Wine Tasting Moments at the Grand Del Mar

By Frank Mangio
Road shows are nothing new in the wine world.  Especially this time of the year when wine makers really don’t have critical  responsibilities at bud break and flowering of the vines.  But when one of the top distributors organizes its winery clients from all over the world to meet at the Grand Del Mar, one of the most beautiful resorts in the world, wine columnists and members of the trade put it on their “A” list  to attend.

Over 100 wineries and distributors popped their corks on their best and most recent vintages, produced by the Henry Group, a leader in the distribution of wines and spirits.  Household  names showed up like Shafer, ZD,   Ancient Peaks and a personal favorite of mine from Walla Walla Washington , the 2011 Amavi Cellars Estate Cabernet.

Henriot Importers representative Rebecca Thompson  holds a bottle of Italian  wine star Tenuta di Ghizzano 2008  Verneroso, a Sangiovese/Cabernet blend from Tuscany.

Henriot Importers, specializing in distribution, sales and marketing of luxury wines representing centuries of family winemaking caught my eye, with its ties to some of the leading wineries in Spain and Italy . Rebecca Thompson captained the Henriot table exhibit and unlike other managers, she was out front and center talking up her brands and pouring samples, with special emphasis on an Italian blend from northwest Tuscany with a traditional name: Tenuta di Ghizzano Veneroso 2008.

Blends made from the Tuscan varietal Sangiovese are considered to be historically untraditional and Italian regulators have cast a disparaging eye on blends.  Yet, these so called “Super Tuscans” have been in demand and pricing has been driven up for some of the best-of-breed like Tignanello, Summus and Solaia. Veneroso is my surprise find of the first half of 2014, with its medium deep saturated ruby base of fruit.  In the sorting and crushing of the grapes, they are tread on by foot, first in steel then wood, before fermentation.

Aging is 16 months in French oak casks. Recommended serving is 65 degrees, my degree of perfection for most red wines.  The blend is 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.  The wine comes from the town of Ghizano about 40 kilometers south of Pisa .  The estate dates back to the 1300’s and currently is a “natural winemaker” thanks to owner Countess Ginerva Venerosi-Pesciolini, who in 2013 converted to organic agriculture.  Gain more information about this wine at www.henriotinc.com.

Expand your Knowledge of Wine at SDSU
The College of Extended Studies at San Diego State University serves more than 27,000 adult learners every year with a wide variety of educational opportunities including a comprehensive wine program designed to provide a Professional Certificate in the Business of Wine.

I’ve lectured on Exploring Wine and have been a member of the Wine Advisory Board at SDSU.  Giana Rodriguez is the Program Director of the Extended Studies Program.  She has some of the best resource people in the industry to bring years of experience to the students of the program.

The next class sessions start Monday July 7 to Monday July 21 from 6 to 9pm on campus, and it’s an intensive on Austrian and German wines.

Giana Rodriguez is the Program Director of the wine program at SDSU.

Instructor is the well-known advanced sommelier Jesse Rodriguez.  “We are planning an international component with wine classes abroad,” said Rodriguez.  The Basque Country of Spain is being targeted, probably the end of Spring 2015.”

For more, visit SDSU on line at www.neverstoplearning.net/wine.  619-594-1138.

Wine Bytes
In Temecula, Monte De Oro Winery will have a 4th of July BBQ Party on Sun. June 29 from 1 to 5pm.  Buffet, wine, live music and hay rides.  More at montedeoro.com.

Falkner Winery in Temecula is presenting its 14th Anniversary Event July 4 to 6, with free concerts from Noon to 3pm Sat. and Sun. July 5 and 6.  Hourly raffles and outdoor BBQ’s available.  Up to 50% off wine case prices.  More details at 951-676-8231 x1.

Marina Kitchen on Harbor Drive in San Diego has a 4th of July All-American Picnic Style buffet.  4 courses including 12 hour roast carving station., 5 to 10pm.  Call 619-699-8222.

The San Diego Wine Country Festival is Sat. July 12 from 1 to 4pm at Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo.  Cost is $30. in advance.  20 local wineries, live music and auction items.  Phone 858-487-1866.

