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6 Cocktail Recipes for Labor Day!

September 2, 2017 – 8:05 am

Nature’s Candy Spritzer

For this Labor Day weekend, I received several recipes and photos for some amazing cocktails. As you serve cocktails, also have plenty of water available for everyone. For your enjoyment, drink alcoholic beverages in moderation. We recommend using a designated driver. Many thanks to Santa Margherita  winery and Sparkling Ice for these recipes.

Nature’s Candy Spritzer

Ingredients

4 blackberries
2 mint leaves
Juice of ½ lemon
2 oz Gin
Sparkling Ice Lemon Lime

Directions

1.Place blackberries and mint into a cocktail shaker and muddle.
2. Combine lemon juice and gin, shake until combined.
3. In an ice filled rocks glass, strain blackberry mixture and top with Sparkling Ice Lemon Lime.
4. Garnish with fresh mint and serve.

Peach Royale

Peach Royale

Ingredients

Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG
1 oz. tequila
1 oz. white peach purée
½ oz. lemon juice
½ oz. simple syrup
3 dashes peach bitters

Directions

  1. Shake and strain on ice and top with Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
  2. Garnish with a peach wedge.

Watermelon Vodka Lemonade

Sparkling Watermelon Vodka Lemonade

Ingredients

3 cups seedless watermelon pieces
3 lemons, juiced
½ cup vodka
¼ cup fresh mint
2 cups Sparkling Ice Classic Lemonade

Directions

  1. In a blender, puree the watermelon and lemon juice, strain through a sieve into a drink pitcher.
  2. Add mint, vodka, and Sparkling Ice Classic Lemonade- then stir.
  3. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint.

Blackberry Smash

Blackberry Smash

Ingredients

2 oz Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Fresh blackberries
Fresh basil leaves
1 oz gin
½ oz simple syrup
½ oz fresh lemon juice

Directions

  1. Find some fun glasses to use – rocks glasses or stemless wine glasses look great.
  2. Muddle 6 blackberries and 3 basil leaves.
  3. Add gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
  4. Top off with Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
  5. Garnish with an extra few blackberries and a sprig of basil.

Wine Supercooler

Wine Supercooler

Ingredients

1 Part Reisling
1 Part Sparkling Ice Pomegranate Blueberry
Pomegranate Seeds
Cranberries
Teaspoon Agave
Mint

Directions

Mix all in a pitcher, pour into wine glasses and add a mint leaf garnish.

Spritz O’clock

Spritz O’Clock

Ingredients

Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé
1 oz. Aperol
½ oz. vodka
½ oz. orange juice
Dash of passion fruit purée
5 drops of orange flower water

Directions

  1. Build over ice and top with Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé.
  2. Garnish with an orange wheel and spray of orange blossom.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Savîle Premium Rumtini: An Island-Style Cocktail in a Bottle

September 1, 2017 – 8:23 am

Savîle Rumtini, a cocktail without the fuss!

Too tired to mix a rum cocktail? The Savîle Premium Rumtini may be just what you need! Just pour a little Rumtini over ice and enjoy. Of course there are other ways to enjoy the Savîle Premium Rumtini which may bring back memories of tropical island visits.

The history behind Savîle Premium Rumtini goes back to 1983, when Dee Tutt was planning to entertain her family and friends. Dee had visited islands in the Caribbean and wanted to create a beverage in the same style. Over the years Dee adapted the recipe based on suggestions. Her family and friends were lucky to be the ones to try the various adaptations. A few years ago, Dee developed a business plan to bring the Savîle Premium Rumtini to market. The Savîle Premium Rumtini is now available at many locations in California, Nevada and online.

The Savîle Premium Rumtini is available in one liter bottles and is 14% alcohol. This liquid gold beverage is gluten free and has no artificial preservatives.

Easy to use: add Rumtini and ice and shake!

