San Diego Wine Talk

1st Bottling of our Napa Valley Zinfandel!

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wine Talk) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:44:00 +0000

A historic day at Fireman Farms Winery, today we bottled our first wine: Napa Valley Zinfandel

Micro-vineyard in Mt. Helix is starting to show signs of life

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wine Talk) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 22:50:00 +0000

One misty day in spring of 2009 while strolling the Little Italy Mercato, my husband Tim and I met Grego (owner) and John (vineyard manager) of Casi Cielo Farms & Maness Vineyards. They were selling tiny grape vine cuttings for $10 each cultivated from one of their Jamul vineyards. Since we live in the Mt. Helix area of San Diego's east county, we decided that might be a great opportunity to save water and grow our own "juice" since the vines had been tested in a similar growing environment only a few miles away. We made plans to visit them in Jamul, take a look at their operation, ask a few questions and eventually decided to take the plunge. Since then we've been to Casi Cielo Farms several times either to ask questions, buy gift vines, attend a clinic or mixer, but mostly just to hang out with the great people (and animals) at the vineyard and estate.

Back at home, we rented a rototiller for 4 hours, tilled the lawn and planted 22 Cabernet Sauvignon cuttings. We put them in the ground about a year ago. At first the neighbors were curious. Some stopped to ask questions or offer advice, others asked us if we were starting a Christmas Tree farm! It's true that at first it looked like dirt and sticks with wire, not much more. The Mt. Helix walkers kept a close and supportive watch over the progress of our tiny vineyard. The first year we had a lot of greenery and the vines quickly established into healthy stalks.

Only a few weeks ago, the vines were still dormant and looked like dry sticks. Fast forward a short time (including some pretty rainy days) and today we found the vines to be in excellent health.

Tim spent a few hours this morning trimming back some of the vines as due to quick growth they are already weighing down the guide wires we had set up.

As we took a closer look we discovered tons of tiny little cabernet grapes starting to take shape!

In order to have a good shot at making some decent tasting wine on our first growth, we decided to invest in a home winemaking kit and practice with some Zinfandel grapes we purchased. More on that in our next installment!

FAMILY WINEMAKERS OF CALIFORNIA ANNOUNCES CONFIRMED LINE-UP OF SPONSORS FOR 2011 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TASTINGS

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Adkins) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:16:00 +0000

The Family Winemakers of California, an association of small, family-owned wineries in California, announced today their line-up of sponsors for their annual Southern California events, which bring together association wineries from California's many wine regions for a comprehensive tasting. This year's tasting is sponsored by Bremner Biscuit/DARE Foods, Chromagraphics, DDC Shipping, Golden State Overnight, KC Branch Firm, Labeltronix, Private Spring Water, StaVin, and Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, said Paul Kronenberg, president of Family Winemakers of California.

"'Tasting 2011' is the perfect event for these brands to deliver their message to a captive audience in the Southern California market," added Kronenberg. "Our list of sponsors have access to over 2,000 attendees, including both members of the trade and wine enthusiasts. We are grateful for the continued support of these companies, which help make the tastings possible each year."

San Diego's "Tasting 2011" is held on Sunday, March 13, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and is a unique tasting event with a trade-only segment from 1:00pm-3:00pm and a trade and consumer segment from 3:00pm-6:00pm. Wineries and winemakers from wine growing regions all over California will be represented, with over 160 wineries and 600 wines being poured. Wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to meet the winemakers themselves and try a diverse collection of small-production hard-to-find California wines. The Southern California tour will continue in Pasadena on Tuesday, March 15, for a trade only tasting.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for companies interested in getting their brand in front of an affluent audience of wine lovers, trade and winery personnel. Sponsor benefits include complimentary badges to the tasting, logo listing on the sponsor's page in the program, placement in event press release material, inclusion on Facebook, listing in weekly newsletter, inclusion in pre-event winery packet, access to the association's membership list, one year associate membership, a link on the event's official website, and logo placement on sponsor banner at the tasting. Varying sponsorship levels are available with additional benefits. The deadline to be included in the event's program is Friday, January 28.

