tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33010907304262820202024-03-06T00:25:30.101-08:00Travels With RobinThis blog is about travels and articles I have published or wish to publish.Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-49734535758214121322014-11-20T17:27:00.000-08:002014-11-20T17:27:41.485-08:00Temecula Chilled: A Magical December Experience<div style="background-color: #ded9e2; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24.2999992370605px; margin-bottom: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Southern California residents, if you’re looking for a fun shopping or holiday experience this winter season, Temecula will transform itself starting December 1 into a magical Temecula Chilled. The entire village will celebrate the holidays. Old Town will be aglow with twinkling lights, the sparkle of snowflakes, tons of snow, Temecula on Ice- an outdoor ice skating rink, special beverages and desserts to warm your hearts and bellies.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24.2999992370605px;">The vineyards and wineries in the Temecula Valley Wine country will Chill also, as will Pechanga Resort and Casino.</span><br />
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“It will be an especially magical December with Temecula Chilled,” says Kimberly Adams, Visit Temecula Valle president and CEO, “The joyful, classic, contemporary, whimsical, old school, new school and eclectic fun will span from Old Town Temecula to Temecula Valley Wine Country and from Promenade Temecula to Pechanga Resort & Casino.”</div>
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When you’re ready for a wintery night out on the town the Civic Center will have Snow Bell Rockin’ Nights show with magical snowfall. Or go to the Promenade and see The Magic Snow Flurry show. Of course there will be Santa’s Electric Light Parade and the Holiday Taste of Old Town event.</div>
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The Celebration of new Snow Bell Rockin’ Nights with a musical, seemingly magical snowfall show in Southern California Wine Country’s Old Town Temecula historic, pedestrian-friendly, dining-shopping-entertainment</div>
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For the kids Pennypickle’s Winter Wonderland will feature tons of snow as well as scientific explorations and experiments. Who knows, even the adults can enjoy this!</div>
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Old Town Temecula Community Theater will stage productions of <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A Christmas Carol</em> and the <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Nutcracker </em>Ballet. Pechanga Resort and Casino will play host to the Brian Setzer Orchestra, in their <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2014 Christmas Rocks Tour.</em></div>
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The celebration will continue through December 31 with a New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration in the Wine Country and at Pechanga Resort and Casino. Or you can go Old Town Temecula and watch the New Year’s Eve Grape Drop.</div>
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For the most up-to-date information on all the holiday events happening throughout the valley go to <a href="http://www.temeculachilled.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.temeculachilled.com</a></div>
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It genuinely promises to be a wonderful Winterfest holiday season to remember.</div>
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Robin Dohrn-Simpson
Freelance Writer
www.robindohrnsimpson.comRobin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-44308519806482844142014-10-06T14:34:00.000-07:002014-10-06T14:34:06.209-07:00Moravian Wine, Wine from the Czech Republic<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QJuMLGK7Y3-1bg6N3CKAtRo1BrI4thCsF05QLe2rY76r-WECpVa5Gj8byyY5RDX-r1941PQpmtUZXHA5oTFt_KrVsTyWcBtvRb3RColeoL1cS6YRYbyNZAHuS3YnAtsSOfQLOtpYFP8/s1600/10499577_10204793109812985_8418404124603626855_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QJuMLGK7Y3-1bg6N3CKAtRo1BrI4thCsF05QLe2rY76r-WECpVa5Gj8byyY5RDX-r1941PQpmtUZXHA5oTFt_KrVsTyWcBtvRb3RColeoL1cS6YRYbyNZAHuS3YnAtsSOfQLOtpYFP8/s1600/10499577_10204793109812985_8418404124603626855_o.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's wines and their lovely labels</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Girls just wanna have fun! Or so the song goes. I know I do.
So, why not try wines from Moravia, the 2</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nd</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> most popular wine region
in the Czech Republic. Also called the “fun” part of the country, 60% of Czech
wines are produced here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it seems time for us to learn about their wines. Thanks
to the Czech Tourism and Vino Z Czech, on a sunny afternoon in Southern
California I did just that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The history of wine in Eastern Europe is very intriguing
with periods of expansion and contraction. Periods of Muslim Ottoman rule,
whose faith forbade wine consumption. Periods of the debilitating disease
Phylloxera, World Wars, Communist control and political uncertainty. Gorbachev
tried to get rid of vineyards in an effort to curb alcoholism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, however, the wine industry is a strong and thriving
industry. Wine laws have been updated as have vineyards and wineries. The
majority of the Czech Republic’s production is in white wine. The principal
grape is Welschriesling, utilized for its high acid content and spice, almond
like flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon has recently been produced. Today there are
18,000 winemakers in the Czech Republic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we were set to taste six wines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHpkFxJWYJJQmr00fjDmdhZcpvSjnLN4QhdKc_S6mAqhbOYHpNtaFXKjDEo89m6r85Yrf0QTBdvgubo2y0R_y_xCIYiDeckJAqqpoNaLRRpDWZ_BbmJA6pZCsId_5tkBfvuS_eoCNp4A/s1600/10404419_10204792999250221_593532804714110353_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHpkFxJWYJJQmr00fjDmdhZcpvSjnLN4QhdKc_S6mAqhbOYHpNtaFXKjDEo89m6r85Yrf0QTBdvgubo2y0R_y_xCIYiDeckJAqqpoNaLRRpDWZ_BbmJA6pZCsId_5tkBfvuS_eoCNp4A/s1600/10404419_10204792999250221_593532804714110353_n.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gruner Veltliner</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Gruner Veltliner
Michlovsky,</b> <b>2011, $16.00</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gruner means green and Michlovsky is the winemaker. This
wine is very light, I could not even smell it. No nose, no depth no back
flavor. Others in my group said it had a chalky finish. In all fairness, I
think the cheese that we paired it with totally overpowered the wine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMvhWQMqAycAt_HylHUraI4Gnr8vmZbZ2Sku80gXPpHwVxJreElcSMOfQOYlofDurOKwfBWeW2F0xkjiMRpmOPbYNQi2apRrd8UQS7xrkdPbi1D-2oQR0K-CCAWgorbWMGHDCf0661YA/s1600/10599149_10204793144213845_8899657898670653727_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMvhWQMqAycAt_HylHUraI4Gnr8vmZbZ2Sku80gXPpHwVxJreElcSMOfQOYlofDurOKwfBWeW2F0xkjiMRpmOPbYNQi2apRrd8UQS7xrkdPbi1D-2oQR0K-CCAWgorbWMGHDCf0661YA/s1600/10599149_10204793144213845_8899657898670653727_n.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welschriesling
Spielberg, 2011, $23.00 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We called this a “meadow in a glass”. The grassy nose is
intriguing. It also has a grassy flavor.
The pairing that was stellar for this wine was an onion and bacon tart. I was
shocked- but it went so well together! One wouldn’t normally think of pairing a
Riesling with bacon, but it was perfect. It also paired nicely with a sweet
baklava.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Pinot Blanc Vyskocil,
2009,</b> <b>$23.00</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This wine has a golden color from being aged in French
Oak. Don’t let the light color fool you,
it is very full-bodied and food friendly. Comments on this wine were that it
has a strong kumquat and mango nose. We
paired two different cheeses with this wine and they all worked perfectly: Brie
cheese and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comt%C3%A9_(cheese)" title="Comté (cheese)"><span style="background: rgb(249, 249, 249); font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Comté</span></a> French
cheese (from Costco). It also paired nicely with a sweet baklava and a crab salad.
Very versatile, for sure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pinot Blanc Speilberg,
2009<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nose of this wine is very floral, similar to talcum
powder. This wine was our second favorite wine and paired nicely with sushi,
green vegetables cheese and salads. The consensus of the group was that this
wine will be very popular with Americans when it gets introduced to the public.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvz2yKUiYidj0jOmzOeZBFkhlzVUpGPTMgODZbOkpBs8W1DWkisxzrGjrN_isOInzUfem9iER1KCg3KOkMOp4Vn2Rj_Zp2mIYbPr7zjDiPfi6UwOkvgysZpe_PCbx8Iid-NFA-5bRcsc/s1600/10534678_10204793346058891_3612266347533869344_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvz2yKUiYidj0jOmzOeZBFkhlzVUpGPTMgODZbOkpBs8W1DWkisxzrGjrN_isOInzUfem9iER1KCg3KOkMOp4Vn2Rj_Zp2mIYbPr7zjDiPfi6UwOkvgysZpe_PCbx8Iid-NFA-5bRcsc/s1600/10534678_10204793346058891_3612266347533869344_n+(1).jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Riesling Michlovsky,
2011, $19.00<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Riesling presents itself with an aroma of petrol, soccer
ball, basketball- a very rubbery nose. Don’t panic. This is a typical smell of
Riesling. The flavor is also typical of
Riesling: honey, walnuts and spices. The favorite pairing for this was grape
leaves with a spicy dill tzatzki sauce. It also paired nicely with baklava.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rivaner
Valtice, 2011, $16.00<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The grape of this wine is a <span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Müller-Thurgau. The varietal was created by
Hermann Müller from the Swiss Canton of Thurgau in 1882. Now it is very
prevalent in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. This wine is what I call
“Sunday sitting on the patio drinking wine wine”. Easy drinking, juicy, fruity,
it is a stand-alone wine, but if you want to pair it with food, try it with
sushi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rouci Stepleton and Springer, 2007,
$40.00<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqufZv-ePU5R0BhKKBfA8yFET1OoOgcznyhBgjrSRvtebdqcKP981x_e82cd7R18GG_1Yn3WWRpYVXaPeU_tWPG2Jpy_rnyx8CcTg0rkFUWzXue1qX523ttHx_VfcgDIbqACwDz8tgzs/s1600/10612801_10204793483782334_5804316369692283482_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqufZv-ePU5R0BhKKBfA8yFET1OoOgcznyhBgjrSRvtebdqcKP981x_e82cd7R18GG_1Yn3WWRpYVXaPeU_tWPG2Jpy_rnyx8CcTg0rkFUWzXue1qX523ttHx_VfcgDIbqACwDz8tgzs/s1600/10612801_10204793483782334_5804316369692283482_n.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda Kissam loved this wine with the spicy Sriracha chicken wings</td></tr>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A very
unique wine, it is primarily Pinot Noir with some St. Laurent. The wine us
well-constructed in a “New world style” but definitely has an “Old world
elegance”. The surprise food pairing
with this wine was Sriracha chicken wings. The spiciness could hold up to the
Pinot Noir of this wine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
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had one more wine up their sleeve. In fact they were giddy with anticipation of
sharing this surprise with us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #444444; padding: 0in;">Modrý</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <b>Portugal
2012<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil18coWX5DhSrj_A-PKwSH5fsJdgMIKHVaGjzpPoW-AzkG_k4Fw0Pde8fIAoSO_CHYYkwSH4RIPjJlOB-mGASRBurdSIzVOrn-i5vPSCmdZR8qK2mfkf5gN9rO6Bd1BAN06e0RIip4MTA/s1600/10350630_10204793417300672_2375602986414810868_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil18coWX5DhSrj_A-PKwSH5fsJdgMIKHVaGjzpPoW-AzkG_k4Fw0Pde8fIAoSO_CHYYkwSH4RIPjJlOB-mGASRBurdSIzVOrn-i5vPSCmdZR8qK2mfkf5gN9rO6Bd1BAN06e0RIip4MTA/s1600/10350630_10204793417300672_2375602986414810868_n.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger Paige shows us the Modry Portugal wine.<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The grape
varietal Blauer Portugieser, is well-suited as a table grape. But, it turns out
that it can’t be sold as a table g</span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #252525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rape as that is illegal in the European
Union. Usually this grape is made into a </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #252525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">rosé.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
labels on these wines are spectacular. They are by Alphonse Mucha, a Czech Art
Nouveau painter well known for his images of women. To peruse his gallery go to:
</span><a href="http://www.muchafoundation.org/"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.muchafoundation.org/</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
introduction to Czech wines has whet my appetite to explore more European
wines. I look forward to tasting many more.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-69472470982849707962014-07-04T11:05:00.000-07:002014-07-04T11:08:09.362-07:00 Rock Canyon Vineyards<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Rock Canyon Vineyards<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">It’s not just
winetasting, it’s an adventure.</span></b><o:p></o:p><br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMfYJ5uI9lTHsYpu_msfpM-inHmWR-EvHF4fDrYU875XB0qrE64rXRwNvN1oN8W7xpRW_PkMQlJgPF510UDb0aMMIHZl2iYZXHPdjNSw7RjlKYoXDV5ocoCVJJaZozbZtgK5uIqtxtMs/s1600/DSCF3395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMfYJ5uI9lTHsYpu_msfpM-inHmWR-EvHF4fDrYU875XB0qrE64rXRwNvN1oN8W7xpRW_PkMQlJgPF510UDb0aMMIHZl2iYZXHPdjNSw7RjlKYoXDV5ocoCVJJaZozbZtgK5uIqtxtMs/s1600/DSCF3395.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Canyon Vineyards Cellar Room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYsa3oRcw1VLeDaHTvNqdCw0i9c2aEyvl7I1CussVO4UxZ6x5cnP0nuTwvRa54ieV9s8WFjMeGZlkKZB_UoVSBCm74BF_qzZkaGKfu5fPzzAdY5EYDgHrO4PupWo00rkPJrP7_x57NPw/s1600/DSCF3416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYsa3oRcw1VLeDaHTvNqdCw0i9c2aEyvl7I1CussVO4UxZ6x5cnP0nuTwvRa54ieV9s8WFjMeGZlkKZB_UoVSBCm74BF_qzZkaGKfu5fPzzAdY5EYDgHrO4PupWo00rkPJrP7_x57NPw/s1600/DSCF3416.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking west- many, many rocks!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Driving east through the back roads of San Diego County,
through Alpine, hang a right, keep going south and east, then on to a dirt
road, way to the end of the road, that’s where you’ll find Tim Petersen and
Rock Canyon Vineyards. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC4uIdaDwTS6_5FnckTlz_Lg1aN9TRRZoIKJpnnK8lNbtaKy6gIl1DBY_pXwr_9EvpweKvrMhaWiCSaf8KiXA4CyiDjBoJQiKMHj2lmfi2bC9KL-s05FOtwFINL2cyTsfqfQy9cUdSng/s1600/DSCF3418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC4uIdaDwTS6_5FnckTlz_Lg1aN9TRRZoIKJpnnK8lNbtaKy6gIl1DBY_pXwr_9EvpweKvrMhaWiCSaf8KiXA4CyiDjBoJQiKMHj2lmfi2bC9KL-s05FOtwFINL2cyTsfqfQy9cUdSng/s1600/DSCF3418.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two happy Andalusian horses live here.</td></tr>
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There’s a reason is has the name it has. There are rocks
everywhere. Miles and miles of rocks. Even the winery is built into a large
rock. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm-ffRxfJDYsqNr8xKNYKTpCvEZoeDoma1IfUOpy4dqCWsKJJ6R9diRiXIZ3BdDT5bfr7HQVcs6UBsraOugSnrZYM98rjryhOAQN_JLDMesz-KrPRiKMjiWwLU8FWaGYHVapkewdoI4g/s1600/DSCF3406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm-ffRxfJDYsqNr8xKNYKTpCvEZoeDoma1IfUOpy4dqCWsKJJ6R9diRiXIZ3BdDT5bfr7HQVcs6UBsraOugSnrZYM98rjryhOAQN_JLDMesz-KrPRiKMjiWwLU8FWaGYHVapkewdoI4g/s1600/DSCF3406.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vignette in the Cellar Room</td></tr>
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You can tell that creative people live here. Mona Petersen is an artist. She specializes
in animals and designed the winery labels. Many vignettes. Beautiful
aesthetics. Art is everywhere. There is nature and beauty and animals and art
everywhere you turn.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lM_GaCCcHMJUgLKXD-DasLkbVOnoO49eGFKx_GxH1XThfsaGmVtK-nj-3WiXVfD-8b9xTRxM42d-P8cQfCXi6QQMerMNS5xdaSgMtj1LNEk4fJKVmV2rsYubrv2vtZlvey0Phv7AinQ/s1600/DSCF3419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lM_GaCCcHMJUgLKXD-DasLkbVOnoO49eGFKx_GxH1XThfsaGmVtK-nj-3WiXVfD-8b9xTRxM42d-P8cQfCXi6QQMerMNS5xdaSgMtj1LNEk4fJKVmV2rsYubrv2vtZlvey0Phv7AinQ/s1600/DSCF3419.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roxy the Rescue Burro</td></tr>
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“Many wineries have
horses or dogs on their labels. I wanted to set ourselves apart, so I said,
‘How about putting Roxy, the rescue burro on our labels?’” Mona designed a few
labels but couldn’t get them from looking sad. “So, she put a clump of grapes
in her mouth” and Voila! <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0fg-gTsqRqBCvTl-ahCxYmDZgkACdq_qly1eKW3YHYgMNYj9H208Xu5sliuq87InY9JVw6JHn7E6XescWJiMd72iZSm0RMs-U8zoz2_m1NcbV9mjmuLoyKyNQweJOPAIQEa6cH6xQhg/s1600/DSCF3420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0fg-gTsqRqBCvTl-ahCxYmDZgkACdq_qly1eKW3YHYgMNYj9H208Xu5sliuq87InY9JVw6JHn7E6XescWJiMd72iZSm0RMs-U8zoz2_m1NcbV9mjmuLoyKyNQweJOPAIQEa6cH6xQhg/s1600/DSCF3420.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roxy's Mama </td></tr>
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I’m just a city girl, but they DO actually bray. What a
crazy sound. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Tim began making wine as a garagiste- out of his garage. In
2000 he planted his first grapes, Zinfandel. Then came the Cabernet Sauvignon,
Syrah and Tempranillo. Now in 2014 Rock Canyon Vineyards is a fully bonded,
operating winery. Today they have 2500 plants, just under two acres.Tim
produces between 700-1000 cases per year.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Taking advantage of the profuse Southern California