Several suggested ways to enjoy the Savîle Premium Rumtini are available online. These include: Rumtini Dash, Rumtini Style, Cocktail Style, Sunday Brunch, Margarita Style and Savile Sangria.

After receiving a sample bottle of Savîle Premium Rumtini, we began with the Cocktail Style drink which was simply serving the Savîle Premium Rumtini over ice. This cocktail was a yellow color with aroma notes of pineapple and coconut. The taste was also of pineapple and coconut but with a hint of rum. The taste was sweet and crisp. The finish was crisp and fruity. We also tried the Rumtini style drink which was  easy to make if you have a cocktail shaker. Simply shake the Savîle Premium Rumtini in a martini shaker with ice and serve. This resulted in a dark yellow cocktail with aroma notes of pineapple and melon. The taste was of pineapple and lingered. We also tried the Margarita Style cocktail which called for a shot of tequila. This cocktail was an orange color. The aroma was of sweet pineapple. The taste was tropical and sweet. The mouthfeel was smooth. The finish was sweet with some spice notes of ginger and cinnamon.

Be creative with Savîle Rumtini by making your own cocktail!

Terry decided to make the Rumtini Dash but without the pomegranate liquor on hand, he went with creativity. He used the following ingredients: a dash of lime juice, a dash of apricot brandy and Rumtini. Pouring the mix over ice, the result was yummy! This cocktail offered a tropical fruit aroma with tastes of apricot, pineapple and citrus. The finish was crisp and fruity.

When you have a bottle of Savîle Premium Rumtini, try the suggested recipes on the Savîle Premium Rumtini website. You may want to add some of your own creativity and create your own cocktails with the Savîle Premium Rumtini.

If you like your cocktails fruity with hints of the Caribbean Islands, this may be just the beverage for you to try.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Mark Your Calendar: 34th Annual Maryland Wine Festival

August 28, 2017 – 11:36 am

Great Frogs Estate winery will attend Maryland Wine Festival

Make your plans and get your tickets soon for the 34th Annual Maryland Wine Festival taking place September 16 -17. This annual wine festival takes place in Westminster, Maryland at the renowned Carroll County Farm Museum.

Wine lovers and wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to choose from 150 wines to taste provided by 25 Maryland wineries. This is a great opportunity to discover some of the many wines that Maryland wineries are now producing. Check out this list of Maryland wineries planning to attend this September festival.

Basignani Winery
Bodegas González Ruggiero
Boordy Vineyards
Bordeleau Winery
Cove Point Winery
Dragonfly Farms
Elk Run Vineyards
Far Eastern Shore Winery
Fiore Winery
Fridays Creek Winery
Great Frogs Winery
Great Shoals Winery
Knob Hall Winery
Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery
Linganore Winecellars
Olney Winery
Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery
Port of Leonardtown Winery
Royal Rabbit Vineyards
Running Hare Vineyard
Solomons Island Winery
St. Michaels Winery
The Urban Winery
Turkey Point Vineyard

In addition these Maryland wineries, the large wine festival will have 45 artisans showcasing their works of art. Only juried artists will be featured at the festival. Look for handmade dresses, jewelry, photography, cigars, organic body care products, pottery and so much more.

Another feature for festival attendees to enjoy is The Maryland Cheese Pavilion. Four creameries will be attending the festival including Firefly Farms, High Country Creamery, Shepherds Manor Creamery and Whispering Breeze Farm.

Numerous food vendors will also be available. Look for specialties like basil salt, kettle corn, funnel cakes,  ice cream, Greek and Middle Eastern food, smoothies, pizza and much more.

Music bands providing music include Foreplay, The Reagan Years, Jah Works and Wylde Fire.

Tickets are available online. Several ticket options are available including VIP, general admission and designated driver tickets.

Enjoy discovering Maryland wine, food, arts and crafts, and music scheduled for the Carroll County Farm Museum!

