Travel + Leisure Names Écluse of Paso Robles A Top 25 Must-Visit Vineyard

July 20, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Paso Robles, Calif. – Écluse Wines, a boutique, family-owned winery located on the Westside of Paso Robles, was just named a Top 25 American destination winery by Travel + Leisure magazine.

The recent story, The Top Vineyards All Around the U.S., names Écluse Wines as No. 9 of the 25 wineries listed. Écluse was the only Paso Robles producer to make the list.

“What an honor!” says Steve Lock, winemaker and proprietor of Écluse Wines and Lock Vineyard, along with his wife, Pam. “We have always focused on both the quality of our small-production wines and the intimate experience we love to provide in our tasting room and vineyard for our visitors. We truly feel that this article was really a people’s choice award due to the way the top vineyards were selected.”

To create their must-visit winery list, Travel + Leisure editors used a combination of on-the-ground reporting and an analysis of Yelp reviews. The parameters included quality of wine, winery atmosphere and beauty, service, and overall approachability.

“Whether travelers are heading out to learn how wine grapes are grown or just trying to test out all the samples they can, these favorite vineyards can cater to all different tastes,” Travel + Leisure’s Cailey Rizzo says in the article.

Along with its award-winning wines year to year, Écluse is also the proud recipient of the Sweepstakes Award from the 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest competition of American wines in the world, where its 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon was named Best Red Wine. You can enjoy their award winning wines in the tasting room that overlooks Lock Vineyard. Tastings take place in the barrel room, offering a unique tasting experience focused on educating their guests, while highlighting their barrel program and winemaking style.

For more information on Écluse Wines, and to plan your visit, please go to EcluseWines.com.

Perlis Picks – MCV Wines

July 15, 2017 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

When Karen and I plan trips to Paso Robles Wine Country, I tend to wax nostalgic. Having been visiting wineries there for almost 20 years, I often look at the past through rose colored glasses [or is that rosé?].

Admittedly, I do kind of miss the days when Paso was our little secret to introduce to our friends. Trying to recreate the feel of those experiences is as much [or maybe even more] about the people that we know there as it is about the wine.

So, when we went back up to Paso Robles earlier this year, it may come as a surprise that we didn’t even start out tasting in Paso or the surrounding hills. Instead, we skipped the fairly short although borrrrring drive up the 5 and across the 46 and opted for the 101 to 1 route, with our destination to visit Matt Villard, owner/winemaker of MCV Wines.

The only other time we had visited Matt was in 2014. At that time, he was somewhat of a new kid on the block on Limestone Way in Paso Robles. Since then, he has moved his winery tasting room to the Morro Bay Embarcadero where he joins a few other wineries and wine bars in providing great wines to serious wine drinkers as well as the crowds that frequent Morro Bay at any given time.

Matt has great people working with him in the MCV tasting room. But the real treat is when Matt is there himself. He’s a lot of fun to hang out with and, should you be so inclined, is more than happy to “geek out” with you on the technical aspects of winemaking. And he knows his stuff, being justifiably proud of the abundance of 90+ scores he has received for his wines and for the other wineries for whom he is consulting winemaker.

Also, Matt old me that “we’re starting to do private tastings in the Paso Robles area for smaller groups. If anyone is interested they should call our tasting room.”

Some of the highlights of our tasting…

2015 ALV Sauvignon Blanc from the ONX vineyard, made in a “New Zealand” style and meant to be consumed very cold.

2013 Syrah – from the Glenrose Vineyard, this wine kind of blindsided me. At first, it just tasted like a really good Syrah. But as I continued to taste, the wine seemed to have a visceral effect on me. I don’t know if it triggered some memory that I couldn’t identify, but there was something about this wine that I really really liked, a lot.

2014 Red – an insane bargain at $21, delicious blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, Petit Verdot and Tannat.

Matt started MCV to focus on Petite Sirah, so we finished the tasting with two of those – the 2014 Petite Sirah and the 2014 Rosewynn Vineyard Petite Sirah. Matt explained that the latter was treated more like a Cabernet Sauvignon in the winemaking process while the former was more traditional. Both tasted excellent to me.

