Taste the Harvest in Temecula Wine Country

by Frank Mangio
We are just days away from the 22nd annual Harvest Celebration in Temecula Wine Country, a two day event on Saturday November 3rd and Sunday November 4th from 10am to 4:30pm.  Over 35 wineries will participate in the self guided tour, where visitors get to sample new and unfinished wines, dine on small bites of gourmet food pairings at the wineries and soak in the autumn sun of the vineyards.

A popular stop on the circuit will be Robert Renzoni Vineyards, typical of the many family owned and operated wineries in Temecula.  They opened their doors in 2008 after planting on the property in 2006.  The family’s history of winemaking dates back to 1886 in Italy.

A recent gathering of Robert Renzoni Vneyards family members included:  Robert Renzoni, Alex Clifton, Janelle McPhail, Fred Renzoni and Julie Renzoni.

I had the pleasure of tasting their peak performance “Sonata Blend” 2009. ($38.)  It flashes the best qualities of Cabernet and Brunello grape varietals, and was a medal winner at the Orange County Fair.

Recently, visitors have been “stomping “around a number of the wineries as harvest season always brings out the partygoers.  If you haven’t got caught up in one yet, it’s not too late.  Mount Palomar Winery hosts one of the final Bacchus-style bashes on Saturday October 27 and Sunday October 28.  This one is an Oktoberfest theme with  free admission and goes from 11:30am to 5pm both days.  Register at www.mountpalomar.com.

It was a double celebration at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa  a few  weeks back, with their annual grape stomp and blessing of the wines, and the winning of some 175 wine awards in global competition this year. One of the latest trophy wines from winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores is the 2009 Late Harvest Riesling.  Tropical fruit flavors abound with a honeyed finish, excellent for dessert, or fish and salads. ($18.)

The latest architectural triumph of Temecula’s fast-growing wineries is Lorimar Winery.  Mark Manfield, a former Kansas City restaurateur, completed his vision of a two story Italian Tuscan villa with a bell tower.   Another Lorimar success is former Stuart Cellars owner Marshall Stuart come on board as winemaker-partner. Stuart is a gentleman-farmer with a deeply engrained reputation for skilled winemaking.  He provided Lorimar and other wineries great old-world style wines.  “My partnership here has turned into a great thing,” he declared.

Marshall Stuart, Lorimar’s new winemaker partner toasts the harvest with columnist Frank Mangio.

“We are focusing on a big lineup of wines to create a difference for Lorimar and its wine club members especially.  We have more than 19 wines to choose from to please a lot of palates. My passion has always been to produce high-end, premium red wines and it continues here at Lorimar.”  I asked Stuart about this year’s harvest and what he thought of the results.  “This growing year produced great reds and over 50% more grapes than we had last year,” he revealed.  There is a big quality difference over last year’s crop.”

The Temecula Harvest Celebration Saturday and Sunday November 3rd and 4th is $99. for both days, with other price options.  See the details at www.temeculawines.org, or call 800-801-9463.

Wine Bytes
Bacchus Wine Market in downtown San Diego is presenting only Pinot Noirs Sat. Oct. 27 from 2 to 8:30pm.  Cost is $20.  You will taste 7 from many parts of the world, including the great Burgundies.  Call 619-236-0005.

A Moonlight Dinner is coming to Callaway Winery in Temecula, Sat. Oct. 27 from 6:30 to 9:30pm, with winemaker Craig Larson and Meritage Executive Chef Michael Henry. A 5 course meal is planned, paired with Callaway wines. $120. pp.  RSVP at 951-676-4001.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido is pouring an all-Central California Coast wine event on Mon. Oct. 29 starting at 5:30pm.  $5. ea.  Call 760-745-1200.

Davanti Enoteca in the Del Mar Highlands Center is planning a 7 course Italian style Piemonte wine dinner Tues. Oct. 30th at 6:30pm.  From Sparkling Gavi di Gavi to the red Barbaresco and Barolo, all are premium, classic wines.  The menu promises to be an elegant feast, capped by the Bistecca al Rosmarino, a luscious Italian steak with mushrooms and polenta.  RSVP at 858-519-5060.

Bon Vin, a new concept wine shop in Downtown San Diego, brings in ZD Wines from Napa Valley on Wed. Nov. 7 from 5 to 10pm.  Cost is $20. Find out more at 619-702-8377.

Rhythm and Vine is Music, Food and Wine

by Frank Mangio

Indulge all your senses Saturday April 9 from 6 to 9pm at Westfield Center North County San Diego, as Rhythm and Vine comes again for an unforgettable night of hot tunes, hot food and cool, award-winning wine, to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Greater San Diego.