sunlight, the ranch is fully solar with a rooftop solar system. The cellar room stays at an average temperature
of 60 degrees.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvVaBZHf7ZhRu4Ui3ZWN0Y17LRcqV5Cho-ucnglt7IK8hPyFGMJSGs9IG_PIIXUALdcYbdMVsWteRJgYWXHCLI46JyIkDJLKKiHFRUn9G1mk7obaen0Wq7JH4t6vnNElSYHvVWRVCoEA/s1600/DSCF3415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvVaBZHf7ZhRu4Ui3ZWN0Y17LRcqV5Cho-ucnglt7IK8hPyFGMJSGs9IG_PIIXUALdcYbdMVsWteRJgYWXHCLI46JyIkDJLKKiHFRUn9G1mk7obaen0Wq7JH4t6vnNElSYHvVWRVCoEA/s1600/DSCF3415.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of Rock Canyon Vineyard's Wines (with a burro thrown in)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MejD7OEb9KXN2IoTpxsrm6NpfgW3du7BqfU394UccTmkEyogcJ31vCSa-l6YQd-WKxIUhQNDlAyDZ73QbZrUk7aCUjg2YhsnYrqfiXEMfknkeXH29bTz_gE7Uo7GSiX56b6JL2PX3uI/s1600/DSCF3397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MejD7OEb9KXN2IoTpxsrm6NpfgW3du7BqfU394UccTmkEyogcJ31vCSa-l6YQd-WKxIUhQNDlAyDZ73QbZrUk7aCUjg2YhsnYrqfiXEMfknkeXH29bTz_gE7Uo7GSiX56b6JL2PX3uI/s1600/DSCF3397.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's Lineup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rock Canyon’s Merlot is stellar. Typically a Merlot is a bit
lighter than other reds, but in our little paradise of southern Cal, they are
bold and intense and extremely flavorful. Many flavors cherry, and leather come
to mind. It is definitely how I like a Merlot.<o:p></o:p><br />
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The estate Zinfandel is also stellar. Rich and fruity. It is
not like Paso Robles Zinfandels. Not peppery but very fruit forward. The Roxy’s
Red Suave Syrah is just that – suave. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHnMKElmB2erC-sofzUCAfaQTLiLKDETCRzxN4EoRhVMdBmHY2ehyphenhyphenjssnBv9A0eXRUuwUU9OgpjLrLCN-CbZuJFCIuzIAgdQpinjJbTB66jBxRcCKk0bt5PVCrPixm9EvGs3JLwUsMH4/s1600/DSCF3401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHnMKElmB2erC-sofzUCAfaQTLiLKDETCRzxN4EoRhVMdBmHY2ehyphenhyphenjssnBv9A0eXRUuwUU9OgpjLrLCN-CbZuJFCIuzIAgdQpinjJbTB66jBxRcCKk0bt5PVCrPixm9EvGs3JLwUsMH4/s1600/DSCF3401.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Suave Syrah</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU1WnlbI_om-GkalYPoxq2sEi_mQHNY1LklQrdFbjQAs-l3Vt4DFNMbZIyaL3QFPoCT14qhWPkAiSHmmFIV5X14sXs2xCNX4b1jxN_zWREZlDVddUiJtDRbryxU0u4RxUkUhmpEQAcws/s1600/DSCF3402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU1WnlbI_om-GkalYPoxq2sEi_mQHNY1LklQrdFbjQAs-l3Vt4DFNMbZIyaL3QFPoCT14qhWPkAiSHmmFIV5X14sXs2xCNX4b1jxN_zWREZlDVddUiJtDRbryxU0u4RxUkUhmpEQAcws/s1600/DSCF3402.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roxy with the grapes in her mouth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Tim has made some interesting blends, at first I thought he
was saying it wrong. Typically you hear GSM Grenache, Syrah Mouvedre, but Tim
said GMS. Grenache, Mouvedre, Syrah. He calls it his Triple Donkey GMS blend. "You list the grapes in order of volume," he explains.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Locally in San Diego you can find his wines at:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whole Foods- Hillcrest and Encinitas<o:p></o:p></div>
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Windmill Farms – College Area<o:p></o:p></div>
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Costco- Santee <o:p></o:p></div>
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Stumps Market- Pt Loma<o:p></o:p></div>
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Albertsons- Alpine, Ramona and Rancho San Diego<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tim is a likeable man, very passionate about his wines.
Wears a cowboy hat like no other. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxRApgbhEnw/U7bo-k3ipsI/AAAAAAAA5bg/G35ljPsMDaA/s1600/DSCF3412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxRApgbhEnw/U7bo-k3ipsI/AAAAAAAA5bg/G35ljPsMDaA/s1600/DSCF3412.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim Petersen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Make sure you make an appointment to visit him. You can find
him at <a href="http://www.rockcanyonvineyards.com/">http://www.rockcanyonvineyards.com/</a><o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesewedJ00Q6K9MzIpC_l3qj88n6qC81ne0bnksiqRCLnpa-S5aeCu_F8WG2bXx213JsNdjA4O8F7s4iyM24_cWGZOI_u8zzZVQ5eLhI2LX2sXhDckwlTkVxbGpDnbzrnAJ79MGm9RSsQ/s1600/DSCF3417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesewedJ00Q6K9MzIpC_l3qj88n6qC81ne0bnksiqRCLnpa-S5aeCu_F8WG2bXx213JsNdjA4O8F7s4iyM24_cWGZOI_u8zzZVQ5eLhI2LX2sXhDckwlTkVxbGpDnbzrnAJ79MGm9RSsQ/s1600/DSCF3417.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zinfandel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqip9x_3v2cwIe8880vQQtu6iFZNkuD_O8ZvOOfw2QjYRdXU2m5McFx0lD1sg3ExL4372tfClzDEGl4leJEmCYp4RyTMi_B5yxIsyh3KxNT7gmaOQfsQdDt2iqzwUkxrGw1nTqVce2Tc/s1600/DSCF3405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqip9x_3v2cwIe8880vQQtu6iFZNkuD_O8ZvOOfw2QjYRdXU2m5McFx0lD1sg3ExL4372tfClzDEGl4leJEmCYp4RyTMi_B5yxIsyh3KxNT7gmaOQfsQdDt2iqzwUkxrGw1nTqVce2Tc/s1600/DSCF3405.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cellar room- there's even art here!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLXp-ZSruEJuuckbFcdJFYSwoCD2Ri-94CtjeqcQCIAMzQIVZfKmvBoqMsQ9nCqQMCaUVsGShiqSF3ledzdbDqWUaHgyIj1c0hsknTpf-84el9v_KRVXOtKCEFIUuWGxR7eumDw7kl_M/s1600/DSCF3407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLXp-ZSruEJuuckbFcdJFYSwoCD2Ri-94CtjeqcQCIAMzQIVZfKmvBoqMsQ9nCqQMCaUVsGShiqSF3ledzdbDqWUaHgyIj1c0hsknTpf-84el9v_KRVXOtKCEFIUuWGxR7eumDw7kl_M/s1600/DSCF3407.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many barrels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
Robin Dohrn-Simpson
Freelance Writer
www.robindohrnsimpson.comRobin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-24085123369400816532014-02-13T16:59:00.000-08:002014-02-13T17:36:31.681-08:003rd Annual Paso Robles Garagiste Festival<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
3rd Annual Paso
Robles, Garagiste Festival<o:p></o:p></div>
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Enjoying Small lot
Wineries from Central California<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJeAGzB4SeKJ_DUsXi-ATHd0YwYqIgojtmPWAU3FLU0BgkNoGGDdYiQio0-Ulvzug1Am_nmcVH_l8WInzcoGGtFOyZR3I-TYMZq1JXeE-FgJ2nRf_FZOepzAkrmvzNyBe1fAFziqzRKg/s1600/DSCF0590a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJeAGzB4SeKJ_DUsXi-ATHd0YwYqIgojtmPWAU3FLU0BgkNoGGDdYiQio0-Ulvzug1Am_nmcVH_l8WInzcoGGtFOyZR3I-TYMZq1JXeE-FgJ2nRf_FZOepzAkrmvzNyBe1fAFziqzRKg/s1600/DSCF0590a.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammersky Vineyards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I got invited to the Garagiste Festival in Paso
Robles I jumped at the chance. I’ve been a huge fan of the region’s wines for
years and years. Then, I scratched my head and said “What is a Garagiste?” So,
I did what anyone in the 21<sup>st</sup> century would do, I Googled it. Garagiste,
pronounced gar-uh-zhe-stuh, refers to artisan wine producers, originally from
the Bordeaux wine region in France. These “garage” winemakers are small lot
vintners who produce 1,200 case of wine per year or less. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Originally the term was a derogatory word meant to denigrate
renegade winemaking neighbors, who refused to follow the “rules”. Thanks to
Robert Parker tasting and rating some of these big and bold wines, many of
these winemakers went on to be recognized as making some of the best wine in
the world. America has a growing
population of stunning small lot producers and the heart of this renegade group
is in Paso Robles.<br />
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Paso Robles has emerged as the new star in the constellation
of New World wines, with its Tuscany-like hillsides, an ocean-air climate and
calcareous shale soil (which California generally lacks). The idea of trying an
entirely new batch of wines from the area was enough to get me to make the
8-hour trek from San Diego. Many of these winemakers are incredibly talented
and hopefully will be propelled into becoming well-known, gaining enough
collateral to open their own winery or tasting room. Talking with different
winemakers in the barn was exciting to share their passion and the fruits of
their labors.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Grand Tasting , the a culmination of a weeklong
city-wide event focusing on engaging, educational and unique winemaker panels
and testing seminars, was held at Windfall Farms, a 724-acre thoroughbred horse
farm east of Paso Robles. The farm has a Kentucky- style feel with white walls,
red brick and steeples. The tasting festivities were held in the horse barn-
which is not a horse barn like I’ve seen before. Each large brick stall with ¾
walls, accommodated four different wineries. These small quarters allowed
people to discuss up close and personal with the winemakers about their wines. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNiFduCkbPLezlx6fg-YZrT2gUinRd0SY5GdUokAa31k6aKrTuK_7uaw_JGYKWy7IXL7wT-T-k3-x5kKfq1JEd6YHixMXxSujQKnodZ0gYHkwKBmF-pZOYu4AEQmLOQ_oosEo0m372-U/s1600/DSCF0567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNiFduCkbPLezlx6fg-YZrT2gUinRd0SY5GdUokAa31k6aKrTuK_7uaw_JGYKWy7IXL7wT-T-k3-x5kKfq1JEd6YHixMXxSujQKnodZ0gYHkwKBmF-pZOYu4AEQmLOQ_oosEo0m372-U/s1600/DSCF0567.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asuncion Ridge Winery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Festival co-founder Douglas Minnick is proud and excited to
see his movement take flight. Says he, “More and more consumers are seeking out
these extraordinary artisan winemakers and we are proud to provide the best and
only place for consumers to experience the heart of this movement.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The mission of the event visionaries is to promote Paso
Robles as one of the friendliest and most innovative winemaking communities in
the world. Garagiste is all about celebrating the little guy, discovering,
promoting and showcasing the artisan winemaker. The Garagiste Festival:
Southern Exposure is coming up on March 29, 2014 in Solvang CA. They will
feature 30 of Santa Ynez Valley’s high-quality, small production winemakers.
Register soon as this festival is sure to sell out. Go to <a href="http://californiagaragistes.com/">http://californiagaragistes.com</a> to
register.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UJlUVhq5sBU44_RJGHp2L1InUSrsO8-LsvfyAQk2j0BD5wjeUk8XzFV4-ojjKDASF8_sHzZ0T6YQVlp69WivPf3QYaMWwsawdWPiT-Adpa0WRrcNpFmItqi5qKakZ2gr8TwiEJz2Mjo/s1600/DSCF0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UJlUVhq5sBU44_RJGHp2L1InUSrsO8-LsvfyAQk2j0BD5wjeUk8XzFV4-ojjKDASF8_sHzZ0T6YQVlp69WivPf3QYaMWwsawdWPiT-Adpa0WRrcNpFmItqi5qKakZ2gr8TwiEJz2Mjo/s1600/DSCF0568.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paolillo Winery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb800ArJC6sDZ5XvduxsKGOZZSI4hetnLEykkk_IT_NeRaNYslQsvC8kgBEFJd1ar6nfukn8LQAA5_daI7A0wbUl8edDrhpyn1M-fUBvqfx7UfHZdZM_BetnQIVvg7jMEhSFa3kZYgX0/s1600/DSCF0579a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb800ArJC6sDZ5XvduxsKGOZZSI4hetnLEykkk_IT_NeRaNYslQsvC8kgBEFJd1ar6nfukn8LQAA5_daI7A0wbUl8edDrhpyn1M-fUBvqfx7UfHZdZM_BetnQIVvg7jMEhSFa3kZYgX0/s1600/DSCF0579a.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Filice Winery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Robin Dohrn-Simpson
Freelance Writer
www.robindohrnsimpson.comRobin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-20590791467041746482014-02-11T11:17:00.001-08:002014-02-11T14:44:14.462-08:0010th Annual San Diego Food and Wine Festival: Southern California Wines Shine<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
10th Annual San Diego Food and Wine Festival: </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Southern California wines shine </div>
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<br /></div>
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November in San Diego is always gorgeous and we can still
enjoy warm weather and clear skies. The tourists for the most part have gone
home and we have our city to ourselves… That is until the Food and Wine
Festival happens. People come from all over the USA to attend Southern
California’s largest and most talked about food and wine festival. This is the
chance to experience firsthand the culinary genius of our city’s chefs, as well
as the delicious wines that local and regional winemakers are crafting.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSJEuH62EeXknwjNdRtNdOz-ZYQmbX370LHg0qxRwLxccj_3bPtjq7g-fiIjHY6nYNNaSM3dzfaMA-DmRjSwHPIS-81XKccaYnbgW5ChkdzbjiReyscLWzV0o9GGltWnnUdwpm51PA70/s1600/2013-TKO-JoeyHernandez-78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSJEuH62EeXknwjNdRtNdOz-ZYQmbX370LHg0qxRwLxccj_3bPtjq7g-fiIjHY6nYNNaSM3dzfaMA-DmRjSwHPIS-81XKccaYnbgW5ChkdzbjiReyscLWzV0o9GGltWnnUdwpm51PA70/s1600/2013-TKO-JoeyHernandez-78.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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With Coronado Island and the Bay Bridge as a back drop, Embarcadero
Marina Park, directly behind Seaport Village, is the perfect location for the
festival’s finale, the Grand Tasting. Feel the ocean breeze as you walk through
the grounds listening to music, tasting food and wine, chatting with winemakers
and chefs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYeqfjW0j6FEP_Nlh0QnOXnYGChtOk02lnR-NQwX6ZiZa_GmhH8JX6zJE59kRGVkXLRrkTwN2qn0q_R9YtSaD2YF9Jguk_vhwbMA54NM6bkU1jEOD63dzXuHR5cn12LKCd0L65D0HZ6A/s1600/2013-COF-DeniseJones-2351-300x222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYeqfjW0j6FEP_Nlh0QnOXnYGChtOk02lnR-NQwX6ZiZa_GmhH8JX6zJE59kRGVkXLRrkTwN2qn0q_R9YtSaD2YF9Jguk_vhwbMA54NM6bkU1jEOD63dzXuHR5cn12LKCd0L65D0HZ6A/s1600/2013-COF-DeniseJones-2351-300x222.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy chefs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYCoBYVaLmpQt7B5akd7O3UhmNz_iVcdgvdvEh93wIGmIGrAxQoRPTxk8bPwFWO1btsv94TUhkNZJSuX5iFbKoz9Ll81PsgJV574c5xzHPAbWeZKQN8a5AslqUIEiUkAfO1K_oxmPIOg/s1600/2013-Grand-JoeyHernandez-7097-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYCoBYVaLmpQt7B5akd7O3UhmNz_iVcdgvdvEh93wIGmIGrAxQoRPTxk8bPwFWO1btsv94TUhkNZJSuX5iFbKoz9Ll81PsgJV574c5xzHPAbWeZKQN8a5AslqUIEiUkAfO1K_oxmPIOg/s1600/2013-Grand-JoeyHernandez-7097-200x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely outdoor venue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Grand Tasting is the finale of a 7–day epicurean
delight—a food and wine (and this year
beer) lover’s paradise, that showcases 170 wine and spirit purveyors and 70 of
San Diego’s top chefs. Temecula wines were well represented. Callaway Winery, South
Coast Winery, Wilson Creek Winery and Danza del Sol Winery and Europa Village were showcasing some of their latest
releases. While you only get a small taste of beer, wines and hard alcohol,
many participants follow-up by going out to breweries and wineries and experiencing
full tastings.<o:p></o:p><br />
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While this has traditionally been solely a wine festival, this
year because San Diego has become a craft beer mecca, beer tasting was added to
the fest. The first week of November, the city celebrated Beer Week. Brewers
continued to educate participants of our burgeoning craft beer industry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The city’s most talented chefs vie for the Chef of the Fest
Competition, during the week. The winner is announced at the Grand Finale. This
is a great opportunity for local chefs to compete with their favorite recipes
and get their name known around town.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2zOpwpnM1nvDVa8CVdd2Mu9sWRBBqWIO0it_kQt_CbE3b925Pah6YKMisC-rCSXMZSXC6lxwVJwiYxhsK4C21_Y6IeE8RtHY6DzQ4erf1ga2PjHBOwRmXsRe5wJK1KdCguoair98A1g/s1600/2013-COF-DeniseJones-3rdPlace_NicholasBour_AVANT-220x300.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2zOpwpnM1nvDVa8CVdd2Mu9sWRBBqWIO0it_kQt_CbE3b925Pah6YKMisC-rCSXMZSXC6lxwVJwiYxhsK4C21_Y6IeE8RtHY6DzQ4erf1ga2PjHBOwRmXsRe5wJK1KdCguoair98A1g/s1600/2013-COF-DeniseJones-3rdPlace_NicholasBour_AVANT-220x300.jpeg" height="200" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrimp and Avocado appetizer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Chef Rich Sweeney, from R-Gang Eatery and the soon-to-be-opened
Southpaw Social Club was crowned “Chef of the Fest”. He won the competition
with his Duck Fat-Fried Beignets with Burnt Orange Cream, Smoked Duck “Dust”
and Crispy Glazed Duck Skin. The cash prize of $50,000 and other prizes will
come in handy for him as he starts his new restaurant in downtown San Diego.<o:p></o:p><br />
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The entire week of this event includes cooking
demonstrations, a Fit Foodie 5K run, a variety of wine tasting seminars and a
sliders “take down”. In total there were 25 culinary and beverage events held
throughout San Diego.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Southern California is becoming known for more than just
great weather and good surf. Now we have an emerging wine region, talented
craft beer brewers and a plethora of talented chefs tempting and satisfying our
palates. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJYNJlYxjcI-tJgB50hgDnlRF5cjPUprjXA0Kxv_lL8UJAkU2qKFICwnRlD6JKQz08CC2_00IexCc-be678QepD5fqjJxsqOCHitTvmBdHgYkuoQ-_tErufb_F_CcN5w_FQsBQASFw5c/s1600/2013-Swish-JoeyHernandez-62-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJYNJlYxjcI-tJgB50hgDnlRF5cjPUprjXA0Kxv_lL8UJAkU2qKFICwnRlD6JKQz08CC2_00IexCc-be678QepD5fqjJxsqOCHitTvmBdHgYkuoQ-_tErufb_F_CcN5w_FQsBQASFw5c/s1600/2013-Swish-JoeyHernandez-62-200x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sliders</td></tr>
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Robin Dohrn-Simpson
Freelance Writer
www.robindohrnsimpson.com<br />
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Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-22100123501081507852013-11-21T10:44:00.000-08:002013-11-21T11:01:29.378-08:00Jeremy’s on the Hill Food and Wine Pairing<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Jeremy’s on the Hill Food and Wine Pairing</div>
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An afternoon with Chef
de Cuisine, Jeremy Manley</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy's on the Hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Jeremy Manley is one talented chef. And busy. As the owner
of Jeremy’s on the Hill in Wynola, cooking isn’t foreign to him. At the age of
ten, Jeremy started working in his mother’s business kitchen at Angels Landing Country Inn, first washing dishes and then
around age eleven, he chopped and diced with a family member, Karla Ludtke.
