Meet the Mola Men of Del Mar Plaza, and The Wines They Love

by Frank Mangio
Mola Gastro Bar, upstairs in the Del Mar Plaza, is drawing a lot of big time party people since it opened a short time ago.  Meet and greets love the format that promotes easy getting-to-know you over a glass of wine and a tapas or two.  An inviting combination of an inside bar room and a generous outside dinner table plaza scene connect the fun. Jose Antonio Gomes is the G.M. that turns it on.

“We are something new and different, very colorful with murals crowded with smiling people raising wine glasses, and we have a  much bigger wine menu,” he soothed in a perfect Spanish accent.  Turns out that Mola means “cool” in Spanish, so the name is a perfect fit.

The cool Mola men include Jack Petty, bar manager and G.M. Jose Antonio Gomez,
revealing their favorite wines, led by a Hazana Tempranillo from Rioja Spain .

If you’ve ever traveled in the night life circles of Spain , say Barcelona , Marbella or Madrid , you know that night life begins at 10pm and ends with the last patron standing and that’s usually 7am. “We’re open 7 days a week from 3pm to when the last diner leaves,” said Antonio. Nineteen year-old chef  Eric Mendoza is great beyond his tender years.  His tapas list is long and flavorful.  Try the Lobster Croquettes, Fried Zucchini Blossoms or the trio of Mini Sliders: Margherita, Smoked House BBQ and Diablito.

If a big entrée is your thing, get the smoked short rib or Chilean sea bass. Jack Petty is the Bar Manager and he opened up a Spanish wine that had it all going, a blend that was his personal favorite.  It had  65% Garnacha, 35% Tempranillo that was high on flavor and big on berries.

Eric Mendoza is the chef at Mola, a Tapas bar that’s turning heads at the Del Mar Plaza.

Hazana is the brand and like many wines from Spain , you get flavor, quality and a value wine at a little price. And Mola is not just Spain .  They offer name brand California premiums like Silver Oak ’09 and 10’s.  Give them a call at 858-792-0209.

More About Spanish Wines
Spain has more land under vine than any other country in the world and many wine styles.  But most Spanish wine drinkers know only Rioja for quality.  It’s a large district in the northeast, near the French border and produces some of the best Tempranillo in the country.  This is Spain ’s biggest selling red grape. The country has about a half dozen other quality wine countries like Ribera Del Duero, Priorat, Calatayud and La Mancha .  Here’s the thing that makes the wines adventurous and something of an experiment.  Many of the winemakers are still first or second generation families. I have tasted lovely Tempranillos and Garnachas but I am hard pressed to give you household names as in other more familiar neighbor countries like France and Italy .

Spain is coming off its 2011 vintage new releases, and the wine is being judged as excellent. A good start might be a 2011 Artadi Tempranillo or Garnacha.  Both should be under $20. a bottle.
Las Rocas would be another name to try.

Wine Bytes
Marina Kitchen next to the Convention Center in San Diego and Advanced Sommelier Joshua Orr presents Wine Wednesday, a learning and tasting event most Wednesday nights from 6 to 7pm.  $20. pp with only 12 seats to a class + $10. off towards dinner the evening of the class + 50% off a bottle of wine not to exceed $50. Next class is “Great Value Wines” Oct. 29.   RSVP at 619-234-1500 .

Wedge Escondido happens Sat. Oct. 25 downtown Escondido from 1 to 5pm.  It’s a taste of Grand Ave. with a cheese flair.  $35. “passport” gets you 25+ cheeses, wine, beer and restaurant tasting stops.  $45. after 10/18. Get tickets at 949-280-6482.

Gen 7 Wines, premium wines made by San Diegan Tim Bacino, is celebrating its 2014 Fall Release Party Sun. Oct. 26 from 1 to 4pm in Rancho Sante Fe with an Oktoberfest theme.  Details, cost and location at 844-436-7946. x700.

Vittorio’s Restaurant in Carmel Valley presents a Gundlach Bundschu Wine Dinner Thurs.  Oct. 30 at 6pm.  Chef Angelo carefully crafted the perfect menu to pair with great wines like Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Merlot and Mt. Cuvee .  $49.50 pp.  Call 858-538-5884.

The “Dia de los Vinos” celebration is at Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas Sat. Nov. 1 from 3 to 6pm.  This is a wine and taco fiesta with Mexican winemakers and vineyard managers from Napa Valley .  Cost is $20. ea.  RSVP at 760-479-2500.

De-Mystifying Wine: What’s in your Glass

by Frank Mangio
In travels near and far, I meet a lot of wine consumers who love this classic beverage and want to learn more, but questions do persist about content.

Transparency is always a good thing in any product.  I expect that the label on wines will be a little more crowded with revealing information as the government will be pushing for calorie counts and other data to keep us “informed and safe.”

My friends at the International Wine Guild in Denver peeled back a typical bottle of wine and found that wine is not really a natural, organic product, but like most other food and drink, there are additives that stabilize the beverage, so it lasts longer and tastes better.  So let’s take a peak at what those ingredients are.

Grapes made into wine are helped along during the winemaking stage by a number of additives, assuring its preservation and flavor.

Sulfites are the most discussed additive in wine.  It may not have been that way, except that in the U.S. it is mandated that sulfite content appears on wine labels as a government warning.  Since 1987, American producers have to mention sulfites, even though the additive keeps unwanted bacteria and yeasts under control, and acts as an anti-oxidant. It also keeps oxygen levels low in wine, which is the biggest destroyer of the flavor of wine.

According to the Wine Guild report, wine producers have to print this warning if the sulfite content  is more than 10 parts per million.  Sulfite sensitivity impacts about 1% of the U.S. wine consuming population.  Wine has nowhere near the sulfite content as, for instance, dried fruit at 1000 parts per million.

Yeast is an additive that turns natural grape sugars into alcohol by way of a three step process.  This chemical process is essential for making wine, beer or spirits.

Tannins found in wine are:  stems, the inside surface of the skins and seeds.  This adds bitterness and astringency to wine.  Tannins add to the flavor profile, mouthfeel and the ability to age.  But, too much tannin can make a red wine undrinkable, especially a young red.

Sugar is added to either increase the alcohol content or increase the sweetness of a wine.  It is a must in cooler or cold climates where wine is produced without benefit of the warm sun, such as Germany.

Fining agents are used to remove visible particulates in wine and clear it up.  A common fining agent would be egg whites and milk products.