Temecula’s In-Demand Winemaker is Tim Kramer

by Frank Mangio
I first met Tim Kramer back in 2005 not knowing a lot about Temecula Wine Country or much about other California Wine Countries for that matter.  I had just made a name for myself by spending valuable time in the wine country of Tuscany Italy, then taking a writing job at the San Diego Union Tribune, creating TASTE OF WINE.

Kramer, at that time, was and still is the winemaker for Leonesse Cellars.  He was self-taught from books, kits, 5 gallon buckets and great volunteer experience from the Temecula wine-making legend Jon McPherson when he was with  Thornton Winery. From his Leonesse base, he was approached in 2005 to make wine for Monte De Oro and Robert Renzoni Wineries.

Temecula’s Monte de Oro Executive Chef Taylor Harris and Winemaker Tim Kramer 

at a recent Winemakers Dinner.

Eventually, his client list to make wines grew to the point that he now shares his winemaking abilities with many wineries under the name Temecula Valley Winery Management.

I managed a few minutes with Kramer at a recent Monte de Oro “Black Label” Winemaker’s Dinner that featured 5 special reserve wines and barrel samplings.  The four Cabernets and Syrahs poured, all showcased what the wines of Temecula can do. Kramer pointed to the last offering, the 2009 Synergy 65, a wine that I featured as “Wine of the Month” as being the one he was most proud of.

“We received a Best of Class in the Winemakers’ Challenge in San Diego on this wine,” he declared.  “It was barrel aged in new French Oak for 28 months. Our vines that were planted 5 or 6 years ago are coming into their own and really showing what they can do.  There are 5 varietals in this blend, depending on what nature gives us.” Last year, in the beautiful 2012 harvest, 238 tons of grapes were made into wine.  According to Monte de Oro G.M. Ken Zignorski, the red wine harvest came in at 25% more than forecast from the 72 acres under vine.

Kramer’s most recent client is  Fazeli Cellars that will be building a winery inspired by the ancient traditions of Persia, between Robert Renzoni and Keyways, on the DePortola Trail section of Temecula Wine Country.  Its wine is named for the ancient city of Shiraz, where some say this grape originated.

Wine is already being made and critically acclaimed.  The wines are the passion of BJ and Wendy Fazeli who recently opened a tasting room  on 4th Street, in Old Town Temecula. You’ll taste many selections of French style whites and reds, premium fruit with a lovely earthy flavor.

A sense of excitement ran through the diners at a recent private dinner at Temecula’s new Cellarz93.

The lineup of Fazeli Wines was poured, enhancing a chef-inspired menu hosted by Cheri Ellstrom, a principal investor and designer of Cellarz93.  She introduced the menu creator, Executive Chef Gary Stillman, who has impressive credentials, coming from the legendary Napa Valley French Laundry in the late 90’s where he developed his culinary skills from owner and world famous chef, Thomas Keller.  Fazeli’s “Khayyam Cabernet Sauvginon 2009 ($55.), a rich boysenberry and blackberry based cab grabbed the most attention of the wines served.

Cellarz93 will continue its local vintners series of wine dinners Thursday June 13 with an intimate event featuring winemaker Nick Palumbo of Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery.  The evening will cost $75. pp.  RSVP at 951-296-9700.

Wine Bytes
Meet Jaime Orozco from Mi Sueno Winery of Napa Valley at North County Wine Company San Marcos, Thurs. June 6 from 5 to 9pm.  This special tasting event is $20. pp.  Call 760-744-2119.

Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar in Carlsbad has a Street Fare with a Taste of Spain Wed. June 5 from 5 to 8pm.  Live music, street food and house made Sangria for a $20. entry fee.  Details at 760-827-2500.

An Encinitas Night Out is being hosted by Meritage Wine Market Thurs. June 6 from 5:30 to 7:30pm.  Local speaker and humorist Ed Cozza will MC, personalizing his book “Nowhere Yet.”  Cost is $35. ea.  Call for an RSVP at 760-479-2500.

