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November Events at Selected Wineries

November 13, 2015 – 9:07 am
Time to Celebrate with a Thanksgiving Feast

Time to Celebrate with a Thanksgiving Feast

It seems that Thanksgiving is approaching much more quickly than I anticipated.  With only 13 days left before celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends, are you ready? While making your Thanksgiving plans, be sure to take some time out and visit a winery or two.

Below is a list of events at some of the wineries we have visited and written about. (By the way, these wineries advertise with Wine Trail Traveler.)

While out and about visiting wineries, be sure to pick up the wines you would like to pair with Thanksgiving. Perhaps pick up a bottle of sparkling wine to greet guests with when they arrive at your door.

Cheers!
Kathy

Friday, November 13

Catoctin Breeze, Thurmont, Maryland
Event: Thank God it’s Wine Friday!
Website Info

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Music: Rock
Website Info

Texas Legato, Texas
Event: Wine Down Happy Hour
Website Info

The Winery at Perennial Vineyards, Navarre, Ohio
Music: Ren
Website Info

Youngberg Hill, McMinnville, OR
Event: Youngberg Hill Supports Salud!
Website Info

Saturday, November 14

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Music: Dance, Rock
Website Info

Pearmund Cellars, Broad Run, Virginia
Event: Mulled Wine Weekends
Website Info

Sunday, November 15

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Music: light Jazz
Event: Yoga at the Vineyards 
Website Info

Orfila Vineyards and Winery. CA
Event: Painting Party!
Website Info

Pearmund Cellars, Broad Run, Virginia
Event: Mulled Wine Weekends
Website Info

Tuesday, November 17

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Event: Charter Celebration of the Kiwanis Club of Madison-Dinner
Website Info

Thursday, November 19

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Music: acoustic
Event: Brushes & Lushes on Canvas
Website Info

Orfila Vineyards and Winery. CA
Event: Trivia Night
Website Info

The Winery at Perennial Vineyards, Navarre, Ohio
Music: Josh Starley
Website Info

Friday, November 20

Catoctin Breeze, Thurmont, Maryland
Event: Thank God it’s Wine Friday!
Website Info

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Music: Dance, Rock
Event: Brushes & Lushes on Glass 
Website Info

The Winery at Perennial Vineyards, Navarre, Ohio
Music: B&C
Website Info

Saturday, November 21

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Music: Dance, Rock
Website Info

Pearmund Cellars, Broad Run, Virginia
Event: Mulled Wine Weekends
Website Info

Sunday, November 22

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Music: light Jazz
Website Info

Pearmund Cellars, Broad Run, Virginia
Event: Mulled Wine Weekends
Website Info

Friday, November 27

Catoctin Breeze, Thurmont, Maryland
Event: Thank God it’s Wine Friday!
Website Info

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Event: Tannenbaum Wine Trail
Music: Rock 
Website Info

Orfila Vineyards and Winery, CA
Event: Black Friday Specials!
Website Info

The Winery at Perennial Vineyards, Navarre, Ohio
Music: Tim and TJ Gang
Website Info

Youngberg Hill, McMinnville, OR
Event: Thanksgiving Open House
Website Info

Saturday, November 28

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Event: Tannenbaum Wine Trail
Music: Dance, Rock 
Website Info

Pearmund Cellars, Broad Run, Virginia
Event: Mulled Wine Weekends
Website Info

Youngberg Hill, McMinnville, Oregon
Event: Thanksgiving Open House
Website Info

Sunday, November 29

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Music: light Jazz
Website Info

Pearmund Cellars, Broad Run, Virginia
Event: Mulled Wine Weekends
Website Info

Youngberg Hill, McMinnville, OR
Event: Thanksgiving Open House
Website Info

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

CASK Wine from the Grand River Valley AVA

November 12, 2015 – 1:22 pm
Grand River Cellars

Grand River Cellars

Several wineries in the Grand River Valley region of Ohio are seeking to promote the red grapes that grow  best in this region of  Northeast, Ohio. The participating wineries are members of the Winegrowers of the Grand River Valley. The members of the Winegrowers of the Grand River Valley include: Debonné Vineyards, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Laurello Vineyards, Grand River Cellars and St. Joseph Vineyards.

The wineries participate in three main events including: Annual Ice Wine Festival, Turkey Trot and a CASK tasting.

The CASK wine project, designed by the participating wineries, focuses on the best red grape varieties produced in the Grand River Valley AVA.

