Tag wine

Day 6 Journey’s End

wpawinepirate 4 Comments

     It is Day 6 and our trip is nearing it’s conclusion but not before we take part in a wine blending lesson at the Franciscan Winery followed by lunch at the Culinary Institute of America.  During the drive on Highway 12 I noticed rose bushes at the end of the rows in many of the vineyards and I was told the reason is they are effected by the Phylloxera louse before the vines get infested thus providing an early warning alert to the presence of this dreaded pest, in essence they are the “Canary in the coal mine” for wine country.  We arrived at the Franciscan Winery and were immediately taken with the beauty of the winery and an it’s neatly manicured grounds.  Inside the main building we divide into four teams and begin to blend our wine under the watchful eye of Fred, our instructor.  Our 45 minute assignment is to blend a wine, set a price that we think the wine would sell for, design and make a label, bottle, cork and label our wine then make presentation to the group stating why our wine should be judged the winner.  After sampling each blend and laughing a lot, we realized we were all winners that day.   Our next destination is St. Helena and the Culinary Institute of America for lunch and a brief history lesson of this magnificent building that had served as the Christian Brothers Winery for so many years until an earthquake left it unstable, only to be saved from demolition by the C.I.A. for future generations.  Everyone was seated for lunch around a very large table in a cavernous room on the 2nd floor directly across from the bustling teaching kitchens of the Academy.  During our meal an Executive Chef from the school conducted a presentation on the preparation of a Galette, which by no coincidence just happened to be our dessert .  Upon returning to the hotel we pack our bags for the trip home tomorrow, then we got ready for our last night together with our friends at the “Wine Maker’s Dinner”.  At dinner that evening we would laugh, eat and drink as we enjoyed a superb meal of Beef Short Ribs prepared by Chef Andrew Wilson of the Carneros Bistro and wine pairings by Highway 12 Winery.  The one consistent message I got throughout Sonoma and Napa Valley was that  California winemakers are expecting the 2012 vintage to be exceptional and that it will be a year that we will remember.  The evening winds to a close and we all say our goodnights knowing that tomorrow we will be saying our goodbyes.         

Rose Bushes In The Vineyards

Rose Bushes In The Vineyards

Fountain At The Franciscan Winery

Fountain At The Franciscan Winery

The Bottles Of Wine We Blended At The Franciscan Winery

The Bottles Of Wine We Blended At The Franciscan Winery

Related articles

Day 5 The Napa Valley Wine Train

wpawinepirate 6 Comments
Dining Car Photo Courtesy : The Napa Valley Wine Train

Dining Car Photo Courtesy : The Napa Valley Wine Train

     Today we will be boarding  The Napa Valley Wine Train for a 3 hour trip that will depart for Napa carrying us on a journey through Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford and St Helena while passing by some of the world’s most famous wineries along the way.  Before we leave the hotel we gather in the lobby for our group photo that will serve as a lasting memory of our time together.  The Napa Valley Wine Train is made up of meticulously refurbished Pullman cars from 1915-1917 and a vintage diesel locomotive that travel on tracks originally constructed in 1864.  We board the train and are seated in the lounge car where we are led through a tasting of two white wines and two red wines by the trains wine steward  A small plate of cheese, fruits, vegetables, and a huge prawn is served for pairing with this flight of wines.  After the tasting we sit back and relax as vineyard after vineyard pass our window until we are called to the dining car for lunch.  The walk through the turn of the century railroad cars traveling over mid-1800’s track proved to be very interesting and amusing to say the least.  The meals are freshly prepared onboard in the kitchen car adjacent to the dining area.  Everything is prepared using environmentally responsible ingredients; humanly raised, hormone-free meats and fresh line-caught fish, which is no surprise considering the commitment to excellence that  Executive Chef Kelly Mac Donald and his staff strive to achieve everyday.  Our meal and service were of the highest quality from start to finish with no aspect of our dining pleasure overlooked.  With the rest of the day left free we chose to explore Sonoma Square with it’s small shops and local charm.  After seeing all that Downtown Sonoma has to offer we walk the 1 mile back to the hotel taking in the wine country’s unique sights and sounds every step of the way.

 

Wine Tasting on The Napa Valley Wine Train

Wine Tasting on The Napa Valley Wine Train

City Hall Sonoma California

City Hall Sonoma California

 

Related articles

Day4 Moving Day

wpawinepirate 2 Comments
Golden Gate Brigde on a sunny day.

Golden Gate Brigde on a sunny day.

Today we will be moving to the Lodge of Sonoma in Sonoma and if I had any doubt we were leaving San Francisco today our departure was confirmed when we passed the bellman in the hall with our luggage as we returned from breakfast.  As I sat looking out the coach window we drove down familiar streets passing by many of the sights Julie had pointed out just days before.  The trip out of the city is punctuated with the crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge under a sunny blue sky, a much different view of it than the one I had from below in the fog.  The landscape quickly begins to change from a modern urban plan to one of sprawling suburban streets and then finally to the rural agricultural setting of Napa Valley and Sonoma County that we are seeking.  Land prices here have skyrocketed over the years to the point that today prime vineyard land is going for about $250,000 an acre leaving little room to grow any crop other than grapes because doing so would be economically infeasible.            

