Third Annual Family Winemakers Event, March 13

Family Winemakers of California, an association of small, family-owned California wineries, announced today that "Tasting 2011" will be held on Sunday, March 13, and feature over 200 wineries.

The event is the Association's only Southern California wine tasting that is open to both the public and wine buying trade, and it will be held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. "Tasting 2011" allows wine enthusiasts and trade members to taste and explore new wines from many California regions, while small and family-owned wine producers have the opportunity to expand their reach into the Southern California market, said Paul Kronenberg, president of Family Winemakers of California.

"We're pleased to return to San Diego with 'Tasting 2011' for our third consecutive year," added Kronenberg. "As the region's largest tasting of California wines, 'Tasting 2011' gives wine lovers the unique opportunity to taste from over 200 family-owned wineries pouring 1,000 wines, all in the course of one afternoon. Wine fans will get to meet winery owners and winemakers who are committed to the craft of producing quality and passion-driven wines, while tasting from a selection of small-production and hard-to-find wines that may not have local retail distribution."

The single day event takes place on Sunday, March 13, and will be held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The event is open to members of the wine trade from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and is open to both trade and the general public from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Tickets for the general public are now on sale with ticket prices beginning at $45 for early bird tickets purchased by February 21, $55 for advance tickets purchased by March 12, and $65 at the door. Trade segment admission for consumers is also available to the first 50 ticket buyers at $75 per ticket. Qualified trade and media interested in attending the tasting may register online at www.familywinemakers.org

Amaya Grand Del Mar is Garden-Fresh

by Frank Mangio

The Mediterranean splendor that is the Grand Del Mar has been documented in this column and publications world-wide. The decorative arts of Spain , Portugal Italy and Morocco are perfectly in harmony in this resort and this perfection is extended to the richly appointed restaurants.

We were treated the Addison dining room with its 2,500 bottle wine room under the brilliant leadership of Wine Director Jesse Rodriguz, so it was with great anticipation that the invitation came to review the other, more intimate and seductive Amaya with its delightful herb and vegetable garden just steps away.

Amaya was also unveiling its new summer menu, created by Chef Camron Woods and Food/Beverage director Ekrem Tercanoglu, which included: Grilled Swordfish, Roasted Halibut, Seared Seabass, Braised Short Rib and Whole Roasted Pork.

On the subject of his lovely garden of herbs, Camron said “I will use unusual flavors to mix with our marquee Mediterranean cuisine, like an Asian influence Terragon to accent the Sea Bass in Yellow Tomato Sauce. We cultivate freshness at Amaya.” As evidence, we walked into his expertly prepared garden. “Here you will find lots of Basil, Dill, Parsely Oregano, even tomatoes. It’s a feast for the senses with the emphasis on flavor.”Jesse Rodriguez was also in a celebratory mood as he uncorked his latest wines with an Italian theme. He introduced La Cappuccina, Soave 2007, a white from Veneto; and Morrano, Chianti 2007, a red from Tuscany , to pair with the chef’s creations.

Wine Director Jesse Rodriguez, and Chef Camron Woods, Amaya’s personable team at The Grand Del Mar

On Amaya’s terrace next to the herb garden, luscious pastries deserved the finale with such decadence as Carmelized Apricot with Vanilla Cream, Chocolate Royal Hazelnut, and Vanilla Strawberry Panna Cotta. To wash down dessert, a Banfi favorite was served, the Rosso Regale, a delicious strawberry flavored sparkling dessert wine. A perfect 24 hours would be to enjoy Amaya and taste as many of the fine wines as humanly possible; then stay over at one of the 249 rooms at this world-class resort. See more at www.TheGrandDelMar.com.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa Again Wins Winery of the Year

They’re dancing in the tasting room at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula as the fashionable estate has again won the California State Fair “Golden Bear” Wine Competition. It remains at the top of the state’s “Best of the Best” for the second consecutive year. Jim Carter, owner/vintner for South Coast declared “we are proud to share this accomplishment and the attention it has given to the entire Temecula area.”

Winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores have assembled some 650 winning wines since the winery started in 2003. and according to Carter “the best wines are being bottled now.” Get more information at www.wineresort.com.

Wine Bytes

* Vino 100 in San Marcos has the mighty Napa favorite Caymus Wine Tasting Fri. July 24 from 5 to 9pm. Fee starts at $15. Call 760-591-9113.

* Carlsbad Wine Merchants in the Island Center features small Italian Family Vineyards Fri. July 24 from 5 to 8pm. Audio League plays. Fee is $20. Details at 760-804-9994.

* Vine to Glass in Oceanside brings in wines from Wiens in Temecula, Sat. July 25 from 6 to 9pm . Six varietals poured for $15. Call 760-757-1037.

* North County Wine Company has two events coming up, including Fri. July 24 with a Pinot Noir and BBQ tasting and July 31 Nothing but Cabernet and BBQ. Call for times and price at 760-744-2119.

* Bacchus Wine Market in San Diego ’s Gaslamp District pours Grenache wines on Fri. July 24 from 4 to 8:30pm . Get seven samples from the south of France for $15. Call them at 619-236-0005.

* Temecula’s best wines will be unveiled in a gala Awards Ceremony and Banquet open to the public on Wed. July 29, 6pm at Wiens Family Cellars. Competition wines will be served. Mix and mingle with the winemakers. For an RSVP, call 951-926-1160.

* The 5th annual “Chocolate & Vino Affair” happens Thurs. July 30 with a 6pm start at Stingaree, downtown San Diego . It benefits San Diego Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Wineries, downtown restaurants and chocolate shops all donate. Pre sale $40 and $50. at the door. Check it out at 619-339-4564 or events@ypcsd.com.

* Bistro West in Carlsbad has “A Night at the Bistro” Tues. July 28, 7-9pm . An exclusive menu plus Beringer wines will be featured. $55. pp. Contact 760-930-8008 for more.

Muscle Wine Nebbiolo Gets Witch Creek Gold

by Frank Mangio

With the heady scent of high tide at a Carlsbad beach, I entered Witch Creek Winery on the Coast Highway. It had been awhile and the news recently from this highly focused Italian style winery was all good. Earlier this year, it had captured Best of Class with its 2006 Nebbiolo at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. That wasn’t all…Witch Creek entered 7 wines, and all 7 took medals.

Founded in 1993 by the Wodehouse family, the winery also has a tasting room in the mountain town of Julian. In addition to the usual popular wines like Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and other household names, a decision was made to source known and lesser known Italian grape varietals from the Guadalupe Valley near Ensenada Mexico, long-known for its excellence in growing Nebbiolo, Barbera, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Aglianico.

Pete Anderson, an area specialist in Italian viticulture, works closely with Witch Creek and his winemaker contact at L.A. Cetto in the Mexican wine country, Camillo Magoni, to bring award winning Italian grape varietals to the U.S. market with price points that are well below wines from Italy.

Although the 2006 Nebbiolo is now sold out, the rave is building for the 2007 vintage. Palate pleasing with huge potential in its blueberry and blackberry combination, this vintage is still in the grip of strong tannins and needs some lay-down time.


The creative style of winemaker Ryan Baker shows best in his touch with Witch Creek Blends. (foto by Frank Mangio)

If you have a “drink-now” occasion, open it up about an hour before consumption for a mouth-feel that flourishes with the full flavor of true Nebbiolo. Cost at the winery is $35.

Ryan Baker, the eclectic Witch Creek winemaker is constantly experimenting, trying new combinations and mixes, to come up with the next big thing. His work with the blend of Brunello and Aglianico in the 2006 Due Pastore deserves cheers. Hearty meats will get a flavor boost from this vintage and well as the later 2007 model that mates Aglianico and Montepulciano. They sell for $20. and $23. respectively. For the latest information and wine releases, the website is: www.witchcreekwinery.com.

Enjoy Your Own Fine Wine at Addison
Addison, the upscale restaurant in the Grand Resort Del Mar, recently was awarded Mobil’s prestigious Five-Star designation. This award really defines the highest standard of excellence in dining establishments. It also announced that on Tuesday and Wednesday dinners, guests can bring in a wine of their own with no corkage fee. This is a first in fine dining in the San Diego market and should be applauded. Customers in that price range often want to share their wines at a dining room of Addison’s stature.