St. Joseph Vineyard

St. Joseph Vineyard

According to the Wine Trail Traveler article based on a recent visit to St. Joseph Vineyard, “Cask wine is a marketing opportunity for wineries in Grand River Valley that features red grape varieties of the Grand River Valley. Each winery makes wines in a special cask ranging in size from 135 gallons to 520 gallons. The winemaker at each winery decides on the blend of Grand River Valley AVA grapes to go into the cask. This is a multi-vintage wine. In the name CASK 1015 the 10 represents the year, 2010, for the first harvest vintage of grapes to make CASK wines and 15 represents the most recent wine vintage, 2015. CASK 1015 was the fourth vintage bottled. At St. Joseph, the wine was aged in oak barrels made with American and French staves. The St Joseph CASK 1015 was made with Shiraz, Petite Sirah and Pinot Noir. The CASK wine is similar to the solera-style wines where the cask is never quite emptied from year to year. The Saint Joseph CASK 1015 offered an aroma of dark fruit notes. The taste included blackberries, pepper and clove notes. The wine was full-bodied with medium tannins. The finish was fruity.”

Grand River Cellars CASK 1015, recently released, was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine was aged in a 540 gallon Hungarian oak cask,. The price is $29.95.

At Debonné Vineyards, visitors will find Cask is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine aged in French oak. Information on the Debonné website includes, “Each year 1/3 of wine will be removed from the barrel, bottled and replaced with a new vintage making it a continual red wine blend.”

Visitors to the Laurello Vineyards in Geneva, Ohio will find CASK 2014 available. This red blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in French Oak. This is a limited edition and available at $29.99.

Ferrante Winery’s CASK wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon with a price of $29.99.

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

Cider Week Virginia Begins November 13

November 10, 2015 – 9:59 am
Blue Bee Cider in Richmond

Blue Bee Cider in Richmond

The annual Cider Week Virginia takes place November 13 – 22. Apple, cider and wine lovers will want to participate in this event taking place in various areas of Virginia.

In 2015, Virginia has 10 cideries including:

Albemarle Ciderworks, North Garden, VA
Blue Bee Cider, Richmond, VA
Bold Rock Cider, Nellysford, VA
Castle Hill Cider, Keswick, VA
Cobbler Mountain Cellars, Delaplane, VA
Corcoran Vineyards & Cider, Waterford, VA
Foggy Ridge Cider, Dugspur, VA
Old Hill Cider, Timberville, VA
Potter’s Craft Cider, Free Union, VA
Winchester Cider Works, Middetown, VA

During Cider Week Virginia, Virginia cideries are showcasing their special ciders  in various regions of Virginia plus Washington DC. Browse the Cider Week Virginia website to find a cider event near you. Many of the events will be in the Richmond and Alexandria areas.

Virginia Cider Week events include: cider tastings, a Richmond Cider Celebration, dinner and cider pairings, a dessert and cider pairing, a cider cocktail competition, cider and cupcake pairing, and French brunch with Virginia ciders.

Whenever you are out and about during Cider Week, look for special cider events. Detailed information is available on the Cider Week Virginia website.

We have visited and written about several of Virginia’s delightful cideries. Check out these articles:

Albemarle Ciderworks: Wine Trail Traveler article
Blue Bee Cider: Wine Trail Traveler article
Castle Hill Cider: Wine Trail Traveler article
Old Hill Cider (recent November visit with article to be published soon)
Corcoran Vineyards: Wine Trail Traveler article

Enjoy discovering Virginia home-grown ciders during Cider Week Virginia!

Cheers!
Kathy

 

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

Saperavi Vertical Tasting in the Finger Lakes

November 9, 2015 – 8:20 am
Saperavi at Standing Stone Vineyards

Saperavi at Standing Stone Vineyards

Discover the Saperavi grape at Standing Stone Vineyards on Sunday, November 15. The winery will host a Saperavi Vertical Tasting.

At the Standing Stone Vineyards, participants will have the opportunity to taste several vintages of Saperavi. The vintages will include the 2014, 2010 and 2005.

The Saperavi Vertical Tasting takes place Sunday, November 15. The price for this unique tasting is $20. Be sure to rsvp at ssvny@standingstonewines.com.

According an email  from Standing Stone about Saperavi, “This variety demands food (you will learn some Georgian history as well, which includes how much the Georgians like to eat, with company), and so we’ll have some perfect pairings from our good friends at Dano’s Heuriger on Seneca. Learn about the history of the Saperavi grape, learn why Tom and Marti planted this variety first in a small way, and then went fairly big, and most importantly, taste this delicious wine and let your tongue observe how well it ages.”