The music lineup includes the Clay Colton Band with Rock, Country and Folk (shown in photo), Simeon Flick with Acoustic Soul, and Anthony Garcia (Flemenco Guitar). Over 60 wineries will be pouring, paired with 35 gourmet restaurants.

Under the professional guidance of Fast Forward Event Productions, with an unbeatable history of success in large wine and other lifestyle events, the Boys and Girls Club has found a singular food, music and wine event to raise funds for the 25,000 plus children of San Diego County who ultilize its services.

A highlight for guests is the optional VIP tent granting VIP ticket holders access to exclusive food and beverage partners, as well as a VIP after-party that will last until 10pm. The cost is $125. in advance and $150. at the door. General admission tickets cost $75. in advance and $100. at the door. A special discount is available for students and the military-two tickets for $99, pre sale only. Purchase tickets at www.rhythmandvine.org. You can call 760-858-0591, x203 for questions.

Most wine countries in California are represented with generous pours of Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre, Sauvignon Blanc and a host of wine blends.

One of the wines showcased in Rhythm and Vine is Callaway Winery of Temecula, fresh from big wins at the 2011 Winemaker Challenge in San Diego.

Callaway Winery in Temecula has recently won Gold for its Chardonnay and will be at the Rhythm and Vine event in Escondido.

Callaway was Temecula’s first winery and lately has come a long way with recently changed ownership, winemaker and marketing support. They have secured gold with the 2008 Winemaker’s reserve Chardonnay and 2009 Winemaker’s Reserve Late Harvest Chardonnay.

Other wineries worth noting are: Artesa of Napa Valley, Cass from Paso Robles and Michael-David from Lodi.

Wine-Speak from Robert Renzoni

I really enjoy trading comments on wine with the new “millennial.” Say what, you say? That’s’ OK, I had no clue what this new wine force was until I found out it’s a crucial part of the marketing of Paso Robles wine country, and their college and night club events. It’s all the young adult generation who turned 21 in 2000, to the present time.

I was at a wine dinner recently at the Temecula Creek Inn and they were featuring nearby wines by Robert Renzoni, who himself is a young, good looking Italian guy who does wine-speak in an easy-going harmonious manner. He’s all about family. Robert is full of stories about father Fred’s involvement in Italian wines from back east and how they have built up a family tradition of wine since 1886.

Robert Renzoni, left, brought his wines to Temecula Creek Inn to pair up with the tasty Meditteranean small bites of Chef Sal Giuliano

A Pinot Grigio, Julia’s Vineyard, is named after his mother, and La Rosa 2008 Rose’ is named after his grandmother. As he likes to say “alla famiglia!” With this spirit in place, many young “millennials” who came that night listened intently to the wine stories and spoke up about their wine choices. A young, well-dressed lady beside me (who brought her young baby to the event) flashed a winning smile and loved the Robert Renzoni 2008 Sangiovese as a beautifully structured, balanced body of wine with a soft finish. The Temecula Creek Inn event planners scored big-time on this one. Check out future events at www.temeculacreekinn.com.

Wine Bytes

PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar is planning a Taste of Bordeaux Sat. April 2 from 2 to 5pm in the Wine Bar, served with chef’s selection of fine cheese and fruit. Five wines will range from an ’09 Blanc to an ’07 St. Emilion. A wine host will be at PAON to educate. $20. pp. Call 760-729-7377.

Falkner Winery in Temecula will have Free Live Jazz on Sundays, starting April 3 from Noon to 3pm. It will be held on the outside lawn area next to the Tasting Room. Saxman Jason Weber will blow.

Lovers of Italian wines will want to get on a plane and go to Verona for this years’ Vinitaly, one of the largest showcases for Italy, Thurs. April 7 to Mon. April 11. Banfi of Tuscany plays a leading role in the event.

Proper, a Gastro Pub next to PETCO Park downtown San Diego will have Anglim Winery of Paso Robles in a wine dinner on Mon. Apr. 4 for $49. ea. RSVP at 619-255-7520. Amglim is a small-lot Rhone style winery.

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula brings in the blessing of the Vines Celebration & BBQ Sun. Apr. 10 from 4 to 7pm. Guests take the processional tour through the vineyards for the blessing and chefs cook a BBQ’d meal of Bratwurst, chicken and burgers, with live entertainment and dancing. Call 951-587-9463 for pricing.

RELM Wine Bistro, downtown Carlsbad is hosting Pre-Dating Speed Dating with the next event Sun. Apr. 17 at 5pm and 7pm. Different age groups are matched up so call for details on pricing and demographs. 760-805-5398. Happpy hour is now extended from 3 to 7pm at RELM.

The latest issue of Dining Out San Diego, a free glossy magazine on restaurants and menus, is now on display at hotels, restaurants, wineries and galleries.