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9th Annual Art, Wine & Wheels Festival

May 16, 2013 – 6:50 am

The 9th Annual Art, Wine & Wheels Festival is scheduled for June 8. Sponsored by the Mariposa Rotary Club the festival takes place at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, California. This is about three hours from San Francisco. This annual festival supports wineries, local artists and car buffs.

Wine lovers, art lovers and nostalgic car enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy refreshments and live music by Tim Hager & Friends. A blind tasting is also included.

No admission is charged; however, to taste wines visitors can purchase a Sierra Tel commemorative wine glass with six tasting tickets for $10.

Wineries participating in the event include:

  • Butterfly Creek Winery
  • Silver Fox Winery
  • Ciera Wines
  • Casto Oaks Wine

Art Lovers

A special art show, “Small Wonders” is a collection of original pieces donated by artists. The show helps support the Rotary Club’s Community Gifting program. People can buy raffle tickets for the art.  Details are available online. Art images can be submitted until May 24.

Enthusiasts of Restored Cars

Enjoy the display of restored cars from other generations. If you have an old car you would like to display contact the Rotary Club at rbrower@sti.net. The first 20 to register their car will receive a free sandwich at festival.

Enjoy a day in Mariposa while tasting wines, viewing local art, and taking a trip back in memory lane as you view restored cars.

Cheers! Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Winery Events | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Annual Wine in the Woods Festival

May 15, 2013 – 8:00 am

This weekend the Wine in the Woods festival takes place in Howard County, Maryland.  It is one of Maryland’s best-known wine festivals and held each year in Columbia. This year 36 Maryland wineries will be attending the two-day festival.

Several wine seminars will be conducted as part of the festival. Members of the Tasters Guild International will present seminars. Session topics include:

  • Wine Tasting 101
  • Maryland White wines
  • Maryland Red Wines
  • Maryland Dessert Wines

Craft and Art Vendors

An array of craft and artist vendors will be showing their wares. Taste some wine and be sure to browse the tents of the vendors. There will be something for everyone to browse including: photography on canvas, carved wood pieces, jewelry, stained glass, wine glass racks, silk screen prints, hanging chairs, candles, wine bottle art, handbags and totes, log furniture, forged iron ware, birdhouses, wine trivets, and much more.

Festival Music

Live Music entertainment includes: classic, rock, Dave Matthews Tribute Band, funk rock, pop rock with country soul, reggae, 80s, soul rock and Motown, jazz, and Latin reggae.

The Festival Food

What would a festival be without food? Specialty food vendors will be available as well as many restaurants. Specialties to look for include: fudge, olive oils, cheeses, breads and chocolate truffles.

Saturday Tickets (Saturday tickets include lawn seating for “The Band Perry” concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion.)

  • Wine Tasting Tickets: $40
  • Designated Drivers: $25
  • Youth (ages 3 -20) $25

Sunday Tickets

  • Wine Tasting Tickets: $35
  • Designated Drivers: $20
  • Youth (ages 3 -20) $20

More information is available on the Wine in the Woods website.

By Kathy | Posted in Winery Events | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Third Annual Colorado Wine Week: June 2 – 8, 2013

May 14, 2013 – 12:01 am

Spero Winery in Denver, CO

The 3rd Annual Colorado Wine Week takes place June 2 to June 8.  Events will include winemaker dinners, receptions, wine tastings and cocktail competitions. All week an array of Denver restaurants will provide an appetizer/snack on the menu with a Colorado wine. These will be served at special pricing.

June 2: Farm to Turntable

  • Includes farm fresh flavors by EatDenver chefs, an all-Colorado bar, paired with music

June 4: Colorado Wine Cocktail Celebration II

  • Four Denver bartenders will make cocktails using Colorado wine and bitters, spirits and other items. Tickets include one complimentary wine cocktail. Other tastings and snacks will be available at a cash bar.

June 7: Governor’s Cup Colorado Wine Competition Awards Reception

  • 20 Colorado wineries will have wine samples and hors d’oeuvres

June 8: Colorado Urban Wine Fest

  • Many Colorado wineries (more than 30) will participate in the grant tasting of Colorado wines. Attendees will be able to sample the wines with items from local Denver restaurants.
  • Special tickets are available that include Uber’s black car service – a great way to leave the driving to someone else

For tickets and more information about Colorado Wine Week visit the CAVE website.

