Paso Robles Deeply Rooted in Fine Wines

They came for a re-visit to San Diego, some 35+ wineries from Paso Robles led by veteran cheerleader and Communications Director Chris Taranto, who has guided the message for Paso
wine country for as long as I can remember. Appropriately called the Grand Tasting Tour, it had some wineries that were seasoned and comfortable like Hope Family,

JUSTIN, Niner, Opolo, Tablas Creek and San Antonio . A short look around and some things were new like Alta Colina, Barr, Burbank Ranch, Venteux and the sensation of the show, Pianetta with its reboot of the fabled Jug Wine. But more about that later. If you’re new to the wine tasting regions in California, Paso Robles is located about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the

Key Paso players Michael Geise of Hope Family Wines, and Chris Taranto
for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.

Central Coast.  It’s the 3rd largest wine region with about 200 wineries on 32,000 vineyard acres. Here, wineries have proven that with the unique climate, topography and soil, over 40 worldwide grape varietals can be grown and bottled.

Some wines to try:  Hope Family Wines Treana Red.  Their Viognier is a personal favorite, and this 2012 Red Blend of Cabernet and Syrah doesn’t disappoint either. ($45.).  Taste plum, cherry and spice.  Visit hopefamily wines.com. Now on to Pianetta Winery and their re-boot of the wine in a jug.  It’s Jug Wine 2013, with mostly Zinfandel, and some Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Petite Sirah. ($24.)

The Jug wine format returns, as displayed by Caitlin Pianetta of Pianetta Winery in Paso Robles.

“We wanted to create a fun, traditional style of wine and decided the best way would be in a JUG,” explained Caitlin Pianetta, President and owner. 2013 is the 7th vintage, and it sells in the tasting room and select stores.  See more at pianettawinery.com.

New Dates for San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
The largest wine and food festival in Southern California  returns for the 12th time.  The new dates are:  November 15th thru the 22nd. For those few who have not seen this extravaganza, it’s a star-studded classic that takes place at various locations in San Diego. The festival’s Grand Tasting at the Embarcadero Sat. the 21st will feature over 200 wineries, breweries and spirits from around the world, 70 local restaurants and the “Chef of the Fest Competition.” Ticket information is now available by visiting sandiegowineclassic.com, or by calling 619-312-1212.

Wine Bytes
North County Wine Company in San Marcos presents a flight of new release California wines Fri. and Sat. Aug. 28 and 29. Half glass pours on three prime brands for only $15. Call 760-653-9032 for times.

Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo has its 5th annual Tastings Festival and Classic Car Show, Sat.
Aug. 29th from 1pm to 4pm.  You get lovely wines, cool beer, delicious food and live music for a $30. advance admission.  Phone 858-775-5788 for details.

Wiens Family Cellars in Temecula wants you to join them for a Primitivo Vertical Wine Tasting Dinner Sat. Aug. 29th starting at 6pm.  4 vintages poured with a 4 course dinner. $85. pp, $65. for club members.  Get the full story at 951-694-9892.

Capri Blu in Rancho Bernardo has a Taste of Veneto Italian Wine dinner, Wed. Sept. 2 starting at 6pm. From Pinot Noir to Amarone, these wines will pair perfectly with  a 4 course dinner led by Ossobuco Pork Shank.  Cost is $55. ea. RSVP at 858-673-5100.

The Palomar College Foundation and President’s Associates invite you to the 24th Annual Gala fundraiser benefitting Palomar College students and programs, Sat. Sept. 12th.  The event is at the
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad starting with a  5:30pm hosted reception and silent auction.  Highlights include: a 7pm dinner presented by Executive Chef de Cuisine Marc Therrien, to include the Comet Award and Inspiration for the Future; 8:30pm live auction and opportunity drawing; 9pm music and dancing.  Black tie and complimentary valet.  Pricing, reservations and more information about the event including sponsorship opportunities are available at Palomar.edu/foundation, or by calling 760-744-1150 ext 2735.