Acid control is accomplished by additives like calcium carbonate, a form of chalk.  It’s the active ingredient in Alka Seltzer and it is common in cold climates.  In warm climates, just the opposite happens as acidifiers are used such as malic, tartaric and citric acid to help increase the acid level.  Acidification is rare in old world wines like France and Italy, but a common practice in new world wines like California.

Simi Wines Impress at USD Wine Dinner

La Gran Terraza is a beautiful, panoramic old-world Spanish décor restaurant, suitable for the finest restaurant rows in the country.  In fact, it is located on the campus of the University of San Diego, and was awarded one of the top ten restaurants in San Diego by the respected Open Table, the popular internet table service.

 Tanya Beers of Simi Wines in Sonoma presents her selections to Chris Guillet, manager of La Gran Terraza Restaurant on campus at the University of San Diego.

There is a lot to like about this dining room, starting with the incomparable view, and featuring the creativity of the Chef De Cuisine, Mitch Weaver.  On this pleasant summer evening, chef was serving 4 styles of wood fire pizza, including a Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossom.

Simi Wines of Sonoma was pouring a selection of fine wines and for the pizza pairing, it had a 2010 Cabernet.  For the final course, Simi chose a 2010 Merlot ($20.) which was a big favorite, to mate with a Pecan Dusted Rack of Lamb with Spinach Pancetta Salad.  The next wine dinner at La Gran Terraza will be a Sanford Wine Dinner Monday September 16th at 6pm.  Cost is $50.  The restaurant will re open for dinners August 27 from Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 9pm.  Lunch is currently offered Monday through Friday from 11:30 to 1:30pm.  For more information, call 619-849-8205.

Wine Bytes
Bentley’s Steak & Chophouse and Meritage Wine Market of Encinitas present a Robert Craig Napa Valley Wine Dinner on Thurs. Aug. 8 at 6pm.  $75. pp.  Call 760-632-9333 for an RSVP.

Wines from Central and Southern Italy will be poured at Bacchus Wine Market, downtown San Diego, Fri. Aug. 9, 4:30 to 8:30pm.  Cost is $20.  Drink wines from Tuscany, Abruzzo, Sicily, Calabria and more.  Details at 619-236-0005.

Europa Village Winery in Temecula presents a Mystery Theatre in the Vines Sat. Aug. 17 and Sun. Aug. 18 from 6:30 to 9:30pm.  It’s “Polter Heist” an audience participation murder mystery.  It shows during a gourmet dinner with a glass of wine included.  Tickets are $59. for Sat. and $49. for Sun.  For information and tickets, call 951-216-3380.

Kitchen 4140 in San Diego has a winemaker’s dinner Thurs. Aug. 15 at 6pm in the new Wine Room. Chef Kurt presents Hall and Walt Wines of Napa Valley and Sonoma, leading Bordeaux style wineries.  $100, ea.  Six course meal with wine pairings and winemakers from both wineries.  Call 858-483-4140 for details and an RSVP.

San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival Coming Nov. 14 to 18

by Frank Mangio
The excitement is building.  The 9th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, five days of the celebration of the joy of food and wine, will be with us soon.  A small army of chefs and wine makers will flood San Diego with unforgettable tasting.  200 wineries pouring over 1,000 different wines, breweries, spirits and 70 of the country’s culinary greats, will create over 25 city-wide events for a "luxury liner" of events and offerings unlike any other.

If you can only attend one event, make it the Grand Tasting Event on Saturday, November 17 at Embarcadero Park behind Seaport Village.  It’s a love-fest of wineries, celebrity chefs, over 100 restaurants and live music from two stages.  Admission time is 11 am to 3pm.

The official poster for the Festival is “Beautiful Day” by featured artist Stephanie Clair.

Look for great wines from many parts of the world, incuding Duckhorn, Niner, Opolo, and Rodney Strong.  Local wineries to know include South Coast, Callaway, and Falkner.  Pans will be flying in this event as the “Chef of the Fest,” a culinary showdown, will feature San Diego’s top culinary talent testing their skills.  One chef will be awarded top honors with $50,000. in cash and prizes. Look for the action in the Creekstone Farms Pavilion.

Equally in demand is The Vault, a Reserve Wine Tasting Experience & Silent Auction, Friday November 16 from 5pm to 8:30pm at the Marriott Marquis & Marina Hotel, next to the Convention Center.  Selections from 160 acclaimed wineries are lined up for this event.

This year, the after-dark events have been ramped up at the hottest spots in town, Wednesday night through Saturday night, and day time seminars are boosted, on Thursday and Friday. We could go on and on about the cooking classes, winemaker dinners and Celebrity Chef’s luncheons, but it’s time for you to pick your best  memorable events and go for it!  The web site is www.sandiegowineclassic.com. for everything you need to know about the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival.

Meritage Wine Market:  A Showcase for Fine Wines
With the press of more wine territory for me to cover and report on, and more publications and web sites looking for  wine and food news, I don’t’ get around to neighborhood wine shops as much as I would like. But I know that’s where the customer action is and Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas does it as well as any.

2012 has certainly been a transition year for this powerhouse wine shop.  Former GM Mark has gone up to Napa Valley to make wine with his new Hiatus label.  Whitney Woodall has orchestrated the changes and has brought in former hotel man Dustin Cano as wine buyer.

Dustin Cano is the new wine buyer  and helps Whitney Woodall operate 

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas.

This operation has been named “Best Wine Shop in San Diego” 4 times in a row so it’s hard to improve on that accolade.  But so far this year, Meritage has brought in wine pouring Enomatic Machines to allow customers to experience top quality wines day and day out; added a chef to increase wine dinners like “grillin and chillin” on site; and introduced seminars and basic wine education.

New store hours are:  Tuesday thru Thursday 10 to 6:30pm, Friday 10 to 8pm and Saturday 10 to 6:30pm. Sunday and Monday Meritage is closed.  The team continues to find lesser known, high quality wines like a recent Cabernet from Chile, the Cousino Macul, for just $10.  See more at www.meritagewinemarket.com.

Wine Bytes
The 3rd Annual OktoberWest in Carlsbad is at Bistro West, Sat. Oct. 13 from Noon to 3pm.  Six authentic gourmet foods, beer & wine and music will liven up your weekend.  Must be 21+ to attend.  $35. PP.  Tickets are at Bistro West.  Call 760-930-8008 for details.