Under her tutelage he worked with many different types of food from Italian to
African, learned to carve fruits and create beautiful displays. By age thirteen
he took over cooking, catering weddings and retreats. </div>
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“Sometimes, we would have a
wedding in the main area, a retreat going up in the conference room and a
rehearsal dinner up in the Lilac Suite. Very often, days would start at 6:00am
and end at 10:00pm. Jeremy has quite the stamina,” says his mother, Teresa
Keller.</div>
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After graduating from Julian High School, Jeremy headed to
San Francisco to study at the world famous Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary
Arts. After an externship at Mill Fleur in Rancho Santa Fe, he was ready to
start his own adventure. In March 2008 he opened Jeremy’s on the Hill, a true
family affair, with his sister, Brigida, mother Teresa, grandparents and cousin
Karla all part of the restaurant.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy Manley</td></tr>
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After the Julian Union High School District was awarded one
of Michelle Obama’s Farm-to-Table grants, Jeremy was selected to offer the lunch
program for the schools. Starting this
fall, he will make food at his restaurant and distribute it to the schools in
the district.</div>
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Recently, in spite of his busy schedule, I was lucky enough
to enjoy a food and wine pairing that Jeremy prepared for a group of food and
wine writers. This memorable meal was paired with local wines making it all the
more special.</div>
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Flash Fried Brussel Sprouts <br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">The amuse-bouche, offered to tease and
cleanse our palates, was crispy flash-fried Brussels sprouts with Jeremy’s
tangy ponzu
sauce (a soy sauce infused with citrus) and an orange slice to soften the flavors. This made the usually
ordinary greens absolutely luscious. The burst of flavor in my mouth was an
excellent starter to the meal. I was told that this recipe was a result of a
mistake, and what a wonderful mistake it was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">The first course was a Festival of
Radish Salad and homemade blistered jalapeno stuffed with hunter sausage.
Jeremy makes his sausages with pork from Cook Pigs Ranch in Julian. The medleys
of radishes were delightfully light and fresh and served on a bed of spicy radish
leaves. Perfectly matched with a Grenache Blanc from Turtle Rock Ridge
Winery in Ramona, this surprisingly rich and full white wine had plenty of
crisp acid to hold up to the radishes. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">In between courses we were introduced to each entrée and
regaled with stories of Jeremy’s life, his friends, what he’s up to and all the
fun he’s having with his food truck. This summer he has been out at Turtle Rock
Ridge Winery offering foods for guests on the patio.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Next up was an heirloom tomato salad
with smoked eggplant, Maytag blue cheese, red onions and sage balsamic
vinaigrette. This was paired with a Warner Springs Hawk Watch 2010 Syrah.
Jeremy smoked the eggplant because he felt that the Syrah was smoky and the two
would complement each other. He was right. Summertime and lush tomatoes go hand
in hand. This pairing was the group’s favorite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyYAX-xPESIfoTdrieWtoxUNsJpQ2iUps-zO3Z8mI9MXwoC2p8RJPPgl-zSPwUYz8u6UoAvoIFdZ0mf8iBtxUtzI590FIDe6QJhsZlvl8r013enjaVVX8sxJOVgQOhGNb43qMYAJreU0/s1600/DSCN2118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyYAX-xPESIfoTdrieWtoxUNsJpQ2iUps-zO3Z8mI9MXwoC2p8RJPPgl-zSPwUYz8u6UoAvoIFdZ0mf8iBtxUtzI590FIDe6QJhsZlvl8r013enjaVVX8sxJOVgQOhGNb43qMYAJreU0/s320/DSCN2118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Heirloom tomato salad with smoked eggplant</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span class="usercontent">The main course was a
house made sage fettuccine with a summer vegetable ratatouille, featuring
locally grown vegetables and house cured Pancetta (bacon) from Cook Pigs Ranch
and sprinkled with a thinly sliced Manchego cheese.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> Warner Springs was
well-represented </span>with a 2008 La
Serenissima Cabernet Franc. Tony, the winemaker, has craft this bold and
complex wine that held up nicely with all the flavors of the entrée.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">We finished with a Strawberry Shortcake
Jeremy Style. Peach preserves, oregano and mint garnished with shaved
chocolate. Aah! Paired with 2012 Menghini Winery Julian Gold Muscat Canelli, this
dessert melted in our mouths.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">This fall when you’re headed to Julian for Apple Days or
Pumpkin picking, make sure that you stop in Wynola for a spectacular meal. You
can thank me later. </span></div>
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<br />
Robin Dohrn-Simpson
Freelance Writer
www.robindohrnsimpson.comRobin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-80852127061445100482013-11-20T21:20:00.000-08:002014-02-11T14:43:28.950-08:00Three San Diego Urban Wineries: Abnormal Wine, Witch Creek Winery and San Pasqual Winery<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the exciting things happening the San Diego wine
scene is the phenomenon of “urban” wineries. Urban Wineries are popping up all
over the county, as well as many city settings around the United States. An
urban winery purchases its grapes from the countryside and produces the wines
in the city. An urban winery doesn’t require a drive to the countryside
(although we all love a drive out in the countryside), and urban wineries
usually have a tasting room with facilities to sit and have a glass of wine
after you’ve found your favorite wine. Urban wineries usually offer all of the
amenities of estate wineries including wine clubs, wine events.</div>
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We will explore three urban wineries in San
Diego:</div>
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<b>Abnormal Wine Company/
Rancho Bernardo:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Located in a commercial building complex in Rancho Bernardo
this winery strives to push the boundaries of what people think about wine and
how it is presented. They label their wines by number (as opposed to
varietals), therefore making their wines more approachable to people who can’t
pronounce or don’t know about a particular varietal or who might be scared to
try a new or different wine. Owners James Malone and Matt DeLoach say the
core of their drive is the knowledge of creating something new. They want to
change the way people think about the current wine culture. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5t-EXrmb_2UR_a6D07eftpuh2fK0xsLhGlDxAYTK8PC9KXTB5ja7xUy3FFWmyRoGBVMpc5d_nD0nt395LnDRWmcmHi_lPCggvMejZcOeHRZPXJ-Fh96MB2_79okbkeLi0137gKIrdls/s1600/IMG_0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5t-EXrmb_2UR_a6D07eftpuh2fK0xsLhGlDxAYTK8PC9KXTB5ja7xUy3FFWmyRoGBVMpc5d_nD0nt395LnDRWmcmHi_lPCggvMejZcOeHRZPXJ-Fh96MB2_79okbkeLi0137gKIrdls/s320/IMG_0739.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abnormal's Wines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHKH6T6OuRclmxerldRy2RCA-sNVtc-dOkW7WAkZb3_DN1SxyRk1YCNdmr49uKyy3s8GqfMczHtZqMMhrXeOFWmnw2TkG7BYGuPKidCkdHyiB9Sr_FeFRICIiwuW29lC3jWDssWSndwg/s1600/IMG_0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHKH6T6OuRclmxerldRy2RCA-sNVtc-dOkW7WAkZb3_DN1SxyRk1YCNdmr49uKyy3s8GqfMczHtZqMMhrXeOFWmnw2TkG7BYGuPKidCkdHyiB9Sr_FeFRICIiwuW29lC3jWDssWSndwg/s320/IMG_0747.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Co-Owner Matt</td></tr>
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“We’re not doing things the traditional way,” Matt says.
“We’re working on using essences. We have a Chocolate berry port and Chocolate
citrus port and we’re working on a coffee port.” Tip: Try the #18. Matt says
there are #18 fan clubs. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No. 19</td></tr>
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Also a strong focus for these two men is education. They
call themselves novice winemakers and feel that the time is now to get into the
wine industry in San Diego.</div>
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Enjoy their lovely tasting room/lounge Wednesday through
Sunday 2-6pm (9pm on Thursdays and Fridays). For more information go to: <a href="http://abnormalwine.com/">http://abnormalwine.com/</a></div>
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<b>Witch Creek Winery/
Carlsbad:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasting Room in Julian, CA.</td></tr>
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The first urban winery in San Diego, Witch Creek has
expanded to two tasting room locations. Founded in 1993 they have a tasting
room on Main Street in Julian and on Highway 101 in Carlsbad in 1996, just two
blocks from the beach. Owner Dave Wodehouse, was the winemaker until he fired
himself. Now the winemaker is Ryan Baker
assisted by Ryan Scott.</div>
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Their Carlsbad tasting room is a working winery and tasting
room combined. It is a walk-up tasting room. There are no chairs and tables to
sit at and sip wine. When you taste there you are among their barrels, making
you feel like you’re a part of the production process. The barrels are all
covered with fun trivia, like it takes 75-100 grapes to make a glass of wine or
one acre of land averages 797 gallons of wine.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun trivia at Witch Creek Winery</td></tr>
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This winery currently sources their grapes from Clarksburg,
by the Sacramento River in Northern California, and Baja California’s Guadalupe
Valley. This summer they have been tasting seven red wines, two whites and two sweet wines. For those
big, bold red wine lovers, definitely try their Montepulciano, Primitivo and
Kathy’s Cuvee, a Meritage blend of Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.</div>
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Tasting hours in Carlsbad for the Fall are 11AM-5:30PM
Sunday-Thursday. They stay open a half hour later on Fridays and Saturdays. The
tasting room on Main Street in Julian is open 11AM-5PM daily. </div>
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<b>San Pasqual Winery/La
Mesa<o:p></o:p></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Mesa's own Winery</td></tr>
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San Pasqual Winery has been on the move in 2013. In June owners
Mike and Linda McWilliams augmented their Pacific Beach production facility and
La Mesa storefront tasting room and added another much larger facility and
tasting room on Center Street, just a few blocks away. The industrial
neighborhood in La Mesa is very approachable with plenty of parking. A new
4,500 square-foot facility has room to process grapes, tanks for storage and a
tasting room. The winery still offers music on weekend nights, come sip wine
and listen to local musicians. They will also continue promoting local artists
as well as their different arts programs where people create art projects in
the winery. Watch for them to grow even more. This winery has quite a
reputation for their quirky Passion Fruit/habanero wine. You must try it! Sure
it’s just for fun; you can find other serious wines with grapes from Northern
California: Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. There are plenty of
sparkling, white and rose wines also. Currently the tasting room is open
12PM-8PM Monday through Thursday, 12PM-10PM Friday and Saturday and 12PM-5PM on
Sunday. For current events go to: <a href="http://www.sanpasqualwinery.com/">http://www.sanpasqualwinery.com/</a></div>
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If you’re researching urban wineries, San Diego has a newly
formed urban winery alliance. Currently eight urban wineries are part of the
alliance. <a href="http://sdurbanwineries.com/">http://sdurbanwineries.com/</a></div>
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Robin Dohrn-Simpson
Freelance Writer
www.robindohrnsimpson.comRobin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-84109902971689214532013-11-20T15:35:00.000-08:002013-11-20T15:35:51.584-08:00A Taste of Coronado Cuisine and History: An Afternoon Walking Tour<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A Taste of Coronado Cuisine and History<u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We girls are
always looking for fun and unique things to do with our friends. We need our
girl time away from daily life, time to chat and find out what each other is
doing, how the kids are, the husband, parents, how the job is going plus time
to get out and exercise, try some new foods and learn about different
neighborhoods in San Diego. History and culinary tours in San Diego offer just
that; a great girl’s outing and an afternoon with friends. <u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So Cal Food
Tours currently offers two different itineraries: one for Friday afternoons and
one for Sunday afternoons. This Sunday the group met at the Tent City Murals at
Glorietta Bay Marina. Owner, tour guide and Coronado resident Barbara Trenchi
told stories of life on Coronado in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s on a
three-hour tour of the south end of the quaint island.<u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murals of the Tent City Vacation Area</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The tent
murals are a tile mosaic marquis with photos transferred on to the tiles
depicting the seaside resort of the Tent City, south of where the Hotel Del
Coronado now stands. <u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Between 1900
and 1939 cost-conscious vacationers from around the world would flock to the
seaside resort community of Coronado and stay in one of the 1,000 tents set up
on the Coronado Strand. Started by sugar magnate John D. Spreckels this cost
conscious vacation was priced at $5.00 a week. Although visitors staying in
tents, it was much more than a rustic experience. This family destination
boasted a trolley, carnival booths, a Ferris wheel, and a dance pavilion named
“Casino”. Vacationers could attend a performance at the Pavilion theatre,
stroll the boardwalk that led to a seal tank, visit an ostrich farm and see the
monkey cages. Or they could simply swim in the ocean or bay, take your pick
which side of the strand you wanted to enjoy. One of the many attractions was a
10-cent performance of a horse named Cash diving into a pool of water. Wyatt Earp
even did gun fighting demonstrations in the shooting gallery.<u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The tour
passed by the ubiquitous Hotel del Coronado, built by Elisha Babcock and
Hampton Story between 1887 and 1897 with the goal of being the “talk of the
Western World”. Built entirely of wood in the Queen Anne Revival style the
hotel features whimsical turrets and an asymmetrical design. The Hotel Del
Coronado currently has a turret wrapped up with a red bow in celebration of its
125 year anniversary. Mr. Spreckels bought the hotel and built his private
residence across the street, which is now the Glorietta Bay Inn. <u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Next door is
the El Cordova Hotel, originally built as Elisha Babcock’s retirement home and
currently houses the charming and colorful patio restaurant, Miguel’s Cocina.
