The Gourmet Experience - Oct. 9-10

Photo: Chef Bernard Guillas, of The Marine Room.

The Gourmet Experience takes center stage among scenic San Diego’s north county featuring hundreds of food, luxury and lifestyle products and services catering to your refined and sophisticated tastes. This is not your everyday expo!

Held in San Diego on October 9-10, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., the event features countless exhibitors showcasing and selling gourmet cuisine, products and services crafted for the everyday gourmand.

Monte De Oro: A Temecula Hill of Gold & Grapes

by Frank Mangio
Monte De Oro is one of Temecula Wine Country’s most recent showcases for a style of Mediterranean wine making that is rapidly spreading in popularity.

Little rain falls in this warm epicenter of Southern California, yet its only 20 or so miles from the cooling breezes of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a near ideal setup for quality, flavorful grapes that are processed into wines that are winning favor with wine buyers, lots of them. More than 10 million people live little more than an hour away from Temecula Wine Country and the striking, palatial Monte De Oro.

In 2002, 67 investors from all over the world founded this winery. The first wine was made in 2005, mostly from four estate vineyards in the area. Wines are available in the tasting room and through the wine club. The winery is on a 16 acre hill with 12 acres of vines. It’s divided into architecturally balanced rooms around the great tasting room that overlooks a glass ceiling underground barrel room, the first of its kind in Temecula. Amber Nelms, the Director of Hospitality pointed out there are 700 barrels in the room.

“We serve 11 different wines in our tasting room that has two wine bars,” she said. “Nearly all are estate grown. I know most visitors are fascinated by lightly stepping over the barrel room, but look at the ceilings, they are all in the shape of a barrel!”

After “wowing” the main dining room that seats up to 180, Nelms took us out on the massive patio that surrounds the building. A cascading water feature and a massive fireplace highlighted a special events venue that recently hosted the Temecula Wine and Culinary Showcase that fit 31 wineries, 16 restaurants and several thousand guests.

The busiest person in Monte De Oro for this showcase event was General Manager Ken Zignorski, who has been in charge since the opening, and is preparing for the next big development at the winery: a gravity fermentation facility that will be easier on the grapes as they mature to wines.

My favorite on the wine tasting menu had to be the 2006 Merlot. It’s 100% estate grown and is from the nearby DePortola Vineyard. Its’ a medium bodied wine with soft tannins and a luscious berry taste through the palate. It was a Silver Medal winner at the 2010 San Francisco International Wine show and won 3 other medals recently. ($28.)

Other wines that nearly matched: the 2006 Zinfandel (30.) and the 2005 Synergy 65 Red Blend. ($33.) Monte De Oro is elegant in every way and deserves an opportunity to be on your list of wineries to know. Start by browsing through www.montedeoro.com.

Other Wines to Know
These wines were tasted and researched during the last 2 months. They are all available and prices shown are the best I have found, but may vary from those that you have seen. Prices are almost always less when you join their wine club.

2006 Ferrari-Carano Tresor Bordeaux Blend, Sonoma CA. $58. A French classic style with California new-world taste. Full bodied and silky.

2008 Jeff Runquist “Z” Zinfandel, Amador CA. $24. Fresh, vibrant and balanced Zin. Awarded Best New World Zinfandel at the 2010 New World International Wine Competition. More complex with time.

2008 Leonetti Cellar Merlot, Walla Walla Washington. $70. Spectacular rare 100% Merlot vintage from 3 vineyards. 15 months in French Oak.

2006 Markham Merlot, Napa Valley CA. $18. Winery established in 1879. Flavors of plum, espresso and raspberry.

2006 Oak Mountain Temecula Hills Compilation Rhone Blend, Temecula CA. $45. 2,900 foot steep hillside vineyard. Rock and granite soil matures the flavor. Outstanding longevity once opened.

2008 Pedroncelli 3 Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma CA. $16. Gold Medal winner Orange County Fair. Flavors fit for fine dining or a quick pizza. Oak notes balance currant and spicy pepper notes.

2008 Ponzi Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley Oregon. $21. A choice find at the new wine shop side of Sage Restaurant, Encinitas.

Wine Bytes
Callaway Vineyard and Winery Temecula is holding its annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival Sat. Oct. 2 from 5 to 9pm. Live entertainment and dancing. Enjoy a gourmet buffet and silent auction. Callaway is honoring America’s Heroes, our men and women in uniform. Cost is $78. ea. Call 951-676-4001 for more.