The Grand Del Mar is hosting The ABC’s of BBQ, Fri. June 7 from 7 to 9pm.  Discover tricks and tips with a BBQ expert and Chef Mathew Sramek.  Dinner and wine tasting included for $65.  RSVP at 858-314-1996.

Wine Country Events Light the Holiday Spirit

by Frank Mangio
Good times and fine wines are a fixture in Temecula Wine Country, but when the clock strikes December, its 35+ wineries light up with seasonal events and deserve a visit.  Each in its own way, most wineries design their tasting rooms, even some of the vineyards, with  festive, colorful images for visitors.

Temecula Wine Country, Southern California’s largest, is aglow with lights 

and events to greet  holiday visitors.

Here’s a collection of ideas and events for your next visit to Temecula for holiday cheer and New Years celebration:
 Cougar Vineyard – Fri. Dec. 21 6 to 8pm. Live holiday music with special wine prices and discounts on clothing purchases.

Falkner Winery – Nightly, a spectacular display that includes more than 100,000 Eco Lights.
Mt. Palomar Winery – Presents the “Charlie Brown Christmas” Fri. Dec. 21 from 5 to 8pm. 3 piece Jazz ensemble.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa – Great Horse Drawn Carriage Rides through the vineyards daily.  Call 951-587-9463 for details.

Fire & Ice New Years Eve Extravaganza with seating from 6:30 to 9:30pm.  4 course menu and music by a 5 piece band.  $ 150. pp. Party and balloon drop 8 to1pm.  $75. pp. Call 800-730-5042 for details and an RSVP or on-line www.wineresort.com.

Tesoro Winery – Swing into 2013 at Tesoro Winery with a Sinatra Tribute starring Steve Justice 9:30 to 12:30am in their Old Town Tasting Room.  $25. includes 2 glasses champagne and gourmet hors d’ oevres. Dance floor.  RSVP at 951-308-0000.

Wilson Creek Winery – A Jet-Setting Rockin New Years Eve Celebration from 7pm to 12:30am.  Hosted wine, champagne and 4 course dinner with funky soul music for dancing.  Cost is $160.  RSVP at 951-699-9463.

Wiens Family Cellars – “The Great Gatsby” event with a 1920’s New Years Eve speakeasy theme from 8 to 1am.  Dancing, appetizers and more.  $55. ea. Club members $44. Call 951-252-1770.

Grand Del Mar Makes Merry for the Holiday Season

Closer to San Diego, the magnificent Grand Del Mar has planned a series of memorable times for its guests and the public. Their theme, “skip the dinner-making and enjoy the merry making” fits the resort, with their five-star, five diamond dining at the Addison and the holiday-delightful Amaya restaurants, with special menus on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Years’ Day, including a Breakfast Buffet at Amaya.

At the spirited M Club on New Years’ Eve, several guest DJ’s will entertain from 9 to 1:30am.  There will be a Grand New Year’s Eve Party in the main ballroom of the resort from 9 to 1:30am, where you can dance to the famous Wayne Foster Entertainment’s 6 piece band.  For full details and RSVP’s call 858-314-1996 or book on-line at www.TheGrandDelMar.com.

The Grand Del Mar, in Coastal North San Diego, presents holiday dining and entertainment.

 More Wine Bytes
PAON Carlsbad has an Italian wine tasting in the wine shop Thurs. Dec. 20 to Wed. Dec. 26, 5:30 to 8:30pm.  6 tastings for $20.  Call for names at 760-729-7377.

Let the corks fly at the New Years Eve party at DOLCE PANE E VINO in Rancho Santa Fe.  Open dining from 5 to 9pm, then dancing, bubbly, food and friends to toast in the New Year. RSVP at 858-832-1518.

San Diego State University will host a Spring Semester Open House for its Professional Certificate in the Business of Wine program, Mon. Jan. 7 from 6 to 7:30pm in the SDSU Extended Studies/Gateway Centers.  Details by calling 619-594-1138.

Unlocking the Flavor of Viognier

by Frank Mangio
It is safe to say that you can walk into a room full of wine aficionados that love to talk up their favorite wines and ask the first person you come across to say something nice about Viognier ( VEE-ohn-yay ) .  They will look at you funny and offer you a Chardonnay.