Matt also said that the 2016 vintage should be a benchmark vintage for Paso Robles. I am really looking forward to seeing what Matt and others do with the 2016 wines when they are released.

MCV Wines
845 Embarcadero Ste. H
Morro Bay, CA 93442

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

Michael Gill Cellars Wins Best Of Varietal, Best Of Class And Double Gold

July 2, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Paso Robles, Calif. (PRWEB) – Michael Gill Cellars has announced a number of wine awards for 2017, including Best of Varietal and Best of Class for both their 2016 vermentino and 2016 viognier. These same wines were also awarded gold medals along with the best of varietal and class at the Jerry Mead’s New World International Wine Competition (NWICW) held in late February in Ontario, CA.

2016 State Fair Medals, photo from Michal Gill Cellars Facebook page.

Along with the awards from the NWICW, Michael Gill Cellars 2014 syrah was awarded a gold at the 2017 Berlin International Wine Competition (BIWC) and five golds and one double gold for 2016 vermentino at the 2017 Florida State Fair Wine and Grape Grower’s Competition. The BIWC was held in March in Berlin, Germany. The Florida State Fair competition was also held earlier this year. Michael Gill Cellars was also named the “Best Paso Robles Winery” at the Berlin competition.

“I have received 17 Best of Class awards since I started entering wine competitions in mid-2013,” said owner and founder Michael Gill. “All of my wines have won gold medals and I just learned from a wine judge that only two wineries in the state can make that claim.” Gill has entered more wines in four more competitions for 2017, but the results from those competitions have not yet been announced.

Located in the hills of California’s Central Coast, Michael Gill Cellars is Paso Robles’ premier vineyard and tasting room. As a vintner, Gill is known for his ability to naturally cultivate luxurious wines unmatched in quality. “We work to keep our quality high,” said Gill. “It is about quality, not quantity.” Michael Gill Cellars tasting room, inspired by the history and beauty of illustrious French hunting lodges, is open to the public on weekends during season or any time by appointment. The $10 tasting fee is waived with bottle purchase and 10 percent discount is applied to any case purchase. The winery also offers periodic pairing dinners.

The wine club offers three shipments each year at a special member’s discount of 20 percent off the regular wine price. Some limited vintages are only available to wine club members.

Gill has owned the land since 1977 and planted syrah as his first grapes in 1998. Since planting those first vines, Gill has focused on nurturing the best from the vines and grapes. “We let the grapes talk to us. We do what the vines tell us to do to make them perform the best. We’re not trying to mass produce everything, get on a treadmill, and be married to budget and expectations. If one grape takes extra care, it gets extra care. We make the time,“ said Gill.

Michael Gill Cellars
4125 Peachy Canyon Road Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 239-1668

Vintage Eve Circa 8/2013: Tasting, and Learning, from Louie Lucas of Lucas and Lewellen Vineyards

June 20, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Walking into the Lucas and Lewellen Vineyards tasting room on the popular Copenhagen Drive in Solvang, I was pleased to have my winery appointment set up with Louie Lucas himself. Before we even sat down he started giving us some history of his winery.

Louie Lucas is on the far right, with his hands on his award-winning grapes. Photo from Facebook.

With 400 acres, and four different properties, Lucas and Lewellen grows 25 grape varietals. The tasting room had been open for 10 years – serving up to 25 wines. The planting began in 1970 and Lucas has been in the area for 40 years.

The current winemaker for the last five years is Megan McGrath Gates, who went to UC Davis for her wine credentials.

Wining Awards For Others

Lucas and Lewellen Vineyards has a long history of selling grapes to Napa wineries as well as more local winemakers. So, his grapes “win awards for others”. And he also makes wines for others, like actress Jane Seymour. Amongst his list is Chardonnay to Kendall Jackson, more goes to Jed Steele of Steele wines, Muscat to Napa’s Castello di Amorosa, Gewurztraminer to V. Sattui and Syrah to winemaking legend Heidi Barrett.

I asked Lucas if I could mention this in my article, he hesitated for two seconds and then agreed, saying, “Its too late for them to get me!”

Lucas’ father and grandfather were grape growers, and what they produced had to be perfect and blemish free, even the stems had to be cured. “You grow good grapes,” Lucas said. “And you get good wine.”

