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Celebrate the Holidays and Enjoy the Virginia Food and Wine Festival on Saturday

December 6, 2011 – 9:24 am

On Saturday, December 10 enjoy Virginia products at the Virginia Food & Wine Festival. Sixty plus vendors and 15 Virginia wineries will participate. According to the festival website, “Products include meats direct off the farm, cheeses, seafood, spices and sauces, variety of cakes and candies, specialty gifts and holiday décor.” This is a good opportunity to enjoy Christmas and holiday cheer while doing some holiday shopping. The location of the festival is the Farm Bureau Center at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia.

Tickets for the festival include wine tasting and food samples. Tickets are available only online at http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/venueSearch.jsp?venue_id=8377 .

Sponsors for the Virginia Food & Wine Festival include Kroger, Virginia Farm Bureau, Richmond Magazine, Virginia Grown and Children’s Museum of Richmond.

For more information visit the website for the Virginia Food & Wine Festival.

Cheers! Kathy

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

Charity Case Foundation Creates Napa Valley Wines

December 5, 2011 – 9:12 am

A group of Napa Valley winemakers has worked together to create The Charity Case Foundation. The charity benefits Napa Valley families and children. This year the foundation will donate funds to Aldea Children & Family Services, Cope Family Center, Foster Kids Receiving Center and the Wolfe Center Teen Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program.

The wines for the foundation are created from grapes and juice donated by Napa Valley wineries and winegrowers. With no consulting fees and no salaries paid, a significant amount of the funds goes directly to the designated programs.

Two wines are now available: 2008 Napa Valley Rosé and 2009 Barrel Fermented Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. A bottle of wine can be a perfect gift. Consider ordering a case of the wine for Christmas and holiday gifts. Decorate each bottle with a colorful ribbon and a festive note. The prices are reasonable for a bottle of wine: $11.99 per bottle and $143.88 plus tax and shipping for a case.

Unfortunately Charity Case Foundation does not ship to some states. You can check to see if the Charity Case Foundation ships to your state at http://www.charitycase.org/index.cfm?method=storeproducts.showlist&productcategoryid=c758cfda-c5b7-865a-c4f5-0d5a0f60e9aa .

What wine charity do you participate in?

Cheers! Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine Notes | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

The Heart of Virginia Wine Trail Celebrates with a Jingle Bell Wine Trail

December 3, 2011 – 8:40 am

This weekend the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail has a Jingle Bell Wine Trail event. Participants, who can purchase passport tickets online, will received a souvenir wineglass and the opportunity to taste wine at each winery.  At each winery there will be munchies to enjoy while tasting wine. Craft vendors will be available.  Those who complete the trail have a chance to win prizes. More information and tickets are available at http://www.hovawinetrail.com/events.html

The Heart of Virginia Wine Trail has four members: James River Cellars, Cooper Vineyards, Lake Anna Winery and Grayhaven Winery. Articles about visits to these four wineries are available on the Wine Trail Traveler website.

Cheers! Kathy

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

First Weekend of December Wine Events

December 2, 2011 – 1:01 am

Many wineries are offering special  events in anticipation of Christmas and the holidays in December.  A long list of events is below. Check the website or contact the winery in case any changes are made or reservations are needed.

Enjoy browsing the list and finding a holiday event to attend this weekend!

Cheers, Kathy

Friday, December 2

Barra of Mendocino, California
Event: Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
Website Information

Barrel Oak Winery, Virginia
Event: Fridays Yappy Hour at Barrel Oak Middleburg
Entertainment: The very cool Jon Fritz
Website Information

Belle Meade Plantation, Tennessee
Event: Candlelight Christmas
Event: Century of Christmas, 1853-1953
Website Information

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Ohio
Event: Tannenbaum
Entertainment: Joey Vanilli
Web Info

Grand River Cellars, Ohio
Event: Tannenbaum Trail
Entertainment: All for One
Website Information

