Wine Trail Traveler

Bison Meatballs Recipe from Merry Edwards Winery

August 25, 2018 – 1:42 pm

The Merry Edwards Winery is located in California’s Russian River Valley. Wines to look for at the winery include: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. If you like a sweet wine look for the Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, a dessert wine.The winery tasting room offers two types of wine tastings: In-Depth Tastings and Walk-in Tastings. The recipe below is from the Merry Edwards Winery. Try the Bison Meatballs soon!

Bison Meatballs

Serves 4

Pairs well with Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir

Meatballs

INGREDIENTS

1 pound ground bison, drained of excess liquid and blotted dry
2 large garlic cloves, mashed
¼ teaspoon alaea sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil

PREPARATION

Incorporate all ingredients together by kneading with your hands. Shape into 12 medium-size meatballs. Sauté in olive oil in skillet over medium heat, turning to lightly brown all sizes. Do not overcook as bison is quite lean. Set aside.

Sauce

INGREDIENTS

4 teaspoons olive oil
½ Walla Walla Sweet Onion, diced
½ pound Maitake mushrooms, broken into individual sections
1 14.5-ounce can tomatoes (try Muir Glen Organic Fire Roasted) or equal amount of blanched, seeded fresh tomatoes
½ cup Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

PREPARATION

Sauté onions and mushrooms in olive oil until soft, slightly brown and liquid has evaporated. Add other ingredients along with meatballs. Cook for about 25-30 minutes to meld and incorporate flavors, reducing sauce to a thick consistency. Spoon sauce over meatballs periodically during the reduction phase to keep meatballs moist. Spoon meatballs and sauce over julienned, lightly steamed squash. Serve with fresh broccoli or filet beans on the side.

Cheers!
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine/Food/Recipes | Tagged bison, food, meatballs, Pinot Noir, recipe, winery | Comments (0)

Tipsypops, Wine Ice Treats for Adults

August 24, 2018 – 6:01 am

We’ve heard of the unusual, incredibly hot summer that Portland, Oregon has endured this summer. There may be temporary relief for the heat for those 21 or over. Tipsypop is the new alcoholic popsicle being introduced in Portland during the summer of 2018.

The Tipsypop includes a combination of natural fruit juices and wine. Currently four flavors are under production including: Grapefruit Frosé, Pineapple Granita, Tangerine Mimosa and Pomegranate Sangria.

The Grapefruit Frosé is made with rosé wine. Sparkling wine is in the Pineapple Granita and the Tangerine Mimosa. The final selection Pomegranate Sangria is made with Pinot Noir.

Each Tipsypop is made with a half glass of wine and each pop has 6.7% alcohol.

The Tipsypop website suggests having the Tipsypops available at bars, corporate events, weddings, baby showers and BBQs.

If you are looking for more details about Tipsypops, visit the Tipsypop website for contact information.

On hot summer days, these special adult popsicles are sure to please!

Cheers, Kathy

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

The Tallman Hotel in Lake County Reopens After Wildfires

August 15, 2018 – 11:59 am

Tallman Hotel in Lake County reopens after fire.

The historic Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake, CA has reopened after closing due to the recent devastating wildfires in California. This is fortunate for travelers to Lake County who are interested in discovering the numerous wineries in the local area.

According to an email from the Tallman Hotel, “We’re so happy to announce that the worst of the Mendocino Complex fires has past us by…..” However, the email noted that all staff had to evacuate their homes due to the raging wildfire. One of their frequent entertainers at the adjacent Blue Wing Saloon lost her home and the hotel has set up a GoFundMe site to help her.

One of several rooms at the Tallman Hotel

The Tallman Hotel website suggests several wineries to visit while staying at the hotel including: Chacewater Wines and Olive Mill, Gregory Graham, Langtry Estate, Laujor Estate, Moore Family Winery, Rosa d’Oro Vineyards, Boatique Winery, Six Sigma Ranch & Winery, Steele Wines and Wildhurst. We have visited most of these Lake County wineries. The reviews are available online.

Wine Trail Traveler visited and stayed at the Tallman Hotel while discovering many of the Lake County wineries. Read the reviews with photos online.