Colorado has numerous delightful wineries to visit. Checkout these articles about Colorado wineries.

Cheers, Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Winery Events | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Carroll County, Georgia Grants First Winery Permit

May 13, 2013 – 10:12 am

West of Atlanta, Georgia is Carroll County. This county has taken its first steps into becoming a wine region by granting a permit for the establishment of a winery.

According to a Times-Georgian.com article “Vineyard gets county’s first commercial winery permit” by Winston Jones, Carroll County has issued its first permit for a conditional use permit. This will allow the construction of a winery building.  The owner of the property currently has young vineyards established. The winery building is expected to be finished in time for the 2014 harvest and will be named Little Vine Vineyards.

Georgia is not well known for vineyards and wineries. Some people think that the climate is not conducive to growing the type and quality of grapes needed for making quality wines. Pierce’s disease is also a challenge for grape growers. However, wine lovers and travelers may want to check out the website of The Vineyard and Winery Association of West Georgia. This website includes information about wineries and vineyards in the West Georgia region. According to the association, grape varieties that do well in West Georgia include Blanc du Bois, Norton, Villard Blanc, and Lenoir. Of course Muscadine grapes do well in Georgia.

The Georgia Wine Country website offers a lot of information about wineries in Georgia including a map that shows the location of more than 40 wineries with the majority of wineries in northern Georgia.

Traveling to Georgia? Check out some of the wineries.

Cheers! Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

An Easy Chocolate Fondue for Mother’s Day!

May 11, 2013 – 12:01 am

Wollersheim Winery, Wisconsin

If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate Mother’s Day with your mom, checkout this recipe below for Chocolate Fondue from Wollersheim Winery in Wisconsin. Many moms would appreciate a relaxing afternoon dipping an assortment of fruit or perhaps pound cake into a fondue pot filled with chocolate.

Cheers! Kathy

Chocolate Fondue

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
16 oz. milk chocolate
1/4 cup evaporated milk
2 tablespoons Wollersheim White Riesling or River Gold Wine
Fresh fruit or Pound Cake for dipping (grapes, bananas, pineapple, oranges)

Directions

1. Over a double boiler, melt the ingredients while constantly stirring.
2. Pour the sauce into the fondue pot and keep at lowest heat.
3. To serve, dip the fresh fruit into the sauce and enjoy.

Recipe provided by Wollersheim Winery, Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin

By Kathy | Posted in Wine/Food/Recipes | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

2nd Weekend of May Wine Events and More

May 9, 2013 – 8:06 pm

Lots of events are coming up this weekend including Mother’s Day events. Saturday is also Wine Tourism Day. Check these fun activities out. Treat your Mother to a day at a winery. Enjoy.

Cheers!
Kathy

Friday, May 10

Grand River Cellars, Ohio
Event: Wine Country Progressive Dinner
Website Info

The Home Place, Virginia
Event: Flip Flop Friday
Website Info

Lorimar Vineyards and Winery, CA
Music: Live Music in Wine Country
Website Info

Saturday, May 11

Cava Winery, New Jersey
Event: Mother’s Day Wine Trail Weekend
Website Info

Grand River Cellars, Ohio
Event: National Wine Tourism Day
Website Info

Lorimar Vineyards and Winery, CA
Music: Live Music in Wine Country
Music: Live Music in Old Town
Website Info

Three Fox Vineyards, VA
Event: Mother’s Day Weekend
Event: Bocce-Fest
Website Info

Pearmund Cellars, VA
Event: Wine Tourism Day
Website Info

Reid’s Orchard & Winery, PA
Event: “Music for Momma and More”
Event: Wine Tourism Day
Event: Wine Tourism Day at Jennie’s House
Website Info

