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.

Wineries are on the Road Again

by Frank Mangio
Call it a sign of the times or more wineries than ever taking to the road to show and offer their wines, but the invitations are pouring in to attend well-orchestrated events spotlighting wine countries in California and elsewhere.

A few favorites came to Southern California in the last couple of weeks: Family Winemakers of California and the Napa Valley Vintners, showcased in San Diego, and the Howell Mountain Wine Tasting in Los Angeles.

Family Winemakers represents hundreds of small production wineries in California who pride themselves in seeking the highest quality out of their grapes. The association, led by Veronica Barclay, leads the group in keeping a level playing field for its members. “We recently were able to help defeat the proposed per-drink taxation that no doubt would have meant a price increase for most California wines,” she said.
Michael Riboli of Riboli Family Estates, pours his new releases at the Family Wine Event in Del Mar.

Some wines that I favored included: Riboli Family 2007 Petite Sirah, ZD and its 2007 Pinot Noir Carneros, O’Shaughnessy Estate’s 2006 Cabernet Blend, Tercero’s 2007 Granache and Tablas Creek with its 2007 Granache Paso Robles.

The day after Family Winemakers, we joined the Howell Mountain Wine Tasting at the largest car museum in the world, the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. This appellation is at the northern heights of Napa Valley. All wineries are at 1,400 feet or higher. Cooler spring temperatures and hotter summers produce fruit that has a greater balance between sugar and acidity, achieving complex flavors. Some names to know include: Outpost with its 2007 Howell Mountain Zinfandel, Cakebread Cellars 2006 Dancing Bear Ranch Cabernet and Highlands 2005 Howell Mountain Cabernet.

Barry Waitte of Tamber Bey, left, shows Taste Of Wine Columnist Frank Mangio his latest Napa Valley 2007 Cabernet.

Just a few days ago, the Napa Valley Vintners came in to San Diego with over 125 wineries. The young and legendary were side by side declaring themselves still the champs with their world-beating Cabernets and other quality contenders.

Standouts included: Tamber Bey and its 2007 Yountville Cabernet, Whitehall Lane had a beautiful 2006 Merlot in a stylish new glass top, Darioush also had a 2006 Merlot that stood out ( could it be that Merlot is getting back its mojo?) and Staglin with its 2006 Rutherford Cabernet was drawing a big crowd.

Certainly I rank the Napa Valley and its 400 or so wineries, producing 4% of the wines in California but 34% of sales, still the most renowned in the golden state.

Wine Bytes
San Diego State University has a Dynamic Wine and Food pairing class Saturday Apr. 10, 9-4:30pm at the Wine and Culinary Center on Harbor Drive, San Diego. It’s part of their certification program. For up to date information call 619-594-6924.

Belle Marie Winery in Escondido is hosting a Healthy Wine and Food seminar Sat. Apr. 10, 2 – 4pm. It includes wines samples and recipes to take home. Cost is $25. Details and RSVP at 760-796-7557.

Café Merlot at the Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo is celebrating a Grand Re-Opening Tues. Apr. 13 from 11-4pm. Free tastes of the current menu plus new samples with free Champagne and other beverages. Prizes, giveaways and raffles for free classes and wine dinners top the day. RSVP at 858-592-7785.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido has an Ecluse Wine Tasting Thurs. Apr. 15 from 5:30 – 7:30pm. It’s from the west side of Paso Robles featuring Rhone varietals. $10. in advance. $15. at the door. RSVP at 760-745-1200.

Rhythm and Vine, San Diego’s music, wine and food festival to benefit Boys and Girls Clubs is set for Sat. Apr. 17 at 6pm at Escondido’s Westfield North County Mall. $75. in advance, $100. at the door. Special VIP pricing. www.rhythmandvine.org.

Meet the Chefs of Del Mar is Sun. Apr. 18 from 1 - 4pm at the Hilton Del Mar. 15 different restaurants and their celebrity chefs participate to benefit Casa de Amparo. Fine wines and champagne included in the $125. ticket. VIP treatment for $185. Check it out at 760-754-5500 or visit www.casadeamparo.org.

Goldschmidt Premiers Wines at Bentley’s

by Frank Mangio
I love a quality steakhouse. Once through the front door, the décor, the courteous service, the white table cloths on the rich walnut tables, the worldly red wines and steaks on the menu all promise a memorable dining experience.

