Tag Archives: california wine

Martellotto ‘My Way’ Malbec

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Lamb Sliders with Blue Cheese

© Photo Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 2/3 cups thinly sliced onion (about 1 large)
  • 3/4 teaspoon brown sugar
  • dash of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 13 ounces lean ground lamb
  • cooking spray
  • 8 (1.3 ounce) mini-sandwich buns
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sugar to pan; cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in 1/8 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat; cook 8 minutes or until tender and browned, stirring occasionally. Keep warm.
  2. Preheat broiler.
  3. Combine remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper, and lamb in a large bowl. Divide lamb mixture into 8 equal portions; shape each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Place patties on the rack of a broiler pan coated with cooking spray; place rack in pan. Broil 6 minutes, turning once after 3 minutes. Remove from oven; let stand 3 minutes.
  4. Broil buns, cut sides up, 2 minutes or until lightly toasted. Place patties on bottom halves of buns; top each patty with about 1 1/2 tablespoons caramelized onion and about 3/4 teaspoon blue cheese. Cover with top halves of buns.

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoMalbecMartellotto Winery
My Way
Santa Barbara, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

“A Hedonistic wine that is a pleasure to share. This Malbec is the dark horse of Cahors and Argentina. Martellotto produces an outstanding expression from the hottest part of SB County.” – Martellotto Winery

The “My Way” Malbec is dark as night, inky, and redolent with blue fruits. Flavors of dark plum, cherry, and blackberry explode in the glass and the finish is lush with toasty oak, vanilla, and crusted flowers. ‘My Way’ is an awesome California expression on this noble varietal – it’s a velvet glove with an iron fist.

Varietal: 80% Malbec, 20% Petit Verdot
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
AVA: Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
Soil: Sandy Loam
Farming: Sustainable
Production: 20 barrels
Aging: 10 months, 30% new French Oak

HAPPY CANYON OF SANTA BARBARA:
This new, small AVA was established in 2009. Located in the southeast part of the larger Santa Ynez Valley, this is the hottest part of the valley and furthest from the ocean. Rolling hills sit atop a serpentine-laced terroir that is primarily planted to Bordeaux varietals.

© Photo by Martellotto Winery


ABOUT MARTELLOTTO WINERY:
The Martellotto family roots trace back to 17th century winery in Alberobello in Puglia, Italy. Over four centuries later, winemaker Greg Martellotto continues his family’s viticultural legacy, by making enticing, vibrant wines what speak to his own viticultural passion. 

Located in Buellton, California, Martellotto Winery focuses on vibrant Bordeaux varietals from the hottest new AVA, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara. Indeed, Martellotto Winery is one of the few California wineries bottling and producing varietal wines from each of the five noble Bordeaux grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Since 2005, Martellotto Winery has produced unique and exciting wines designed to surprise and ignite discerning palates of wine lovers everywhere.

Winemaker, Greg Martellotto

Winemaker, Greg Martellotto

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER:
Greg Martellotto has been making wine since 2005. His peripatetic path has led him to winemaking experience in Mexico, Italy, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara. He holds a degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University and a Masters degree from the University of Texas. His global wine experience has provided opportunities to travel to most of the major winemaking regions of the world as both a buyer and a consumer, which informs his style. Equally important and unique among most winemakers, Greg’s experience as an importer and wine buyer provides insiders access to the greatest wines and wineries in the world. In this capacity, he regularly tastes more than 400 wines per month and he knows great wine.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

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Skylark Red Belly

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Down Home Dig-in Chili

© Bewitching Kitchen

© Bewitching Kitchen

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 2 green bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 1/2 lbs stewing beef, chopped
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt), chopped
  • 4 cans (14 1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bottle pale ale (12 ounce)
  • 7 Tbsp chili powder
  • 4 jalapeno chilies, seeded
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Hot pepper sauce (Tabasco type), to taste

DIRECTIONS:

