 1960’s when Chardonnay and Pinot Noir started earning a lot of attention.

A little further south on Highway 101, the main highway for these wine countries, you’ll find Santa Rita Hills and the Santa Ynez Valley, where it’s cooler and more coastal.  Towns include:  Santa Maria, Los Olivos, Buellton, Solvang and Santa Barbara.  This was the area made famous by the quirky hit movie, Sideways.

Fess Parker, the movie legend of Davey Crockett westerns, built one of the biggest and best wineries in the Los Olivas district.  The Fess Parker Winery makes high-end Syrah, Viognier, Pinot Noir and other varietals spanning 300 acres.  The accompanying country inn and spa is a fashionable place to stay on a multi day tour.  Another smart stop to make is Laetitia, making premium wines, especially Pinot Noir, just off the 101 in Arroyo Grande.

So think twice about your next road trip north to “wine country.”  You may want to hang out in “SLO Country.”  See www.slowine.com, and www.sbcountywines.com.

Love and Passion’s on the Menu at SOLARE

In Point Loma’s Liberty Station Shopping Center, SOLARE, an Italian Restaurant committed to the Italian lifestyle with a total dining experience. Randy Smerik applies his love of all things Italy with a menu of stunning goodness, embraced by Italian and other worldy wines.

 The SOLARE team includes:  Chef Accursio Lota, Owner Randy Smerik and Pizza Chef Brian Smerik.

“We have about 2,000 wines in our cellar, with over 40 by the glass,” he declared.  “We believe in discoveries, with most coming from Italy. The rest come from coastal California.”

He opened a bottle I had not known, a Super Tuscan from the 2007 vintage, called Tenuta di Castel Giocondo “Lamaione”( $79.), from an area most known for Sangiovese.  “This one is 100% Merlot and one that is as good as any in Bordeaux,” Smerik revealed. I was amazed!

 The Chef, Accursio Lota’ from Sicily, uses menu dishes from his mother and grandmother, made with locally caught fish, farm-raised meats and fruit and vegetables from his own gardens. He has cooked in Milan Italy and catered for Oprah Winfield at Montecito, Santa Barbara.  He has also more recently cooked with executive chefs at the Marine Room in La Jolla.

My recommendations:  traditional lasagna, pork chop and pillow pasta with Sicilian sausage.  The daily( closed Monday) Happy Hour is an unforgettable deal with 7 menu items for $5.00 each.  Select wines are $5.00 per glass.  Call for more information at 619-270-9670.  Web site is www.solarelounge.com.

Wine Bytes
The 3rd annual Temecula Taste in front of City Hall in old town Temecula is Sat. Apr. 27 from 11 to 7pm.  With the best of nearby restaurants, wineries and micro breweries, the cost is $10. admission and $2. taste tickets. Live entertainment.  Information at 951-551-5352.

Wines from Australia are featured at Bacchus Wine Market downtown San Diego, Fri. May 3 from 4 to 8:30pm.  Cost is $20. for Cabs, Shiraz, Riesling and more.  Info at 619-236-0005.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas presents its 1st annual Oyster Festival Sat. May 4th from 1 to 3pm.  All you can eat, with a big list of wines included.  $50. pp.  RSVP a must at 760-479-2500.

The Junior League of San Diego holds its Food & Wine Festival, Sat. May 4 from 2 to 6pm, at Scripps Park in La Jolla, overlooking La Jolla Cove.  Cost is $75. general admission, $125. VIP.  Also beer and spirits with 50 restaurant samplers.  Call 858-869-5771 for ticket info.

New Wine Releases – Tasting the Future

by Frank Mangio
A wealth of new releases, poured in double the number of wine shows and winemaker appearances in restaurants, resorts and wine bars, have swept into the market.  This has given consumers more choices than ever. In California, the size and value of the wine grape crop in 2012 has been over the top at over 4 million tons, surpassing the record in 2005 by 6.5%. And more importantly, the price of wine grapes rose 20% to $772. per ton.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the price champ at over 5 thousand dollars per ton. By comparison, Chardonnay, the next pricey wine grape is in at a little over 3 thousand dollars per ton.  A good rule of thumb for pricing is to move the decimal point over two places for the average price per bottle.  If we take the 2012 “Cab” price per ton of $5,000. and apply the rule, the typical “Cab” in Napa Valley would be $50.

A trend to watch for in the flood of new releases are the white wine blends.  Pedroncelli  2012  Friends White, Sonoma, $12. is a proprietary blend of Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.  This is a smart follow up to the successful red version of Friends, and was introduced recently at Rossi’s Pasta and Sports Bar in San Marcos. www.pedroncelli.com.

So Cal’s Pedroncelli Wine Sales Manager, Mark Abraham premiered the new Pedroncelli “Friends” at Rossi’s San Marcos. Friends is one of a growing number of white blends.