Master Sommelier Jesse Rodriguez wants guests to know that he has brought in private bottlings with Grand Del Mar supervision, in collaboration some of the best vintners available. Rodriguez said “we have been busy making some incredible wine from all over California and Europe with proprietary offerings.”

Wine Spectator recently awarded Addison the “Best of Award of Excellence.” Learn more at www.TheGrandDelMar.com.

Wine Bytes
 Il Fornaio, in Del Mar and Coronado, continues its Festa Regionale salute to Italy’s culinary regions with Campania dinners and wines, now through May 17. Campania includes Naples, Sorrento and the Amafli Coast, home to Aglianico wines and Limoncello liqueurs. The Del Mar location number is 858-755-8876.

 Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido offers German Rieslings at a tasting on Fri. May 8 from 5:30 to 7pm. Rieslings are lovely summertime wines from dry to sweet. Cost is $10. with appetizers. Call for details at 760-745-1200.

 3rd Corner in Encinitas presents an Italian wine tasting on Sat. May 9 from 2 to 5pm for $10. each. Learn which labels by calling 760-942-2104.

 Haciendas de Las Rosas heads up the next elegant 5 course winemaker dinner at Café Merlot and Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo, Fri. May 15 starting at 6:30pm. $85. pp. Reservations at 858-592-7785.

 Paso Robles Wine Country is planning their 27th annual Wine Festival for Fri. May 15 to Sun. May 17. Fri. is the reserve tasting and Sat. the Grand Tasting with over 90 wineries participating. Local chefs also get involved. For ticket information, call 805-239-8463, or visit www.pasowine.com.

 The Four Seasons Aviara and its wine club invites guests to the 5th annual Around the World Wine Tasting, Wed. May 20 at 6:30pm. Only the best of the best wines are tasted, with food sampling from the resort’s Executive Chef. For more information, call 760-603-3790.

Celebratory Year for South Coast and its Wines

photo and articles by Frank Mangio
Jon McPherson, South Coast Winery Resort and Spa’s savvy master winemaker in Temecula Wine Country, recently sat at our booth to join us for lunch at their posh Vineyard Rose Restaurant . For a few minutes, he relaxed over a few examples of South Coast ’s new releases. Jon came over from Thornton Winery 5 years ago where he gained a solid reputation as a meticulous craftsman of sparkling wine. Prior to coming to the Temecula Valley , he cut his teeth in the wine industry in Texas. At Thornton , he earned the title “ America ’s Most Honored Sparkling Wine Producer.”
A “pyramid” of winning wines surrounds the South Coast Winery’s Golden Bear Award in thebottom row center, symbolic of being best in
California.

Last year, the winery was judged the best in the state a the California State Fair and received the Golden Bear trophy for winning 39 awards including: 1 Best of State, 1 Best of Region, 12 Best of Class, 1 Double Gold and 5 Golds among others. In all, 255 awards were won in 2008 by this premier winery. At the end of the year, my Taste of Wine declared South Coast ’s Wild Horse Peak 2005 Sangiovese, one of its Top Ten Tastings.

I asked Jon how he has been able to extract excellence out of his varietals. He said “it’s about letting the grapes speak. We listen, then carefully nurture the process.” He then went on to describe my Top Ten Tasting winner: the 2005 Sangiovese.

A “pyramid” of winning wines surrounds the South Coast Winery’s Golden Bear Award in the bottom row center, symbolic of being best in California.

“The ’05 Sangiovese was planted near Palomar Mountain in the Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyard, Thunderbolt Block. The fruit’s unusual depth of character and style is further accentuated by its exclusive aging in French oak barrels. The oak marries with the Sangiovese and adds a beautiful texture and complexity to its licorice and cherry notes. Supple tannins and racy acidity make it a standout 100% Sangiovese wine. It will age gracefully for the next 3 to 5 years.” Last year the ’05 Sangiovese, in addition to my Top Ten accolade, scored a Best of Class, a gold and 4 silvers.

