Urban Wineries Expand Led by Adam Carruth

by Frank Mangio

Adam Carruth has re-arranged the landscape in downtown Carlsbad Village with his 2nd North San Diego location. He petitioned successfully with the city of Carlsbad to extend the boundaries of the Village along State Street , and now joins Campfire Restaurant and Baba Coffee for a fascinating group of hospitality service businesses. He has successfully operated Carruth Cellars in Solana Beach for some 6 years offering Carruth Cellars wines exclusively.  Carruth sources North Coast grapes from wine countries like Sonoma , Napa and Santa Maria . They are then crushed, pressed, fermented, barrel aged and bottled at his local urban wineries and tasting rooms. He likes to call it “bringing grapes to the people.”

Adam Carruth has just opened his 2nd Carruth Cellars Urban Winery in downtown Carlsbad Village.

And some very nice grapes they are!  On the white side, you can taste a Sauvignon Blanc 2015 from Lake County with a pink grapefruit and apple flavor. A step up is the 2014 Russian River Chardonnay with a creamy cover for a fresh citrus pop.  On the red side, don’t miss the Napa Knight’s Valley Carruth Merlot from the fabulous 2012 vintage, with a note of caramel to blend with the clove and currant flavor. In a recent interview with Carruth, he was ready to roll in the Carlsbad wine scene. “I’m open, and it’s a work in progress.  Improvements are still being made.  Were really excited about our grape sources from Napa and Sonoma , and our Pinots coming from Oregon ’s Willamette Valley. I can tell you that Pinot Noirs and Rose’s are really increasing in popularity here.  My customers love the smooth, easy flavor with a finish that really begs for more.”  I asked him about the layout of the winery. “We have a lot more seating than we do in Solana Beach .  I’m happy about the bistro style outdoor seating that was allowed, plus the lounge for communal seating.

Carruth’s reds go for a premium and that’s fine with him.  His 2012 Cabernet from Napa Valley is $50. ($40. for club members)  Here’s the nice thing about urban wineries.  They’re like wineries, but they’re so convenient to the cities where they operate, without the big expense of a vineyard.  You can try a glass to assess its flavor before you commit to a bottle.  There are now 20 urban wineries in San Diego county. A special Annual Reserve Sale is planned for Carruth Cellars for one day only, Sat. Nov. 12.  Check on the details at  carruthcellars.com. or call 760-207-5324.

Newport Beach Crushes it, at its Wine & Food Festival
 It’s hard to imagine that the Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival is only in its 3rd year.  The level of sophistication is something to behold.  Every one of the over 200 boutique, cult and world-renowned wines are some of the most sought-after brands in the world.  The set up alone is dazzling, something out of grand resort setting.  Antique and contemporary lounges and couches dot the green belt areas in relaxing settings between the grand tasting pavilions.

Tyler Painter of Matanzas Creek Winery in Sonoma offers an elegant Merlot 2013
at the Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival.

 A total of 20  restaurants prepare and serve cuisine from the executive chefs that are always on-scene chatting and demonstrating their menu secrets for the foodies that eagerly try new flavors.  Some of Orange County ’s finest were there.  I singled out Mastro’s Steakhouse, Andrea’s Restaurant at Pelican Hill Resort and Filomena’s Italian Kitchen as worthy of an evening of fine dining.  Silver Oak, Duckhorn, Matanzas Creek and Chappellet were the wines to taste.  The stage had chef luminaries such as Rick Bayless and Hubert Keller doing cooking demos. Some 3,000 guests came during the 2 day daytime Grand Festival events. You can go to newportwineandfood.com for update information or call 1-888-511-FEST for the next date.

Wine Bytes
West Steak and Seafood in Carlsbad is planning a Chateau Montelena Wine Dinner Mon. Nov. 14 from 6 to 8:30pm.  The iconic Napa Valley wines are considered among the best.  Cost is $150. each and includes a 6 course dinner with pairings. RSVP at 760-930-9100.

Vittorio’s Trattoria in Carmel Valley presents a Bubbles dinner Thurs. Nov. 17 at 6pm.  From Prosecco to Brut Champagne, you’ll taste all the bubbly with a 4 course dinner + dessert.  $49.50 per person.  Call 858-538-5884 for a place at the event.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas invites you to a Hiatus Cellars Napa Valley wine event Fri. Nov. 19 from 6 to 8pm.  Cost is $40. each.  Call 760-479-2500 for details.

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.