Those of you who have been with me and TASTE OF WINE over the years have either embraced my love of Viognier, or thought I should see a wine doctor about this silly fetish for the lovely tropical fruit white wine that almost never shows up on the shelves.  No, it not a Central American white grape, not even a South American native with its pineapple, peach and mango flavors.

Viognier’s original growing area is the Northern Rhone Valley of Southern France, where it is the white wine of choice.  Acidity levels are low and it’s almost always cool-fermented in steel tanks for full tropical fruitiness.

Rock Wall Wine Company, the California Bay Area winery is the latest to feature Viognier. It arrived in California in small quantities in the 80’s with interest in growing it now limited to wineries in the Lodi-Mendocino, Monterey, Paso Robles and San Diego areas.

The Rock Wall Wine Company, operated by the Rosenblaum Family of Sonoma is pulling Viognier Grapes from vineyards in Lodi and Mendocino for a mélange of flavors for its 2010 Kristen’s Cuvee ($20.)  Flavors of pineapple and fresh sugar cane bring up an exclusive taste. (www.rockwallwines.com)

Further south in Monterey, the Marilyn Remark Winery has a 2009 Loma Pacific Viognier ($26.).  Only 175 cases were made of this drink- now wine.  The alcohol is a bit high at 14.2% but the balance of flavor is there for a bigger bang ( www.remark.com).  Paso Robles boasts the best Rhone Valley French style winery in California in Tablas CreekVineyard and their intense Viognier blend that teams up with Marsanne, Grenache Blanc and Rousanne for the 2010 Patelin de Tablas Blanc ($20.).  Great floral aromas with a peaches-apricot taste combination. (www.tablascreek.com).

The San Diego area got a strong assist in getting on the wine map when the late Leon Santoro, who was the long-time wine maker for Orfila Winery in Escondido, embraced the Rhone Valley brand of wine and Viognier.  About 6 years ago, and after my personal urging, he entered his non-vintage Estate “Lotus” Viognier in the 2007 International Challenge du Vin in Bordeaux France and won the Gold Medal! It had small amounts of Rousanne and Marsanne white grapes, also from the Rhone Valley.  Justin Mund, Orfila’s current wine maker has his 2010 tasting beautifully with elements of apricot, pear and honeysuckle ($29.).  (www.orfila.com)

Viognier has a unique charm about it.  A little patience in your search and you just may find your next great-tasting white wine.

BV Docks in Coronado at Il Fornaio
The invitation read “BV Reserve Wine Dinner.”  I had visions of Il Fornaio’s Italian style bayside restaurant, with a Mediterranean menu, sipping George de Latour red from BV’s winery in Napa Valley, and I was immediately there with my favorite fedora.

Luca Allieri is the hospitable empressario of Il Forniao, making sure everyone is happy and having a good time with his wines and food.  Along with Chef Giorgio LoVerde. he presented entrees that perfectly paired with the BV portfolio of wines. They included:  Tricolore Di Pesce , a pan seared salmon; and Cervo Al Datteri, a roasted venison chop finished in a date balsamic reduction with porcini, mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus.  It was served with a 2009 BV Cabernet.

The wine thrill of the evening, the 2007 George de Latour was served with a chocolate soufflé with vanilla gelato.  WOW…(What…O-what-a- Wine) !  For an RSVP at Il Fornaio, call 619-437-4911.

 Luca Allieri and Giorgio LoVerde of Il Fornaio Coronado.

Wine Bytes
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas has a Rhone Valley Grenache and Syrah tasting event Fri. Aug. 31 from 6 to 8pm. Check price and wines at 760-479-2500.

The Grand Del Mar continues its concert series Sun. Sept 2 with Steve Tyrell, the Grammy award winner best know for his Sinatra style singing.  General seating $65. with VIP seating $95.  Tickets by calling 800-820-9884.

Falkner Winery in Temecula offers Labor Day weekend jazz and lunch at their Pinnacle Restaurant Sat. and Sun. Sept. 1 and 2.The jazz is free, from Noon to 3pm.  New release wines are available.  Reserve a lunch at 951-676-8231 x 1.

