It’s All in the Family

by Frank Mangio

You might call them an extended family of fine wineries. The 2011 version of Family Winemakers of California assembles at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Sunday March 13 from 3 to 6pm. Over 200 of the California wineries in the association will give visitors a chance to get to know the quality of wineries that are small producers and are passionate about offering only the best wines they can make.

The vision of an alliance of California farmers presenting hand-crafted wines was the creation of Suzanne Frontz, now President and General Manager of Cinnabar Winery in Saratoga, in the Santa Cruz Mountains. She and her winemaker George Troquato favor Bordeaux/Burgundy style of complex wines, and comb the wine countries around them for vineyards with that rich mouthfeel and makeup that has endeared wine lovers to the greatness of the California version of French wines. “We make 12,000 cases at Cinnabar,”she said. “When we began to make wine in a garage in 1987, just 250 cases were made.

Suzanne Frontz of Cinnabar Winery of Saratoga, one of the 200 wineries presenting their latest vintages in Del Mar March 13.

It was all started by my family, and is still owned by members of my family.”

Frontz, who lives in Coronado and commutes to wine country, lit up when I asked her what was new this season.

“Mercury Rising is our proprietary blend that we feel strongly about. It’s the 2008 Cabernet/ Merlot from Paso Robles, ( $21.) which is one of about 20 different appellations that will be tasted at the Family Winemakers event. I urge guests to plan ahead when they come and have a good breakfast. We have site plans and wines listed in a complete program."

About 85% of the 4,000 wineries in California fit into the Family Winemakers category. 129 new wineries came into being last year. Its’ a vibrant, growing business and we love it.” Guest advance sales have doubled over last year’s event, as the economy has turned and the wine industry with it.

For a complete list of the wineries that will be pouring over 1,000 different wines at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, go to www.familywinemakers.org. For questions, contact 415-705-0646.

Purchase tickets at the web site, which range from $55. to $75. each. After the event, you can truly say you tasted all that is the family of California wines.

Lunch with a Twisted Spur

I know, sounds like something out of True Grit, but it was a lovely lunch with members of the Niner Wine Estates team from Paso Robles, Amanda Cramer the Winemaker and Tucker Spear Director of Sales.

Amanda is no stranger to readers of TASTE OF WINE. She is the real deal, having won Winemaker of the Year last year at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. Since the beginning, she has flown high literally with a world of experience first at UC Davis, then Napa Valley, Australia, and Chile. She worked under the great winemaker Heidi Barrett before teaming up with Niner in ’04.

Amanda Cramer and Tucker Spear of Niner Wine Estates from Paso Robles visited Encinitas and broke open new releases including the 4 grape Twisted Spur.

At the end of the day, Cramer believes that quality winemaking begins in the vineyard. “The agricultural aspect is more important,” pointing out that 2010 will be the first all estate-produced vintage. The most important decision I make as a winemaker is the harvest date. It must be at the absolute peak of grape readiness for the excellence of the wine to be made.”

The 2007 Twisted Spur is 52% Merlot, 30% Cab Franc, 15% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah. ($25.) It’s Paso perfect.

Wine Bytes

The Pacific Coast Wine Festival at the Island Resort in Newport Beach is coming Sat. March 5 starting at 5pm with a sit-down lavish dinner at 7pm. This event benefits the Pacific Symphony of Orange County and includes tasting rare and premium wines, silent and live auction and live music. Tickets start at $325. ea. Details at 714-876-2364, www.pacificsymphony.org/pcwf.

Just Pinot is the theme at a tasting in Bacchus Wine Market Sat. March 6 from 2 to 8:30pm. Cost is $20. From Burgundy to Oregon, there will be 7 tastings. Call 619-236-0005.

The Crossings Golf Club in Carlsbad has its Wine Down event in the Canyons Restaurant Thurs. March 10 5:30 to 8pm. Sanford is the featured winery along with menu items for $20. pp. RSVP at 760-444-1861.

Vigilucci’s Restaurant downtown Carlsbad has an Antinori’s Italian Wine Dinner Wed. March 9 at 6pm. $75. includes a 3 course dinner and the newest vintages from Antinori. RSVP at 760-434-2580.

