by Frank Mangio
Small wineries and vineyards in San Diego County breathed a collective sigh of relief last week when the County Board of Supervisors eased their choke-hold on wineries in the county and allowed them to present their wines in tasting rooms, without the major use permit that went as high as $250,000. This should coalesce a severely fractured wine industry and boost the profits of an up-to-now struggling group of some 50 wineries in the county.
Chinook Vineyards, founded recently by Elaine Lyttleton and Norm Case on Highway 78 in Ramona, are planting fours acres of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel and currently can only allow “guests” on the property by invitation only. They have cultivated a club member list and “adopt-a-vine” sponsors to develop brand loyalty. “There are 17 bonded wineries in the Ramona Valley,” she declared.
“So far, there is only one tasting room. There are strict rules for these small wineries in terms of hours of operation, events, percentage of estate grown grapes that must go into the wine, but they are all conditions we can live with in order to sustain a viable wine business on Agriculturally zoned land, without bankrupting ourselves in the process,” she said.
There are nearly 3,000 wineries and vineyards in California, up from 1,500 in the year 2000. With the lifting of impossible restrictions, San Diego County could be the next growth area for wine.
It’s Grape Stomping Season
Orfila Winery, a well established vineyard and winery in Escondido kicks off the Grape Stomping season in California with one of the earliest and best organized “stomps” you will see.
The big event takes place on Saturday August 28 from 4pm to 8pm, with grape stomping in a huge 5 foot barrel, full dinner buffet, dancing to live Italian Festa music, hay rides, wine tasting and tours, for $85. per person.
The 70 acre winery has hosted this anticipated event since 1993, when legendary winemaker Leon Santoro created this replica of an Italian “Vino” celebration. Santoro has recently passed away. His successor, Justin Mund is carrying on his legacy. Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-868-9463 outside of San Diego County. If within San Diego County, call 877-727-9463. Online, access www.orfila.com.
Wine Bytes
Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe presents the first of a wine dinner series on Sun. Aug. 22, 5:30 to 8pm for $110. pp. Meet Sommelier Emmanuel Kemiji of Miura Vineyards and enjoy a 4 course dinner. Details at 858-759-6216.
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas hosts a Tolosa Wine and 5 course dinner Wed. Aug. 25 from 6:30-9pm. Taste Rose, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet. Price and menu at 760-635-1066.
A Taste of Italy awaits you on Tues. Aug. 24 at 6:30pm at Bistro West in Carlsbad. All Italian varietals are being poured with cuisine from several districts in Italy. $65. ea. RSVP at 760-664-5850.
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas has an Italian Wine Expo on Fri Aug. 27 from 6 to 8pm. $20. fee. Call for wines at 760-599-1200.
Opolo Wines, a premier vineyard from Paso Robles will be pouring at La Costa Wine Company Fri Aug. 27 from 6 to 8:30pm. Cost is $25. Guests will be asked to blend their own version with a special kit. Prize for best. Call 760-431-8455 for details.
Showing posts with label firefly grill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label firefly grill. Show all posts
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Howell Mountain: Where it’s at in Napa Valley
by Frank Mangio
Millions of wine lovers, touristy types and California back-country drivers are driven to explore a revered 44,000 acres of wineries ands vineyards known as the Napa Valley . It makes only 4% of the wines in California , but produces 20% of wine sales in this state. Its reputation really took off when Robert Mondavi established his Robert Mondavi Winery. The rich tastes and ripe tannins of the signature Cabernet Sauvignon resemble the Bordeaux wine making area of France , and has demonstrated and was judged, to be superior to the French version.
Highway 29, which cuts through the Valley and routes the traveler to some 400 wineries and 700 grape growers, is a miniature Interstate 5 with traffic woes increasing to the boiling point.
Those in the know have known for some time that the Silverado Trail, which parallels Highway 29 to the east, is a more beautiful, pristine route that takes the traveler to some of the best brands in Napa Valley . Its crown jewel is Howell Mountain , a gentle, rural incline which begins at the 1,400 foot level. It also happens to be the fog-line boundary. Any grapes grown above that level are subject to sunnier days and cooler nights, the holy grail for excellence in wines. The soil is rockier and porous allowing for drainage of the heavier rainfall that they experience. The bottom line is a rich complexity and flavor.
