A New View of the Pacific at Chandler’s on Carlsbad’s Oceanfront

by Frank Mangio
If you needed a new reason to sit and soak in the magnificent Pacific Ocean, you have one in the breathtaking surroundings at Chandler’s,  the new restaurant and lounge inside the equally beautiful new Hilton  Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa.

A sleek, fresh, environmentally friendly décor invites comfort and cordiality and connects directly with the resort and spa’s coastal colors and architecture.  Chandler’s Executive Chef is the acclaimed French
stylist Pascal Vignau, who is well-known  as the former Executive Chef for Four Seasons Aviara Resort and most recently  chef/owner of Savory Casual Fare in Encinitas with a widely celebrated international menu. Vignau’s passion is comfortable and approachable food, presented in a first-class setting.  His approach to wine is equally impressive. He has personally designed a private wine room , allowing guests to personally select their favorite wine from a spectacular world-class selection.

Pascal Vignau is the Executive Chef of the new Chandler’s Restaurant in the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa.

California wines are dominant on the list, with my value favorite being the Turley Zinfandel from the Central Coast. A premium wine to know is the Lewis Cellars Cabernet from the Napa Valley.

The evening I sat with Vignau he had planned a tribute dinner in honor of America’s favorite chef Julia Child who mastered the art of French cooking.  It was a delicious French Onion Soup, classic Boeuf Bourguignon and French Apple Tart.  “Tonight would have been her 100th birthday and in the days when I worked alongside Julia, she was the nicest lady ever,” he reminisced. “She received the Legion of Honor from France and the Medal of Freedom from the United States.  How big is that from someone who made her living in the kitchen!” I then asked him what made him turn from his own restaurant to a large resort-style dining room.  “Look at this beautiful place,” he said.  “ I come here to create my dishes and watch the magnificent ocean.  In the other place I watched a parking lot in a shopping center.  I love it here.”

Other things to know about when you visit this Hilton:  its 215 guest rooms have mostly ocean views, directly across from Ponto Beach on the Coast Highway; spectacular surf art splashes bright color throughout the corridors, created by the world renowned surf photographer Aaron Chang; the Ocean Crest Spa is an artistic triumph inspired by the ocean with next-generation wellness experiences, and the resort now offers an “Endless Summer Beach Package” full of benefits for one low price.  For more information and reservations, visit www.hiltoncarlsbadoceanfront.com  or call 760-602-0800.

Veraison in the Vineyards
No it’s not a grape varietal, it’s what happens to the leaves and grapes as the September harvest arrives.

It reminds me of the Fall Foliage back east, with leaf coloration that is nothing short of gorgeous, and the grapes go from green to a deep purple. Up in the Napa Valley when I visited recently, the excitement was building as weather signs indicated a memorable harvest ahead.

 Veraison is the vineyard transformation from green leaves to rich yellows and reds, and grapes from green to deep purple.

The grapes also increase in volume, weight and sugar content. Generalities though are hard to underline in the wine business due to “micro-climates,” where one vineyard will show very different results from another just a few miles down the road. For instance, in lower Napa Valley, Lewis Cellars is raving about the prospects for the growing season, while Michael Keenan of Keenan Wines up in the mountains near St. Helena  sees a late harvest due to lack of hot weather.  Over at nearby Provenance Winery in Rutherford, lead winemaker Tom Rinaldi’s one-word comment was “Giddy.”  He gives a big thumbs up to 2012.

Wine Bytes
The San Diego Zoo has a benefit food and wine celebration Sat. Sept. 22 from 7:30 to 12 midnight.  175 food and beverage suppliers will serve guests. Live music, animal ambassadors and silent auctions will keep it lively.  Cost starts at $90. for admission.  More details at 619-718-3000.

A Day in Tuscany is the theme, including a 4 course lunch with Italian wine pairings and a seminar at San Antonio Winery, downtown  Los Angeles Sun. Sept. 23 from 1 to 4pm.  $68. pp.  Call 888-223-1401.

The Taste of Hope is a wine and food benefit event, Sun. Sept. 23, 4 to 7pm at Rancho Valencia Resort in Rancho Santa Fe.  Cost is $65.  RSVP at 858-452-6846.

The San Diego Wine Show is a two day celebration of wine, food and music in the Paddock area of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Sat. Sept. 29, 2 to 8pm and Sun. September 30, 1 to 6pm.  Great whites and reds from California and the Pacific Coast with live entertainment in an intimate outdoor setting.  Fine food available.  Tickets $55. per day, $65. at the door, available at www.sandiegowineshow.com or call 800-653-8000.

Ramona Valley Wineries Link Up

by Frank Mangio

A wine country in San Diego? After a series of patchwork plots and crazy-in-love individuals making a hundred or so cases of their favorite varietals all over San Diego County, you might just be able to say, there is the makings of a wine country in these here parts. Weirdly enough California’s wine making began with the Franciscan fathers in San Diego in the 1700’s. Spanish explorers built a string of missions from San Diego north all with vineyards. After historic bouts with phylloxera diseases in the 1880’s and prohibition in the 1920’s, most of the wineries of note finally settled in Napa and Sonoma. In San Diego County, there were pockets of vineyards, largely disregarded as serving only family and friends.

Rose and Herman Salerno are among ambitious wine makers in the Ramona Valley of San Diego who make respected wines.

Two life-changing events have recently occurred that have lifted SanDiego County’s Ramona Valley into the light of day. In January 2006, the area of some 89,000 acres was designated as the Ramona Valley Viticultural Area, based on its “unique microculture, terrior and history of grape production.” The area surrounds the town of Ramona. There are about 50 vineyards and 16 wineries doing business. This is only the 2nd “AVA” in this county and the 3rd in Southern California.

The other event, a “Boutique Wine Ordinance” approved last year by the county allows, and would make it easier, to offer public tasting rooms in the area’s wineries for the public to “try before they buy.” After a flurry of objections from environmentalists, it finally was written into the books a few months ago.

At an average elevation of 1,400 feet and rainfall of some 16.5 inches per year, the Ramona area is well suited for quality wine grapes.

Rose and Herman Salerno’s first vintage was 2002, made in the garage of their adobe home in the hills of Ramona. They had been making wine for their personal use 18 years prior. They proudly point to their tasting room as a “godsend” for their business which makes some 12 wines, including a 2007 Lagrein Red ( $32. wine club price).