Temecula Creek Inn and Robert Renzoni Winery present Wine Maker Wednesday, March 9 at 6:30pm. Chef Sal creates a wine-inspired dinner with tasting portions of each course paired with Italian style wines poured by Robert Renzoni of the winery in Temecula. $20. pp. 951-694-1000.

The Trifecta Wins in the Wine World

by Frank Mangio

Trifecta is a thing of beauty in the horse tracks of America. You make a wager on 3 races, naming the race and the horse that will come in a winner. This takes creativity and a certain amount of bravado to come home on top, with an oversized payoff for your gamble.

I find that same amount of risk and reward in the new breed of wine shop personalities who have opened their doors and offered what I call a “Trifecta” for the wine consumer. Here are some winners worth betting on.

Downtown Carlsbad was the location chosen by a former wine wholesaler turned retailer, Rene Fleming, for her new enterprise. It’s a wine shop with a “Trifecta format of wine bar, wine sales by the bottle and small bites rustic menu of hot, fresh food that pairs well with the wines offered. She named the shop RELM…meaning “Really Enjoy Laugh More. Rene, along with support staff

A wine bar and a lot more defines RELM in downtown Carlsbad.

Sherry Martin and Katie Murray, spins the magic. From wine appreciation classes and fresh tasting ideas, to artists and jazz musicians, RELM keeps customers coming in and staying to enjoy their “Trifecta.” www.thewinerelm.com.

Over in San Marcos, the master blaster orchestrating his version of the “Trifecta” is James Allyn at Canape’s. James sold North Country Wine Company across the street and built out Canape’s in the San Marcos Restaurant Row. It too is one part retail wine shop, one part wine bar and one part small bite restaurant. Canape’s plugs in a 4th part with a major schedule of entertainment. From Blues to Flemenco, you’ll hear it all while you sip on your Pinot Noir.

In Rancho Sante Fe, the place to see and be seen is Dolce Pane E Vino with Steve Flowers managing. Italy never looked so beautiful as this posh wine bar, rustic dining, living room and wine bottle retail creation with Tuscan surrounds. Another intimate touch…you can sit across from the chef and chat about your menu choice while it’s being cooked for you. www.dolcepaneevino.com.

Finally I have to include the WineSellar & Brasserie with Gary Parker the owner. Hard to find in the Sorrento Valley industrial area but wow!...amazing collection of wines and a small sit down restaurant that has been honored by Wine Spectator Magazine with its Grand Award for best wines with food since 1989.

Other area restaurants that have converted to the “Trifecta” format include: Sage Grill in Encinitas, San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, PAON in Carlsbad and VINZ Wine Bar & Tasting Room in Escondido.

Wine News to Use

I hope you have tried FLAVOR, the new restaurant in the Del Mar Plaza, with a view of the Pacific to die for.

A first-step into the dining room from the remarkable front entrance and bar area, gets a A-rated WOW for its expansive view of the Pacific from nearly every table. The sweeping window is about a 180 degree panorama. It’s all well and good, but the wine and food is really what FLAVOR is all about. Try one of the extensive collection of half-bottles, a brilliant idea to keep costs down, yet enjoy a premium, memorable wine. And as the name suggests, the menu is seasonal and as fresh as today with all ingredients working to enhance the flavor of the menu selection. See more FLAVOR at www.flavordelmar.com.

Lovely Pinot Noir in Temecula Wine Country? Yes, from Woodworth Vineyards, a micro-winery in the De Luz hills west of Temecula. Its 2008 vintage was one of 64 to be featured at the recent Pinot Noir Summit in San Francisco. These grapes are grown at the winery, where warm days and cool nights, embellished with coastal fog, make it a reliable growing ground for Woodworth. The wine is available at The Collective in Old Town. www.tvwinecollective.com.

Going "Vertical" with Author of Sideways

by Frank Mangio

It was the first time I had seen a major wine festival inside an airport hanger.

Leave it to the Pinot Noir wine makers to come up with the Santa Monica Airport to lineup their 100+ “just Pinot” wineries with the winemakers ready to tell the compelling tales about their vintages. The 2008’s are out in abundance and the noble, finicky grape never tasted better. National sales were up 8.9% in 2010, 2nd highest increase.

