Post Earthquake: Napa Valley is All for One, One for All

by Frank Mangio
As of day five after the 6.0 earthquake that struck the southern district of Napa Valley, damage estimates may top four billion dollars, with 120 injuries, 3 critical, with over  103 dwellings “redtagged” as non-inhabitable. Over 100 smaller earthquakes have been recorded since the big one early Sunday morning, August 24th.

In a sign of gritty resilience, the world famous "Napa Valley Welcome" sign stood its ground and didn’t crack or crumble. Six wineries out of the more than 500 in the valley, reported major damage with Trefethen Winery’s main building, a classic historical site built in 1886, near collapse.

Napa Valley wineries, for the most part, have cleaned up and are ready for the harvest season, after the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck August 24th.

 Located in the Oak Knoll district, just north of the city of Napa which took the brunt of the damage, Loren Trefethen is quoted as saying, “we are one family, one estate and one passion. This is who we are. Nature has dealt us a blow, but we will come back.” You may want to see a remarkable helicopter video at www.trefethen.com. Silver Oak Winery lost hundreds of bottles of a rare collection of single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that were “literally priceless,” according to CEO David Duncan.

Over 3 million visitors a year sojourn to Napa Valley , one of the great visitor attractions in the country. It is not big. Just 4% of the wine produced in California comes from Napa Valley. Most wineries are family owned.  This is an American “Camelot”…a paradise, shared by the chosen few, who provide visitors with the finest wine on the planet.

Before me are dozens of e mails from many wineries who escaped major damage, like Lewis, Frank Family, Spring Mountain, Joseph Phelps, Michael Keenan, Tamber Bay, and the list goes on.  Here’s the “one for all” part:

One by one, they express gratitude that they have been spared major damage.  All are focusing on the less fortunate and helping in any way they can, especially to those wineries that sustained injury and property damage.  The Napa Vintners Association has announced that it will be the lead donation of $10 million dollars to create a Napa Valley Community Relief Fund “to meet the immediate needs of local residents and local businesses impacted by the disaster.”  Individuals may also donate to the fund to serve earthquake victims.  Visit www.napavintners.com.
 

Moon Over Mangio

Joel Reese of Leonesse Winery toasts CRUSH with columnist Frank Mangio.

Wine Event of the Year Coming to Temecula
It’s CRUSH time in Temecula Wine Country, Sat. Sept. 13 from 7 to 10pm!  This is the one and only event showcasing the 30+ members of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, all in one location, at Wiens Family Cellars.  Enjoy a walk-around tasting of all-Temecula wines and culinary bites from area wineries and restaurants. General admission $85. Or VIP admission at 6 pm for a private premium tasting for $110. Meet the owners, chat with the winemakers. Visit www.temeculawines.org for ticket information, or call 800-801-9463.

Wine Bytes in Temecula
September is California Wine Month; Celebrate with an event in Temecula.

The blessing of the wine, grape stomp and harvest festival are all happening at South Coast Winery Sun. Sept. 21st at 4pm.  Dine on a chef’s special feast, live music and dancing and grape stomping.  $55. ea. Details at 951-587-9463.

Keyways Winery kicks off a jazz concert series Sat. Sept. 20th with guitarist Paul Brown and saxman Michael Lington.  Tickets are $45., and $75. for VIP perks. Call 951-302-7888.

At Thornton Winery, Summer Horns Jazz concert returns Sat. Sept. 27 and Sun. Sept. 28 at 7pm. Enjoy Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot. Ticket information: thorntonwine.com/champagne-jazz-series.

Monte De Oro Winery has its 2nd annual Grape Stomp Sat. Sept. 27.  Live entertainment, BBQ dinner, games and more.  Adults $34.95, children $14.95.  Details at 951-491-6551.

New Wines, a New Villa and All That Jazz at Thornton Winery in Temecula Wine Country

by Frank Mangio
A friend of mine recently passed me the official site map for  Temecula that I speculate could have been printed in the 80’s.  It showed 12 wineries, some 25 less than are counted today in the winegrowers brochure, an amazing growth record.

In the late 80’s, John and Sally Thornton, shortly after gaining ownership of Culbertson Winery, founded the Thornton Winery Champagne Jazz Series.

