by Frank Mangio
Small wineries and vineyards in San Diego County breathed a collective sigh of relief last week when the County Board of Supervisors eased their choke-hold on wineries in the county and allowed them to present their wines in tasting rooms, without the major use permit that went as high as $250,000. This should coalesce a severely fractured wine industry and boost the profits of an up-to-now struggling group of some 50 wineries in the county.
Chinook Vineyards, founded recently by Elaine Lyttleton and Norm Case on Highway 78 in Ramona, are planting fours acres of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel and currently can only allow “guests” on the property by invitation only. They have cultivated a club member list and “adopt-a-vine” sponsors to develop brand loyalty. “There are 17 bonded wineries in the Ramona Valley,” she declared.
“So far, there is only one tasting room. There are strict rules for these small wineries in terms of hours of operation, events, percentage of estate grown grapes that must go into the wine, but they are all conditions we can live with in order to sustain a viable wine business on Agriculturally zoned land, without bankrupting ourselves in the process,” she said.
There are nearly 3,000 wineries and vineyards in California, up from 1,500 in the year 2000. With the lifting of impossible restrictions, San Diego County could be the next growth area for wine.
It’s Grape Stomping Season
Orfila Winery, a well established vineyard and winery in Escondido kicks off the Grape Stomping season in California with one of the earliest and best organized “stomps” you will see.
The big event takes place on Saturday August 28 from 4pm to 8pm, with grape stomping in a huge 5 foot barrel, full dinner buffet, dancing to live Italian Festa music, hay rides, wine tasting and tours, for $85. per person.
The 70 acre winery has hosted this anticipated event since 1993, when legendary winemaker Leon Santoro created this replica of an Italian “Vino” celebration. Santoro has recently passed away. His successor, Justin Mund is carrying on his legacy. Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-868-9463 outside of San Diego County. If within San Diego County, call 877-727-9463. Online, access www.orfila.com.
Wine Bytes
Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe presents the first of a wine dinner series on Sun. Aug. 22, 5:30 to 8pm for $110. pp. Meet Sommelier Emmanuel Kemiji of Miura Vineyards and enjoy a 4 course dinner. Details at 858-759-6216.
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas hosts a Tolosa Wine and 5 course dinner Wed. Aug. 25 from 6:30-9pm. Taste Rose, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet. Price and menu at 760-635-1066.
A Taste of Italy awaits you on Tues. Aug. 24 at 6:30pm at Bistro West in Carlsbad. All Italian varietals are being poured with cuisine from several districts in Italy. $65. ea. RSVP at 760-664-5850.
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas has an Italian Wine Expo on Fri Aug. 27 from 6 to 8pm. $20. fee. Call for wines at 760-599-1200.
Opolo Wines, a premier vineyard from Paso Robles will be pouring at La Costa Wine Company Fri Aug. 27 from 6 to 8:30pm. Cost is $25. Guests will be asked to blend their own version with a special kit. Prize for best. Call 760-431-8455 for details.
Showing posts with label wine bar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wine bar. Show all posts
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Friday, December 18, 2009
Four Great Ideas for Holiday Cheer in San Diego
* San Diego Wine Company is featuring their favorite wines of the year in a tasting on Sat. Dec. 26 from 11 to 4:30pm. Tasting fee of $10. Details by calling 858-586-9463.
* 3rd Corner downtown Encinitas has a Prix Fixe Menu paired with 3 great wines Sun. Dec. 27 served from 5 to 10pm for $25. Entrée is Shrimp Scampi over Linguini. RSVP at 760-942-2104.
* Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp San Diego is holding a New Years’ Eve Early Bird event on Thurs. Dec. 30 from 3 to 6pm. Sample 7 premium wines. Cost is $40. Get more at 619-236-0005.
* The Grand Del Mar is celebrating New Years’ Eve at Amaya with a 4 course dinner from 5:30 to 10:30pm, plus wine pairings in an elegant setting. Cost is $175. pp. RSVP at 858-314-2727. In the larger Addison, it’s a 7 course experience from 6 to 11pm. Chef Bradley has his brilliant touch in every step of the way, with live entertainment in the Lobby Lounge. $300 ea. with wine pairings. RSVP at 858-314-1900.
* 3rd Corner downtown Encinitas has a Prix Fixe Menu paired with 3 great wines Sun. Dec. 27 served from 5 to 10pm for $25. Entrée is Shrimp Scampi over Linguini. RSVP at 760-942-2104.
* Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp San Diego is holding a New Years’ Eve Early Bird event on Thurs. Dec. 30 from 3 to 6pm. Sample 7 premium wines. Cost is $40. Get more at 619-236-0005.
* The Grand Del Mar is celebrating New Years’ Eve at Amaya with a 4 course dinner from 5:30 to 10:30pm, plus wine pairings in an elegant setting. Cost is $175. pp. RSVP at 858-314-2727. In the larger Addison, it’s a 7 course experience from 6 to 11pm. Chef Bradley has his brilliant touch in every step of the way, with live entertainment in the Lobby Lounge. $300 ea. with wine pairings. RSVP at 858-314-1900.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Long-Awaited ’04 Italian Brunellos Debut
by Frank Mangio
Rich, powerful, elegant and assertive are just a few of the descriptions of praise for the newly released 2004 Brunellos, considered to be the elite wines from Tuscany.
Brunellos are not frou frou frivolous wines. They are the quintessential symbol of the excellence of Italian winemaking. A clone of the Sangiovese grape, they are carefully cultivated in small batches, barreled for four years, then a year in bottle before being released for consumption. Some 25% of the Brunellos produced are sent to America where an eager market will pay a premium to taste this lush king of Italian style and culture. Prices range from $40. up to $150. a bottle.
Many of the smart winemakers in and around the birthing ground, Montalcino, did not produce a Brunello in 2002 and 2003 due to unacceptable weather conditions, so the ’04 has pent up demand, and it does not disappoint. Wineries like Gaja, Banfi, Casanovi di Neri, Altesino, Frescobaldi rave about this vintage. “The 2004 season was exceptional with excellent conditions, and compares favorably with the wonderful 2001 wines,” stated Giacomo Neri. “The growing season in 2003 was just too hot and lacked structure and backbone; and the 2002 was a washout with terrible rains especially at harvest. Most of this ’04 season was much easier on the grapes under sunny, warm skies and cooler temperatures.”
That’s Italy for you. Winemakers have to be flexible and possess a touch of genius to produce remarkable wines with Italy’s weather swings.
Another winemaker, Andrea Cortonesi of Ucceliera, was quoted in Wine Spectator as saying of the ‘04’s “these Brunellos are much richer and better for aging than the 2001’s. There will be great surprises.” What he is saying refers to the cellaring of the ‘04’s, up to 12 years, to maximize its wealth of flavors.
Half-way around the world, Peder and Julie Norby lead remarkable careers in North San Diego County. He is a marketing specialist guiding the future of retail districts in Encinitas. She is a school principal in Solana Beach. But if you ask them what they really enjoy out of life, they would tell you it is make Brunello wine on their residential property in Carlsbad. Some 60 neighbors and friends gathered recently at the Norby home, and after he oriented the group, all dug into grape picking, crushing, bottling and tasting.
“We grow mostly Brunello grapes,” said Norby. “The soil and climate are perfectly aligned to Tuscany and Montalcino. We are pleased with our 2nd year harvest and after we are through picking today, we will taste the results of our first harvest (which I also worked at). It should get better as the vines age to a sweet spot of 7 or more years.”
Taste of Wine columnist Frank Mangio picks Brunello Grapes at the Carlsbad home vineyard of Peder and Julie Norby.
Norby should be able to get close to 80 gallons of wine and 400 bottles from this years’ harvest. Like pieces to an intricate puzzle, he has invested in small-scale but effective equipment which precisely processes the grapes to bottle. “To get delicious tasting wine, you must be patient and know winemaking,” he said. “This is such a satisfying, productive thing to do with a piece of property. It sure beats filling a bag every week with grass clippings.” I’ll drink to that.
Wine Bytes
• Vinz Wine Bar downtown Escondido is new and presents outdoor live entertainment every Sat. through Oct. 31, from 6 to 8:30pm. Dinner reservations accepted by calling 760-743-8466.
• The Catamaran Resort Hotel on Mission Bay San Diego hosts a Wine Festival Sat. Sept. 26 from 1 to 4pm. It benefits Big Brothers and Sisters charity. 60 wineries are expected including Napa, Sonoma, Washington, and Oregon. Food Pairings include gourmet cheeses. Entrance fee is $55. in advance,$60. at the door. Full details at www.missionbaywinefestival.com. Or call 858-488-1081.
• Thurs. Oct. 1 is a great time to be in Carmel as their annual wine event happens from 6 to 10pm. 30 restaurants and 20 wineries participate at the Carmel Mission. Call 831-624-2522 for more.