Ninety cases have been made. It’s an Italian wine from the slopes of the Alto Adige Alps. You’ll enjoy the mineral-rich mouth-feel of very high quality. And while you’re tasting, you can coax Herman into a game of Bocce Ball. Her has two courts on the property.

Tasting hours are: 11am to sunset; Salerno Winery is closed Monday and Tuesday.

Other wineries of note in the Ramona Valley and vicinity include:

Hacienda de las Rosas, Lenora, Woof ‘n Rose, Cordiano, Mahogany Mountain, Pamo Valley, and in nearby Warner Springs, Serenissima.

For more on Ramona Valley Vineyards and Wineries, see www.ramonvalleyvineyards.org.

Another Look at Las Vegas

Vegas watchers never had it so good these days. For starters, the space-age City Center, built by MGM Grand on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo for nearly 9 billion dollars, has 6 hotels and condo towers, with 4,000 more rooms to fill on the Las Vegas Strip.

Also pitching for customers are 17 restaurants and 9 bars in one hotel alone, ARIA.

To its credit, fine wine dining has never been better in this scintillating city. This is partly due to the caliber of nationally known chefs that have descended on finely appointed dining rooms in the upscale hotels. It was started by Wolfgang Puck a number of yards ago. The latest big celebrity chef in town is Michael Mina with no less than five restaurants including American Fish at ARIA.

If you’re looking for star-power at your table, try actress Eva Longoria’s new Beso Steakhouse in Crystal’s, the high-end retail dining and entertainment center that fronts City Center and is currently showing an Elvis Presley Tribute by Cirque du Soliel. Start by visiting www.citycenter.com.

Wine Bytes

The newest Dining Out San Diego, the free glossy magazine with all you need to know about the area wine and dine scene, is due out this week. It can be picked up in most fine dining establishments.

The University of San Diego Wine Classic is Sun. July 24 from 2 to 5pm at the USD Garden by the Sea Center. It raises money for scholarships. $75. admission. Visit www.usdwineclassic.com.

57 Degrees Wine Bar in San Diego has a Classic Regions and Varietals Event, Tues. July 26 from 6:30 – 8pm. $40. pp. with seminar. Call 619-955-8884.

A Gondola Wine Tasting is featured at Loews Hotel Coronado Wed. July 27 and every Wed. through summer, from 6:30 – 7:45pm. Cost is $45. ea. Details at 619-429-6317.

North County Wine Company in San Marcos celebrates its 1st Anniversary with wine events Fri. July 29 through Sun. July 31. A “Big Gun” tasting highlights Fri. from 4 – 9pm. Cost is $15. Get more information at 760-744-2119.

PAON Restaurant downtown Carlsbad presents a Chateau Montelena Winery Dinner, Wed. July 27. Four course gourmet menu with five glasses of one of Napa Valley historic wines. RSVP at 760-729-7377.

V.Sattui Winery in St. Helena, Napa Valley, has its outdoor annual Festa Italiana, Sat. July 30 from 6:30 – 9:30pm. Music, huge amounts of Italian food and Sattui Wines that were recently awarded 2011 Winery of the Year. All for $79. ea. Call 707-963-7774 for tickets.

Wining and Dining: the Latest from Temecula

by Frank Mangio
A short time ago, I was cruising my way through a lifestyle expo in Del Mar when I noticed a strikingly attractive hardcover book at a booth, “Temecula Wine Country-Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Wineries in Temecula.” It contained vivid pictures and text of the appellation, its estates, maps, wines and annual events.

Gia Lucy, the author, is a passionate travel writer from nearby San Clemente who fell in love with the rolling hills of Temecula Wine Country. This wine area is undergoing a surge in interest and growth, yet it retains the country-cool of family owned hospitality. I recommend you look in local book shops and access the web at www.gialucy.com. The phone number is 949-395-2878.

The recent Temecula 20th annual Harvest Celebration was a superb collaboration of the Winegrowers Association and member wineries that uncorked sample barrels for visitors to taste, as well as new release bottles.

At Mt. Palomar Winery, a location that will soon expand and renovate its facilities, the “barrel tender” was pouring two kinds of Sangiovese from the 2008 vintage: one stored in French Oak which gave it a vanilla, toasted hint with some coffee features. The 2nd choice was American Oak which suggested a cedar aroma, more domestic than European.

Other wines taste-tested were the ’07 Petite Sirah, a “sock it to me” peppery style wine, and an ’07 Cinsaut, a little known French Rhone varietal of strawberry and cinnamon flavors that I thought was the best of Mt. Palomar’s offerings.

On to Briar Rose with proprietors Dorian and Les Linkogle. I can always expect a surprise or two from these two hosts, and sure enough, library wines came out, including a 100 year old Port. But the most fun was reserved for the appearance of Bruce Kanegai who is one of the producers of the hit TV show, SURVIVOR. Briar Rose is known for sudden arrivals of Hollywood celebrities and Bruce and his entourage were no exception. The “blew-me –away” favorite wine here was the ’04 Cabernet Franc.

TASTE OF WINE columnist Frank Mangio with SURVIVOR TV Producer Bruce Kanegai and Briar Rose owner and Winemaker Les Linkogle.

Cougar Winery was next with Rick Buffington with his handcrafted, small lots of Italian style wine. Rick was offering a barrel-selected ’08 Full Monte, a Montepulciano di Abruzzo and his latest Sangiovese, the ’08. His Italian meatballs were a perfect soul food companion to the Italian lineup of reds.

In case you are wondering about Full Monte, it’s the name of his 8 week old Labrador Retriever wine puppy!

Danza Del Sol is the latest name on the growing list of Temecula wineries. It was formerly known as Filsinger. Bob Olson, the new owner, hired Mike Tingley from Keyways and the lineup has already won gold for its ’09 Chardonnay. He was also pouring some Rhone style reds: the ’08 Syrah (not yet released) and the ’08 Grenache with a strawberry/licorice flavor.

Speaking of things Mediterranean, try the new menu at the Pinnacle Restaurant, part of Falkner Winery. Ray and Loretta Falkner, working with Executive Chef Gianni Ciciliot, have an “eat healthy” selection that uses extensive olive oil, fruits and vegetables to enhance the entrees. Lunch is served daily from 11:30 to 3:30pm. See www.falknerwinery.com.

