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Try this Fondue Recipe for Christmas or the New Year!

December 18, 2018 – 5:08 pm

Celebrate the holidays with a fondue!

Looking for a relaxing, fun evening during the holidays? Whether it’s Christmas or New Year’s Eve, you might just want to give this recipe a try. Of course, if you anticipate sharing this fondue with someone who has a big appetite, add some side dishes to share while waiting. Hungry people don’t like to wait for food!

Cheers!
Kathy

J Vineyards and Winery Fondue

Ingredients:

1 garlic clove, halved crosswise
1 ½ cups plus 2 teaspoons J Vineyards California Pinot Gris
2 t Meyer lemon
1 T cornstarch
½ lb Alpine Style Cheese (Gruyere), rind off, coarsely grated (2 cups)
½ lb Triple Cream Brie, rind off cut into ½ inch pieces (2 cups)

Directions:

  1. Rub inside of a 4-quart heavy pot with cut sides of garlic, then discard garlic. 
  2. Add 1 ½ cups J Pinot Gris to pot and bring just to a simmer over moderate heat.
  3. Stir together cornstarch, Meyer lemon and remaining 2 teaspoons of J Pinot Gris. 
  4. Gradually add cheese to pot, starting first with the Alpine style then the Brie. 
  5. Cook while stirring constantly in a zigzag pattern (not a circular motion) to prevent cheese from balling up, until cheese is just melted and creamy (do not let boil). 
  6. Stir cornstarch mixture again and then stir mixture into fondue. Bring fondue to a simmer and cook, until thickened, 5 to 8 minutes, stirring consistently. 
  7. Transfer to fondue pot set over a flame.

The fun part is the items to dip into the cheese.  Below are some traditional items to dip into the fondue and also some interesting unexpected items:

-Bread cubes
-Apples
-Pears
-Bell peppers
-Broccoli
-Cauliflower
-Soft or Hard pretzels
-French Fries
-Roasted cremini mushrooms
-Cubes of roasted beef (tenderloin, striploin, rib eye)

Recipe provided by J Vineyards in Healdsburg, CA.

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

Alternative Holiday Gift

December 17, 2018 – 1:11 pm

Skip the tie and the socks for those on your holiday gift list this year. That is unless you know someone who just really loves ties or wants socks for Christmas. If you know someone who enjoys cheese; there’s a good chance they enjoy wine as well. So consider a gift of a ticket to the 13th Annual California Artisan Cheese Festival. The event is held from March 23rd to March 24th in Santa Rosa California.

SCHEDULE

Saturday, March 23, 2019

  • Farm & Producer Tours These tours take place at various locations. Transportation is by Pure Luxury Transportation.
  • Seminars and Pairing Demos will be held in the morning and afternoon. 
  • Cheese, Bites and Booze takes place in the evening. This is a competition with the pairing of a cheesemaker with a chef and cheesemonger. Together they will create a bite and the bite will be paired with “regional wine, cider, spirits and beer.” Those in attendance will be able to vote for their favorite. 

Sunday, March 24, 2019

  • Bubbles and Brunch
  • Artisan Cheese Tasting and Market Place (“In this banquet for the senses, the Artisan Marketplace brings together more than 100 artisan cheese and food producers, winemakers, brewers, cider makers, distillers and chefs who will offer their hand-crafted cheeses, and delectable products that complement cheese.” In addition, attendees can purchase many of these find products.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased online.

For the right person, this could be a perfect gift.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

2014 Merlot from Kosicek Vineyards

December 13, 2018 – 7:25 am

 

Merlot from Kosicek Vineyards in Ohio

In 2015 we visited Kosicek Vineyards in Harpersfield, Ohio. This winery is family owned and the owner and winemaker is Tony Kosicek. Tony is the 3rd generation to own the vineyards. While there have been vineyards for decades, Tony and his wife started the winery in 2012.

Last night we opened a bottle of Kosicek, the Merlot 2014. This dry wine is certainly aging well and we enjoyed a glass of it just before dinner. The Merlot 2014, with 12% alcohol, was an opaque, dark purple to black color with a dark ruby rim.  The aroma  was mostly black fruit. The taste notes included black cherry, black raspberry, blackberry and leather. The tannins were mild and the wine was medium to full bodied. The finish was long and fruity.

Kosicek winery and tasting room in Ohio

The grapes for this Merlot were sourced from North Fork of Long Island. It is worth noting that Merlot wines are now produced with estate grown grapes.

When we visited Kosicek Vineyards in 2014, we had a delightful visit with Tony. 