Art Meets Music Meets Wine & Food at Amaya La Jolla

by Frank Mangio
Prospect Street in La Jolla is squeezed with many restaurants vying for prominence.  Some have a west-facing view of the Pacific which may give them an edge, but only one has that “wow” look, with curb appeal reminiscent of a Venetian Palazzo or Roman Villa, with dramatic wrought iron, gold leaf and cubic stone mouldings. Presenting the newAmaya La Jolla!

This urban dining work of art is the sister restaurant to the original Amaya at the Grand Del Mar resort. Both were architecturally carved by the masterful Warren Sheets, evoking a European style interior warmth and elegance from floor to ceiling.

Camron Woods is the Executive Chef at the new Amaya La Jolla, after five years at the original Amaya at the Grand Del Mar.

Familiar faces from the original Amaya lead this new addition to the La Jolla dining scene, including Manager Nolan Seu, Lead Sommelier Andrew Adelson and Executive Chef Camron Woods, the star chef since the original Amaya opened 5 years ago.

“I always get asked about what is different in the menu and the wines between the two Amyas,” Woods observed.  “The answer is not that much.  I worked many years perfecting the Amaya menu and we want to keep our favorites coming with this new location.  The only new feature here is the Southern specials every night.  I get an opportunity to cook the food that I grew up with in the South,” he happily explained.  It all adds up to luxury dining with a casual, fresh feel.

The wines are global and regional consisting of 300 labels with surprising value:  all are under $100.  There is also an impressive lineup of 20 wines by the glass.  I had a bottle of Lewis “Mason’s” Cabernet from Napa Valley, a provocative taste sensation ( $95.) to complement the smoked King Salmon, a perfect pairing.

Amaya La Jolla is open for lunch and dinner daily. Live entertainment nightly in the lounge from 7pm to 11pm, Friday and Saturday nights from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.  Valet parking available in front of Amaya. Visit  www.amayalajolla.com.

IPad Your Wine Choices at Flemings
Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar has rocked the restaurant world with an exclusive customer service:  the Flemings WiNEPAD, a custom app on iPad that helps guests easily navigate the restaurant’s wine list tableside or at the bar. All 65 locations have it offered complete with label-specific tasting notes.

Ashlee Cote table server and Casey Eades Operating Partner for Fleming’s La Jolla, demonstrate the new WiNEPAD with a bottle of Ladera Howell Mt. 2008 Cabernet.

That’s only the beginning of what this wine-centric device can do to customize your wine experience.  It has the ability to match up your current mood for a particular tasting wine with the “What’s Your Mood” function. Whites range from Fragrant and Fruity to Rich and Elegant.  Reds include Big & Intense, and Rich & Voluptuous.  Sweet wine moods feature Sweet & Mouthwatering and Sweet & Powerful. Other fun settings are: wine list , recommended wines, perfect pairings, spin the bottle, share the wine and other fun information. Check out the “Fleming’s 100,”an exclusive collection of 100 wines served by the glass.  Fleming’s is well-deserved its reputation as the steakhouse destination for lovers of fine wine.   See more at www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com.

Wine Bytes
North County Wine Company in San Marcos is celebrating its 3rd Anniversary Sat. July 27 all day and til 9pm.  Huge selection of great wines at 50 cents a taste.  Food and raffle drawings.  The night before, from 5 to 9pm, “big gun” tasting flights from $10. ea. and more.  Details at 760-744-2119.

The San Diego Country Festival happens Sat July 27 from 1 to 4pm at Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo.  $25. in advance, $30. at the door.  Over 20 San Diego wineries will be there for tasting.  Food vendors will have tasty snacks. Silent auction.  Call 858-487-1866.

Carruth Cellars in Solana Beach is doing a wine tasting and art raffles Sun. July 28 from 6 to 9pm to benefit breast cancer research.  Hors d’oevres and live music.  $40. in advance, $45. at the door. Call 760-458-3130.

Fleming’s La Jolla offers a First Friday event, Fri. Aug. 2 from 5:30 to 7pm, with “Fleming’s Reserve” featuring the best of the best. Most are reds from Napa Valley, paired with small plates.  Cost is $55.  RSVP at 858-535-0078.