Wine Bytes
Baker& Olive in Encinitas is at Dolce Pane e Vino of Rancho Santa Fe Tues. Nov. 16 at 6pm for an Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Pairing dinner. It’s a five-course dinner with 5 great wines to accompany. $65. pp. Reserve at 858-832-1518.

Bacchus Wine Market presents the latest Pinot Noir Fri. Nov. 26 from 4 to 8:30pm, in San Diego’s Gaslamp district. Cost is $20. More at 619-236-0005.

San Diego Wine Company has a Sparkling Wine and Champagne Tasting, Sat. Nov. 27, 11am, 12:30,, 2 and 3:30pm. Fee is $25. RSVP which time you want at 858-586-WINE.

Looking ahead, if you are heading up to Napa Valley, the city of Yountville is decking the halls and getting jolly with its Winterscape Celebration starting Wed. Dec. 1. Twinkling lights, carriage rides, public art and night hours for tasting rooms, for starters. Get the full story at www.yountville.com.

Wining Around the San Diego Wine Scene

by Frank Mangio
Some of the most creative people I know are connected to the wine scene. From winemaker to wine server, they get it that wine has a special place in our lives. Wherever people gather, wine plays a role in adding to the success of the evening. So let’s get a taste of some recent wine events that left everyone smiling.

Ferrari Carano, always a quality winemaker from Sonoma, presented its new releases recently at Capri Blu, the Italian Bistro and Winebar in the 4S Ranch area west of Rancho Bernardo. The new and summer-style 2009 Bella Luce was introduced, a light wine of mostly Chardonnay, with 6 other world-class white grapes to produce its own individuality. ($14.) Other winners were the 2008 version of Siena, made of mostly Italian Sangiovese and Argentina’s Malbec ($18.), and the limited release PreVail West Face, a rich-bodied dark ruby red wine of mostly cabernet with a healthy dose of Syrah ($55.).

Up north on the 15 freeway and into Escondido, Holiday Wine Cellar filled its underground wine tasting room with eager fans of Frank Family from Napa Valley. Catherine Uzeta, the Frank Family rep and Jim Kern of Holiday offered 5 Frank Family varietals for tasting and had attractive discounts on sales for that evening. I was most attracted by the 2008 Pinot Noir from the Carneros district of Napa Valley. ($31.99). Fresh strawberry fruit impresses the palate, with hints of hibiscus tea, cinnamon and honey.

Word just in that Jim Carter’s South Coast Winery Resort & Spa in the Temecula Valley has won some 56 medals at the California State Fair, including 15 Best of Class. It’s still another tribute to the determination of Carter to raise the level of quality wines in Temecula, with the expertise and wine wisdom of Master Winemaker Jon McPherson. The 38 acre property also has a world class restaurant and spa, and is a major concert venue.

Many of the awards were for the Wild Horse Peak wines, with grapes grown up in the hills near Palomar Mountain. The 2006 Sangiovese is a distinguished version of the Tuscan great.

The Shores Restaurant in La Jolla, recently rejuvenated by restaurant manager and sommelier Lisa Redwine, presented Chris Brockway of Broc Cellars in the San Francisco Bay area. Five different tasting stations made it a pleasure to participate. There were five Rhone varietals presented including a Granache. Brockway underlines his small production quantities and a hands-on approach as keys to his recent success since 2004 in making pocket-friendly drinkable wines.

Did you know that the family of the late Frank Sinatra now has Sinatra Family Estates wines, starting with a high quality 2007 Cabernet from Calistoga, Napa Valley (79.99). It’s starting to show up at finer wine shops.

The highest quality magazine for searching out the most contemporary information on food and wine is San Diego’s own Dining Out, a complimentary glossy publication available in finer restaurants and wine bars. The Summer/Fall edition is out with fascinating revelations about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as full menus of your favorite restaurants.

Carlsbad Wine Merchants Friday nights are really rockin and getting a fun reputation with live music, small bites cuisine and memorable wine tastings. First music set is usually 6:30pm. Caesar or Berry salad, gourmet pizzas, chicken wings or cheese boards compliment the wine tastings which go from 5pm to 8pm. $10. for wine club members, $20. for non-members. TGIF never felt so good.

Inside Napa Valley Wine Country – Part 2

by Frank Mangio
Last week we took our readers through Part 1 of our latest journey in the hallowed wine country of Napa Valley, that 30 mile stretch of the most traveled visitor attraction in California and home to the most exalted group of wineries in the state, and arguably the world.

It all came together for Napa Valley in 1976 at the now famous French tasting where Napa Cabernet and Chardonnay beat its French counterparts, led by Chardonnay winemaker Mike Grgich, then with Chateau Montelana. Grgich proceeded to strike out on his own, and now two of

Napa Valley’s most delicious Chardonnays can be found at his Grgich Hills Estate just off Highway 29 in Rutherford. The family winery has now made the transition to Certified Organic and Biodynamic grape growing, that richly endows their two Chardonnay vintages: the ’07 Napa Valley ( $47.) and the ’06 Chardonnay Carneros Estate Grown ($75.). Fresh flavor and pleasing acidity, citrus flower and balanced minerality are hallmarks of these wines. See www.grgich.com.

The Carneros district, which encompasses the southern edge of both Sonoma and Napa Valley, is getting respect as an important wine country due to foggy mornings, warm daytime temperatures, the Petaluma winds in the afternoon and is naturally air conditioned with cooler nights from San Pablo Bay. Chardonnay is picked way later in September than most, allowing sugars to develop while keeping a bright acidity.

Dotting the Napa Valley landscape, with an important vineyard in Mendocino, is the Duckhorn Wine Company, a collection of 7 small winery estates co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976.

They produce 4 Merlots, 4 Cabernets, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Bordeaux Blend under the Duckhorn and Decoy labels. Other labels include Goldeneye with its lovely Pinor Noir from the Anderson Valley of Mendocino which I have reviewed into my most recent Top Ten Tastes. I was most impressed with the just released 2006 Napa Valley “The Discussion,” an artful blend of varietals from six of their estate vineyards. The composition includes: 53% Cabernet, 28% Merlot, 14% Cab Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Duckhorn will quickly tell you that this is their highest acclaimed creation, and it’s true! ($115.) Learn more at www.duckhornvineyards.com.