Companies interested in sponsorship of "Tasting 2011" may contact Kathy Spallas at kathy@familywinemakers.org or call 916-498-7500. For additional information about "Tasting 2011," visit the event's official website at www.familywinemakers.org.

Over 3,200 Trees Planted From Sale of Fresh & Easy's ONEHOPE Sauvignon Blanc Wine

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wine Talk) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:36:00 +0000

For each bottle of award-winning ONEHOPE Sauvignon Blanc Wine purchased at Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, American Forests, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental restoration, will plant a tree in areas devastated by wildfires. MORE

Bordeaux Seminar & Wine Dinner to be held at Wine Vault & Bistro on 4/14

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wine Talk) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:41:00 +0000

For the third year in a row, Wine Vault & Bistro will host a special Bordeaux seminar and dinner featuring Geoff Labitzke as the keynote speaker. Geoff is one of only 27 Masters of Wine in the U.S.

Geoff will share his extensive knowledge about Bordeaux as you eat your way through a delicious multi-course dinner paired with Bordeauxs personally selected by Geoff. It should be a wonderful evening of picking a true master's brain while enjoying some amazing wines paired with some amazing food.

When: Wed, April 14, 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Where: 3731-A India Street, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

What: Pre-Dinner Reception with Geoff Labitzke from 5:45 to 6:30, Dinner starts promptly at 6:30

$65.00 + tax and gratuity

RSVP: (619) 295-3939

Here is a sneak peak at the menu:

Smoked Salmon Rillettes
Housemade Brioche
Tangerine Caviar
Micro Fines Herbes

NV Taittinger "Cuvee Prestige" Brut Champagne

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Billi Bi (Mussel + Saffron) Soup
Butter Braised Leeks + Fennel

2009 Chateau La Freynelle Bordeaux Blanc

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Duck Confit Cassoulet
White Beans
Spanish Chorizo
Smoked Ham Hocks

2006 Chateau La Tour Figeac (WA 91)

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Rack of Lamb
Potato Cake
Roasted Asparagus
Wild Ramps
Rosemary Jus

2006 Clos Manou (WA 90)

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Red Wine Braised Beef Cheeks
Potato Puree
Roasted Cipollini Onions
Green Garlic
Black Truffle

2006 Chateau Duhart Milon (WA 92)

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Classic Trio: Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras
Roquefort
Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee

2006 Clos Jean Loupiac

WineSellar & Brasserie to host Gary Parker Wine Club Dinner on March 12th

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Adkins) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:43:00 +0000

Gary Parker, the revered founder and owner of WineSellar & Brasserie, takes center stage this Friday with selections from his premium wine club, "The Gary Parker Collection." Parker has picked his personal favorites and will showcase them in the Brasserie, paired with Chef Matt Smith’s special menu. Seating is limited.

The Gary Parker Wine Club is geared toward the serious collector. Selections are some of the most highly sought after releases from all corners of the globe.

Where: WineSellar & Brasserie
When:   Friday, March 12, 2010
Cost:     $88 per person, plus tax and gratuity
RSVP:   (858) 450-9557

Tobin James signing and tasting at Fifty Seven Degrees new location

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Adkins) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:56:00 +0000

Winemaker Toby James of Tobin James Cellars will be at the new Fifty Seven Degrees location for an evening of tasting, schmoozing and to sign bottles of his wines. Word on the street is, there will be Tobin James shwag.