“Today we buy from catalogs when shopping for root stocks,” Lucas said in regards to how things have changed in 40 years. “So many more variations then we had before, and all are supposed to be resistant to disease, we shall see.”

Lucas and Lewellen has 1200 French oak barrels, and buys both new and used. They added 300 new barrels last year and are experimenting with hybrid barrels that are made from half American and half French oak.

Tasting

2011 Blanc de Noirs Brut Sparkling wine, 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay

Juicy fruit strawberry and peach on the nose, nice toast and jam on the palate. They don’t make the wine, instead they use a sparkling wine facility to make it, and only use their handpicked grapes. Outstanding.

Viognier 2012

A touch of stainless steel, followed by peach, kiwi, candied ginger and pear on the nose. Very balanced on the taste. Perfect.

2009 Chenin Blanc

White peaches, lime, green grapes, green grass. Great viscosity, mouth coating, not acidic.

Gewurztraminer 2011

Lemons, earth, peppermint on nose. Same gentle mouthfeel and low acid.

2011 Old Vine Moscato

2% residual sugar. Candied orange, wet wood, cloves.

2012 Pinot Noir Rose (100% Pinot)

Cherry, stems, rose petals…again, that nice balance and viscosity.

2009 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir, Estate

New clones since the “movie” (a nod to “Sideways”), and now making outstanding Pinot Noir wines from 10 different clones.

Good dark cherries, dry, green peppercorns.

2010 High Nine Pinot 667 clone, Santa Maria.

Smokey, charred, bright red fruit, long finish.

Malbec 2010

Blue and red fruit, dry, medium length. A favorite.

2007 Petit Verdot

Inky black color, blue fruit, blueberry jam rolled up in a pancake on the nose. Mature and tannic on the palate. Another fave.

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Cote del Sol (means “The Sun side”)

Balanced red and blue fruit and tannins, very good, long finish.

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Valley View

83 cab percent and all other Bordeaux grapes

Balanced, dusty, plums bell pepper.

2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 6

Dark purple, jammy, dry toast, plums.

http://www.llwine.com

Tasting Room: 1645 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang, CA 93463

Perlis Picks: Comstock Wines

June 10, 2017 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

While I’ve known of and appreciated the great wines of the Dry Creek Valley for many years, it has only been over the last few that I’ve given them the attention they deserve. It is hard to believe that it took me so long, given the quality of the wines, especially those Zinfandels!

But I do owe a debt of gratitude to Kelly Comstock Ferris, General Manager of Comstock Wines for opening my eyes a little wider to appreciate what I’d been missing.

In early 2014, we first met Kelly at an event in Beverly Hills called Sonoma In The City, a traveling roadshow showcasing the AVAs of Sonoma County. I had just gotten there and I recall expressing to Kelly something to the effect that I was concerned that the event was going to be primarily showcasing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, given their popularity. She quickly put my mind at ease by pouring me the first release from her family’s winery – a 2012 Zinfandel that was just outstanding.

Kelly, after years of experience in the hospitality industry, took on the General Manager role of Comstock Wines when her family decided to go beyond farming the grapes from the vineyard they had owned since 2002 and start making wine.

Later that same year, we had the opportunity to visit with Kelly at the family’s gorgeous new state of the art winery. Actually, we met in the construction trailer and had fun tasting through the wines and seeing the plans for the soon to be built winery and tasting room. We left, promising to be back when construction was complete.

Well, somehow we managed to wait two years for our next visit. Was the wait worth it? You betcha.

Let me start by saying that if you have an opportunity to stay a night or two at a winery’s guest house, you should definitely do so. There is no better way to totally immerse oneself in wine country. And, you’d be hard pressed to find a better one than The Residence at Comstock Wines. My wife Karen and I had the pleasure of staying there on our visit.

Just a short walk to the winery tasting room, The Residence provides complete luxury while at the same time is a totally immersive wine country experience, right in the middle of the vineyard property. With four master suites, the huge house also has a full kitchen as well as a living room and media room. In one direction, you can drive to the gourmet restaurants in Healdsburg in just a few minutes and in the other direction are all the wineries and vineyards of the Dry Creek Valley.