Reds of the West are put to the test at Sbicca’s Del Mar Sat. Oct. 2 from 1 to 3pm in a fun, informative seminar on reds from Oregon, Washington and California. $45. fee. Details at 858-442-2749.

Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula hosts Sip, Savor and Stomp Sun. Oct. 3. Live music, appetizers, grape stomp, hayride and dinner for just $65. pp. Starts at 5pm. Get more info at 951-699-WINE.

Meritage Wine Market is planning a Just Burgundy wine event Fri. Oct. 8 from 5 to 8pm. Call Mark and the team at 760-479-2500.

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, to benefit the elementary school children of La Jolla, is the weekend of Sat. and Sun. Oct. 9 and 10, from 11am to 6pm. Location is Upper Girard in the Village. Over 150 juried artists will show, with a fine wine and beer garden. $15. charge for a two day pass. $10. for 1 day. Pay at the event. See more at www.lajollaartandwinefestival.com.

It’s Cozy with the Piano Man at Mille Fleurs

by Frank Mangio
Every Wednesday through Saturday for the past 17 years at Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe, after-dinner guests and new arrivals with wine glass in-hand, gather around the grand piano for the unique talent and voice of Randy Beecher. “I started in May of 1993 and I’ve always loved the energy in this room,” he said, flashing that perpetual smile. “I try to read the room and what they might want to hear.”

Randy plays and sings it all, from show tunes to Motown to current pop music. I asked him if his romantic atmosphere has helped guests meet and date. “Oh yes,” he answered. “And, marriage proposals are made over my music.”
He credits owner Bertrand Hug and manager Julien Hug for recognizing his talent and staying with him and providing him with a stage for his music.

Randy Beecher is the piano man Wednesday through Saturdays at the popular Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe.

All this good-time entertainment is an entrée to a legendary restaurant dining and wine experience at Mille Fleurs. I suggest you start out at the bar and taste the house signature wines, especially the Tantara 2008s.

Bertrand is a Bordeaux Blend aficionado and his Cuvee Bertrand from Santa Barbara is one he blended himself ( $50.). The kitchen is governed by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Martin Woesle, who trained in Munich Germany, worked in Hollywood’s Ma Maison and has been at Mille Fleurs since 1985. He uses fresh vegetables, salads and other ingredients from the nearby Chino’s Farm. Mille Fleurs offers a Prix Fixe Menu as well as an entrée menu with about 12 choices including Five Light Mediterranean selections.

The Hugs also own Mister A’s, a historic rooftop restaurant on 5th Avenue downtown San Diego and have just purchased and renovated a restaurant on El Paseo in downtown Palm Desert, Augusta Modern. Learn more at www.millefleurs.com.

NEW BOOKS: Fine Wineries of Napa-Sonoma-Mendocino & Central Coast
Two beautifully bound wine books have appeared as a colorful visitors guide with profiles and color images of all the most glamorous wineries and vineyards in Napa Valley, Sonoma and Mendocino; and the 2nd book displaying wineries from Central Coast, including Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles.

Wine traveler and publisher Tom Silberkleit is the master publisher behind this 4th edition of Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino, and the 1st edition of Central Coast Wineries. September is California Wine Month, celebrating the over 3,000 wineries that dot the state.

Silberkleit’s mission has been to do the on-site legwork to spotlight a number of excellent choices for the weekend traveler. The 160 page Napa-Sonoma-Mendocino edition alone has over 200 color images and profiles of 69 wineries with features and directions on each. The retail price is $19.95 hardcover and available at leading bookstores and Amazon.com. Be sure to explore their website at www.Californiafinewineries.com

Wine Bytes
Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo has Jazz on the Patio, 2 to 5pm Sundays. On Sept. 26 Jimmy and Enrique with guitar and percussion, and Oct. 3rd it’s the Peter Sprague Trio. For details call 858-487-1866.

Ponte Winery in Temecula has its 8th annual Grape Stomp Festival Sun. Sept. 26, from 4 to 9pm. Competition, dancing, live music and a buffet dinner for $95. pp. Wine club members $86. And of course lots of Ponte wines to taste are included. Order tickets at 951-694-8855.

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa has two exciting events: The Blessing of the Wine, Grape Stomp and Harvest from 4 to 7pm Sun. Sept. 26 with a BBQ, contests, live music and dancing. Reserve tickets at 951-587-9463; and a Jazz concert by the great Kenny G on Sat. Oct. 2 with show time at 8pm. Doors open at 5pm, dinner at 6:30pm. Tiered ticket prices, starting as low as $55. Check out the website www.rythmonthevine.org. Or call Ticket Master at 800-745-3000.

