Too Much Wine Too Little Time

Napa Valley on St Patrick’s Day

admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:07:04 +0000

Only ten days left until we are on the plane to Napa Valley! All of our plans are completed and the tasting reservations made, all there is to do now is pack and wait. Judging by the comments on facebook and in Emails I would say our entire crew of eight is more than ready for this trip! Weather in the Valley appears to be improving so we hope for a good week. After a quick photo op at the Golden Gate Bridge for the first timers, it will be off to the valley with a first stop at an old favorite Regucci Winery on the Silverado Trail. Regucci has been our first stop in the valley for many trips and I am sure the new group will be impressed with their wine. Our first day in Napa just happens to be St Patrick’s Day and of course we will celebrate, with a reservation at the Silverado Brew Pub. Oh yes, this trip is going to be a good one! Stop back for some more updates.

2006 Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:55:51 +0000

Since 1895 Seghesio Family Vineyards of Sonoma County have been producing award winning wines of distinct quality. Founded by Edoardo Seghesio, the estate vineyards have been hand farmed by the family for four generations. Seghesio has made the Wine Spectator top 100 wines list 3 times for their Sonoma Zinfandel, as well as many reputable scores given for their other various Zinfandel’s they produce. The winery has also been given much kudos for their family tables tasting, a glimpse into the past when tasting wines were private in a relaxed atmosphere and paired with foods other than a wine cracker or piece of cheese. Seghesio’s family tables tasting includes sampling of limited release wines along with small plates made from old family recipes. This offers a nice change from the crowded tasting rooms of today, where you are lucky to find a spot at the tasting bar without being elbow to elbow with other patrons. The wine I have in my glass is the old vine Zinfandel which is produced from some of the oldest vines in the county. The grapes used to make this wine come from Alexander and Dry Creek Valley with the average age of the vines being 90 years old. The wine offers raspberry and tobacco on the nose, with the spicy tastes of classic Zinfandel. I am a huge fan of Zinfandel wines and this one is very nicely made with just the right balance and structure where none of the elements over power one another. While this wine could stand up to some really bold flavors and pair nicely with a variety of foods, it is very easily consumed on its own. Check out the entire line of Seghesio Family wines at seghesio.com and check your local stores to purchase a bottle tonight.

A Snow Day and Napa Valley

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:50:54 +0000

Here in my New Jersey home on an unexpected day off, I am watching the snow build up outside as we are hit with what will probably go down as the blizzard of 2010 for our area of the state. You see until now we have been very lucky with the past two major snow storms staying in the southern portion of our state, which is rather unusual. As I have lived in the area all my life I knew it was only a matter of time before at least one good winter snow storm hit us this season, and today is “the big one”. Aside from clearing the snow, a job I hate, I don’t mind a day off. It allows me a chance to catch up on many things, including the web site which is something I have been a ways behind on. I can also day dream and do a little planning for that upcoming Napa Valley trip. We have made it an annual pilgrimage starting with our first visit in 2005 for my 50^th birthday, a gift from my wife and I am returning the favor for her 40th as I have previously mentioned. This will be the first time we have ventured out so early in the year so I am a bit nervous. March weather in Napa can be a gamble with early spring rain a big possibility. We chose March over January hoping to catch a nice week as January almost certainly guarantees rain. The trip will also be different in that we will travel as a group of eight instead of the usual four of us (our Brother and Sister in law wine travel partners) that normally make the annual visit. Four very good friends that have never been to Napa are being added this time, and that makes this special trip even more exciting to be able to share some of the great places we have already been to, so I have been working hard on setting up an itinerary with some great stops. I know I was in awe of the Valley on my first visit and would expect they will feel the same. With 34 more days to go I sit here, watch the snow and think about another visit to my favorite place (which by the way is expected to see sun and temperatures in the low 60’s today). Please don’t let it snow on March 17^thso I can make it on the plane!

Finger Lakes Wine Festival

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:33:48 +0000

Celebrate the “Taste of the Lakes”, the event of the summer for 2010!

Sip and savor over 600 wines from 80 plus wineries. This three day event will be held July 17^th – 19^th rain or shine on the grounds of Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen New York.

The main festival will be held Saturday July 18^th and Sunday July 19^th with over 80 wineries pouring over 600 local wines. Enjoy cooking demonstrations and culinary classes while sampling culinary delights along with some great wines. Local artists will display their arts, crafts and jewelry. Regional bands will perform live on three stages. A Champagne Breakfast, Tasters Banquet, Brewers Garden, pace car rides will also be available and much more. The event will kick off Friday July 17^th from 6:30pm-9:30pm, with “Yancey’s Fancy Cheese Launch of the Lakes”. Join in a Toga Party along with award winning cheese, wine, live music and fireworks to cap off the night. The Main Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 5pm. For more information, specific event times and to purchase tickets visit the web site at: http://www.flwinefest.com Tickets for some events are limited so make reservations early!