And speaking of wineries, the winery at Comstock is a beautiful state of the art building wherein winemaker Chris Russi uses his years of experience and knowledge of the various Sonoma County AVAs and their varietals to “create wines that speak to regional uniqueness.” The winery’s capacity far exceeds Comstock’s production, so they also provide custom crush services to other wineries. I found especially cool the ability to cordon off various sections of the winery to provide for the unique needs of client wineries. And the automated punch-down equipment was really fascinating to me.

All that being said, at the end of the day it is all about the wine, right? Wonderful as this property is, if the wine isn’t up to the same standards…well, it would be hard for me to write this article.

Fortunately, the wines do live up to expectations. Some of our favorites were…

2015 Sauvignon Blanc / Dry Creek Valley – acid on Sauvignon Blanc can sometimes be overwhelming. Not here. Nice tropical fruit flavors with just enough zing on the palate.

2013 Chardonnay / Sonoma Coast – a really clean refreshing Chard. Nice bright flavors.

2013 Zinfandel / Dry Creek Valley and 2012 Zinfandel / Dry Creek Valley – had these side-by-side. The 2012 was the first Comstock wine I had tasted a couple of years early and was drinking beautifully. The 2013, which after our visit won a well-deserved Gold Medal at the 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Competition, was drinking great as well, showing off that wonderful Dry Creek Valley fruit.

2013 Zinfandel / Old Vine / Dry Creek Valley and 2013 Zinfandel / Old Vine / Russian River Valley – another side-by side tasting, and a really interesting one. At first, the upfront fruit of the Dry Creek Valley bottling really got my attention. As I continued to taste each wine, the RRV Zin showed a little more complexity and rewarded a little extra attention. You wouldn’t go wrong with either of these.

2013 Zinfandel / Rockpile – there are a lot of great sites for growing Zinfandel, but I have to say that the Rockpile AVA has always held a special place in my heart [and on my palate]. No surprise here, just a beautiful, jammy, delicious wine.

I’d like to say a big thank you to Erin Bush [Residence Manager & Winery Concierge] and Tracy Bidia [Hospitality Director] as well as everyone else we encountered at Comstock for making our stay so enjoyable. Sadly, Kelly Comstock Ferris was out of town so we were not able to connect this time, so we are really looking forward to seeing her on our next visit to Comstock.

Comstock Wines

1290 Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448

See photos of our visit to Comstock Wines and others from our trip here: Sonoma County Series.

National Association of Professional Women Inducts Eugenia Romeo, Owner of Romeo Vineyards & Cellars/Blue Heron Vineyards, Into VIP Professional Woman of the Year Circle

June 8, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Garden City, NY (PRWEB) – The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) honors Eugenia Romeo as a 2017-2018 inductee into its VIP Woman of the Year Circle. She is recognized with this prestigious distinction for leadership in entrepreneurship. NAPW is the nation’s leading networking organization exclusively for professional women, boasting more than 850,000 members, a thriving eChapter and over 200 operating Local Chapters.

“I’m pleased to welcome Eugenia into this exceptional group of professional women,” said NAPW President Star Jones. “Her knowledge and experience in her industry are valuable assets to her company and community.”

In 1997, Eugenia Romeo and her husband purchased land with a vineyard in downtown Calistoga, CA, in the heart of the Napa Valley. According to the company’s website, “Romeo Vineyards produces elegant and enduring wines from vines forty- two years old…” The vineyard has 25 acres, 16.5 of which were planted in 1971.

Originally from Manhattan, Ms. Romeo’s rich family history goes back 14 generations to Ireland. As winemakers, she and her husband are respectful not only of the vineyard land but of the wildlife who call it home. Blue Heron Vineyard is named for a blue heron that was killed by a poacher on the property years ago. Today, two herons roam freely on the vineyard.

The vineyard’s wine label is called “Sempre Vive,” which in Latin means “Always Alive.” Among the many award-winning wines produced at the vineyard are whites, roses and reds. Customers may enjoy these wines at the on-site tasting room that was opened in 2014. There is plenty of outdoor seating and people can reserve the space for catered events. The tasting room also features a pizza oven and portable bar. Discounts are available to military personnel as well as members of the vineyard’s exclusive wine club.