Over appetizers tour members met and munched tasty chips, salsa and creamy
white sauce. Some of our group enjoyed a margarita along with a sample platter
of zesty Mexican antijitos (starters) of ceviche, rolled tacos and fried
calamari. <u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Across the
street we went to see the first house that was built in Coronado. It was built
f the first couple who got married at the Hotel Del Coronado. Today a plaque
proclaims it the “Home of a Naval Aviator”. On this day we were fortunate
enough to meet the owner/aviator in front of his house and he regaled us with
stories about flying navy planes with George H.W. Bush. Huge smiles on the
group’s faces reflected the charm of this man and his stories. The house has
neither heat nor insulation. It has been a labor of love to own it and try to
bring it up to this century’s standards.<u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House where Frank L. Baum wrote 2 of the Wizard of Oz books</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We passed by
the house on Star Park Circle where Frank L. Baum wrote two of the Wizard of Oz
books enroute to our next culinary stop, Coronado Taste of Oils, an olive oil
and vinegar store on Orange Avenue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The group enjoyed meeting the owner,
Roberta Korte, who gifted us with vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate
balsamic vinegar. This heavenly concoction was a very creative use of vinegars.
There were many “Oohs and Aahs”. We were given a paper with the top pairings
and encouraged to roam and try some pairings. A favorite was Peach White
Balsamic and Tuscan Herb Extra Virgin Olive Oil. You could really spend hours
here trying different recipes. We left the store laden with treasures. <u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Next stop
was Alexander’s Pizza which has been voted “Best Pizza” of Coronado year after
year. We enjoyed gooey Scooby Snack appetizers (dough balls with red sauce for
dipping) and two pizzas, the highlight for all being a vegetarian pizza.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA5IkltHp68VFy-4hMc6LoD1-RfAYWxNbvn4FyuehAL3IFeIpCPFuYWkQDyO9NfbaHPeGct3hrYS1fS9uSK8w3iBfamS0-EfzfrZZv4teI0ewLhitvQiH8jqPN6b-TPWg0XlU4D5UDHQ/s1600/20130721_172401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA5IkltHp68VFy-4hMc6LoD1-RfAYWxNbvn4FyuehAL3IFeIpCPFuYWkQDyO9NfbaHPeGct3hrYS1fS9uSK8w3iBfamS0-EfzfrZZv4teI0ewLhitvQiH8jqPN6b-TPWg0XlU4D5UDHQ/s320/20130721_172401.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Refreshing
artisan gelato was served at Bottega Italiano before walking to the house on
Ocean Avenue that once belonged to Mr. Spreckels and now finds itself in the
forefront of a murder/suicide mystery. <u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We dispersed
from the charming boutique hotel, The Glorietta Bay Inn, overlooking Glorietta
Bay and the Coronado Yacht Club. Mr. & Mrs. Spreckels sure knew how to
live. This lovely property built with the classic simple lines of the Italian
Renaissance style boasts many patios, an Elizabethan garden dotted with colorful
bougainvilleas, a lap pool, a music room with a baby grand piano and an air of
sophistication.<u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Coronado has
much to be proud of and seeing a tiny bit of it on this tour whets the appetite
to try the next tour. To enjoy a fun afternoon with your girlfriends go to: </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><a href="http://socalfoodtours.com/">http://socalfoodtours.com/</a>
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">or to reserve your space
call 800-979-3370 or 212-209-3370. <u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robin Dohrn-Simpson
Freelance Writer
www.robindohrnsimpson.comRobin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-19531088959865284552013-08-17T17:39:00.000-07:002013-08-17T17:39:15.040-07:00Curds and Wine at Milagro Farms Vineyards and Winery<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1iKau8cYo0/UZr9AV2Jt8I/AAAAAAAAI9A/2ox3pMh_o0M/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1iKau8cYo0/UZr9AV2Jt8I/AAAAAAAAI9A/2ox3pMh_o0M/s200/Copy+of+IMG_2902.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese tray for sampling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnwdsfGYsfE/UZr8V5sOFGI/AAAAAAAAI5M/Qtljp_V_uq4/s1600/Copy+%25282%2529+of+DSCN1931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnwdsfGYsfE/UZr8V5sOFGI/AAAAAAAAI5M/Qtljp_V_uq4/s320/Copy+%25282%2529+of+DSCN1931.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gi Claassen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIFsDsrSseY/UZr9OA4kl-I/AAAAAAAAI-M/yQO4lvUtTkw/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIFsDsrSseY/UZr9OA4kl-I/AAAAAAAAI-M/yQO4lvUtTkw/s320/Copy+of+IMG_2946.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Hart offers us some barrel tasting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Curds and Wine at
Milagro Farms Vineyards and Winery</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Cheesemaking
Demonstration and Wine Tasting</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“The #1 rule of cheesemaking: don’t stop, keep going –
even if you think something is going wrong. It WILL make A cheese!” Gi Classen tells the group at Milagro Winery
to peals of laughter. Nervous laughter, to be more exact. Gi’s eyes sparkle as she
talks about the science of cheesemaking. Science was never so delicious as
today’s cheesemaking demonstration and wine pairing.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
On a lovely spring day, Milagro Winery hosted an
afternoon in the vineyards with upstart business Curds and Wine. Milagro
winemaker Jim Hart led a tour of the 10-acre property, showing us the different
rows of many varietals that they grow before leading into a cool subterranean
cave, decorated with red and white checkerboard tablecloths and soft amber lighting
from the wall sconces.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Gisela Claassen- call her Gi, our cheese
matron/chef/hostess left a career in cancer research. To be more specific the
career left her after two research companies folded leaving her high and dry
and wondering what to do next in life. She
continued her passion with science, but in a completely different avenue—cheese
and wine. In November 2010 she opened Curds and Wine in San Diego and hasn’t
looked back.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Cheese goes with wine like laughter goes with friends. But
why does it go so well together? It’s all about tannins. Tannins are natural
organic compounds found in grape skins, seeds and stems. Winemakers use tannin
to give wines their distinctive flavors. Tannins are released either by
squeezing the grapes or crushing them, depending on the desired flavor. Wines
that improve with age will have plenty of tannins. The ageing process will
soften the taste and reduce any bitter aftertaste. Long story short, scientists
have found that high fat, high protein foods balance the taste of tannin. And
that is why cheese pairs so perfectly with wine.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Deciding what cheese goes with which wine is an ongoing,
ever-changing, highly subjective debate that can never be settled definitively.
That, of course, leads to hours of cheesemaking (and wine drinking) fun and
experimentation, which is what today’s event was all about.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Gi gave a brief science lesson on what happens to make
cheese. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">Step 1</span>- Starter culture:
Use either cultures or acids to make the chemical reaction needed to make
cheese.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq2d9t7amCM/UZr7-z2as3I/AAAAAAAAI3M/KBQhwnAg-eU/s1600/DSCN1933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq2d9t7amCM/UZr7-z2as3I/AAAAAAAAI3M/KBQhwnAg-eU/s320/DSCN1933.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">Step 2</span>- Cutting: Add to
warm milk. This causes the protein to get charged, change shapes and fall away
from the water (whey), leaving the fats behind to become cheese (curds).</div>
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<span style="color: red;">Step 3</span>- Add rennet, a
milk-clotting enzyme, used to coagulate the milk, forming a custard-like mass.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">Step 4</span>- Stirring, heating
and draining. We cooked the curds to a desired temperature and firmness. The
whey is continually drained off, leaving a tightly formed curd.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">Step 5</span>- Seasoning: add a special cheese salt (kosher salt, not
iodine salt) for flavor, to control the moisture level and to make the bacteria
very happy.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">Step 6</span>- Molding and
pressing your cheeses. Here you get your characteristic shape of cheese and
completes the curd formation. This can typically take between three and 12
hours. Some cheeses are hung to drip dry, some are pressed, to force out whey.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">Step 7</span>- Aging or curing .
This process depends on the cheese you are making. Cheese is moved to a
refrigerator (or locker) that is temperature controlled to 50-55 degrees (wine
fridge makes a great cheese locker) and 80 percent humidity. It is imperative
to keep a clean environment so that the bacteria stabilizes and doesn’t grow. </div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5txtU8xVb8Y/UZr9Giw65yI/AAAAAAAAI9w/xNo7ABDQjL0/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5txtU8xVb8Y/UZr9Giw65yI/AAAAAAAAI9w/xNo7ABDQjL0/s320/Copy+of+IMG_2926.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gi shows us the process</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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“This is so easy to make its ridiculous,” Gi giggles, to more
nervous laughter from the crowd. “Today
we are making goat’s milk chevre and ricotta.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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We filled our plates with cheese samples while the
Milagro staff filled our wine glasses with Rosé of Sangiovese, for which
winemaker Jim Hart won double gold.</div>
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<br /></div>
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During the demonstrations we stop to pair a new wine with
a new cheese. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->2012 Sauvignon Blanc with plain and dill Chevre.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->2012 Rosé of Sangiovese with homemade Feta.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->2010 Barbera, working man’s wine, full-bodied, dark
and structured. Milagro won three gold medals on this wine. Paired with Ricotta
Salata (with paprika) and Mimolette.
There were many rumblings of “Dang that Barbera’s good. I need a few
bottles to go home with me” and “how long will it be until <i>my </i>ricotta is ready.”</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->2009 Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Noord
Hollander, from the rich, green pastures of North Holland. Another perfect
pairing. Rich with black cherry and leather flavors, Jim’s Cabernet Sauvignon
is not to be missed. This wine deserves double gold, if it hasn’t already won
it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wXwB3kNKM0/UZr6eBVHa0I/AAAAAAAAIv8/smtkpajJve0/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wXwB3kNKM0/UZr6eBVHa0I/AAAAAAAAIv8/smtkpajJve0/s320/IMG_2866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After this fun afternoon, many participants with similar
interests formed new friendships, learned what curds and whey mean, and enjoyed
a variety of Milagro award-winning wines. My husband said, “We’re SOOO going to
do this.” We have already made our first visit to Curds and Wine. </div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Robin Dohrn-Simpson
Freelance Writer
www.robindohrnsimpson.comRobin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-46606104664446638642013-05-27T14:07:00.000-07:002013-05-27T14:11:27.300-07:00A Quasi Judge at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition<div class="MsoNormal">
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The Sheraton Fairplex hosted a group of Wine Scholars and
Writers at the 74<sup>th</sup> annual Los Angeles International Wine
Competition one fine Wednesday in May. As a member of the International Food,
Wine and Travel Writers Association I was invited to attend this event which
included a full day of judging with lunch and dinner. The winners of the
competition will be served at the L.A. County fair this summer. The competition
is also the foundation for an extensive wine education program available to the
fairgoers.</div>
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75 talented judges congregated to blind taste approximately
100 wines each. The judges with an average of 25-30 years experience in their
fields were called upon to test their vast knowledge of wine. The quickness
with which they tasted, smelled, and scored the wines was mind boggling. </div>
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The blind-tasting method is used to judge these domestic and
international vintages. Glasses are tagged with numbers in specific categories.
No bottles were anywhere to be found, except behind the curtain where staff
worked vigorously to prepare wine flights. The only things the judges know are
what the varietal is and what the retail price point is. For example, some categories
my panel tasted were: Merlot over $30.00 retail, Merlot under $29.99 retail,
Cabernet/Merlot Blend (Australia), Ruby Cabernet, Marsala and Muscat . </div>
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There
were 3,000 wine entries for judging, ranging from innovative new wines to sweet
dessert wines. Prizes were awarded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Best in Class. </div>
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I was fortunate to sit with 2 winery owners, a sommelier and
a wine educator. I’ve been seriously
enjoying wine for about 25 years. I thought I knew a few things, but boy was I
wrong. When I sat down with my panel to taste our way through 86 wines, I was
immediately humbled. My scores didn’t count, I was observing the event. I found
that sometimes I agreed with my compatriots and sometimes I didn’t. Never was I
told I was wrong. I asked the sommelier
judge at my table for words of advice and he said, “Think long/think wrong. Go
with your first impression.”</div>
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I quickly learned that my standard way of tasting wine
wasn’t going to cut it. I swirled, sniffed and sipped. When I had just tasted
about four wines, they were through the whole flight of around fourteen wines.
These seasoned professionals sniffed all the wines and could pick up different
nuances from their noses: too much tannin, not enough barrel aging, a hint of
VA. (Yes, I had to look that up too- volatile acidity. This is where the
acidity of the wine is deliberately elevated in order to enhance the fruitiness
of wines that are meant to be consumed young.) The judges sniffed the entire
flight, then swirled the wines in their mouths to get a sense of the flavors.
After a few seconds they would spit it out and go on to the next wine. I always look to see if the taste delivers on
what the nose smells. I like to see how the finish is: does it leave a nice
taste in my mouth or a tart one, a bitter one, a sweet one?</div>
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We also were served rare roast beef, grapes and cheese to
help keep our palates fresh.Thank heavens for my new favorite olive, the Graber
olive. These unique olives cleansed our palates and refreshed our taste buds to
try another wine. </div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">After
about forty wines we broke for lunch which was </span>hosted by the hotel and
featured produce from their garden next door at the L.A. Fairgrounds. This
garden, which we were able to visit for dinner that evening, produced enough
vegetables for the hotel’s kitchen to prepare two fantastic meals for us and
I’m sure for other guests too. The buffet was served outside in the garden and featured
lamb, Atlantic Char, faro salad, baby greens salad and a cheese plate filled
with unique flavors and colors. Dessert was chocolate cupcakes, made with
bitter chocolate and sprinkled with powdered sugar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Eu5k3fhZBE/UaJZR5eeABI/AAAAAAAAJA0/__2lklhlccI/s1600/lunch.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Eu5k3fhZBE/UaJZR5eeABI/AAAAAAAAJA0/__2lklhlccI/s320/lunch.4.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic Char</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPeF1NUaLek/UaJZjgXXX6I/AAAAAAAAJA8/PxxBgI-dvww/s1600/lunch.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPeF1NUaLek/UaJZjgXXX6I/AAAAAAAAJA8/PxxBgI-dvww/s320/lunch.5.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deluxe Cheese Plate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clckIQPYUiQ/UaJZtMLcnWI/AAAAAAAAJBE/C9HiL7FcQ3c/s1600/dessert+at+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clckIQPYUiQ/UaJZtMLcnWI/AAAAAAAAJBE/C9HiL7FcQ3c/s320/dessert+at+lunch.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bittersweet Chocolate cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_omjHCEQDVs/UaJY93ChvbI/AAAAAAAAJAk/SaF-20w7XCk/s1600/lunch.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_omjHCEQDVs/UaJY93ChvbI/AAAAAAAAJAk/SaF-20w7XCk/s320/lunch.2.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faro Salad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qj5qLx3RrA/UaJaAQhf-wI/AAAAAAAAJBM/8-lBJeTuJxs/s1600/lunch+set+up+before+teh+throngs%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qj5qLx3RrA/UaJaAQhf-wI/AAAAAAAAJBM/8-lBJeTuJxs/s320/lunch+set+up+before+teh+throngs%2521.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffet Tables</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We returned to our panels after lunch to taste dessert
wines: Angelica, Marsala, Muscat, Vin Doux Naturel and Sweet Sherry. I can’t
even pretend to know how to judge these wines, so I sat back and observed. My
knowledgeable judges even knew what Angelica was (yes, I had to look it up too.
A sweet fortified Californian wine made out of the Mission grapes which date
back to the California Mission era and produced by Franciscan Missionaries.)
and if it measured up. </div>
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Fun Facts:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Last year 10,000 wine glasses were used at the
competition. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Glasses are washed five times after each use.
