"Wine Girl" Hits the Book Signing Circuit

Janene Roberts, (aka Wine Girl in several blogs, including this one) recently took delivery on her new book "Guide to Wine Tasting in Southern California and Beyond". This is the third edition of the popular guide to wine and wineries, that Janene has put together for learned wine lovers, as well as neophytes.

Wine Girl is making at least one appearance a week at local restaurants. book stores, wine lounges, etc. to offer her (signed) book, chat with folks, and exchange notes about wine and venues that may be considered for her next issue. This edition includes around $100 worth of money saving offers and discounts, not to mention the time and frustration saved by avoiding wine and wine places that may not be good for your budget (or palate).

You can check Janene's website for upcoming appearances (www.PopCornPressMedia.com)or order a copy of her book for just $15.95.

Janene Roberts (right) with Dorian Linkogle, owner of Briar Rose Winery in Temecula Wine Country. Dorian recently co-sponsored a book signing party for Janene, at Decanter Wine Lounge in Rancho Santa Fe.


Janene Roberts, author of Guide to Wine Tasting in Southern California and wine Beyond, is signing new books and comparing wine and food notes with friends at various locations around southern California.

Wines to Taste Now

These premium wines have recently been released and are superior in taste and value. They all can be opened and enjoyed now:

Caliza Paso Robles 2006 Syrah. $45. A beautiful wine from the west side of Paso. Amazing texture and finish. Big fruity mouth-feel at 16.5% alcohol. Winner Best of Class and Sweepstakes Award best red at the recent San Francisco competition. www.calizawinery.com.

Chateau St. Michelle Washington 2005 Col Solare. $75. Acclaimed blend with the hand of one of Italy’s finest winemakers, Piero Antinori of Tuscany. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 4% Cab Franc, has distinct aromas and taste of black cherry, berry and dark chocolate. A masterpiece. www.ste-michelle.com.

Grgich Hills Napa Valley 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. $60. 21 months in French Oak with natural organic and biodynamic growing techniques. Superior balance of acid, fruit and tannins. www.grgich.com.

Justin Paso Robles 2006 Isosceles. $62. The ’05 made my top ten tastings and this release is even better! Isosceles is 86% Cabernet, 9% Cab Franc and 5% Merlot and is always best when aged beyond its release date. www.justinwine.com.

Thornton Temecula Valley 2006 Nebbiolo. $32. The venerable grape of the legendary Italian wines Barolo and Barbaresco but with a value price. Thornton’s Don Reha nails it with a ripeness and maturity matching the Italians. Best of class at the 2008 California State Fair. www.thorntonwine.com.

New Guide Makes It Easy to Enjoy Wine Country

When Bob and Cindy Rhodes (pictured) set out to write a guide book about Temecula wineries, they took a little different tack with The Grape Escapes 2 ($19.95). They actually visited the wineries, tasted the wine and talked with the owners and winemakers. “We are not connoisseurs, just a normal couple who enjoy wine,” explained Cindy.

After tasting 250 wines and going to nearly four dozen wineries, the husband and wife team have made it easy for visitors to figure out where to go. “There are so many wineries in Temecula now it’s no longer easy to go for just one or two days,” Cindy says. She points out that the 271-page book is not just about wine. There are sections in the book covering best picnic area, restaurants, delis and shopping. She’s even included a special chapter on “Going in Style,” after experiencing Keyways Vineyard & Winery’s renovated bathrooms. Cindy said Keyways has plenty of dark wood to appeal to the male tastes. But it also has lots of “little touches” that only a female could appreciate, including a lady’s room with hammered copper stalls and Brazilian onyx sink countertop that is lit from below. “Women are more interested in (a first class bathroom) than guys are,” she said.

The book can be found at Temecula area wineries (Keyways, Oak Mountain, Ponte and Orfila) Barron’s Marketplace on Rancho California Road , the Temecula Valley Visitors Center in Old Town Temecula and online at www.thegrapeescapes.com

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