Tag Archives: Holiday Wines

Feb 11 2013
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Fat Tuesday – Let’s Indulge!

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This year, Mardi Gras comes just two days before Valentine’s day.  It will be a week full of binging on sweet treats and wine.  If the  pressure-packed “day of love” is just not for you then why not celebrate Fat Tuesday like you live in The Big Easy.  Indulge in the traditions of Mardi Gras with a big, fat piece of Kings Cake!

What is Kings Cake?

Kings Cake is made of cinnamon roll dough topped with icing and sugar in the typical Mardi Gras colors of gold, purple, and green.  Some are stuffed with cinnamon, praline, strawberry or cream cheese.  But the signature of the cake is a plastic trinket, usually a baby Jesus, placed inside the cake.  The one who gets the piece with the trinket is King or Queen of the day and gets to host the Mardi Gras party the following year.  Click here for a recipe.

Want to indulge a bit more?  Enjoy the kings cake with a glass of riesling or sparkling wine!

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Feb 20 2012
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Presidents & Wine

In honor of President’s Day, whether you have the day off or not, we should celebrate with American wine.  Wine has been a long tradition served at celebrations and dinners of US Presidents.  Our first President George Washington might have preferred Eggnog, but also enjoyed wine.  Today you can buy a replica of his wine bottle coaster, which fits an entire bottle and keeps it from condensing on to the table.

Our third President Thomas Jefferson is known for his love of wine, some call him America’s first wine connoisseur.  Jefferson spent $11,00 on wine during his Presidency, which is about equivalent to $175,000 today.

It wasn’t until 1861 when Abraham Lincoln was president that American wines were accepted by the White House.  It was actually Mary Todd Lincoln who first served an American wine from the Norton grape at an official White House function.

Andrew Jackson, John F Kennedy, and Richard Nixon all enjoyed French Wines.  And although Lyndon B Johnson’s favorite drink was scotch and soda, he was the one to mandate that only American wines can be served at the White House.

Our current President Barack Obama has a 1,000 bottle cellar in his Chicago home, but we are still unsure on his favorite wine.   One thing remains clear, wine makers rejoice when our Presidents’ enjoy a glass of wine.   Cheers!

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Feb 14 2012
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Last Minute Valentine

Have you failed to notice all the stores filled with heart-shaped chocolates and red roses, or the subtle hints from your sweetie that today is Valentine’s Day? Don’t worry there is still time to show your partner that you haven’t forgot about romance. And we will even help you plan a great, simple evening that will sweep your Valentine off their feet!

Chances are that getting a reservation for dinner is impossible or it’s not budget friendly, so it’s time to head to the grocery store. Get a bottle of champagne (Champagne Recommendations) so when your Valentine gets home you can greet them at the door to set the mood. Now pick up some steak or fish, whichever your special someone will enjoy more.

  • For two filet mignons season with some salt and pepper, and cook in skillet with a 1/4 cup of balsamic, and 1/4 cup of dry, red wine for about 4 minutes on each side. Go ahead and share the rest of the bottle over dinner. Try a Syrah from anywhere in California, but Napa and Sonoma. This varietal may provide an eye opening experience.
  • For a white fish go ahead and cook them in pan with 1/3 cup of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of butter until they are golden brown. And serve with a bottle of Chardonnay. You may like to try something from the Carneros Region in California. These chardonnays tend to be marked by smoothness and elegance.

Light some candles while you set a table for two. To really win your sweetheart over don’t forget to pick up some chocolate or flowers. We hope your last minute Valentine’s Day dinner is a success. Happy Valentine’s Day, Cheers!

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Feb 07 2012
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The Anti-Valentine’s Day – Send or Drink the Perfect Wine!

We know that not everyone is a fan of Valentine’s Day.  Hell, for some it is Single Awareness Day, but there will be no sulking this year.  We believe a bottle of wine can turn any day around.  And hopefully with these suggestions you’ll realize how lovely being on your own can be, or at the least you’ll be better equipped to get through the holiday.

  • Wouldn’t it be nice to tell that guy/girl, who recently broke your heart, how you really feel? Send your EX a bottle of wine.  No, not just any wine but a Fat Bastard merlot or a Bitch grenache.  Ok, we acknowledge this will not exactly make you the ‘bigger’ person but maybe it’s just what you need to get through the day.
  • Celebrate with friends over a bottle of wine!  You finally got rid of your EX.  Wasn’t (s)he really just a Rae Jean Beach (say it out loud)anyhow?  Well cheers to you, this white house blend is much more enjoyable than your EX probably ever was.

Don’t worry there are plenty of wines that will work perfectly for your Anti-Valentines Day.   You can go with a Rude Boy chardonnay,  Jealous Bitch cabernet sauvignon or even Stu Pedasso zinfandel (Again, say it aloud).  Who needs that special someone when you have a full glass of wine?  Love stinks, let’s drink!