The story of Tamber Bey Vineyards in the Yountville district of Napa Valley is a fascinating review of a high tech professional, who through hard work and perseverance, gets to live out his dream since childhood, raising Arabian horses and making estate wines. It began in 1999 when former Apple executive Barry Waitte bought 60 acres of prime Napa Valley land near Yountville and became a grape farmer. In quick order, he purchased an estate for his residence, as well as acreage for prime cabernet and a set of stables for his endurance racing Arabian horses. In 2003 the Tamber Bey label premiered, named after his two favorite Arabians: Tamborina and Bayamo, and released a Merlot, a Cabernet blend and a Chardonnay. The family of wines has since increased to another blend, Rabicano, and a 100% Cabernet.

“I’m a marketing guy and I was having an incredibly hard time finding a name for the winery,” Barry revealed. “One day Jennifer Nice, my winery manager and horse trainer and I were riding through the vineyards, and she says, why don’t you just call it Tamber Bey with an equestrian theme throughout?” Barry agreed and quickly made a number of horse terms part of the Tamber Bey lexicon.

Tamber Bey was a major player in the annual Wine Auction Week, a charitable event held recently by the Napa Valley Vintners Association. His current 2007 Rabicano, (and my Tamber Bey personal favorite, which made my latest Top Ten Tastes) was a stellar performer in raising a portion of the 8.5 million raised. 375 cases were made, and Barry vows the 2008 edition is going up to 1,000 cases. It sells for $48.

Here’s a real comer to the Napa Valley wine scene and you don’t want to miss it. Find out more at www.tamberbey.com.

Wine Bytes
Canapes in San Marcos hosts a John Hawley Sonoma Winemaker Dinner Tues. July 27 from 6:30 to 8pm. Chardonnay, Pinot Noirs and Zins will be poured paired with Canapes special menu items. $65. each. Limited guests so call 760-510-2088 asap.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas is pulling out some great Zinfandels for its Friday Tasting on July 30 from 6 to 8pm. Call 760-479-2500 for price and RSVP.

The WineSellar & Brasserie in San Diego is presenting a Flowers Winery Dinner with winemaker Darren Lowe, Fri. July 30. Reception starts at 6:30pm. Cost is $95. Call for reservations at 858-450-9557

In Temecula Wine Country, Briar Rose Winery has a BBQ and Blues Fundraiser on Sat. July 31 starting at 5:30pm. Four local BBQ entries will be judged as best ribs in town. Tickets are $48. pp. Call 951-308-1098.

Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego is having another Brown Bag wine event on Sat. July 31, 2 to 9pm. Cost is $15. Of the 8 wines to try, if you are right on 4 of them, you will win a gift. More info at 619-236-0005.

Napa Wine Country = Great Experiences

by Frank Mangio

It's been a few years since I had set foot on the hallowed wine country of Napa Valley, perhaps the most talked about appellation in all the world. There is a saying that I want to start out with : the more things change, the more they remain the same. In meeting new people, experienced hands and tasting new wines, I got the feeling that there is a unity of spirit in Napa Valley, that they genuinely believe theirs is distinctly the highest quality wine in the world as it has been for some time.

With that roadmap for the over 400 wineries in a 30 mile stretch from Napa to Calistoga and the easy decision to break this report into a two part column, let’s begin the journey: a sweeping world-class tasting from Carneros in the south; Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford in the middle; then St. Helena, Spring Mountain, Calistogoa and Howell Mountain in the north. The down economy has dented the Napa Valley story but you would never know it by listening to wineries like V. Sattui Winery just north of St. Helena and Sattui’s colossal Castello di Amorosa, just south of Calistoga. Tom Davies, the President of V. Sattui pointed out the many customer experiences that draw people into his facility, built up over his 30 years with the present owner Dario Sattui.

“We have 4 acres of winery grounds and picnic tables at the, and 34 acres elsewhere,” he began. “We sell ourselves direct to the public in many ways. We wanted to celebrate the Italian lifestyle with old world flavor and atmosphere. Our Italian deli and food store in the middle of the main wine tasting room is just one example of getting people off Highway 29 and into the winery. We started just the 2nd wine club in Napa Valley in the 70’s. We give customers what they want…a wine experience. We are now showing outdoor movies in our picnic area and on Saturday July 31 we’ll host the V. Sattui annual Italian Festa by reservation from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. It will be a huge dinner, dancing, Italian music and discounts on our wines. It is especially significant to our winery since this year is our 125th Anniversary from our beginnings as a supplier in San Francisco in 1885 founded by Vittorio Sattui.”

V. Sattui has four different and stylish wine tasting rooms. 300 year old bricks line the walls holding collectors’ library wines in the Gold Room, reserved for wine club members. 40,000 members are signed up in the many wine clubs that account for nearly half the wine sales at V. Sattui. The winery now sells about 70,000 cases direct and offers some 45 different wine styles.

My recommendations include: Pinot Noir Carneros Creek 2008. $25. - smooth, velvet style, illuminated by bright cherry fruit. A gold medal winner in the West Coast Wine Competition. Zinfandel Ramazotti Vineyard Sonoma 2007. $36. - spicy and richly flavored, and one of 9 different Zins offered. 2 gold medals: Amenti del Vino and Long Beach Grand Cru.

Dario Sattui’s greatest triumph was my next stop: the great Castello di Amorosa, open to the public in 2007. This 17 year project is an exacting replica of a Tuscan castle with 107 rooms totaling 120,000 square feet, 8 levels including 4 underground with all-European materials and the best craftsmen in Italy to build it all by hand. It attracts more than 400,000 visitors a year. Here the wines tilt toward Italian style, with a 2006 Sangiovese $26. and a 2005 La Castellana Super Tuscan $65. that are typical of the style. Traditional approaches and growing areas around the castle produce intense, well-balanced flavors similar to Tuscany and Umbria in Italy, which happens to be Dario Sattui’s homeland.

Next week we will be looking at other wineries that are keeping Napa Valley on top. For V. Sattui, access www.vsattui.com. For Castello di Amorosa, go to castellodiamorosa.com.

Note: In last week’s column on Rhone varietals and Paso Robles, we featured early efforts in planting Syrah based grapes, and should have mentioned Eberly Winery, a pioneer for this wine country. Gary Eberle planted the first Syrah in 1974. It was successful and by the late 70’s he had about 40 acres. Find out more at www.eberlewinery.com.

Wine Bytes
Gondola Cruises at Loews in Coronado are again going every Wednesday at 6:30pm through the canals of the Coronado Cays for $45. pp. Wine tastings are included on the gondolas with sommelier Kurt Kirschenman. Private cruises can be arranged as well as RSVPs by calling 619-429-6317.