Grape Day Park in Escondido has a wine festival at their pavilion Sat. Sept. 8 from 11 to 3pm.  Cost is $20. to taste wines from San Diego County wineries.  Information at 760-839-4587.

Twisted Vine in San Diego, off the 56 Highway, offers the wines of Spain Sat. Sept. 15 and 29 at 4pm.  Includes Tempranillo, Crianza and Rioja Vina Valoria.  Lite bites included.  Call 858-780-2501 for cost.

Mendocino Pinot Possesses Panache

by Frank Mangio
If you are heading up to Northern California wine country, plan some time in the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County and celebrate the Pinot Noir Festival with the locals Saturday and Sunday May 14 and 15. OK, I will admit I would rather be in Oregon if I’m on a “best-of” hunt, but I’m open to any discussion when it comes to “may the best Pinot win.” Pinot has a richness and diversity that makes it the royal flush of the wine world. And Anderson Valley does its best to keep up with the front-runners with its unique viticultural climate of warm sunny days and cool, foggy nights.

Swiss and Italian settlers planted first in the mid-1800’s. A venerable old name, Italian Swiss Colony Winery is located at the southern end, in Asti. But it wasn’t until 1983 that the valley officially became an appellation with its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer dominating. Goldeneye, part of the legendary Goldeneye in the Anderson Valley has 5 Pinot Noir entries. Duckhorn Vineyards, was chosen as the winery to host the Pinot Noir Grand Tasting 11 – 3pm, Saturday May 15. The winery is between Boonville and Philo on Highway 128. There will be over 100 Pinots to taste, but I expect Goldeneye will get the most attention.

They are not the budget Pinots you taste in the south of California. This is the real deal, with their 2007 Anderson Valley Pinot retailing at $55., to the 2007 Ten Degrees priced at $100. on their web site.

Zach Rasmuson is Goldeneye’s respected, dedicated winemaker. He worked long and hard at Napa Valley’s Stags Leap under the great Warren Winiarski who instilled in him the Bordeaux style of red winemaking. Zach always had an eye for Pinot Noir and the Anderson Valley, and when his time came in 2003, he joined Goldeneye as their winemaker.

“Pinot Noir is an amazing, malleable grape, he asserted. “You need to be gentle. It’s a process of minimal intervention, of finesse not muscle. We’re not trying to replicate the wines of Burgundy (where the grape comes from) at Goldeneye. Pinot reflects its terroir with remarkable clarity. We have an extensive palette of flavors from which to create. The result is an extracted, elegant wine.”

Mendocino Wine Country has about 84 wineries, emphasizing handcrafted, artisan style wines. Some names to know beside Goldeneye are: Edmeades Winery that features old vine Zinfandel, Fetzer Vineyards, one of the biggest value wines in the world, Parducci Wine Cellars, Rosati Winery, Cakebread Cellars and Philo Ridge. For more on these wineries and others, access www.truemendocinowine.com.

Eat, Drink and Enjoy at Canapes
A fascinating personality in the fast-growing San Marcos restaurant and wine scene has triumphed with his new, stylish Canapes, in Restaurant Row. James Allyn can now commute across the street from his North County Wine Company to his serendipitous Canapes, featuring more than 30 small plate culinary delights from almost every corner of the world. The flamboyant food and wine entrepreneur took me through his wine list with a huge selection “by the glass.” And there it was: the Goldeneye Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley Mendocino. A look inside featuring the area of Canapes in San Marcos.

Allyn deftly took me through a mixed menu of his brilliantly crafted small-bite “sideways, munches, feasts and tastes,” with a perfectly paired group of wines that tapped into the flavor of the selections. Many of his menu items are gluten-free, vegetarian dishes underlining local, fresh produce. With the beef, it’s only Certified Angus. Up to 30 menu choices, with a wine/beer list of over 130 names to pick from. The outside patio will get really popular as the weather warms. Two firepits and live bands will keep it full of music-lovers. Canapes offers catering and soon will be announcing a Saturday and Sunday brunch.