Awards & Accomplishments:
Ed.D., College of Notre Dame; member of Wine Association, Family Wine Makers and California CA Grape Growers

About NAPW
NAPW’s mission is to provide an exclusive, highly advanced networking forum to successful women executives, professionals and entrepreneurs where they can aspire, connect and achieve. Through innovative resources, unique tools and progressive benefits, professional women interact, exchange ideas, advance their knowledge and empower each other.

Lawer Estates to Construct an Art, Wine and Event Center in the City of Calistoga

May 31, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Calistoga, Calif. (PRWEB) – Lawer Estates, a sustainably farmed, limited production winery, has submitted an application with the city of Calistoga to construct an art, wine and event center located at 1207 and 1215 Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga. Lawer Estates expects to open the center in 2019.

Betsy and David Lawer started Lawer Estates in 2003. The Lawers are from Alaska and were drawn to Calistoga for its familiar small-town feel. Over the past few years, the husband and wife team began searching for a space that would allow them to expand their local presence. They were drawn to the Lincoln Avenue site by the beauty and significance of several historic Magnolia trees. The trees were planted to honor three of Calistoga’s WWI soldiers who didn’t make it home. Each man’s story carries a unique significance for the Lawers.

12243330_10153456750453197_946677056708615663_n

Photo from the Lawer Estates Facebook page.

“As we were told, one of the young men was from Franz Valley, where we have our vineyard; one was from Calistoga, where the event center will be built; and one had previously left Calistoga and started a business in Alaska, but returned to town to enlist,” Betsy Lawer said. “With those connections, the property seemed like it was meant for us.”

The Lawers are adamant in preserving the magnolia trees and designing a center that enhances the corner lot and respects the scale of the neighborhood. Lawer Estates plans to hire locally for the design, build and day-to-day running of its center and has hired renowned Napa Valley-based architect firm Backen, Gillam & Kroeger to lead the design.

“There is nothing more important to us than supporting the local community, and we are thrilled at the prospect of bringing our family business to downtown Calistoga,” said Betsy Lawer. “My small-town upbringing taught me that relationships and the local community are paramount, and we will apply this to all aspects of the design and building of this project.”

Currently the two addresses, located at the south end of Lincoln Avenue, are vacant lots with mature trees and a rustic grass area. The center will draw pedestrians “over the bridge,” adding further liveliness and attractiveness to the south end business district. The lots are within walking distance of all local Calistoga hotels, restaurants and bed-and-breakfasts. The Lawer family intends the center to be a showcase for their limited production wines made from grapes grown with sustainable farming practices.

While specific design details are forthcoming, the initial design submitted to the city for approval calls for a tasting room, event glass roofed conservatory and retail space that is designed with respect to the scale of the neighborhood. The center will draw on local restaurants for catering services and plans to employ four full-time employees and 10 to 15 part-time employees, depending on customer traffic and the number of events.

About Lawer Estates

Lawer Estates is a family-owned, sustainably farmed limited production winery based in Calistoga, California. Betsy Lawer is a third generation Alaskan banker who has proven that helping people succeed in the community is not only the right thing to do, but is the right approach to business. Betsy and her husband David started their winery in 2003 with the goal of applying these core values to their family-run winery. David and Betsy who work closely with their experienced team, to produce limited production terroir-driven wines. For more information visit LawerEstates.com.

July 2013 Vintage Eve: Ojai Vineyard paired with Salt Creek Grille, Fundraiser for Henry Mayo Hospital

May 30, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

I expected a nice dinner, fun company and good wine, which I got, but at the HMNMH Foundation fundraiser I also had some interesting one-on-one time with Ojai Vineyard’s assistant winemaker Fabien Castel.

But first we must start with some hand passed appetizers – marinated tuna and red potatoes – paired with a bright and cheery 2012 rosé that cooled off the guests as they entered and mingled in the private Salt Creek Grille patio.

I got to say hello to Marlee Lauffer, Wendy Whitehead, Jason and April Price, Jill Friedman, Tim and Jenny Ketchepaw, Charlie Borreson, Julia Vose and Jay Cappilla, Diana Vose, Bob and Margo Hudson, Robert Herring, Cindy Tompkins, Jennifer Chadwick, Chef Tamra Levine and Greg Amsler.