A Wine Oasis in the Desert

by Frank Mangio
Odd place for a wine renaissance, but on closer examination, the Palm Desert, Palm Springs, La Quinta resort areas are blooming attractions for the wine crowd.  An enormous amount of restaurants serve a growing population and increased visitor count, and guess what, the Palm Desert COSTCO has the 2nd largest wine department in the chain, right behind Carlsbad in San Diego County.

Palm Desert is one of my favorite get-a-ways and when I go, I have an eye open for the latest developments at the JW Marriott’s Desert Springs Resort.  The latest trip was a real eye-opener as they are celebrating their 25th year with an upscale building program for their restaurants and wine bar.
Paul Bologna conducts the best wine tastings south of Napa Valley and he produces the wine programs at Desert Springs.  Actually he spent the first part of his wine career working in Napa Valley so he closely follows those wines.

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Sommelier Paul Bologna conducts Boat Dock Wine Tastings most days of the month.

The day I participated, Bologna was profiling Full Bodied Reds From Napa Valley.  A  $50. charge got you five luscious reds and a delicious artisan cheese tasting.  The wines were all “mountain wines:”  merlots, cabernets and blends from Mt. Veeder, Pride Mt., Diamond Mt. and Pine Mt. I was struck by the power and finesse of the J. Davies Cabernet from Diamond Mt., a 2008 that retails for $80.  “We love Napa Valley small producers,” exclaimed Bologna.  Most are 100 case producers or less, and both our wine and food suppliers are all from California.”

Ciprian Orian is the enthusiastic restaurant manager of the new Rockwood Grill and the posh Blue Star Lounge. The Rockwood Grill opens up the dining experience with extra virgin olive oil served with grilled bread.  The salads are home grown in the Coachella Valley.  Mine had greens, shaved apple, fennel, radish, candied pecans, tangerine and pomegranate.  Nicely done.

The San Diego Brandt Farms provided the Filet and it was excellent with sides of grilled asparagus and polenta.

“We are working on a new expansive patio dining concept, adding 80 seats in September,” Orian revealed.  “It will extend into the existing lake and give diners an island sensation.  The Blue Star Lounge will also expand around the dining area, for a total of 468 seats.  Small bites will be big in the lounge area.”   Lots to know about at the web site:  www.desertspringsresort.com.

San Diego’s Little Italy & Enoteca Style Taste Great

It was Open House along India Street in San Diego’s Little Italy recently
as hundreds of visitors, hungry for old world food and drink, descended on nearly 30 restaurants. The new format restaurants are exciting to see and to dine in.  They include: Davanti, a small bites bar with a large inside and outside dining area; ISOLA, a pizza bar with huge blowups of Italian actress Sophia Loren and a red wood-burning pizza oven direct from Naples; Bencotto, an urban dining room featuring take-out and two $12,000. Prosciutto curing and cutting “red wheel” slicers.

ISOLA Pizza Bar is one of the newest Italian food and wine bars in the Little Italy district of San Diego.

Be sure to check out Enoteca Style, owned by chef Scott Thomas, who also owns Salad Style in the Gaslamp District.

The wine list is one of the largest in Little Italy, from sparkling Prosecco to a regal, velvety  Nebbiolo d’Alba, both popular Italian wines.  The food is California fusion with the Italian tradition.  And they do deliver, whether it be fresh, creative paninis, international style salads or full plate entrees such as Tuna Tatare and Roasted Garlic Chicken Meatballs.  Every Wednesday, it’s half price wine night. Have look at www.enotecastyle.com.

Wine Bytes
The 2nd annual San Diego Wine Country Festival returns to Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo Sat. Aug. 11 from 1 to 5pm.  Over 20 wineries will be pouring.  Tickets on line for $25. or day of event for $30.  Full details by calling 858-487-1866 or www.bernardowinery.com.

The 17th annual Mamas Kitchen benefit Wine & Food Tasting is Thurs. Aug. 16 from 6 to 9pm in San Diego.  The organization delivers food daily to the AIDS stricken.  $60. advance, $70. day of event.  Call 619-233-6262.

Europa Village Winery in Temecula has a Celebrity Art event  Sun. Aug. 19 from 11 to 3pm.  Art viewing and live music are free to the public.  Wines available for purchase.  Details by calling 951-216-3380.