The view from Viader, one of the wineries at the base of Howell Mt. It makes superb examples of Cabernet & Cab Franc.
The Howell Mountain appellation was the first to be recognized as a distinct growing region within the Napa Valley . The family style wineries often have small, hard-to-obtain quantities and are respected for their Cabs and Zins.
The Howell Mountain Wine Tasting for the public and the trade is traveling to Los Angeles and the Peterson Auto Museum on Wilshire Boulevard Monday March 15 from 2 to 6pm . More than 25 select wineries will be pouring. It will be a rare occasion.
Some names to know include: Cakebread, Atlas Peak , Beringer, Duckhorn, O’Shaugnessy, Robert Foley and many more. Tickets for the public are $45. each and can be processed at www.howellmountain.org. Public hours are 4 to 6pm . The info line is: 707-965-2665.
La Costa Wine Company Ramps Up Events
Kris Garrett is a man on a mission. He purchased the former Wine Street in Carlsbad not too long ago from Tanya Kinberg, a popular wine entrepreneur, and proceeded to move into the down economy with an added value and special event mentality.
The name was changed to La Costa Wine Company and the interior was re-modeled into a clean, upscale style that made wines easier to find. An imported cheese section was added to compliment the increase in events at the comfortable bistro style, marble bar. Tanya’s unsurpassed experience in the Napa Valley was enlisted for key “A-List” selections from small producers.
La Costa Wine Company owner Kris Garrett pours Italian wines at a recent tasting event.
The biggest, most exciting news yet is just around the corner on the calendar as Kris and his North County Wine Company host the two legendary wineries in Paso Robles wine growing history: Justin Winery on Friday February 26 from 5 to 8pm and the man that put the appellation on the map, Gary Eberle of Eberle Winery, on Thursday March 4 from 5 to 8pm with a charge of $20.
Eberle is considered to be the pioneer in the making of fine wine in Paso Robles Wine Country with over 30 years of production. His winery tastings are still complimentary, including cave tours. Learn more at www.eberlewinery.com.
At the Justin tasting, wines include: Chardonnay, Cabernet, Savant, Justification, Tempranillo and Obtuse. Fee is $30. Their site is www.justinwine.com. For more on La Costa Wine Company, access www.lacostawineco.com or call 760-431-8455.
Wine Bytes
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas is hosting an Amglin Winemaker Dinner Thurs. Feb. 25, 6:30pm . Cost is $75. ea. Amglin of Paso Robles focuses on the Rhone Varietals and will be pouring Viognier, Pinot Noir, a Rhone blend and a Syrah. To RSVP call 760-635-1066.
Cicciotti’s Trattoria in Cardiff is staging a benefit Opera Concert Thurs. Feb. 25 at 7pm and 9pm . Entrance fee $20. Two internationally known tenors will sing. Gaetano Cicciotti, the owner, has a new cookbook out featuring Italian food specialties. Call 760-634-2335.
Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp District San Diego presents its next “Drink Yourself Blind” bagged wine tasting Fri. Feb. 26 form 4 to 8:30pm. Eight wines to try. Guess right and win prizes. Details at 619-236-0005.
A ZD Napa Valley Wine Tasting is planned for 21 Oceanfront Restaurant in Newport Beach Fri Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 10pm . Four course dinner with perfectly paired wines for $95. Learn more at 949-673-2100.
The Hilton Anaheim hosts a Chalk Hill Wine Dinner Fri. Feb. 26 at 6pm for $75. pp. Main entrée is Herb Roasted Lamb with Salsa Verde and Black Truffles, matching up with the ’06 Estate Cabernet. Call for RSVP’s at 714-740-4412.
Millions of wine lovers, touristy types and California back-country drivers are driven to explore a revered 44,000 acres of wineries ands vineyards known as the Napa Valley . It makes only 4% of the wines in California , but produces 20% of wine sales in this state. Its reputation really took off when Robert Mondavi established his Robert Mondavi Winery. The rich tastes and ripe tannins of the signature Cabernet Sauvignon resemble the Bordeaux wine making area of France , and has demonstrated and was judged, to be superior to the French version.
Highway 29, which cuts through the Valley and routes the traveler to some 400 wineries and 700 grape growers, is a miniature Interstate 5 with traffic woes increasing to the boiling point.