Cheers!
Kathy

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

45th Wedding Anniversary Paired with a ’89 Chateau Lafite Rothschild

August 24, 2017 – 5:11 pm

1989 Chateau Lafite Rothschild

Kathy and I had a great week celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary. On Sunday we renewed our marriage vows at St. Vincent’s Chapel at Catholic University in Washington DC. That was where we were married 45 years ago. Then on Wednesday evening, we had a delightful dinner at Season 52 restaurant in Columbia, Maryland. What wine can pair with a 45th wedding anniversary?

We decided on a 1989 Chateau Lafite Rothschild. This Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend did not disappoint. My brother, Tim, gave me this bottle earlier this year and I thought that our 45th anniversary would be a perfect time to open it. Once we arrived at the restaurant, our waitress Monica, opened the bottle and decanted the wine. From a foot away, the aroma was noticeable. Over the course of the two-hour, non-rushed dinner, the wine changed.

1989 Chateau Lafite Rothschild

The wine was a barely opaque, dark ruby to black color with a translucent ruby rim. The first impression on the aroma was a forest floor after a gentle rain. The French have a word for this, sous-bois, which sounds better than forest floor. The wine had more aroma profiles than just wet leaves; there were also hints of mushrooms, pine needles and soil. After the first impression of the aroma, I noticed dark berry fruits and some mineral.

In the mouth the wine was very velvety. It also had bright acidity. The dark fruits reminded me of blackberries, black cherries and cassis. Yes, I know the aroma and taste of cassis, ever since I was in France and had a cassis fruit wine. There were multiple layers of aromas and flavors. One mineral flavor reminded me of my childhood when I occasionally chewed on a graphite pencil. This wine offered some wood and graphite. The graphite was more noticeable on the aftertaste. The medium to full-bodied wine had medium to bold tannins.

Terry & Kathy enjoying their 45th anniversary dinner at Seasons 52 in Columbia, Maryland.

Over the course of a couple hours, the sous-bois characteristic yielded to the dark fruits attributes. Our dinner pairings included lobster and fresh mozzarella flatbread. My entree was the wood grilled handline tuna served on black rice, kohlrabi slaw, sesame-peanut vinaigrette. I noticed a certain earthiness to the dish that played well with the wine. Kathy had the wood grilled pork tenderloin over sweet potato mash, sauté of bacon & vegetables, zesty jus. Kathy also enjoyed the pairing.

The staff at Seasons 52 was fantastic. They exceeded our expectations in making our 45th wedding anniversary meal memorable.

Cheers,
Terry

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

Sign Up Soon to Make Your Own Wine

August 23, 2017 – 10:27 am

Grapes from Stagecoach Vineyards in Napa

Wine enthusiasts and wine lovers in suburban Maryland have the opportunity to experience making a barrel of wine with a local winemaker at Tin Lizzie Wineworks. The winemaking teaching facility, on a working farm, is located outside Clarksville, Maryland. Dave Zuchero, a passionate winemaker and owner of Tin Lizzie Wineworks, is knowledgeable and friendly. During the winemaking process, Dave demonstrates many of the winemaking principles while helping participants craft their own barrels of wine. Dave is proud of the quality of grapes he provides for clients, including purchasing premium grapes from Stagecoach Vineyards in Napa Valley.

Adding wine grapes to destemmer/crusher

Participants can choose now what wine they want to make. They also can choose to make a full barrel, half-barrel or quarter-barrel. Numerous other decisions need to be made while crafting a wine. Dave explains the options with an eye to helping you get the wine you will enjoy.

Dave has been crafting wine for many years. He first began making wine with his father. Since 2008 Dave has been helping Marylanders create quality wines at Tin Lizzie Wineworks.

Producing quality wines includes using winemaking equipment and quality grapes, both of which are costly. Anyone interested in making wine may want to gather a few friends together to share the fun, cost and wine. At Tin Lizzie Wineworks, Dave encourages small group participants.

On a personal note, we have made wine with Dave at Tin Lizzie Wineworks three times, always enjoying the experience and comaraderie.