Grape Creek Vineyards, TX
Event: Holiday Wine Trail
Website Information

Laurello Vineyards, Ohio
Event: Tannenbaum Trail
Website Information

Serpent Ridge Vineyard
Event: First Friday Event:Annual Ladies Shopping Night
Website Information

The Hague Winery, Virginia
Event: Opening of Virginia Landscaping Paintings
Event: Release of the Gold Ribbon 2009 Meritage
Website Information

Saturday, December 3

Barrel Oak Winery, Virginia
Event: Christmas in Middleburg
Event: Corkscrew Catering—Delicious BBQat BOW!
Event: Holiday Horseback rides through our vineyards & forest
Website Information

Belle Meade Plantation, Tennessee
Event: Century of Christmas, 1853-1953
Website Information

Briar Rose Winery, California
Event: Candlelight Concert
Website Information

Cava Winery & Vineyard, New Jersey
Event: Customer Appreciation Weekend
Website Information

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Ohio
Event: Tannenbaum
Entertainment: Don Perry Duo
Web Info

Grand River Cellars, Ohio
Event: Lunch with Santa
Event: Tannenbaum trail
Entertainment: Andy’s Last Band
Website Information

Grape Creek Vineyards, TX
Event: Holiday Wine Trail
Website Information

Laurello Vineyards, Ohio
Event: Tannenbaum Trail
Pizza Special: Chicken with Barbecue Sauce
Website Information

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Entertainment:  Live Music with John Foltz
Website Information

Peaks of Otter Winery, Virginia
Event: Christmas Time’s A’Coming Open House
Website Information

Serpent Ridge Vineyard, Maryland
Event: Wine Tasting in Reisterstown, MD
Website Information

Three Fox Vineyards, Virginia
Event: Holiday Open House & Gift Sale
Web Info

Vezer Family Vineyard
Event: Cooking with Liz Show & Dinner
Web Info

Winery at Versailles, Ohio
Event: Kristkindle Market
Website Information

Sunday, December 4

Barrel Oak Winery, Virginia
Entertainment: The very cool Jon Fritz
Website Information

Belle Meade Plantation, Tennessee
Event: Century of Christmas, 1853-1953
Website Information

Cava Winery & Vineyard, New Jersey
Event: Customer Appreciation Weekend
Website Information

DelFosse Winery, Virginia
Event: French Crepe Day
Web Info

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Ohio
Entertainment: Stan Miller
Web Info

Grape Creek Vineyards, Texas
Event: Holiday Wine Trail
Website Information

Laurello Vineyards, Ohio
Pizza Special: Chicken with Barbecue Sauce
Website Information

Peaks of Otter Winery, Virginia
Event: Christmas Time’s A’Coming Open House
Website Information

Three Fox Vineyards, Virginia
Event: Holiday Open House & Gift Sale
Web Info

Monday, December 5

Belle Meade Plantation, Tennessee
Event: Century of Christmas, 1853-1953
Website Information

Chateau Chantal, MI
Event: Wine Mingle Featuring Chateau Chantal in Royal Oak, MI
Website Information

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

Peking Duck Recipe from Cakebread Cellars

December 1, 2011 – 9:00 am

The last time we were in California we enjoyed peking duck. We also visited Cakebread Cellars, a delightful friendly winery with impressive wines. Cakebread Cellars provided the recipe for Peking Duck below which may be a recipe you want to use for the coming holidays.

Cheers! Kathy

Peking Duck with White Wine, Garlic and Picholine Olives

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 peking duck legs
½ yellow onion, minced
1 carrot, minced
1 stalk celery, minced
3 cloves garlic, peeled
½ c white wine
2 t tomato paste
3 sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
1½ c brown chicken stock
1 c picholine olives, pitted
salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat over to 350 F.

