Wine has many benefits and serves us in so many ways. The custom of wine at special occasions goes back thousands of years. It rightly takes on a spiritual dimension as people celebrate their lives.
No finer example of this is the raising of a glass to the assembled and a toasting a birthday, anniversary or a simple gathering of friends.
Here’s a bit of trivia for you. The term “toast” comes from an ancient practice of dropping a piece of burnt bread into wine in order to ensure a more palatable product.
For a flourish and to stay true to the ritual, try these tips next time you to toast with lovely glass of wine:
To gain the attention of the group, rise to the occasion before toasting. Maintain eye contact and speak from the heart about how great it is to be together; please, no long-winded speeches from cue cards. Raise the glass to about eye-level and shift your eye contact to all involved in the toasting. After the message and all glasses clink, the toaster or the host can take the first sip.
You need not wait for a special occasion to enjoy a sincere toast. Whether it’s two or twenty two and you are gathered with wine, raise your glass and celebrate life.
SALUTE!
A Night at the Bistro
Beringer Winery of Napa and Bistro West in Carlsbad combined for a well-attended, well-orchestrated and enjoyed wine event recently. Lots of upbeat wine lovers cheered on the wine selections and menu, put together by General Manager Paul Fitzgerald, Executive Chef Jason Connolly and Cindy Bock of Foster’s, the Beringer rep.
Beringer is a pioneer winery founded in Napa in 1876 by a distinguished German winemaker, Jacob Beringer. He found the volcanic soil of Napa to be excellent for growing wine grapes. Even today, Beringer is the oldest operating winery and none is more respected. My two picks for the evening were blends: the ’07 Alluvium Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay and Viognier) and the ’06 Alluvium Red Meritage (Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec and Cab Franc.)
Alluvium refers to the soil structure which is distinctly mineralized and shows itself in these two fine wine choices. Bistro West has a “New Deal” currently offered where the entire check is discounted 15%, for dinners ordered 7 days a week from 3:30 to 5:30. Reservations suggested at 760-930-8008.
Wine Bytes
* Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp District San Diego presents Red Blends Fri. Sept. 11 from 4 to 8:30pm & Sat. Sept 12 from 2 to 8:30pm for $15. pp. Call 619-236-0005 for details.
* Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas hosts Lobsterfest 2009 Sat. Sept. 19 from 6 to 9pm . It’s an East Coast style menu with fresh Maine Lobster. 6 different wines will be paired with the food. $85. ea. RSVP at 760-479-2500.
* Party Latin style at San Antonio Winery downtown Los Angeles with ethnic foods and wine, Sun. Sept. 20 from 2 to 5pm. Many South American countries’ native dishes will be tasted. Live music. $50. fee. Find out more at 323-223-1401.
* Wine Styles in Encinitas invites you to dine in style Sat. Sept. 26 from 7 to 9pm. Four course special menu limited to 16 guests. French style wines tasted. $80. pp. Details at 760-633-0057.
* FLIGHT Restaurant and Wine Bar in Del Mar now has ½ price wine nights every Wed. and wine flight nights every Thurs. night at 7pm . Five wines and culinary creations $25. ea. Get more info at 858-847-0490.
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