The San Diego Spirits Festival is Sat. Aug. 25 and Sun. Aug. 26 from 1 to 6pm, on the Broadway Pier in San Diego.  This is the biggest mix of Cocktails, Culinary and Culture on the West Coast. Bands and mixology contests.  Check out prices and other fun stuff at www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com.  Or call 858-551-1605.

Screw Cap Wine Bottle Closures Gain in Popularity

by Frank Mangio

In what could be an inflection point in the wine industry, an announcement came out recently from the 4th largest winery in the state of Washington that Hogue Cellars, as a “result of groundbreaking research” is moving 100% of its wine production to screwcap closures.

It took Hogue Cellars about 5 years to arrive at the decision that screwcaps were the ideal closure for “preserving and aging wines.”I have long felt that screwcaps have a place in the wine world. You cannot beat Hogue Cellars of Washington is now using Screwcap Closures (photo) on all their wines. the convenience in eliminating the corkscrew opener. In the research, screwcap closures were proven to hold fruit flavors and aromas without reducing the character of the wines. Sure, corks will always be a part of the ritual of opening a powerful and expensive wine in a 5 star restaurant.

There is something to getting your moneys’ worth in this condescending approach to the pampering of the wine experience. But in this Hogue Cellars study which is the most extensive one ever, the right type of screwcap closure allows better preservation and quality compared to natural cork closures,due to a controlled ratio of oxygen to come in contact with the wine.

Over 3,200 samples were tested over 5 years. In blind samplings, the screwcap closure had the best taste consistency. “It all comes down to quality,” said Hogue Director of Winemaking Coman Dinn. “We want customers to know that when they purchase a bottle of Hogue Cellars wine, whether it’s to enjoy that night or in 5 years, the wine in the bottle will be fresh because it has been sealed in the best closure currently on the market.”

Try the Hogue Cellars 2008 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a dash of Merlot, Lemberger and Syrah, for an example of a beautifully crafted complex red ( $11.) with the newest generation of a screwcap closure. www.hoguecellars.com

“La Familia” Wines of Napa Valley

The roots of the wine world can be truly traced to husband and wife, father and son or daughter and generally can be said to be Italian in origin, in the sweeping fields of Napa and Sonoma.

In the story of Carolyn Lawrence of Leo Joseph Wines, going back to 2002, it was four generations of women learning as they went; from Carolyn’s 100 + year old mother, her daughter to her granddaughter. At the family home in St. Helena, they had planted nearly an acre of vines around the family home and began producing wines starting with the 2005 vintage. The vineyard yields 3 ½ tons of Cabernet and almost ½ ton of Cab Franc.

Carolyn Lawrence Murphy and husband Bill display their Napa Valley Cabernet vintages at a Sons of Italy gathering in Carlsbad.

Leo Joseph was her father who was born and raised in St Helena. For more on the wines and how to purchase, access www.leojosephwines.com.

Wine Bytes

§ Laguna Canyon Winery’s next monthly tasting is Fri.Aug. 5 from 6 to 9pm. For $35. ea. select from 15 different wines including Brut Champagne. Appetizers include assorted cheeses and grapes. RSVP at 949-715-1621.

§ Tesoro Winery in Temecula has the Valley Winds Swing Band Fri. Aug. 5 and 19, from 6 to 9pm just outside the tasting room in Old Town. Free Admission. Call 951-308-0000.

§ The San Diego Wine Country Festival is Sat Aug 6 from 1 to 5pm at Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo. Nearly 20 wineries in San Diego County are pouring. Education booths to learn how to make wine. Music and food add to the festivities. $20. admission. Food extra. Call 858-487-1866 x 115 for more.

§ The Venetian Masquerade is coming to Little Italy in San Diego Sat. Aug. 13, 6 to 10pm in Amici Park . Come in Costume. Italian music, food, dance and art. Silent auction. $100. pp. Tickets at www.ferragostosd.org.

§ Schlossadler International Wines in Oceanside has its annual Warehouse Tasting Sat. Aug. 13 from 2 to 5pm. Open to the public for $15. ( buy a bottle and get a your admission applied to the wine) Music, food, wines from around the world. More by calling 800-371-9463.

