Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Janene Roberts
Rocalicious English Toffee from chocolate.com $15

Here are some unique Mother’s Day gift ideas that will sure to please her and they won’t break the bank for you.  Use the links below to get discounts on your purchases.

 

Bicycle Basket from switchmodern.com $79

Rose Cookie Bouquet from DancingDeer.com $34.99

Silicone Keychain from Switchmodern.com $14

Free shipping at Switch Modern: Shop Switch Modern – Free Shipping on Modern Furniture and Decor

20% off at Dancing Deer: Enjoy 20% Off All Mother’s Day Gifts. Use offer code: MDAYTREATS

20% off any gift basket at wine.com: 20% off any gift basket. Use code 20GIFTNEW Expires 5/31/12. New customers only. One time use per customer.

10% off at Chocolate.com: 10% Off at Chocolate.com With Code MYCHOC10

Rosa Regale Sparkler & Godiva Gift Set from wine.com $29.99

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2012 San Diego County Fair Wine Competition Results

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Janene Roberts

The judges for the San Diego County Fair provided the following results for the San Diego County Wine Competition.

The wine of the year went to Fallbrook Winery for their 33 degree N Rosato.

Here are the results of the best of class:

Dessert Wine: Christopher Cameron Vineyards/ Costa Azul Wines, Late Harvest Zinfandel
Fortified Wine: Deer Park Escondido, Merlot Port
Rosé Wine: Fallbrook Winery, 33 Degree N Rosato
White Wine: Fallbrook Winery, Chardonnay
Red Wine: Gloriosa Vineyard, Zinfandel
Fruit Wine: San Pasqual Winery, Summer Vine Passion Fruit Wine

For more results go here:  San Diego County Fair Wine Results

 

 

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Malibu Wine Festival this June

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Janene Roberts

Starting on June 9 and lasting for 14 days, a wine and food festival will take place in the hills of Calabasas with live cooking demonstrations by chefs and wine tasting from wineries around the world.  Entertainment by various bands will be part of the festivities and Food Network Chef Alejandra Schrader, Adrian Giese of Mastro’s Steakhouse, Adrien Niento of Master Chef and the world renowned Kimmy Tang of Beverly Hills 90210 will be at the event.

Key events include a June 9 Malibu Beer Festival, a June 16 Bubbly, Brews, Buns event, a June 20 Calabasas Jazz Festival, and a finale June 23 & 24 Calabasas Malibu Wine & Food Festival.

For more information go to:  www.malibufoodandwinefestival.com.

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Classic Literature and Wine in One Place–And It’s Not at Your Local Library

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Janene Roberts

When a work associate contacted me to help them with their non-profit Write Out Loud project to educate young people about classic literature, my first thought wasn’t that they wanted to partner with a winery.  But as I met with them, they said reading the Edgar Allan Poe short story The Cask of the Amontillado at a winery made perfect sense because it takes place at a winery.  Now, the story’s main character might not have all his senses together himself, and if you are frightened by horror stories, this probably isn’t for you.  But, Write Out Loud’s goal is to attract a younger audience to start reading the classic writers again.  So, if you are a young wine enthusiast (or young at heart) and enjoy a bit of the macabre, this is an event that is just right for you.

Tuesday, May 1st, The Big Read: Shades of Edgar Allan Poe: A Reading of the Cask of the Amontillado
Read by La Mesa City Councilman Mark Arapostathis

San Pasqual Winery
8364 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa, CA
6 p.m.
Free Admission, No Host Wine Bar
For more information go to: http://writeoutloudsd.com

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Italy’s Finest Wines All In One Place in San Diego this April

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Janene Roberts

April 18, 2nd Annual Vinitaly Wine Tasting Festival
Toast Enoteca Wine Bar and Restaurant
927 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101
6 to 9 p.m.
Reservations: 877-562-9553
$60 per person

Toast Enoteca showcases the best of Italy’s award-winning selection of wines in an authentic Italian Wine Tasting Festival. More than 40 Italian wines will be available for tasting along with complimentary appetizers, antipasti and tastes of authentic Italian dishes.

What’s unique about this event? For 46 years each April, Verona, Italy has hosted Vinitaly a premier wine trade show, and now in it’s 2nd year Toast Enoteca brings a glimpse of this Italian city event.