  1. Season duck legs with salt and pepper. Place duck legs skin side down in a wide bottom skillet over high heat, brown on both sides and remove from the skillet.
  2. Pour off all but two tablespoons of the duck fat and sauté onion, carrot, celery and garlic to lightly caramelize.
  3. Deglaze with white wine and scrape the brown bits and glaze off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
  4. Reduce wine by half. Add tomato paste, thyme and bay leaf. Return duck legs skin side up to pan along with the chicken stock and olives. Stock should cover the duck three quarters of the way.
  5. Bring to a simmer, cover and place in the middle of the oven.  Cook for one hour until duck is starting to pull away from the drumstick.
  6. Uncover and continue cooking in the oven for 15-20 minutes until duck is tender and beginning to brown.
  7. Place pan under broiler for a minute to crispen the skin.
  8. Skim the sauce of any rendered fat and spoon over duck.
  9. Serve with olive oil crushed potatoes and/or sautéed escarole.

Enjoy with a glass of Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Merlot.

Recipe provided by Cakebread Cellars in Napa Valley, California

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

Travel to Ohio’s Northeast Region for Tannenbaum Wine Trail Weekends!

November 30, 2011 – 7:57 am

Make plans to visit wineries in the northeast region of Ohio in December and enjoy Tannenbaum Wine Trail Weekends.

On the first three weekends of December, 15 Ohio wineries are celebrating Christmas and holidays with a Tannenbaum Wine Trail. Tickets are only $45 per couple or $35 per person and good for more than one day. Visitors can enjoy wines and light appetizers. At their first stop at Grand River Cellars, participants will receive a Schott Zwiesel wineglass with a small 16” artificial Christmas tree. Each of the other wineries will provide a Christmas ornament.

The 15 participating wineries include several Wine Trail Traveler has visited including Debonné Vineyards, Emerine Estates, Grand River Cellars, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, and Laurello Vineyards.

In the past the Tannenbaum Wine Trail has sold out quickly, so if you are planning to attend this event, buy your tickets soon. More information about the event, including lodging sites, is available online. Tickets can be obtained by calling 800-227-6972. Online tickets are also available. Advance registrations are necessary.

Cheers, Kathy

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

Holiday Gifts: Wine Stemware

November 29, 2011 – 6:51 am

Many different types of stemware are available for the wine enthusiast. When looking for stemware for someone who is new to wine or already an experienced wine drinker, the wine glass does make a difference. Think of it like a cup of coffee, does the same coffee taste as good in a paper, Styrofoam cup, mug or fine china cup. Each type is okay at different times but do you remember the paper cup of coffee or the china cup of coffee experience the most.

Even when the liquid is the same, it’s the total experience that helps to remember and appreciate the moment and the drink. Does the same wine in a mug taste identical to the wine in quality wine glass?

Anyone who is interested in wine will want to have quality stemware. Quality stemware does not need to be expensive. Keep in mind that the best wine glasses should be free of color and designs that interfere with looking at the color of the wine. The rim of the glass should be thin as a thick rim obstructs an even flow of wine.  The glass should also be well balanced.

Quality names frequently heard are Riedel and Stölzle. These are two brands we frequently come across in wine country. Riedel also makes a stemless glass which is a more casual wine glass. Another brand is Fusion that is break resistant. A variety of less expensive stemware is available at discount stores and department stores. Check the glass for lightweight, balance and a thin rim.

If you are shopping for the person who has everything, then consider a unique wine glass by Taste of Purple. The company has designed a wine glass with a thumbprint indentation in the side of the glass. This helps to aerate the wine while swirling. Those with acute hearing can actually hear the swish of the wine when swirling it in the glass. Taste of Purple also has a unique decanter.

Enjoy your holiday shopping!

Cheers! Kathy

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

A Recipe for Biscotti with Cognac, a December Treat

November 28, 2011 – 9:22 am

December is almost here with all the holidays that people celebrate! During this time I will focus on events at wineries, charities and gift ideas and special recipes that may just be what you need for the holidays! Check out this recipe for Biscotti. The name and list of ingredients alone make this treat mouthwatering. The recipe is from Chinook winery in Prosser, Washington.