(If you want to do the numbers that equals 165,600 washings) . </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Glasses are never touched by hand; specially
designed lint-free towels are used</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->These towels are made of flour sack and are
washed multiple times a day in very hot water; soap is never used</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->More than 500 towels will be used during the
competition</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Judges smell, sip, swirl and spit a minimum of
200 times daily.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGt5Uz4zrMA/UZr0RijTX6I/AAAAAAAAIW4/L89pRhZH-Ek/s1600/LA+Intl+Wine+Competition.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGt5Uz4zrMA/UZr0RijTX6I/AAAAAAAAIW4/L89pRhZH-Ek/s320/LA+Intl+Wine+Competition.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fellow writer Tom Plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJkWUr4C-U8/UZr0SmN3buI/AAAAAAAAIXA/8GPJvZaQaF4/s1600/LA+Intl+Wine+Competition-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJkWUr4C-U8/UZr0SmN3buI/AAAAAAAAIXA/8GPJvZaQaF4/s320/LA+Intl+Wine+Competition-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The judges at work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5nMUPfmP3Hk/UZr0TspXvOI/AAAAAAAAIXI/T6A7jEuz_Ks/s1600/LA+Intl+Wine+Competition-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5nMUPfmP3Hk/UZr0TspXvOI/AAAAAAAAIXI/T6A7jEuz_Ks/s320/LA+Intl+Wine+Competition-002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judging</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A42WCv3yoN8/UZr0U-ZJOAI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/wD8Ot-MGwc8/s1600/LA+Intl+Wine+Competition-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A42WCv3yoN8/UZr0U-ZJOAI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/wD8Ot-MGwc8/s320/LA+Intl+Wine+Competition-003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Judging</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-21682641105815541872013-05-27T10:18:00.001-07:002013-05-27T14:13:10.948-07:00Los Angeles International Wine Competition<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
It’s all about relationships in the wine business.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzlrNinMlxCHDvVz3XPvTYcF-sWX3wfF-pmKnuXX60p87f1T200uI1l0xcz_BKF3lfWEDFzWetBdqfFscj-dPP3RmqRwwQ_7cru6InMSycFcCmRUNNcn-JxpweMTiXPwLBZ_lQ-vhss0/s1600/a+wine+flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzlrNinMlxCHDvVz3XPvTYcF-sWX3wfF-pmKnuXX60p87f1T200uI1l0xcz_BKF3lfWEDFzWetBdqfFscj-dPP3RmqRwwQ_7cru6InMSycFcCmRUNNcn-JxpweMTiXPwLBZ_lQ-vhss0/s320/a+wine+flight.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A flight of dessert wines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The relationship with weather and grapes. The relationship
with the grape growers and the wine makers. Some people like to grow the
plants, nurture the grapes, and encourage their strongest output of fruit. Some
people prefer to take that fruit and make a magical elixir with them. Some
people like doing both. But a winemaker’s best friend is his horticulturalist.</div>
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The relationship with the soil and the plants. Planting your varietal with the proper
relationship to the topography.</div>
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The relationship with buyers and sellers. The buyer wants
value. The seller needs to make money to survive. The relationship with food
and wine. Need I say more?</div>
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And then there’s the relationship with judges and wines at
the L.A International Wine Competition on May 15, 2013 at the Sheraton Fairplex
in Pomona California. Here knowledge met challenge. </div>
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The Sheraton Fairplex hosted a group of Wine Scholars and
Writers at the 74<sup>th</sup> annual Los Angeles International Wine
Competition one fine Wednesday in May. As a member of the International Food,
Wine and Travel Writers Association I was invited to attend this event which
included a full day of judging with lunch and dinner. The winners of the
competition will be served at the L.A. County fair this summer. The competition
is also the foundation for an extensive wine education program available to the
fairgoers.</div>
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75 talented judges congregated to blind taste approximately
100 wines each. The judges with an average of 25-30 years experience in their
fields were called upon to test their vast knowledge of wine. The quickness
with which they tasted, smelled, and scored the wines was mind boggling. </div>
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We split into different tables for a day and tasted and
scored wines. Smelling, swirling, tasting and spitting. Four judges were at my table: one bigger than
life winery owner, one wine educator, one master sommelier and a wine marketer,
whose main focus is on direct to consumer marketing. These people know wine.
They know what makes a good wine. They can determine when there were too many
tannins, VA or not enough barrel time. </div>
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At my table we tasted 86 wines; the majority of them were
Merlots. Smelling, swirling, tasting and spitting. The winery owner didn’t care for Merlots, he said,
“Good Merlot is an oxymoron.” (He likes Cabernets.) The sommelier felt, “Merlot
is the great massager. It says to Cabernets, it’s okay, everything’s going to be
alright.” </div>
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The blind-tasting method is used to judge these domestic and
international vintages. Glasses are tagged with numbers in specific categories.
No bottles were anywhere to be found, except behind the curtain where staff
worked vigorously to prepare wine flights. The only things the judges know are
what the varietal is and what the retail price point is. For example, some
categories my panel tasted were: Merlot over $30.00 retail, Merlot under $29.99
retail, Cabernet/Merlot Blend (Australia), Ruby Cabernet, Marsala and Muscat . </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W-d4XmAqthS1ShT56r4e7qbtfBMp0W3xpepQoHxu1nB-6YJ9QCnSy6yBaj8ZrYLysBNZpQbvJYBJIoF0PbLi6-omug9qSDNcYjd46oXo1cspFgPzmAysZYzyebOqBWz0pA78GLA_wrs/s1600/blind+judging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W-d4XmAqthS1ShT56r4e7qbtfBMp0W3xpepQoHxu1nB-6YJ9QCnSy6yBaj8ZrYLysBNZpQbvJYBJIoF0PbLi6-omug9qSDNcYjd46oXo1cspFgPzmAysZYzyebOqBWz0pA78GLA_wrs/s320/blind+judging.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tags of wines blind tasted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There were 3,000 wine entries for judging, ranging from innovative new wines to
sweet dessert wines. Prizes were awarded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Best in
Class. </div>
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The wine owner talked about his relationship with his
customers. “It’s all about trust,” he said. “I barbecue about 400 pounds of
meat every weekend and customers come and try my wines with different foods.
They put their trust in me to make good wines.”</div>
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The sommelier got a huge smile on his face when he talked
about his relationship with his restaurant guests. His greatest joy is helping
people find the right pairing with food and wine. His greatest honor is when
his guests tell him to order their meal and pair their wines for them. He likes
them to sit back and enjoy each course pairing.</div>
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The wine marketer said, “It’s all about the relationship
between wineries and wine drinkers. If they trust you and your wines, then you
will be successful.”</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRNtNP-WuAP4-aK3oXULmi54tLyLzmZaDVxNVweVqjlYMREafIC3rYZOYJRSWNZnAss52m2dTZwiY6xXYX4xKoPUipvO4fTIQ1Y1GFzQkSK7coF8XPanE-lS4EkpXkm3Z8VCYw7axigU/s1600/me+judgin.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRNtNP-WuAP4-aK3oXULmi54tLyLzmZaDVxNVweVqjlYMREafIC3rYZOYJRSWNZnAss52m2dTZwiY6xXYX4xKoPUipvO4fTIQ1Y1GFzQkSK7coF8XPanE-lS4EkpXkm3Z8VCYw7axigU/s320/me+judgin.2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robin tries her hand at judging (her scores didn't count)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This experience was very eye-opening. Myself and my fellow
writers are still in awe at how much we learned by attending this event. We
were unanimous in our respect for the entire event. The judges were admirable,
the wait staff that took care of the judges, brought the wines were silently
efficient and the event organizers were perfection. The personnel were always
available to handle any situation and answer questions. As anyone who has put
on an event of this magnitude knows, there are a lot of people working tirelessly
behind the scenes. I applaud everyone’s efforts.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1JFl87eRHbBQ0EnL-gfkP9fZ-VQUU51xUi6U58mXznNVHy0kYwuTgLAtTyuqYgJLofT7uWOHhEhAS5Bs1eYN-xiX6Cc7merpKTVDhkiMmln3Z9wXFPpIXF7Xd8-5nHT4bOz_ZA2vqcI/s1600/my+judging+group.+panel+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1JFl87eRHbBQ0EnL-gfkP9fZ-VQUU51xUi6U58mXznNVHy0kYwuTgLAtTyuqYgJLofT7uWOHhEhAS5Bs1eYN-xiX6Cc7merpKTVDhkiMmln3Z9wXFPpIXF7Xd8-5nHT4bOz_ZA2vqcI/s320/my+judging+group.+panel+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robin with her group of esteemed judges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Robin Dohrn-Simpson
Freelance Writer
www.robindohrnsimpson.comRobin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-56018421534171281442013-03-21T07:06:00.000-07:002013-03-21T07:06:03.961-07:00Valentine’s Day Chocolate and Wine Pairing, San Pasqual Winery, La Mesa, CA.La Mesa Blvd is romantic at night. The tree-lined boulevard twinkles with white lights. People meander, window shopping, enjoying new gourmet restaurants or old favorites. Others browse antique stores or plan vacations at the travel agency. We dipped into San Pasqual Winery for a wine and chocolate pairing. This was a perfect way to spend Valentines Eve.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YS3HO7E2LJ4/UUqXpAUw4_I/AAAAAAAAHFI/smRhGgxrREs/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YS3HO7E2LJ4/UUqXpAUw4_I/AAAAAAAAHFI/smRhGgxrREs/s320/IMG_2763.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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San Pasqual Winery, an urban winery whose tasting room is on the Boulevard hosts an annual Valentine’s wine and chocolate pairing event for guests and wine club members. This fun evening features five wines with desserts from San Diego Desserts.<br />
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Tonight’s pairings were:<br />
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“Toast of the Town”, a Brut Sparkling Wine, is a chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend of wine crafted in the classic Methode Champenoise. This was paired with a white chocolate covered strawberry.<br />
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“Classy but Sassy”, a sparkling wine cocktail with a splash of their “Habanero” passionfruit wine was paired with chocolate-orange mousse. This cocktail is very drinkable and surprisingly delicious!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MEVN_sSRkdA/UUqX6RNKXZI/AAAAAAAAHIQ/i6kFAeATYDg/s1600/DSCN1717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MEVN_sSRkdA/UUqX6RNKXZI/AAAAAAAAHIQ/i6kFAeATYDg/s320/DSCN1717.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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2008 Santa Barbara GSM Blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre) paired nicely with a Raspberry Linzer cookie. My tasting notes say “Yum!” for this wine. I am a big sucker for this classic Rhone blend. <br />
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2008 El Dorado Tempranillo paired with a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup. As a peanut butter purist, I didn’t care for this pairing. In my opinion wine and peanut butter don’t mix. However, the Tempranillo was rich and full. I wrote in my notes “very unique, a bit sweeter” than other Tempranillos I have had. The tasting room staff and we had fun deciding which wine would be better with the peanut butter. I’m not sure which one they finally decided on, but it was fun trying. <br />
Lastly a Tawny Port paired with a salted caramel fudge cup. The port had a very nutty flavor, the tasting notes say “think Raisinets” but with a kick. <br />
All wines were in the $20-25.00 range and very drinkable. A fun wine to try is their “Habanero” passionfruit wine. I know sounds weird, but tastes freakishly good!<br />
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Linda McWilliams, the winemaker, was a student of Jim Hart, winemaker at Milagro Farm Vineyards, and Adam Caruth, of Caruth Cellars. Currently, the wine production site is in Pacific Beach but owners Linda and Mike McWilliams have plans to move this to a larger facility in La Mesa, allowing them to double their production to 3,000 cases annually.<br />
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We are lucky to have this urban winery in our neighborhood. It is great to be local, and we can practically walk there. <br />
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Robin Dohrn-Simpson Freelance Writer www.robindohrnsimpson.comRobin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-69146134087372115752012-12-24T17:21:00.001-08:002012-12-24T17:23:12.014-08:00Naramata Bench Wine Region, Okanagan Lake Wine Region<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Quiet, Idyllic Charm
of Naramata Bench</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Okanagan Wine
Valley</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasySqhuB0BPaMEM1rxy_TdxQV6Rl6B_4EwWvC8bR9RYZ3CjGDvjJCEAyfGa5NqcOyZZ135NaYO-To7rbleeEybqw72KpM2VoIRoIRhVVk5ijy-giZabXbOXsHDbrNr10o8jHjoHDjk-A/s1600/DSCN1092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasySqhuB0BPaMEM1rxy_TdxQV6Rl6B_4EwWvC8bR9RYZ3CjGDvjJCEAyfGa5NqcOyZZ135NaYO-To7rbleeEybqw72KpM2VoIRoIRhVVk5ijy-giZabXbOXsHDbrNr10o8jHjoHDjk-A/s1600/DSCN1092.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okanagan Lake Views</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwv-tMaU4rVPDfIVUOJp9XyMV9VU5wb8qyVrqxeNbg6-3n-LMcrkG2buVPEY7TRDS-wBRHqyRvxXroG_PZX4WMYartNfhxW908n0ygNSArIDi3S0GNqIAsgl3cGb2Sj1FB2_mUKx_U6SY/s1600/DSCN1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwv-tMaU4rVPDfIVUOJp9XyMV9VU5wb8qyVrqxeNbg6-3n-LMcrkG2buVPEY7TRDS-wBRHqyRvxXroG_PZX4WMYartNfhxW908n0ygNSArIDi3S0GNqIAsgl3cGb2Sj1FB2_mUKx_U6SY/s1600/DSCN1118.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okanagan, Penticton and Skaha Lake Views</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Physical geography defines a bench as: a shelf-like area of
rock with steep slopes above and below. Naramata Bench Wine Country, along the
eastern shores of Okanagan Lake in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada, offers
meandering the country roads and idyllic charm, but why is a wine region called
a bench? Naramata Bench has multiple levels of vineyards that ascend on gently
sloping land from Lower to Upper Naramata Bench Roads. Several stepped plateaus
have orchards planted on them boasting apples, peaches and HUGE cherries.</div>
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This idyllic area has a small village feel to it. Life moves
slowly, neighbors know each other and regularly sit outside in their yards
conversing, watching the kids play and enjoying the beauty of nature. You could
ride your bikes, hike along the Trans-Canada trail, shop at the local Farmer’s
Market, stay at a quaint bed and breakfast, or go winetasting.</div>
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The Bench boasts over 20 wineries. Several offer gourmet restaurant experiences,
relaxing patios with stunning lake views and avante garde art.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdTLb5LVYN3HCMy6n6iKPv_EPFc6nCvFB57LNRcH6_IstLsuYWuyWJVhKiSzgvTTt10SJI2psx364McxBn1DShsyW6W1cZsaRcWBPTr7r7DNvY6t9OLCymL44pDKI3_IMrfcwQk9_vdQ/s1600/DSCN1089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdTLb5LVYN3HCMy6n6iKPv_EPFc6nCvFB57LNRcH6_IstLsuYWuyWJVhKiSzgvTTt10SJI2psx364McxBn1DShsyW6W1cZsaRcWBPTr7r7DNvY6t9OLCymL44pDKI3_IMrfcwQk9_vdQ/s1600/DSCN1089.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Hillside Cellars<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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While waiting for a table at the very popular Barrel Room
Bistro onsite, we popped into the tasting room to see what all the buzz was
about. Hillside has a great reputation for both their wine and their food. They
had a large assortment of wines available to taste, so we decided to do both
the whites and reds. I’m not usually a fan of Gewürztraminer, but was
pleasantly surprised at their 2010 vintage. It is light, fruity and refreshing.
Next we tasted a very unique wine, Muscat Ottonel. These estate grown grapes
make a spicy yet floral, refreshing white wine. The flagship wine is their
Mosaic, presumably named after the mosaic tile on the front entrance to the
winery. The description of this wine says “small pieces coming together to
create a work of art”. It is a Bordeaux blend with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Thick and rich, balanced with the
Bordeaux characteristics that made me dream of a crown roast beef.</div>
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the Bistro personnel that our table was ready.
We scored a lovely table at the edge of the patio overlooking the
vineyard, with views all the way to the lake and along the valley. I opted for
a light spiced carrot and apple soup, because you can’t just get that anywhere.
I chose right! This unique sweet and spicy soup reflects why Chef, Rob
Cordonier just won the “Best Chef in the Okanagan” award from Eats Magazine. He
and his team focus on local, seasonal food, simple yet tasteful. </div>
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To visit this winery in the summer is a wonderful
experience. It is full of hanging flower baskets overflowing from every spot
that a basket could possibly be hung. The bright and cheerful explosion of
colors makes you smile, as does their wine and food.</div>
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Time permitting a walk through the wine museum on the
property is very interesting. For information and seasonal hours go to: <a href="http://hillsidewinery.ca/">http://hillsidewinery.ca</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwaGw03GcYg0X3QRKZ3-w87iTpP6rNTED-cDFrTTYj31wKb19djEj0LtBl8ZEf3_vKemzaCyTSyjLrs0Joy48GnCMiYT-XhxpW72dnZuaHZMyFZE8ypW4tEZYINK367l5kg10ZS7SEMY/s1600/DSCN1100-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwaGw03GcYg0X3QRKZ3-w87iTpP6rNTED-cDFrTTYj31wKb19djEj0LtBl8ZEf3_vKemzaCyTSyjLrs0Joy48GnCMiYT-XhxpW72dnZuaHZMyFZE8ypW4tEZYINK367l5kg10ZS7SEMY/s1600/DSCN1100-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWHMhXlZYfwmls5zyWeh9GxpJhBHAYy7n_ywqNPukDOumkiMFn9a44KVrDVGn-YzdFp_sxSHd4uwtrSvNhGCQxk3cDhzhO4NeqBp7DqEfJP_Y2t3Rdnwfs1VwFeKYeH2thIbgFoC-BbY/s1600/DSCN1109-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWHMhXlZYfwmls5zyWeh9GxpJhBHAYy7n_ywqNPukDOumkiMFn9a44KVrDVGn-YzdFp_sxSHd4uwtrSvNhGCQxk3cDhzhO4NeqBp7DqEfJP_Y2t3Rdnwfs1VwFeKYeH2thIbgFoC-BbY/s1600/DSCN1109-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><b>Red Rooster Winery <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Down the street is Red Rooster Winery. It’s all about life in the “coop” at this
winery. They encourage their patrons to find out what the crowing is all about.
