Southern California Awash in Wine Shows

by Frank Mangio
It would take reams of copy to summarize the dozens of wine shows that have descended into Southern California  to pour the latest releases of fine wine for a thirsty public.  At times you can find international shows where wines from many countries compete with the U.S. ( read west coast).

Others are just California and many more focus on regions, like the one I visited recently, the wines of the Santa Lucia Highlands of the central coast. Along the central coastal area of California , there is no lack of wine countries to visit.  From Santa Barbara north to Santa Ynez, the Sta. Rita Hills , Paso Robles, Monterey and the special, bucolic mountainside just below Monterey called Santa Lucia Highlands .  Truly a home for wine artisans, vineyards are planted on terraces overlooking the Salinas River Valley, cooled by the fog and ocean breezes off Monterey Bay.  Forty-nine properties grow wine grapes on 6,100 acres.

 Most of these wineries make Pinot Noir. There is no more attractive setting for this glamour queen of wine than the Santa Lucia Highlands.

With more than 30 years experience, Dan Lee and his Morgan label are the essence of this region.  His Double L Vineyard, purchased in 1996, is today one of the best known vineyards in the state.  You can taste this crown jewel of Pinot Noir ($58.) as the 2013 Double L has just been released.  That year was beautiful for wine grapes, as was the 2012.  You find aromas of coffee and black cherry, and flavors of blackberry, dates and plum.  For more, go to morganwinery.com.

One of the fastest growing wine events in San Diego is one that is only in its 3rd year.  Held at Liberty Station in the Pt. Loma district, this indoor/outdoor venue quickly picked up over 100 brands of high quality wineries.  The passionate producer David Fraschetti,  who did corporate events and is a lover of fine wine, rolled up his sleeves and laid out a space plan  of wines, food and music 2nd to none, and called it Vin Diego.

Heavy hitters lined the walkways  in the park- like setting.  Wines like:  Ferrari-Carano, Grgich Hills, Opolo, Niner, South Coast , Sokol Blosser and ZD plus many more were repeat customers. Marina Kitchen, Jake’s, Solare and the Grant Grill had tasty bites. Mark your April 2016 calendar for the 2nd Saturday and be sure to experience Vin Diego next time around.  Visit vindiego.com.

It doesn’t have to be a huge strung-out event to gain an insight into the world of wine.  Find an active restaurant like Vittorio’s in Carmel Valley , just north of San Diego producing monthly wine dinner events, and you will learn a lot.  Marty Merritt, regional manager for Hope Family Wines in Paso Robles came in recently with some of his newest releases from Hope.  All are Rhone Valley south-of-France style wines.

Vittorio’s was up for the event and called on his chef for exceptional  cuisine like jumbo scallops, roasted duck breast and New Zealand lamb chops. The wines were red blends, chardonnay  and a personal favorite, a 2013 Treana White ($23.).  Mostly from the Viognier grape, flavors of ripe stone fruit with honey overtones are the real deal. Check out hopefamilywines.com.

Wine Bytes
North County Wine Company presents a Top Shelf Tasting Fri. May 8th from 4 to 10pm. This is a special opportunity to taste big-time wines like Keenan, Pahlmeyer and Don Melchor Cab. Cost is $35. including hors d’ oeuvres.  Details at 760-653-9032.

Island Prime & C Level Restaurant on Harbor Island San Diego has a symposium and wine tasting from South Africa , Sat. May 9 from 1 to 2:30pm.  Two experts from that country will moderate. $40. pp.  Call 619-298-6802.

Tablas Creek Winery comes to La Jolla at La Valencia ’s La V Restaurant Tues. May 12th from 6 to 9pm.  The winery is one of the top rated properties in Paso Robles.  $120. ea.  Details at 858-454-0771.

The Rotary Club of Bonsall presents its annual Wine, Brews and Blues Festival, the California Center for the Arts in Escondido , Sat. May 16 from 5:30 to 10pm. Both wine and handcrafted beer tastings, silent auction and live blues music for dancing.  Food, including a beer and brats courtyard. Proceeds benefit charities.   Tickets are $75. ea.  available at bonsallrotary.com.