Our article about Kosicek Vineyards included details about a delightful cheese available in the tasting room. This was a Gouda cheese produced with the winery’s grape pomace (Cabernet Sauvignon) for aging the cheese. At the time, this very special cheese was only available in the winery tasting room.

Quilt block at winery on the Ashtabula Quilt Trail

On the outside of the tasting room, a large quilt block is seen. Kosicek Vineyards is one of a select group of buildings that participate in the Ashtabula County Barn Quilt Trail. The large quilt square hints of patriotism with its blue, red and white colors, stars and stripes. 

Availability of Wines

Currently, the winery only ships wine to addresses within Ohio. Either order wines through the winery or stop by and visit the winery tasting room.

The red wines available include:

  • Petite Sirah
  • Estate Merlot
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Urban-Cabernet Franc
  • Chancellor
  • 534
  • Concord
  • Dam Red

White wines include:

  • Estate Chardonnay
  • Chardonnay
  • I-90
  • Traminette
  • Riesling
  • Vidal Blanc
  • Niagara
  • Dam White

Special Selection Wines:

  • Estate Late Harvest Vidal Blanc
  • Estate Concord Ice Wine
  • Estate Vidal Blanc Ice Wine
  • Anthony
  • Emma’s Blush
  • Rhapsody

In the tasting room, visitors can order a variety of foods to enjoy with wine. The menu includes: an Artisan Meat Board, Specialty Cheese Plate, Combination Meat and Cheese Board, Wine Cheese Plate, Combination Meat and Cheese Board, Wine Cheese Plate, Bread Dipping Plate, Soft Pretzel Sticks, Flat Bread Pizza Salte, Apple Strudel, and cheesecake.

To learn more about Kosicek Vineyards, read the Wine Trail Traveler article. When visiting Kosicek Vineyards be sure to ask about their specialty cheese.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Recipes for the Holidays

December 11, 2018 – 11:52 am

Celebrate with holiday recipes!

Cooking for the holidays is as important as shopping for gifts.

Many wine lovers enjoy using wine as an ingredient in some of their recipes. The entrée below from the Put PORK on your FORK website reminds me of holiday cooking as it includes lemon slices, dried apricots and figs as well as two cups of red wine.

If you are looking for more holidays recipes, check out the Wine Trail Traveler recipe section and the list of recipes we suggest for Christmas and the holidays. Do you have the necessary ingredients you need for the holidays you celebrate? 

Stuffed Tenderloin with Honey Wine Sauce

Ingredients

2 Canadian PorkTenderloins, well trimmed, about 12 oz each
2 cups dry red wine
1T orange juice
2/3 cup honey
3 lemon slices
1/3 cup each, quartered dried apricots and figs
1 T dried rosemary, chopped  (or 1/4 cup fresh)
1/4 lb prosciutto, thinly sliced

Directions

  1. In a saucepan, combine wine, orange juice, honey, lemon slices, apricots and figs. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
  2. Remove lemon slices, apricots and figs with a slotted spoon; discard lemon slices and reserve apricots and figs. 
  3. Cut each tenderloin to, but not through, opposite side. Open like a book and flatten with a mallet to about 1/2″ (1.25cm) thick, pounding long edges together. Sprinkle rosemary, apricots and figs over the surface. Roll up tightly from long end. 
  4. Wrap prosciutto slices around pork, tying in several places with string. 
  5. Roast at 375ºF/190ºC for about 35 to 40 minutes, to an internal temperature of 155-160ºF (68-70ºC). Remove from oven. Tent loosely with foil; let rest 5 minutes. 
  6. Meanwhile, gently boil wine mixture until reduced by half, about 20 minutes. 
  7. Before serving, remove strings from pork; slice 1/2? (1.25cm) thick. Serve with honey wine sauce.

Recipe provided by Put PORK on your FORK.

Cheers,

Kathy

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

Holiday Gift Guide for Wine Enthusiasts

December 10, 2018 – 10:37 am

A Christmas tree adorns a winery space.

Christmas and other holiday events are quickly approaching. As one of the old holiday songs says, “Soon it will be Christmas Day.” Are you ready for Christmas or any of the holidays you celebrate?

When you are searching for holiday gift ideas for wine enthusiasts take a look through our Holiday Gift Guide Part I and Part 2. 

If you want to give a gift of wine, you can also visit one or more of your local wineries to taste the wines and select wine from your local winery. You will have a fun time tasting wines at wineries at this time of year; many of the wineries are decorated for the holidays. Or perhaps you want to provide a gift certificate for a wine tasting at a winery located near your recipient’s home. Wineries are located throughout the United States, so many people are located near a winery.

Happy Holidays!