Before checking into the hotel we will be visiting the Benziger Family Winery where we will learn how they practice Bio-Dynamics in the production of their wines.  Nathaniel, a 30 year employee explains how Bio-Dynamic agriculture takes the idea of co-existing with the land to a higher level.  They use beneficial insects, bats and owls to control pests while bottling and racking with the correct phase of the moon just to name a few of their environmentally compatible techniques.  Existing in harmony with the land is paramount in this farming discipline and it is best expressed in the belief that wines produced using this method are not necessary better wines but wines that more accurately reflects the true character of the property.  This can be tasted in the Benziger wines as the complex flavors imparted by the deep root penetration of the vines into the different soil layers or the different tastes due to the amount of sunlight exposure the vines recieve. With less sunlight the fruit will develop with more of a herbaceous flavor but if the light is increased a palate of red fruit and cherries will be prominent.  After a wine tasting we gather in the wine cave for a gourmet lunch which used vegetables grown on property. 

     Our next stop was for a wine tasting at Sebastiani Winery, the most recognizable winery in Sonoma that pioneered the modern wine industry in the area.  After the tasting we are walked through their production facilities allowing us to get a close look at the presses and the fermentation tanks.  That evening we met the hotel’s sommelier Chris Sawyer at his wine education class.  Chris was very knowledgable and entertaining as he took us through a tasting of four examples of Merlot produced locally.  Later we enjoyed dinner at the Caneros Bistro with our new friends Kevin and Lucy:-).  The emphasis in California cooking is on fresh whole foods that are organically grown.  This was certainly the case for the Carneros Bistro whose gardens were just outside the restaurants windows.        

Related articles

San Francisco, Sonoma & Napa Valley

wpawinepirate 4 Comments

     When my wife and I were contemplating a vacation destination earlier this year we examined all the usual suspects and each was met with an overwhelming lack of enthusiasm.  As we pondered the question my wife suggested a totally different type of vacation than we normally take and immediately we were intrigued by the idea of trying something new.  That is how our Tauck tour of San Francisco, Sonoma and the Napa Valley came to be and how sometimes when fate deals you a hand it turns out to be all aces!  I am not going to do what your crazy Uncle Fred did when he used his Kodak Carousel slide projector to show two hours of photos documenting his trip through the Mid-West culminating with the money shot of Aunt Mable posing with the “World’s Biggest Ball of String” in De Kalb, Iowa.  No, there will be none of that because we were lucky enough to have Julie, one of Tauck’s very best directors, who made our time together more like traveling with a good friend that knew the area very well and wanted to make sure that you were enjoying yourself while getting to experience everything the area had to offer.  Our driver Mark handled the coach with a calm ease that came from his understated confidence in his superb driving skills which provided a relaxing environment for his guests.  The one other unknown in the equation is who will be your traveling companions and on this trip we were blessed to be accompanied by twenty of the most warm and friendly people we could have imagined and for this we are extremely grateful.

In the following posts I will try to share some of the highlights of our trip but it will be impossible to relate the true experience of the journey because as they say ” You would’ve

The Garden Court Restaurant, The Palace Hotel San Francisco, CA

The Garden Court Restaurant, The Palace Hotel San Francisco, CA

 had to been there”.  I hope that this series of posts will prove to my friend and fellow blogger Jeff a.k.a. “the drunken cyclist” that wine bloggers are capable of addressing the broad subject of wine and life:-). 

     We arrived at San Francisco International Airport and were greeted by our limo driver (Yes I did say limo) who took us to the Palace Hotel on New Montgomery St. in the heart of the Union Square District.  A Welcome Reception and Dinner was held that evening where we all enjoyed plenty of wine and a good meal while getting acquainted with our newest friends.   To be continued!!!!

Sweet Wine Sojourn

wpawinepirate Leave a comment
Photo Courtesy: Stone Villa Wine Cellars

Photo Courtesy: Stone Villa Wine Cellars

     Stone Villa Wine Cellars will be holding their Spring Open House Weekend on Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th lakeside on the rustic grounds that surround the winery at 1085 Claypike Road in Acme, PA.  The event will feature hor d’oeuvres, door prizes, music, wine tastings, and special discounts for guests.  This will be the kick-off to this summers calendar of entertainment beginning on Saturday with “Back in Time” from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. followed on Sunday by “Back Streets Unplugged” from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you would like more information please visit www.StoneVilla.com or call 724-423-5604.

3 Pennsylvania Wine Festivals

wpawinepirate 7 Comments

     May 8th thru May 10th will be the dates for three separate wine festivals presented by Fine Wine & Good Spirits, which is the retail arm of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (P.L.C.B.) who control and regulate all alcohol sales in Pennsylvania. 