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa sits on 38 acres and is a destination property. Now is a great time to visit. It has a special “Recline in ‘09” promotion for its 76 villas that sit in the vineyard. Sunday through Thursday, a nightly stay is just $149. and it includes a complimentary bottle of wine and many more credit perks. Call 866-994-6379 for reservations through January 31. You may also access www.wineresort.com for information on all its wines and amenities.

This and That
Congrats to Dawn Galante of Galante Wines in Carmel Valley near Monterey on her 38th birthday which was Sunday January 18. To celebrate, her Blackjack 2004 Cab is on sale for $38. a bottle ( regular $50.) Limit 6 and good through January 31. See www.galantevineyards.com.

I was with the master sommelier Jesse Rodriguez at Addison at the Grand Resort Del Mar and we talked about the Anderson Valley in Northern California and their premier Pinot Noir. He recommended Golden Eye and its 2006 vintage. Come to find out it’s one of only two wines served at the President Obama Inaugural Luncheon. You will love the plum, spice, cherry and strawberry notes. It was served with pheasant and duck. The other wine was a Duckhorn 2007 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc served with a seafood stew of Maine Lobster, Scallops and Shrimp.

Wine Bytes
San Diego State University ’s Business of Wine course opens its Spring Semester with “Exploring Wine” starting Mon. Feb. 2, 6 to 9pm , on campus. For fees and registration, call 619-594-6924.

Holiday Wine Cellar of Escondido has “Wine Down Mondays” starting Feb. 2 from 5:30 to 7:30pm for just $5. Enjoy Robert Nenow from his winery in Napa . He’s pouring Cab and his new Syrah/Cab blend. More info at 760-745-1200.

Jack’s La Jolla has a Blind Wine Tasting in the Ocean Room, Tues. Feb. 3 from 7 to 9pm , for $25. ea. Is it a Cab or a Zin? Test your skills. Details at 858-456-8111.

Restaurant Acqua Al 2 in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego launches “AA2 Uncorked,” a new wine tasting series to share the passion of fine Italian wines. The first class is Wed. Feb. 4, 6:30 to 8pm , with the theme of Amore, a Toast to Love. Learn about and try fine Italian wines and authentic Italian appetizers for participants. Cost is $15. pp. Call 619-230-0382 for RSVPs.

Pechanga Casino in Temecula inaugurates its first annual Wine Festival on Sat. Feb. 7 from Noon to 5pm to benefit the Red Cross. In addition to wine tastings with ZD, Miner, Chateau St. Michelle, Erath, Ferrari Carano, Mondavi, Falkner, Keyways, La Cereza, Pedroncelli and more, Pechanga has its great chefs prepare samples of their cuisine. Tickets are $65. ea. A 6 to 9pm bonus of more wineries with a Chocolate Decadence event costs $100. for the two events. For tickets call 877-7112WIN. Or access www.pechanga.com.

Eli’s Wine and Food Has Loyal Following

by Frank Mangio

Every Saturday afternoon at Eli’s, in the Del Mar Highlands Center, the loyal followers gather for the weekly ritual of wine swap, tasting and wine talk.

Eli Shemirani, the smiling host and owner, provided incredibly great wines to taste for a very nominal charge. The Saturday I went, his Master Pouring Manager was Chris Faust who’s a regular, and he was introducing the new releases from Nickel and Nickel and Far Niente. Believe me, you are staring at spectacular wines with that Napa duo.

But that’s not what really got me. Eli’s followers were swapping tastes of their favorite wines, offering tastes to anyone who wanted to try them. Wines like Rubicon Cask, Denner Syrah and King Estate Oregon Pinot Gris were taste-tested.

At the same time, Eli was offering a knock-out deal of a Montepulciano D’ Abruzzo ’06 for $9.99 with a second bottle for a penny! Every Saturday tasting from 2 to 5pm is an event, with wonderful premium wines to taste.

Saturday June 14 is the new 2005 releases from Dominus! Cost is $10. To get the latest names offered, call 858-481-2323.