We’ll get back to the Pinots that pleased and why the ’08 vintage is drawing so much attention, but really, the one dramatic moment in time that did it for Pinot Noir was the movie Sideways, some 6 years ago. You remember, it was about a frustrated author, Miles, who takes off

with his irresponsible but loveable friend Jack and the nutty adventures they encounter in wine country north of Santa Barbara. Miles drowns his sorrow in a never-ending binge of his favorite wine, Pinot Noir. It caused Pinot and wine tasting rooms to explode in sales, and his hated grape, Merlot, to crash in sales.

Taste of Wine columnist Frank Mangio and author/screenwriter Rex Pickett of the book and movie Sideways talk about his new wine themed book, Vertical.

Rex Pickett is the master-mind author and screenwriter behind Sideways and he was at the event promoting his new book, Vertical, that takes off where, more or less, the last one ended. “It’s some years later, and Miles has written a book that has been made into a movie, “he revealed. “It changed his life and now he is in demand at Pinot Noir festivals. Crazy Jack is back in his life and his mother is as whacky as ever. They all take off for Oregon’s Willamette Valley, home of the best Pinot under the sun, and it kind of takes Sideways into a new and moving direction.”

I had to pin him down on the Miles character and how he ever wrote about such a quirky personality. “Miles is me,” he admitted. “I started going to the wine country above Santa Barbara to lick the wounds of a divorce. I hung out there at the same places as the movie showed, and decided to write about my life, using Miles as the character. I drank a little too much Pinot Noir to get rid of the sting of the rejection letters. And yes, Pinot was and still is my favorite wine.”

Rex is working on a sequel movie and hopes to have Paul Giamatti back as Miles. “Sideways did so much for the wine world,” he declared. “Now with the economy tanked and some Oregon wine countries so dependent on Pinot Noir, it might take another movie to keep this wine going.”

Miles Was Right to Celebrate Pinot Noirs from Oregon

In Sideways author Rex Pickett’s new book, Vertical, the hero Miles takes off for Oregon to be in the middle of great Pinot Noirs.

The current 2008 release has been called the year for greatness. From Dundee Hills to the Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir lovers find much to cheer about. Intense, brooding, complex flavors are in abundance. The Pinot show in Santa Monica had such star-studded elegance as: Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills $38; Argyle Extended Tirage Willamette Valley $60.; Erath Estate $24. and Willamette Valley Vineyards Reserve $28.

We don’t have to go too far south to keep the great Pinots coming. Sojourn Cellars in Sonoma is getting a solid reputation for big, bountiful Pinots, led by their Sonoma Coast , a blend of some 9 blocks of wines within 3 vineyards. $39. Testarossa Winery further south near Santa Cruz, partners with growers in the finest appellations in its district in Monterey and the Santa Ynez Valley.

The winery was founded in 1993 by high techies Rob and Diana Jensen who first started with 15 cases in their garage. Today, Testarossa produces 15,000 cases annually and has earned hundreds of 90+ awards for their wines. The 2009 Santa Lucia Highlands Vintage is priced at $39. Finally, no discussion of Pinot Noir would be complete without mention of Goldeneye from the Anderson Valley of California, one of my Top Ten Tastes from last year and owned by Duckhorn Winery of Napa Valley. Elevation, climate, coastal fog and southwest grape exposure make it a perfect Pinot $55.

Wine Bytes

Sage Grill in Encinitas is celebrating its 7th birthday with $7. off any wine in stock during the month of February. Sage has a Hill Family Estate wine dinner with 4 wines and a 3 course dinner Mon. Feb. 21 for $59. pp. RSVP at 760-943-7343.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido has a Taste the Northwest event Mon. Feb. 21 starting at 5:30pm. Oregon and Washington are featured for $5. ea. Call 760-745-1200 for details.

Firefly Grill & Wine Bar in Encinitas hosts a Ferrari-Carano Wine Dinner Wed. Feb. 23 at 6:30pm. Some of the great wines of this Sonoma winery will be tasted including one of my Top Ten Tastes for 2010, Tresor premium blend 2007. New Executive Chef for Firefly is now Paul Renaudo, from J-Six in the Gaslamp. $65. cost. Call 760-635-1066 for your RSVP.

Vigilucci’s Seafood and Steakhouse in Carlsbad on Coast Highway has a Chateau St. Michelle Wine Tasting Fri. Feb. 25 at 6:30pm. 4 beautiful wines including one of my Top Ten Tastings, the Eroica Riesling 2008 will be served with a special selection of appetizers. RSVP and details at 760-434-2580.

