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Cinco de Mayo Day is May 5!

May 3, 2018 – 12:49 pm

Pearmund Cellars is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with their special sangria!

May 5 is Cino de Mayo Day, a day celebrating the Mexican army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This battle took place during the Franco-Mexican War that was waged between 1861 and 1867.

Are you planning to celebrate Cinco de Mayo Day this weekend? Consider avoiding crowded venues and create your own Cinco de May feast. 

Another great option is to check your local winery to see if they are hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration. In Northern Virgia, Pearmund Cellars is offering a Mexican-inspired menu. The winery will begin offering their special sangria that will be available by the pitcher or the glass. Check the Pearmund Cellars website for details.

If you are planning your own celebration of Cinco de Mayo, consider some of these recipes: corn dip, tamale pies, quesadillas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, queso dip, guacamole, salsa and nachos. A quick look on the internet will provide you with many available recipes.

Beverages for Cinco de Mayo

To add to the Cinco de Mayo theme, prepare your own margarita or sangria. The Wine Trail Traveler website with a recipe section has several sangria recipes. 

In February of this year, I posted a blog for National Margarita Day and included several Margarita recipes. Look for Spicy Sparkling Margarita, Watermelon Ball Margarita, Slim and Sparkling Margarita and Pomegranate Margarita.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Best South Africa Wine Tasting

May 2, 2018 – 6:41 am

Simonsig Wine Estate Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rose paired with smoked salmon

Last month Kathy and I participated in an online tasting of five wines from Simonsig Wine Estate in South Africa. These were among our favorite wines we have had from South Africa. This was our first online tasting that utilized YouTube. We had only one little hitch, a browser quit but a relaunch solved the issue. It was interesting to taste the wines while listening and seeing the winemaker and owners discuss the wines and answer our questions. 

The line-up of wines included:
Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rose
Chenin Blanc
Pinotage
Redhill Pinotage
Frans Malan Red Blend

Since the tasting was done during our lunch time on the East Coast, during the evening in South Africa, I decided to grill a turkey breast and pair it with the Pinotage. First however, was salmon paired with the sparkling wine. Alaska smoked salmon on club crackers was paired with Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rose 2016. The color of the wine matched the color of the salmon. This was a flavorful combination that complimented and cleansed the palette. 

Our next course was a turkey breast with an African Peri Peri Spice Rub paired with 2015 Redhill Pinotage. The spices on the turkey matched the wine without overpowering it. The fruit of the wine added a nice dimension to the turkey. African Peri Peri Spice Rub is a mix of spices from South Africa. It is excellent to rub on meats and then grill.

As with prior online wine tastings, I heeded Eric Asimov’s challenge to use non-traditional wine descriptions. He challenged us at the Wine Bloggers Conference. Since then, I have written haiku’s to describe the wines. 

Redhill Pinotage paired with grilled turkey rubbed with Peri Peri Spice Rub

Haikus

Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rose 2016 Haiku:

Light salmon color
Center mousse, lively mouthfeel.
Citrus and apple.

2017 Chenin Blanc Haiku:

Fruity tropicals
Melon, guava, and grapefruit.
Nice aperitif. 

2015 Pinotage Haiku:

Dark ruby perfume.
Fruity burst with cloves, nutmeg.
Quaffable. Want more.

2015 Redhill Pinotage Haiku:

Pinotage Red Hill
Velvet feel meets spice and fruit.
Rocking chair on porch.

2015 Frans Malan Cape Blend Haiku:

Perfume, vanilla
Plays with plums and cedar wood.
Bold tannins calling.

During our tasting, our next door neighbor was having tree trimmers scale his 80-foot tree and trim it. He sat in a lounge chair and observed what at times seemed like aerobics. We took him a glass of the Red Hill Pinotage. He returned the empty glass and commented how much he enjoyed it. We did too.

Cheers,
Terry

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

Wine Spectator Learning Center Opens Soon!

May 1, 2018 – 7:54 am

U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson to attend the Grand Opening of The Wine Spectator Learning Center

The Wine Spectator Learning Center at Sonoma State University is scheduled to open at the end of May. The Grand Opening including a ribbon cutting ceremony takes place May 29 between 6pm and 8pm.

Those who would like to attend can RSVP online.

The Wine Spectator Learning Center will be the Wine Business Institute’s new headquarters and is considered to be a state-of-the-art center.