Firenze Trattoria in Encinitas now has Jazz on the patio every Sunday through September from 4:30 to 8pm as a free service for their customers. More information at 760-944-9000.

La Costa Wine Company has legendary Cakebread Winery of Napa Valley for a tasting Fri. July 30 from 5 to 8:30pm. Cost is $25. each. They have just opened their Artisan Cheese Shop with cut-to-order service. Contact 760-431-8455.

The Grand Del Mar’s Addison has Tastings on the Terrace on select Wednesdays for July and August, from 6 to 7pm. Whites for July , reds for August. No RSVP required. Enjoy the wines July 21, Aug. 4, 11 and 18. $20. pp. More information at 858-314-1900.

Wine & Food Festival Comes To San Diego

The 6th annual San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival, a huge five day celebration with the top names in wine and food, is good to go Wednesday November 18 through Sunday November 22 in downtown San Diego.

Check out these numbers: over 170 wineries, breweries and spirit brands, 70 of San Diego’s top restaurants, over 800 wines, celebrity chefs, big bottle auctions, cooking and wine tasting classes and a $50,000.“Chef of the Fest” Competition.

Michelle Metter, the co-producer, promises lots of star-power chefs and winemakers for this best-of-breed event. “We are very excited to have some of the world’s best and most renowned names. Our visitors will get up close and personal and meet them, and experience culinary excellence,” she said.

The biggest of the many highly focused events will be the outdoor Grand Tasting, Saturday the 21st from 12 Noon to 4pm at Embarcadero Marina Park North, behind Seaport Village where over 700 different wines will be tasted along with 70 chefs from the most popular fine restaurants.

One of the thousands of wine tasters at last year’s Grand Tasting, a highlight of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival.

The “Chef of the Fest” will be chosen in a showdown judging as the best innovator of fresh, flavorful cuisine, for $50,000. in cash and prizes and some serious bragging rights. Live entertainment and cookbook signings round out the fun. Prices range from $125. to $175. To purchase, visit the website at www.worldofwineevents.com. You can call at 619-342-7337.

Other must-see and taste events include: Reserve and New Release Tasting on Friday, November 20, 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the “Wonderbread” Building at 14th and L Streets. It includes 160 wine and spirits producers, 10 gourmet food producers and a benefit auction. $100. per person in advance.

Several cooking and wine classes are planned in various locations Thursday and Friday the 19th and 20th. Don’t miss Peter Mondavi Jr. of Napa Valley’s Charles Krug Winery and his Vertical Cabernet Tasting class at the Wine and Culinary Center, Friday, 12 Noon to 1pm. Cost is $60. each. These and other events are also detailed at www.worldofwineevents.com.


Tasting Room Finder Unveiled
A Tasting Room Finder I Phone Application was announced by the producers of the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival, World of Wine Events LLC. The application is the ultimate wine traveler’s guide to wine tasting rooms around the country.

Ken Loyst, one of the partners said “whether you are in the heart of Napa Valley or anywhere in the nation, the Tasting Room Finder brings wine country to you with wine collection features and a highly accurate locator, directly on their IPhones. We have all the tasting room wine data, and the user can take an image of the wine label for future reference,” he said.

The program is now available for download on the Apple IPhone and features: 3,180 wine tasting rooms on a map, a pop-up menu of name, address and clickable phone numbers for each tasting room, users map position in relation to the tasting room and a rating of favorites. For more, check out the Tasting Room Finder booth at the Festival event on Saturday, November 21, or see www.worldofwineevents.com.

Wine Bytes
Café Merlot at the Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo presents a cooking and wine class, “Super Easy Holiday Parties: Soups, Roasts, Cookies and Wine,” Tues. Nov. 10 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Cost is $50. pp. Call 858-592-7785 for an RSVP.

The Sky Room at the LaValencia Hotel in La Jolla is hosting a Renteria Wine Dinner on Wed. Nov. 11 from 6:30 to 10pm. Enjoy a 4 course dinner paired with Renteria complimentary wines. Cost is $105. ea. Call 858-454-0771 for an RSVP.

Ponte Winery and winemaker Robert Cartwright present the Fall Winemaker’s Dinner on Sat. Nov. 14 at 7pm. It’s a 6 course dinner, entertainment and wines that match the cuisine. Cost is $130. p.p. You can reserve your seats at 951-694-9444.

Holiday Wine Cellars of Escondido has a premiere tasting of Vintage Port with 3 offerings on Sat. Nov. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30. Price is $15. Call 1-760-745-1200.

3rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro in Encinitas offers Thanksgiving Wines on Tues. Nov. 17 from 6 to 9pm, with appetizers for $15. On Wed. Nov. 18, it has Minassian Younger Wines in a special dinner that starts at 6pm. Cost is $45. RSVP at 1-760-942-2104.

Top Ten Wine Tastings 1st Half of 2009

by Frank Mangio
What a wonderful last six months for the wine experience it has been. Of course the recession has hurt wine sales a bit and on the retail level, the discount coupons and price incentives were in evidence. But if you’re like me and saw the glass as half full and not half empty, it’s been a breakthrough 6 months, with biodynamic style vineyards growing, alcohol content moderating and the rise of winning Temecula wineries.

Then there is the huge growth in Paso Robles, and yes, the Napa Valley renaissance of young brilliant winemakers. Put it all together and you have to be happy with where we are with wine.

I reported on some 400 wine bars, resorts, restaurants, special tasting events and wineries, tasting many hundreds of bottles in the past 6 months. Price to value and availability were important. I favor a less complicated 1 to 5, “bad to excellent” rating and choose not to rank my top ten wines. All of the following are listed alphabetically, and were brilliantly crafted. Prices are suggested retail.


Francesco Mazzei and his Tuscan Fonterutoli Chianti Classic0 2005 is the only European wine in the Top Ten Tastings from the first half of 2009.


Chateau St. Michelle Col Solare, Red Mt.Washington. 2005. $75. Accented aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate and rich spices. A partnership of St. Michelle and Tuscany ’s Marchesi Antinori blending 71% Cabernet, 25% Merlot and 4% Cab Franc. www.ste-michelle.com.