Then, settling us down to our tables, Wendy Whitehead, the president of the Guild, thanked the board, Salt Creek Grille and the guests before introducing Castel.

Winemaker Fabien Castel

Castel is French, and his only experience with wine was that he had drank it. Then he met Ojai Vineyards’ winemaker Adam Tolmach and began as his apprentice.

Castel talked about prohibition, how wine had to then be reintroduced, the consequence of that down period and resurgence is what you see today. “Everybody in America is into wine and into learning.” Castel said. They make 20 wines every year but have 150 different bottlings offered at the tasting room. (See my notes below on the 1991 Pinot we got to have!)

“In older wines what I want you to get is that wine is unlike any other product,” Castel said, “Age ability makes it an almost mythical drink. It can stay in cellars and not ever be wasted.”

“To me it’s about sitting down (with wine) and being together with friends and eating. Notice how it interacts with the food. And tonight is about fun, and how wine enhances the experience.”

“What’s not really talked about is that older wines, wine in general, are all different in taste and different in effect. And it was used as a medication, to cleanse wounds, back in the Middle Ages. Fermentation itself is magical in creating a product that helps our digestion and lifts our spirits.”

Castel produced his first vintage in 2001. “When making wine you are reminded of the time it takes to make the wine, even a change in equipment changes aesthetic of the wine.

Winemakers want another voice; a literary voice of America, and that’s what I’m trying to find. We are looking for the next brilliant writer. With wine writers…there isn’t this greatness that has transpired yet. We need a more emotional voice. Writing about wine is not that linear, as a sense of smell and taste is not scientific, so why describe wines in a predictable, practical, one-dimensional way?”

Tonight Castel said he was met by very interested people; a wide diversity of how people approach wine, and (pleasantly) very unpredictable.

“I hear the sound bytes of culture, but reality is more complex and doesn’t fit the sound bites. We have to take the time to taste all over the world and gain worldwide knowledge.”

Back to the Wine and the Dinner

Executive Chef Ignacio Munoz and his staff cooked all of the dishes and Catering Director Tamra Levine designed the pairing menu.

After the appetizers the guests enjoyed a ‘10 Chardonnay with a roasted beet salad; the Chardonnay, similar in taste to a Sauvignon Blanc but with more balance and less acidity, was a nice complement to the tangerine cream dressing that Chef Tamra had designed.

The ‘10 Pinot Noir was excellent with the salmon and steak course – and because I wanted to save the ‘08 Syrah for the decadent chocolate soufflé dessert.

By 7:30 p.m. the sun had set, the air had cooled and the conversation swelled. Most guests revisited the wines we had been served while chatting. Then we got a big surprise as a magnum of cellared Pinot Noir made its rounds.

A ‘91 Pinot, that we were warned had a distinct barnyard nose, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. The manure aromas before and after tasting, blew off in a few minutes of swirling in my glass. It was totally amazing: dry, mature fruit, pepper, 2011 port notes…how was that possible? Those at my table, when I mentioned port could both smell and taste it. Why 2011? Well, only because of the ’11 Vintage port tasting I had attended a few weeks ago had jaded me. It had lingered on my palate as long as this Pinot Noir, from Ojai California, did.

As we neared the end of the evening Salt Creek Grille owner Greg Amsler came out and thanked his chefs and staff. And yes, there was applause.

From Chef Tamra Levine came this inspired menu

Rose with Passed Appetizer

Nicoise Canapés…Marinated Tuna/Haricot Verts/Baby Red Potatoes

Nicoise Olive Aioli

Chardonnay –First Course

Vari-Colored Roasted Beet Salad with Romaine/Spring Vegetables/

Tangerine Cream Dressing

Pinot Noir /Syrah Course

Wood-Grilled Fennel Crusted Salmon

Fireside Cocoa Rub Steak/ Syrah-Cherry Sauce/

Garlic-Rosemary Roasted Potatoes/Catalan Spinach

Dessert Course

Petite Chocolate Soufflé/Ganache Drizzle

The Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation

From the website: http://henrymayogiving.com/

Established in 1984, the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation strives to increase community awareness of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, and raise vital funds for expanding services and acquiring new technology to bolster the level of care already available at the Hospital. The Foundation has raised more than $50 million to give the residents of our community access to exceptional medical care.