Season’s 52 Restaurants, with locations in San Diego and Costa Mesa Ca. has a trendy attraction with wines.  It’s a “Drink Them Before They’re Famous” list, an insider wine lineup carefully selected by Master Sommelier George Miliotes that changes every season.  Two Pinots, a Sauvignon Blanc and a white blend from Arizona are the spotlights for this Spring.  Other new release wines worth trying are:

      Jordan 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma. $53.  Since 1972, French style with superior California flavor and elegance.  www.jordanwinery.com.

      Mazzei 2010 Badiola Red, Tuscany Italy. $10.  Could be the best value of the group, with 70% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot.  Mazzei has been making wine since 1435.  Aged 9 months in Oak. A “Super Tuscan” with a super price.  www.mazzei.it.

      Norton 2010 Privada Blend, Mendoza Argentina.  $18. 40% Malbec, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet, produces a top rated Norton with elements of primal pleasure.  www.norton.com.ar.

      Niner 2009 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo.  $41.  Newest breakthrough wine from world class winemaker Amanda Cramer. Sustainable farmed.  www.ninerwine.com

      South Coast 2008 Wild Horse Peak Sangiovese, Temecula. $34.  An Italian style mountain wine from master winemaker Jon McPherson. The vineyard grapes are selected from a 2,200 foot steep terrain. Competitive with the best of Tuscany.  www.southcoastwinery.com.

      Smokescreen 2011 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley/made in the Napa Valley.  $19.  Here’s the darkhorse of the lot.  An affordable, quality wine that defines the Napa Valley pinot style. Even has a convenient twist-cap.  www.smokescreencellars.com.

Wine Winners Showing at the Paddock, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Sat. & Sun. Apr. 27 & 28

The 2nd annual San Diego Wine Show comes to the Del Mar Fairground’s Paddock, Sat. Apr. 27th from 2 to 6pm and Sun. Apr. 28th from 1 to 5pm.  Make your plans to experience fine wines, gourmet food trucks, food sampling from celebrity chefs, entertainment and a Pinot Noir Blind Tasting by an expert sommelier on Saturday.

A major feature will be wines from the Guadalupe Valley of Baja, in the beautiful outdoor setting of the manicured Paddock area, scene of the parading of the racehorses when in season. Tickets are $55. presale, $65. at the door. Go to  www.sandiegowineshow.com to buy tickets.

Local winemakers Justin Mund of Orfila, left, and Chris Broomell of Vesper, right, with Donato Santarsieri of the San Diego Wine Show.



Wine Bytes

The Campo Railway Museum in Campo has a benefit food and wine festival, Sat. Apr. 20 from Noon to 5pm.  Enjoy locally produced wines from San Diego County.  $25. pre sale, $30. day of event.  Call 619-465-7776.

North County Wine Company in San Marcos invites you to meet the winemaker and drink the 2010 vintage of Powell Mountain, Paso Robles, Fri. Apr. 19th from4 to 10pm.  $15. fee includes appetizers.  760-744-2119.

The Carmel Mt. Ranch Country Club will present a Wine & Chocolate Tasting and benefit auction Sun. Sun. Apr. 21 from 3 to 6pm.  Cost is $50. pre sale, $60. at the door.  Info at 904-477-7084.

Encinitas Wine Merchants has a premium Champagne Tasting Wed. Apr. 24th from 5 to 7:30pm.  Names like Dom Perignon, Clicquot and others, for $38.pp.  Call 760-479-9891.

Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse has a Girard Winery Wine Dinner, Fri. Apr. 26 at 6:30pm.  Feature menu includes Grilled Filet Mignon and porcini truffle sauce, with a 2009 Girard Cabernet.  $80. ea.  RSVP at 760-434-2580.

TOAST Enoteca and Cucina, downtown San Diego hosts an Italian “Vinitaly” with more than 30 award winning Italian wineries, Thurs. Apr. 25th, 6:30 to 9:30pm. Appetizers, antipasti and menu samples.  Tickets $50. pp.  RSVP at 619-269-4207.

The Napa - Verona Wine Connection

by Frank Mangio
When Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa owner Tim Busch recently introduced his Italian winemaking friend and partner Marchesi Armando Fumanelli at a recent gathering, wine history was being made.  For the first time in anyone’s memory, a California bottle of Amarone was available.  The Trinitas Napa Valley 2006 Amorone, also owned by Busch, made its debut at Estancia in a posh dinner featuring Fumanelli from Verona Italy, who has helped him develop this wine.

The evening was heightened when it was announced that this was going to be a “Parallel” tasting, the Old World versus the New World of Fumanelli and Trinitas wines for  each of the five course menus.