  • Heat the oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic and sauté until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Remove vegetables using slotted spoon and set aside.
  • Increase heat to high. Add beef and pork; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Return vegetables to pot. Add tomatoes, ale, chili powder chilies, cayenne and cumin. Reduce heat, cover partially and simmer 2 hours, adding reserved tomato liquid if chili appears dry. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Uncover and simmer until thickened and meat is tender, 2 more hours.
  • Season chili with hot pepper sauce. Serve with green onions, cheddar cheese, avocado and sour cream.
  • © Photo courtesy of Bewitching Kitchen; Recipe from Bon Appétit, 1988

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoSkylark Red BellySkylark Wine Company
Red Belly
North Coast, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Purple in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, plum, black licorice and a violet floral top note completes the engaging and complex nose. The red and black fruits on the palate turn creamy, silky and supple; as the medium-bodied palate is polished with lovely fruit viscosity buffered by inner mouth perfume. This is an eminently drinkable vintage for Red Belly, enjoyable now and for the next decade.

Red Belly is Skylark’s ode to the South of France where blending varietals to create a unique synergy is the way of life. Blending compatible varietals together is a centuries old tradition, and the Skylark team loves the challenges and complexities that come with that tradition. The Red belly is comprised of 40% Niemi Vineyard Carignane, 36% Ashurst Vineyard Syrah and 24% Sawyer Vineyard Grenache. Each varietal is fermented separately, then after secondary fermentation in barrel, the cepage is finalized after multiple blending sessions. The goal for Red Belly is juicy fruit, integrated tannins and early accessibility with mid-term aging potential. Skylark has definitely have achieved that here.

John L and Robert P

Photo by Skylark Wine: John L. and Robert P.

Varietal: 40% Carignan, 36% Syrah, 24% Grenache
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.61
TA: 6.2
Aging: Native yeast vinification of individual varietals in neutral French oak
Harvested: Hand-picked
Vineyards: Niemi Vineyard – Ashurst Vineyard – Sawyer Vineyard
Produced: 37 barrels – 925 cases

“While we continuously explore the fertile California landscape for red wine vineyards that excite us, our current releases are native to the Rhone Valley in France. Our single vineyard Syrahs are inspired by the Northern Rhone wines of Cote Rotie and Hermitage. Our Grenache is reflective of the great wines produced in the south of France in tiny villages such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape. We love the style of these wines and have discovered vineyards in Northern California that allow these varietals to truly shine.”

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

Skylark Pinot Blanc

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Creamy Lemon Pappardelle with Scallops

Creamy Lemon Scallop Pasta

© Spices in my DNA

INGREDIENTS:

For the scallops

  • 1 pound jumbo scallops, side muscle removed
  • small drizzle of olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • squeeze of lemon

For the pasta

  • 9 ounces pappardelle pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 4 ounces mascarpone cheese
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • zest of 1/2 a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus extra for serving

DIRECTIONS:

For the scallops

  1. Make sure scallops are super dry, pat down thoroughly with paper towels until they’re dry. Season with pepper (no salt yet). Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil and the butter. Once melted, wipe out the pan so that only a thin layer of oil and butter remain. Sear the scallops on one side for about 2 minutes, or until a golden brown crust forms. Flip and sear on the other side for 1 minute or until just cooked through. Season with salt and a squeeze of lemon.

For the pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt the water generously. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Be sure to scoop out the pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking, or right before you drain it.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil. Once melted and hot, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly. If it seems too hot, reduce the heat to medium (you don’t want the garlic to brown). Add the reserved pasta water (start with 1/4 cup), mascarpone, ricotta, parmesan, and lemon zest, and stir until melted and creamy. Add the pasta and toss until coated. If the sauce seems too dry, add another splash of pasta water and toss until desired consistency is reached. Add the chopped basil and toss again. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve the scallops over the pasta, and garnish with extra fresh basil and parmesan. Enjoy!

© Recipe from Spices in my DNA

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Silky styleSkylark Wine Company
Pinot Blanc
Mendocino County, California

SILKY WINE STYLE

Light straw yellow in color. High-toned aromatics of lime peel, roasted lemon, Granny Smith apple and a complicating note of pebbled soil. Intense and penetrating on the palate, the flavors follow through with the roasted lemon and green apple enlivened by natural acidity. Deftly light and concentrated at the same time, with the crunchy fruit streaming into a palate-staining finish.