Uncorked Wine Tours Releases “Top Paso Robles Wine Tour Stops” List

March 13, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Paso Robles, Calif. – Uncorked Wine Tours has released its list of Top Paso Robles Wine Tour Stops for the season and 2017.

“Paso Robles is really becoming a destination for wine, craft beer, and distillery lovers,” says Uncorked Wine Tours Owner Katie Hayward. “The wine offering in Paso is diverse – the vineyards here grow about 40 different varieties of grapes – so you really get to try a lot of wines during your tour, and meet some very interesting vintners.”

Topping the list of must-stops for 2017 wine tours in Paso Robles: Halter Ranch, in Paso Robles’ Adelaida District. “Halter Ranch was recently featured in Sunset Magazine, calling it a ‘Cadillac operation throughout.’ Visitors to Halter Ranch will love its beautiful, state-of-the-art winery, caves, and brand new tasting room with a giant patio. Many tours are complimentary, although they do offer more extensive tours of their historic 900-acre property for a charge.”

Next up on the can’t-miss Paso Robles wine tour with Uncorked is Shale Oak on Oakdale Rd, just off of Highway 46 West. “Shale Oak is a Gold LEED certified winery, and their commitment to sustainability and stewardship of the land has resulted in some tremendous, limited quantity wines, so every visit is unique. Shale Oak ups the ante with savory brownie and truffle pairings, and a very casual, warm vibe that our Paso Robles wine tour guests love.”

Also in the list of Paso Robles wine tour must-sees for 2017 is J Dusi, an elegant evolution of one of the area’s oldest wine-making families. “I love the story behind the wines at this place. Janell Dusi is a passionate winemaker, trained by her grandfather Dante on the art of old world Italian winemaking – something he learned from Italian immigrant parents Sylvester and Caterina. You’ll enjoy the rich tradition, and the wines – something you have to taste for yourself!”

Rounding out Uncorked Wine Tours must-sees for Paso Robles Wine Tours is the up and coming industrial-yet-chill Tin City. “Tin City has many garagiste style wineries, (Garagistes refers to a group of winemakers in the Bordeaux region, producing “Vins de garage,” or “garage wine.”) a brewery, a cider tasting room, and distillery, with more tasting rooms to come. It’s an unexpected location, tucked behind a service road off Highway 101 at the southern edge of Paso Robles. Tour guests enjoy Tin City’s collaborative tasting events, food trucks, festivals, and soon, an on-site restaurant.”

About Uncorked Wine Tours

Uncorked Wine Tours offers exceptional wine tasting excursions in Paso Robles Wine Country and San Luis Obispo’s Edna Valley. Led by Central Coast native Katie Hayward, Uncorked Wine Tours offers custom itineraries, personalized service, shuttle service, gift cards and more. Visit http://www.uncorkedwinetours.net to learn more.

HALL’s Cabernet Cookoff Back for Star-Studded 8th Year

March 6, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

The HALL Cabernet Cookoff will return for its eighth year on Saturday, April 29 at HALL St. Helena from 11a.m. to 2p.m. Hosted by Vintner Kathryn Hall and HALL Wines, the annual event will feature an impressive lineup of renowned Chef teams vying for a chance to win proceeds for a charity of their choice by participating in a food and wine pairing competition. 100% of ticket proceeds benefit Napa Valley non-profit organizations.

Kathyrn Hall

This event brings out the most enthusiastic crowd, says Vintner Kathryn Hall. Guests get to enjoy delicious food while sipping on HALL Cabernet and take part in a food and wine competition. Chef teams all bring their A-game and a serious competition ensues its exciting to know that Napa Valley charities are the beneficiaries of all of it.

Chef Teams present perfectly paired seasonal bites with HALL Cabernet to an all-star panel of celebrity Judges who vote for the top dish. Chef teams are also judged by the guests in attendance who select the top two pairings for the title of Peoples Choice Award.