Dining Out San Diego is celebrating its 7th Anniversary with a 7 course dinner at Eden in San Diego, paired with 6 expressions of The Macallan, on Sun. Feb. 27 at 6pm. Publisher Josh Kopelman, Chef Scotty Wagner and Ambassador Eden Algie host. $75. pp. Call 619-269-3336 ext 209 for an RSVP.

Banfi Pours at the 3rd Corner-Will be the Top Stop in Taste of Wine Tour of Tuscany

by Frank Mangio

The wine glasses were being toasted high and loud recently at the 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro in Encinitas. Not only was there a classic lineup of Castello Banfi Chianti Classico, Super Tuscan Blends and a 4 course menu especially created for the occasion by the 3rd Corner Executive Chef Lincoln Williams; it also kicked off the news of a special, personal tour of great Tuscan wineries that I will lead October 7th to the 10th of this year.

I have teamed up with Banfi, the Mazzei Winery, Celebrity Cruise Lines and Vineyard Travel in Escondido for a round- trip Rome to Rome 10 day Mediterranean Cruise with on-board wine events from October 10th to the 20th. Ports of call include Naples, Messina Sicily, Mykonos, Santorini, other Greek Islands and Kusadasi, Turkey.

The 3rd Corner Encinitas Executive Chef Lincoln Williams and Banfi Wines Representative Diane Cappetta Nares

Prior to the cruise, our privileged group will set out 3 days earlier and enjoy hotels,transfers, rustic breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the wine country of Tuscany. It will include castles, wine tastings with extensive winery tours in Montalcino and Castellina, an Italian cooking class and an ancient glass museum.

There is no other place on earth like the sun-kissed hills of beautiful Tuscany. I know, I have walked the hills and felt the joy of life in this wine country. I have carefully chosen Mazzei with its legendary Fonterutoli and Banfi with its Brunello Di Montalcino wines as excellence in a bottle. The wineries are known worldwide for their graciousness and hospitality.

Italy is the largest importer of wine into the U.S. and makes roughly 20% of all the wine in the world. All 20 regions of this amazing country, from Sicily to the Alps, offer high quality old world wines from some 3,000 different grape varietals.

Other master-produced wines include: Gaja Barbaresco, Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, Pio Casare Barolo, Bertani Amerone della Valpolicella Classico, Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico, Marchesi Antinori Tignanello, Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia, Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia and Planeta Santa Cecilia.

That is an unforgettable Italian wine journey and we get to sample the heart, in Tuscany. Complete details are at www.vineyardtravel.net. Enter offer #676757. Or call Rosemary Nigro at 800-359-3772.

Wine Bytes

A Cupid Wine Party is planned for Fri. Feb. 11 from 6 to 9pm at Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego. Appetizers, deserts and plenty of wines on hand for the party. $25. cost. Call 619-236-0005.

La Costa Wine Company has an Italian Tasting on Fri. Feb. 11 from 5 to 8:30pm. For $20. pp., taste 5 great Italian varietals including the ’07 Oreno awarded 95 points. New are “Wine Wednesdays” …a three wine flight for just $10. Details at 760-431-8455.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas is planning a Bordeaux night on Fri. Feb. 11 from 6 – 8pm. Call the shop at 760-479-2500 for brands and varietals.

Orfila Vineyards and Winery in Escondido has a special Valentines Day concert in the vines, Sun. Feb. 13. $20. ea. or $35. per couple. Includes a welcome glass of sparkling Moscato. Check for times and tickets at 877-727-9463.

San Diego State University’s next wine class starts Tues. Feb. 15 from 6 – 9pm. Advance sommelier Lisa Redwine teaches “Exploring Wine.” Call 619-594-6924 for more.

San Clemente Wine Company has a Cheese and Wine Pairing Class with Starr Cornwall on Wed. Feb. 16 from 6:30 to 7:30pm. 5 wines, chocolate, cheeses and educational materials are included for $35. To learn more, call 949-429-7067.

Bang the Drum for Temecula Wines

by FrankMangio

My in-box is loaded with optimistic news on Temecula Wine Country. It’s time to catch a rising star in the wine world. (Are you paying attention Wine Spectator ?)

