Wine has the Scent of a Woman at Keyways

It hardly seems possible that 2 ½ years ago Terri Pebley, then a commercial real estate executive, instead of representing the seller Karl Keys on a sale of the winery, decided to purchase and own Keyways herself. Terri had always been one to take a chance on the future, believing in herself and her ability to re-invent her life’s work. She has been a CPA, attended law school and made a living twice in real estate.

I had an opportunity to interview Terri recently and the mild-mannered, relaxed renaissance woman reflected on her whirlwind rise to prominence in the fast-moving Temecula Wine Country.

“At first, it was a tough business to learn, but it was one of those opportunities when I saw a door opening and something told me to go through it. The first challenge was had to find a new winemaker and it turned out he was the only male in an otherwise all-woman owned operation. We were very fortunate to obtain the services of Michael Tingley, a 28 year veteran. He has fit in beautifully and really does great in this environment.”

Entertainment is a high priority at the low-key Keyways Winery and Tasting Room. The Friday night I experienced the wines and the easy-going atmosphere, the weekly piano bar fun was going strong with Dennis Tormey doing his best Elton John while a full house of guests enjoyed a casual dinner and a selection of paired wines. These included a lovely ’07 Sauvignon Blanc and my favorite of the night: the Keyways 2006 Tempranillo with a wine club price of $24.80. It is Spain’s signature red grape with a lightly dusted pepper and tobacco taste coating the cherry accents. It recently made gold in the latest competition in Riverside. That same event brought Keyways the Gold “Chairman’s Award” for their Sauvignon Blanc. Keyways ’07 Chenin Blanca($28.) won Gold and Best of Class at the recent prestigious Long Beach Grand Cru awards that draws over 1,900 wine entries.

Terri has brought in a beautiful new concept events tent for special occasions like weddings. “We can accommodate up to 300 people, and plan to do concerts with female talent,” she said. “This will emphasize our series of four wines for women, Femina Vita (a woman’s life), that we created. They are highlighted by our Rhone Blend of white grapes called Contentment.”

Terri and her nearby winery neighbors are on DePortola Road, a more rustic route, which they have named the DePortola Trail, south of the main route of wineries. Special maps and signage signal that this is more rural horse country, where you are likely to see the owners pouring in the tasting rooms.

Next time, discover Keyways, the only woman-owned winery in Southern California. For more, call 951-302-7888 or search www.keywayswine.com.

Wine Spectator Names Best Restaurants
The latest issue of this worldwide wine magazine has awarded a number of area restaurants the Award of Excellence. Of the restaurants we have covered in this column, they include: The Barrel Room in Rancho Bernardo, Firefly Grill and Wine Bar and Firenze in Encinitas, Vigilucci’s in La Jolla, Encinitas and Carlsbad, Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe, Il Fornaio and Paradise Grill in Del Mar, Azul in La Jolla, Addison and Humphreys in San Diego and a Grand Award of Excellence to Winesellar & Brasserie in San Diego.

In Palm Desert, both of our feature restaurants won: The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente and Tuscany in the Marriott Desert Springs. All these restaurants scored best for their superior wine menu and their pairings with the food menu.

Bernardo Winery a Legacy in Motion

Something old can also be something new in the hands of the right people. A walk through the Bernardo Winery proves that. This 119 year old winery takes a little doing to find, but once reached, speaks volumes about the handcrafted artistry of the Rizzo family who established a tradition of winemaking under the discipline of the original Bernardo Winery family member Vincent, who purchased the land, equipment and vines in 1927. Then, the valley was covered with vineyards and not a town was in sight, the closest being Escondido. The winery became a major wine and olive oil supplier to San Diego County.

Ross Rizzo took the winery over from his father in 1962 and until his recent passing, turned it into the fascinating destination that it is today. Much of the land became too valuable for winery use, so most of the grapes are imported from such regions as Paso Robles, Rancho Cucamonga and elsewhere in San Diego County.

The legacy of Bernardo Winery and its rustic environment is everywhere the visitor turns. Gnarly old oaks, venerable old equipment that passed the test of time, village shops that still display and sell collectibles from the past, and of course a courtyard gathering place and tasting room that echoes the essence of European relaxation.