VR Green Farms at the Bella Colina Golf Course in San Clemente has an authentic Roman Encampment Sun. Sept. 26 from 11 to 3pm.Experience Roman Legion costumes, music, customs and language. $10. ea. Food and drink available for $55. RSVP for more information at 949-697-0032.

Briar Rose Winery in Temecula presents Barrie Lynn, the Beverly Hills Times Cheese Empresario Sat. Oct. 2 at 6pm, for an Artisanal Cheese and Wine Pairing Adventure and Class. Taste acclaimed and library award winning wines paired with international cheeses, to perfection. Cost is $45. RSVP at 951-308-1098.

Bravo to the Three New Tenors of Italian Wine

by Frank Mangio
It’s 1990 in Rome Italy: Italian singer Luciano Pavarotti, and Spanish singers Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, begin a concert and record career as the 3 Tenors. It was perfect harmony and musical excitement, crating a popular movement of the highest tradition of Italian operatic bliss.

Recently in La Costa, “Three tenors” of Italian wine were introduced at Kris Garrett’s La Costa Wine Company, generating similar excitement: a 2004 Barolo from Piedmont; a 2006 Amarone style Ripasso from Veneto and a 2005 Nero d’ Avola from Sicily.

Italy is one of the world’s largest producers of red wine with over 1,000 different varietals, and it’s the biggest exporter of wine into the U.S. Weather has a huge influence on the wines. Winemakers with a heritage of personal care, reach back to their roots when wine was carted to market in large kegs, carefully wrapped in heavy straw for protection from the elements. In Italy’s 20 districts, there are some 900,000 vineyards, from backyard Sicilian families to many thousands of acres such as Tuscany’s Banfi Vintners.

The following Three Italian “tenors” make music to a wine lover’s palate:

Renato Ratti 2004 Barolo Marcenasco. Comes from the Ratti family’s Piedmont hillside village of Marcenasco. Steep west-facing slopes provide the Nebbiolo grapes maximum ripening. 15th century abbey serves as the winery. This is a wine suitable for long aging. Smooth and balanced ($54.99).

Masi 2006 Campofiorin Rosso del Veronese. Deep, dark, ruby red and intense. Pleasing spiciness. Soft and well balanced tannins. A drink-now wine from Verona with a remarkable value price ($14.99).

Gulfi 2005 Nerosanlore Nero d’Avola. Spectacular Sicilian red. Beautiful aromatics meld into a taste of dark fruit and spices. 95 points from Robert Parker. To check on inventory of these wines, call La Costa Wine Company at 760-431-8455.

Pinot Noir Harvest Begins in Oregon
Two years ago, vineyards in Oregon knew they had something special. Nature was being very kind to the 2008 crop of Pinot Noir, and a recent multi-year celebration of Pinot was given new reasons to buy the ‘08’s: perfect balance and rich flavors. Wineries like Ponzi, Argyle, Domaine Serene, Erath, Sokol Blosser, Willamette Valley and Four Graces all did well with their releases.

Willamette Valley’s Signature Cuvee Pinot Noir is assessed as the best vintage in two decades with long graceful finishes preceded by bright red fruit and spice.

The summer was so cool in 2008 that there was worrying that the grapes would never ripen. But when October hit, temperatures shot up and the sun stayed out. “It was a nail-biter harvest. We picked all the way to November,” said Luisa Ponzi. “But it turned out to be a dynamite vintage across the board.”

Sokol Blosser, one of the originals in Oregon Wine Country, is starting to prep for the 2010 harvest by dropping fruit and reducing the number of clusters on each vine, for complexity and mature flavors. It understands that Pinot doesn’t allow for cutting corners or letting the details slide. They constantly taste to determine when to begin harvesting the grapes.

At Four Graces, a recently established 110 acre vineyard purchased in 2003 by Steve and Paula Black in Dundee, their goal is rich, complex, hand-made Pinot Noirs. The wines stay true to the region and the local soil found in the Willamette Valley, which is iron-rich, volcanic and well drained, with higher elevation than most other Oregon appellations. Let the harvest begin!

Wine Bytes
The Grand Del Mar’s Addison Restaurant has Wed. Tastings on the Terrace with Red Wine Blends Sept. 22 and Cabernets Sept. 29. Time is 6 to 7pm. Cost is $20. a person. Call 858-314-2000.

Belle Marie Winery in Escondido has an End of Summer Tasting Sat Sept. 18 from 12 to 6pm. Cost is $15. pp. Raffle drawings and a picnic. RSVP at 760-796-7557.