One of Skylark’s oldest vineyard sources is Bernie Orsi’s Pinot Blanc outside of Hopland in Mendocino, California. Originally planted by John Fetzer in the 1970s, John and Robert walked through the oldest block of this site in 2005. Impressed by the thick, stubby trunks and gnarled old vines, they signed on to purchase that section for harvest 2005.  They have now grown production to almost the entire vineyard for Skylark’s Pinot Blanc bottling. After picking, the fruit is whole cluster pressed into a tank, then racked to Mueller stainless steel barrels for fermentation. Stirred the lees once, blocked malolactic fermentation and bottled with a light filtration. No doubt, this vintage of Pinot Blanc will brighten your day.

John L and Robert P

Photo by Skylark Wine: John L. and Robert P.

Analysis: 13.2% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.28 g/L
TA: 7.1
Aging: Whole cluster pressed and vinification in multiple stainless steel 75gl barrels
Harvested: Hand-picked
Vineyard: Orsi Vineyard
Cases Produced: 800

“To reflect our palates, the portfolio at Skylark includes crisp, flavorful, aromatic white wines and full-bodied, rich, spicy red wines. As we have long admired the beautiful white wines produced in Alsace and Austria, our Pinot Blanc is a California rendition of a classic European varietal.”

 

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn More >

Winery Spotlight Series: Dec. 9th Skylark Wine Company

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Skylark Wine Company Logo
Virtual Wine Tasting Event on Zoom and Facebook LIVE

Skylark Wine Company

Wednesday, December 9, 2020
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Please join us for a virtual wine tasting event, featuring the co-proprietors of our December Wine Club, John Lancaster and Robert Perkins, from Skylark Wine Company. During our virtual event, John and Robert will be guiding us through a tasting of our December Wine Club wines and other Skylark wines too. The following 6 wines featured during the tasting will be:

Zoom Facebook Live

  • Skylark Pink Belly Rosé 
  • Skylark Orsi Vineyard Pinot Blanc
  • Skylark Red Belly
  • Skylark Grenache  
  • Skylark Las Aves 
  • Skylark Rodgers Creek Vineyard Syrah 

Be sure to RSVP at your local WineStyles location or on Eventbrite.  Pre-order your wines in advance at your local participating WineStyles location and taste alongside John and Robert with a front seat on Zoom!  Or watch on our Facebook LIVE event.Skylark Wines

About Skylark Winery:

Skylark Wine Company is collaboration between Boulevard Restaurant wine directors John Lancaster and Robert Perkins. John and Robert have run the wine program at the acclaimed Boulevard Restaurant in San Francisco for the past fifteen years. During their tenure at Boulevard, they have built a close friendship, an inventory of wines from around the globe and a palate of tasting wines of the world from vintage to vintage. This partnership has created long-term relationships with the entire scope of the wine industry, from winemakers to vineyard managers to owners. With these relationships, their next logical progression was the realization of a dream: making fine wine from select vineyards in Northern California. While the original plan was simply a barrel, they jumped in with 14 barrels of Syrah from the 2002 harvest. Skylark Wine Company was formed. Learn more about Skylark Wine Company here.

John Lancaster – Co-Proprietor
John Lancaster

Photo by Skylark Wine: John Lancaster

Co-proprietor of Skylark Wine Company, is a graduate of Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. His passion for wine grew while working in the restaurant industry and brought him to the culinary destination of San Francisco. As the Wine Director of the wildly eclectic Cypress Club, he was recognized by the Wine Spectator for his wine list. For the past eleven years, John has been the Wine Director at the James Beard award winning Boulevard Restaurant. During his tenure at Boulevard, John has traveled extensively throughout the world’s wine regions studying wine production. In addition to his professional duties at Boulevard, John is also a professional wine judge and consultant. John resides in San Rafael with his wife and two daughters.