Denner Viognier, Paso Robles CA. 2008. $30. Splashes of peach, yellow apple and tropical scents lead the way for this complex, pleasing white, sure to challenge Chardonnay for domination. West side winery, growing in stature and popularity. www.dennervineyards.com.

Ferrari-Carano Siena, Sonoma Ca. 2007. $23. If you enjoy a blend, you will love this low priced Italian style red, with 78% Sangiovese and 22% Malbec. Great care in handling and barreling. No better with Italian dishes. A staple in my collection. www.ferrari-carano.com

Justin Isosceles, Paso Robles CA. 2006. $62. Intense flavors of 86% Cabernet, 9% Cab Franc and 5% Merlot that adjusts with each vintage based on Justin’s experts from around the world. A work of art that only gets better with age. 24 months in French Oak barrels. Amazing retention of superior taste once opened. www.justinwine.com.

La Cereza Viognier, Temecula CA. 2008. $24.95. Surprise grand best-of-show white at the recent Critics Challenge International in San Diego , this off-dry Viognier is rich, complex and perfumed with tropical accents of apricot and orange. Continues on the palate with fresh peach. Perfect time of the year to enjoy! www.lacerezawinery.com.

Marilyn Remarke Grenache, Monterey CA. 2006. $45. France ’s Rhone Valley grapes work very well here and this noble presentation achieves excellence with its 6th vintage of lovable Grenache. Limted to just 400 cases but worth the search. Power and finesse in a bottle. www.remarkewines.com.

Mazzei Fonterutoli Chianti Classico, Tuscany Italy. 2005. $24.99. Ancestors were the fathers of chianti wines. 24 generations later, exciting earth and minerality in bouquet and taste with 100% Sangiovese grapes from Castellina in Chianti. www.palmbayimports.com.

Pedroncelli Dry Creek Zinfandel, Sonoma CA. 2006. $18. Cheers to this winery for its economy pricing with quality in its bottles. Jammy and concentrated fruit from one of the pioneer Zin families in Sonoma . Their “Mother Clone” Zin adds another dimension to the lineup www.pedroncelli.com.

Thornton Nebbiolo, Temecula CA. 2006. $32. Northern Italian varietal, California style. Winemaker Don Reha achieves singular success with this luscious, wide-body grape. Rich, black fruit with bursts of cherry, plum and leather. Direct sales only. Access at www.thorntonwine.com.

ZD Pinot Noir, Napa Valley CA. 2007. $40. Making great wine on the Silverado Trail of Napa is nothing new for ZD. Dark, ruby red in color and character, this example of the “Queen of Wines” is exotic and demands attention with its silky, well integrated tannins. www.zdwines.com.

Wine Bytes
La Cereza Winery in Temecula returns the great Spanish Flemenco guitarist BENISE in concert with his supporting cast, Sat. July 18 with doors open at 5:30 and Benise appearing at 8:30pm. This Vegas style show is filled with visual and musical surprises, including the master electric cellist Marston Smith. Auction item money raised will benefit California Family Life Center . Items include: an African Safari! Dinner prices include individual and VIP tables plus a Benise meet and greet in La Cereza’s Barrel Room. Admission starts at $55. with tickets available at 951-699-6952 or www.lacerezawinery.com.

A Bastille Day celebration is planned for Sat. July 11, 4 to 8pm at the Fairbanks Ranch clubhouse in Rancho Sante Fe. Enjoy wine tasting, food, live entertainment and auction items. Donation of $125. pp goes to the Southern Caregiver Resource Center. Call 858-268-4432.

Free jazz on Sundays is back at Falkner Winery starting Sun. July 12 and through September, 12 to 3pm . Jazz saxman Jason Weber plays. Concert style seating. Details at 951-676-8231.

The Summer Legacy dinner featuring owners Gerry and Rosie Wilson is Sat. evening July 18 at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula. For complete details and menu, call 951-699-WINE.

The Italians Pour the Wine in San Diego

by Frank Mangio
Italian wines are on a roll, having had several years of wonderful harvests and increasingly kind words in the wine press. This has emboldened the vineyards to band together and present their wines in cities across America.

Such a fine Italian wine tasting occurred recently in San Diego featuring “Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri” winners, put together by distribution heavyweights Southern Wine & Spirits and Palm Bay International. Restaurants countywide that offer fine wines flocked to this special occasion with 13 of the very best wineries Italy has to offer.

The wines represent a vast and varied map of grape growing, with a tapestry of tastes well suited to the wine aficionado who enjoys the nuances of earthy, mineral forward wines.

Unlike California, labels give no hint of the grape source, but concentrate on location, with obscure villages and districts like Barolo, Chianti Classico, Montepulciano and Aglianico given star treatment. In Italy we are looking at some 900,000 vineyards in an area similar to California in size and shape. To be sampling these 13 is indeed a pleasure worth savoring.

Mosca, Travaglina and Marchesi di Barolo
The names to know and worth noting include: Anselmi, Bertani, Mazzei, Cavit, Conte Brandolini, Ferrari, San Gregorio, Planeta, Poliziano, San Patrignano, Sella and Italian winemakers pour their best varietals at the “Gambero Rosso” tasting event in San Diego.

Castellina is a picture-book village in the pristine Italian district of Tuscany, midway on the fabled “Chiantigiana” road from Florence to Siena.

It is a town that Francesco Mazzei knows well since his ancestors have been making wine there since 1435. Castello di Fonterutoli, a historic property has been in the Mazzei family since that time and stands as his signature vineyard.

Only cutting edge quality is the standard for this acclaimed Chianti Classico with its Sangiovese grape varietal. Altitude has a significant effect on all vineyard production and the Mazzei family plants at up to 1,640 feet above sea level, with rocky limestone/sandstone soil structure. Low yield ensures high quality production of complex, elegant Sangiovese wines.

I tasted the 2005 Fonterutoli Chianti Classico and the 2005 Fonterutoli Siepi and found the Siepi a more delicious, grape forward wine, with a slightly herb accent. It is a blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot. A year and a half in small oak barrels cultivates the result. It was clearly the best of show. Learn more from the Mazzei website at www.mazzei.it

Pioneer Winemaker Grgich Celebrates 85th Birthday
When I first met Mike Grgich, the hero of Napa Valley wines, it was three years ago and the book “Judgement of Paris” had just come out. It is an accounting of the shocking victory of Napa Valley wines over their established French counterparts in 1976, the first time American wines had gone head to head internationally in a highly publicized blind tasting.