The facility will have numerous dedicated spaces including:

  • 3 classrooms with advanced technology
  • a student commons
  • a café
  • garden areas
  • faculty and business leaders collaborative spaces

According to the Sonoma State University announcement about the Grand Opening, “This state-of-the-art center is a true reflection of both the character and business needs of our wine-growing region,” said President Judy K. Sakaki.

The announcement included remarks by Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute, Ray Johnson. “This is not only the grand opening of a customized learning environment, it also creates a home for us to execute on our mission to be the educational nucleus of the global wine industry.”

Several dignitaries will be at the Grand Opening including U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson, who founded the Congressional Wine Caucus.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Friday May 4: May Day Sip & Stroll

April 30, 2018 – 6:49 pm

This Friday, May 4 celebrate the start of May in Geneseo, New York. The town, located south of Rochester, is offering a May Day Sip & Stroll event from 5pm ’til 8pm. This fun event is sponsored by the Geneseo Community Main Street, a group that supports businesses and events in support of  the community.

Wine, beer and cider will be available for tasting. For three hours enjoy the beverages with food and music.  Numerous Main Street area businesses have partnered with the Geneseo Community Main Street and offer an array of food, beverages and specials.

Just a few of the many businesses taking part in Sip and Stroll include:

  • Sundance Books
  • Sweet Arts Bakery
  • Envy Salon and Spa
  • Pizza Paul’s
  • Market on Main Geneseo
  • Finger Lakes Cookie Company
  • Genesee Valley Florist

Tickets for the May Day Sip & Stroll are available online. Chances & Changes, a non-profit, will receive a portion of the proceeds. Chances & Changes helps domestic violence victims. 

According to the Geneseo Community Main Steet Facebook information, the mission of the group “is a collection of businesses and community members in support of maintaining a vibrant community.” More information about the Sip & Stroll event in Geneseo, NY is available, including specials, on Facebook.

This event sounds like a lot of fun, so be sure to check it out. Kindly remember the event also supports Chances & Changes, a non-profit.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

May is Oregon’s Wine Month

April 27, 2018 – 12:36 pm

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Celebrate Oregon’s Wine Month beginning May 1. It’s not too early to start planning your visit!

To celebrate, a special sweepstakes has been planned, the 2018 Oregon Wine Month Sweepstakes. “One lucky winner and guest will spend 4 days and 3 nights in the vineyards, the kitchens and the company of some of Oregon’s most acclaimed winemakers, chefs and craftspeople for an immersive celebration of Oregon’s wine and food bounty. Three runners up will win a two-month, two-bottle membership to Cellar 503, the premier wine club for anyone wheo wants to explore Oregon’s small-batch wineries.”

Vineyards at Abacela

Many of the Oregon wineries are events offering special events during May. Visit the Oregon Wine website or the websites of the individual wineries for details.

Quick Facts about Oregon’s Wine Industry

  • Oregon is the third largest grape producer
  • Oregon is home to 18 AVAs.
  • Oregon has 720 wineries
  • Number of grape varieties: 72
  • Top 12 grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Tempranillo, Pinot Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
  • Oldest continually operating winery is Honeywood Winery in Salem.

Youngberg Hill Vineyards and Inn

Oregon has several wine growing regions including: Central Oregon, Columbia Gorge, Portland’s Urban Wineries, Southern Oregon, Walla Walla Valley and Willamette Valley. Some of these regions include smaller wine regions. For example, Willamette Valley includes Chehalem Mountains and Ribbon Ridge, Dundee Hills, Cascade Foothills, Eola-Amity Hills, Heart of Willamette, McMinnville, North Willamette, South Willamette and Yahmill-Carlton. Another one of our favorite wine regions in Oregon is Southern Oregon where wine enthusiasts will find wineries in Applegate Valley and Umpqua Valley.

If you are planning to visit Oregon during your summer vacation, order the 2018 Oregon Wine Tour Guide.

Wine Trail Traveler has visited many of Oregon’s wineries over several years. Read the articles about each winery we have visited, the information and photos may spark your interest in visiting a particular winery or wine region.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Simonsig Wine Tasting through Youtube

April 26, 2018 – 8:47 am

Simonsig Estate in South Africa
photo credit: Simonsig

Today Simonsig is producing a wide variety of wines including: a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, red blends, white wines and sparkling wines. The winemaker is Debbie Thompson.