Robert Perkins – Co-Proprietor
Robert Perkins

Photo by Skylark Wine: Robert Perkins

Co-proprietor of Skylark Wine Company, is a graduate of Fine Art Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute. His paintings have been shown throughout the Bay Area: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art-Artist Gallery, Canessa Gallery and Mesh Gallery. His designs are featured on every Skylark Wine label. When Robert is not in his studio in San Francisco, he is pursuing his other creative outlet, wine. Robert has worked in the restaurant industry for 20 years and has worked at Greens in San Francisco, Willowside Café in Sonoma and at Boulevard Restaurant as a sommelier for the past nine years. With his expertise in the wine industry, Robert has been a wine consultant for several Bay Area restaurants. He has also worked hands-on in production at several small wineries including Nalle, Scherrer and Sean Thackrey. He resides in San Francisco with his wife Kristine.

“We strive to produce wines that crystallize our passion within each bottle. Because of our relationships with meticulous and respected grape growers, we have been able to produce wines of distinction and character that represent the best of what Northern California vineyards have to offer. We are proud of Skylark and hope to continue share these wines with family and friends, old and new.”

 

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Skylark Wine Company
Mendocino County, California

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

Winery Spotlight Series: Nov. 18th Michael David Winery

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Michael David Winery Logo
Virtual Wine Tasting Event on Zoom and Facebook LIVE

Michael David Winery

Wednesday, November 18, 2020
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Please join us for a virtual wine tasting event with David Phillips, Co-Owner and President of Michael David Winery. During our virtual event, David will be guiding us through a tasting of the following 7 wines:

Zoom Facebook Live

  • Michael David Sauvignon Blanc
  • Michael David Chardonnay
  • Lodi Red Blend
  • Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Inkblot Cabernet Franc
  • Inkblot Petit Verdot
  • Earthquake Zinfandel

Be sure to RSVP at your local WineStyles location or on Eventbrite.  Pre-order your wines in advance at your local participating WineStyles location and taste alongside David with a front seat on Zoom!  Or watch on our Facebook LIVE event.Michael David Winery Wines

Michael David Winery Wine Tasting

About Michael David Winery:

The Phillips family and Lodi, California go way back. They have been farming this soil since the 1860’s and cultivating wine grapes since the early 20th century. Founders and brothers, Michael and David Phillips, are 5th generation grape growers who have raised their families in the vineyard; and now the 6th generation has joined the team, Mike’s son, Kevin, and daughter, Melissa. They embrace the importance of “leaving it better than you found it” for future generations. The Phillip’s family legacy and love of Lodi drive their focus on sustainability. Plus, they are pretty fun too.

David Phillips – Co-Owner and President
David Phillips

David Phillips

Early adopter of farmer’s markets, underage winemaker, long distance runner, UC Davis alum, champion of Lodi Wines, cork dork, brother, husband, father, and outdoor enthusiast. Working the family farm and vineyards from a young age, Dave returned to Lodi in 1989 after graduation, obtaining a job in the wine cork industry, and backpacking the world. Since then, he’s combined his love of Michael David Winery wines with his love of traveling by overseeing distribution from just one state to all 50, then onto 32 countries!

Michael Phillips – Co-Owner and Founder
Michael Phillips

Michael Phillips

Lifetime tractor driver, UC Davis grad, 5th generation Lodi grape grower, brother, husband, father, grandfather, jet-setter, un-traditionalist. Raised in Lodi, Mike worked harvests from a young age. After college, he wanted to show the wine world what Lodi was capable of and started planting unexpected varietals. In 1984, he opened a small tasting room at his parents’ farmstand. Today, you know that farmstand as Michael David Winery, and it’s helped put Lodi on the map as one of the finest wine regions in the world. Learn more about Dave, Mike, and their team here.

Photo by Michael David Winery
Photo by Michael David Winery
Photo by Michael David Winery: Barrels
Photo by Michael David Winery
Photo by Michael David Winery
Photo by Michael David Winery: Pond at Sunset
Photo by Michael David Winery: Vineyard
Lodi Rules:

“Some people like to say “rules were made to be broken.” We like to say “when rules are created to support and protect farmers, vintners, the land, your neighbors, and amazing wine… maybe you should stick with them.” – Michael David Winery

With over 100 “rules,” or practices geared towards environmental, social, and economic sustainability, the Lodi Rules certification helps both wineries and consumers to make better choices when it comes to making and drinking wine; the Phillips Family lives by these rules. These rules have been vetted by scientists, academics, and environmental groups worldwide, and are the most thorough set of sustainable viticultural standards in the entire state of California. Every year, Michael David Winery strives to make 100% of their wines Lodi Rules Certified. Learn more about Lodi Rules here.