Mike, who was the winemaker for Chateau Montelana in Napa at the time, made the Chardonnay that elevated the area to star quality.

He gave me a copy of the book with a warm personal message, appropriate for this wonderful man who is still making beautiful Chardonnay at his Grgich Hills Estate, with his daughter Violet. The current vintage is a 2006, the first one certified organic and biodynamic. Mike was inducted into the vintners Hall of Fame last year. For more, access www.grgich.com.

Wine Bytes
 Cakebread Cellars of Napa Valley is the feature wine at the Sat. May 2 event at The Wine Encounter on University in San Diego. Cost is $30. pp, with a 6:30pm start. A classic tasting. Call 619-543-9463.

 La Cereza in Temecula Wine Country celebrates Cinco De Mayo with a Fiesta on Sat. May 2 from Noon to 6pm, with food, music, art, wine and beer service. Make your own tacos. Free admission. Call 951-699-6952.

 Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas has two wine dinners going in May: Wed. the 6th and Wed. the 13th. Both start at 6:30pm with the first spotlighting Peju Winery and the next one Stephen Ross Wine Cellars. Call 760-635-1066 for pricing and details.

 Luxus 101 Bistro and Grill in Encinitas is celebrating its 1st anniversary with a Coleman Family Vineyards Wine Dinner Sat. May 9 from 7 to 10pm. $70. ea. Oregon Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir will be poured. RSVP required, by calling 760-943-7180.

 San Diego’s Museum of Photographic Arts at Balboa Park has two events in May: a 100 Point Wine Tasting at a Rancho Santa Fe home on Sat, May 9 starting at 4pm, and their Grand Tasting and Wine Auction Sat. May 30 starting at 6pm at the Museum. High quality distinctive wines will be paired with featured San Diego restaurant cuisine. Tiered pricing includes $95. ea. for non-members. Live auction at 7:30pm includes rare and fine wines. Learn more at 619-238-7559.

 San Diego State University has a new wine class: Bottle to Glass, from Winery to Consumer, that begins on Mon. May 11. and goes to June 1. Enroll now through May 4 and get the discounted cost of $295. Call for details at 619-594-6924.

Fine Dining Restaurant Awarded Five Diamonds

Article and Photo by Frank Mangio

They’re toasting one another at the posh Addison at the Grand Del Mar as this signature fine dining restaurant has earned one of the most coveted awards of all: a Five Diamond rating from AAA.

It was not too long ago that I visited the brilliant young Wine Director at the Addison, Jesse Rodriguez, who launched the ambitious wine program there.

Jesse gained fame as lead sommelier at the renowned French Laundry Restaurant in Napa Valley . He’s now a non-stop advocate for Addison and its 21,000 wine collection. It’s not unusual to see a coveted 1961 Mouton Rothschild on the list and a large number of French Burgundies to enhance Chef William Bradley’s creations, featuring an artisan approach to French style cooking with seasonal influences.

Since opening in October of 2006, the thirty-million dollar dining venue has enjoyed critical acclaim from the major wine and dine publications. The five diamond accolade is the first one for a San Diego restaurant, proving the high level of excellence and service that Addison displays.

I recently renewed my friendship with Jesse at the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival, where he was selected to be one of the sommeliers on a Blind Tasting panel designed to show expertise in breaking down a wine’s components and identifying it by visual, nose, palate and taste evidence.

Jesse Rodriguez, director of wines at Addison at the Grand Del Mar.

Jesse and the others elected were able to pinpoint the country of origin, region, varietal and vintage of the wines selected for analysis. I always marvel at the wine wisdom these sommeliers possess. It’s a devotion to wine nurtured by many hours of research, tastings and notations of what they have learned. When it all culminates in a world-class rating as in the Five Diamond award, this devotion to excellence deserves our applause and our dining loyalty. Visit the web site: www.thegranddelmar.com.

More Food/Wines for Holiday Tastings
The Pinnacle Restaurant on the grounds of Falkner Winery in Temecula is a Thanksgiving experience with a special menu and wines including roasted turkey and all the trimmings. Falkner’s Amante Super Tuscan is worth ordering, with mostly Sangiovese, some Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc and Merlot. The ’04 is amazing with the ’05 giving it a run. $39.95. www.falknerwinery.com.

Try the #1 wine in ’08 awarded by Wine Spectator: Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta from Chile . A lovely red. $75.

Pinot Noir always adapts to whatever is served as the main entrée, from turkey to fish and I have two for you: the 2006 Joseph Drouhin from Beaune France, a great Burgundy appellation ($20.); and 2007 Gioia (“ joy” in Italian) from Santa Barbara County, a small handcrafted wine vineyard, aged in French oak with a deeper ruby color than most. $38.

Over at Wine Street Carlsbad , they debuted the latest Chiaramonte Sicilian Nero D’Avola, a 2006 for $16.99. A different style of Italian red, it had rich cherry fruit with strong acidity. Excellent wine!

R Collection 2006 Monterey Chardonnay. Gotta have one chardoannay in the mix. This one is out of Raymond Vineyards of St. Helena Napa Valley. Exhibits tropic fruit overtones, an old style of Chardoannay. $14.

If you’re counting calories, wine is kind to your waistline. Roughly 3.5 ounces (about a third of an average stemmed glass) is 76 calories for a white wine and 44 calories for red. This compares with 200+ calories for a similar size glass of beer. Still another reason for make the switch to wine.

Wine Bytes
Bacchus Wine Market downtown San Diego has its occasional “Drink Yourself Blind” tastings Fri. Nov. 28 from 4 to 8pm for $15. ea. Try eight wines that are bagged, and guess the grape. Prizes for closest calls. Call 619-236-0005.

Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernado presents the Ira Liss Big Band Jazz Machine Sun. Nov. 30 at 6pm in the Winery Courtyard. A 17 piece music concert that’s FREE to all. Food and beverages available. Call 858-487-1866.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido has a couple of heavyweight tastings: first one is Thurs. Dec. 4 from 5:30-7:30pm with a Port Wine tasting for $25. ea. Next is Thurs. Dec. 11, when Holiday presents a Napa Valley pouring from Jarvis. Try Chardonnay, Merlot, Cab and more. $25. Call 760-745-1200.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery in Temecula is planning a Candlelight Dinner on Sat. Dec. 6 from 6:30 to 9:30pm . A sparking wine and hors d’oeuvres followed by a four course gourmet dinner prepared by their new Meritage Restaurant with chef Mike Henry. Each course has a perfectly paired Callaway wine. Live holiday music. $100. pp. RSVP at 951-676-4001.