Sips for Shelter Unlimited Wine Tasting benefit is Sat. Oct. 13 from 7 to 10pm at the Marriott Del Mar on El Camino Real.  50 vintners from around the world will gather with no limit on wine tasting.  $45. tickets.  RSVP at 619-702-5399.

The two day La Jolla Street Art and Wine Festival is Sat. Oct. 13 and Sun. Oct. 14 from 10 to 6pm.  Location is Girard between Prospect and Kline streets.  This event is FREE (suggested cash donation of $5).  150 artists with a wine and beer garden. Website is www.ljawf.org.

A benefit wine dinner is being held at The Red Door Restaurant and Wine Bar in Mission Hills, Wed. Oct. 17. Reception at 5:30pm.  $49. for dinner, $79. with wine pairings.  Details at 619-295-6000.

Europa Village, the old world winery in Temecula, has a Festival of the Grape wine dinner, a dinner show, on Thurs. Oct. 18 from 6:30 to 9pm.  Its’ a 4 course Italian style menu with musical performances by costumed singing waiters. $79. pp. RSVP at 951-506-1818.

Europa Village also is hosting a benefit for Habitat for Humanity with live music on Fri. Oct. 19 from 6:30 to 9:30pm, featuring the Marie Alcantar Band. Cost is FREE.  Nominal cost for wines.  Contact: 951-216-3380.

Harvest On Howell Mountain

by Frank Mangio
In our last report on Napa Valley wines, most wineries were happy to see the progress of the fruit as it experienced “Veraison,” the changing of the leaves and grapes to a rich color, signaling the onset of harvest.  This latest blast of heat we are experiencing seals the deal, especially on Howell Mountain, the first AVA subappellation  in Napa Valley and an  impressive elevation for growing wine grapes beginning at 1,400 feet above the fog. This means warmer mornings and cooler afternoon breezes.   This is Cab Country, concentrated and structured.

Howell Mountain, the highest elevation in Napa Valley rises to 2,400 feet and is home to Cabernet, Merlot and Zinfandel. The Cakebread Dancing Bear Vineyard is shown.

TASTE OF WINE was struck by its elegant and timeless qualitieswith a Mountain Wine distinctive flavor , characterized by pepper and warm spices.  The grapes are small, tightly clustered and powerfully concentrated for intense fruit.  They develop thick skins that yield rich tannins. A closer look at the terroir reveals rich, red volcanic soils  with naturally superb iron, enriching the grapes in Howell’s 600 + acres planted.  Here are some names to know:

Robert Craig Winery
Robert and Lynn Craig have been producing distinctive Cabernets for over 20 years.  Their ’96
Cab brought fame when Wine Spectator called it the hot new winery. It’s been a top 50 Cab producer ever since.

  

The winemaker since 2008 at the 20 acre Robert Craig Winery on Howell Mountain is Stephen Tebb.

Be sure to taste their 2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet with 85% Cab, 6% Petit Verdot, 7% Merlot, and 2% Malbec.  It recently bagged 96 points at Wine Advocate.  www.robertcraigwine.com.

Charles Krug Winery.  The Peter Mondavi Family has staked their reputation on the 9 acres planted to Cabernet on their 20 acre parcel and the accolades are pouring in on this ’07 Howell Mountain Rocky Ridge Vineyard Cab, their first release from their Howell Mountain Vineyard. www.charleskrug.com.

O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery.  Owner Betty O’Shaunessy began her winery in 1990 in Oakville and over the next few years more vineyards on Howell and Mt. Veeder.  Founding winemaker Sean Capiaux is still master winemker, creating world class Cabernet. with deep roots on the  hillside property.  A favorite is the 2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet offering excellent structure and deep color.  www.oshaughnessy.com.

Betty O’Shaughnessy at harvest.

Duckhorn Vineyards.  Duckhorn has its headquarters winery in St. Helena on the floor of Napa Valley, but their vineyard that has the signature 2007 Cabernet is midway up Howell Mountain.  They have sourced cab here since 1989.  The current release has 68% Cab and  32% Merlot.  To further encourage complexity, this wine was bottle-aged one year longer than normal prior to release.  www.duckhorn.com.

Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread.  The current winemaker is Julianne Laks, only the 3rd winemaker in 35 years.  Their Cabernets are full-throttle wonderful.  Their Howell Mountain Dancing Bear ranch is a favorite, with most applause reserved for the 2007 with 22 months in French Oak. The mix is 80% Cab, 13% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc.  www.cakebread.com.

You can experience mountain wines from Howell Mountain at a Harvest Celebration in Napa Valley’s Yountville, Saturday November 3 from 1 to 4pm at the V Wine Cellar.  $35. pp. advance tickets for 17 wineries plus Chef’s tasting menu.  Call 707-965-2665 or visit www.howellmountain.org.

Wine Bytes
PAON in Carlsbad presents a Napa/Sonoma Tasting in the Tasting Bar, Thurs. Sept. 27 thru Wed. Oct. 3. Six one ounce glasses for $16. Check for names at 760-729-7377.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas has Lobsterfest 2012 Sat. Sept. 29 from 6 to 9pm.  Advance tix required at $100. ea.  This is an old fashioned Maine Lobster Boil with all the trimmings with lots of wines.  Call now at 760-479-2500.

Ponte Winery in Temecula rolls out its Grape Stomp Sun. Sept. 30 from 4 to 9pm.  Cost is $95. for a Buffet Dinner, and Dance.  Stomps are team mate competition for prizes.  Call 877-314-WINE.

The RB Historical Society brings its 2nd annual wine tasting, music and food fest to Bernardo Winery, Sun. Sept. 30 from Noon to 4pm.  Four live bands will play. Beer and wine from area breweries and vineyards.  Tickets $20. ea. or at the door for $25.  Call 858-775-5788.

Mourvedre Wines Will Move You

by Frank Mangio

Mourvedre is one of those wines that wind up in the back of a country’s list of popular wines with maybe a couple of paragraphs. Like Aglianico in the Campania District of Italy, Mourvedre tends to get lost and labeled as a blending grape with its more-well-known companion in the south of France, Grenache.

Although Grenache would be my first choice for a world wide break-out, lip-smacking, sultry Mourvedre (pronounced more-vehd-ruh) with its rich, visceral taste, could very well be the next big thing in the southern Rhone Valley .