Consider making your own wine, keeping some for yourself and using some bottles for holiday gifts. These are gifts that really say you care. For wine lovers who want to try their hand at making quality wine, contact Dave at  dave@tinlizziewineworks.com.

Add some excitement to your life and make your own wine this fall!

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Scholarship Foundation Donates $1 Million to WSU

August 22, 2017 – 9:17 am

Vineyards in Washington

The Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation is donating one million dollars to Washington State University’s viticulture and enology program. While you may wonder why so much to a Washington State University, it just makes sense. The state of Washington is home to more than 300 grape growers. The grape growing conditions are different in Washington compared to California. Doesn’t it make sense to offer students the winemaking and winegrowing experience of Washington?

Many wine enthusiasts have heard of UC Davis’ wine education. Perhaps not as many are as aware of Washington State’s dynamic wine culture. However, for anyone interested in pursuing wine education, the Washington State University programs should be considered.

Washington State University wine programs include undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificates.

The programs for certificates seem ideal for many people especially those who already have full-time careers but are interested in the vineyards and winemaking. The certificate program is for the Viticulture certificate and the Enology Certificate. The certificate program is designed for anyone who is interested in wine industry. What’s particularly great about these certificates is that the program offers online classes. In addition the certificate program includes three mandatory weekend camps to receive a certificate.

Graduate programs at Washington State University offer students the opportunity to take an intensive look at a variety of wine and vineyards aspects. Focus can be on wine chemistry, economics, soil or pest management.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Harvest Ridge Winery Hosts Veterans Fundraiser

August 21, 2017 – 8:28 am

Harvest Ridge Winery hosting veterans fundraiser

On Thursday, August 24, Harvest Ridge Winery, a delightful and boutique winery in Delaware with vineyards in Maryland and Delaware, is the site of a special veterans fundraiser.

This special event held from 5pm to 8pm will raise funds for the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund. 100% of the proceeds goes directly to the veterans fund.

For a $10 entrance fee, attendees will receive their first glass of wine. Five dollars of this entrance fee goes directly to the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund. As visitors pay for additional glasses of wine, tips collected by the bartenders are added to the fund. The name of the bartender who collects the most tips will be engraved in a brick located at  the Dover Kent County Veterans Park.

The well-known bartenders will include Ms. Delmarva Veteran Stephanie Harrison, State Rep. Sean Lynn, D-Dover, Ross Sheridan of Painted Stave Distilling, and pinup personality Ginger DoGood.

This fundraiser for veterans will include a 50/50 raffle, gift baskets, a Chinese-style auction and food available from The Hungry Spork food truck.

Harvest Ridge Winery is a very friendly and welcoming winery. If you can’t make it to the fundraiser, plan to visit the winery soon! We have visited Harvest Ridge Winery several times and enjoyed the experience each time we returned. Read our online review.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Tomorrow Afternoon Celebrate Blues Music and Wine

August 18, 2017 – 12:30 pm

If you don’t have plans for tomorrow, check out the Easterns Bayside Blues & Wine Festival!

Visit Knob Hall at the Easterns Bayside Blues & Wine Festival.

The festival, August 19, takes place at the Eastern Yacht Club in Middle River, Maryland. The festival starts at 1pm.

Twelve of Maryland’s numerous wineries will attend the festival. In addition a local Baltimore company, Crossroad Company, will have Winecream available. Winecream is produced with quality ice cream and fruit wines. Sounds yummy!

 

Music will be provided by several bands.

  • Patty Reese
  • Roger Girke and The Wandering Souls
  • Lower Case Blues
  • Nothin But Trouble
  • Deb Callahan Ban

The Maryland wineries scheduled for the festival include:

  • Cove Point Winery
  • St. Michaels Winery
  • Bodegas Gonzalez-Ruggiero
  • Janemark Winery & Vineyard
  • Port of Leonardtown Winery
  • Far Eastern Shore Winery
  • Boordy Vineyards
  • Knob Hall
  • The Winery at Olney
  • Dove Valley Winery
  • Royal Rabbit
  • Linganore Winecellars

Wine Trail Traveler has visited and written about many of these Maryland wineries. Check out the articles online.

