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Like Chocolate? Try a Wine and Chocolate Pairing!

January 14, 2019 – 12:20 pm

Virant Family Winery

The Wine and Chocolate Trail in Ohio takes place Saturdays and Fridays, February 8 & 9  and February 15 & 16. Eighteen wineries participating in the the Wine and Chocolate Trail will offer complimentary appetizers and wine samples. At a designated winery participants will receive a wine glass and a box of Malley’s chocolates.

 

The wineries on the Vines & Wines WineTrail joining in this event include:

Benny Vino Urban Winery
Buccia Vineyards
Debonné Vineyards
Deer’s Leap Winery
Emerine Estates
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante
Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant
Hundley Cellars
Maple Ridge Vineyard
Old Firehouse Winery
Park Avenue Winery
South River Vineyard
Red Barn Cellars
Red Eagle Distillery
Silver Crest Cellar
The Winery at Spring Hill
Urban Vintner
Virants Family Winery

We have visited several of these Ohio wineries. Check out our online Ohio winery articles and photos.

Want to know more about wine and chocolate pairings? In an email from the Ohio Wine Producers Association, the email mentions a chart that pairs wine with chocolate from the Kendall Jackson website. 

The list includes wines and chocolate pairing suggestions.

Old Fire House winery

Whether you enjoy chocolate and wine everyday or are impatiently waiting for Valentine’s Day, why not experiment with the different types of chocolates and wines available to discover what you like best?

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Bucci Ristorante in Grosse Pointe Woods

January 13, 2019 – 10:21 am

We had a delightful dinner recently at Bucci Ristorante in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. We have eaten here on several occasions and always had excellent food. The staff is always cheerful and professional. We brought two wines with us, knowing that different people in our party would order different dinners.

We started with the 2014 J. Daniel Cuvee from Lail Vineyards, Napa Valley. This Cabernet Sauvignon, although young, was very drinkable now. It had an opaque ruby color. The aroma was very fruity and easy to delight in the bouquet from the glass. The taste was reminiscent of blackberry, cassis and licorice. The wine had bold, silky tannins and was full bodied. The fruity finish yielded to spices and licorice.

2014 J. Daniel Cuvee from Lail Vineyards, Napa Valley with appetizers

We enjoyed this wine as an appetizer. We also drank it with our appetizers including grilled bread, calamari and octopus salad. The wine was delicious.

Our second wine was a 2012 Hartwell Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley. On first taste, after pouring in a carafe, the wine was rustic with a hint of tin can. Letting it set for 20 minutes completely changed the wine’s aroma and taste. The 2012 needed some time to open up. It had a ruby to black color. The aroma featured black fruits and licorice. The taste included cassis, blackberries, black cherries and licorice. The wine was full bodied with silky tannins and had a fruity finish.

2012 Hartwell Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

I paired the wine with Zuppa Portuguese, a variety of seafood sautéed in garlic, shallots, bell peppers, touch of pepper flakes deglazed with white wine finished in pomodoro broth and served with crostini. Kathy paired the wine with a delicious, tender cut of beef.

In both cases the wine matched the food even though one entrée was seafood while the other was beef. Our three hour long dinner was delightful. All in our party were wine drinkers and enjoyed the wines as well as the foods and ambiance that Bucci Ristorante offers.

Cheers,
Terry

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

868 Estate Vineyards Events for MLK Day and Super Bowl Weekend!

January 11, 2019 – 4:10 pm

868 Estate Vineyards includes Grandale Restaurant

During the cold winter months, sometimes it’s nice to kick back and relax by enjoying a glass of wine at a winery. Now if you are looking for a winter wine event at a winery, one of the wineries to visit in Virginia is 868 Estate Vineyards in Purcellville. Onsite is also the Grandale Restaurant open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Two special events will be celebrated at 868 Estate Vineyards: MLK Day and the Super Bowl.

Outdoor area adjacent to 868 Estate Vineyards tasting room

Those visiting the winery on January  21 , can remember Martin Luther King Day while participating in a Truffle Tasting and also enter a contest to wine a year’s wine tasting. In addition to the wines available, hot grilled paninis will be available. Look for mulled wine. Chocoholics will want to join a chocolate tasting, too!

On Super Bowl Weekend,  February 1 to February 3, 868 Estate winery will have a Super Bowl Elevated Tasting. A number of food items will be paired with wine.  Foods available, and prepared by Chef Author, will include a Cheeseburger Slider, a Mac & Cheese Bacon Ball, a Buffalo Chicken Pita and two sweet bites including Peanut-Chocolate Sausage and a Reese’s Cookie Cake. The 868 Estate website adds, “Each bite is paired with wine and comes with our best guess on who will win the Big Game.” 