Redhill 2015
photo credit: Simonsig

For an April tasting using Youtube, my favorite was the Redhill Pinotage 2015 that was 14.1% alcohol. Upon pulling the cork and before pouring the wine into the stemware, there was an immediate intense aroma. This dark ruby to black color wine had a ruby rim. The aroma included notes of black fruit, vanilla with a hint of violets. The tasted included black raspberry, plum, vanilla, violet and cloves. The Redhill Pinotage was a full-bodied wine and had medium tannins. The finish was fruity yielding to baking spices on the long aftertaste.

Simonsig was named for its views of the Simonsberg Mountains. Simonsig has been producing wines under its own brand for 50 years. The Malan family has been living in South Africa since 1688. Today it is the second and third generation family members Francois, Johan and Francois-Jacques who are carrying on the legacy of Frans Malan who established Simonsig in 1968. Frans is also renowned for producing the first South African Méthode Cap Classique, a sparkling wine. Frans also co-founded the Stellenbosch Wine Route. 

The winery also has a restaurant, Cuvée, that is opened for limited days and hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When planning your visit, check the hours on the Simonsig website.

Visiting:

Cellar tours: Monday thru Saturday
Wine tastings: Every day

Eventually, we hope to travel to South Africa and visit and write more about Simonsig and other wineries.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Wine Garden of England

April 24, 2018 – 12:33 pm

Seven English wineries, located in Kent County, have formed a group known as the Wine Garden of England. The seven wineries are: Biddenden Vineyards, Chapel Down, Domaine Evremond, Gusbourne, Hush Heath Estate, Simpsons Wine Estate and Squerryes.

The Wine Garden of England website offers suggestions for visiting the area’s wineries and vineyards.

  • With a Day to Explore –This one day excursion includes visits to Chapel Down with a stop at The Swan for lunch  and Gusbourne Winery.
  • Escape for the Weekend – For day one stop at Squerryes and spend the evening at Hotel Du Vin & Bistro. On day two the first stop is the Hush Heath Winery, enjoy lunch at Goudhurst Inn and finally a stop at Biddenden Vineyard.
  • Luxury Four Day Wine Tour – This is a chauffeur driven tour. Winery stops include Squerryes, Simpsons Winery, Gusbourne Winery, Chapel Down, Biddenden Vineyard and Hush Heath Winery.  Other stops and lodging include: Chilston Park Hotel, The Fordwich Arms, Eastwell Manor, The Swan at Chapel Down, The Milk House, Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse, The Goudhurst Inn and Hever Castle.

Wine Garden of England Wineries

Biddenden Vineyards

The first commercial vineyard was planted in 1969. Today the Biddenden Vineyards are comprised of 23 acres. Today the winery is proudcing 80,000 bottles that include white, rosé, red and sparkling wines. Cider lovers will be happy to know that the winery is also producing Biddenden cider.

Visiting: The winery is open to visitors and currently admission and tastings are free. Tours are available during the summer months for a small fee.

Chapel Down 

Chapel Down was founded in 2001. In addition to red, white and sparkling wines (made in the traditional method), Chapel Down produces cider and beer. In addition to owning their own vineyards in Kent, the winery also sources grapes from other growers.

Visiting: Open daily to the public, the winery offers wine tours of the vineyards and winery. Tours can be booked online.

Domaine Evremond

Renowned Domaine Taittinger of France and Hatch Mansfield Ltd purchased 69 hectares of farm land in Kent in 2015. Watch for more details emerging as the vineyards are planted and English sparkling wines are produced. 

Gusbourne Winery

It was in 2004 that Andrew Weeber took over the estate with the goal of creating sparkling wines. The vineyards were started  in that same year.

Visiting: The winery tasting room is open throughout the year. Enjoy a self-guided vineyard tour, or book a Vineyard Tour or Discovery Tour. Private tours are also available.

Hush Heath Estate

Hush Heath Estate, a 400-acre estate,  is a large vineyard and winery producing estate grown sparkling wines, still wines and ciders. 

Visiting:  The winery offers a self-guided tour, Winter Winery Tour and Tasting and Full Estate Winery & Tutored Tasting.