Saperavi, an Ancient Grape Variety

Saperavi is a wine grape that dates back to the country Georgia. We first discovered the Saperavi grape in Virginia and New York. It was in 2013 when we first had the opportunity to find out more about Saperavi during a visit to the country Georgia where Saperavi is one of the many indigenous grapes growing.

In our book, Georgia, Sakartvelo: The Birthplace of Wine, we described the Saperavi grape. “The Saperavi variety grape is a very old Georgian variety. A variety of wine styles are produced with this grape including dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet and fortified. The wine produced with this grape is a dark purple to black color with red fruit notes and tannins. The grape does well when producing European-style wines and traditional-style wines made in qvevris. Rather than choosing a Cabernet Sauvignon for dinner, enjoy a Saperavi. The Saperavi is a good wine for aging.” Consider pairing Saperavi with grilled meat, aged cheese, charcuterie and wild game.

After attending the 2015 Wine Bloggers Conference we had the opportunity to make a return trip to Standing Stone Vineyards, one of several wineries on the East Coast that is growing Saperavi.

After our visit to Standing Stone Vineyards and walking to the vineyards where Saperavi grapes were awaiting harvest, we wrote an article about the experience of visiting the winery. The article is available online.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Rock The Puzzle 2015

November 8, 2015 – 6:54 pm
Grand River Cellars

Grand River Cellars

Rock The Puzzle is an annual fundraising event of the Northeast Ohio Autism Group. The goal of the November event is to support services and programs for those with autism in Northeast Ohio.

On Wednesday, November 18, the Rock The Puzzle event will take place at Luca Italian Cuisine in Cleveland. Tickets for this special event include unlimited wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres as well as live entertainment. Several auctions are included in the event. Among the wines available will be the Austin’s Red wine, a wine produced by Grand River Cellars to support those afflicted with autism. International wines will also be included in the wine tasting at Luca Italian Cuisine.

Address for Rock The Puzzle:

Luca Italian Cuisine
2100 Superior Viaduct
Cleveland, OH 44113

Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

We revisited Grand River Cellars, producer of the Austin’s Red wine in October and updated our article which is available online. Check it out when you have a moment.

Note: Did you know that Grand River Cellars is on the Ashtabula County Barn Quilt Trail?

Ashtabula County Barn Quilt Trail

Ashtabula County Barn Quilt Trail

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

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus Glaze

November 7, 2015 – 9:32 am
Time to Celebrate with a Thanksgiving Feast

Time to Celebrate with a Thanksgiving Feast

Before we know Thanksgiving will be here! Do you have the turkey recipe you need for Thanksgiving? Below is a recipe for roasted turkey provided by the National Turkey Federation. This particular recipe uses only a 1/4 cup of dry white wine plus fresh fresh herbs. If you have fresh herbs in your garden, this is the recipe you will want to try for Thanksgiving.

Enjoy!
Kathy

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus Glaze

Ingredients

Whole turkey, fresh or frozen (thawed): 1 15-Pound
lemons: 3 Large
limes: 2 Large
salt, divided: 1-1/2 Teaspoon
black pepper, coarsely ground: 1/2 Teaspoon
dry white wine: 1/4 Cup
packed brown sugar: 1/4 Cup
fresh sage, marjoram and thyme, divided: 1 Bunch each
vegetable oil: 2-3 Tablespoons

Directions

1. Remove giblets and neck from turkey; reserve for gravy. Rinse turkey with cold running water and drain well. Blot dry with paper towels.

2. Peel skin from lemons and limes to make rose garnishes (see step 11 for directions). Reserve in refrigerator.

3. Squeeze enough juice from the lemons and limes to equal 2 tablespoons each. Cut remaining lemons and limes in half and place in the turkey cavity. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt in the cavity.

4. In a small bowl, mix the wine, brown sugar and citrus juices; reserve for glaze.

5. Gently loosen skin from turkey breast without totally detaching the skin and carefully place 1 tablespoon each fresh sage, marjoram and thyme under the skin. Replace skin.

6. Fold neck skin and fasten to the back with 1 or 2 skewers. Fold the wings under the back of the turkey. Return legs to tucked position.

7. Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a large shallow (about 2-1/2 inches deep) roasting pan. Rub turkey with remaining salt, pepper and 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Insert oven-safe food thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful the pointed end of the thermometer does not touch bone.

8. Roast the turkey in a preheated 325 degree F oven about 3-3/4 hours. During the last hour of roasting time, baste with pan drippings. During the last 30 minutes, baste with citrus glaze. Loosely cover with lightweight foil to prevent excessive browning. Continue to roast until the thermometer registers 175 degrees F in the thigh.