Sunday, May 12

Cava Winery, New Jersey
Event: Mother’s Day Wine Trail Weekend
Website Info

Chateau Chantal, MI
Event: Mother’s Day Wine Dinner
Website Info

DelFosse Vineyards & Winery, Virginia
Event: Mother’s Day Brunch
Website Info

Grand River Cellars, Ohio
Event: Mother’s Day Celebration
Website Info

Lorimar Vineyards and Winery, CA
Music: Live Music in Wine Country
Website Info

Pearmund Cellars, VA
Event: Sermons in the Vines
Website Info

Serpent Ridge Vineyard, Maryland
Event: Mother’s Day Event (RSVP)
Website Info

Three Fox Vineyards, VA
Event: Mother’s Day Weekend
Event: Book Signing for “A Wine Journey”
Event: Bocce Fest
Website Info

Vint Hill Craft Winery, VA
Event: Mother’s Day Wine Tasting for Moms
Website Info 

Wednesday, May 15

Lorimar Vineyards and Winery, CA
Music: Live Music in Old Town
Website Info

Reid’s Orchard & Winery, PA
Event: Game Night at Jennie’s House
Website Info

By Kathy | Posted in Winery Events | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Introducing the Wine Tourism Club

May 8, 2013 – 10:24 am

On Wednesday May 8, Wine Trail Traveler, LLC announced the establishment of the Wine Tourism Club. This club is free and for people who visit wineries and wine tasting rooms while traveling.

Benefits: The Wine Tourism Club provides a way for visitors to winery tasting rooms to keep track of their visits to wineries and of course receiving a personalized certificate for “bragging” rights.

Membership in the Winery Tourism Club is free. Download the application, complete the application and send it to Wine Trail Traveler LLC. You will receive a membership certificate.

Currently six levels are available. The first level will be Pioneer ranging from 1 to 99 visits. You can get your first certificate after visiting 100 different wineries. The following certificates are Pathfinder 100 visits, Voyager 200 visits, Wayfarer 300 visits, Crusader 400 visits, and Globetrotter 500 visits.

Wine Tourism Club applications are available online:

Download a copy of the application and keep it in your car or carry it with you when you travel.  For more information visit the wine tourism page.

We hope you enjoy participating in the Wine Tourism Club.

Cheers!

Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary, Winery Tasting Rooms and Cellar Doors | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

First Wine Tourism Day: Maryland Wineries Offer Special Events

May 7, 2013 – 8:12 am

Port of Leonardtown Winery

The first Wine Tourism Day takes place Saturday, May 11.  According to the Wine Tourism Day website, “Wine Tourism Day is designed to feature the many wineries offering events through North America, promote the concept of traveling to wine regions on vacation, and highlight the economic impact of wine tourism. Most of all it is about you, a lover of wine and travel, having fun.”

Tourism should not be under estimated. Tourism is an important aspect of any country’s economy. Tourists/visitors can impact restaurants, stores, hotels, bed and breakfasts, gas stations, car rental agencies, airports and more.

In France it was noted that tourism is one of the few industries that cannot be outsourced to another country. (Becker, Elizabeth, Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism, 2013) Tourism also cannot be created on a movie screen or in a book. However, these are good ways to learn about destinations but not the same as visiting and experiencing the cultures and talking with the residents.

Wine tourism is growing with more people interested in visiting wine regions throughout the world. Here in Maryland the wine industry is growing and now has more than 60 wineries with more planning to open within a year or two.

Check your region and state for wineries celebrating Wine Tourism Day.

Maryland hosted the successful Drink Local Wine Conference in April. Now numerous events are planned for May 11, Wine Tourism Day. Some of these special events include:

  • Crow Farm Vineyard will be offering one free wine tasting and sample of Crow Farm products
  • Distillery Lane Ciderworks is offering a cider making class covering the basics of home cider making. Head cider maker, Tim Rose, and orchardist, Rob Miller, lead the class.  Topics covered include: the desirability of various apple varieties, how different apples are used , the fermentation process, the importance of sanitation, and blending the final product. The class is $100 per person (preregistration and a $25 non-refundable deposit is due to hold a spot in the class). This fee covers the class, tastings, and the materials needed for participants to ferment a case of their own hard cider at home. To register, please visit their website or call 301-834-8920
  • The Piedmont Wine Trail will host a Vidal wine tasting on May 11 and May 12. Each winery will have a different special with the Vidal grape. Participating wineries: Basignani Winery, Boordy Vineyards, DeJon Vineyards, Fiore Winery, Harford Vineyard and Winery, Royal Rabbit Vineyards, and Woodhall Wine Cellars.
  • Catoctin Breeze Vineyard offers a featured sample of their wines for a tasting fee of $6, including a complimentary tasting glass. Private tours are  available and include a guided tour of the vineyard and winery, followed by a private tasting of all currently available wines, complete with cheese pairings. The private tour is $25 per person and reservations are required. For reservations call 240-449-0677 or email tours@catoctinbreeze.com.
  • Port of Leonardtown: Marvelous Mom’s Celebration & National Wine Tourism Day, Cost: Pairing of chocolate truffles and wine $10. Reservations required please call 301-690-2192.