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Feb 01 2012
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Celebrating Black History Month with Wine

We have been celebrating African American history every February since 1926.  It was started by Dr. Carter G Wooden as Negro History Week to encourage people to learn more about black history and celebrate the achievements made by black Americans. Then, in 1976, the week expanded into Black History month or National African American History Month.  To celebrate this month, let us toast with the some wine made by African American vintners!

Esterlina Vineyards, Mendocino & Sonoma Counties, CA –  Mario Sterling and his sons have been making wine for generations. They make an exceptional pinot noir and riesling that consistently earn high reviews.  Give their 2009 Cole Ranch Riesling ($20) a try, you won’t regret it.

Sugarleaf Vineyards, Monticello, VA –  In 2001, Jerry Bias was inspired to make his own wine.  It is an award-winning boutique vineyard and their petit manning was even served at the White House in 2010.  Be sure to check out their silver medal winning 2008 Sugarleaf Vineyards Cabernet Franc ($28).

Black Coyote Chateau, Napa, CA –  Dr. Ernest A Bates, former neurologist, found refuge in his Napa property and decided he could create one of the first African American Wineries in the Valley.  His 2005 Black Coyote Cabernet Sauvignon is one to try, winning a Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Also, be sure to look into the Association of African Americans Vintners (AAAV) and the members who make it up, including Sonoma’s Vision Cellars and Running Tigers Wine.  Please share with us your favorite!

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Dec 13 2011
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Cheerful Holiday Wines

It’s that time of year again, which we all love to celebrate with family and friends.  As we get into the spirit of the season we put up decorations and lights.  We sing carols and play in the snow.  But the best part of the holidays is that we are in the giving mood.  And what’s a better gift than wine?  It’s always in fashion, in good taste and most importantly it will always be drunk.  Wine selection can be an overwhelming experience so why don’t you go with one that is festive, cheerful, and fun!

Elvis Presley 'Blue Christmas' 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

What’s more fitting for an Elvis Presley wine than being a Napa Valley Cabernet?  ’The King’ of California wine.  It’s lush and rip with black currant, plums and black cherry.   It is balanced well with complex tannins and year-long oak aging.   This Napa Valley Cabernet has a wonderful core of fruit.  ($29.99)

2009 Santa Claus is Coming to Town Pinot Noir

This 2009 Santa Claus Pinot Noir has subtle cherry and pomegranate flavors and aromas layered with spice.  These pinot noir grapes are grown on the coast of California where the climate is cool and allows for an extended growing period, giving the wine excellent color and flavors.  ($36)

Vixen's Vino - Chardonnay

Elora Hills Vixen’s Vino is a Silver Medal Winner of the 2009 Tasters Guild International.   The tropical fruits and pear flavors of this Chardonnay combined with its crisp finish makes it a surprisingly diverse wine. ($13)

Shore Acre 'Peace on Earth' Rejoice Riesling

This ‘Peace on Earth’ Riesling is a light to medium body with a floral, fruity character. And an implicit, if not obvious, sweetness. ($8)

Make Your Own Label

If none of these look pleasing to your palate, why don’t you make your own wine label for the holidays!  Make it personal while sharing your favorite wine.  Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or the New Year, don’t forget wine is the holiday season gift of choice!

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Dec 02 2011
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Holiday Hosting

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The holiday season is here, which means many of you will be hosting a party.  It also means many of you will be serving wine.  And for some reason when it comes to wine, many questions often arise.  Here are some tips for entertaining at home:

1.) Plan ahead on how much wine you will need.  A 750ml bottle serves about 4-5 guests. Another easy tip – 1st hour=2 drinks per person, 2nd hour=1 drink per person and thereafter=1/2 drink per person/hour.

2.) Serve your wine at the right temperature.  50-63 degrees F for whites and 53-65 degrees F for reds.  (Check out our Chilly Whites, Warm Reds post)

3.) Mature reds with quite a few years on their vintage should be opened prior to serving your guests.

4.) Open and taste the wine before pouring a glass for your guest.  Make sure the wine isn’t off or that it doesn’t have any flaws.

5.) Never fill the glass.  You can refill as often as a like and this allows the wine to breathe in the glass.

6.) Serve from lighter to fuller body wines.  Go from white to red wines and always serve your sweetest wines last like a Port.

7.) Food and wine almost always compliment each other.  Throw the concept white,light and red,big out the window. Try this challenge.  If you have a dish that has origins from southwest Italy.  I would venture to guess that most wines from the region will pair well.

8.) Have a large variety of wines for your guests.   Its nice to offer them a variety of whites, reds and bubbly.

9.) It’s good to have markers for your guests wine glass.  People often set them down while socializing and this case they’ll know whose is whose. Ideas:http://pinterest.com/search/?q=wine+glass+markers

10.)  Always Remember: A good wine is categorized by whether or not you like how it tastes!  Cheers!

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