An alliance between the two men formed some 15 years ago, when Tim Busch sipped a glass of dark, full-bodied Amarone  in the ancient town of Verona, known more for Romeo and Juliet’s liaison. The wine’s unique character stayed with him until he had to make an American version to add to his Trinitas Family Collection of wines in 2011.  He set out to Italy and met Armando Fumanelli, whose family has been making wines since 1470.

Tim Busch of Trinitas Family Wines and Marchesi Armando Fumanelli of Fumanelli Wines.

 The two shared their wines, introduced their families and that led to the unveiling of the 2006 Amarone from Trinitas.  “Very few people know about Amarone,” explained Busch.  I want to offer a unique old world wine experience.” Fumanelli is the Valpolicello District’s largest landowner, northeast of Verona in the Lessini Mountains.  The primary grapes are Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella.  The wines are concentrated, flavorful and complex.

Busch also had a blockbuster resort alliance announcement to make that night. His lifestyle company, Meritage Collection, now has four esteemed properties linked together for “a complete resort experience,” asserted Busch.  They are: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, Balboa Bay Resort Newport Beach, Bacara Resort & Spa Santa Barbara and The Meritage Resort & Spa Napa Valley.  An immediate benefit for guests of any of these properties will be VIP access to the Fumanelli estate with stays at the vineyard for wine tasting and cooking classes.

Like others of its class, Estancia has been undergoing extensive upgrading of its rooms and its Mustangs and Burros restaurant and bar, under the watchful eye of General Manager Terry Buchholz.  Its Rancho style décor remains the dominant look at the 210 guest room hotel with a world class spa in place.

The Executive Chef at Estancia La Jolla is Kimberly Kramer preparing 

Southwest style plates motivated by the season.

Kimberly Kramer is always “searching for great flavor.” As Executive Chef at Estancia, Chef Kramer oversees the AAA Four-Diamond hotel’s kitchen.  She has steered the Mustangs and Burros restaurant into regional cuisine inspired by the season.  The special dinners, breakfast and lunch are at Adobe El Restaurante with fresh California fare. She has developed expertise in Asian and Latin influences.

“I’m passionate about seasonal foods, especially fresh seafood caught with sustainable practices,” she said. Most recently, she was at the Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa Valley, now one of the partner resorts for Estancia.

Her Sea Bass with mélange of mushroom, asparagus and roasted pepper was a delight to the senses.
Mustangs and Burros spotlights a Monday through Friday Happy Hour until 6pm, with discounted drinks and food.  Try the Trinitas family of wines led by the new Amarone 2006, and a knockout  2009 blend called “Mysterium” Mendocino Red. It’s Estancia’s family wine.  Learn more at www.estancialajolla.com


Wine Bytes
Dolce Pane E Vino in Rancho Santa Fe is donating a dollar for every glass of wine sold to benefit National Parkinson’s Disease Awareness month during April.  For details call 858-832-1518.

PAON in Carlsbad has a Joseph Jewell Wine event Wed. Apr. 17 from 5:30 to 8:30pm, with the owner/winemaker as special guest.  Sonoma based wines are featured.  Six wines with small bites for $28.  No RSVP needed.

North County Wine Company in San Marcos is featuring a “Blend Party” Wed. Apr. 17 from 5 to 9pm for $25.  Each customer will get carafes of Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc and Malbec, to create their own blends.  Fun contest with winner getting a $25. gift card.  Details at 760-744-2119.

The Big Red Fest is back with wineries on the DePortola Trail in Temecula, Sun. Apr. 21 from 10 to 5pm.  Taste three wines paired with gourmet food at each of the 10 wineries and receive a free logo glass.  Early price $45.,  $55. after Apr. 15.  For more information call 855-398-9463.

West Steak and Seafood in Carlsbad presents the Silver Oak/Twomey Wine Dinner with vineyards in Napa Valley and Sonoma, Tues. Apr. 23 at 6:30pm.  This will be the wine/food event of the season with marquee names and an elite menu.  $175. pp.  RSVP a must at 760-930-9100.

A Royal Tribute to the King of Chardonnay

by Frank Mangio
Crisp and rich with the flavors of tropical fruit, the appreciative guests raised their just-poured 2010 Chardonnay as one, and saluted the lone host of the evening, celebrating his 90th birthday.  Mike Grgich, the maker of the wine, and many other wines of choice, flashed his famous smile under his iconic French beret and acknowledged the assembled with a warm “thank you.”  It was not so long ago that he earned his greatest salute when his 1973 Napa Valley Chardonnay was sent to Paris in 1976 to compete with the Chardonnays of France, thought to be the best in the world.