Kathy

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

Foxen Canyon Wine Trail Passport Christmas Event

December 7, 2018 – 1:03 pm

Cambria Estate Winery

The 13 wineries on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail in California’s Santa Barbara region are hosting  the Christmas on the Trail wine event this coming weekend, December 8 – 9.

Passports may be purchased online until 3pm today or at one of five participating wineries.

The Passport allows participants to visit 13 wineries to enjoy 20, one-ounce pours. Each Passport holder will receive a commemorative logo glass and a goody bag.On Saturday, the wineries will have snacks available including cookies, chocolate and cheese. On Sunday there will be live music, barrel tastings and food trucks. This is a wonderful opportunity to discover the wines of this region.

If you haven’t purchased your wines for Christmas dinner or for holiday gifts, this is a good opportunity to do so.

The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail extends from Los Olivos to Santa Maria, a distance of 30 miles.

We were fortunate to visit five of these 13 Foxen Canyon wineries including:

Check out the Wine Trail Traveler articles and photos of many of the wineries in the Santa Barbara region.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

A Georgian Wine Tasting in Washington, DC

December 6, 2018 – 12:06 pm

Sparkling wine at Georgian wine tasting

During November, 2018 we were invited to attend a Walk Around Tasting of Georgian Wines at the Supra restaurant in Washington, DC. The event was sponsored by GHVINO FORUM 2018.

The Supra restaurant is a unique, boutique restaurant that offers authentic Georgian cuisine and Georgian wines. Outside of the restaurant is a small outdoor eating area. On the day of our visit, the weather was just cool enough that no one seemed to want to linger outdoors. 

Since we arrived a few minutes early for the wine tasting, we strolled through the restaurant and found ourselves in the Supra bar area. Numerous large Georgian images decorated the walls. Having visited the country Georgia, twice and written, Georgia, Sakartvelo: the Birthplace of Wine, we enjoyed the references to Georgia.

Appetizers to pair with Georgian wines

During the Georgian wine tasting, we tried several wines that were poured throughout the early afternoon. Light appetizers were arranged on nearby tables. Appetizers included cheese, breads, skewers and more.

I visited several of the tables setup for wine tasting. The wines I tasted were primarily from Bragatoni 1882, Naotari and Our Wine. I tend to favor sparkling wines and chose to taste all three of the sparkling wines offered by Bragatoni 1882. The Bragatoni Classic was a pale yellow color. Although the aroma was light, the taste offered mineral notes with a mouthful of effervescence. After the wine was poured the bubbles circled the circumference of the wine glass. The Bragatoni Reserve Vintage had limited bubbles ending with a single stream of bubbles. The color was a yellow with a gold hue. This wine also offered a mouthful of effervescence.  I discovered a hint of sweetness in the mouth but the wine ended with  intense dryness. There was a long finish. The Rosé Sparkling wine was a light pink color. The wine had few bubbles.  The taste was dry and in comparison with the first two sparkling wines, the wine was not very effervescent. The finish was long.

Next I tasted a wine from Naotari. The first was the Saperavi 2017.  This wine was produced with 100% Saperavi grapes.  The wine was a dry, unfiltered wine with 12.7% alcohol.  The wine was a translucent purple color. The aroma was of berry fruit. The taste was intense with kissing tannins. 

Wine producers represented at the wine tasting included:

Batono
Marani
Mosmieri
Vaziani
Vine Ponto
Artevani
Teliani Valley
Baia’s Wine
Dakisvili
Shalauri
Chateau Mukhrani
Vinoterra
Lukasi
Noatari
Dato Chikhladze’s Marani
Askaneli
Bagrationi 1882

The importers for the Georgian wines include: Corus Imports, InterBalt Products, and the Georgian Wine House.

Georgian image at Supra restaurant in Washington, DC

Supra, A Georgian Feast 

Supra, A Georgian Feast restaurant opened in DC in November 2017.The Executive Chef is Chef Malkhaz who was also the Executive Chef at the Embassy of Georgia and also at restaurants in Georgia. The menus created by Chef Malkhaz feature authentic Georgian cuisine as well as some unique items. 

To discover the unique wine history of Georgia/Sakartvelo, visit the Wine Trail Traveler website section which also includes articles about more than 40 Georgian wineries.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

2018 Christmas Wine Affair in Texas

December 4, 2018 – 11:47 am

Messina Hof in Fredericksburg

Texas Hill Country wineries are in the midst of celebrating the holidays with the 2018 Christmas Wine Affair event.

Tasting room at Texas Legato

The tickets for the Christmas Wine Affair are $75 per couple and $45 for individuals. When purchasing the tickets, the winery to pick the passport up is also selected.