Peggy Evans, Executive Director of the Winegrowers Association just added Krista Chaich to the marketing team to further fine tune the message of Southern California’s home wine country, with 30 some vineyards and wineries that specialize in Mediterranean climate grapes.

Long-time wine marketing pro Karen Lindstrom is now in Catering Sales and Marketing for Callaway Vineyard and Winery, and it looks like the long-awaited Europa Village is headed to reality. I was recently contacted by a spokesman.

Over at Falkner Winery, the irrepressible and suave Angelo Abril is now Restaurant Manager for the premier Pinnacle Restaurant for Ray and Lorreta Falkner. The pair hosted an elegant holiday winemaker 5 course dinner with Falkner’s best wines, including my favorite, the 2006 Amante Super Tuscan style blend.(39.95)

Angelo Abril, Falkner Winery’s Pinnacle Restaurant Manager, and Ray Falkner with his wife Lorreta, are combining to help bring Temecula wines to the next level.

It marries up the flavors of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc. Pinnacle is offering Mediterranean style lunches since executive chef Gianni Ciciliot got his hands on the menu. A leading regional publication has awarded Pinnacle “Best Restaurant” the last 3 years. It will be open for Valentines Day Wine Dinners on Saturday through Monday February 12, 13 and 14 with timed seatings. Call for an RSPV and price at 951-676-8231 ext 1.

Over at Keyways, Terri Pebley and her winemaker David Raffael, introduced me to their latest wine, Traditions, a Merlot varietal from the Woodworth Vineyard in nearby Deluz. It has an irresistible ruby color with rich flavors of plum, cherry and mocha. ($31.) Keyways Voignier is always rich and complex with tropical notes, accents of peach and apricot, and the 2009 version carries this tradition. ($27.)

South Coast Winery, Resort and Spa is breaking new ground with a new release for a new label, from a new vineyard in southeastern Monterey County. Its’ called Saint’s Valley Winery and its first release is the 2010 White Zinfandel with a price starting at $3.99. Master Winemaker Jon McPherson promises a new day for this “blush” historic varietal.

A new book has just been launched by Temecula writers and publicists Tom Plant and Linda Kissam called A Recipe for Temecula Wine Country ( $19.98). It’s a contemporary cookbook featuring recipes from 22 of Temecula’s finest wineries. Vivid color pictures make it a mouth-watering experience, with pairing suggestions and recipes.

The book is already in circulation at local wineries and is coming soon to Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Call Linda Kissam for locations at 951-526-4540.

The next big Temecula winery event is the World of Wine 2011 Saturday March 5 and Sunday March 6. It’s barrel tasting and gourmet food servings in an all-day self guided tour. Limited time pre-sale two day ticket is $89. Check in at www.temeculawines.com for details. www.lacostawineco.com

Wine Bytes

Valentines Day in a winery and vineyard…now that’s romantic! Here are more choices in Temecula.

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa has a Valentines Wine Dinner on the 14th from 5:30 to 9:30pm. The chefs have a special menu and live music. $95. pp with a select bottle of wine. RSVP at 951-587-9463 ext 7237.

Tesoro Winery has a “Dolce Pomeriggio” ( sweet afternoon) Sat. Feb. 12 from 4 – 7pm. Wine, Champagne, chocolate and love songs with the Deek and Long duo. Cost is $26. ea. Call 951-308-0000.

Oak Mountain has a winemaker dinner Sat. Feb. 12 from 6 – 9pm. Four course Filet Mignon dinner with chef Michael from the Ritz Carlton and Oak Mountain favorite releases. Ticket sales at 951-699-9102.

Thornton Winery has its Romantic Rendevous Sat. Feb. 12 at 7pm. Adults only Valentines Day celebration with strolling violinists. Choice of glamorous venues in the winery. Filet Mignon and Salmon entrée. $85. pp. Call for RSVP at 951-699-0099.

Callaway Winery has a Vino d’Amore Dinner on Sat. Feb. 12 from6 -9pm. It features sparkling wine, live music and dinner in the barrel room. $90 ea. Call 951-676-4001 for seats.

Keyways has two Valentines events: Sat. Feb. 12 with That’s Amore, a 4 course dinner and entertainment from 6:30pm – 9:30pm for $99; and Cupid’s Walk, a romantic winery tour on Mon. the 14th from 3-4pm where you’ll sip wines and learn a little about winemaking for $17. RSVP at 951-302-7888.