Here and There in the Wine World, Valentines Day in San Diego

by Frank Mangio
Nine years, but who’s counting.  This is column # 463 for TASTE OF WINE and it seems like yesterday only because there is so much yet to know about this vast wine world. Can’t wait to taste what’s around the corner.  And it has such a way to go since only 20% of Americans drink over 90% of all wine consumed.  Most wines bought are $12.per bottle or less.  There are about 7,200 wineries in the U.S.  The largest is Gallo with 75 million cases produced yearly. Each one of these American consumers buys about 12 bottles a year.  We’ve got a ways to go here….the Vatican City in Italy consumes about 95 bottles a year while France is 2nd with 60 bottles per person.

They’re celebrating at the Grand Del Mar resort in San Diego as Chef William Bradley
of Addison  Restaurant was the winner of the Robb Report Culinary Masters Competition.  He showcased his 5 course winning dinner and was nominated by the legendary Thomas Keller of Napa ’s French Laundry. This was quickly followed by the Grand’s award of the #1 hotel in the U.S. by the esteemed Trip Advisor, Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Rankings.  Its’ been a track record of excellence for the 6 years this luxurious retreat has wowed guests from around the world.

William Bradley, Executive Chef of the award winning Grand Del Mar.

 
My friends at Wine Spectator have found that we have a frightening weather problem that is hanging like a black cloud over the winemaking industry.  Last year was the driest on record in California , and to date, 2014 looks worse than that. Thousands of vineyards are getting nervous.  Only 2 inches have been recorded in wine countries where there should be nearly 13.  Anyone for a rain dance?

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse launched a new steak and wine menu, featuring dry-aged steaks, for a richer , bolder flavor.  Another  breakthrough is the Fleming’s 100 featuring 100 wines by the glass.  This includes 30 wines of exceptional value for $10.or less.

Valentines Day Wine Dinners

February 14th, as all kind hearted romantics know, is the Feast of St. Valentine or simply Valentines Day. We prefer feast, and there are some lovely destinations that will gladly welcome you and your wine and dine partner to their premises.

 The interior of Morada at the Rancho Santa Fe Inn, provides a romantic setting for a special Valentines Day dinner.

Here are some of my favorites:

Morada in the Rancho Santa Fe Inn is a low key, classically presented dinner house with comfortable surroundings.  A three course dinner plus dessert is offered with three choices per entrée at
$78. per person, with optional wine pairings for an additional $30.  RSVP at 858-381-8289.

Marina Kitchen at the Marriott offers a Valentines “Date on the Water” overlooking San Diego Bay in a three course dinner for $55. each.  Guests receive a complimentary amuse bouche from Executive Chef Aron Schwartz.  Three choices per course.  For $25. more, guests can enjoy expert wine pairings. Reservations at 619-699-8222.

Twenty/20 in Carlsbad has a delicious three course pre-fixe menu for $50. per person, plus regular menu. Three choices for the main entrée.  RSVP at 760-827-2500.

Amaya at the Grand Del Mar presents a 4 course Valentines tasting dinner from 5:30 to 10pm.  $135. per person, $185. with wine pairings. RSVP at 858-314-2727.

In Temecula Wine Country, consider Pinnacle Restaurant in the Falkner Winery with its dramatic overlook.  Enjoy a 4 course dinner, wine pairings and live entertainment.  $79. per person.  Early seating and wine club $69.  Call for a reservation at 951-676-8231 ext 1.

Wine Bytes

It’s Spanish night at Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas Sat. Feb. 8 from 6 to 9pm.  This Paella Party will have a celebrity chef for the evening.  Paired with 4 Spanish wines.  $50. ea.  Call 760-479-2500 for an RSVP.

Firefly Grill & Wine Bar in Encinitas has a Dierberg Wine Dinner Mon. Feb. 10 beginning at 6:30pm.  4 wine-inspired courses topped by a Wild Boar Duo paired with the Dierberg 2010 Syrah.  Dierberg is a luscious group of wines in the Central California Coast .  RSVP at 760-635-1066.