Four Southern California Winemakers That Are Making a Difference

by Frank Mangio
Southern California does so many things in such a big way. The rest of the world can only follow, and when trends catch on elsewhere, “SOCAL” is on to something else. People flock here to catch the trendy wave of opportunity.

Population has swelled to some 13 million in 5 counties, yet the big puzzle is why hasn’t the wine industry kept pace. After all, the first wine in the state was made in the 1700’s by the missionaries in San Diego. Now over 50 wineries operate in the county, mainly in Ramona and Julian. Temecula in Riverside County has 1300 acres planted in wine grapes and plans to create up to 5,000 more acres of “citrus/vineyards” in a protected zone. It is fast becoming Southern California’s Wine Country with easy access to over 30 wineries. Elsewhere, vineyards and wineries show up in such urban areas as Malibu, downtown Los Angeles, Rancho Cucamonga and Westlake Village.

If we look a little closer, we can find some competitive and dedicated professionals making high quality wines, mainly in San Diego and Riverside Counties. Here are four you’ll want to know.

Les Linkogle will be the first one to tell you that he makes only ultra premium handcrafted wines that are expensive, with some reds as good as any in the Valley. Tasting is by appointment only. That makes him a wine making contrarian and that is a label he will gladly wear over his heart. “We are very different and like to feel we are like those smaller, premium boutique wineries in Napa Valley,”he said. He and his wife Dorian opened the doors of Briar Rose Winery in 2007, converted it from a country cottage home built with the wistful imagination of a Disney builder in the 70’s who fashioned it from Snow White’s cottage.

Linkogle considers his wines “art in a bottle.” Discerning locals and even Hollywood celebrities caught on to the Briar Rose wine experience and soon orders for Briar Rose wines were coming from such diverse locations as the White House and the Playboy Mansion. His reds were gathering medals by the bushel, especially small batch, barrel enhanced Cabernets that are turning heads in the wine world. Linkogle is now the Southern District Director of the prestigious Wine Institute. You must try the wines, but keep in mind, you must also make a reservation. Call 951-308-1098. The website is www.briarrosewinery.com.

Ryan Baker cut his teeth in the wine industry in the Napa -Sonoma area before arriving at Witch Creek Winery, an urban operation in the tourist-friendly beach resort of Carlsbad. He makes mostly Mediterranean style wine in the tasting room, rarely over 200 cases, and the varietals sell out quickly. Grapes are brought in from northern California and the Guadalupe Valley in Baja, Mexico. A decision was made in 2009 to enter 7 varietals, including lesser known Italian wines sourced from the Guadalupe Valley, into the San Francisco International Wine Competition. All 7 took medals, including Witch Creek’s 2006 Nebbiolo that was awarded “Best of Class!”

Baker, who was a chemist before the epiphany and listening to the call of winemaking, calls his Nebbiolo as good as any Barolo or Barbaresco in Piedmont Italy. (those are the premium wines that are made from the Nebbiolo grape).

“Our 2007 Nebbiolo is released and the $30. price is way lower than the Italian style price. The Cellar Club price is just $21. The mouth-feel is rich and round with blueberry and blackberry notes,” he said. “I m constantly experimenting, trying new combinations and blends. You have to try my latest, Due Pastore, a combination of Brunello and Aglianico.” We did and we loved it. Access www.witchcreekwinery.com.

Jon McPherson, along with Assistant Winemaker Javier Flores, have put South Coast Winery on the state and national map by capturing the Gold Bear California State Fair award for best winery in the state two of the last three years. This year it earned 56 medals at the fair. “It’s about letting the grapes speak. We listen and then carefully nurture the process.” He planted grapes in Texas as a kid, helping his father in the wine industry, then came to Southern California, determined to make great sparkling wines. He got his chance in 1986 as winemaker in what is now known as Thornton Winery in Temecula.

The winery eventually earned the title of “America’s Most Honored Sparkling Wine Producer.” When South Coast opened in 2003, Jon saw the opportunity and joined the team. The Wild Horse Peak series, with estate fruit harvested from South Coast’s vineyard at nearby Palomar Mountain is the crown jewel, producing best-of-breed 2006 Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. See more at www.wineresort.com.