Talk to Ted Plemons, a partner at Cass Vineyard and Winery in the Paso Robles district in the Central Coast of California, and he will underline that prediction. “We bottled the 2008 Mourvedre in January of last year and it surprised us how fast it sold out at $38. a bottle,” he said. At the recent Family Winemakers of California event in Del Mar, he unveiled a large box container with a faucet that was filled with a blend called Flying Nymph.

This sultry combination is the essence of southern Rhone, with Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache. The vintage is 2009 so it’s still flying around with ripe cherry, strawberry and currants.

Ted Plemons of Cass Winery in Paso Robles uses the Mourvedre Grape as a blend in his oversized box wine called Flying Nymph.

A 750 ML bottle is $12.50 and the box, which is 18 liters of wine, goes for $100. That means with a 4 ounce pour, you could get 124 pours. The fruit is all estate and made by the Cass winemaker.

Just to set the record straight, Mourvedre is really native to Spain where it is called Monastrell and 2nd to Granache ( Garnacha in Spain) in importance. It was brought to the south of France in the 19th century and shortly after, found its way to California where there is now about 400 acres grown. Mourvedre seems to balance out at 15% alcohol. It is a late-ripening varietal that loves heat and produces high sugar. Tablas Creek is another Paso Robles vineyard that focuses on Mourvedre and the Chateauneuf-du-Pape southern French style of winemaking.

Their version has very thick skins and dark-as-night coloration, typically picked in November. Their club member price is $28. Find out more about Cass at www.casswines.com. The Tablas Creek website is www.tablascreek.com.

Firefly Revisited

Jim Barrasso, the cordial restaurateur of Firefly, that anchors the string of comfortable wine bar-restaurants along the El Camino Real Corridor in Encinitas, recently introduced his new chef with a Ferrari-Carano paired wine dinner. Paul Rinaudo, now creating entrees for Firefly, came from the Gaslamp San Diego, J-Six Restaurant. On this night, his main course was a Roast Pork Prime Rib that matched up with one of my Top Ten Wines from last year, the

A recent Firefly Encinitas gathering included: left to right, Taste of Wine columnist Frank Mangio, Ferrari-Carano rep Michael Hurst, Chef Paul Rinaudo and owner Jim Barrasso.

Ferrari-Carano Tresor 2007 Bordeaux style blend from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma ( $58.) Firefly’s next event is the Tolosa Winery dinner on Wednesday April 20. Check out others as well at www.fireflygrillandwinebar.com, or call 760-635-1066.

Wine Bytes

Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp Downtown San Diego has all new releases Fri. March 25 from 4-8:30pm. Try 7 for $15. Details at 619-236-0005.

Meritage Wine Market has a lineup of “tooth-stainin’ reds for you to try Fri. March 25 from 4 to 7pm for $20. RSVP at 760-479-2500.

Vigilucci’s Seafood and Steakhouse in Carlsbad at the beach has an Antinori Italian Foie Gras Wine Dinner Fri. March 25 at 6:30pm. Wines include the prestigious Bolgheri Super Tuscan 2007 and the Tuscan Brunello Di Montalcino 2005. Don’t miss this. $120. pp. Reserve now at 760-434-2580.

San Diego Wine Company has a Saturday tasting on March 26 from 11 to 4:30pm. It’s all Italian wines. $10. ea. Contact them at 858-586-9463.

San Diego’s newest winery is Lenora Winery in Ramona. Every Sat. and Sun. 5 wines are poured from 10 to 6pm, including a souvenir wine glass. The phone is 760-788-1388.

Banfi Pours at the 3rd Corner-Will be the Top Stop in Taste of Wine Tour of Tuscany

by Frank Mangio

The wine glasses were being toasted high and loud recently at the 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro in Encinitas. Not only was there a classic lineup of Castello Banfi Chianti Classico, Super Tuscan Blends and a 4 course menu especially created for the occasion by the 3rd Corner Executive Chef Lincoln Williams; it also kicked off the news of a special, personal tour of great Tuscan wineries that I will lead October 7th to the 10th of this year.

I have teamed up with Banfi, the Mazzei Winery, Celebrity Cruise Lines and Vineyard Travel in Escondido for a round- trip Rome to Rome 10 day Mediterranean Cruise with on-board wine events from October 10th to the 20th. Ports of call include Naples, Messina Sicily, Mykonos, Santorini, other Greek Islands and Kusadasi, Turkey.

The 3rd Corner Encinitas Executive Chef Lincoln Williams and Banfi Wines Representative Diane Cappetta Nares

Prior to the cruise, our privileged group will set out 3 days earlier and enjoy hotels,transfers, rustic breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the wine country of Tuscany. It will include castles, wine tastings with extensive winery tours in Montalcino and Castellina, an Italian cooking class and an ancient glass museum.

There is no other place on earth like the sun-kissed hills of beautiful Tuscany. I know, I have walked the hills and felt the joy of life in this wine country. I have carefully chosen Mazzei with its legendary Fonterutoli and Banfi with its Brunello Di Montalcino wines as excellence in a bottle. The wineries are known worldwide for their graciousness and hospitality.

Italy is the largest importer of wine into the U.S. and makes roughly 20% of all the wine in the world. All 20 regions of this amazing country, from Sicily to the Alps, offer high quality old world wines from some 3,000 different grape varietals.

Other master-produced wines include: Gaja Barbaresco, Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, Pio Casare Barolo, Bertani Amerone della Valpolicella Classico, Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico, Marchesi Antinori Tignanello, Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia, Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia and Planeta Santa Cecilia.

That is an unforgettable Italian wine journey and we get to sample the heart, in Tuscany. Complete details are at www.vineyardtravel.net. Enter offer #676757. Or call Rosemary Nigro at 800-359-3772.

Wine Bytes

A Cupid Wine Party is planned for Fri. Feb. 11 from 6 to 9pm at Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego. Appetizers, deserts and plenty of wines on hand for the party. $25. cost. Call 619-236-0005.

La Costa Wine Company has an Italian Tasting on Fri. Feb. 11 from 5 to 8:30pm. For $20. pp., taste 5 great Italian varietals including the ’07 Oreno awarded 95 points. New are “Wine Wednesdays” …a three wine flight for just $10. Details at 760-431-8455.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas is planning a Bordeaux night on Fri. Feb. 11 from 6 – 8pm. Call the shop at 760-479-2500 for brands and varietals.