Brothers Mike and Dave

Brothers: Mike and Dave

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Michael David Winery
Lodi, California

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

Winery Spotlight Series: October 13, 2020

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Greg and Morgan

Virtual Wine Tasting Event on Zoom and Facebook LIVE

Greg Norman Estates

Tuesday, October 13th at 6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Zoom Facebook LivePlease join us for our October Winery Spotlight tasting event on Zoom, featuring Greg Norman Estates, an internationally recognized collection of 10 varietals from Australia, California and New Zealand. Our special guest will be Morgan-Leigh Norman, daughter of Greg Norman. 

Morgan will be guiding us through a tasting of 7 different wines from Greg Norman Estates; starting with their New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, leading into their California Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernets, ending with their South Australian Shiraz Cabernet and Shiraz.  Be sure to RSVP at your local WineStyles location or on Eventbrite.  Pre-order your wines in advance at your local participating WineStyles location and taste alongside Morgan with a front seat on Zoom!  Or watch on our Facebook LIVE event.Greg Norman Wines

Greg Norman Event Header

ABOUT GREG NORMAN ESTATES:

Greg Norman Estates, founded in 1996, is a collection of fine wines sourced from stunning wine regions in California, New Zealand, and Greg’s homeland of Australia. With fourteen 90+ point scores to its record, Greg Norman Estates rivals top brands having earned countless accolades from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. A staple on the “Top 100 Wines in the World” list, the 1999 Reserve Shiraz received the distinction of “No. 8 Wine in the World.” While his well-documented wins on the golf course have assured his place in golf history, off the course, founder Greg Norman’s enthusiasm for wine and zest for living well have combined to create a stunning collection of high-quality, accessible wines from some of his favorite places in the world.

Greg Norman, Founder
Greg Norman

Greg Norman, Founder of Greg Norman Estates

Greg Norman has won more than 90 professional golf tournaments worldwide, including two Open Championships, and he holds the distinction of defending his No. 1 position in the world golf rankings for 331 weeks, the second-longest reign in history. As one of the most prolific players in the game, his career culminated in 2001 when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame with a higher percentage of votes than any other inductee.

Whether on the course or off, he instinctively sees opportunities others miss. Greg now transcends the game of golf, with over a dozen companies around the world bearing his name. in 2016, Greg Norman partnered with powerhouse brand, entertainment and marketing company, Authentic Brands Group, to promote and further establish him as a world-class entrepreneur.

Guest speaker Morgan-Leigh Norman, Proprietor and Brand Ambassador
Morgan-Leigh Norman

Morgan-Leigh Norman of Greg Norman Estates

After an impressive foray into the culinary world, Morgan-Leigh joined Greg Norman Estates as part of the marketing team. Since then, she has been instrumental in the brand redesign as well as representing her family’s business with both trade and consumers. Morgan-Leigh lives in Palm Beach, Florida, where she works on growing the Greg Norman Estates business. Learn more about the family here.

ABOUT THE VINEYARDS:

The selected growing regions are appreciated for the incredible wines they produce and the personal influence they have had on the Normans over Greg’s many years of professionally touring the world.  A strong believer in the role of wine as part of an active, easygoing lifestyle, Greg’s aim is to produce approachable, yet bold wines to be enjoyed by family, fans and wine enthusiasts alike. Greg’s top priority when it comes to sourcing fruit from some of the world’s finest wine regions is to work with growers who are good land stewards. Fruit is sourced from premium vineyards that have distinctive slower ripening periods as well as favorable elevations, aspects and soil profiles.