Canapes (Can-ah-pays) means small plates in French. “Mi contento” is Italian for “I have had my fill and I am happy.” That’s exactly how I felt after a visit to Canapes. See www.CanapesGrill.com. Call 760-510-2088.

Wine Bytes
The Grand Collaboration at Addison in the Grand Del Mar is Fri. May 14 from 5:30-10pm featuring Viader and Summerland Wineries. A grand menu will be presented by both Addison and Amaya chefs with a six course dinner and wine pairings. $125.pp. Call for an RSVP at 858-314-2000.

Barrels and Branches Nursery in Encinitas presents a wine tasting and food pairing Sat. May 15 from 6 to 9pm. Five different Relm Wines will be served. Live Music. Cost is $32. For details call 760-814-1198.

Oregon and Washington wines are side by side in a tasting at Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego Sat. May 15 from 2 to 9pm. Enjoy Pinot Noirs, Cabs, Merlots and many blends. $20. tasting fee. For more info, it’s 619-236-0005.

La Costa Wine Company has its big Wine Expo 2010 on Sat. May 22 from 2 to 6pm. Over 50 wines will be tasted from all over the world. Purchase them at huge discounts. Appetizer are specially prepared by “Dinners by David.” $15. fee. RSVP only by contacting 760-431-8455 for this special event.

The 28th annual Paso Robles Wine Festival is Fri. May 21 through Sun. May 23. A Wine Auction and Dinner is added this year on Sat. May 22. This is Paso’s biggest event of the year. Details at www.pasowine.com. Or phone 805-239-8463.

What’s New in the Wine World

by Frank Mangio

The wine world is alive and well, thank you.

Sure, wines are retailing for a lot less than before the recession and wine shops and markets are pushing one day and blowout sales like they’re just about to go out of business (and some have). I view it all as a customer once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy great wines at low prices.

So let’s see what wines have touched my palate recently and made a lasting impression:

Rodney Strong Cabernet, Sonoma CA, 2006. $12.
Rodney Strong is back with a solid lineup of value wines, topped by this rich Cab at an attractive price. The warmer regions of Sonoma reward with a distinctly classic vintage. Vibrant aromas of cherry and spicy flavors. Another remarkable wine from the popular winemaker Rick Sayre.

Falkner Winery Meritage, Temecula Ca, 2005. $39.95. A Bordeaux style of Cab, Merlot and Cab Franc. Low, meticulous production insures a long, round finish. Elegant flavors.

Las Rocas Garnacha, San Alejandro, Spain. 2005. $9. Spanish wines are big winners these days with unique notes of cola, coffee and grapes that are upfront. Sister to the French Rhone Valley ’s Granache varietal.


2010’s top find to date is Rodney Strong’s 2006 Sonoma Cabernet.

Chamisal Vineyards Chardonnay, Edna Valley CA, 2007. $24. Holds the complexity of this traditionally favorite varietal, yet springs new life into the Chardonnay footprint. More tropical than most. Estate bottled.

Christian Moueix Bordeaux Superieur, Bordeaux France, 2005. $23. A truly fine wine from the finest European harvest in this decade. A delicious marriage of 70% Merlot and 30% Cab Franc. Blackberry, plum and mocha with a spicy finish. Bordeaux is the largest of the fine wine districts in the world and this wine is a significant entry point.

SanTasti Classic, a palate cleansing beverage. 2008. A breakthrough new product that is water-based with light carbonation to “scrub the mouth.” Too often wines will conflict and the result is “palate burn.” SanTasti cleans the palate, allowing a more natural readiness for that next fine wine. The Wall Street Journal just recognized SanTasti as a new helpful approach to judging wine. Check it out at www.santasti.com.


Barbera: Italy’s Everyday Wine Secret

In that part of Italy that inspires poetic interpretations of the great wines Barolo and Barbaresco, there lies a humble grape that does it job day in and day out. Piedmont is a classic district, majestically rising from Italy ’s southern Alps.

The most revered grape is Nebbiolo with its muscular tannins that built the world’s thirst for the two esteemed, expensive B’s.

But wait, a third B cannot be ignored. It’s one of the few grapes in Italy that the wine takes its name from and that is Barbera.