A new era has begun at Bernardo Winery as Ross’s son Rossi now runs the winery with a vision of restoring the greatness of this place with old world robust varietals, many from southern Italy. New energy and ideas abound from the new owners of the restaurant, Café Merlot. Toni and Rick Kraft, with a talented culinary team, have crafted a quality of cuisine that compares with the finest dining anywhere in San Diego. Custom corporate and special occasion catering has blossomed and enhanced the Café Merlot experience in the Vineyard room, outside in the patio or on the greens.

The wines offered on the restaurant menu reflect the California style, with names like J.Lohr, Cinnabar and Dry Creek, as well as their signature Bernardo Winery Private Reserve Petite Sirah. Events include concerts and “La Technique” Cooking Classes with the next one scheduled for Tuesday August 26 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Cost is $50. pp.

At Bernardo Winery, it’s all about a historic legacy, but at the same time, a work in progress with the talent of a new team and a new future. See more at www.bernardowinery.com or call at 858-592-7785.

More Restaurant Awards of Excellence
Last week’s list of Wine Spectator area Awards of Excellence was short on space to list all, so here are more deserving locations that have superior wine lists and pairings with their menu offerings: Le Fountainbleau at the Westgate, Dussini Mediterranean Bistro, Oceanaire Seafood Room & Osetra the Fish House in San Diego; The Marine Room & George’s at the Cove La Jolla; Pacifica, Paradise Grille and Sbicca’s Del Mar. SALUTE!

Sip and Savor at the Re-designed Savory Casual Fare

Savory Manager John Boily, left,
with server, presenting the Arugula Salad
and paired wines.

The restaurant scene is undergoing many basic changes these days, taking a good hard look at what the industry needs to do to survive and thrive.

In the light of less diner travel, more dietary honesty and the increasing role that wine plays in the menu choices, the more enlightened operators are re-designing their offerings for today’s customer choices.

With calorie counts an ever-growing concern (for men no more than 2,500 and women 1,800) for eating well and staying healthy, some food chains are being skewered in the press for their high-calorie menus. States and cities are starting to crack down, demanding a posting of the calorie, fat and sodium (read salt) counts.

Savory Casual Fare in Encinitas has always paid attention to detail in presenting fresh, small batch, gourmet wines and foods, gaining a following that kept the tables full. Executive chef/owner Pascal Vignan opened this boutique restaurant five years ago. Manager John Boily has paid attention to his customers’ needs and is now presenting closely knitted wine and food pairings that are at once unique and endearing to his diners.

The wine list is California-centric, favoring the Central Coast with names like Anglim, Opolo and Turley. Napa and Sonoma are represented by Cakebread, Paul Hobbs, Chateau Montelena and Opus One. His exciting new entry is Sol Rouge north of Napa, dedicated to producing fine varietals from France’s Rhone and Bordeaux regions. I tried the Sol Rouge ’07 Rose, a Grenache based, bright cheery wine that lent substance to Savory’s Arugula Salad. All wines at Savory can be purchased for home consumption.

Other exclusive touches available at Savory are: a sip and savor sunset supper from 5 to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday, with generous 3 course choices for $29. per person and $39. with wine pairing. The Speakeasy lounge and bar area offers such items as blue fin tuna, bbq shrimp brochette and other small portion items, all under $10. Lunch is served, as well as a weekend brunch.

On Thursday August 21st, Sol Rouge winemaker Bryan Kane will appear for a sip and savor dinner starting at 6:30pm. Their latest release Viognier, Rose and Granache wil be served with harmonizing dishes by Chef de Cuisine Chris Hatfield Cost is $65. person. Reservations are a must at 760-634-5556.
Savory’s website is www.savorycasualfare.com.


La Cereza brings Fiery Concert to Temecula
Buddy and Cheri Linn, always the entrepreneurs with their Spanish style wines and Hemingway’s Cigar Bar, are launching a concert series that will light your fire. The world renowned Benise ( Buh-nes-say) with his high powered flamenco music, dance and show, will power up on Saturday August 16th at the winery. He is at once a composer, guitarist, Emmy Award winner and leader of 25 of the hottest musicians and dancers ever seen with this format; kind of a Latin version of Riverdance. Doors open at 5:30 with general admission $55. and reserved V.I.P. section with gourmet meal and private wine bar for $85. each. V.I.P. group tables are available at a price premium. Check out all the details at www.goldencrownproductions.com or call 888-276-4008.