If you are planning to visit the winery with more than seven people, the winery asks that you secure a reservation.

We visited 868 Estate Vineyards. Check out our online article to learn more about the winery. Discover 868 Estate Vineyards in beautiful Northern Virginia’s beautiful countryside.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Special Winter Wine Event in Pennsylvania!

January 9, 2019 – 11:47 am

 

Calvaresi Winery

Eleven wineries on the Berks County Wine Trail are participating in the Winter Warmer Wine Tasting Weekend event. On Saturday, January 19 and Sunday, January 20, these seven wineries offers an event that shows off special wines paired with homemade food and/or warm wines. Visitors will be offered these wine and food pairings for free, although anyone wishing to participate in a full wine tasting may be asked to pay a tasting fee. This Winter Warmer Wine event does not require reservations.

Ridgewood Winery

Wine Trail Traveler has visited some of these Pennsylvania wineries and articles and photos are online for your convenience. Below is the current list of offers by the wineries.

Calveresi Winery: Cheese fondue with Apple Wine

Deerfoot Winery: Ham and bean soup with Explorer Chardonnay

Kog Hill Winery: Southwestern Style turkey chili with Cranbernet a red wine blend including cranberry

Long Trout Winery

Long Trout Winery: homemade Cheeseburger Chowder with Sensual Inuendo; or Roast Red-Peppper soup with Blackberry Merlot

Manatawny Creek Winery: Soleil Wine with Soleil potato and leek soup

Ridgewood Winery: A cocktail with Olde Orchard wine warmed with Hot Butter Rum spice

Setter Ridge Vineyards: Mini S’mores with Pinot Noir Marshmallows paired with Richard J Vineyard Pinot Noir.

Stone Barn Cellars: Tandoori Vegetable soup with Chardonnay.

Stonekeep Meadery & Wine Cellars: menu not available yet

Stoudt’s County Winery: Warm Apple Spice Wine with Apple Crisp

Weathered Vineyards: Hot Apple Toddy made with Traminette

Cheers,
Kathy

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

Virginia Winery Offers Original Way to Dispose of Christmas Trees

January 5, 2019 – 8:21 am

Peaks of Otter Winery

Are you still undecided what to do with your dried out live Christmas tree? A Virginia winery has an unusual but great solution for you. 

Peaks of Otter Winery is located in Bedford County, Virginia and according to an ABC 13 WSET.com article, “Local winery’s goats will help get rid of your Christmas tree” by Elizabeth Tyree the winery is offering its neighbors the opportunity to drop their Christmas trees off. Peaks of Otter Winery has goats that enjoy nibbling on Christmas trees. Any of the branches not eaten by the goats go into a pile to decay and return to the earth. This appears to be a very environmentally good idea. 

Winery tasting room located in Virginia

If you want to take your worn out Christmas tree to Peaks of Otter Winery, my advise is to contact the winery ahead of time and also to be sure to remove all decorations from the tree. It’s a great way to be a good neighbor.

Several years ago, Wine Trail Traveler visited Peaks of Otter Winery. Our article about the fun winery visit is available online. 

 

Peaks of Otter wine

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Peaks of Otter Winery is a different type of winery to visit. The laid-back winery is focused on producing numerous fruit wines. One of their specialty wines is a spicy hot wine produced with hot peppers. 

For a fun, relaxing winery to visit, take time to travel to Peaks of Otter Winery.

Are there any other wineries offering to dispose of old Christmas trees this year?

Cheers!
Kathy

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

New Year’s Eve at Iridescence

January 1, 2019 – 11:20 am

Teeling Irish Whiskey started off our New Year’s Eve celebration.

What did we drink to end 2018 for New Year’s Eve dinner? It was quite a plethora. As we were seated at Iridescence Restaurant in the Motor City Casino in Detroit, the men were served Teeling Irish Whiskey while the women were served a champagne from Moët & Chandon. The light gold colored brut champagne had multiple streams of small bubbles rising to the surface forming a circumference mousse. The bubbly mouthfeel had mineral and apple notes. The taste lingered in the mouth. The wine was used as an appetizer.

For the men, the Teeling Irish Whiskey was also used as an appetizer. The whiskey was a light yellow color with a floral and corn aroma. Floral notes, corn and heat were noted on the taste. The Irish whiskey had an extremely long aftertaste lasting several minutes. I added a small bit of water to the whiskey and noticed the heat was subdued a bit.