Touring Napa-Sonoma Wine Country

Photo and Article by Frank Mangio

I recently viewed the movie Bottle Shock, an attempt to capture the essence of the wine event that catapulted the Napa appellation into world prominence: the Paris Wine tasting of 1976, when French judges declared two Napa wineries, Stags Leap with its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chateau Montelana with its Chardonnay, to be the winners against a group of established French counterparts. It was another disappointment by movie makers who only deal in what may make money, with disregard for the truth and beauty of the matter.

If you want to know what really makes Napa-Sonoma the crown jewel of winemaking, you have to walk the walk and get up there. It’s the only place I know where the heady odor of grapes fill the air and the senses with the scent of sweet Cabernet and Chardonnay perfume-like vapors. These two varietals rule.

Cabernet Sauvignon is really a hybrid grape, originally a Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc that thrives in both Sonoma and Napa.

The same for Chardonnay, California’s most popular white wine with many styles to choose from. You can get a toasty, full-bodied “chard” or a lean mineral-like version. The traditional barrel fermented kind will give off a butterscotch and toast quality, while the newly popular un-wooded types will go toward a citrus and mineral-like profile.

A good place to begin your Chardonnay tasting tour would be Grigich Hills on Napa’s Highway 29. You may see 82 year old Mike Grgich in the tasting room talking up his latest lovely Chardonnay, the 2006 and the first one certified organic and biodynamic, a natural process without chemicals of any kind. Mike was the winemaker of the Chardonnay that won it all at the famous ’76 Paris Tasting.

Grgich Hills is one of the most visited wineries in Napa, home of 50 year winemaker Mike Grgich.

It gets a little more complicated when it comes to “best Cabernet Sauvignon” as both Sonoma and Napa have champions. Sonoma Cab was recently complimented in a recent article by my friends at Wine Spectator, the world-best wine publication. In it, the top Cab was from the Knights Valley area of Sonoma, a 2005 Les Pavots which scored 97 points. 11,000 acres are devoted to Sonoma Cab, but Napa devotes 19,000 acres. The argument can be made though that with Sonoma closer to the ocean and cooler, Cab grapes feel more at home in that environment. One thing you can count on when you go: the wines you taste will be among the world’s best.

Frankie’s Steak & Seafood in Temecula
Fast becoming a local favorite in Temecula, Frankie’s Steak & Seafood delivers with delicious entrees, big town ambience and some cool jazz and other entertainment in the busy bar.

Sinatra, Sammy and Dino of the Las Vegas “Rat Pack” are in full evidence with a piano, martini bar and images reminding customers of the fun and decadence of the “good old days.” Owner Frank Vessia features aged New York steaks paired with an extensive wine list. Wine Tasting Wednesdays from 5-7pm are a must.

Five wines paired with rustic appetizers are just $20. per person. Vessia has his own vineyard and produces Italian style in-house wines. For a reservation call 951-514-5212.

The Local Sip
Congratulations to Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas on being awarded “Best Wine Shop in San Diego,” by ABC TV San Diego’s Channel 10. They cited Meritage’s ability to provide the best of the personal and business wine needs of the community. Contact number is 760-479-2500.

Vino 100 in San Marcos is staging a “Wicked Zin” Halloween party on Fri. Oct. 31. $15. ea. Call for details at 760-591-3113.

Celebrate the Craft is a two day art,wine and food celebration at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, Sat. and Sun, Nov. 1 and 2. For more information please call 858-777-6635.

Meet winemaker Pablo Fallabrino with wines from Uruguay at Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego Sat. Nov. 1 from 5 to 8pm. Fee is $10. ea. Signature wine is Angel’s Cuvee Ripasso from Tannat. Details call 619-236-0005.

When in Rome Restaurant in Encinitas has its annual Harvest Wine Dinner Thurs. Nov. 6 from 6:30pm. Five wines from Puglia, Italy will be served, including Primitivo and Aglianico. $75. pp. Call 760-944-1771.
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Note: Taste of Wine TV will be on location at the 2008 San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival. We are looking for an experienced on-camera co-host to interview chefs and winemakers. In exchange, we will provide an entry ticket to the event, and access to the wine, food, and fun that comes with this world-known festival. The time committment for helping us will be around 90 minutes, then you are free to enjoy the event. If interested, please e-mail Mike Bragg at: WineNews@TasteOfWineTV.com

Hill Family Wines Team with Poseidon for a Good Vibe Night

Tom Ranglas of Poseidon and Ryan Hill of Hill Family Wine (Foto by Frank)

by Frank Mangio
When he finished his presentation at a recent wine dinner at the Poseidon Restaurant on the beach in Del Mar, Ryan Hill of Hill Family Estate in the Napa Valley, leaned over to me and expressed his pleasure at the “very strong vibes” in the room. “I wish more wine dinners could be this exciting” he remarked.

Ryan is the youngest of the Hill Family, a fast-rising wine making family out of Yountville, off Highway 29, in the middle of the Napa wine empire. His father Doug had vast vineyard management experience before starting his own winery.
Their tasting room is in the heart of the Yountville village’s restaurant row, in Antique Row. Hill is currently releasing eight wines, with grapes coming from some 14 vineyards.

Poseidon Restaurant is new at wine and dine events in the San Diego area, but it gets high marks for the “vibe,” the menu and its selection of wines to spotlight. Tom Ranglas runs the Poseidon (shown on the left in the accompanying photo with Ryan Hill of the winery) and under his watchful eye has produced a newly upgraded restaurant with an indoor-outdoor mood, capturing the essence of the pacific panorama that greets diners. The Hill wines that evening ranged from the ’06 Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, to the rich, lavish ’05 Syrah and the excellence of an ’04 Merlot, my favorite of the evening.

Executive chef Timothy Gutmann started with Monkfish Medallions and capped the menu with House Smoked Pork Tenderloin.

The next Poseidon wine event will be Wednesday April 2 and will feature Sonoma based Saxon Brown. The wine maker will be there to personally present his wines, along with a handpicked menu. Price is $65. per person. Call 858-755-9345 for RSVP.

Information on the Hill Family’s wines are at www.hillfamilyestate.com.