Orfila Vineyards and Winery in Escondido has a special Valentines Day concert in the vines, Sun. Feb. 13. $20. ea. or $35. per couple. Includes a welcome glass of sparkling Moscato. Check for times and tickets at 877-727-9463.

San Diego State University’s next wine class starts Tues. Feb. 15 from 6 – 9pm. Advance sommelier Lisa Redwine teaches “Exploring Wine.” Call 619-594-6924 for more.

San Clemente Wine Company has a Cheese and Wine Pairing Class with Starr Cornwall on Wed. Feb. 16 from 6:30 to 7:30pm. 5 wines, chocolate, cheeses and educational materials are included for $35. To learn more, call 949-429-7067.

The Two Sides of Catalina Island

by Frank Mangio
The Catalina Express speed boat from San Pedro to Two Harbors, Catalina Island, drew up to the dock. I gazed around at the surroundings on this first-time visit for the next few days and couldn’t help think I was in a virtually undiscovered paradise, just 12 miles from Avalon, the bustling, tourist-driven Catalina hot spot which is like many of the beach communities of Southern California.

I was there with Sonoma based Winery Pedroncelli and their Southern California manager Mark Abraham to present a signature magnum to Banning House Lodge Bed and Breakfast, in celebration of their 100th anniversary.

Kate Panzer is the Innkeeper and couldn’t be happier. “It’s an ideal, timeless place to work and live, with guests who become friends and return year after year,” she said with a big smile. “Here, buffalo really do roam, brought here years ago for western movies (we met 3 of them on the road). Many were transported to South Dakota, but 100 still live close by.”

I learned that the chewing gum magnates, the Wrigley Family, purchased the property and the island in 1918 and family companies still operate the various enterprises that attract boaters and tourists.

Banner House has stunning views of Catalina Harbor on the mainland side, and Isthmus Cove and 4th of July Cove on the Pacific Ocean side. The 3 have moorings and anchorages for about 700 boats. The Lodge also has a busy wine bar featuring the sought-after Pedroncelli brand and other California style wines. Check out www.visittwoharbors.com.

Yes, Catalina Island does have its own vineyard. In what’s known as El Rancho Escondido, not far from Two Harbors, the first vines were planted in 2007 by Geoff and Allison Rusack. Three varietals were harvested in 2009: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. Allison is from the Wrigley family and both established themselves as wine makers back in 1995 in the Santa Ynez Valley north of Santa Barbara. Rusack Wines are small-batch, handcrafted wines of premium quality.

They have a tasting room in Solvang, where you can try the wines from Catalina Island. See more at www.rusackvineyards.com.

The New Gallo: Not your Father’s Wine
Ernest and Julio Gallo, the brothers from Modesto that helped changed the wine world, have passed on. Their Gallo Family successors have vowed to bring the brand into the next decade of the 21st century focused on the young hip community with their Bear Flag Brand.

I spoke of this inflection point with Shannon Soria Palmer at the recent La Jolla Art and Wine Festival. The labels are all from a magical world of strange creatures; whatever they think will float your collective boat. Bear Flag, which is a take-off on California’s state flag, pushes a “super secret formula” that is really a potpourri-blend of grapes.
For instance, the Bright White Blend is Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer. The Dark Red Blend is a combo of Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot and Tempranillo.

Woo Woo! Look for the graffiti style bottles in most supermarkets. Look for more at www.bearflagwine.com.

Wine Bytes
§ Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas hosts a Back to Napa Tasting Event Fri Nov. 5, 6 to 8pm. $20. pp. Check with Meritage for names, at 760-479-2500.

§ Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp, downtown San Diego has a High End Cabernet event Fri. Nov. 5 from 4 to 8:30pm. Names being poured include Raymond, Rutherford and Bordeaux French wines. $35. ea. 619-236-0005.

§ Wine Loft in Carlsbad has a $10. Tues. on Nov. 9 with the wines of BR Cohn, 5 to 7pm. They’ll also offer oils, dipping sauces and tapenades. More at 760-944-1412.

§ PAON Restaurant downtown Carlsbad presents a two hour tasting and seminar on fortified and sparkling wines, Tues. Nov. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Includes how to taste and compare and evaluation. RSVP at 760-729-7377.

§ Dolce Pane E Vino in Rancho Santa Fe brings in Krupp Brothers and Stagecoach Wines Wed. Nov. 10 from 5 to 8pm. Cost of $25. includes paired appetizers. RSVP at 858-832-1518.

Four Southern California Winemakers That Are Making a Difference

by Frank Mangio
Southern California does so many things in such a big way. The rest of the world can only follow, and when trends catch on elsewhere, “SOCAL” is on to something else. People flock here to catch the trendy wave of opportunity.

Population has swelled to some 13 million in 5 counties, yet the big puzzle is why hasn’t the wine industry kept pace. After all, the first wine in the state was made in the 1700’s by the missionaries in San Diego. Now over 50 wineries operate in the county, mainly in Ramona and Julian. Temecula in Riverside County has 1300 acres planted in wine grapes and plans to create up to 5,000 more acres of “citrus/vineyards” in a protected zone. It is fast becoming Southern California’s Wine Country with easy access to over 30 wineries. Elsewhere, vineyards and wineries show up in such urban areas as Malibu, downtown Los Angeles, Rancho Cucamonga and Westlake Village.

If we look a little closer, we can find some competitive and dedicated professionals making high quality wines, mainly in San Diego and Riverside Counties. Here are four you’ll want to know.

Les Linkogle will be the first one to tell you that he makes only ultra premium handcrafted wines that are expensive, with some reds as good as any in the Valley. Tasting is by appointment only. That makes him a wine making contrarian and that is a label he will gladly wear over his heart. “We are very different and like to feel we are like those smaller, premium boutique wineries in Napa Valley,”he said. He and his wife Dorian opened the doors of Briar Rose Winery in 2007, converted it from a country cottage home built with the wistful imagination of a Disney builder in the 70’s who fashioned it from Snow White’s cottage.

Linkogle considers his wines “art in a bottle.” Discerning locals and even Hollywood celebrities caught on to the Briar Rose wine experience and soon orders for Briar Rose wines were coming from such diverse locations as the White House and the Playboy Mansion. His reds were gathering medals by the bushel, especially small batch, barrel enhanced Cabernets that are turning heads in the wine world. Linkogle is now the Southern District Director of the prestigious Wine Institute. You must try the wines, but keep in mind, you must also make a reservation. Call 951-308-1098. The website is www.briarrosewinery.com.