Greg Norman Estates Vineyard

Photo by Greg Norman Estates: Vineyard

Greg Norman Estate

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Greg Norman Estates
California, New Zealand, and Australia

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

Ridge Vineyards Tasting Event

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Ridge Vineyards Tasting EventOctober  Winery Spotlight
Tasting Event
>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

Ridge Vineyards, California

The history of Ridge Vineyards begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a doctor who became a prominent member of San Francisco’s Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He terraced the slopes and planted vineyards; using native limestone, he constructed the Monte Bello Winery, producing the first vintage under that name in 1892. This unique cellar, built into the mountainside on three levels, is Ridge’s production facility. At 2600′, it is surrounded by the “upper vineyard.”

“We decided to farm organically because we believe it leads to better grapes and higher quality wines. This approach in the vineyard, plus our traditional approach to winemaking, will provide the finest possible wines for our customers.” –  Paul Draper, CEO/winemaker.

montebello

13zls-bottle-shotRidge-Vineyards-LogoLytton Springs, in Sonoma County, became part of the Ridge estate in 1991. A quarter century’s experience with this vineyard had convinced us that it was an exceptional piece of ground. Forty consecutive vintages of Geyserville attest to yet another stunning combination of location and varietals. Though born in the early sixties to the post-Prohibition world of modern California winemaking, Ridge relies on nature and tradition rather than technology. Our approach is straightforward: find intense, flavorful grapes; intrude upon the process only when necessary; draw the fruit’s distinctive character and richness into the wine.  While Ridge is by no means a large grower,  they are the largest grower of organically farmed grapes in Sonoma County, and in the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation.

Limited Seating Available – Reserve your seat ASAP!

Ridge-wines

Contact your local WineStyles

Ridge-Vineyards-Logo

Silverado Tasting Event

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Silverado_Tasting_RoomSeptember Winery Spotlight
Tasting Event
>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

Silverado Vineyards
Napa, California

Silverado_Tasting_Wine

The winery’s name, Silverado, comes from an abandoned mining town at the top of Napa Valley.  A century later, the widow, daughter and son-in-law of Walt Disney began carefully laying the foundation of what would be come Silverado Vineyards in 1976. A few years later, they also acquired a vineyard in the Stags Leap District – known for the quality of it’s Cabernet Sauvignon. Silverado Vineyards now farms six distinctive, family owned vineyards in the Napa Valley and Carneros, three of which are historic sites from these proprietor owned vineyards. Please join us for a Winery Spotlight tasting, featuring Silverado wines. 

“The winegrowers . . . are perhaps the most fascinating aspect of terroir . . . Starting with a vision, they activate the links that connect Earth with vine and fruit, guide the transformation of fruit into wine, oversee its maturation, and only then present the liquid that completes the circle, connecting us with the Earth from which the wine arose.” –  Jonathan Swinchatt and David G. Howell,  The Winemaker’s Dance.

   Good wine is about people, from every hand that helps create Silverado’s Cabernet to every current and future friend who lifts a glass of  wine around the dinner table.   100% of the estate is sustainability farmed: 15% is farmed organically; 70% is Certified Napa Green; 50% is preserved in the Land Trust exclusively for open space and agriculture use. 50% of the winery is powered by solar panels. Proud of their accomplishments, Silverado is just getting started.  They also donate time, money and wine to over 70 organizations annually that need our help to keep their communities safe, healthy, learning and enjoying the pleasures of artistic endeavor.

For Silverado, sustainable is not simply a farming method. It is an approach to all of their activities. It is the driving force behind everything they do to ensure that this winery and estate are here for generation of customers and neighbors to enjoy.  Please join us for a special tasting event with Silverado.

Limited Seating Available – Reserve your seat ASAP!

Silverado_WinesContact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

Crab Cakes with Curry Aioli

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Sauvignon Blanc is a great pairing for seafood, but because it is still cold outside, we wanted something comforting that could easily be whipped up during the work week. The curry aioli adds a nice heat element to this dish and highlights the brightness of this wine.

crab-cakes-recipeINGREDIENTS:

• 1 teaspoon Madras curry powder
•  ¾ cup mayonnaise
•  2 tablespoons crème fraiche
•  2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
•  1 tablespoon snipped chives
•  1 tablespoon minced parsley
•  1 tablespoon minced tarragon
•  1 cup panko bread crumbs
•  1 pound lump crab
•  ½ cup canola oil
•  1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar
•  Salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In a bowl, whisk ½ cup of the mayonnaise with ¼ teaspoon Madras curry powder. Let chill.