Those in the know have known for some time that the Silverado Trail, which parallels Highway 29 to the east, is a more beautiful, pristine route that takes the traveler to some of the best brands in Napa Valley . Its crown jewel is Howell Mountain , a gentle, rural incline which begins at the 1,400 foot level. It also happens to be the fog-line boundary. Any grapes grown above that level are subject to sunnier days and cooler nights, the holy grail for excellence in wines. The soil is rockier and porous allowing for drainage of the heavier rainfall that they experience. The bottom line is a rich complexity and flavor.
The view from Viader, one of the wineries at the base of Howell Mt. It makes superb examples of Cabernet & Cab Franc.The Howell Mountain appellation was the first to be recognized as a distinct growing region within the Napa Valley . The family style wineries often have small, hard-to-obtain quantities and are respected for their Cabs and Zins.
The Howell Mountain Wine Tasting for the public and the trade is traveling to Los Angeles and the Peterson Auto Museum on Wilshire Boulevard Monday March 15 from 2 to 6pm . More than 25 select wineries will be pouring. It will be a rare occasion.
Some names to know include: Cakebread, Atlas Peak , Beringer, Duckhorn, O’Shaugnessy, Robert Foley and many more. Tickets for the public are $45. each and can be processed at www.howellmountain.org. Public hours are 4 to 6pm . The info line is: 707-965-2665.
La Costa Wine Company Ramps Up Events
Kris Garrett is a man on a mission. He purchased the former Wine Street in Carlsbad not too long ago from Tanya Kinberg, a popular wine entrepreneur, and proceeded to move into the down economy with an added value and special event mentality.
The name was changed to La Costa Wine Company and the interior was re-modeled into a clean, upscale style that made wines easier to find. An imported cheese section was added to compliment the increase in events at the comfortable bistro style, marble bar. Tanya’s unsurpassed experience in the Napa Valley was enlisted for key “A-List” selections from small producers.
La Costa Wine Company owner Kris Garrett pours Italian wines at a recent tasting event. The biggest, most exciting news yet is just around the corner on the calendar as Kris and his North County Wine Company host the two legendary wineries in Paso Robles wine growing history: Justin Winery on Friday February 26 from 5 to 8pm and the man that put the appellation on the map, Gary Eberle of Eberle Winery, on Thursday March 4 from 5 to 8pm with a charge of $20.
Eberle is considered to be the pioneer in the making of fine wine in Paso Robles Wine Country with over 30 years of production. His winery tastings are still complimentary, including cave tours. Learn more at www.eberlewinery.com.
At the Justin tasting, wines include: Chardonnay, Cabernet, Savant, Justification, Tempranillo and Obtuse. Fee is $30. Their site is www.justinwine.com. For more on La Costa Wine Company, access www.lacostawineco.com or call 760-431-8455.
Wine Bytes
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas is hosting an Amglin Winemaker Dinner Thurs. Feb. 25, 6:30pm . Cost is $75. ea. Amglin of Paso Robles focuses on the Rhone Varietals and will be pouring Viognier, Pinot Noir, a Rhone blend and a Syrah. To RSVP call 760-635-1066.
Cicciotti’s Trattoria in Cardiff is staging a benefit Opera Concert Thurs. Feb. 25 at 7pm and 9pm . Entrance fee $20. Two internationally known tenors will sing. Gaetano Cicciotti, the owner, has a new cookbook out featuring Italian food specialties. Call 760-634-2335.
Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp District San Diego presents its next “Drink Yourself Blind” bagged wine tasting Fri. Feb. 26 form 4 to 8:30pm. Eight wines to try. Guess right and win prizes. Details at 619-236-0005.
A ZD Napa Valley Wine Tasting is planned for 21 Oceanfront Restaurant in Newport Beach Fri Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 10pm . Four course dinner with perfectly paired wines for $95. Learn more at 949-673-2100.
The Hilton Anaheim hosts a Chalk Hill Wine Dinner Fri. Feb. 26 at 6pm for $75. pp. Main entrée is Herb Roasted Lamb with Salsa Verde and Black Truffles, matching up with the ’06 Estate Cabernet. Call for RSVP’s at 714-740-4412.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Darioush Delights at Firefly
Article and story by Frank Mangio
The latest creation at Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas was a masterpiece of fine dining and premium wine pairing with Darioush Winery and Vineyard of Napa Valley. I applaud owner Jim Barrasso and Executive Chef Aaron Daily for their wine- first policy.