 Simpsons Wine Estate

Prior to producing wine in England, the owners had been producing wines in France at Domaine de Sainte Rose. In 2012,  they established Simpson Wine Estate in Kent county. In 2014 they planted 10 hectares (24.7 acres) including Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in their Roman Road Vineyard. The vinyard was so named because it is believed that in 43 AD invading Romans carried the first grapevines with them. More grapevines were planted in the Railway Hill Vineyard in 2016 and 2017. Watch for special events.

Squerryes Winery

     Squerryes Winery is on a large estate that has been in the family for eight generations. The first grapevines were planted in 2006. The winery focuses on producing quality sparkling wines. The winery offers several wine experiences for wine enthusiasts.

Visiting: The wine shop is open four days a week.

Discover and experience English wines when traveling in this region of England.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Save the Date: May 12 for Vintage Ohio South Festival

April 21, 2018 – 9:15 am

Valley Vineyards Winery

On May 12, 15 Ohio wineries will participate in the 1st Annual Vintage Ohio South festival. This fun-filled festival takes place in Springfield, Ohio at the Clark County Fairgrounds. In addition to these wineries that will offer wine samples, the wineries will also have wine available for visitors to purchase and enjoy at home. From 1pm ’til 8pm enjoy wine, music, food, as well as craft and gourmet food vendors.

Participating wineries include:

  • AR Winery
  • Brandeberry Winery
  • Caesar Creek Vineyard
  • Debonne Vineyards
  • Hanover Winery
  • Heineman’s Winery
  • It’s Your Winery
  • Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery
  • Meier’s Wine Cellars
  • Meranda-Nixon Winery
  • O’Bannon Creek Vineyard
  • Old Mason Winery & Vineyards
  • Olde Schoolhouse Vineyards
  • The Winery at Versailles
  • Valley Vineyards

    The Winery at Versailles

Numerous crafts and gourmet foods will be available to browse throughout the day. Look for hand painted dominoes made into assorted items including pendants, magnets and keychains. Other items available will include: wreaths and centerpieces, homemade gemstone jewelry, carved wood signs, wine bags, special seasoning blends, sea salts, sausage mixes, makeup, clothing, maple syrup, microwavable body warmers, jewelry, and much, much more.

Restaurants will also be attending the festival. Look for yummy foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, sloppy joes, sausages, pretzel bites, hand-cut potato chips, pastries, grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade ice cream.

Festival Tickets

Online pre-sale tickets are $25; tickets purchased at the door will be $30. The tickets will entitle wine lovers to a wine glass, 12 wine sampling tickets and a six-bottle carrier tote. Designated driver tickets are also available for $10. Designated drivers will receive four complimentary waters or pops.

Drivers will be happy to know that parking is free.

Wine Trail Traveler has visited and written about many of Ohios wineries including several of the wineries participating in the festival. Read the online reviews here.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Tasting of Wines from Ribera del Duero and Rueda Regions

April 20, 2018 – 10:23 am

Wine tasting

In a recent blog about the Ribera and Rueda DOs in Spain, I noted that the Ribera del Duero D.O. region is known for tempranillo wines. It’s also good to know the different styles that Ribera winemakers are producing.

Wine Styles in Ribera del Duero D.O. 

        • Crianza – refers to wines aged in barrels for 1+ years
        • Reserva – wines are aged in barrel for 1+ years and then 2+ years in the bottle
        • Gran Reserva – wines age in barrel for 2+ years, followed by 3+ years in the bottle.
        • Cosecha – these wines are not defined by aging specifications. It should be noted that these wines frequently meet or exceed requirements.

Rueda D.O.

The wineries in the Rueda D.O. region concentrate on producing Verdejo wines. Below is a list of the wine styles to be discovered.

Wine Styles of Rueda D.O.

    • Rueda – wine must be produced with a minimum of 50% Verdejo
    • Rueda Verdejo – wines are at least 85% Verdejo
    • Sauvignon Blanc – wines must be a minimum  of 85% Sauvignon Blanc
    • Rueda Dorado – these wines must be barrel aged for a minimum of two years
    • Rueda Espumoso – these sparkling wines are produced in the traditional method, aged on lees and are in bottle for 9 months

Protos

Wine Tasting Notes

Bodegas Protos (This wine company has a winery in both Ribera del Duero and Rueda.)

Protos 2016, Rueda D.O. was a light straw color. The wine had a tropical fruit aroma. The taste was dry with citrus and tropical fruit. The finish was dry and crisp. The wine retails for $14.