Justin Mund is a winemaker with swagger and self-confidence , like a quarterback in football that always wants the ball. He’s been a winemaker for 9 years, making a name for himself in Sonoma with Ferrari Carano, then in the Central Coast with Addamo. He has recently come to Orfila replacing a winemaker legend in the area, Leon Santoro, who had been in charge since the origins of Orfila in 1994. “My challenge is to continually improve the wines while keeping the style on track. My wines are fruit driven and clean,” he said. “I found a lot of ’07 and ’08 varietals in-barrel and bottled them all. I want the wine in bottles and out for sale 18 months to 2 years after harvest.”

I asked him about the unusual 2010 growing season and he answered “I loved it! It was a cool season in a hot climate. We’ll have great flavor and a lower sugar count, with more hang time. We’ll get the acid up and the wines will be more accented. There is great potential here at Orfila and I want to step up the quality and ratings with a fresher, fruit forward style and a shorter vintage with lower alcohol. They will be balanced,” he promised.

Southern California wines have pockets of tradition and greatness and deserve our attention. Serious, quality wines can make their place among the “wine countries” of California. The new kids on the block are growing up.

Wine Bytes
Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo has its 33rd annual Fall Arts and Crafts Fair Sat. and Sun. Oct. 16 and 17. Over 140 artisans will be on hand from 10am to 4pm. Live music, wine and food available. Park on the grounds. More details at 858-487-1866.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido presents St Francis Winery Sat. Oct. 16 from 5 to 7pm. Big, bold Sonoma style wines will be tasted including Cabs, Merlots and Old Vine Zins. $10. pp. More at 760-745-1200.

Orfila Winery in Escondido starts Concerts in the Vines Sun Oct. 17 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Latin jazz kicks it off. $15 for club members. $20. everyone else. Questions call 760-738-6500.

Girls Night Out parties rock on at Tesoro Winery Tasting Room in Old Town Temecula Fri Oct 22 from 7 to 10pm. $24. includes wine tasting, appetizers, chocolate fountain and a chance to wine a prize basket. Call 951-308-0000.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas is pouring Merlot Mania Fri Oct. 22 from 6 to 8pm. $20 ea. Check out the list at 760-599-1200.

The Future is Now at Orfila Winery

Article by Frank Mangio
Photo by Joe Zazzaro

Wine futures have always fascinated me. The fact that wine loyalists will invest in purchasing cases of wine after harvest but before bottling, betting that the wine will be of the highest quality without tasting it until the following year, is a sign of trust in the winery’s ability to produce consistent excellence.

Orfila Vineyard and Winery in Escondido each year presents its Merlot Futures Winemaker Dinner. The most recent gala, the 10th annual, brought aficionados from Las Angeles to New Jersey to make sure they picked up their orders for the 2006 Merlot, and placed their case orders at a discount for the 2007 which will be released at the next dinner in the fall of this year.

Last year’s 2005 Merlot received high praise at the 2008 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition in San Diego.

The Orfila creation was awarded a Platinum Medal, the highest possible accolade. Leon Santoro, Orfila’s winemaker, emphasized the low production, high quality of the Merlot grapes for the 2006. Just 1,116 cases were available.


A Taste of Wine columnist Frank Mangio with Steffi Habermann Event Manager for Orfila and performer Tom Rizzotto, at the Merlot Futures Winemaker Dinner.

He promised “beautiful notes of cherries, raspberries and violets. It has a deep, complex Merlot flavor with delicious oak overtones and maximum color and was aged primarily in French oak barrels blended with 4.5% Cabernet Sauvignon.”

The 2006 is the 16th production of San Diego County Merlot and counting the turnout to take possession of the 2006 futures and sign up for the 2007, many wine lovers have faith in their “Merlot Futures” at Orfila. For more information, contact the winery at 760-738-6500 or www.orfila.com.