The two, in planning a paired menu, spend an extraordinary amount of time thoroughly examining the properties of each wine selection. Then they carefully craft a menu that will exalt each wine selection, enabling the guests to understand the capabilities of the wines chosen.
On the evening of the Darioush event, a spiced date leg of lamb with roasted eggplant, lentils and mint were the compliment to the Darioush 2005 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is considered best of breed at this renowned estate on the Silverado Trail in Napa. It is a subtle blend of 85% Cab, 10% Merlot and a hint of Petite Verdot and Malbec.
Ryan Norton from the winery also brought along a 2007 Signature Viognier from Darioush which paired to perfection with the passed around appetizers. “This is a California twist to a Rhone Valley French grape with tropical notes, lush and balanced acidity,” he said. “Red wine lovers go for this white with its complexity and ability to fit in with a lot of menu selections.”
Darioush is owned by Darioush Khaledi who comes from the cradle of wines, the middle east. Other wines that impressed included: a 2006 Signature Chardonnay.
Ryan Norton of Darioush, owner Jim Barrasso of Firefly and executive chef Aaron Daily at the Darioush Wine Dinner
Caravan 2005 Shiraz and a Signature 2005 Merlot. Darioush is the kind of winery you can get close to. Small and dedicated to the highest standards, it embraces the passion of Napa Valley. Learn more by accessing www.darioush.com.
The next Firefly wine event will be the Foxen Vineyards event on Wednesday March 4 at 6:30pm. Jim and Aaron have released the menu and the main course will be a plum and red wine braised short rib, complimenting a Foxen “Range 30 West” blend.
Jim also presides over occasional chef’s cooking classes and on Monday March 3rd at 6pm, he will teach at Kitchen Witch in Encinitas. Proper food and wine pairing will highlight the evening. Cost is $59. Call for details or check out the site: 760-635-1066 or www.fireflygrillandbar.com.
Giant Wines from the Woods of Washington
Up in the great northwest, the wines keep getting better. Washington is the 2nd largest appellation in the nation with over 30,000 acres and 500 wineries, though far less than #1, California. Most all grapes are grown in Eastern Washington, many miles from important destination wineries near Seattle like Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest. In places like Walla Walla, Yakima and the Columbia Valley, the sun shines 17 hours a day, producing a short but intense growing season. The principle grapes are: Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
I have always liked Washington’s Cabs, blends and Merlots, kings of the red wine world. But let me call your attention to the big, bold Syrahs coming out of the state. The 2,830 acres devoted to this Rhone grape is in the middle of the state’s acreage allocation, but it has increased substantially. Washington Syrahs are big, bold and adventurous with an intense blueberry flavor. You get a big bang for the buck with most Washington Syrahs, but I would caution against too much alcohol in some, so check the label. Anything over 15% I would pass on. Some favorites include Dunham Cellars 2004, L’Ecole 2005, DiStefano 2005, Cayuse 2005. For more, search www.washingtonwine.org.
Wine Bytes
The laugh hit “Joey & Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding” will come to Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula Sat. March 7. Doors open at 6pm and proceeds will benefit an area non profit. Champagne reception, auction and Italian dinner included. Tickets are $80. pp. Audience participation encouraged! Visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com. Or call 951-699-WINE.
North County Wine Company in San Marcos presents Great Cabernet at its tasting on Fri. Feb. 27th from 5 to 8pm. Includes Simi, Cedar Knolls and Cakebread. $25. ea. Call 760-744-2119.
Holiday Wine Cellars in Escondido brings in Tricia Record of Levendi Winery of Napa Valley to host a Levendi tasting Thurs. March 5 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Cost is $15. pp. Call 760-745-1200 for more.
Loews Coronado has its first “Farmers, Foragers and Fishermen” wine dinner on Thurs. March 5 at Mistral Restaurant. Eric Brandt of Brandt Beef will appear and speak about the natural beef process. Hours are 7 to 9pm with a cost of $48. Call Michael Graichen at 619-424-4000 ext 4000 for RSVP’s.