The Bodegas Protos Tinto Fino 2016, Ribera del Duero D.O. retails for $20. This wine was a red/purple color. The wine was dry and fruity, with a faint hint of sweetness. The finish was dry and offered tannins that grew bold as the wine lingered. 

Bodega Alvides

Bodega Reina De Castilla Sauvignon Blanc 2017 was a very pale yellow. The wine offered a wonderful aroma. The wine was crisp with notes of grapefruit and tropical fruit including pineapple.

Bodega y Viñedos Martin Berdugo

Martin Berdugo Verdejo 2016 was a light to medium straw color. The wine was aromatic with tropical fruit notes. The taste include citrus, tropical fruit and mineral. The finish was dry. The aftertaste was long. The retail price is a reasonable $10.99

Martin Berdugo Rosado 207 was produced with Tempranillo. The wine was a pretty, pink color. The wine offered an aroma of strawberries and raspberries. The taste was slightly sweet but overall crisp. The finish offered a sense of effervescence. This is a wine I would use as a 3P wine, perfect for the porch, patio or pool. This wine also retails for $10.99.

Cyatho Verdejo

Bodegas Cyatho

The Cyatho Verdejo 2017 offered an intense aroma. The mouthfeel was smooth. The finish was crisp. This wine retails for $12.00.

Bodegas Pago de Carraovejas

The Pago de Carraovejas Cosecha 2015 was a blend of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was a beautiful opaque purple color. The wine offered intense notes of earthiness and blackberry. The wine was dry with bold tannins. The retail price is $50.

Marqués de Cáceres

The Marqués de Cáceres Verdejo 2016 was a pale yellow color. The wine offered an aroma of citrus especially lemon and mineral. The taste was also reminiscent of citrus and lemon. The finish was dry and the aftertaste was long. This wine is the flagship wine for the winery. The wine retails for $13. As I tasted the wine, I learned that the family-owned wine was started in the 1970s. Originally, the family was from Spain and moved to Bordeaux. Upon returning to Spain, they decided to start a winery.

Some wineries in the Ribera and Rueda regions are exporting their wines to the United States; other wineries are looking for importers for these well-made wines. Total Wine on the East Coast of the US offers several wines from these regions. Check your favorite wine shop and ask about Ribera del Duero and Rueda wines.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Malbec World Day, April 17

April 17, 2018 – 7:01 pm

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards grow Malbec

Malbec World Day, April 17th, celebrates the Malbec wine that originated in France. However, after many of the Malbec vineyards of France were decimated by phylloxera, the Malbec grape made its way to Argentina where it is heralded as a most wonderful grape. However Malbec is also grown in other areas of the world including California.

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards in Sonoma Valley grows Malbec in their large vineyards. The winery also emphasizes the culinary aspect of wine. In addition to wine tastings, visitors to the winery can choose to participate in wine and food pairings. They also suggest pairing wine with their recipes.

For example, with the recipe for Garlic and Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, the pairing suggestion is the 2006 Malbec. Curry Braised Lamb Shanks is paired with the 2012 Malbec, Sonoma Valley.

The pairing suggestion for the  Seared Filet of Beef with Red Wine and Mustard Sauce is the 2011 Malbec, Sonoma Valley. The recipe for this recipe, created by St. Francis Executive Chef David Bush, is below.

Seared Filet of Beef with Red Wine and Mustard
Paired with 2011 Malbec, Sonoma Valley

Ingredients

4 beef filet steaks, about 5 ounces each
1 large shallot, minced
4 sprigs whole fresh thyme
1 c beef stock
1/2 red wine
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat an oven to 450º F.
  2. Season the steaks on both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper.
  3. Heat a heavy bottomed sauté pan over high heat, add the olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke add the steaks. Sear the steaks for about two minutes or unitl dark brown and caramelized. Flip the steaks and sear an additional minute, leave the steaks in the hot pan and place in the preheated oven for about two minutes for medium rare (longer depending on thickness of steaks) or until desired doneness.
  4. Remove the steaks from the oven and place on a platter to rest.
  5. Place the sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the shallots and thyme, sauté for 20 seconds. Deglaze the pan with the red wine and reduce until almost dry. Add the beef stock and mustard and reduce to sauce consistency about 1 – 2 minutes. Whisking the butter, discard the thyme and spoon the sauce over the steaks, serve immediately.

Serves 4

Permission  provided by St. Francis Winery & Vineyards.

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

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