Premier San Diego Wine & Food Festival Nov. 12-16

by Frank Mangio

The 5th annual San Diego Bay Wine & food Festival touches down Wednesday November 12 through Sunday November 16, serving up over 160 wine and spirit purveyors with over 800 wines, 6o of San Diego’s Top Chefs, a Big Bottle Auction, cooking and wine tasting classes and a $50,000 Chef of the Fest Competition. It’s the largest food and wine festival in Southern California.

Wednesday the 12th the fun starts with Wine Rave 2008 from 7pm to 10pm at the W Hotel. Twenty-five of the edgiest wine and spirits on the market today get things going while wine and foodie fans frolic and dance the night away.

Thursday the 13th The San Diego Wine and Culinary Center is the location for four seminars ranging from wine appreciation and Feng-shui cooking to arousing the senses with Chocolate and Vino. The learning and tasting continues on Friday the 14th highlighted by the Celebrity Chef Luncheon and Big Bottle Auction from 11:30am to 2pm at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina. Top Winemakers and chefs will sit together with visitors over a gourmet lunch in a one-of-a-kind event, capped by big bottle and other in-demand items in a spirited auction.

Later that day, more seminars at the wine and culinary center including a Rhone Varietal panel, a Surf, Turf and Cocktails get together with “Sam the Cooking Guy” and a Master Sommelier Blind Tasting competition.

Top Chef All Stars and Ted Allen Food & Wine Ambassador seminars are scheduled at Macy’s School of Cooking. Friday evening is the Reserve and New Release Tasting from 6:30 to 9:30pm on the Hornblower Yacht where you can meet celebrity food and wine authority Ted Allen.

Some of the 60 top San Diego chefs that will cook and compete for “Chef of the Fest” for $50,000. in cash and prizes, Sat. Nov. 15 at the Grand Tasting Event at Embarcadero MarinaPark San Diego; part of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival.

The Saturday Grand Tasting is my personal favorite: a waterside pastoral setting at Embarcadero Park North with a choice of over 800 wines with cuisine from over 60 chefs stations, from 12 to 4pm. The theme is “lip smacking, glass clinking, celebrity watching, swishing, swirling, mouth watering kind of fun!” The 5 day extravaganza is capped off with a Champagne Tasting Brunch on the Hornblower yacht Sunday from 11am to 1pm.

Choose each event or purchase them all in an unlimited package. For schedule details and tickets access www.worldofwineevents.com or call 619-342-7337. Don’t miss it…The San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival Nov. 12 thru 16, the one the L.A. Times called one of their “favorite events of the year.”

Wine with Cheese – a Natural
I have to admit, my knowledge and taste for cheese was limited to Kraft Cheddar and that stinky stuff my mother would grate on to our nightly bowl of pasta (Pecorino Romano if you’re wondering). As I developed a palate for fine wine, my choices for cheese got more demanding. Other Americans are doing the same. The latest annual statistics show we are eating about 32.5 pounds of cheese per capita, up from 27.3 10 years ago. And we’re trading up to quality.

Every time I go into an artisan themed specialty cheese shop, I see things I have never tasted before and I wonder what kind of wine they would go with. Now that we have many more whole and organic food markets, the selections seem infinite.

Italian cheeses have always been a favorite with Americans, led by Provolone and Mozzarella. This came about due to the popularity of pasta and pizza. Current popular cheeses include Parmigiano and lots of offshoots like Reggiano, Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano. These are hard cheeses, full of flavor and ready to take on any red wine, even the richness of Port. Italian soft cheeses in addition to Provolone and Mozzarella include: Asiago, Taleggio, Ricotta, Gorgonzola and Stracchino.

That cheddar I mentioned earlier can come in some luscious styles, not just the bland Kraft American we grew up with. Its tell-tale tang is most evident in English cheddar from cow’s milk, it has a fine texture if aged about two years.

The best are “bandaged” (wrapped and bound) during aging. It goes best with a Ruby Red Port, but I’ve been happy with a lovely cabernet as well.