• Vino 100 in San Marcos goes Around the World for their wine tasting on Fri. Oct. 2 from 5 to 9pm. $15. pp gets you the opportunity to compare a world of wine. Call 760-591-9113.
• Four North County wineries have partnered for a Fall Barrel Tasting with the winemakers in attendance, Sat. Oct. 3 from 10 to 5pm at each of the wineries: Belle Marie, Bernardo, Cordiano and Deer Park. Passports are being pre-sold for $35. at each of the wineries and are good for all wineries that day. Contact Jeff at Belle Marie for details: 760-796-7557.
• Belle Marie in Escondido also has its next Winemaker’s Dinner on Sat. Oct. 10. Special French menu is planned, paired with the winery’s French style wines. For more, again contact Jeff at 760-796-7557.
Rich, powerful, elegant and assertive are just a few of the descriptions of praise for the newly released 2004 Brunellos, considered to be the elite wines from Tuscany.
Brunellos are not frou frou frivolous wines. They are the quintessential symbol of the excellence of Italian winemaking. A clone of the Sangiovese grape, they are carefully cultivated in small batches, barreled for four years, then a year in bottle before being released for consumption. Some 25% of the Brunellos produced are sent to America where an eager market will pay a premium to taste this lush king of Italian style and culture. Prices range from $40. up to $150. a bottle.
Many of the smart winemakers in and around the birthing ground, Montalcino, did not produce a Brunello in 2002 and 2003 due to unacceptable weather conditions, so the ’04 has pent up demand, and it does not disappoint. Wineries like Gaja, Banfi, Casanovi di Neri, Altesino, Frescobaldi rave about this vintage. “The 2004 season was exceptional with excellent conditions, and compares favorably with the wonderful 2001 wines,” stated Giacomo Neri. “The growing season in 2003 was just too hot and lacked structure and backbone; and the 2002 was a washout with terrible rains especially at harvest. Most of this ’04 season was much easier on the grapes under sunny, warm skies and cooler temperatures.”
That’s Italy for you. Winemakers have to be flexible and possess a touch of genius to produce remarkable wines with Italy’s weather swings.
Another winemaker, Andrea Cortonesi of Ucceliera, was quoted in Wine Spectator as saying of the ‘04’s “these Brunellos are much richer and better for aging than the 2001’s. There will be great surprises.” What he is saying refers to the cellaring of the ‘04’s, up to 12 years, to maximize its wealth of flavors.
Half-way around the world, Peder and Julie Norby lead remarkable careers in North San Diego County. He is a marketing specialist guiding the future of retail districts in Encinitas. She is a school principal in Solana Beach. But if you ask them what they really enjoy out of life, they would tell you it is make Brunello wine on their residential property in Carlsbad. Some 60 neighbors and friends gathered recently at the Norby home, and after he oriented the group, all dug into grape picking, crushing, bottling and tasting.
“We grow mostly Brunello grapes,” said Norby. “The soil and climate are perfectly aligned to Tuscany and Montalcino. We are pleased with our 2nd year harvest and after we are through picking today, we will taste the results of our first harvest (which I also worked at). It should get better as the vines age to a sweet spot of 7 or more years.”
Taste of Wine columnist Frank Mangio picks Brunello Grapes at the Carlsbad home vineyard of Peder and Julie Norby.
Norby should be able to get close to 80 gallons of wine and 400 bottles from this years’ harvest. Like pieces to an intricate puzzle, he has invested in small-scale but effective equipment which precisely processes the grapes to bottle. “To get delicious tasting wine, you must be patient and know winemaking,” he said. “This is such a satisfying, productive thing to do with a piece of property. It sure beats filling a bag every week with grass clippings.” I’ll drink to that.
Wine Bytes
• Vinz Wine Bar downtown Escondido is new and presents outdoor live entertainment every Sat. through Oct. 31, from 6 to 8:30pm. Dinner reservations accepted by calling 760-743-8466.
• The Catamaran Resort Hotel on Mission Bay San Diego hosts a Wine Festival Sat. Sept. 26 from 1 to 4pm. It benefits Big Brothers and Sisters charity. 60 wineries are expected including Napa, Sonoma, Washington, and Oregon. Food Pairings include gourmet cheeses. Entrance fee is $55. in advance,$60. at the door. Full details at www.missionbaywinefestival.com. Or call 858-488-1081.