“We needed an attraction to sell more wine and I thought a concert series would do it, and it did,” said John.  Like the rites of Spring, the Champagne Jazz Series has again arrived for its 26th year. A stellar lineup of nationally known artists perform at outdoor concerts each weekend from May 17th. to October 19th.

Dave Koz is the longest running Jazz artist to appear at Thornton Winery’s
Champagne Jazz Series in Temecula.

 
Champagne Jazz manager Tonya Wake was excited about her first act Saturday May 17th at 7pm. It’s Jazz Attack, a collaboration of great Jazz, with triple threats Peter White, Rick Braun and Euge Groove.  A high point in the series will be Summer Horns on Sat. September 27th at 7pm, when Dave Koz, longest running act in the series, partners up with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot. For more information and tickets, call 951-699-3021. www.thorntonwine.com.

New Dynamic Wine Duo at Falkner
Amante and Meritage are the brands.  Ray and Loretta Falkner, in Temecula Wine Country, have made a living off these two wines that have been a home run since they had their first corks popped.  The 2010 vintages are out and about .  Each is $39.95 on the Falkner site and at the winery.

One large difference about the two: Amante follows closely the Italian Super Tuscan model of a dominant Sangiovese, followed by the classic blending grapes of Merlot, Cabernet and Cab Franc.  From the earthy aroma to the chewy fruit/tobacco flavors, it’s deep rooted Italian.  This bottle made my “Great Eight” recently.

Meritage is an all-Bordeaux style with a healthy blend of Cabernet, supported by Cab Franc and Merlot.  Duncan Williams came over from Fallbrook Winery to be winemaker at Falkner, and he’s on board with the new concept  “Seductive Series” based on the success of “Luscious Lips.” This is a slightly sweet  party wine that is the lead for a four-pack of similar semi-dry fun wines.  They match up nicely with the new Summer Menu at the attractive hilltop Pinnacle Restaurant, the full service Falkner dining room with spectacular hilltop views.  Check out the specialty burgers on the web site www.falknerwinery.com.

The Bell is Finally Tolling for Robert Renzoni Vineyards

The bell tower is shown, part of the new tasting room and villa at
Robert Renzoni Vineyards in Temecula.

After 6 years of grit and determination, the Renzoni Family now has its tasting room and Tuscan Villa, despite its primary bank going bust during the deepest recession in decades.  “We stuck it out,” asserted family paternal leader Fred Renzoni.  “We operated from our production warehouse, got some good business, built up the wine club and found another bank who believed in us.  By the time we got permitting from the county, we started building in 2012.  We’ll have a large number of outdoor features for dining, tasting, entertainment, even a bocce court. It’s all about Tuscan Italian living with the architecture that reflects our heritage east of Florence . Our original family crest will be prominently displayed as will our family history.”

The tasting room will be three times as big as the current one tucked into the original production room.

The bell will toll daily at the open and close of business, a symbol of the celebration of this deep rooted wine family and their biggest victory. www.robertrenzonivineyards.com.

Wine Bytes

Morada in the Rancho Santa Fe Inn will present a wine dinner Tues. May 13 from 6 to 8pm, featuring Mirror Wines.  Cost is $190. each.  Call 858-381-8190 for more.

Dolce Pane E Vino, also in Rancho Sante Fe, will join with B Cellars of Napa Valley for a wine dinner Wed. May 14 with dinner at 7pm. Make your reservation at 858-832-1518.  $150 pp.

Wine, Brews & Blues are all featured Sat. May 17 from 5:30 to 10pm at the Escondido Center for the Arts by the Bonsall Rotary Club.  Tasty bites will be prepared by leading restaurants in Escondido .  Silent auction, art sales and dancing.  Tickets are $75. available at BonsallRotary.com.