A proud Red Rooster rules the roost, in the winery, and on their label.</div>
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With spectacular lake views, this 22-old winery is a proud
patron of the arts. On display is an ever-rotating exhibit of painting and
sculptures by local artists. Walking through the grounds you will see a giant
steel mermaid floated in the vineyards, a musical sculpture of a bass with
music coming from it and a steel bench depicting life at the lake with a sailboat,
quail and the rocks of the Naramata Bench.The love of art is reflected in the display wall for their
wines. Made of wood blocks that jut out
unevenly the winery mascot, the Rooster stands on top of the wines strutting
his stuff.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rooster Rules his Roost of Wines</td></tr>
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Winemaker Karen Gillis started her professional life as a chef
and soon realized that it was winemaking that held her passion. She has crafted
a large array of award winning wines. As is typical in this colder climate,
they are strong on white wines, which they refer to as Roosters. Gewurztraminer,
Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling and a blend called Bantam. They currently
feature three red wines; a Cabernet Merlot, Merlot and a Malbec. The wines here are very affordable, most are
under $25.00 Canadian.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steel Art Mermaid</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steel Art Bench depicting life in the Okanagan Valley</td></tr>
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The winery has clever tasting cards for each of their wines.
An example is the Cabernet Merlot 2010:</div>
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“This
rooster shows great ‘posture’ as he moves through the flock. This medium to </div>
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full-bodied red has soft drying tannins and flavours of ripe blackberry,
black tea, </div>
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sweet
spice and oak which linger on the finish.”</div>
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Another unique offering at this winery is an “Adopt a Row”
of the vineyard. For adopting a row parents receive a sign labeling their row,
a certificate of adoption, discounts on gift purchases and a case of wine.
Twice a year the winery hosts an “adoptive parents” event at the winery to
learn more about viticulture and vineyard management. Adoptive parents also get
to help in the harvest of their row.</div>
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We enjoyed our wine on the beautiful patio facing the lake
offering a view of nature while tasting the fruits of nature.</div>
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Find more details about the Rooster at: <a href="http://www.redroosterwinery.com/">www.redroosterwinery.com</a>
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Just a few minutes from Penticton, the Naramata wine region
invites you to slow down, smell the apple and peach blossoms, enjoy the view,
hike along the old Kettle Valley Train Trail, stroll through the farmer’s
market or lounge along the beach listening to the wind coming off the lake.
This area, home to many artists, is a creative environment with an inspiring
view to draw from around every corner. Come watch people making art in many
genres in this idyllic setting, stay at a Bed & Breakfast and slow down.
That’s what Naramata Bench is all about.</div>
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Robin Dohrn-Simpson
Freelance Writer
www.robindohrnsimpson.comRobin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-62475024637193809072012-11-16T18:33:00.000-08:002012-11-16T18:40:16.582-08:00Bel Vino Winery Harvest Celebration<div style="text-align: center;">
Harvest Celebration</div>
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Bel Vino Winery Clam Bake</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie Pearson</td></tr>
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As fall sets in and the harvest is winding down, the celebrations wind up. Everyone loves to celebrate a successful harvest and Bel Vino Winery in Temecula, California celebrated their fantastic harvest with a clam bake. Celebrating harvest is an ancient tradition and no one likes a harvest celebration more than wine aficionados.</div>
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2012 is proving to be an abundant year for California wineries and that is making everyone in the wine industry happy, from winemakers to Bel Vinos wine lovers. Celebrations started on a warm October evening and the revelers were treated to a unique Cajun-style clam bake, including lobster, mussels, clams, clam chowder and chicken. Chef Richard Bustos, Bel Vino’s new Chef, with the aid of Sous Chef Clinton Pearson and Pearson’s Seafood did a spectacular job on this ambitious undertaking of cooking for around 100 people in an outdoor kitchen setting. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests dined under the twinkling lights</td></tr>
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Sitting under the stars with nostalgic red checkered table cloths created a homey atmosphere. Guests enjoyed a sampling of Bel Vino wines. Dessert offered a special treat of port wine with a variety of cupcakes.</div>
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“Shoot 4 Tuezday”, entertained the crowd with rock and roll melodies into the late hours. It was wonderful to watch the smiles on people’s faces, especially owner Mike Janko’s. With the stress of harvest over it’s so nice to take time out to enjoy oneself, and he did.</div>
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Mike has a lot to be excited about. He has hired award winning winemaker, George Bursick, from Sonoma. Bursick has been making delicious wines as head winemaker for some of California’s biggest wineries and recently won the “Pinot Noir of the Year” award from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. 2013 will be the first year that Bel Vino wines will be their own. George has big shoes to fill, but everyone is confident that with his 30 years experience he will make delectable wines from the Temecula Valley vineyards. <br />
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Speaking of the future, if you’re planning a wine country wedding, you must check out Bel Vino’s house that is for rent for your wedding event. The entire house can host your full wedding festivities from rehearsal dinner, separate bride and groom’s quarters, a lovely courtyard for your ceremony and the garden area for your wedding reception. <br />
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Bel Vino Winery staff are energized about a bountiful harvest and the bright promise of a strong future full of fine wines and good times. The excitement of Bel Vino Winery is tangible, the wines are great, the views spectacular. Look out Temecula!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Festive tables greeted guests</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests had their choice of many seafood specialties</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Our hosts poured some excellent Bel Vino wines</td></tr>
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Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-45990934034851034142012-09-16T13:39:00.000-07:002012-09-17T20:32:57.158-07:00San Diego Spirits Festival 2012 <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayan Liquer</td></tr>
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For many people the year 2012 is all about the ending of the Mayan Calendar and end of the world in the Mayan people’s eyes. I say forget the end of the world fears and consider a Mayan Sacrifice. Just add a little tequila, some Xtabentun, a Mayan liquer of honey anisette and rum and a maraschino cherry. Yes, you can just shoot ‘em! Or make them into a Mayan Margarita. They go down smoothly!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twisted Shotz</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crater Lake Vodka<br />
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I experienced the San Diego Spirits Festival on August 25 on Broadway pier. came alive with food trucks, music and spirits vendors at the second annual 2-day. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack N Box</td></tr>
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Food trucks:</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms. Patty Melt & OB Seafood</td></tr>
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Gourmet food trucks are taking the world by storm. Restaurants, instead of waiting for people to come to them, are taking their food to the streets. Combining the convenience of walking up to a food truck ordering and eating right there, you get almost the same gourmet artistry of the chef in the actual restaurant. Chef Deborah Scott has made her name well known in the San Diego Food scene, with the Cohn Restaurant Group, so when I saw her truck, Ms. Patty Melt, I knew that was where I was having lunch. Oh sure I had a couple other fabulous choices: Jack in the Box or Ocean Beach Seafood Truck, dubbed the Pearl. I’m not much of a seafooder, but the owners are from Seattle and bringing Pacific Northwest Seafood to San Diego. Definitely worth a try for all you seafood people. </div>
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Spirits:</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tequila Alquimia</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Pigeon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conjure Cognac</td></tr>
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The pier was full of spirits vendors; some highlights for me </div>
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were Pisco Porton from Chile, Bolivian Coca Leaf Liquer, Pink Pigeon Rum from the Mauritius Islands as well as Conjure Cognac, a cognac brand of liquer (owned by the Rap Singer Ludacris). I love a nice sipping tequila, so imagine my joy at all the varieties I got to taste. My favorite was Tequila Alquimia who had a side-by-side tasting of four tequilas, each aged differently. These 100% estate grown blue Agave, certified organic tequilas were a show stopper for me. My favorite was the Reposada, aged for 6 months in white oak barrels, light gold in color its nose was mild, yet had a warm finish. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7txjZBH5PEXNhv6Y8l9sfM2-AvsnCdpVlunNXIdBubrR94Nhyphenhyphen1CirF-SQbDbY1jzgqsobiOboBg-skhHIN0jZFc29b2b5j5TfpdWRTWJqoNACXIvKO02CgA7whcurCxwbzYzriERzbBs/s1600/IMG_1470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7txjZBH5PEXNhv6Y8l9sfM2-AvsnCdpVlunNXIdBubrR94Nhyphenhyphen1CirF-SQbDbY1jzgqsobiOboBg-skhHIN0jZFc29b2b5j5TfpdWRTWJqoNACXIvKO02CgA7whcurCxwbzYzriERzbBs/s320/IMG_1470.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolivian Herbal Liquer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joia mixers</td></tr>
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Not to be outdone, the Quint Sangria ladies made a red Sangria and white Sangria very cold and filled with a variety of fruits. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quint Red and White Sangria</td></tr>
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Cigars:</h2>
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The Macanudo cigar lounge outside had a cast of groupies hanging around and relaxing in the plush sofas. I left my cigar days behind me with college, but I’m told that these cigars are from the Dominican Republic, light in flavor and short in finish.<br />
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Cooking demonstrations </h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry & <br />
Chocolate demonstration</td></tr>
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Empirehouse urban palate’s chef made red miso BBQ wings that I enjoyed. The restaurant, in central San Diego, demonstrated their passion for quality food. I love their mission statement: “To be a destination where our customer are our friends, to be a location where the food is always delicious, and go be where you want to return day after day.”</div>
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Bartender Battle</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oscar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oscar creating</td></tr>
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Oscar Takahashi won the contest this year. It was nerve wracking to watch the competition because Oscar had to go find his glasses and returned with about 2 minutes used up from the 10 minute competition. But he worked swiftly and adeptly and created the winning cocktail.<br />
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Being a wine lover at heart, it was fun to attend this event; change it up a bit and taste some cocktails, and enjoy new flavors. I love to meet people in a different avenue than where I live and see their passions. Try their libations and experience their talent and years of hard work in their professions.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixologists</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year's winner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crowd</td></tr>
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Watching the Bartender Battle</div>
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Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-6534421321481031062012-06-19T22:21:00.001-07:002012-06-19T22:21:36.023-07:00San Diego’s Best Outdoor Wine Patios<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">San Diego’s Best Outdoor Wine Patios </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Al fresco ambiance is accompanied by great grapes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you think of enjoying wine, do you only think about the complexity, the fruitiness, the tannins, or the color? How about where you’re enjoying the wine- the setting, the surroundings, especially if it’s outdoors? San Diego County currently boasts about three dozen wineries and each is unique. Here are some great winery patios where hospitality, good wine, good food and al fresco ambiance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Cordiano Winery</u></strong> – It’s just up from Escondido on Highland Valley Road. This hidden paradise boasts a huge terra cotta patio with panoramic views of San Pasqual Valley. Dazzling sunsets and a serene setting allow you to unwind with a bottle Syrah or Sangiovese. Winery owner Gerard Cordiano, has previously owned a variety of Italian restaurants in San Diego. He brings his passion for pizza and the most amazing bread sticks, brushed with olive oil, herbs and parmesan cheese, to his patrons. An adobe pizza oven graces the patio where he will create a pizza to order. The Cordiano family makes you feel like a part of their family. Enjoy Sunday afternoon on the patio, or play a game of bocce ball. Call ahead so they can have a pizza waiting for you with your favorite bottle of Cordiano wine. 15732 Highland Valley Rd. Escondido. <a href="http://www.cordianowinery.com/">http://www.cordianowinery.com/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Salerno Winery-</u></strong> It’s all about family, friends and music at this Ramona Winery owned by Rose and Herman Salerno. Sundays are an especially fun day around the adobe ranch house. Sit at one of the many tables on the patio, next to the trickling fountain, amid the vines and taste some of Herman’s finely crafted wines. Herman, besides being the winemaker is a former Italian opera singer. His outdoor kitchen features an adobe pizza oven where he makes pizzas in his while belting out a tune. A guitarist entertains wine tasters and guests on the patio. Some even sing karaoke, but don’t worry, it’s not required. Rumor has it that they have an Argentinean barbecue some afternoons too. 17948 Highway 67, Ramona. <a href="http://www.salernowinery.com/">http://www.salernowinery.com/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Shadow Mountain Winery-</u></strong> Take the opportunity for beautiful drive through the backroads north of San Diego near Warner Springs over Sunshine Summit, at 3,400 feet above sea level, to arrive at this quaint and rustic adobe winery. Grab a bottle of one of their tasty wines and sit in one of the mismatched chairs under the giant oak tree next to the grape vines. Alexander McGeary makes tasty wines; one to try is the Smoky Cabernet that was harvested during the 2004 wildfires. You can taste the fire in this wine. Panoramic mountain views abound at this rural winery. You may just want to stay overnight in one of their two cottages, enjoy a continental breakfast in the morning and then, alas, return to reality. 34680 Highway 67, Warner Springs. <a href="http://www.shadowmountainvineyards.com/">http://www.shadowmountainvineyards.com/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Hawk Watch Winery-</u></strong> Across the road and down a ways from Shadow Mountain winery is one of the newest wineries in San Diego County. Hawk Watch Winery is a lovely red barn with panoramic views of surrounding mountains. Relax in an Adirondack chair with a bottle of their traditional hand crafted wines. Watch the hawks or gliders taking flight from Warner Springs Gliderport. They are open only on weekends and would love for you to enjoy their slice of heaven. 27054 Chihuahua Valley Rd., Warner Springs. <a href="http://www.hawkwatchwinery.com/">http://www.hawkwatchwinery.com/</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Orfila Winery-</u></strong> On the road to the Wild Animal Park, this picturesque winery is undergoing a transformation with a new young winemaker. But the patio lined with grape arbors, dotted with wrought- iron tables and chairs and picnic tables boasts a magnificent view of the San Pasqual Mountains. You could bring a blanket and picnic basket and lounge on the lush, green grass also. Orfila is truly a calm and relaxing spot to enjoy a bottle of wine. You could even enjoy the concerts on the lawn. 13455 San Pasqual Road, Escondido. <a href="http://www.orfila.com/">http://www.orfila.com/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-77313382195084845232012-06-17T22:00:00.001-07:002012-06-17T22:00:36.281-07:00Bistro West Carlsbad CA<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bistro West and West Steak and Seafood Restaurants in Carlsbad</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Having your own farm is a chef’s dream come true,” said Executive Chef Eugenio Martignago, of Bistro West in Carlsbad, on a recent tour of his farm. Like all chefs, he wants to serve only the freshest vegetables, locally grown and focusing on what is in season. To get a quality and variety that is up to his standards, he and his staff have planted an organic garden on an acre of land a few miles inland in Carlsbad. Vegetables are picked fresh daily for an authentic farm-to-table experience for guests at both restaurants. “Being able to experiment in the planting and harvesting process infuses a whole new level of creativity to the menu offerings. With every planting we get more experienced with what grows in this climate and location.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chef Eugenio practices his art in the seaside village of Carlsbad, 30 minutes north of San Diego. West Village, located at I-5 and Cannon Road across from Legoland, encompasses two restaurants: Bistro West and West Steak and Seafood, a boutique hotel West Inn and Suites and a gas station. They even have a dog park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday evenings at West Steak and Seafood, Martignago recreates his family tradition of gathering and enjoying a slow cooked meal. Bistro West offers a Sunday Supper for $29.95 per person that includes a choice of soup or salad, two side dishes, and an entree. They also offer half price wines to complement the supper selections of the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Samples of entree selections include: Pork Osso Buco slowly cooked in a tomato demi-glaze; Natural Beef Short Ribs slowly cooked in red wine and topped with a port wine sauce; Veal Osso Buco slowly cooked in a veal stock and tomatoes, topped with Gremolata; Lamb Shank slowly cooked with wild mushrooms in a burgundy wine sauce; or Prime Rib, herb-crusted and slowly roasted, garnished with au jus and horseradish cream.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Already popular for its “Dinner in the Bar” menu, West Steak and Seafood recently expanded the bar area to accommodate a growing demand for its weeknight happy hour. Tapping into Chef’s creativity in the kitchen they developed a “Sips and Bites” menu to showcase specialty cocktails paired with food. Recently they offered a Pumpkin Spiced Martini, served with peanut butter, balsamic strawberries and mascarpone cheese sandwich and a truffle mushroom crescenza cheese sandwich. These bites are changing regularly depending on the harvest at the farm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Great news for those of you who are gluten intolerant, Bistro West offers a separate menu offering more than gluten free 25 items. Vegetarians are also accommodated here. Most menu options can be prepared to accommodate individual requests.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The décor of the Bistro West is warm and inviting. One entire wall of the restaurant is a stunning bubbling water wall that changes colors and divides the restaurant from a private dining room available for large groups. Warm wood furniture and a wall of wines complete the dining room.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chef Eugenio and his staff are busy planning their spring and summer gardens and menus accordingly. “We have big plans for this farm. I’d like to offer public tours and incorporate special ‘fresh daily’ dinners with wine pairings, specialty cooking classes and a weekly farm report for dinner guests at both restaurants.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bistro West serves brunch, lunch and dinner. For more information, visit: <a href="http://www.bistrowest.com/">http://www.bistrowest.com/</a>; <a href="http://www.weststeakandseafood.com/">http://www.weststeakandseafood.com/</a> and <a href="http://www.westinnandsuites.com/">http://www.westinnandsuites.com/</a> . </span></div>
