FESTA Fun Happens in Carlsbad July 11

Photo: Herman Salerno, of Salerno Winery in Ramona

The sights of Italian people and products, the smells of home-style Italian food, the tastes of Italian wines, the sounds of Italian music. It’s the 5th annual FESTA Italiana at the Island Center, Faraday and College in Carlsbad, Saturday July 11 from 10am to 5pm.

This FREE-to-the -public benefit event is presented by the Encinitas Sons of Italy Lodge. Leading the entertainment will be classically trained opera tenor Herman Salerno and his team of singers and players. Authentically costumed Sicilian Dancers will perform the “Tarantella” dance and others. They are a favorite in San Diego’s Balboa Park program.

Salerno is also a leading maker of Italian wines from Ramona and he will team up with Carlsbad Wine Merchants in their shop at the center, for an Italian Wine Tasting event from 11 to 5pm.

The winery is most known for its Petite Sirah which recently won a medal at the San Diego International Wine Competition. His Barbera has recently deserved attention. It’s a “drink now” wine whose grape is from Northen Italy and is easy on the palate. Other Salerno wines to taste in the event will be Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and the proprietary Elegante, blended with Cabernet and Syrah. All wines will be poured inside Carlsbad Wine Merchants. Cost is $10.

In a recent interview Salerno commented, “with Ramona’s special terroir, this area has been recognized with its own official appellation, the Ramona Valley. I get extraordinary depth and character.” He has been making wine some 18 years, uses traditional hand-crafted methods to produce premium wines. For more information, call the winery at 760-788-7160. For details on the FESTA, call 858-537-9878.

Discover Granache
My Top Ten Tastings for the first half of 2009 will be unveiled with the July 5th column and I am picking up my tasting schedule to widen my candidates for this occasion. For a few years now I have admired the French and what they have accomplished in the southern Rhone Valley with Chateau-neuf-du-Pape.

At the same time, a Spanish wine has caught my attention, made in nearby Temecula at La Cereza. It turns out both wines are the product of the Granache grape. (The Spanish call it Garnacha).

Most of the time, it is used as a blending grape and takes a back seat to its big brother in the Rhone, Syrah. But some California winemakers are maximizing this grape into a soulful, splendid solo performer.

That leads me to a special winery in Monterey that makes a 2006 Granache from the Wild Horse Vineyard in Monterey’s back country, Marilyn Remark. Joel and Marilyn Remark tasted many small vineyard French Granache wines before they embarked on their own vibrant style. Theirs is a classic Rhone style varietal, pure and rich. The cost is $45. produced in limited quantity. Access the web for more at www.remarkwine.com

Wine Bytes
WineSellar and Brasserie in the Sorrento Valley of San Diego presents a “Sparklng Affair” on Sat. July 4 from 11:30 to 2pm for $29. pp. 6 sparkling wines with tasting notes offered. Lunch for an added $12.50 ea. RSVP at 858-450-9557.

Wine Street in Carlsbad has famed surfer turned winemaker Robert August appearing with his wines Sat. July 11. On Thurs. July 16, it’s an Italian wine seminar and tasting featuring Gabriella Orlando, specialist on these wines. RSVP and more info by calling 760-431-8455.

The Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy San Diego and the Off The Vine Club offers two wineries and their new release party Sun. July 12 from 5-8pm. Rooftop views and a 5 course dinner for $45. Details at 760-579-2800.

Santa Barbara has it’s 6th annual California Wine Festival July 16,17 and 18. Events are downtown and at the pier and include top restaurants and wineries, capped by an all-day Sat. event from 11 to 4pm. For more information call 805-637-4411.

In Temecula, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is hosting a winemakers dinner Sat. July 18 at 6pm. A five course meal paired with perfect wines. Each couple gets a bottle of wine signed by winemaker John McPherson. Cost is $125. pp. Find out more by calling 866-9-WINE.