The latest creation at Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas was a masterpiece of fine dining and premium wine pairing with Darioush Winery and Vineyard of Napa Valley. I applaud owner Jim Barrasso and Executive Chef Aaron Daily for their wine- first policy.
The two, in planning a paired menu, spend an extraordinary amount of time thoroughly examining the properties of each wine selection. Then they carefully craft a menu that will exalt each wine selection, enabling the guests to understand the capabilities of the wines chosen.
On the evening of the Darioush event, a spiced date leg of lamb with roasted eggplant, lentils and mint were the compliment to the Darioush 2005 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is considered best of breed at this renowned estate on the Silverado Trail in Napa. It is a subtle blend of 85% Cab, 10% Merlot and a hint of Petite Verdot and Malbec.
Ryan Norton from the winery also brought along a 2007 Signature Viognier from Darioush which paired to perfection with the passed around appetizers. “This is a California twist to a Rhone Valley French grape with tropical notes, lush and balanced acidity,” he said. “Red wine lovers go for this white with its complexity and ability to fit in with a lot of menu selections.”
Darioush is owned by Darioush Khaledi who comes from the cradle of wines, the middle east. Other wines that impressed included: a 2006 Signature Chardonnay.
Ryan Norton of Darioush, owner Jim Barrasso of Firefly and executive chef Aaron Daily at the Darioush Wine DinnerCaravan 2005 Shiraz and a Signature 2005 Merlot. Darioush is the kind of winery you can get close to. Small and dedicated to the highest standards, it embraces the passion of Napa Valley. Learn more by accessing www.darioush.com.
The next Firefly wine event will be the Foxen Vineyards event on Wednesday March 4 at 6:30pm. Jim and Aaron have released the menu and the main course will be a plum and red wine braised short rib, complimenting a Foxen “Range 30 West” blend.
Jim also presides over occasional chef’s cooking classes and on Monday March 3rd at 6pm, he will teach at Kitchen Witch in Encinitas. Proper food and wine pairing will highlight the evening. Cost is $59. Call for details or check out the site: 760-635-1066 or www.fireflygrillandbar.com.
Giant Wines from the Woods of Washington
Up in the great northwest, the wines keep getting better. Washington is the 2nd largest appellation in the nation with over 30,000 acres and 500 wineries, though far less than #1, California. Most all grapes are grown in Eastern Washington, many miles from important destination wineries near Seattle like Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest. In places like Walla Walla, Yakima and the Columbia Valley, the sun shines 17 hours a day, producing a short but intense growing season. The principle grapes are: Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
I have always liked Washington’s Cabs, blends and Merlots, kings of the red wine world. But let me call your attention to the big, bold Syrahs coming out of the state. The 2,830 acres devoted to this Rhone grape is in the middle of the state’s acreage allocation, but it has increased substantially. Washington Syrahs are big, bold and adventurous with an intense blueberry flavor. You get a big bang for the buck with most Washington Syrahs, but I would caution against too much alcohol in some, so check the label. Anything over 15% I would pass on. Some favorites include Dunham Cellars 2004, L’Ecole 2005, DiStefano 2005, Cayuse 2005. For more, search www.washingtonwine.org.
Wine Bytes
The laugh hit “Joey & Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding” will come to Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula Sat. March 7. Doors open at 6pm and proceeds will benefit an area non profit. Champagne reception, auction and Italian dinner included. Tickets are $80. pp. Audience participation encouraged! Visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com. Or call 951-699-WINE.
North County Wine Company in San Marcos presents Great Cabernet at its tasting on Fri. Feb. 27th from 5 to 8pm. Includes Simi, Cedar Knolls and Cakebread. $25. ea. Call 760-744-2119.
Holiday Wine Cellars in Escondido brings in Tricia Record of Levendi Winery of Napa Valley to host a Levendi tasting Thurs. March 5 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Cost is $15. pp. Call 760-745-1200 for more.
Loews Coronado has its first “Farmers, Foragers and Fishermen” wine dinner on Thurs. March 5 at Mistral Restaurant. Eric Brandt of Brandt Beef will appear and speak about the natural beef process. Hours are 7 to 9pm with a cost of $48. Call Michael Graichen at 619-424-4000 ext 4000 for RSVP’s.
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