Sonoma Artisan Cheese Festival

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:49:49 +0000

California’s Artisan Cheese Festival is a four day event to be held March 26^th – 29^th celebrating handcrafted cheeses, food, wines and beers from California and beyond. Educational seminars, Artisan Grand Gala Dinner, and festive Sunday market place will all be a part of this great event. Offering consumers a chance to enjoy and learn about fine artisan cheeses. Times will vary so for more information and reservations call 707-283-2890.

20th Annual Savor Valley

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:24:31 +0000

Join 21 Sonoma wineries March 20th and 21st 2010, sampling 2009 vintage wines straight from the barrel, taste their new releases and award winning wines paired with culinary creations prepared by local chefs. Come enjoy some of the best wine and food Sonoma has to offer. Tickets are $55 and $20 for the designated driver. Event will be held both days from 11:00am – 4:00pm. For more information and tickets call 866-794-9463

Sonoma 32nd Annual Barrel Tasting

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:32:56 +0000

Come taste local Sonoma wine along the wine road. Tastings at over 100 wineries for two big weekends, March 6^th- 7^th and 13^th- 14^th 2010. Taste wines from the barrel, talk with winemakers, purchase futures and explore the beautiful Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door. The event will be held from 11:00am to 5:00pm each day. You must be 21 years of age or older. Advance ticket sales end March 1st. For tickets and winery listings call 800-723-6336 or visit http://www.wineroad.com/annualevents/3

Celebrate Napa Valley’s Mustard Season

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:58:08 +0000

Visit downtown Napa along the river front to celebrate the Napa Valley Mustard Season. Taste regional foods, gourmet products and mustards from around the world. The event will take place at the Market Place on Saturday March 13^th and Sunday March 14^th from 11:00am to 5:00pm in downtown Napa at Riverfront, historic Napa Mill and other river walk locations. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. To purchase tickets call 707-944-1133 or visit the Mustard Festival web site at: http://store.mustardfestival.org/eventtickets.aspx

A New Year 2010

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:01:05 +0000

A new year as well as a new decade has arrived, 2010 is already 21 days old and I am looking forward to a far better year than last. There are signs the economy is on the way back, the stock market has improved, and I am back to working full time after a furlough in 2009. I was never one who was overly excited about the changing of years, after all it is just another day, but I do have a good feeling about this one. I am already filled with great excitement to an event planned for March. My wife turned 40 on January 12^th and part of her present was a trip to Napa Valley. I thought it fitting as she gave me the same gift when I turned 50 five years ago which began our love of Napa Valley and annual return trips ever since. Not wanting to brave the rainy season to be in the valley on her actual birthday we decided to wait until the middle of March when the weather begins to improve some. The trip includes our annual Napa Valley vacation partners that have been along for the ride since the 50^th birthday trip; our sister and brother–in–law, but another exciting twist to this trip is four friends along for my wife’s birthday trip that have never visited the valley. One friend has even said it is a trip that she has on her bucket list….how exciting is that to be a part of someone’s wish list of things they want to do in life! This will certainly be a wine country experience they never forget and that will have them looking forward to future visits as it has for me. I will say a big part of my desire to return is the Wine Country Inn. I have my favorite wineries and restaurants, but the Inn really goes the extra mile and I feel as though I can’t wait to return. Check back for details as the trip plans evolve…I can tell you dinner at the Martini House is already on the list!

Winter Games

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:50:36 +0000

Stuck in the house? Looking for something to do? I was just thinking recently about things to do in the winter months that are different, yet fun. A neat idea popped into my head relating to wine. I decided that when I watched the movie Sideways, I felt as though I had to drink Pinot Noir (definitely not Merlot) as that is the wine to drink in that movie. I recall the next time I decided to watch I made sure I cracked a nice Pinot before hitting play on the DVD player. At first I thought I could do that again as I haven’t watched Sideways in a while, but then I remembered that I also own the movie Bottle Shock. As you know Bottle Shock is the story of how California wines made their mark in the famous Paris tastings and one California Chardonnay took top place. That famous wine was the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay. At the time that the Chardonnay took first place in Paris, the wine maker for Chateau Montelena was Mike Grgich; currently owner of his own label for over 30 years; Grgich Hills Estate. The movie does reveal much about Mike Grgich or his identity, but you can easily research details about the Paris tasting and Mike Grgich. My idea is to purchase a bottle of the infamous Chateau Montelena Chardonnay as well as a bottle of Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay. My own little personal Paris tasting…the wine vs. the winemaker! Of course, it is not the infamous 1973 Chardonnay, but I think it will be fun to see how the wine that won evolved current day as well as how the winemaker has evolved. Pick up the DVD Bottle Shock as well as a bottle of each Chardonnay and have your own Paris tasting too! Stop back and see who I decided is my winner.