Participating Chef teams include The Grill at Meadowood, One Market, Harvest Table, The Patriot, Ca Momi, Winery Chefs Napa Valley, Goose & Gander, Paula Le Duc Fine Catering, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin BBQ, Shakewell Oakland, Harris Ranch, Feast Catering, Brix, Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, Karas Cupcakes and Sift Dessert Bar.

The 2017 panel of judges include Celebrity Chef Duff Goldman from Food Networks Ace of Cakes; 12-Time Olympic Medalist and Dancing with the Stars Alumni, Natalie Coughlin; Wine Enthusiast Critic, Virginie Boone; Michelin-rated Chef, Ken Frank of La Toque.

Two ticket options are available for guests: General Admission as well as a VIP Sky Loft Ticket. The VIP Ticket allows guests early access to a VIP Media Preview from 10a.m to 11am featuring all four Judges and Kathryn Hall sharing insight into what they will be looking for in a food and wine pairing dish during the event. The VIP Sky Loft Ticket also includes full access to the historic Bergfeld Building during the entire event featuring HALL Artisan Cabernets, hosted small bites, and cheese boards prepared by Cypress Grove.

Additionally, KVONs 99.3 The Vine will be broadcasting live during the event and feature real time interviews with Chef teams, guests and non-profit organizations with on-air personality, Bob St. Laurent.

Saturday, April 29, 2017
10a.m. 11a.m. (Media/VIP Ticket Preview feat. Kathryn Hall + Judges)
11a.m. 2p.m. (Main Event)

HALL St. Helena The Great Lawn
401 St. Helena Hwy. S
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 967-2626

TICKETS:
General Admission: $90 (Early Bird Ticket: $80 before 3/31/2017)
VIP Sky Loft: $150 (Includes Media/VIP Preview)
Tickets Available: www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff

The 2016 HALL Cabernet Cookoff drew more than 750 attendees for a sold-out crowd and raised $59,000 for local charities. The 2016 Judges took on the impressive task of choosing a runner-up and first place winner from dishes like Cherry Marinated Skirt Steak with Broccolini, Point Reyes Blue, Chive Blossom or Black Currant and Rose Macaroon with HALL Cabernet infused Geleé. Mark Dommen from One Market Restaurant in San Francisco took first place with his mouth-watering Pancetta Wrapped Passmore Ranch Sturgeon Du Puy Lentils, Smoked Garlic, Thyme Jus benefiting non-profit Collabria Care of Napa. CaMomi placed runner-up with a delectable Heirloom Pork & Veal Agnolotti, Savoy Cabbage, Napa Valley Cabernet Pan Jus and Parmigiano Reggiano aiding the organization Do It For The Love of Napa. Restaurants also had the opportunity to raise money for their charity through Peoples Choice, a voting system with corks serving as the tallies. First place for Peoples Choice was Napa restaurant, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin BBQ, preparing Fried Chicken with Spring Succotash with the winnings benefiting Napa Humane. Paula LeDuc Fine Catering of San Francisco took runner up of Peoples Choice with the HALL Cabernet Roasted Strawberries with White Chocolate Crumble and Mascarpone Cream, partnering with non-profit St. Helena Hospital.

Since inception in 2011, the HALL Cabernet Cookoff has raised $300,000 for Napa Valley charities. For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff or via social channels using #cabernetcookoff.

ABOUT HALL:
HALL produces critically acclaimed artisan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available to taste and buy at two properties in Napa Valley as well as at hallwines.com. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, its vineyard collection features seven estate vineyards, of which five are California Certified Organic (CCOF). Each vintage, Vice President of Winemaking, Steve Leveque crafts distinct Cabernet Sauvignon wines which demonstrate the unique characteristics and diversity of Napa Valley terroir. HALLs wine portfolio includes three 100 point scores given by critic Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate. These wines included its 2013 Rainin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Exzellenz Cabernet Sauvignon and 2010 Exzellenz Red Wine. HALL also earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectators Top 100 for its 2008 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. Since the first vintage in 2002, over 75 HALL wines have earned 95 point and above scores. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014. HALLs partner winery, WALT, known for producing premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from distinctive vineyards, is located in Sonoma, California. For more information about HALL, please visit www.hallwines.com, @hallwines, or by calling 707.967.2626.