Encinitas Wine Merchants and Bar brings TV’s The Bachelor for an appearance Tues. Feb. 11 from 5 to 8:30pm.  Celebrity BEN FLAJNIK will be introducing his ENVOLVE wines of Sonoma .  Two appearances pouring 4 wines each:  5 to 6:45pm and 7 to 8:45pm.  Pre paid tickets for $25. RSVP and more details at 760-407-4265 or Ellena Cassidy at 858-945-1029.

Tripping Around the Romance of Temecula Wines

by Frank Mangio
The stars are aligned for a banner year in Temecula Wine Country this year. My in-box is full of exciting developments for most of the 35+ wineries that are anticipating an overwhelming public response to their ambitious programs of improvement offering more tastings, tours, dining, lodging and event activity. In a recent interview with Jim Carter, owner of the renowned South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, TASTE OF WINE learned that Carter plans to build a new winery, Carter Estates.

TASTE OF WINE columnist Frank Mangio exclusively interviews winery owner Jim Carter, who revealed ambitious plans for expansion in Temecula Wine Country.

It will be part of a much bigger resort, winery, spa, office and meeting space.  The existing property will be offering new hotel space in March.  “We have 50 new all-suite rooms in a three story structure with units from 538 to 850 square feet.  Each suite will have a fireplace, soothing tub and lanai deck in the vineyards,” he said.  “It will include a rooftop garden for receptions and banquets.”

South Coast produces 65,000 cases of wine annually and has now topped 1,800 medals with the 2013 wine competition results, one of the highest in the nation.

A short drive beyond Jim Carter’s winery on Rancho California Road, up on a hill, sits Monte De Oro. It has a spectacular 180 degree panoramic view, lavish all-stone exterior, glass floor overlook to a barrel room and premium wines.  Monte De Oro electrified the wine world by winning the Best of Class, Red Blend at the 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition with its 2008 Synergy 65, a five varietal estate grown wine.  This wine earned the TASTE OF WINE February Wine of the Month. $32. at the winery. Club price $26.40.

 Monte De Oro General Manager Ken Zignorski guides the ambitious premium estate vineyard 

and winery program, since its introduction in 2010.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards is taking the wraps off the new Robert Renzoni Prosecco coming in direct from Italy. They delighted their wine club recently with their brand of Brunello, one of Tuscany’s finest reds and will introduce the latest vintage in mid-February along with the latest Sonata Blend, a big seller at the Italian style winery on De Portola Road.

The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association has its next wine country event Sat. March 2 and Sun. March 3 from 10am to 4:30pm.  It’s the World of Wine (WoW) 2013.  Visitors will be able to barrel taste the latest old world style wines that are locally made.  Some 30+ wineries will offer food and wine samplings. This is a self-guided event. Two day tickets are $99. per person.  Full details are yours at www.temeculawines.org.

Wine Bytes
Valentines Day events in Temecula are blooming and here are some that crossed my “Bytes” desk.
Thornton Winery is presenting its Romantic Rendezvous Thurs. Feb. 14 at 7pm with an array of fine cuisine and matching Thornton wines.  $90. pp.  There is also an optional choice of menu items at Café Champagne from 5 to 9pm.  Reservations for both by calling 951-699-0099.

Callaway Winery has a Vine d’Amore Valentines Day dinner Sat. Feb. 9 from 6:30 to 9:30pm held in the Barrel Room. Live entertainment with dinner and Callaway wines. $216. per couple inclusive.  $195. for wine club.

It also has a Pre Fixe menu at Meritage Restaurant on Valentines Day at 5:30 and 7pm, for $75. ea.  To reserve either event, call 951-587-8889.

Falkner Winery will host a romantic dinner  on Valentines Day at its Pinnacle Restaurant.  A 4 course meal with wine pairings is planned with live entertainment.  A single seating starts at 6:30pm.  Cost is $79. pp.  VIP Food/Wine Club members pay $69. For an RSVP call the winery at 951-676-8231 x1.

Monte De Oro Winery has its Valentines Day 4 course dinner with wine pairing at 7pm. A feature will be live music and dancing.  Salmon and Filet Mignon top the menu.  RSVP at www.montedeoro.com