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</div>Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0Carlsbad, CA, USA33.1580933 -117.350593933.051749799999996 -117.5085224 33.2644368 -117.19266540000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-88461752287436959422012-06-17T21:07:00.001-07:002012-06-17T21:07:24.337-07:00<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Milagro Vineyards and Winery</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ramona is graced with golden rolling hills, oak trees, horse country and a wine heritage that dates back to the Mission San Diego de Alcala era of the 1750’s. Father Juniperro Serra planted vineyards at each of his eight missions and</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Entrance to Milagro Farms</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> winemaking was born in Southern California. Today, San Diego is experiencing a resurgence of grape growing, vineyards and wine making. Travel east about 10 miles on Highway 78, past the camels at the Oasis Camel Dairy, to the Old Julian Highway. Tucked away in an idyllic hillside, you will find charming Milagro Vineyards and Winery.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cave built into the hillside for barrel aging wines</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enter through the gates and you are greeted with a sign made from twigs saying “Milagro Winery”. Travel along the dirt path guided by wine barrels used as markers, past ponds laden with cattails and you will come to the yellow Tuscan lab building where great wine is produced. Beside the lab is an underground cave built by Mexican artisans complete with arches and sconces to light the way to where wine barrels are aging nicely in a cool climate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Milagro Winery, Spanish for “miracle”, was purchased by Kit and Karen Sickels in 2001. Fall 2011 represented the culmination of years of hard work. Milagro Winery opened a tasting room to the public. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Hart, Winemaker<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sickels hired Jim Hart, from Hart Family Winery in Temecula as their winemaker. Jim has overseen the planting of 10,000 grape vines on the rolling hills with varietals such as Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot and Aleatico. Jim grew up around wine and vineyards and it was only natural that he would follow in his father, Joe’s footsteps. The Hart family started growing grapes in Temecula in the late 1970’s, opened their winery in the early 1980’s and has a thriving business with many award winning win</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">es. Jim has brought these years of experience to Milagro Winery to ensure their success. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely Tuscan Barrel Storage room on the property.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along the way there have been setbacks. Most notably San Diego’s countywide fire in 2003 when Ramona was hit hard and hundreds of acres burned. The fire ripped through Milagro’s two-year old vineyards which fortunately had just been harvested. They replanted in 2004 and 2006 marked the first year of wine production. Then in 2009 they lost all of their Sauvignon Bland due to mold. 2010 was a testament to hard work and stick-to-it-ness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through it all, the Milagro team has persevered and their hard work has begun to pay off. Their wines are now winning awards throughout California. Their 2010 Sauvignon Blanc won three awards including silver at the L.A. International Wine Competition, bronze at the San Francisco International Wine Competition (the largest and most influential wine competition in the United States) and Silver at the Long Beach Gran Cru Wine Competition. Jim’s 2007 Cabernet won a silver medal at the Riverside International Wine Competition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jim was kind enough to host some barrel tasting. His 2008 Cabernet, just bottled, is rich and fruity with hints of blackberry and cassis. This wine has some high, possibly gold medal, hopes riding on it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Currently Milagro Winery is featuring their 2010 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, 2009 Estate Charonnay, 2008 South Coast Merlot and 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. They offer a dessert wine also, a 2009 Aleatico. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides purchasing wines at the winery, you can purchase them at Costco (La Mesa), Albertsons (Ramona, Tierrasanta, downtown San Diego and La Costa), Windmill Farms, Stumps Markets and Barons Markets in Temecula and Murrieta.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Since you’ll be in Ramona during the fall enjoying the countryside, make a point to visit this winery and taste their remarkable wines. Their wines represent the exciting potential of this historic and emerging wine region. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barrel aging inside the wine cave</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Check on their website regularly for updates: </span><a href="http://www.milagrovineyards.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial;">www.milagrovineyards.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div>Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0Ramona, CA 92065, USA33.0417111 -116.86808232.9884686 -116.947046 33.094953600000004 -116.789118tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-67271542099689295802012-06-16T18:18:00.000-07:002012-06-16T18:18:58.190-07:00Alcantara Vineyards in Cottonwood Arizona<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Alcantara Vineyards</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alcantara Winery is a lovely Tuscan villa set on a hillside overlooking Cottonwood</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just outside of Cottonwood, on a hillside overlooking the Verde Valley, sits a lovely Tuscan Villa that is Alcantara Winery. Owners Barbara and Bob Predmore started this winery with the goal of creating a wine community, and now they are in the center of one. Located at the confluence of the Verde River and Oak Creek, in between Cornville and Jerome, this area in the Verde River valley is perfect for growing the grapes. The 30 degree temperature differential between day and night is what grapes need to thrive, and that is what this region offers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barbara Predmore, a visionary who sees this region as the new Napa Valley, started her project in 2005. She is planning for explosive growth in the wine region and is slowly positioning Alcantara to be able to accommodate that growth. Current plans are for a bistro and a Bed & Breakfast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The homey and attractive tasting room offers couches, tables or a bar for relaxing with a glass of wine. Weather permitting, the patio offers stunning vistas of the limestone hills and the immense Verde Valley.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lovely barrel graces the tasting room. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the tasting menu is a lovely Viognier with estate grown grapes, this wine was fruity with lots of floral and citrus flavors and finishing dry. Just what you want in a Viognier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also enjoyable of the 13 wines on the tasting menu is the 2009 Charbono. Also 100% estate grown grapes, this wine has a smoky raspberry and chocolate nose, with a finish of velvet on your tongue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These two estate wines are an exciting example of the limestone terrior. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information, hours and directions visit: ww<a href="http://w.alcantaravineyard.com/">w.alcantaravineyard.com</a> .</span><br />
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<br /></div>Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0Cottonwood, AZ, USA34.7391876 -112.009879134.6869946 -112.0888431 34.791380600000004 -111.9309151tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-1240356216191483102012-06-16T14:42:00.000-07:002012-06-17T09:39:08.639-07:00Cornville Arizona wineries<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cornville, Cottonwood and Jerome Arizona</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Verde Valley Wine Trail</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the early 1980’s these northern Arizona towns were sleepy villages with not much to offer. Fast forward 30 years and see a resurgence of history, culture, commerce and a newly created wine industry.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous, stunning Red Rocks of Sedona</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fifteen minutes south of beautiful Sedona is an emerging wine region, the Verde Valley. This vast valley is lined with a limestone and sandstone ridge that stretches for miles. Many cliff villages built by indigenous American cultures remain in this area. Remnants of a once vibrant mining industry in Jerome can be seen on a distant hillside. A wine trail snakes through the valley, leading you through villages, old and new, and high up to Jerome where you can overlook the Verde Valley, dine in great restaurants, sip wine, browse shops and imagine the life of a mining community. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuzigoot Ruins from Indigenous American Indians</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To see this valley fully, you will need at least two days. First visit the three wineries in Cornville (no, there’s no corn in Cornville), drive into Cottonwood, overnight in Old Town. Here you will find a lovely boutique hotel, the Tavern Hotel, many gourmet restaurants, cute shops, art galleries and coffee houses. Wake up the next morning, walk to a coffee shop for breakfast and once fortified, wander the main drag to two wine tasting rooms. Continue outside of Cottonwood to Tuzigoot National Monument, view the ruins of the Sinagua people who occupied this valley during the 1100-1200’s. Continue up the scenic highway up to the once booming mining town of Jerome. Lunch awaits at one of many unique restaurants. Many of the refurbished restaurants are located in historic buildings; the former firehouse, Cottonwood’s Old Town Palace Theater, or a saloon, and designed to accentuate the past.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want to be driven around this region, many wine tours offer packages either from Sedona or Phoenix.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cornville currently has three wineries located on Page Spring Road.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Javelina Leap Winery Tasting Room Wall</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rod Snapp, a onetime executive chef, used his earnings from selling his Bed & Breakfast in Sedona to purchase a partially existing winery in Cornville and start the arduous journey of growing not only a winery, but a wine region. He sold off parcels of his land with the stipulation that purchasers had to start wineries, thus a wine region was born.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Javelina’s Leap property was originally part of the Page Springs Valley, which is known for its abundant natural springs. The winery is on the slopes of an ancient volcano. The gravely, rocky soil in this vineyard is good for stressing grapes and intensifies the characters of minerals and earth in the fruit grown in it. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodd Snapp<br />
Owner and Winemaker</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rod currently has four acres planted and one more coming soon. Because this is a relatively new wine region, they are still experimenting with different grapes to see which ones will excel in this inner continental climate. He is growing Tempranillo and Barbera, which have already proven to respond nicely to this area. Snapp is happy with his Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our first taste of Snapp’s creations was a 2010 Sangiovese, which is a light wine with hints of cherry, figs and vanilla and would definitely go nicely with food. Followed by a 2010 Cabernet Franc that retails for $27. Next we sampled a 2010 Merlot which I found rich and exciting. This wine definitely is unique, when compared to California Merlots. It reflects the extreme terroir of Arizona. It had hints of strawberry and watermelon with strong, yet balanced tannins. This wine is rightly priced at $40 and worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Snapp doesn’t much care for blends, but he has tried his hand at a 2010 Rockslide. This single vineyard Bourdeaux-style blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Although quite young, (it can be laid down for 3-10 years). This deep red wine was rich and complex with raspberry, anise and pepper. It is an exceptionally smooth wine. Priced at $35 a bottle, it will be fun to taste this again in a few years.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vineyards in Cornville</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visit the winery on a Saturday and enjoy a complimentary barrel cellar tour with retired professor and ornithologist, Dr. Russ Balda. The winery is located across from an Audubon bird sanctuary. Enjoy a picnic in the orchard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Javelina Leap tasting room and gift shop is open daily from 11:00am-5:00pm. 1565 Page Springs Road, Cornville, AZ 86325. Phone: 928-649-2681.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For details see: <a href="http://www.javelinaleapwinery.com/">http://www.javelinaleapwinery.com/</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oak Creek Vineyards</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Owner and winemaker Deb Wahl, a citizen of the world is Croatian by birth, but was raised in South Africa. She has a chemistry degree from Germany, worked for a Japanese company with resorts in the Caribbean, became a wine broker, invested wisely and eventually ended up in northern Arizona owning this winery.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deb Wahl</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deb’s main focus is conservation and would like to be known as the “green winemaker”. She reminisces about living in South Africa and instead of throwing away a nail or a board, it was saved and reused. “Almost everything I have is recycled. If I don’t need it, chances are someone around here will need it.” Case in point when she rebuilt a shed in her side yard, she reused wood and proudly shows where the hinges are off kilter. “The hinges give it character,” she said.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Repurposed wood is used for buildings and picnic tables</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the name of conservation, and not wanting to cut down trees that are not easily replanted and grown, Deb ages all of her wines in stainless steel. If a wine calls for wood she will add wood chips or spirals. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relax on the patio at Oak Creek Cellars. Notice the painted barrel on the patio. <br />
These are throughout the Verde Valley</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On her estate she grows Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. In Wilcox she sources Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Viognier is a rich creamy white; fruity with a floral nose. Very enjoyable for a hot Arizona afternoon. Her Zinfandel was lighter than usual, there was a nice elegance to it. The Syrah and Merlot reflected the Arizona terroir and was rich and peppery. Definitely try the Arizona Port Wine which is a Zinfandel Port and the Cream Sherry made from buttery Chardonnay and brandy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oak Creek is celebrating their 10-year anniversary in 2012. The tasting room, located at 1555 N. Page Springs Road is open daily 10:00am-6:00pm. Go to <a href="http://www.oakcreekvineyards.net/">http://www.oakcreekvineyards.net/</a> for the latest information.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Owner Eric Glomski has been called a pioneer in the Verde Valley region and the “area’s best known vintner” by Wine Enthusiast. Glomski is a strong voice for the region, wiping out doubts that Arizona can and does produce high-quality wines. Page Springs Cellars is his own venture and he partners with Maynard Keenan in another venture: Arizona Stronghold, in Old Town Cottonwood. Glomski is revered by his staff and the wine community. He shares his talent with other winemakers mentoring and assisting in getting their ventures started.</span> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric Glomski</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their mission statement is so powerful, it bears repeating: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Our goal is to create delicious wines that express </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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the unique character of our landscape. We trust that our wines and winemaking convey our philosophies concerning family, education and living life to its fullest. We believe that to make great wine, we must take just as much responsibility for the lands we steward as the</div>
community we live in. Our aim is to help people expand and trust their own senses when tasting wine.”<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Page Springs Cellars started with four acres in 2002. He started with Rhone Varietals; Petite Syrah, Mouvedre, Grenache and Syrah. In 2011 he was experimenting with 64 different wines. Grapes like Cabernet Pfeffer (a crossbreed of George Pfeffer from Los Altos and Hollister, California) Trousseau (sometimes called Gray Reisling) and many more that are unknown to this writer. And that is the fun of this winery, experimenting and making unique wines that bring out the spiciness of the land.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corey Turnbull, another winemaker and shining star in the Valley shares wine with patrons.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One panel of a mural on the ceiling, depicting Fall, hanging out with the family.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Artists have painted barrels throughout the Verde Valley</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tasting room includes an intimate lounge area with soft leather couches, rich cork flooring, a ceiling mural depicting </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rizona winery life in the four seasons and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">soft lighting. The outdoor patio overlooking Oak Creek is cool and inviting. Here you can munch on a variety of snacks plates made to accentuate their wines. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This winery is a wonderful experience and not to be missed. Located at 1500 N. Page Springs Road, they are open daily 11:00am-6:00pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11:00am-9:00pm. For more information go to: <a href="http://www.pagespringscellars.com/">http://www.pagespringscellars.com/</a>.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view out the back, from the winetasting patio.</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0Cornville, AZ 86325, USA34.7177989 -111.921543834.665591899999995 -112.0005078 34.7700059 -111.8425798tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-41730704165081865732011-08-22T08:49:00.000-07:002011-08-22T08:54:48.214-07:00Sanyo Blimp Ride, Life at 32 miles per hour<div align="left">Sanyo Blimp Ride
<br />Life at 32 miles per hour
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<br />My mother always told me I was one in a million and today I actually believed it.
<br />Thanks to some dear friends winning a drawing and inviting me along, I had the one-in-a-million chance to ride on a blimp; the Sanyo blimp. There are only 27 blimps in the world and I was lucky enough to ride on one.
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<br />I did not know how to prepare for this trip. The thought was that I would be riding in a basket similar to that of a hot air balloon, so I put on the warmest clothes I owned: sweater with a warm turtleneck underneath, down coat, Ugg boots, scarves and gloves. Boy was I surprised to see that there is a gondola car that we were to ride in. There were seats in it, windows and a windshield. There was a pilot, who even wore a pilot’s uniform, an instrument control panel with buttons and levers and monitors, just like on an airplane. Nowhere to ditch my winter clothes now, oh well.
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<br />Unlike an airplane, what a blimp doesn’t have is brakes. As the blimp landed, the crew of eight ran alongside, grabbed the ropes that hang on the side and held it down. Our escort explained that the current passengers needed to exit, one at a time and we would enter the gondola one at a time. Once inside our pilot, Alan P. Judd, greeted us and had us put on our headsets. These headsets are just like the ones you see used in helicopters. He immediately gave us a lesson in how an airship works.
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<br />He showed us a picture of a blimp and turned it upside down. He said that a lighter-than-air craft, such as this blimp, is like a submarine except that it floats in the air instead of the water. He explained the physics behind flight. An airship controls its buoyancy in the air much like a submarines does in the water. There are two engines to help provide the thrust necessary to move ahead. Helium provides the lift as it is lighter than air. Inside the lower part of the balloon there are two helium tanks and two air filled bags, called ballonets. The ballonets act like ballast tanks holding heavy air. When the blimp takes off, the pilot vents air from the ballonets through the air valves. The helium makes the blimp positively buoyant in the surrounding air, so the blimp rises. The pilot throttles the engine and adjusts the elevators to angle the blimp into the wind. The cone shape of the blimp also helps to generate lift.
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<br />I sat in the co-pilot seat as we took off into the horizon. So quiet. The only sound was a gentle drone and soft whirring of the motors.