Bentley’s Steak and Chop House in Encinitas adds one more savory essential for the success story that it is: unbeatable VALUE!
I first learned of this dining oasis when I attended a premium winemaker event to present Nick Goldschmidt and his Goldschmidt, Boulder Bank and Forefathers line of fine wines. Goldschmidt is a globe-trotting, non-stop wine impresario. He led wine production and marketing for world class producers in 8 countries over 20 years including New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Chile and now in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma in California. He has a PHD in Horticulture and sources his own grapes.

Nick Goldschmidt,left, world-class winemaker and wine new product developer shares a table at Bentley’s in Encinitas with Charlie Plummer of Hess Collection Wines.

Under his name brand, Goldschmidt offers a wide range of labels and varietals including: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz and several blend offerings. All wines are single vineyard, single appellation and single vintage. What stood out for me was his 2006 Vborny Vineyard Alexander Valley Cabernet. The vineyard sits on a knoll just East of Geyserville. This provides excellent exposure for the grapes and allows a long hang time. The cab possesses rich, concentrated flavors, a signature for the skills of Nick Goldschmidt and his most important accomplishment.

Bentley’s has been offering this kind of quality both in their wines and menu items. It’s a product of some 40 years of experience that the owners have in the steak restaurant business. Dave Reese, the General Manager since the day Bentley’s opened in June of 2008, grew up on a 2,000 acre cattle ranch and gets to the heart of Bentleys when he says “we all share the same vision that everything must be of the highest value. We hand cut our USDA prime center cut Filet Mignon. Our presentations must be a perfect fit for the diner and over-deliver on quality. When I select wines for the menu, I refuse to know the price. If I feel it’s a worthy wine then it must come under our price estimates, so we can pass it on to the customer.”
Passing value on to the customer has kept Bentley’s increasing its popularity, even as the restaurant business is hanging on nationwide decreasing numbers and even tougher spending numbers in restaurants and bars, down over 3% last year.

At Bentley’s you can enjoy a “Super Sunday” full dinner of your choice of center cut Filet Mignon, Salmon or Prime Rib including hot bread and a side dish for $15. “Surf and Turf” Mondays are equally generous with a choice of Whiskey Peppercorn Flatiron Steak, Filet Mignon or Prime Top Sirloin for $15. Add $10. more for a “Surf” choice of Lobster, Shrimp Scampi or King Crab Legs. Reservations are suggested for this super popular value combination by calling 760-632-9333.

This same team that owns Bentley’s has operated Carver’s Steak and Chops in Rancho Bernardo. Check for almost-daily wine specials in the bar and dining room, like ½ price wines and free corkage for your bottle. When I last checked, Bentley’s was running a premium bottle of wine with dinner for just $15.

Bentley’s is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday and dinner Monday through Sunday at 5pm. Cocktail hour is Monday through Friday 2 to 6:30pm. For the full menu and wine list go to www.bentleyssteak.com. For more on Nick Goldschmidt, access www.goldschmidtvineyards.com.


Wine Bytes

The Crossings Golf Course Country Club in Carlsbad is hosting a Monte Carlo Night Fri. March 6 from 6:30 to 9:30pm to benefit Friends of Aviara Schools. Enjoy wine and other libation tastings, appetizers, Vegas style gaming, and raffle drawings. Cost is $85. pp. RSVP at 760-602-9727.

Become a Certified Specialist of Wine with classes by Charrie Foglio, Wine Instructor for the San Diego Culinary Institute. First classes start Mon. March 8, 6:30 to 9:30pm at San Diego Wine Storage. For details contact 619-244-4224 or email sommelierguild@cs.com.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido, Wed. March 10, 5:30 to 7:30pm, welcomes Rupert Symington of Symington Family Estates with great Portuguese wines including ports. Cost is $20. in advance. Call 760-745-1200.

La Costa Wine Company offers “The Truth About Wine & Cheese,” Sat. March 13 from 3 to 5pm. Learn about textures, aroma and flavors. Four artisan cheeses and 5 wines will be tasted. Public cost is $40. WC members $36. Couples $68. Call 760-431-8455.

The 2nd Annual Rhythm & Vine, a Music Food and Wine Festival in Escondido’s North County Fair Mall off I-15, will be held Sat. April 17 starting at 6pm, to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Diego County. Over 60 award-winning wineries and 35 top chefs from gourmet restaurants will be on hand, including 3 live concerts, all for the general admission price of $75. in advance, $100. at the door. A VIP package is available for $125. in advance, $150. at the door. Silent auction. Applications are still being accepted for wineries, breweries, spirits and restaurants. Space is free with a donation to the event’s silent auction. Ticket information at 858-578-9463, or go to www.rhythmandvine.org.