Ryan Baker cut his teeth in the wine industry in the Napa -Sonoma area before arriving at Witch Creek Winery, an urban operation in the tourist-friendly beach resort of Carlsbad. He makes mostly Mediterranean style wine in the tasting room, rarely over 200 cases, and the varietals sell out quickly. Grapes are brought in from northern California and the Guadalupe Valley in Baja, Mexico. A decision was made in 2009 to enter 7 varietals, including lesser known Italian wines sourced from the Guadalupe Valley, into the San Francisco International Wine Competition. All 7 took medals, including Witch Creek’s 2006 Nebbiolo that was awarded “Best of Class!”

Baker, who was a chemist before the epiphany and listening to the call of winemaking, calls his Nebbiolo as good as any Barolo or Barbaresco in Piedmont Italy. (those are the premium wines that are made from the Nebbiolo grape).

“Our 2007 Nebbiolo is released and the $30. price is way lower than the Italian style price. The Cellar Club price is just $21. The mouth-feel is rich and round with blueberry and blackberry notes,” he said. “I m constantly experimenting, trying new combinations and blends. You have to try my latest, Due Pastore, a combination of Brunello and Aglianico.” We did and we loved it. Access www.witchcreekwinery.com.

Jon McPherson, along with Assistant Winemaker Javier Flores, have put South Coast Winery on the state and national map by capturing the Gold Bear California State Fair award for best winery in the state two of the last three years. This year it earned 56 medals at the fair. “It’s about letting the grapes speak. We listen and then carefully nurture the process.” He planted grapes in Texas as a kid, helping his father in the wine industry, then came to Southern California, determined to make great sparkling wines. He got his chance in 1986 as winemaker in what is now known as Thornton Winery in Temecula.

The winery eventually earned the title of “America’s Most Honored Sparkling Wine Producer.” When South Coast opened in 2003, Jon saw the opportunity and joined the team. The Wild Horse Peak series, with estate fruit harvested from South Coast’s vineyard at nearby Palomar Mountain is the crown jewel, producing best-of-breed 2006 Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. See more at www.wineresort.com.

Justin Mund is a winemaker with swagger and self-confidence , like a quarterback in football that always wants the ball. He’s been a winemaker for 9 years, making a name for himself in Sonoma with Ferrari Carano, then in the Central Coast with Addamo. He has recently come to Orfila replacing a winemaker legend in the area, Leon Santoro, who had been in charge since the origins of Orfila in 1994. “My challenge is to continually improve the wines while keeping the style on track. My wines are fruit driven and clean,” he said. “I found a lot of ’07 and ’08 varietals in-barrel and bottled them all. I want the wine in bottles and out for sale 18 months to 2 years after harvest.”

I asked him about the unusual 2010 growing season and he answered “I loved it! It was a cool season in a hot climate. We’ll have great flavor and a lower sugar count, with more hang time. We’ll get the acid up and the wines will be more accented. There is great potential here at Orfila and I want to step up the quality and ratings with a fresher, fruit forward style and a shorter vintage with lower alcohol. They will be balanced,” he promised.

Southern California wines have pockets of tradition and greatness and deserve our attention. Serious, quality wines can make their place among the “wine countries” of California. The new kids on the block are growing up.

Wine Bytes
Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo has its 33rd annual Fall Arts and Crafts Fair Sat. and Sun. Oct. 16 and 17. Over 140 artisans will be on hand from 10am to 4pm. Live music, wine and food available. Park on the grounds. More details at 858-487-1866.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido presents St Francis Winery Sat. Oct. 16 from 5 to 7pm. Big, bold Sonoma style wines will be tasted including Cabs, Merlots and Old Vine Zins. $10. pp. More at 760-745-1200.

Orfila Winery in Escondido starts Concerts in the Vines Sun Oct. 17 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Latin jazz kicks it off. $15 for club members. $20. everyone else. Questions call 760-738-6500.

Girls Night Out parties rock on at Tesoro Winery Tasting Room in Old Town Temecula Fri Oct 22 from 7 to 10pm. $24. includes wine tasting, appetizers, chocolate fountain and a chance to wine a prize basket. Call 951-308-0000.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas is pouring Merlot Mania Fri Oct. 22 from 6 to 8pm. $20 ea. Check out the list at 760-599-1200.

Monte De Oro: A Temecula Hill of Gold & Grapes

by Frank Mangio
Monte De Oro is one of Temecula Wine Country’s most recent showcases for a style of Mediterranean wine making that is rapidly spreading in popularity.

Little rain falls in this warm epicenter of Southern California, yet its only 20 or so miles from the cooling breezes of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a near ideal setup for quality, flavorful grapes that are processed into wines that are winning favor with wine buyers, lots of them. More than 10 million people live little more than an hour away from Temecula Wine Country and the striking, palatial Monte De Oro.

In 2002, 67 investors from all over the world founded this winery. The first wine was made in 2005, mostly from four estate vineyards in the area. Wines are available in the tasting room and through the wine club. The winery is on a 16 acre hill with 12 acres of vines. It’s divided into architecturally balanced rooms around the great tasting room that overlooks a glass ceiling underground barrel room, the first of its kind in Temecula. Amber Nelms, the Director of Hospitality pointed out there are 700 barrels in the room.

“We serve 11 different wines in our tasting room that has two wine bars,” she said. “Nearly all are estate grown. I know most visitors are fascinated by lightly stepping over the barrel room, but look at the ceilings, they are all in the shape of a barrel!”

After “wowing” the main dining room that seats up to 180, Nelms took us out on the massive patio that surrounds the building. A cascading water feature and a massive fireplace highlighted a special events venue that recently hosted the Temecula Wine and Culinary Showcase that fit 31 wineries, 16 restaurants and several thousand guests.

The busiest person in Monte De Oro for this showcase event was General Manager Ken Zignorski, who has been in charge since the opening, and is preparing for the next big development at the winery: a gravity fermentation facility that will be easier on the grapes as they mature to wines.

My favorite on the wine tasting menu had to be the 2006 Merlot. It’s 100% estate grown and is from the nearby DePortola Vineyard. Its’ a medium bodied wine with soft tannins and a luscious berry taste through the palate. It was a Silver Medal winner at the 2010 San Francisco International Wine show and won 3 other medals recently. ($28.)