Thornton Winery Brings Jazz Greats to Temecula

by Frank Mangio
The tradition began back in 1988, when owner John Thornton came up with a then novel idea, offer local music on weekends with his wine and food menu to attract new customers. “It started simple 22 years ago. We didn’t charge for admission to the concerts. We just wanted customers to try our wines,” said John as we drank a glass of his 2006 Nebbiolo wine. “Over time, the shows became more organized and took on new life as top Jazz musicians were booked in, the audiences grew and we offered dinner and wine packages in our outdoor fountain terrace setting. This year we have 21 performances”

This year’s concert lineup is the strongest statement yet of the superb musicians that Thornton Winery attracts. Their wine and supper packages provide a total music, food and wine experience with winemaker Don Reha presenting his new releases and chef Steve Pickell of the 5 star Café Champagne pairing perfect menu selections.

The concert schedule goes from April 25 to October 16. I asked Steve Thornton and Events Manager Tonya Wake who the one artist is that has played the most years and is a popular favorite with the 40 members of the concert staff. Without hesitation they both agreed it is premier sax man Dave Koz. “He has been a major part of our success with his warm, personal approach to performing,” commented Steve. “This year he is playing two days in a row, Saturday and Sunday August 28 and 29, with Jonathan Butler.”

Tonya, who is like an orchestra leader, conducting each concert to perfection for 16 years as Events Manager, agreed that Dave Koz is the easiest to work with. John added “his parents, when they were alive, used to come to the concerts and bring me chocolate chip cookies because they knew how much I liked them.” Under Tonya’s guiding hand, all Thornton concerts are a relaxed, intimate affair with a customer and artist-friendly environment. For the full schedule of performers in this 22nd year of the best names in Jazz, go to www.thorntonwine.com. Or call 951-699-0099 and talk to Tonya Wake, the “orchestra leader.”

Dave Koz leads this year’s 22nd Annual Thornton Concert Series.

For Steaks, Seafood and Spirits – Go West
It was a night to remember recently at West Steak, Seafood and Spirits in Carlsbad as the legendary Caymus Vineyards of Napa Valley showcased their premiere wines, paired with a 5 course dinner of unmatched quality by Executive Chef Eugenio Martignago. General Manager Tom Bertrand continues to position West as the quintessential restaurant for taste and dining trends.

This commitment to excellence has been rewarded by the popular Open Table award to West as the #1 Restaurant in San Diego County for 2009. The full house of diners that came to the wine event, led by Caymus Regional Manager Mike Gioia, savored the Caymus 2007 Special Selection Cabernet with Chef Eugenio’s main entrée of Seared Prime Certified Angus Filet Mignon on a bed of Braised Oxtail and celery root puree. The service sparkled as wine and food entrees were on the table on time and at peak taste.

The extensive wine list at West brims with wines of value and premium notoriety. From a delicious, budget style Castello Banfi Centine by the glass to a glorious Joseph Phelps Insignia Meritage, you will find one you will truly love. Check Happy Hour Specials for exceptional bargains. Call West at 760-930-9100.

Wine Bytes
Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp district downtown San Diego is presenting wines from Northern Italy Fri. Apr. 30 from 4 to 9pm. Taste Barbera, Dolcetto, Valpolicella and more. Cost is $15. Details at 619-236-0005.

Lorimar Winery in Temecula Wine Country kicks of their event schedule with Kansas City BBQ, Wine and Blues in the vineyards, Sat. May 1 from 3-8pm. Tickets are $55. pp. Kids under 12 get in free. Smokin’ good tri-tip, ribs and chicken. More info at 951-240-5177.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido has a Saxon Brown wine tasting Thurs. May 6, 5:30-7:30pm. This is Sonoma style single vineyard wine like Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. $10. advance, $15. at the door. Learn more at 760-745-1200.

Mama’s Day, the 19th annual benefit for Mama’s Kitchen providing meals for the needy, is Fri. May 7 from 5:30 – 9:30pm at the Hyatt Regency in San Diego. More than 70 of San Diego’s top restaurant chefs will participate, with auctions, music and wine. Pre-sale is $125. pp. At the door it’s $150. RSVP at 619-233-6262.

Roll Out the Barrel returns again this year Sat. May 8 from 5 – 8pm at Humphries by the Bay in the Pt. Loma district of San Diego. Encinitas Meritage Wine Market is helping to coordinate the Make-A-Wish benefit that has 20 restaurants and 40 wineries participating. Tickets are $100. ea. VIP benefits for $175. Go to the website at www.makeawishgala.com.