Vigilucci’s Seafood and Steakhouse in Carlsbad presents a Darioush Wine Tasting Thurs. Sept. 23 from 5 to 7pm. Darioush is a Napa Valley Bordeaux style winery. $35. ea. includes four wines and complimentary food. Call 760-434-2580.

La Costa Wine Company holds its 2nd annual Wine Expo, Sat. Sept. 25 with over 40 wines to taste and purchase like Cakebread, Newton, Rosenblum and much more. Just $25. RSVP only at 760-431-8455.

A full moon Gondola Wine Tasting is planned at Loews Coronado, 6:30 to 7:45pm on Fri. Sept. 24. $45. cost gets you 6 wine tastings and chocolate covered strawberries for dessert. For more call 619-429-6317.

Free the Grapes – Stop HR 5034

by Frank Mangio
The ghost of prohibition in this country is still alive and well. After history declared prohibition to be one of the worst laws America ever passed, another piece of pending federal legislation, restricting the wine industry, is being debated.

It is HR 5034, which would badly hurt smaller wineries that depend on wine clubs and internet sales, by effectively blocking interstate shipping. Wholesalers and distributors lobbied states to pass restrictive laws, but the courts struck down laws that were passed and progress was being made in unrestrictive interstate sales and shipping. Now, opponents of direct sales of alcoholic beverages are aiming at congress, again.

In Temecula Wine Country, South Coast Winery Resort and Spa owner Jim Carter, who ships wine to some 20 states, has taken an active role in informing the public about this attack on their freedom to choose, in a letter to his club members and in a recent article in a San Diego newspaper. “HR 5034 threatens your rights to receive and enjoy your favorite South Coast Winery wines in the comfort of your home,” he said. It is very important for small wineries, especially, to be able to have these wine clubs because it’s our best vehicle for dealing direct with the public. “

Opponents of the pending law see it as restricting competition by forcing consumers to only buy retail. Wholesalers and distributors are lobbying congress hard for passage, and the dollars are flowing to at least 50 of the lawmaker co-sponsors of 5034. Almost 75% of all wines that were shipped last fiscal year came from California wineries, so this state especially needs to contact their federal congressional representative and strongly condemn this most recent attempt to dry up the direct sales wine business and put a lot more people out of work.

Ponte Winery’s Smokehouse Grill Flavors its Menu
An innovative group of chefs have produced menu creations at Ponte Winery’s Smokehouse Grill that have turned heads in the Temecula Valley. And Chef Marlon Martinez says it’s the move to a rustic style menu focusing on Mediterranean flavors.

“We stay local and make sure the produce has been grown sustainable and organic,” he said. “Those menu items that need to be shipped in, we make sure they are in the kitchen in time for a same-day lunch.” Today he was serving a magnificent Pacific Roasted Halibut with mashed olive oil potatoes with a warm oyster mushroom vinaigrette, as shown in the photo. Ponte is well known for its Scallion Dip which they serve as their opener with bread. “It’s so popular we sell it by the jar,” he declared.

In addition to crushed scallion, the dip mix includes: champagne, vinegar and olive oil. Some customers like to pour it into their salad. It’s a very different flavor as most items are at Smokehouse Grill.

On the wine side, Tasting Room Manager Lauren Todd told me that Italian Reds sell best. I had a lovely 2007 Sangiovese that is wine club priced at $32.95. Their 2007 Super Tuscan also sells well at $32.95. Of course, it’s still summer and Ponte sells a ton of the 2009 Beverino, a black rasberry flavored sparkling and sweet red for $23.16.

This is a big winery by Temecula numbers, with about 300 acres of vineyards and gardens. The Tasting Room and Marketplace are open 10 to 5pm daily and are always full of guests. The Smokehouse Grill is open 11am to 5pm Monday through Thursday, 11am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday and Sundays from 10am to 6pm. From more, access www.pontewinery.com.

Wine Bytes
Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo has its annual Grape Stomp Sat. Sept. 11 at 4pm. Italian food, wine, Roman Holiday music and dance and 2 tons of grapes to stomp. $65. pp. Tickets on sale at 858-487-1866.

PAON Restaurant and Wine Bar in Carlsbad offers a series of 3 fun informative wine classes, “Red World Tour” starting Tues. Sept. 14 from 6 to 8pm. $59. per class. 9 red wines per class will be tasted. Call 858-442-2749 for details.

San Diego State University has its fall semester classes on the Business of Wine, opening Tues. Sept. 14 and going to Tues. Oct. 12, 6 to 9pm. The Opener is Exploring Wine with Lisa Redwine, certified sommelier. For more information call 619-594-6924.