Christmas Wine Affair began November 30 and continues through December 16, so there’s still time to enjoy visiting the Texas Hill Country wineries. Passport holders are entitled to visit four wineries per day. They will receive a 15% discount when purchasing three bottles of wine.

Discover a unique story at William Chris Vineyards

The Texas Hill Country wineries that are participating in the 2018 Christmas Wine Affair include:

  • 1851 Vineyards
  • 4.0 Cellars
  • Becker Vineyards
  • Bell Springs Winery
  • Bending Branch Winery
  • Bent Oak Winery 
  • Branch On High
  • Chisholm Trail Winery
  • Driftwood Estate
  • Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
  • Duchman Family Winery
  • Fall Creek Vineyards at TOW
  • Fiesta Winery 290
  • Fiesta Winery Lometa
  • Grape Creek Vineyards
  • Hawk’s Shadow Winery
  • Hye Meadow Winery
  • Inwood Estate Winery & Bistro
  • Kerrville Hills Winery
  • Kuhlman Cellars
  • Longhorn Cellars
  • Lost Draw Cellars
  • Messina Hof Hill Country
  • Narrow Path Winery at Albert
  • Old Man Scary Cellars
  • Perissos Vineyards & Winery
  • Pillar Bluff Vineyards
  • Ron Yates
  • Saint Tryphon Farm & Vineyards
  • Singing Water Vineyards
  • Sister Creek Vineyards
  • Solaro Estate Winery 
  • Spicewood Vineyards
  • Stone House Vineyard
  • Texas Hills Vineyard Ticket Holders Who Visit Texas Hills Will Receive a Complimentary Ornament From Texas Hills Vineyard ONLY!
  • Texas Legato
  • Torr Na Lochs Vineyard & Winery
  • Wedding Oak Winery at San Saba
  • Wedding Oak Winery at Wildseed Farms 
  • Westcave Cellars
  • William Chris Vineyards
  • Wimberley Valley Winery
  • Woodrose Winery

When deciding on the wineries you wish to visit, check the website for each winery  for days and hours. Note: Some wineries are open by appointment.

Wine Trail Traveler has been fortunate to visit many of the Texas wineries in the Texas Hill Country. Discover the articles and photos online.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Holiday Happening Along the Niagara Wine Trail, USA

November 30, 2018 – 6:16 pm

Holiday Happening on the Niagara Wine Trail

For the next two weekends, December 1-2 and December 8-9, the Niagara Wine Trail, USA is celebrating the holidays in style with the Holiday Happening event.

Ticket holders will be allowed to sample wine, mead and cider during the event. Single and each couple ticket holder will receive a wine-themed gift. For 2018 the gift is a shadow box which can hold among others things wine corks!

Each ticket includes visiting each winery where individuals will receive three wine tastings. 

Tickets are $65 per couple or a single ticket for $35. The tickets are good for all four days of the event. Designated drivers do not need a ticket. Ticket holders are reminded to have a photo ID with proof of age, in order to participate in the wine tastings.

Twenty-one wineries are participating in this event and include:

  • 810 Meadworks
  • Arrowhead Spring Vineyards
  • A Gust of Sun Winery Ransomville and Spencerport locations
  • BlackBird Cider Works
  • Black Willow Winery
  • Chateau Niagara Winery
  • Freedom Run Winery
  • Honeymoon Trail Winery
  • Lake Ontario Winery
  • Leonard Oakes Estate Winery
  • Liten Buffel
  • Long Cliff Winery & Vineyards
  • Midnight Run Wine Cellars
  • Niagara Landing Wine Cellars
  • Salamaca Estate Winery
  • Schulze Vineyards & Winery
  • Schwenk Wine Cellars
  • Spring Lake Winery
  • Victorianbourg Wine Estate
  • Vizcarra Vineyards
  • The Winery at Marjim Manor

As you plan your trip for the Holiday Happening along the Niagara Wine Trail, I suggest you watch the weather forecast. You may want to consider a tour company or limousine service for traveling from winery to winery. Be safe.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Cocktail Infographic for the Holidays, or Anytime!

November 29, 2018 – 2:03 pm

We are happy to have below the infographic provided by Pineau des Charentes. The infographic offers six different cocktails including traditional, adventurous, and special occasion.  

Pineau des Charentes is a special fortified produced only in the famed Cognac region of France.

The six recipes use one of the following Pineau Des Charentes: White Pineau Des Charentes, Old White Pineau Des Charentes, Red Pineau Des Charentes or Rosé Pineau Des Charentes. 

Watch the blog on the Wine Trail Traveler website for more information about Pineau des Charentes.

Cheers!
Kathy

 

 

 

By Kathy | Posted in Spirits: whisky, tequila, bourbon, rye, vodka | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

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