It was a blind tasting and a challenge to European wines on their home ground.  The outcome was predictable, snooted the French press.  No story there, so they didn’t come.  Just before the tasting, an American from Time Magazine, thought he might come by. George Taber was the reporter who flashed the shocking news… Mike Grgich’s Chardonnay had beaten the French and other California entries.  It was the “Judgement of Paris.”

Mike Grgich of Grgich Hills Estates in Napa Valley at his 90th Birthday Tribute Dinner.

It was the miracle that Napa Valley had been waiting for.  For the hard working wineries of this spirited place, it had the ring of another great man, the Spirit of St Louis and Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight to Paris. It was the singular greatest moment in the history of wine.

We all know that wine improves with age.  Some say, jokingly, that the older we get, the better we like it  With Mike Grgich the older he got, the better he made it.  After his huge success in Paris in 1976, he

founded his own winery with the coffee magnate, Austin Hills, and called it Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford, central to Napa Valley.  What got him this far was his strong work ethic, the youngest of 11 children in Croatia, where he studied winemaking.

He came to California in 1958 to make wine, nearly penniless and with little more than the clothes on his back, but with a big smile and a determination to make “elegant wine.”  He made friends with the great wine makers of that era, Andre Tchelistcheff at Beaulieu, Brother Timothy at Christian Brothers and the legendary Robert Mondavi.  Eventually the Smithsonian Institute would unveil a display of his accomplishments.

Today, as Grgich passes the milestone 90th year of achievements, his winery has won many other awards for outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Fume’ Blanc, as well as other vintages of Chardonnay. He is now committed to natural winegrowing and sustainability, farming five vineyards using passion and art to handcraft food-friendly, balanced and elegant wines.  The goal of a wine maker is not to produce more and more wine, but to reveal the earth, or “terroir,” through the wines, and natural growing does just that. All of Grgich’s 366 acres follow his rule of “every day do something just a little better.”

This year, he has  bottled a special selection 2010 “Paris Tasting” Chardonnay ( $90.) in celebration of his 90th birthday. Visit the web site for more at www.grgich.com.

Wine Bytes
Le Papagayo in Encintas is the scene for a Support Local Now Launch  Party and wine dinner Mon. Apr. 8 from 7:30 to 11:30pm.  Cost is $45. and includes a five course dinner with locally grown food and wine, live music and a Support Local Now presentation.  Call 949-302-7012 for an RSVP.

The Grand Del Mar Wine Room is the location for a “Catch of the Day” cooking demo and dinner with wine pairings, Thurs. Apr. 11 from 7 to 9pm.  Demo, dinner and wine for $65. pp.  RSVP at 858-314-1996.

A Wine Tasting & Cheese Making Demonstration is featured at Milagro Farm Winery in Ramona Sat. Apr. 13 from 11 to 3pm.  Cost is $80.  Details at 858-384-6566.

Meet the Chefs of Del Mar and taste great food and wine at the 17th annual event  at the Hilton Del Mar, Sun. Apr. 14 from 1 to 4pm.  $150. General Admission, $200. for VIP.  Funds to benefit Casa de Amparo.

SDSU will be offering a wine course featuring Australian wines Wed. Apr. 10 to the 24th from 6 to 9pm, part of the Business of Wine program.  For more information, call 619-594-1138.

The 33rd Wine Extraordinaire is being held at the Anaheim Hilton Convention Center Sun. Apr. 14 from 2 to 5pm.  Hundreds of boutique wines will be highlighted with local restaurant sampling.  Silent auction.  Cost is $50.  Get the full story at 714-708-1636.

California Fruit Wine Launches New Line – Friends with Benefits

California Fruit Wine, the top fruit wine producer in Southern California, announced the release of their new line of super-fruit wines - frē-bē™ - short for a "friend with benefits".  The brand was created to emphasize the health benefits of wine made from these vitamin-rich super-fruits.

Where many traditional wines can be bitter and oaky - frē-bē wines are crisp, well-balanced, and fruit-forward. Because they are crafted from fruit other than grapes, frē-bē wines will appeal to many people who may not have a taste for traditional wine. The line has been tailored to appeal to younger, more health-conscious consumers that enjoy the growing foodie culture.

"It is time to try a wine that you do not have to learn how to appreciate," says Brian Haghighi, Co-Founder/Chief Marketing Officer at California Fruit Wine. "Unlike grape wines, fruit wines taste good from the first sip. And without the complex foreign language surrounding wine, the frē-bē line will be neither confusing nor intimidating."

The first three frē-bē wines are:
- It's Complicated - Blueberry Wine
- Head Over Heels - Raspberry Wine
- No Strings Attached - Pomegranate Wine

California Fruit Wines are available in various retail outlets throughout Southern California as well as in the Vista tasting room. California Fruit Wine Company is located at 1040 La Mirada Court in Vista, CA. Contact by phone or 858-522-WINE or on the web at http://www.californiafruitwine.com