In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining mayonnaise with crème fraiche, lemon juice, chives, parsley, and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the crab, form into 4 patties and coat with the panko. Transfer crab cakes to a lightly oiled baking sheet and let chill.

Preheat the broiler and position a rack 8 inches from the heat. Drizzle the crab cakes with 2 tablespoons of oil and broil for about 12 minutes or until golden and crisp (ok to turn once). Transfer to plates and drizzle with curry aioli.  Add a lightly dressed arugula salad if desired.   Recipe courtesy of Food & Wine magazine.

Limited_SB13_BottleshotSilky_StickerLIMITED CAMBRIDGE CELLARS
SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY CREEK VALLEY, CA

Cambridge Cellars strives to produce wines that embody the designations from where they are grown. Their  “LIMITED” wines represent those rare, exception lots from distinguished appellations throughout California’s wine country.  Dry Creek Valley is anchored in by two distinct areas of water – Lake Sonoma to the north and the Russian River to the south.  Sauvignon Blanc is the standout white varietal as it thrives in moderate conditions that are neither too cool nor too warm. Dry Creek is blessed with a steady fog in the morning coming in from the San Francisco Bay and by afternoon temperatures are warm and dry, allowing the Sauvignon Blanc grape to reach maximum potential.

Douglas-Danielak-winemakerDOUGLAS DANIELAK, WINEMAKER

“Our Limited is a beautiful example of crisp, ripe and fresh Sauvignon Blanc. Bright fruit notes of pink grapefruit, peach and apple open on the palate, with vibrant acidity and a rich mouth-feel through the finish. ”

 VARIETAL: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
APPELLATION: Dry Creek Valley, California
ANALYSIS: 13.2% alc/volume

FEATURED WINE CLUB WINE: January 2015

Costero Bay Chardonnay

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WC_Oct_2014_CosteroBay


DOVER SOLE WITH BROWNED CAPER BUTTER

INGREDIENTS:Dover-sole-recipe
•  4 Dover Sole Fillets
•  1 Cup Flour
•  2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
•  1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
•  3 Tablespoons Butter, unsalted
•  White Wine
•  1 Lemon, juiced
•  2 Tablespoons Capers
•  2 Tablespoons Parsley Leaves, chopped
• Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350° F.  Mix flour, salt and pepper in a pie pan. Lightly dredge Dover sole filets in seasoned flour. Heat olive oil in an oven proof skillet. Sauté sole 1 to 2 minutes per side. Place skillet in oven for 4 minutes.  Meanwhile, heat butter in a small pan until butter gets brown. Add lemon, capers, parsley, salt and pepper. Pour over fillets before serving.  Recipe courtesy of Costero Bay.

Costero_Bay_Chardonnay_2013Silky_StickerCostero Bay
Chardonnay
Monterey, California

Above the rugged coast of Monterey are fertile vineyards, ideal for growing premium chardonnay.  Nestled between the pacific ocean and the Santa Lucia mountains, the vineyards enjoy warm days and cool nights.  This vintage especially enjoyed a very mild, warm spring and a sun-drenched, consistent summer. This lead to one of the longest growing seasons in over a decade and allowed grapes to reach full maturity before harvest.  With a brilliant balance of acid and natural sweetness, this vintage is rich with developed fruit flavors. With a nose of ripe apricot and Asian pear leading to a creamy mid-palate, this Chardonnay has flavors of crisp pink lady apple and toasted vanilla bean pod that linger on the finish.

winemaker-Douglas“Golden Delicious apple, pineapple and apricots fill the nose.  Medium-bodied with creamy mid-palate, this  wine offers flavors  of peach and hints of toasty vanilla spice” – Douglas Danielak, winemaker

Winemaker: Douglas Danielak
Appellation: Monterey, California
Varietal Blend:  100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.5% alc/vol
Aging: 35% French Oak, 65% temperature controlled, insulated stainless steel tanks