Falkner Wins Winemaker Challenge – Featured Winery at Family Winemakers Event

by Frank Mangio

After 12 years of growing grapes and making wine in the Temecula Valley, Ray and Loretta Falkner have hit paydirt: the Best of Show Wine winner at this year’s Winemaker Challenge International Competition in San Diego.

The top award was for the Falkner 2008 Syrah-Rock Creek Vineyard wine ( $34.95.), available at the winery. The wine has strong notes of plum and cocoa with a long, lingering finish. It was the top finisher in a field of 816 entries from over 12 countries. They are tank-tasting their new Viognier, planned for a May release.

Steve Hagata is the winemaker and Ray Falkner the co-owner of Falkner Winery in Temecula Valley.

This winery also received a Silver medal for their 2008 Super Tuscan Amante ($39.95), a Gold for their 2010 Rosato-Rose’ style wine ($14.95) and a Silver for the 2008 Meritage-Bordeaux Blend ($39.95).

“All our grapes are from our Temecula Valley,” Steve declared. ’08 was an elegant year. We use little oak in our wines. We rely on balance of flavor and a well-defined acid structure that makes you want another sip. We use low yields to keep quality control.”

Wine lovers will get their opportunity to taste Falkner and over 150 other family-owned wineries at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Sunday March 11 from 3 to 6pm, when the Family Winemakers of California present TASTING 2012. Great, well-known wineries will be back with their new releases, as well as new, exciting young winemakers with their creations. This is the singular place and time to do just that.

I love this event for the chance to chat it up with the winemakers and the owners who are there pouring the wines. The vast confines of the main exhibit hall at the fairgrounds allow plenty of elbow room.

Wines and their wineries to look for include: Zinfandel with Ancient Peaks, Frank Family, JC Cellars, Opolo, Saxon Brown, Siduri and Zenaida; Viognier with Cass, Falkner, Niner, Monte De Oro and Tablas Creek. For other varietals look for and try Beaulieu, Fort Ross, Sojourn, Cinnabar, Orfila and Wiens.

Tickets are: $55. each, $65. at the door. They are available at www.familywinemakers.org. More information at 415-707-0646.

For Falkner information: www.falknerwinery.com.

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TASTE OF WINE has recently partnered with 18 more world-wide web sites to add to its 13 sites featuring the column and videos of producer Frank Mangio on wine. We are really excited about our entry into China with the major site: www.youku.com.

Wine Bytes

The World of Wine Barrel Tasting Event in Temecula Wine Country is Sat. March 3 and Sun. March 4 from 10am to 4:30pm at participating wineries. Visitors will taste wine and food at 30+ wineries. The tour is self-guided through the Temecula Valley. Cost is $99. for the 2 days. Tickets at www.temeculawines.org or call 800-801-9463.

Taste 7 Malbecs at Bacchus Wine Market, downtown San Diego, Sat. March 3 from 2 to 8:30pm. This is Argentina’s signature grape, originally from France. Cost is $15. Phone 619-236-0005.

Sbicca Del Mar presents the Red World Tour of Barbera, Corvina, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and more, Mon. March 6 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. All are from Northern Italy, in a classroom format. 9 wines are tasted. $49. pp. Call 858-442-2749.

Twisted Vine Bistro and Wine Bar off Highway 56 in San Diego has the Michael David Winery Sat. March 10, 4 to 6pm with 5 signature wines and Light Bites paired by Chef Mia. Cost is $35. Check it out at 858-780-2501.

RELM Bistro and Wine Bar in Carlsbad offers Domestic Hidden Gems with over 40 wines available for tasting, Sat. March 10 from 12 to 3pm. Wine reps will answer questions about the wines. Appetizers included in the $20. dollar price. RSVP at 760-434-9463. RELM is adding a location soon in San Elijo Hills!