9. Remove turkey from the oven and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

10. Place on a warm large platter and garnish platter with remaining fresh herbs and lemon and lime roses.

11. Prepare lemon and lime roses as follows: with a small sharp knife or vegetable peeler, cut a continuous thin 1-inch strip of peel. Avoid cutting into white pith. Roll tightly, skin inside out and secure with toothpicks. Reserve in a bowl filled with ice water until time for service.

Provides 22 servings at 6 ounces per portion.

Provided by National Turkey Federation

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

Ashtabula County Barn Quilt Trail

November 6, 2015 – 9:23 am
Barn Quilt at Grand River Cellars

Barn Quilt at Grand River Cellars

Previously I have written about quilt trails that have included wineries as part of their trail. In particular Lake County in California has a notable quilt trail. However we recently learned that, based on the information available, the first barn quilt block was hung in Ohio.

Last month while visiting wineries in Ohio, I came across another quilt trail. Several wineries in Ashtabula County are members of the Ashtabula County Barn Quilt Trail.

It’s fun searching out the unique when traveling and just adds another dimension to your trips. When visiting wineries look for quilt blocks attached to the sides of buildings especially old barn siding. To be on the quilt trail in Ashtabula,  quilt blocks must be either 4×4 feet or 8×8 feet.

Watch the Date: In May, 2016, Suzi Parron, author of Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail is scheduled to present about the American Barn Quilt Trail Movement. Program is free.

Below is a list of the Ohio wineries participating in the Ashtabula Quilt  Barn Trail. When planning your visit along the wine and quilt trails be sure to print a map.

Grand River Cellars
Quilt Description: Grapes, Freehand
Artist: Cindy Lindberg
Address:
5750 South Madison Rd. (Route 528)
Madison, Ohio 44057
Grand River article online

Americana quilt block at Kosicek Vineyards

Americana quilt block at Kosicek Vineyards

Kosicek Vineyards
Quilt Description: Americana
Artist: Artistic Woodworks, Jeff Scribben
Address:
636 Ohio 534
Harpersfield, Ohio 44041

Chalet Debonne Vineyards
Quilt Description: Biplane
Artist: Cindy Lindberg
Address:
7840 Doty Road
Madison, Ohio 44057

Pairings, Ohio’s Wine and Culinary Experience
Quilt Description: Grape Basket
Artist: Jennifer Brown
Address:
50 Park Street
Geneva, OH 44041

The Winery at Spring Hill
Quilt Description: Star within the Variable Star
Address:
6062 South Ridge Road West,
Geneva, OH 44041

Volunteer Firefighter quilt block at Old Firehouse Winery

Volunteer Firefighter quilt block at Old Firehouse Winery

Old Firehouse Winery
Quilt Description: volunteer firefighter
Address: 5481 Lake Road E
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041

Quilt Trail Quick Facts

  • The Quilt Barn Trail is located in Ohio’s largest county.
  • The Ashtabula Barn Quilt Trail began in 2014.
  • Currently it is believed that the first Barn Quilt was created in Adams County, Ohio. For more information visit the Barn Quilt Trail history page.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Deck the Wreath Wine Trail Event

November 5, 2015 – 1:57 pm
Mon Ami Winery in Ohio/Photo by Andy Neumeier

Mon Ami Winery in Ohio/Photo by Andy Neumeier

It’s not too early to start planning on joining the great Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holiday events along several wine trails throughout the country. In fact one of the wine trail events I traditionally write about, the Tennenbaum Trail in Ohio has sold out for both weekends.

However a lot of other happenings are scheduled to take place. Today I’ll take a look at the Deck the Wreath Wine Trail in northwest Ohio with numerous wineries on the Lake Erie Shores & Island Wine Trail. This very special holiday event takes place on three weekends, November 27-28, December 4-5 and December 11-12.

Fourteen wineries are scheduled to take part in this self-driving event. Wine lovers who participate in the Deck the Wreath event will receive appetizers and wine samples. When arriving at your first winery you will receive a 20” Christmas wreath. Each succeeding winery will hand out a miniature ornament for your wreath.

Participating wineries include:

1285 Winery
Chateau Tebeau
D & D Smith Winery
Firelands Winery
Klingshirn Winery
Jubilee Winery
Majestic Oak Winery
Matus Winery
Mon Ami Restaurant & Winery
Paper Moon Vineyards
Quarry Hill Winery
Stoney Ridge Winery
Sycamore Lake Wine Co
Vermilion Valley Vineyards

Typically the Deck the Wreath Wine Trail event sells out so if you want to participate make your reservations soon. Cost is $50 per couple and $40 for singles. Registration is available online.