The people of Lake County have proven their endurance and resilience in the face of one of the largest wildfires in California. Plan to visit and support their efforts to continue on.

Cheers!
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged California, Lake County, lodging, Tallman Hotel, wildfires, Winery Tasting Rooms and Cellar Doors | Comments (0)

2018 Pacific Wine & Food Classic

August 14, 2018 – 8:38 am

DAOU winery in Paso Robles

The Pacific Wine & Food Classic takes place August 18 and 19. This event held in Newport Beach, CA will feature many wineries. regional chefs and restaurants. According to the International Food, Wine and Travel Writer’s Association, the festival was voted as one of the top 10 food and wine festivals. With food, wine, and beer on Newport Beach, what’s not to like? Just imagine enjoying the food and wine with music and ocean breezes on Newport Beach.

The caves of Pine Ridge

Tickets for Saturday are $115 and Sunday tickets are $99. VIP tickets are also available.

More than 40 wineries will be attending the festival including several wineries Wine Trail Traveler has visited and written about including: Chateau Ste. Michelle, Rodney Strong, Pine Ridge Winery, DAOU Vineyards & Winery, Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards, Mercer Family Vineyards, Robert Mondavi Winery, Brassfield Estate Winery and Rutherford Hill. Articles about these wineries are available on the Wine Trail Traveler website.

Chateau Ste. Michele in Washington

Just some of the highlights of the weekend include:

Lynx Backyard Grilling
Maker’s Mark Touring Truck

Cocktails

Poptails by Sauza
Summer Wine Garden

Taco & Beer Lounge
Clam Bake
100+ wines

Those with VIP tickets will have access to the Hornitos lounge and can sip margaritas crafted with Hornitos Cristalino Tequila and also have access to rum cocktails featuring aged Bacardi and The Perrier Jouet Champagne Gazebo.

The Pacific Wine & Food Classic has partnered with Golden Rule Charity, an organization that helps people in the hospitality business.

Cheers!
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged cocktails, event, food, Pacific Wine & Food Classic, wine | Comments (0)

National Rum Day, August 16, 2018

August 13, 2018 – 10:50 am

Every now and then, we venture away from wine to a cocktail. In honor of National Rum Day on Thursday August 16th, we were provided this recipe and photo from a Spirits Consulting Group.

Agave Uptown in Oakland, California provided this recipe and photo. Enjoy National Rum Day.

Title: Puerto Escondido

Ingredients

1.5 oz. Gustoso Aguardiente™ Rum

1 oz. La Luna Mezcal

2 oz. Pineapple Juice

1 tsp Toasted Coconut

Squeeze of Fresh Lime

Garnish with Orange Twist & Star Anise

The Gustoso Aguardiente™ Rum was produced entirely from locally grown sugar cane grown in the highlands of Michoacan, Mexico. This recipe and photo were provided by by Agave Uptown in Oakland, California. The restaurant in the Uptown area of Oakland crafts Oaxacan cuisine.

Rum is the third most popular distilled spirit in the United States, whisky and vodka hold the number 1 and 2 spots. If you enjoy rum, create a cocktail and toast this distilled spirit on Thursday, August 16th.

Cheers,
Terry

By Terry | Posted in Spirits: whisky, tequila, bourbon, rye, vodka | Tagged cocktails, National Rum Day, rum | Comments (0)

Braised Baby Artichokes Tuscan Style

August 11, 2018 – 1:13 pm

While I don’t have an Instant Pot™ yet, I thought that with the popularity of the Instant Pot™, many people would enjoy the recipe below for Braised Baby Artichokes Tuscan Style. At the end of the recipe serving suggestions include using the artichokes as a pizza topping, topping on pasta or as a first course. The recipe is from Ocean Mist Farms.

For those not familiar with preparing artichokes, the recipe includes a link to “How to Prepare an Artichoke.”

Enjoy!
Kathy

Braised Baby Artichokes Tuscan Style – Instant Pot

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cook Time: 6 – 8 min.