Other wines that nearly matched: the 2006 Zinfandel (30.) and the 2005 Synergy 65 Red Blend. ($33.) Monte De Oro is elegant in every way and deserves an opportunity to be on your list of wineries to know. Start by browsing through www.montedeoro.com.

Other Wines to Know
These wines were tasted and researched during the last 2 months. They are all available and prices shown are the best I have found, but may vary from those that you have seen. Prices are almost always less when you join their wine club.

2006 Ferrari-Carano Tresor Bordeaux Blend, Sonoma CA. $58. A French classic style with California new-world taste. Full bodied and silky.

2008 Jeff Runquist “Z” Zinfandel, Amador CA. $24. Fresh, vibrant and balanced Zin. Awarded Best New World Zinfandel at the 2010 New World International Wine Competition. More complex with time.

2008 Leonetti Cellar Merlot, Walla Walla Washington. $70. Spectacular rare 100% Merlot vintage from 3 vineyards. 15 months in French Oak.

2006 Markham Merlot, Napa Valley CA. $18. Winery established in 1879. Flavors of plum, espresso and raspberry.

2006 Oak Mountain Temecula Hills Compilation Rhone Blend, Temecula CA. $45. 2,900 foot steep hillside vineyard. Rock and granite soil matures the flavor. Outstanding longevity once opened.

2008 Pedroncelli 3 Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma CA. $16. Gold Medal winner Orange County Fair. Flavors fit for fine dining or a quick pizza. Oak notes balance currant and spicy pepper notes.

2008 Ponzi Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley Oregon. $21. A choice find at the new wine shop side of Sage Restaurant, Encinitas.

Wine Bytes
Callaway Vineyard and Winery Temecula is holding its annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival Sat. Oct. 2 from 5 to 9pm. Live entertainment and dancing. Enjoy a gourmet buffet and silent auction. Callaway is honoring America’s Heroes, our men and women in uniform. Cost is $78. ea. Call 951-676-4001 for more.

Reds of the West are put to the test at Sbicca’s Del Mar Sat. Oct. 2 from 1 to 3pm in a fun, informative seminar on reds from Oregon, Washington and California. $45. fee. Details at 858-442-2749.

Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula hosts Sip, Savor and Stomp Sun. Oct. 3. Live music, appetizers, grape stomp, hayride and dinner for just $65. pp. Starts at 5pm. Get more info at 951-699-WINE.

Meritage Wine Market is planning a Just Burgundy wine event Fri. Oct. 8 from 5 to 8pm. Call Mark and the team at 760-479-2500.

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, to benefit the elementary school children of La Jolla, is the weekend of Sat. and Sun. Oct. 9 and 10, from 11am to 6pm. Location is Upper Girard in the Village. Over 150 juried artists will show, with a fine wine and beer garden. $15. charge for a two day pass. $10. for 1 day. Pay at the event. See more at www.lajollaartandwinefestival.com.

France’s Rhone Valley: Roots are Getting Deeper

by Frank Mangio
It was five years ago that I first heard the Rhone Valley story from an early enthusiast, the late Leon Santoro who made wine at Orfila in San Diego County. He could hardly contain his excitement when talking about Syrah and Viognier, his two favorite Rhone grape varietals from this ever-more interesting wine country in the south of France.

He had joined the “Rhone Rangers,” an organization of mostly Paso Robles winemakers dedicated to showing the wine world that Rhone grapes can be made into rich and satisfying wines. Names to know that are Rhone Valley based include: Syrah (also known as Shiraz in Australia) the most planted Rhone grape in California. Full flavored berry, with aromas of smoke, bacon and crushed rock. Petite Sirah is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin. It’s extremely dark in color with big tannins and needs some lay-down time to flourish.

Grenache is the world’s 2nd most planted wine grape with aromas of red fruit, licorice and black pepper. Lots of cherry flavor.
Carignane produces wine high in acidity and tannin and does best in old vineyards. Mourvedre is the latest ripening grape and is now undergoing a big popularity push. Chocolate, leather and earth aromas. Plum and spice flavors. Viognier is the highly aromatic white wine with excellent peach, apricot and mango flavors and aroma with low acidity. Roussanne has tastes of honey and pear, with rose petal and nutty aromas and moderate acidity. Others to look for are Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Picpoul Blanc, Cinsault and Counoise.

The vintage to look for, both in France’s Rhone Valley and Paso Robles is the 2005, considered to an inflection point for southern French style wines. The latest releases are now up to 2007, with some 2008 bottles showing up on the shelves of wineries and wine shops. An elite area in the south Rhone Valley is Chateauneuf-du-pape where a blend of Granache and Mourvedre, grown in the rockiest soil in France, yields ripe, fleshy definition to the wines. This is well known to Jason Haas, whose family combined with a leading vineyard in the south Rhone area, Chateau de Beaucastel, chose Paso Robles in 1989 for a new vineyard. They purchased a 120 acres to grow Rhone style wine grapes, a first for Paso.

They named the new winery Tablas Creek. It took quite a while to plant and develop the old world cuttings and clones. Finally they enough to do business in 1992. Now, they are used not only by their winery, but by some 400 others. Tablas Creek itself sells about 18,000 cases. Easily the most elegant of the Rhone style, the winery chooses to blend, making wines that are richer and better balanced. Its 2007 Esprit de Beaucastel combines Mouvedre, Grenache, Syrah and Counoise and sells for $50. in most shops.

The Rhone Rangers promotional group will have their annual Southern California Tasting in Santa Monica at Pier 59 Studios West on Sunday August 8 from 2 to 5pm. 50 wineries will join in the event. For questions and pricing, check 800-467-0163 or access their web site, full of detailed information about this leading French terroir at www.rhonerangers.org

Wine Bytes
Delicias Restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe is kicking off complimentary wine tastings every Thurs. and Fri. from 6 to 7:3opm. General Manager and wine man extraordinaire Gino Campbell is building up his wine cellar and wants customers to tell him what’s great, so come by and try. No RSVP required. For more info, call 858-756-8000.

Belle Marie Winery in Escondido has its summer pre-release party Sat. July 17 from 2 to 4pm in the Barrel Room. Favorite new wines are being served at no charge. Open house format so stay as long as you can. No food served. Try the newest and the best. Call 760-796-7557.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas presents a Napa Valley Vintners Tasting Sat. July 17 from 6 to 8:30pm. Food from nearby Bentley’s. Wine names like Lail, Elyse, Frank Family and many more top quality wineries are expected to pour. Cost is $40. pp. Call 760-479-2500.

Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula brings Hollwood U2, the best U2 Tribute Band to its stage Sat. July17 from 7 to 10pm. Cost is $49. ea. $44. for club members. Make contact at www.wilsoncreekwinerycom.

Mille Fleurs in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe is hosting an elegant dinner with award winning Fritz Wines of Napa Valley Tues. July 20. Meet winemaker Clay Fritz. 5 course dinner cost is $95. Details call 619-221-8024.

Soro’s Mediterranean Grill in Old Town Temecula has a fun filled night at its first Fedora Hat Night Wed. July 21 at 6pm. Classic Mediterranean flavors will be paired with wines, with live music to perfect the atmosphere of Fedora hats and 30’s style outfits. RSVP at 951-587-8082.

Carlsbad Wine Merchants has their Wine, Music and New Menu rockin’ on Friday nights. Small bite food offerings are heavy on luscious salads. First music set starts at 6pm. Call 760-804-9994 for this week’s lineup.

Canapes in San Marcos has outdoor entertainment in the patio with a Frank Sinatra Review on Sat. July 24, 6:30 to 9:30pm. Enjoy unique dining selections, smart wine list and great music at James Allyn’s Canapes. RSVP a table at 760-510-2088.

Charm of Venice and Tuscany at Bella Dolce in Rancho Santa Fe

by Frank Mangio
Italy never looked or tasted as beautiful as it does at the new Dolce Pane E Vino in the Del Rayo Center in Rancho Santa Fe. Guests are literally transformed in this rustic, elegant creation that is at once a world of wine, a wine bar of elegance and a small-bites master restaurant with the charm of Venice and Tuscan surrounds.

Dolce Pane E Vino (sweet bread and wine) is the creation of Michael Melone and Dr. Anthony Smith who have carefully crafted an original Italian design unlike anything I have experienced. They bring a passion for the customer, cultivated from remarkable dining experiences worldwide. You’ll marvel at the tables that are crafted for sharing, and lighting that is linked in communal harmony, yet each element is its own artistic rendering. The entire atmosphere is an architectural triumph.

Dr. Anthony Smith and Michael Melone partnered to create Dolce Pane E Vino, a wine and cuisine restaurant experience unlike any other.

I would be remiss by not devoting space to the wine and cuisine. Wine flights of three offerings are paired with the meal as a delightful option, especially since bottles can be purchased that match the flavors. On the evening I visited, wines from Fort Ross, Wolf Family and Orin Swift were served and all had rich flavors to pair with an ever-evolving Mediterranean menu.

Dolce Pane E Vino is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Mondays just dinner is served. Local seasonal produce is used with the freshest quality available. Dolce is now booking inspiring wineries for special events including Laird Family Estate Wed. March 24 at 5:30pm with Rebbecca Laird. There is more to know at their website DolcePanEVino.com. The phone number is 858-832-1518.

New Wines and a Perfect Gift Idea
In the past 30 days I have tasted some 500 wines of note and the following wines were especially memorable:

- Castel Giocondo Brunello di Montalcino, Italy, 2004. $45. From the Frescobaldi family of traditional Italian winemaking with 100% four year aged Sangiovese. The first of the recently great harvest years in Tuscany. Gets greater with more aging.

- Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz, Australia, 2007. $19. This striking, flavorful wine comes from the oldest winery in the Aussie nation in the heart of the Barossa Valley. First vines were planted in 1845. Classic and refined.

- Leal San Benito Estate Grown Cabernet, Hollister Ca. 2006. $20. North Central Coast flavor of soft, rich intense wines. A cab that is delicious and easy on the palate.

- Louis Latour Beaune Burgundy, Cote-D’or, France. 2005. $39. Burgundian wines fathered the immensely popular Pinot Noirs of the West Coast of the U.S. Mellow cherry with a smoky licorice taste. Balanced, mellow tannins. ’05 was a golden harvest in France.

- Oak Mountain Meritage, Temecula, 2005. $42. One for the locals with a nicely calculated 40% Cabernet, 40% Cab Franc and 20% Merlot Bordeaux classic style. Long, smooth finish.

- Pedroncelli Block 007 Estate Vineyard Sonoma Cabernet, 2007. $25. Ninety one points in a major wine publication, this is 100% cab grape with 18 months in oak. Elegant premium quality.

- Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Sonoma 2008. $20. Another master stroke from winemaker Rick Sayres, pulling a premier harvest from this popular pinot area. Silky texture, floral accents and a hint of spice make this one a standard to look up to.

A personal expression on a bottle or glass makes the perfect gift to give for wine lovers.
Tom Bwarie of Bwarie Gift Baskets in Carlsbad (photo) has made hand engraving an art form. As a focal point of your custom gift basket order, this personalized service is free of charge. He showed me a popular new wine aerator that he is engraving for customers, the Soiree, a glass globe with an aeration chamber that is secured to the top of a wine bottle to enhance balance and flavor. He also does wine events where he quickly engraves the names of visitors on their tasting glasses. It’s a “take-home” gift that insures branding life for the hosts. Contact information is 760-730-1458 or access the website BWarieGiftBaskets.com

Wine Bytes
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas is serving Italian “Succulent Sangioveses” at their weekly wine tasting on Fri. March 26 from 6 to 8pm. Check with them for price and the wine lineup. 760-479-2500.

Wine Styles in Encinitas has live jazz and wine with the flamenco group En Fuego, Fri. March 26, 6 to 8pm. An extensive menu of wines from around the world, with a small bite menu of cheeses and paninis. No cover charge. Call 760-633-0057.

The Wine Bank in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego has the Best of Italian Wines for its event of Sat. March 27 from 6 to 8pm. Names like Gaja, Masi Amarone and Sassicaia will be poured. $50. pp. RSVP on pre-purchase at 619-239-0334.

3rd Corner in Encinitas has a Hitching Post Wine Dinner coming on Tues. March 30 at 6pm for $65. ea. This was the Santa Barbara winery made famous in the movie “Sideways.” RSVP at 760-942-2104. The Hitching Post winemaker will also be at La Costa Wine Company on Wed. March 31 from 6 to 8pm. Cost is $20. For details call 760-431-8455.