2011 Perrier Jouët

Appetizers were served and paired with 2011 Perrier Jouët. This brut champagne had a light yellow color with multiple columns of tiny bubbles forming a center mousse. Apple, mineral and citrus were on the aroma and taste. The mouthfeel was crisp. The wine paired wonderfully with Alaskan King Crab on Brioche (hollandaise, celery, lemon vinaigrette) and Osetra Caviar (with smoked salmon, eggs, chives, brioche, crème fraîche). The wine helped cleanse the palate. 

 

 

Alaskan King Crab

2014 Buccella Merlot.

Both Kathy and I had Alaskan Sea Bass for the entrée. To pair with this entrée we had a 2014 Buccella Merlot. This Merlot was delicious. The dark ruby to black colored wine had black fruits on the aroma. The taste was reminiscent of blackberries, blueberries, black cherries, licorice and a touch of leather. The wine had a very silky mouthfeel, with a full body and medium to bold tannins. The fruity finish yielded to spices and licorice.

The evening was a wonderful goodbye to 2018 and a great way to welcome in 2019. We had a wonderful meal at Iridescence and only lost a bit at the casino.

Cheers,
Terry 

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

What Are You Drinking for New Year’s Eve?

December 30, 2018 – 9:16 pm

French champagne

As a child I well remember New Year’s Eve as an at home event. Every year in early fall, my mom and dad would “harvest” the grapes from our few grapevines. There were enough grapes for making yummy homemade grape juice. There was never any talk of making wine in those days.

As a result, by New Year’s Eve there were still bottles of the grape juice stored in the cellar of our 1800s home. Mom would retrieve a bottle of the grape juice, and as a special treat, mix grape juice with ginger ale or 7-Up. The sparkles in the non-alcoholic drink were delightful and just a perfect way to celebrate this special day.

Today it seems that many enjoy celebrating New Year’s Eve with sparkling wine or champagne. We enjoy a glass of sparkling wine/champagne anytime but New Year’s Eve also is a great day to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine especially champagne.

For us, the key to drinking on New Year’s Eve, or anytime, is not to drink too much. How much is too much you might ask. I believe that much of it depends on body weight as well as how much food you are enjoying with the drink. Also it is very important to drink as much water as alcohol.

If you will be driving on New Year’s Eve, use a designated driver – someone who will not drink alcohol during the event. Many people will be happy to help you out, and as a thank you, you can also give them a gift of perhaps a bottle of wine to enjoy at a later time.

Layton’s Chance, a Maryland Eastern Shore winery

I would like to thank Layton’s Chance, a Maryland Eastern Shore winery, who sent out an email and also has posted online an article that celebrated the designated driver. In the article, In Praise of the Designated Driver, they write: “This is a person who holds life at such a high esteem that they would rather be entirely sober on Christmas, New Year’s or a random Friday evening gathering (which can be amusing, ask anyone who works behind the counter in the Tasting Room) rather than worry someone they like or love could drive impaired. They volunteer to drink coffee, soda or other non-alcoholic drink so others don’t need worry.” Read the Wine Trail Traveler review article about Layton’s Chance Winery.

Please drink in moderation! Tomorrow, we will write about the specials wines we had to celebrate the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Scone Recipe Includes Bacon & Blue Cheese

December 28, 2018 – 12:15 pm

Scone recipe includes sparkling wine

Make New Year’s Day extra special for 2019. As a special treat for New Year’s Day, create this enticing recipe for scones which includes bacon and blue cheese. The recipe is from J Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg, California and also calls for sparkling wine and Pinot Noir. Typically scones are served with afternoon tea; however, I think that the addition of bacon would make it a great item for breakfast!

Cheers!
Kathy

 

 

Scones with Bacon & Blue Cheese Fig Jam

Serves: Makes 32 scones

Ingredients

Ingredients for Scones

2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
3 oz. cold butter
1 egg
½ cup cream
½ cup bacon, (15 slices), diced and cooked
½ cup crumbled blue cheese

Ingredients for Fig Jam

1-1/2 cups J Brut Rose
1-1/2 cups J Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
3 cups water
12 ounces figs, diced
2 cups sugar
½ cup lemon juice
Bouquet Garni: 2 sticks cinnamon, 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon allspice, 2 teaspoons cloves

Directions

Directions for Scones

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Add butter and mix well. Add egg and remaining ingredients; mix to combine. Place batter on floured surface and shape into 32 (1/2 inch thick) triangles. Bake in preheated 425-degree oven for 12 minutes.

Directions for Fig Jam

Simmer ingredients in a saucepan for 45 minutes or until thick, stirring as mixture thickens. Remove bouquet garni; refrigerate jam until ready to use. Makes about 16 ounces. Serve with Scones.

Suggested Pairing:

Recipe provided by J Vineyards & Winery, Healdsburg, California.