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Easter Gift Ideas

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Janene Roberts

Bunny & Carrot Paper Towel Holder (Large)

Switch Modern has cool items for the home like this bunny and carrot paper towel holder. $63. To order click this link. Shop Switch Modern – Free Shipping on Modern Furniture and Decor

 

 

 

Baby Bunny Solid Milk Chocolate 1/3 lb $9

 

 

 

 

 

Who doesn’t like a chocolate Easter bunny for Easter or checked to see if the one they got was solid or hollow? Even better is getting a discount on a solid chocolate bunny gift. 10% Off at Chocolate.com With Code MYCHOC10

Dancing Bear Easter Gift Assortment $38.99

If you’re too tired to bake yourself, why not bring a gift assortment from Dancing Bear Baking Co? Use this link for a discount on your order: Save 7% on Gifts & Treats from Dancing Deer Baking Co. Promo Code: AF807

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Easter Brunch Ideas for Sparkling Wine Lovers

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Janene Roberts

San Diego

April 8, Easter Brunch
The Grand Del Mar
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Reservations:  858-314-1996
$49 per person

Go to the Amaya Brunch where Chef Camron Woods will handcraft a three-course menu.  Afterward, attend the family activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. where the family can enjoy an egg hunt, seasonal crafts, egg races and a visit from the Easter Bunny.  Egg hunt begins at 12:30 p.m. and is complimentary for both guests and diners.

Temecula

April 8, Easter Brunch
Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reservations:  951-699-9463
$49.95 per person

The winery is offering an Easter brunch in a beautiful setting with entertainment and a petting zoo and live piano music by Frank Marter.

April 8, Champagne Easter Buffet Brunch
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reservations:  951-491-8077
$42 per person

Executive Sous Chef, Mike Terry who was voted Inland Empire’s Best Chef, will prepare a brunch buffet.  Sparkling wines will be included along with Easter bunny pictures and an egg hunt for the children at 11 a.m.

April 8, Easter Champagne Brunch
Pinnacle Restaurant, Falkner Winery, Temecula
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reservations:  951-676-8231
$49.95 per person

Guests receive a complimentary glass of champagne and can choose food from multiple food stations prepared by Best Chef Executive Chef Gianni Ciciliot.  Live entertainment as well as special Easter gifts for the children.

April 8, Easter Brunch
Ponte Family Estate, Temecula
Seatings at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Reservations:  951-252-1780
$65 per person

Along with brunch will be appearances by the Easter Bunny, an Easter Egg Hunt, sparkling wine and live music.  Horse and carriage rides will be available for an additional fee.

April 8, Easter Bubbles & Brunch
Oak Mountain Winery, Temecula
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reservations:  951-699-9102
$30 per person

Menu choices include a spinach and ricotta calzone topped with marinara sauce or ham, egg and cheddar cheese calzone topped with a cheesy béchamel sauce served with fresh fruit skew, raspberry double chocolate cake dessert cup and paired with a glass of raspberry champagne.  Live music by Michael Chain from 1 to 5 p.m.

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Southern California Wine Medal Winners

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Janene Roberts

Don’t have time to travel to all the wineries in Southern California to figure out what’s noteworthy?  The recent San Diego International Wine Competition that took place this March did the work for you. Here are the medal winners from the Southern California wineries that attended the competition.  You can order most of the wines through the individual winery’s websites.

San Diego Wineries

San Pasqual Winery
•Silver 2009 Cabbiolo  California $25.00
•Gold NV Summer Vine Passion Fruit Blanc American $15.00
•Silver 2009 Nebbiolo San Diego County $25.00

Shadow Mountain Vineyards
•Silver 2009 Variation 3, Red Table Wine San Diego County $35.00
•Silver 2008 Merlot San Diego County $28.00

Temecula Wineries

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
•Silver 2009 Calliope Red, Winemaker’s Reserve Temecula Valley $38.00
•Silver 2010 Quartet, Winemaker’s Reserve Temecula Valley $28.00
•Silver 2011 Rosè  of Sangiovese, Special Selection Temecula Valley $18.00
•Silver 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Special Selection Temecula Valley $28.00

Falkner Winery
•Silver 2008 Meritage, Special Selection Temecula Valley $39.95
•Silver 2008 Amante, Special Selection Temecula Valley $39.95
•Silver 2010 Rosato, Estate Grown Temecula Valley $11.95
•Silver 2008 Syrah, Rock Creek Vineyard Temecula Valley $34.95
•Silver 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Grown Temecula Valley $18.95

Fallbrook Winery
•Gold 2009 Merlot, Reserve California $16.00

Fallbrook Winery 33º N
•Platinum 2008 BDX, Estate Grown, Gracie Vineyard South Coast $33.00
•Silver 2011 Rosato, Estate Grown, Gracie Hill Vineyard South Coast $16.00