When registering for the Deck the Wreath Wine Trail event, it is requested that you choose the winery where you wish to pick up your wreath. (Wreath pickup is not available at Klingshirn Winery.) To find our more about some of these wineries visit the Wine Trail Traveler website.

Enjoy preparing for the holidays.

Cheers!
Kathy

 

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

2011 Malleolus Tempranillo for the Holidays

November 4, 2015 – 7:09 am

110415aWe received a sample of Tempranillo from Emilio Moro and was interested in how this would pair with traditional holiday fare. I decided to try pairing the Tempranillo with a turkey and sausage recipe, slow cooked in a crock-pot for eight hours. I do enjoy crock-pot cooking, and the flavors often exhibit a marriage together.

The 2011 Malleolus Tempranillo by Emilio Moro was made with grapes from the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. In this region, Tempranillo is also referred to as Tinto Fino. The Malleolus 2011 retails for $44.99. The wine, at 14.5% alcohol, was a very dark purple to black color. The powerful aroma of black fruits and vanilla appear as soon as the cork is removed from the bottle. In the glass the aroma is more fruit intensive. Blackberries, plums and black cherries were noticed on the taste. The full-bodied wine had silky bold tannins. Fruit yielded to oak influences on the finish. The long aftertaste ended with a slight earthiness that longs for autumn’s harvest.

This fruit forward wine was wonderful to use as an ingredient to cook with. The turkey picked up a bit of the dark fruits from the wine. Both the turkey and the sausage were very tender and full of flavor. Early I learned that if you cook with a wine you can pair the meal with that wine. If you enjoy turkey for the holidays, match it with the 2011 Malleolus Tempranillo by Emilio Moro.

Emilio Moro Bodegas

A motto of the winery is, “A great wine emerges when nature, terroir and history coincide.” The Moro family spans three generations of wine growing and winemaking. Today the family has 400 hectares (almost 1,000 acres) of vineyards. The original vines were planted in 1932 in the historic vineyard. However an even older vineyard called Valderramiro, was planted in 1924. Soils are made of clay with patches of chalk. The Malleolus 2011 was made from grapes that were harvested from 12 to 25 year-old vines.

Crock-Pot Turkey, Sausage and Tempranillo

For additional flavor, I chose fresh sage and parsley to add to the crock-pot. We usually have an abundant crop of parsley and sage that we frequently use for chicken and turkey dishes.

Ingredients

110415b1 lb of mild Italian sausages
1 turkey breast
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
olive oil
3 sprigs of sage
3 sprigs of parsley
3 cups of water
1 cup of Tempranillo
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
2. While sausages are browning place 3 cups of water and 1 cup of Tempranillo into a crock-pot.
3. Add turkey breast to the crock-pot.
4. After sausages are browned, add them to the crock-pot.
5. Coat the bottom of the frying pan with olive oil.
6. Sauté garlic and onion.
7. Add sautéed onion and garlic to the crock-pot.
8. Cut sage and parsley into small pieces and add to the contents in the crock-pot.
9. Cook on low for 8 hours.

Recipe by Terry Sullivan, Wine Trail Traveler

Cheers,
Terry

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

Sutter Home® Family Vineyards Supports Our Military

November 3, 2015 – 1:24 pm

Sutter Home® Family Vineyards wants to help the United States military and families have a better holiday. To help make this happen they are working with Operation Gratitude. The intent of the program is to send care packages to those stationed throughout the world.

A press release I received yesterday, explains how everyone can help with showing they care. “Now through December 31, Sutter Home fans can show their support for this worthwhile effort by texting HOME to 89800. For every valid text received, Sutter Home will donate $5, up to $20,000, to help send care packages to active duty military personnel.”

Sutter’s wine club members can also have a hands-on opportunity to help at the Sutter tasting room. During November, the winery is providing room for wine club members to assembly care kits. Wine club members can stop by to help assembly the kits that will include: toothpaste, tooth brushes, hot compresses and other items that we here at home so often take for granted.

Operation Gratitude

The Sutter Home® Family Vineyards’ website offers information about Operation Gratitude.

“Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that sends 150,000+ individually addressed care packages to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed overseas, to their children left behind, and to New Recruits, Veterans, First Responders, Wounded Warriors and their Care Givers.  Each package contains food, hygiene products, entertainment and handmade items, as well as personal letters of support. Operation Gratitude seeks to lift spirits and meet the evolving needs of our Military and First Responder communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for Americans to express their appreciation to all who serve our nation.”

If you find yourself looking for a way to show you care and support the military especially those away from home while serving our nation, be sure to check out Sutter Home® Family Vineyards  and Operation Gratitude.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

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