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

A Special Dessert: Riesling Savarin Cake

December 20, 2018 – 1:03 pm

Wollersheim Winery in Wisconsin

Are you looking for a holiday dessert with a difference? Try this recipe for Riesling Savarin Cake from Wollersheim Winery in Wisconsin.

Frequently I enjoy baking a dessert cake with wine added to the mix before baking. After the cake is finished baking, I make a glaze with the same wine added to it. Frequently the wine I use is a fruit wine such as blackberry or raspberry. The results are great and since I start with a box cake, it is unbelievable what the addition of the fruit wine and jello mix can do to upscale the final results.

The recipe below from Wollersheim Winery was created by Executive Chef Paul Short and enjoyed at the 2014 Wollersheim Winery Open House. The Riesling Savarin Cake recipe is undoubtedly not quick and easy but it sounds delicious and I can hardly wait to try it! I suggest reading the recipe thoroughly before beginning.

Cheers!
Kathy

Riesling Savarin Cake

by Executive Chef Paul Short
From our 2014 Wollersheim Winery Open House

Ingredients: Dough

  • 3 ¼ cups bread flour
  • ¾ cup water
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ stick melted butter
  • ¼ cup macerated raisins

Ingredients: Baba Syrup

  • 1 quart water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 vanilla beans
  • 1 lemon zested
  • 1 cup Wollersheim Dry Riesling
  • dark rum to taste

Directions:

1. Combine the flour, water, eggs, yeast, salt, and sugar and mix with the dough hook.

2. Mix for 5 to 7 minutes after incorporation to cleanup stage, using medium high speed.

3. Once the dough is developed, add the melted butter on slow speed.

4. Add the raisins.

5. After mixing divide and shape the dough into loose balls.

6. Deposit the dough into appropriate molds halfway up the mold, and let ferment 25 to 30 minutes.

7. The dough is ready to bake once it reaches the top of the mold.

8. Bake at 400°F in a convection oven until golden brown.

9. Boil the water, sugar, vanilla, and zest.

10. Add the rum and wine when the sugar mixture has cooled to room temperature.

11. Soak the babas until no longer dry.

12. Garnish with crème Chantilly and fruit.

MAKES: Makes 22 individual servings

Recipe provided by Wollersheim Winery, Wisconsin

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

Still Looking for Christmas Gifts?

December 19, 2018 – 3:38 pm

Santa Christmas tree ornament

Wineries can be a source of gifts for the right person. While all winery tasting rooms offer wine for purchasing, some go even further with an array of gifts available for purchase. Shoppers can frequently locate wine bottle stoppers, corkscrews, coasters, and shirts with wine quotes. If you are undecided about what to give someone for the holidays, why not give them a gift card from a local winery? 

In Virginia, two wineries are also offering some innovative and expensive ideas for those who truly enjoy wine. These two wineries are located in Northern Virginia not far from Washington DC.

Wine barrels at Pearmund Cellars, Virginia

An email from Pearmund Cellars in Virginia suggested:  bottles of award winning wine, pre-boxed and wrapped Virginia’s Heritage wine, chocolates made with Pearmund Cellars wine (in a dark chocolate wreath), wine club gift certificates, and Virginia Wine-opoly. The email suggested stopping by the winery to enjoy a glass of wine and cookies while enjoying your holiday shopping. 

If you are curious about the Virginia’s Heritage. The description on the Pearmund Cellars website says, “The blend was aged in 32 wine barrels in the Effingham Manor winery, and bottled in August to produce 10,000 bottles, with the number of bottles representing each of the original 10,000 vitis vinifera vines planted in Virginia by the Virginia Company, 400 years ago. The limited-edition wine is presented in a commemorative box featuring a representation of the 1619 Virginia Company seal to reflect its Colonial roots. The wine bottle label is printed on thin sheets of birch wood and ribbon shavings of the same wood surrounding the bottles as packaging.” $62.00 shipping included.

Pearmund Cellars located in Broad Run, Virginia is just a short distance from Washington, DC. Get away from the crowded stores and stop by Pearmund Cellars.

Another Virginia winery, Vint Hill Craft Winery in Vint HIll, offers alternative ideas for Christmas with an ‘ADOPT A BARREL PROGRAM’ from which one can choose between a full barrel of 288 bottles and a half barrel that holds 144 bottles.

Also  think about the Home Winemaking Class which involves four Saturday sessions at Vint Hill.

The third option at Vint HIll Craft Winery is a gift of the ‘Clandestine’ Wine Club  which entails receiving three bottles of wine in January, April, July and October.

Vint Hill is also offering “The 12 Wines of Christmas” which includes 12 wines for $239.

Of course, why not purchase a bottle of wine, add a colorful ribbon and say “Merry Christmas?”

Cheers!
Kathy

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

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