Cheers, Kathy

Walnut & Tangerine Biscotti

Nothing smells better than baked goods around the holiday season. We grow our own fresh walnuts at Chinook, and we share them with our friends as delicious Biscotti.

Ingredients

¾ cup walnuts, toasted & chopped*
8 Tbsp. Tillamook butter, softened
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. Cognac, your favorite brand
Zest from the rind of one tangerine or satsuma
2 cups plus 2-4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½  teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

*Toast the walnuts in a baking pan for 10 minutes, till fragrant. Let cool and chop coarsely.

Directions

  1. Cream the butter w/ sugar in a large bowl.
  2. Beat eggs and mix at high speed until fluffy.
  3. Turn off mixer and add vanilla, cognac, baking powder, salt & zest to egg-butter mixture.
  4. Stir in 1 cup of flour, then add chopped nuts & then the remainder of the flour. Stir just until combined. (We use a Kitchenaid mixer with paddle attachment; use a large spatula to transfer dough to a flat bowl; cover with saran & refrigerate 4 hrs. or overnight).
  5. On a lightly floured surface (or with floured hands) roll dough into cylinders ca. 1 ½ inches wide and 12 inches long.
  6. Flatten cylinders slightly, place on a baking sheet about 2 ½ inches apart and bake for about 25 minutes until lightly browned on top.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes on a baking rack.
  8. Meanwhile increase oven temp. to 360-375 degrees F.
  9. Carefully remove the cylinders to a cutting board. Slice the cookies about ½ inch wide on the diagonal.
  10. Return them to the baking sheet, the cut surfaces down. Bake for an additional 8 minutes, until tops are lightly browned. Turn over cookies and bake reverse side(s).

Let cool and store in an airtight container. Serve & dip in in your favorite CHINOOK wine (or caffe latte).

Makes approximately 2 dozen biscotti.

Recipe provided by Chinook Wines in Prosser, Washington

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

A Search for the Oldest Charles Krug Wine Bottle

November 23, 2011 – 1:02 am

Charles Krug is celebrating its 150th birthday. Charles Krug now owned by the Mondavi family is searching for the oldest bottle from the winery. Charles Krug started in 1861, so there should be plenty of wine bottles around. If you have an old Charles Krug wine bottle contact the Charles Krug winery in Napa Valley, California.The deadline for submitting the information about your wine bottle find is December 31, 2011.

Sotheby’s Auction House in New York will authenticate any claims made and Charles Krug winery may buy the bottle. The bottle will become part of a display at the winery. Bottle entries can be submitted online on Facebook or at oldestbottle@charleskrug.com. Send a description of the bottle and a photo.

Check your wine cellars, basements, or attics to find Charles Krug wine bottles. Also checkout antique stores in out of the way places.

While looking for these special Charles Krug bottles, look for other treasures to be used as Christmas ornaments or perhaps holiday gifts. A variety of wine bottle shapes may be discovered.

Good luck with your search for a Charles Krug wine bottle.

Cheers! Kathy

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

“Day of Giving” at Old Mission Peninsula Wineries

November 21, 2011 – 1:03 am

Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula in Michigan (WOMP) consists of seven member wineries. The members include 2 Lads Winery, Black Star Farms, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse, and Peninsula Cellars.

On December 10, WOMP members are hosting a Day of Giving. On Dec 10, each member winery is donating 15 percent of the gross sales to a Northern Michigan nonprofit. Anyone who wants to participate can also make a purchase online from one of these participating wineries. This event may be the perfect time for you to buy your holiday wines and help nonprofits.

Examples of nonprofit organizations benefitting from the December 10 Day of Giving include Goodwill Inn of Northern Michigan which is being supported by Chateau Chantal. Traverse Health Clinic will benefit from sales at Black Star Farms on Old Mission Peninsula.

Check out the WOMP website to learn more about the wineries on Old Mission Peninsula.

Wine Trail Traveler has visited all of these wineries. For articles about the Old Mission Peninsula wineries go to the Wine Trail Traveler website.

Cheers! Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine Notes | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

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