Hollywood on the Vine is the theme for the Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival Wed. through Sun. Sept. 15 through 19 at various venues in Temecula. Mix among celebrities, film, and music executives. Films will be shown and workshops available. A black tie gala will be Sun. Sept. 19 as musician Kenny Loggins is honored. Call 951-699-5514 for information and tickets.

Blue Fire in La Costa Resort presents Jazz and KIFM Smooth Jazz Radio from 7 to 9pm on Thurs. Sept. 16. Free admission. Check it out at 800-854-5000.

Temecula Valley’s Wine & Culilnary Showcase, celebrating California Wine Month, is Fri. Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 9:30pm at Monte De Oro Winery. A winemaker roundtables starts it off, climaxed by a Walk-Around Tasting featuring nearly 30 local wineries and a dozen restaurants. Call 800-801-9463 for tickets. Cost is $65. ea.

Meritage Wine Market is hosting its annual Lobsterfest 2010 Sat. Sept. 25 from 6 to 9pm. This is an old fashioned lobster boil with fresh, live 2 pound Maine lobsters and a full New England menu. A lineup of 6 wines will be paired from a Brut reserve to a 2007 Miner Family Napa Red. $75. ea. Call 760-479-2500.

Wining Around the San Diego Wine Scene

by Frank Mangio
Some of the most creative people I know are connected to the wine scene. From winemaker to wine server, they get it that wine has a special place in our lives. Wherever people gather, wine plays a role in adding to the success of the evening. So let’s get a taste of some recent wine events that left everyone smiling.

Ferrari Carano, always a quality winemaker from Sonoma, presented its new releases recently at Capri Blu, the Italian Bistro and Winebar in the 4S Ranch area west of Rancho Bernardo. The new and summer-style 2009 Bella Luce was introduced, a light wine of mostly Chardonnay, with 6 other world-class white grapes to produce its own individuality. ($14.) Other winners were the 2008 version of Siena, made of mostly Italian Sangiovese and Argentina’s Malbec ($18.), and the limited release PreVail West Face, a rich-bodied dark ruby red wine of mostly cabernet with a healthy dose of Syrah ($55.).

Up north on the 15 freeway and into Escondido, Holiday Wine Cellar filled its underground wine tasting room with eager fans of Frank Family from Napa Valley. Catherine Uzeta, the Frank Family rep and Jim Kern of Holiday offered 5 Frank Family varietals for tasting and had attractive discounts on sales for that evening. I was most attracted by the 2008 Pinot Noir from the Carneros district of Napa Valley. ($31.99). Fresh strawberry fruit impresses the palate, with hints of hibiscus tea, cinnamon and honey.

Word just in that Jim Carter’s South Coast Winery Resort & Spa in the Temecula Valley has won some 56 medals at the California State Fair, including 15 Best of Class. It’s still another tribute to the determination of Carter to raise the level of quality wines in Temecula, with the expertise and wine wisdom of Master Winemaker Jon McPherson. The 38 acre property also has a world class restaurant and spa, and is a major concert venue.

Many of the awards were for the Wild Horse Peak wines, with grapes grown up in the hills near Palomar Mountain. The 2006 Sangiovese is a distinguished version of the Tuscan great.

The Shores Restaurant in La Jolla, recently rejuvenated by restaurant manager and sommelier Lisa Redwine, presented Chris Brockway of Broc Cellars in the San Francisco Bay area. Five different tasting stations made it a pleasure to participate. There were five Rhone varietals presented including a Granache. Brockway underlines his small production quantities and a hands-on approach as keys to his recent success since 2004 in making pocket-friendly drinkable wines.

Did you know that the family of the late Frank Sinatra now has Sinatra Family Estates wines, starting with a high quality 2007 Cabernet from Calistoga, Napa Valley (79.99). It’s starting to show up at finer wine shops.

The highest quality magazine for searching out the most contemporary information on food and wine is San Diego’s own Dining Out, a complimentary glossy publication available in finer restaurants and wine bars. The Summer/Fall edition is out with fascinating revelations about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as full menus of your favorite restaurants.

Carlsbad Wine Merchants Friday nights are really rockin and getting a fun reputation with live music, small bites cuisine and memorable wine tastings. First music set is usually 6:30pm. Caesar or Berry salad, gourmet pizzas, chicken wings or cheese boards compliment the wine tastings which go from 5pm to 8pm. $10. for wine club members, $20. for non-members. TGIF never felt so good.