Wednesday, March 10th
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
1735 Hancock Street
San Diego, CA 92101

$10 in Advance
$15 at the Door

Family Winemakers of California to feature 200+ wines at trade and consumer tasting in Del Mar

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wine Talk) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:03:00 +0000

2nd Annual Family Winemakers Trade and Consumer Tasting in San Diego

Sunday, March 14th

Del Mar Fairgrounds, Exhibit Hall
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar

1:00 to 3:00pm, open to trade only
3:00 to 6:00pm, open to the public and the trade

Tickets for the public: $45 in advance, $55 at the door

With over two hundrend wines to sample, you are sure to find new discoveries and old favorites. Varietals you know and love, varietals you've never heard of -- wineries from Mendocino to Temecula and every place in between.

There will be far too many wineries at this tasting for you to visit them all, so plan your time accordingly. Use this list of participating wineries and this Varietal Map to prepare your tasting strategy.

Click HERE for print-at-home tickets or call 866-465-3995 for more information

The transformation of a bona fide information junkie

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wine Talk) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:01:00 +0000

A lot of people ~~hate~~ can't stand change, especially when it is forced upon them. I won't say that I embrace it, but I've always considered change to be a welcomed challenge - a way to keep things fresh and reevaluate priorities. 2009 was a tough year for many, including me. Stripped of familiar obligations (and financial security) I've had some time to - well, I've had some time. This is new to me.

For more than twelve years, I ran Concierge At Large, Inc., a private concierge company that served corporate tenants in high rise office buildings and luxury condos in L.A. and San Diego. At its peak we employed nearly thirty people, supported by an incredibly talented executive team. This was a 24/7 operation and left little time for anything else. However, providing ancillary services to the Southern California luxury and commercial real estate market in 2009 was not the place to be.

I love to write and have been editing the San Diego City Guide for Examiner.com for a couple of years. It's a pretty broad subject and allows me to explore all of the things I love about living in and visiting San Diego, including activities at Balboa Park, Film Festivals, Comic-Con, Cultural Events, Museums, enjoying the outdoors and my favorite subjects, food and wine. Which brings me to San Diego Wine Talk.

As a career concierge, introducing people to memorable experiences is like oxygen. It is my thing. I am a bona fide information junkie. I can't stop myself from taking mental (and literal) notes about things in San Diego that I discover and believe others will find interesting. I also love wine and especially wine and food experiences. At home I have a heartily supplied wine collection, a cellar (jokingly referred to as the "Dexter shed") and even a micro vineyard. This too is my thing. Thus, San Diego Wine Talk will be where these two passions meet.

My perspective is that of an informed enthusiast. San Diego Wine Talk will feature interviews with wine professionals, food & wine event news, wine bargains, tasting schedules, winery guides, wine bar profiles, pairing dinners, and everything I can discover that you may find of interest in the world of wine in San Diego.

In closing, let me say that I am not a big fan of using the word I and me when I write. I'm more interested in when, where, why, how and especially you. Please be sure to introduce yourselves and let me know if you have a favorite spot or event that I should profile. I look forward to exploring San Diego's great wine experiences with you!

Cheers,

Cynthia Adkins
Host / Editor
San Diego Wine Talk

Hall Vineyards Wine Tasting Scheduled for March 27th

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wine Talk) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:30:00 +0000

Hall Vineyards Wine Tasting
Saturday, Mar 27
6:30p to 8:30p

at The Wine Encounter,
690 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92103-3213

Hall's estate vineyards encompass more than five hundred acres of classic Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. As winegrowers, the Halls have a strong respect for the environment and a commitment to cutting-edge vineyard technology to yield the highest quality grapes.

Price: $20 Age Suitability: 21 and up

Hall's estate vineyards encompass more than five hundred acres of classic Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. As winegrowers, the Halls have a strong respect for the environment and a commitment to cutting-edge vineyard technology to yield the highest quality grapes. A representative from Hall Vineyards will be at The Wine Encounter to walk us through their amazing portfolio.

Event Website Photo Credit: Woodie Photography

ANNOUNCEMENT

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wine Talk) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:15:00 +0000

The San Diego Wine Talk podcast is launching February 26th, 2010! Stay tuned...