Hart Winery
•Silver 2009 Sangiovese, Huis Vineyard, Limited Release Temecula Valley $28.00
•Silver 2008 Syrah, Volcanic Ridge Vineyard, Limited Release Temecula Valley $36.00
•Silver 2010 Zinfandel, Huis Vineyard, Limited Release Temecula Valley $24.00

Maurice Carrie Winery
•Silver 2011 Sara Bella  Temecula Valley $14.95

Miramonte Winery
•Silver 2007 Bin #33410 Temecula Valley $27.95
•Gold 2009 Pinot Gris, Winemaker’s Reserve Oregon $17.55

Monte De Oro Winery
•Silver 2010 Nostimo, Estate Grown Temecula Valley $19.00
•Silver 2008 Cabernet Franc, Estate Grown, Deportola Vineyard Temecula Valley $35.00
•Platinum 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Grown, Reserve Temecula Valley $65.00
•Silver 2008 Merlot, Estate Grown, Deportola Vineyard Temecula Valley $28.00
•Silver 2008 Syrah, Estate Grown, Vista Del Monte Vineyard Temecula Valley $34.00
•Silver 2008 Zinfandel, Estate Grown, Galway Vineyard Temecula Valley $30.00

South Coast Winery
•Silver NV Black Jack Port South Coast $20.00
•Gold 2011 Tempranillo Rosè, Carter Estate Vineyards Temecula Valley $14.00
•Silver NV Romanza South Coast $18.00
•Silver 2008 Blanc De Blanc Temecula Valley $28.00

Temecula Hills Winery
•Silver 2009 Tenacious South Coast $30.00
•Silver 2009 G S M South Coast $32.00

Thornton Winery
•Silver 2010 Cabernet / Merlot Temecula Valley $22.00
•Silver 2010 Cabernet Franc Temecula Valley $24.00

Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards
•Gold 2009 Double Dog Red, Five Paws Vineyard Temecula Valley $38.99

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Upcoming Wine Weekend Events Not to Miss

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Janene Roberts

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach A La Carte (March 8-11) Four days of special restaurant deals, daily events, cooking demonstrations and a big event finale, Laguna Beach Uncorked!, Saturday March 10th.  For more information:  Laguna Beach A La Carte

San Diego and Pasadena

Family Winemakers of California Over 175 wineries come together to offer samples to both the trade and consumers from small, family-owned California wineries.  Tasters get to talk with winemakers, sample new varietals and be exposed to boutique wineries.

Sunday, March 11 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

Tuesday, March 13 at the Pasadena Convention Center-This is a trade only event.

For more information:  Family Winemakers of California

Deal:  Treat du Jour has 15% off deal for online ticket sales for the San Diego event. Use coupon code Treat at time of order.

Park Hyatt Aviara Masters of Food & Wine (March 24) A day long event including a tour of the strawberry fields at Aviara Parkway Farms, a cooking class to learn how to make preserves and a Farmer’s Market dinner.  This is the place to be if you’re a strawberry fan.  For more information:  Masters of food and wine

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My Picks from the 2012 World of Wine (WOW) Event

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Janene Roberts

My group of wine tasters and I were able to get to seven Temecula wineries at the 2012 World of Wine (WOW) event before the day ended.  Of the wineries we went to (Ponte Family Estate Winery, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Wiens Family Cellars, Monte De Oro Winery, Falkner Winery, Bel Vino Winery and Churon Winery) here are my picks for wines to snatch up the next time you go tasting there.

Ponte Family Estate Winery 2008 Syrah for its dark chocolate and smoky flavors.

Bel Vino Winery 2007 Lagrein barrel sample.  This wine shows a lot of promise and is a new varietal I haven’t sampled before. The attendant said the grape is a sister to Syrah. You can tell with the cherry aromas but the coffee scent was a nice surprise.

Monte De Oro Winery 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was a smooth example of the classic grape.  It will probably age well but is ready to drink now.

Other picks:

Scenery: The most scenic and nicest tasting facility that we visited was Monte De Oro Winery.

Food and Wine: Ponte Family Estate Winery matched mini lump crab cakes and yellow bell pepper aioli with fume blanc.  The mix was a pretty explosion in the mouth.

Cork Art: Wiens Family Cellars staged a scooter made partially of cork against an Italian scene painting. It was a great picture taking opportunity. Note:  The event hosted a cork art contest at the participating wineries.

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