• Thurs. Oct. 1 is a great time to be in Carmel as their annual wine event happens from 6 to 10pm. 30 restaurants and 20 wineries participate at the Carmel Mission. Call 831-624-2522 for more.
• Vino 100 in San Marcos goes Around the World for their wine tasting on Fri. Oct. 2 from 5 to 9pm. $15. pp gets you the opportunity to compare a world of wine. Call 760-591-9113.
• Four North County wineries have partnered for a Fall Barrel Tasting with the winemakers in attendance, Sat. Oct. 3 from 10 to 5pm at each of the wineries: Belle Marie, Bernardo, Cordiano and Deer Park. Passports are being pre-sold for $35. at each of the wineries and are good for all wineries that day. Contact Jeff at Belle Marie for details: 760-796-7557.
• Belle Marie in Escondido also has its next Winemaker’s Dinner on Sat. Oct. 10. Special French menu is planned, paired with the winery’s French style wines. For more, again contact Jeff at 760-796-7557.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
New Wines Previewed in the Regal Portfolio
The Clos LaChance Rose is shown at a recent San Diego Restaurant Week promotion. The winery was showcased by Regal Wine’s recent Distributor Trade Show.by Frank Mangio
High over the San Diego skyline and with a heavenly view of the Padres PETCO Park , Regal Wines, a leading distributor of some of California ’s most popular wines, uncorked their latest offerings atop the Marriott.
I’ve always admired Regal and their “book” of fine fruit- forward wines. They blanket the San Diego wine shops, restaurants and hotels with a straight-forward factual presentation of wines like: Byron, Cambria , Clos LaChance, Kendall-Jackson, La Crema, Tablas Creek and a cluster of imports that are at the head of the class.
A review of the most impressive new wines points to a lovely line of Clos LaChance entries. This is a premium estate-based winery from 150 acres n San Martin, in the Santa Cruz Foothills. Standouts were: the ’06 Pinot Noir and the ’06 Zinfandel. Their Hummingbird ’05 Zin was one of my top ten choices for 2008 as a rare version that exhibited European ancestory flavors. Check it out at www.clos.com.
Another Regal showstopper was Byron and their Santa Maria vineyard favorite: the ’06 Pinot Noir from their Bien Nacido Vineyard. A unique micro-climate along with natural farming methods for some 30 years, has produced a benchmark Pinot. It’s smooth as silk with a back palate aftertaste that causes a pause that burns in the full flavor of this wine.
Finally I would recommend the Kendall Jackson Highland Estates Wines from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma , namely the ’05 Cabernet Hawkeye Mountain Vineyard. This is a pure expression of terroir with distinct character; as climate, grape variety, soil and location combine for a rare excellence. Its $55. suggested price makes it a special occasion wine, like right now!
Wine Bytes
From now through June 19, Palm Desert and other desert resort areas are offering Restaurant Week with fine dining low priced three course prix fixe menus as low as $24. Each dining location created its own menu. Check out participating hotels and restaurants at www.palmspringsrestaurantweek.com.
June is an active month for Carlsbad Wine Merchants in the Island Center . Fri. the 18th at 5pm , Halter Ranch of Paso Robles is pouring, with the rockin’ sounds of Audio League. Live music every Thurs. through Sat. Call 760-804-9994 for more.
Tasting on the Terrace happens at the Westgate Hotel downtown San Diego Sat. June 13 from 5 to 7pm for $30. each. Education and tasting of Sonoma wines will liven up the event. Call 619-583-9463.
Bistro 39 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Del Mar shines with a winemaker’s dinner on Sat. June 13 from 6:30 to 10pm for $39.39 ea. Five courses will include wines like Dolcetto d’Alba, Batasiola Barbera and Barolo, all from Italy.
RSVP at 858-720-9500.
Wine Loft in Carlsbad is planning at Costa de Oro Tasting with winemaker Gary Burk, on Wed. June 17 at 6pm . Sample 4 or his wines. $15. pp. Call for details at 760-944-1412.
The Four Seasons Aviara Carlsbad presents 6 Chalk Hills Estate Wines paired with a specially prepared dinner. Date is Thurs. June 18 with a 6:30pm start. Cost is $95. each guest. Call 760-603-3790.
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas is busy this month with a South African Wine Tasting set for Wed. June 17 and the great Cakebread wines coming Tues. June 23 in a fine dine and wine format. Make your reservation for the Cakebread event at 760-635-1066.
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