In addition to the wineries, attendees will have the opportunity to visit the numerous vendors. As you browse the wide range of art and craft items, stop by one or more of the food vendors.

Tickets at the door are $30. Designated driver tickets are $10. Free admission is available for children.

The festival address is Eastern Yacht Club 2330 Seneca Road, Baltimore, MD.

Enjoy a wonderful summer day and perhaps you will even discover some special gifts for the holidays!

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Summertime Cocktails from Santa Margherita Winery

August 17, 2017 – 11:56 am

Summer is great time to try one of these cocktails suggested by Santa Margherita Winery. These special summertime recipes use flavors associated with summer. Some of the flavors incorporated into the cocktail recipes below include: strawberry, rhubarb, peach, celery, and cucumber.

Summer Cup

Summer Cup

Ingredients

1 oz. Lillet Rose
½ oz. vodka
½ oz. strawberry and rhubarb syrup
Pinch of salt
1.5 oz. watermelon juice

Directions

  1. Shake and strain on ice and top with 2 oz. Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé.
  2. Garnish with watermelon radish wheels.

Peach Royale

Peach Royale

Ingredients

1 oz. tequila
1 oz. white peach purée
½ oz. lemon juice
½ oz. simple syrup
3 dashes peach bitters

Directions

Shake and strain on ice and top with Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Garnish with a peach wedge.

Spritz O’Clock

Spritz O’Clock

Ingredients

1 oz. Aperol
½ oz. vodka
½ oz. orange juice
Dash of passionfruit purée
5 drops of orange flower water

Directions 

  1. Build over ice and top with Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé.
  2. Garnish with an orange wheel and spray of orange blossom.

Garden Cooler

Garden Cooler

Ingredients

2 oz. Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
½ oz. St. Germain
½ oz. lime juice
Dash each of celery and cucumber bitters
Dash of verjus and saline solution

Directions

  1. Build over ice and top with Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG
  2. Garnish with cucumber slice and fresh herbs (shiso, opal basil, chrysanthemum).

Enjoy!
Kathy

 

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

Wine Appreciation Presentation A Success!

August 14, 2017 – 12:27 pm

Wine enthusiasts discover wines at WTT Teach and Taste sessions.

This month we offered one of our Teach & Taste two-hour presentations which included a tasting of six wines including ancient world wines, old world wines and new world wines. The accompanying Power Point presentation included numerous photos depicting specific points made during the presentation, as well as, numerous photos of wineries we have visited. We also offered everyone a slice of the red raspberry wine cake we baked earlier in the day.

While presentations can be offered to almost any size group, yesterday’s group was 18. This size enables everyone to have a good view, hear and also ask questions or make comments about their own wine experiences. Presentations such as this one help people to appreciate the many faces of wine.

Greco Di Tufo from Italy was tasted.

Later we received numerous comments about this month’s presentation.

  • “I thought the wine tasting was FANTASTIC!!!  I learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed the day.  I especially enjoyed the information concerning the ancient wines since I had never given it any thought before.
  • “What a terrific idea, to visit the wineries and gain knowledge about the various wines, their production, etc.  It has inspired me to rethink my visits to wineries in the future.
  • Thanks for opening your home, for the tour of your wine cellar and of course, sharing all the wines and the stories about wines. GREAT DAY!!!!!”
  • “As usual, it was great. Thanks”
  • “It was wonderful!  It’s my second – and will not be my last! Thank you both for presenting such informative seminars.”
  • “I really enjoyed the wine tasting yesterday. Thanks so much for having it!”

If you want to learn more about our wine presentations, give us a call or visit our information page.

Cheers!
Kathy and Terry

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

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