Local Wine Bytes (formerly local sip)

The Art of Food & Wine Palm Desert is a four day celebration at various points of interest in the desert Thurs. Nov. 6 thru Sun. Nov. 9. The Marriott Desert Springs Resort has a lot of the fun with Fri. night decadent desserts and sumptuous wines and champagnes. The Grand Tastings on Sat. & Sun. are there also with wine and delicious foods prepared by the best chefs in town. Tickets and other info available at www.artoffoodandwine.com, or by calling 866-968-2783.

Pinot Noir tastings from Burgundy, Oregon, Russian River Sonoma, New Zealand and elsewhere are featured at Bacchus Wine Market, downtown San Diego Fri. Nov. 7 from 4 to 8:30pm. Fee is $20.pp. Call 619-236-0005.

Tuscany Restaurant in Carlsbad brings you a winemakers dinner on Sat. Nov. 8 starting at 6:30pm. Featured wines are from the Umbria area of Italy, home of the Sagrantino varietal. $75. ea. Call 760-929-8111.

Wine Vault and Bistro has a Lafite Rothschild 7 course wine dinner on Sun. Nov. 9 starting at 5pm. A Lafite specialist will by on hand to host. $65. pp. RSVP at 619-295-3939.

Firefly in Encinitas has a busy schedule of 3 wine dinners in November: Wed. Nov. 12 with Bonterra Winery, Thurs. Nov. 13 with Testarossa and Fri. Nov. 14 featuring one of the leading Paso Robles wineries, Ecluse. All come with a wonderful menu. Cost for each is $75. Call in an RSVP for each at 760-635-1066.

The Westgate Hotel downtown San Diego has an Inspiration Vineyards Wine Dinner on Wed. Nov. 12 with a 6pm reception start. This is a small production lovely wine from Sonoma. $89. ea. Phone 619-557-3655.

Bernardo Winery a Legacy in Motion

Something old can also be something new in the hands of the right people. A walk through the Bernardo Winery proves that. This 119 year old winery takes a little doing to find, but once reached, speaks volumes about the handcrafted artistry of the Rizzo family who established a tradition of winemaking under the discipline of the original Bernardo Winery family member Vincent, who purchased the land, equipment and vines in 1927. Then, the valley was covered with vineyards and not a town was in sight, the closest being Escondido. The winery became a major wine and olive oil supplier to San Diego County.

Ross Rizzo took the winery over from his father in 1962 and until his recent passing, turned it into the fascinating destination that it is today. Much of the land became too valuable for winery use, so most of the grapes are imported from such regions as Paso Robles, Rancho Cucamonga and elsewhere in San Diego County.

The legacy of Bernardo Winery and its rustic environment is everywhere the visitor turns. Gnarly old oaks, venerable old equipment that passed the test of time, village shops that still display and sell collectibles from the past, and of course a courtyard gathering place and tasting room that echoes the essence of European relaxation.

A new era has begun at Bernardo Winery as Ross’s son Rossi now runs the winery with a vision of restoring the greatness of this place with old world robust varietals, many from southern Italy. New energy and ideas abound from the new owners of the restaurant, Café Merlot. Toni and Rick Kraft, with a talented culinary team, have crafted a quality of cuisine that compares with the finest dining anywhere in San Diego. Custom corporate and special occasion catering has blossomed and enhanced the Café Merlot experience in the Vineyard room, outside in the patio or on the greens.

The wines offered on the restaurant menu reflect the California style, with names like J.Lohr, Cinnabar and Dry Creek, as well as their signature Bernardo Winery Private Reserve Petite Sirah. Events include concerts and “La Technique” Cooking Classes with the next one scheduled for Tuesday August 26 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Cost is $50. pp.

At Bernardo Winery, it’s all about a historic legacy, but at the same time, a work in progress with the talent of a new team and a new future. See more at www.bernardowinery.com or call at 858-592-7785.

More Restaurant Awards of Excellence
Last week’s list of Wine Spectator area Awards of Excellence was short on space to list all, so here are more deserving locations that have superior wine lists and pairings with their menu offerings: Le Fountainbleau at the Westgate, Dussini Mediterranean Bistro, Oceanaire Seafood Room & Osetra the Fish House in San Diego; The Marine Room & George’s at the Cove La Jolla; Pacifica, Paradise Grille and Sbicca’s Del Mar. SALUTE!