Barbera is the wine most people in Piedmont drink with dinner and it’s the most widely planted. It’s an everyday easy-to-drink wine that doesn’t need to be aged to get peak flavor.

The grape’s acidity makes it superb as the wine for rustic, Italian-style cuisine. It ripens early and is less finicky than the Nebbiolo grape. You often see Barbera grown with Nebbiolo, providing the vineyard with a more stable cash crop to help smooth out income. Prices at the retail level tend to be similar to Chianti Classicos in the Tuscany region. The wine is ruby red and powerful to the taste. Most of the brands are Italian from villages like Alba, Monferrato and Nizzi to name a few.

In San Diego Country, try the 2007 Barbera from Witch Creek Winery in Carlsbad for $22.95 club price. Witch Creek also does a 2007 Tre Amici that is a blend of 50% Nebbiolo, 17% Petite Syrah and 33% Barbera that is delicious and is $21.25 club price. The 2008 Barbera should be released any day now. See www.witchcreekwinery.com. The phone is 760-720-7499.

Wine Bytes-Valentines Day Events
The Grand Del Mar has a four course dining experience at Amaya Sun. Feb. 14 from 5:30 to 10pm . Choices of top menu items from Executive Chef Camron Woods. $110. pp. and $155. with wine pairings. RSVP at 858-314-2727. A lavish menu awaits diners at the upscale Addison , also 5:30 to 10pm . Price is $125.; with wine pairings $185. Call 858-314-1900.

Callaway Winery Temecula has a romantic wine cellar dinner on Sat. Feb. 13 from 6:30-9:30pm . Wine reception, appetizer and main menu paired with Callaway wines. $76.50 ea. Call 951-676-4001 for your table.

Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery Temecula celebrates with wine dinners on Sat. Feb. 13 starting at 7pm , and Sun. Feb. 14 beginning at 5:30pm . 30 minute Champagne reception for early arrivals. Choice of entrees. $79. pp. RSVP at 951-676-8231 ext 1.

Savory in Encinitas has a special Valentine’s weekend menu Sat. from 5pm and Sun. from 4pm. $47. ea. and $66. with matching wine. Reservations at 760-634-5556.

Thornton Winery Temecula presents a Romantic Rendevous Sun. Feb. 14 at 7pm . Three on-site locations to choose from: Champagne Caves , Vineyard View Room and Champagne Lounge. Perfectly paired wine and food. $85. Call 951-699-0099. for your place.

Orfila Winery in Escondido has a 50’s fun style event, Sun. Feb. 14 at 6pm. Diner-inspired eats and cool treats in the new Barrel Room. Not a sit-down dinner but a 50’s fun food and wine Juke Box sock hop. $85. pp. Call 800-868-9463.

Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo is hosting a Valentines event on Sat. Feb. 13 starting at 6pm . Champagne , wines, dinner menu, desserts and dance fun. Three different menus. $65./person and $125/pair. Slightly higher after Feb. 6. Call 858-487-1866 asap.

Four Great Ideas for Holiday Cheer in San Diego

* San Diego Wine Company is featuring their favorite wines of the year in a tasting on Sat. Dec. 26 from 11 to 4:30pm. Tasting fee of $10. Details by calling 858-586-9463.

* 3rd Corner downtown Encinitas has a Prix Fixe Menu paired with 3 great wines Sun. Dec. 27 served from 5 to 10pm for $25. Entrée is Shrimp Scampi over Linguini. RSVP at 760-942-2104.

* Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp San Diego is holding a New Years’ Eve Early Bird event on Thurs. Dec. 30 from 3 to 6pm. Sample 7 premium wines. Cost is $40. Get more at 619-236-0005.

* The Grand Del Mar is celebrating New Years’ Eve at Amaya with a 4 course dinner from 5:30 to 10:30pm, plus wine pairings in an elegant setting. Cost is $175. pp. RSVP at 858-314-2727. In the larger Addison, it’s a 7 course experience from 6 to 11pm. Chef Bradley has his brilliant touch in every step of the way, with live entertainment in the Lobby Lounge. $300 ea. with wine pairings. RSVP at 858-314-1900.