Wine Festival in Hershey will be held Wednesday May 8th on the Concourse at the Giant Center in Hershey Pa.  V.I.P. Tasting is 5:00-6:30 P.M. with tickets $95 per person and Grand Tasting 6:30-8:30 P.M. with tickets $45 per person.  Parking for the event will be free and festivities benefit Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.  For more information, including a list of vintners go to http://www.winefestivalinhershey.com

Pittsburgh Wine Festival will be held Thursday May 9th at Heinz Field East & West Club Lounges with V.I.P. Tasting 5:00-7:00 P.M. and Grand Tasting 7:00-9:00 P.M..  Ticket prices for the V.I.P. Tasting are $250 per person and $125 per person for the Grand Tasting with the V.I.P. guests welcome to stay and enjoy the entire evening.  This is the eleventh year for this event and will feature 165 vendors showcasing 500 different wines while benefiting innovation and discovery at U.P.M.C..  Pittsburgh Wine Festival is running a special limited time price offer of two Grand Tasting tickets for the price of one and can be accessed at http://www.pittsburghwinefestival.com.

The New Philadelphia Wine & Food Festival is Friday May 10th at Lincoln Financial Field SCA Club from 5:30-9:30P.M..  This year’s expanded program combines food, 600 different wines, access to wine makers and chefs coupled with demonstrations, educational sessions and intimate tastings.  A silent auction will be held throughout the evening with the proceeds benefiting the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.  V.I.P. Tasting with early entry 5:30-9:30 P.M. is $250 and Grand Tasting with general admission 7:00-9:30P.M. $125 per person.  To purchase tickets and get more information go to www.phillymag.com/wineandfoodfest/index.hmtl

A to Z Rose

wpawinepirate 2 Comments
Photo Courtesy: A to Z WineWorks

Photo Courtesy: A to Z WineWorks

     With summer fast approaching I have decided to revisit a recommendation I made last year for my favorite summertime wine Rosé.  This wine is a perfect fit for an idyllic afternoon spent sitting on a blanket spread out on a lush green lawn under a shade tree with a picnic basket full of artisan cheeses, fresh fruit and a loaf of hard-crusted bread.  I like this Rosé because it is full of flavor and made to please with a slightly complex mid-palate that remains bright and juicy while filled with a virtual produce stand of red fruit flavors.  A to Z Rosé first catches your eye with its beautiful magenta color then tickles your nose with the aromas of strawberries, red currants, raspberries, peach and watermelon while finally winding it all up with a crisp clean finish.  There is no wine as closely associated with summer as Rosé, so when you pull out the shorts and sandals add in a bottle of Oregon-made A to Z Wineworks Rosé, you won’t be sorry you did! 

Related articles

Wine Down Wednesday

wpawinepirate Leave a comment

 

English: this is a new version of the bossa no...

English: this is a new version of the bossa nova pattern, written in 2/4 which is typical of Brazilian charts (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

     First Commonwealth will be hosting Wine Down Wednesday this Wednesday, April 24th from 6-8 P.M. at Bossa Nova 123 Seventh St in Downtown Pittsburgh.  The event benefits the American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women”.  The evening will feature a buffet of appetizers, light dinner fare, wine & spirits and dessert.  Activities will include a silent auction for gift baskets and packages with themes as well as salsa dancing.  Tickets are $45 each and $80 per couple and can be purchased at www.blacktie-pittsburgh.com/tickets/index.cfm

Related articles

Bodegas Arrayan Premium Red Blend 2005

wpawinepirate 2 Comments

16052010      This proprietary red blend provides a complexity that can’t be matched by comparable mono-varietals because it has a powerful blend of 55% Syrah, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot coupled with 14 months of aging in new French oak behind it.  After starting with an aroma of sweet fruit, it is no surprise that the palate is one of lush black fruit which remains very persistent on your tongue and is then matched by the even longer finish.  This cuvee would be an excellent addition to a steak dinner or a nice complement to an evening spent entertaining around your homes outdoor space while you maximize the culinary potential of your grill.  Wine Advocate gave this wine a 93 point rating and it can be found in select P.L.C.B. stores at a discounted price of $24.99 with the product code 032370.  P.L.C.B. lists the quoted price at $45.00 but I managed to find it listed on Amazon wine for $39.99 making the $24.99 price a very good deal for a wine of this caliper.  The Arrayán family of wines are produced by La Casa de Las Cuatro Rayas in the Méntrida region of Spain.

Related articles

Goulart Winery

wpawinepirate Leave a comment

     The Goulart Winery is a partnership between Mauricio Parodi and Erika Goulart.  Mauricio Parodi is one of the most knowledgeable and accomplished agronomist in Mendoza and Erika Goulart, whose grandfather lead the overthrow of the Brazilian government in the 1932 Constitutional Revolution.  Erika is a successful entrepreneur who with the help of Mauricio resurrected her grandfathers Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in Mendoza that were originally planted in 1915.  It took six years to rehabilitate the vineyards back to the point of perfect balance that is necessary to produce high quality wine and after the enlightened hiring of Luis Barrund all the pieces were in place for a world-class winery.  Goulart wines have been hard to find, especially in Pennsylvania, below I have posted the New Vintage releases for the United States so you can focus your search for the wines of this exceptional producer.  You can visit www.fincalugildegoulart.com.ar or click the link to the left to visit Erika’s Facebook page for more information that also includes the releases for Europe, Asia and South America.  

Related articles