Ingredients

9 Ocean Mist Farms baby artichokes, rinsed & trimmed
½ cup dry white wine
Juice from one lemon
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp garlic salt
¼ cup olive oil
1 cup water
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

HOW TO PREPARE AN ARTICHOKE >

Directions

With a sharp knife, cut baby artichokes lengthwise into 4 slices each.
On the Instant Pot™, select “Saute” setting – medium – keep warm OFF – 1 minute.
Once screen reads HOT, add oil, artichokes, and garlic. Gently stir.
Add wine, lemon juice, water, and garlic salt. Gently stir to combine.
Secure lid on the Instant Pot™. Select “Pressure Cook” setting – high – no delay – keep warm OFF – 5 minutes.
When the timer goes off, quick release pressure and then remove lid. Test to make sure artichokes are very tender. If needed, replace lid and cook again for 1-2 minutes.
Remove artichokes from the liquid and gently toss with Parmesan cheese and season with salt to taste.
Serve as a first course or use on top of pizza or pasta.

Recipe provided by Ocean Mist Farms.

By Kathy | Posted in Wine/Food/Recipes | Tagged artichokes, food, Instant Pot™, recipe, wine | Comments (0)

Craft Wine at Tin Lizzie Wineworks

August 9, 2018 – 11:37 am

Photo by Tin Lizzie Wineworks

Tin Lizzie Wineworks just outside of Clarksville, Maryland offers a unique opportunity to make your own barrel of wine or to gather a few friends or relatives together to craft a quality barrel of wine.

Filling a basket press

Unlike most wineries that operate to produce and sell wine, Tin Lizzie Wineworks is a teaching winery where owner and winemaker, Dave Zuchero, teaches and guides wine enthusiasts to creating their own barrel of wine.

At Tin Lizzie Wineworks the wine grapes are sourced from the best growers that Dave has for obtaining the grapes including the famed Stagecoach Vineyards in Napa, California. This year the available grapes from Stagecoach Vineyards include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec and Merlot. From our experience the grapes arrive in a refrigerated truck are in great condition.

At Tin Lizzie, winemakers can choose to create single-varietal wines or blends.

Grapes from Napa, California can ship to East Coast

If you have an interest in crafting a barrel of wine at Tin Lizzie, you may want to follow the guidelines that Dave sent out in a recent newsletter. A summary of Dave’s suggestions:

Pour a glass of wine.
Think about what type of wine you like.
Look at the Tin Lizzie Winemaking Packages
Check the List of Grapes
Undecided? or want to talk about winemaking, call Dave.

Prices vary and depend upon the grape variety chosen as well as the vineyards from which the grapes are sourced. Dave also offers winemakers the choice of crafting a full barrel, half-barrel or quarter-barrel.

Bottling wine at a teaching winery

Crafting a quality wine is a fantastic experience if you enjoy wine. Just think, if you craft your own wine, you will likely want to use some of the bottles as holiday, birthday, anniversary or housewarming gifts in 2019.

Cheers,
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged activities, Maryland, teaching winery, wine, winemaking | Comments (0)

Visiting California this Summer? Discover these Wine Regions

August 3, 2018 – 2:03 pm

Vineyards at Yorkville Cellars

In my last blog, I wrote about California’s Temecula wine region; however, California has many wine regions where wine enthusiasts can discover quality wines, view prolific vineyards and enjoy the ambiance of a variety of California winery tasting rooms. When planning your next visit to California, I suggest using a search engine to discover what wineries are available in your California destination. Also check out the California wineries we have visited and written articles about for Wine Trail Traveler.

The wine regions list for California include these that we have visited:

Cucamonga Valley/Temecula/SanDiego
Lake County
Mendocino County
Napa
North Central VAlley
San Luis Obispo County
Santa Barbara County
Sonoma
Suisun Valley

Numerous wineries throughout the state are using sustainable farming methods in their vineyards. Sustainable programs in California include: California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), Certified California Sustainable Wine Growing, Fish Friendly Farming, Green Business Program, Lodi Rules, Napa Green and SIP Certified.

Red wine lovers will discover numerous red grape varieties growing in the vineyards including some such as: Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvédre, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Some white grape varieties growing in California include: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Muscat/Moscato, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier.