Enjoy celebrating Wine Tourism Day by visiting a winery.

Cheers, Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary, Winery Events | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Candoni Wines Facebook Page Helps Arbor Day Foundation

May 6, 2013 – 1:49 pm

Candoni Wines is working with Arbor Day Foundation to plant trees in the United States National Forests. You can help by going to Facebook and “liking” Candoni Wines. Until the end of May, for every 10 “likes” Candoni Wines will donate one tree. To find the Candoni Facebook page go to https://www.facebook.com/candoniwines. Click “like” and help support the planting of trees in US National Forests.

Our US National Forests need help to repair the damage done by forest fires. According to the  Arbor Day Foundation‘s website, “Record wildfire seasons in recent years have destroyed millions of trees in forests around the country. Many areas have burned so severely that replanting is necessary.” Even as I write this blog, firefighters are working hard to stop forest fires in California.

Candoni Wines is an Italian family who has been producing wines for 150- plus years. They have also established an import company (Arel Group Wine & Spirits, Inc.) in the United States focused on importing only the Candoni wines into the US. Check out the Candoni website which has information about the family, recipes and also 11 art projects.

Appreciators of art will enjoy the artistic wine labels on each bottle of Candoni wine. The Candoni website notes, “Each Candoni bottle is rendered a unique piece of art by a serigraph reproduction of an Etruscan fresco painting. Serigraphy is the technique of permanently applying color through the use of screens of woven of silk. in the case of the bottles, ceramic colors are applied to the surface of the glass, which is subsequently subjected to heat treatments that render the color indelible. “

Be sure to help add a tree to the National Forests by “liking” Candoni’s Facebook page.

Note: Candoi Wines include: Chianti D.O.C.G. Pinot Noir, Merlot D.O.C., Moscato d’Italia, Pinot Grigio D.O.C., Organic Merlot, Organic Pinot Grigio and Prosecco D.O.C.

Cheers! Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Cooking Ideas for Mother’s Day Weekend

May 4, 2013 – 12:01 am

Blackberry Wine Cake

Next weekend is Mother’s Day Weekend! Will you be providing breakfast, lunch or dinner for your special mom? Check out these recipes that have been  generously provided by numerous wineries. More than 200 recipes that use wine as an ingredient are included on the Wine Trail Traveler website at
http://winetrailtraveler.com/recipes/food.php.

Breakfast or Brunch Ideas

Eggs Florentine
Messina Hof Winery, Texas

Tipsy Fruit Pancakes
Chateau Chantal, Michigan

Lunch Ideas

Fruited Chicken Salad
Pearmund Cellars, Virginia

Fruit Salad in Strawberry Wine Syrup
Duplin Winery, North Carolina

Roasted Beet, Blood Orange and Goat Cheese Salad  with Champagne Vinaigrette
Chateau Ste Michelle, Washington

Creamy Crab Bisque
Bastress Mountain Winery, Pennsylvania

Chicken Artichoke Soup
Pentamere Winery, Michigan

Dinner Ideas

Lemon Fish
The Winery at Wilcox, Pennsylvania

Petite Sirah Braised Short Ribs
B Cellars Winery & Tasting Salon, California

Syrah-Braised Lamb Shanks and Rice Pilaf
Chumeia Vineyards, California

Dessert Selections

Blackberry Wine Cake
Daniel Vineyards, West Virginia

Mixed Berries w/Caramel Ice Cream and Syrup
Domaine Serene ,Oregon

Chocolate Cabernet Sauvignon Tart
Round Barn Winery, Michigan

By Kathy | Posted in Wine/Food/Recipes | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

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