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<br />We headed the few miles west to the Pacific Ocean. At 32 miles per hour, life moves slowly, freeways look tranquil, soccer players look like tiny plastic toys. The sense of calmness and serenity was abundant.
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<br />“Let’s pull over and park,” Alan said.
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<br />What?
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<br />And with that Alan stopped the blimp and we were “parked”, 200 feet above the surf.
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<br />We hovered low over the waves and even went “wave surfing”. We raced seagulls and pelicans. We waved at the people walking on shore with their dogs. We scanned the horizon for dolphins and whales. We watched waves forming across the ocean. Looking at a wave from the top is a unique vantage point. You can see the wave forming and dissipating inside itself. You can definitely see the powerful force of the ocean inside each wave. I was able to stand up and look down over the tip of the airship for a totally different perspective.
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<br />San Diego isn’t famous for its beautiful sunsets, but fortunately we had a spectacular sunset. Alan, asked us if we wanted to watch the sun set more than once in one day. Sure. We descended low, until the sun crossed the horizon, then we ascended until it was above the horizon and descended once again. Two sunsets in one day!
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<br />Our hour ride was up so fast; we hated to head back to reality. As we prepared to land at Brown Field, we watched the ground crew get into place, three people on the left, three people on the right and one person – the director- in the middle. They were ready for us to land. With that Alan, lowered us down, banked a sharp left turn and the ground crew ran to grab our side ropes. The next batch of passengers waited with the same anticipation that we had just one short hour ago. Sadly we disembarked.
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<br />It seems cruel to return to driving the freeway after experiencing life hovering above the city and the ocean at 32 miles per hour.
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<br />Pilot Alan Judd has written a book “The Adventures of Buddy the Blimp”. Go to <a href="http://www.buddytheblimp.com/">www.buddytheblimp.com</a> to purchase his new ebook.</div>Robin Dohrn-SimpsonFreelance Writerwww.robindohrnsimpson.com
<br />Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-23340137517345319662010-12-17T20:39:00.000-08:002010-12-17T20:45:56.310-08:00Keyways Winery Debuts "Traditions" 2009 Holiday Wine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKziZDYRbT4HhoKtpdEcmSszu93tk2xS82chVnqivctecLtEelk3NzTUGW4WIdRxiPcoAID2HUd-UqcFlfkTKeSQ7DepscFJLGn0xp24b9Q-yFRJn9KEfNmMFVq8Z9DM6GDGoyD7nbNA/s1600/IMG_5685.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551878888775116098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKziZDYRbT4HhoKtpdEcmSszu93tk2xS82chVnqivctecLtEelk3NzTUGW4WIdRxiPcoAID2HUd-UqcFlfkTKeSQ7DepscFJLGn0xp24b9Q-yFRJn9KEfNmMFVq8Z9DM6GDGoyD7nbNA/s320/IMG_5685.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Terri Pebley Delhamer, owner of Keyways Winery, is an inspiration to businesswomen. She is a strong and gutsy woman. Through a variety of twists and turns she ended up owning Keyways Winery. Suffice to say she was a real estate agent who ended up buying the property instead of listing it! She thought she would live in the house on the property and the renter who was in control of the winery would continue running the winery. She moved in and began to remodel the house in the vineyard. The renter decided to move out and not continue with the winery and Terri was left with an empty shell of a winery, rundown at best, and not knowing the first thing about making wine, let alone running a winery. </div><br /><br /><div><br />She and her husband spent many hours trying to decide what to do when they decided that she would have to learn how to have a winery. And that is what she did. She surrounded (and continues to surround) herself with competent and knowledgeable people and then allows them to do their job. This approach has allowed her winery to flourish. </div><br /><br /><div><br />Her warm and approachable personality is reflected in the Keyways Tasting Room. It definitely has a woman’s touch. The tasting room has a variety of tables and chairs, so her guests don’t have to stand while they sample her wine. This novel approach allows people to relax while familiarizing themselves with Keyway’s wines. The design is homey and inviting like a living room, with a huge fireplace surrounded by comfy chairs.</div><br /><br /><div><br />I stopped by to see what was happening at Keyways since there is a new winemaker. This holiday season Terri and winemaker David Raffaele are excited to introduce a new wine, called “Traditions” that is made to pair nicely with holiday cuisine, such as turkey or ham. It’s 100% Merlot and it’s finished in a lighter, almost Beaujolais style. It’s floral essences with hints of roses and lilacs are delightful. The fresh plum and mulberry flavors make it a perfect holiday red wine. I highly recommend that you give it a try. The cost is $31.00 per bottle.</div><br /><br /><div><br />This winter they have lit up the vineyards with green lights. This weekend is the last weekend for horse and buggy rides through the fields. You can enjoy live music on Saturday afternoons from 2-6pm while sipping wine or a Mojito.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>I’m looking forward to the Valentine’s event on February 12th. The theme is “It’s Amore” and they’re being very secretive about what they’re planning. Check their website regularly to see what the plans are. This evening fills up quickly, so if you’re looking for a romantic evening, this will be it.</div><br /><br /><div><br />Keyways Winery is located at 37388 De Portola Road in Temecula. Check out happenings on their website <a href="http://www.keywayswine.com/">http://www.keywayswine.com/</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Robin Dohrn-SimpsonFreelance Writerwww.robindohrnsimpson.com</div>Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-28671021711386548612010-11-28T13:34:00.000-08:002010-11-28T13:48:18.356-08:00San Diego’s best outdoor wine patios<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjaP7J9Sn8Mek3KrE-B8WLjl72mP4xixqaKRYpq4920K8zO3kXyRpbCA4G7bsEgXZ8rV5Q7gWkSdxPd-wIZeIZ8t-H4aoGDCAImwqarDHzC7ZKdNY5jjUbKyuvp0upLTU0SVyZuJ0IWc/s1600/IMG_5219.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544720701584854226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjaP7J9Sn8Mek3KrE-B8WLjl72mP4xixqaKRYpq4920K8zO3kXyRpbCA4G7bsEgXZ8rV5Q7gWkSdxPd-wIZeIZ8t-H4aoGDCAImwqarDHzC7ZKdNY5jjUbKyuvp0upLTU0SVyZuJ0IWc/s320/IMG_5219.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><em>Al fresco ambiance is accompanied by great grapes<br /></em></div><br /><br /><div align="center">When you think of enjoying wine, do you only think about the complexity, the fruitiness, the tannins, or the color? How about where you’re enjoying the wine- the setting, the surroundings, especially if it’s outdoors? San Diego County currently boasts about three dozen wineries and each is unique. Here are some great winery patios where hospitality, good wine, good food and al fresco ambiance.</div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /><u>Cordiano Winery –</u> It’s just up from Escondido on Highland Valley Road. This hidden paradise boasts a huge terra cotta patio with panoramic views of San Pasqual Valley. Dazzling sunsets and a serene setting allow you to unwind with a bottle Syrah or Sangiovese. Winery owner Gerard Cordiano, has previously owned a variety of Italian restaurants in San Diego. He brings his passion for pizza and the most amazing bread sticks, brushed with olive oil, herbs and parmesan cheese, to his patrons. An adobe pizza oven graces the patio where he will create a pizza to order. The Cordiano family makes you feel like a part of their family. Enjoy Sunday afternoon on the patio, or play a game of bocce ball. Call ahead so they can have a pizza waiting for you with your favorite bottle of Cordiano wine. 15732 Highland Valley Rd. Escondido. <a href="http://www.cordianowinery.com/">http://www.cordianowinery.com/</a><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><u>Salerno Winery-</u> It’s all about family, friends and music at this Ramona Winery owned by Rose and Herman Salerno. Sundays are an especially fun day around the adobe ranch house. Sit at one of the many tables on the patio, next to the trickling fountain, amid the vines and taste some of Herman’s finely crafted wines. Herman, besides being the winemaker is a former Italian opera singer. His outdoor kitchen features an adobe pizza oven where he makes pizzas in his while belting out a tune. A guitarist entertains wine tasters and guests on the patio. Some even sing karaoke, but don’t worry, it’s not required. Rumor has it that they have an Argentinean barbecue some afternoons too. 17948 Highway 67, Ramona. <a href="http://www.salernowinery.com/">http://www.salernowinery.com/</a></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /><u>Shadow Mountain Winery-</u> Take the opportunity for beautiful drive through the backroads north of San Diego near Warner Springs over Sunshine Summit, at 3,400 feet above sea level, to arrive at this quaint and rustic adobe winery. Grab a bottle of one of their tasty wines and sit in one of the mismatched chairs under the giant oak tree next to the grape vines. Alexander McGeary makes tasty wines; one to try is the Smoky Cabernet that was harvested during the 2004 wildfires. You can taste the fire in this wine. Panoramic mountain views abound at this rural winery. You may just want to stay overnight in one of their two cottages, enjoy a continental breakfast in the morning and then, alas, return to reality. 34680 Highway 67, Warner Springs. <a href="http://www.shadowmountainvineyards.com/">http://www.shadowmountainvineyards.com/</a></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /><u>Hawk Watch Winery-</u> Across the road and down a ways from Shadow Mountain winery is one of the newest wineries in San Diego County. Hawk Watch Winery is a lovely red barn with panoramic views of surrounding mountains. Relax in an Adirondack chair with a bottle of their traditional hand crafted wines. Watch the hawks or gliders taking flight from Warner Springs Gliderport. They are open only on weekends and would love for you to enjoy their slice of heaven. 27054 Chihuahua Valley Rd., Warner Springs. <a href="http://www.hawkwatchwinery.com/">http://www.hawkwatchwinery.com/</a> </div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /><u>Orfila Winery-</u> On the road to the Wild Animal Park, this picturesque winery is undergoing a transformation with a new young winemaker. But the patio lined with grape arbors, dotted with wrought- iron tables and chairs and picnic tables boasts a magnificent view of the San Pasqual Mountains. You could bring a blanket and picnic basket and lounge on the lush, green grass also. Orfila is truly a calm and relaxing spot to enjoy a bottle of wine. You could even enjoy the concerts on the lawn. 13455 San Pasqual Road, Escondido. <a href="http://www.orfila.com/">http://www.orfila.com/</a><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><br />Robin Dohrn-SimpsonFreelance Writerwww.robindohrnsimpson.comRobin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-30996282415688668992010-10-10T20:32:00.000-07:002010-10-10T20:34:50.930-07:00The Renaissance of San Diego’s Little Italy , published in San Diego Woman Magazine<div align="left">The Renaissance of San Diego’s Little Italy<br /><br />The Italian Renaissance in the 1400’s gave the world Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli. It also gave us new art, science and changed the course of human history. The renaissance in San Diego‘s Little Italy gave us great restaurants and pubs, really cool architecture and stickball. So, they’re pretty much the same in terms of historical significance. Well, almost.<br /><br />A community since the 1920’s, Little Italy is San Diego’s oldest continuous neighborhood business district. This village in the middle of the city, just east of the airport, is the new hip and cool spot in San Diego. There is always something fun happening: festas, art walks and fine dining, fresh local produce and Italian fare at the farmer’s market on Saturday.<br /><br />A highlight is the funky architecture and colorful facades; mixing traditional design with modern textures. The new trend of urban housing is demonstrated in this area: live, work, relax and eat in your neighborhood. The skyline is dotted with transformed condos as well as newly built ones.<br /><br />Italian Hospitality<br />“I can’t believe that Italians actually live here and speak Italian.” A shopper was overheard saying at the farmer’s market. It’s true; it’s an actual gathering place for real Italians. With typically consummate Italian hospitality there are chairs lining the sidewalks for you to sit and hang out, visit with friends or just relax. You can lounge in one of five Piazzas (Italian central squares or meeting areas) along India Street, feel the ocean breeze and while away the time.<br /><br />Little Italy Farmers Mercato<br />Start your weekend with a visit to the Mercato. Every Saturday morning, you will find merchants and farmers displaying their fresh produce and Italian delicacies on Date Street. Enjoy the harbor view as you meander from stall to stall sampling and purchasing fresh local produce and Italian fare. Even dogs get a treat here. Sit back and enjoy an Italian coffee and listen to the live music with today’s street performers. An absolute must is a Nutella crepe at the creperie stall.<br /><br /><br />The Design District<br />Fashioned after Soho and Chelsea in New York City, with lots of brick, large open doors and windows, the showrooms boast Italian kitchens, furnishings and European tiles. As is typical with most areas of the world, cultures are blended and so are designs, therefore you will also see a beautiful Asian furniture showroom and a colorful French Country store.<br /><br />Eateries and Restaurants<br />Italy, like other parts of the world, is not homogeneous, and neither is Little Italy. The restaurants reflect the multi-cultural world we live in. You can drink ale at a British Pub, savor sumptuous delights at Extraordinary Desserts, dine at one of many Italian restaurants and enjoy live music at Anthology. Joe & Lisa Busalacchi are well represented with five restaurants and the Cohn family has the Indigo Grill serving New Western Cuisine. All you need to do is walk around and pick one that catches your eye and try it. You can’t miss.<br /><br />Art<br />San Diegans love art and the art district delivers with a fine sampling of artists. Kettner Nights , the 2nd Friday of every other month, is a great way to experience art. You can browse through the businesses and studios on and around Kettner Boulevard and find your new favorite artist.<br /><br />Festas<br />Italians love a good party. That love is reflected in the events throughout the year in Little Italy. Gesso Italiano, over Columbus Day weekend, brings street painting artists from around the globe. The theme of the chalk paintings is traditional art from the old world. Artists offer their creative interpretations of the works of Italian masters, artists, singers and scientists. The possibilities are endless.<br /><br />April is for Artwalk, one of San Diego’s favorite events. India Street is lined from one end to the other with artists’ stalls. Here artists come from all around to show their creativity to thousands of visitors. You can spend the entire day here appreciating art and artistry, and a cold beer or two.<br /><br />May celebrates many things including, the love of food with the Taste of Little Italy. Participating restaurants, not just of the Italian varietal, offer tastes from their menus. Stroll the avenues, listen to musical performers and sample appetizers, entrées and desserts from the neighborhoods eateries.<br /><br />And now for something different…Stickball<br />For a little physical fun, Little Italy is the home of Stickball on the west coast. Played on the first Sunday of the month, the season is November through June. Streets are blocked off to cars on Colombia Street, between Beech and Cedar. The streets are taped off (including going up a building) to show boundaries. Buildings, curbs, parking meters, signs and balconies are all playable in fair territory. Bases are evidently known but not visible. No one uses gloves and the hitter only gets one swing of the stick to connect with the rubber ball, which he lobs in the air himself. The stick looks like a broom stick with a handle fashioned out of duct tape. Making contact with the balls seems very difficult to the casual observer. Players of all ages are welcome to play. Games take place between 1 and 4pm. Observing this game from the sidelines is a lot of fun.<br /><br />There is an annual 3-day stickball event every Labor Day weekend with teams competing from as far away as New York and Puerto Rico.<br /><br />Gelato<br />No trip to Italy would be complete without gelato. And in the author’s humble opinion, the best gelato can be found at Pappalecco on the corner of State and Cedar. Take my word for it. Search it out. Find it. Enjoy.<br /><br />For more information and to find out dates and times of events go to: <a href="http://www.littleitalysd.com/">http://www.littleitalysd.com/</a>.<br /><br /></div><p><br />Robin Dohrn-SimpsonFreelance Writer</p><p>www.robindohrnsimpson.com </p>Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301090730426282020.post-1537502419087690362010-06-03T22:05:00.000-07:002010-06-03T22:14:32.953-07:00My name is Robin and I’m a Facebook Addict<span style="font-family:verdana;">I haven’t had so much fun on the internet in years before I found Facebook. I love this site! I love my new and old friends! I love hearing about their lives, what interests them, what irritates them, what they’re doing. I love seeing their photos. I love reading their blogs.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I have met so many new friends on Facebook. I call them my “Facebook friends”. I can’t wait to log on in the morning and see what has happened overnight. If I don’t’ like someone, I can “hide” them for a while until I want to see what they’re up to, then I “unhide” them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I can have private conversations with people or public ones. I decide. People are very funny on Facebook and I love reading their replies.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I am currently following 2 friends’ trip through Spain and Morocco through Facebook. Another friend is in England and I’m reading her daily posts. When I recently had health issues, I posted updates on Facebook from the hospital (ICU even! Love my Blackberry!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I use the Facebook game Scramble as my writing warm-up. It gets my mind flowing and searching for words.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Oddly enough, although I hate advertising but I don’t hate advertising on Facebook. First of all, I can choose to ignore it if I wish. Second, it is “smart” advertising. Advertisers see what my interests are and only advertise to those interests. They don’t spam me and irritate me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I’m going to try to go a week without looking at Facebook. No, I better take baby steps, I’m going to try to go 2 days without looking at Facebook. I’ll let you know how it goes. The only thing is I don’t’ know when I’m going to start.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Robin Dohrn-Simpson</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Freelance Writer</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">www.robindohrnsimpson.com</span>Robin Dohrn-Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17292770556909826796noreply@blogger.com1