When traveling to California seek out panoramic views of vineyards, mountains and valleys as well as the various types of architecture for wineries and their tasting rooms. As with many wine regions throughout the United States, you will want to return to visit many more times discovering more wineries each time.

View some of the many photos we have from our visits to California wine country!

Cheers!
Kathy

: Navarro vineyards and sheep in Mendocino

: Parducci vineyards in Mendocino County

: Famed Paul Dolan's vineyards in Mendocino

: Vineyards at Yorkville Cellars in Mendocino

: Caymus Vineyards in Napa

: Del Dotto Estate in Napa

: Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Napa

: Robert Mondavi vineyards in Napa

: Round Pond Estate in Napa

: Shafer Vineyards in Napa

: Shafer

: Early in San Luis Obispo

: Bon Niche in Paso Robles

: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines in Paso Robles

: Presqu’ile in Santa Barbara County

: Melville Vineyards & Winery

: Kendall-Jackson in Sonoma, California

: Gloria Ferrer in Sonoma

: A. Rafanelli in Sonoma

: Rodney Strong in Sonoma

: Wooden Valley in Suisun Valley

: The Historic Galleano Winery in Cucamonga Valley

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

Traveling to Temecula, California this Summer? Visit a Winery!

August 2, 2018 – 12:56 pm

Vindemia vineyards in Temecula, California

If you are traveling to San Diego, Orange County or Palm Springs, you will want to be sure to visit Temecula Valley where the vineyards are prolific, the wines are delicious and the dining is awesome with eateries offering quick stops or full menus. While in Temecula Valley, save some time to visit Old Town Temecula with all of its historical ambiance.

In 2018, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary. While grapes have been grown in Temecula since the 1700s, it was in 1968 that Vincenzo and Audry Cilurzo planted the first modern commercial vineyard. In June the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association released a 50th Anniversary commemorative wine. This anniversary wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Enjoy visiting several of the more than 40 wineries in Temecula. The majority of wineries are easy to locate.

While visiting Temecula, look for grape varieties including: Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Vermentino, Arneis, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional and Falanghina.

Check out the SIP Temecula Wine Tasting Passport that involves 24 wineries. The passport is for use from Monday thru Friday. For more information check the website.

Wine Trail Traveler has visited Temecula more than once and are always delighted with our experiences. One of my favorite memories was traveling to Temecula during a cold February from the East Coast and arriving in San Diego where the flowers were blooming just outside the airport. While visiting a Temecula winery with a restaurant, we were entranced to be eating outside in a large fabricated tent with heat lamps enjoying the countryside views paired with wine and food.

Check out the online articles we wrote about each Temecula winery we visited.

Enjoy our Temecula photos below.

: Briar Rose

: Danza del Sol Winery

: Doffo Winery vineyards

: Monte de Oro Winery & Vineyards

: Vindemia vineyards in Temecula

: Vindemia breakfast after a hot air ballon trip!

: Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery

: Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards offers military private labels

: Fragipani Estate Winery

: Mount Palomar Winery

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged Old Town Temecula, Temecula, tourism, travel, vacation, wine, Winery Tasting Rooms and Cellar Doors | Comments (0)

Visiting Oregon this Summer? Visit a Winery

July 26, 2018 – 2:48 pm

The wine caves at Archery Summit in Oregon

Portland, Oregon is a delightful city to visit; however, there are many other areas of Oregon that are equally pleasant to visit. Our two favorite months to visit Oregon include August and September. No matter what time of year you visit Oregon, you will find wineries that are open and cater to visitors.

Oregon is especially well known for Pinot Noir and and Pinot Gris. Amongst the many white grape varieties growing in its prolific vineyards are: Chardonnay, Gweürtraminer, Riesling and Semillon. Also be sure to look for Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel.

Oregon’s wine regions include:

Willamette Valley (North and South)
Columbia Valley
Columbia Gorge
Walla Walla Valley
Umpqua Valley
Roque Valley and Applegate Valley
Eastern Oregon

Wine Trail Traveler has visited and written articles about many of the wineries in Oregon. These articles are available on the Wine Trail Traveler website. Below are just a few of the many photos related to Oregon’s wine industry.