My. It's been awhile since I wrote anything. Quite awhile in fact. My husband felt I needed a "real" job to contribute to the household income. His big idea was to "buy me a job." In the OC. A "small" winery. If you know my husband, he does not do anything in a "small" way. Five years later, plenty of trials and tribulations, a big learning curve, some tears (yes, you know it, a lot!), new friends, and some joy, Orange Coast Winery is still going strong.

What could be wrong?

For starters, I hate to commute. Hate? How about loathe. The biggest waste of time and energy suck ever known to people-kind. Why on earth would my husband, who is well aware of my disdain for commuting, "buy" me a business almost 75 miles away?? It's still a mystery.

But, I digress. My real purpose of this blog is not to expound on the difficulties of owning and managing a business 150 miles round trip away from your home, although, that's a great topic for another day. My true intentions for today's blog is to discuss growing older and hopefully wiser.

I see inspirational videos and photos on Facebook or on the net (can you even call it that still? internet? that thing Al Gore created? what is it call nowadays? I hate not knowing the cool, in-vernacular!). Anyway, digressing again, there's a pattern being established here... Anywhoo...I see these articles and pictures about wildly happy and successful people who continue to reinvent themselves and become overnight sensations like the 80-year old Chinese dude that is totally ripped and is on the catwalk and created his own mime troupe and all sorts of cool stuff like that. Or the 80-some year old female model still looking killer on stage at the latest fashion week....and making the rounds on morning shows and talk shows who all embrace growing older and being cooler than Kool-Aid.

I'm worn out looking at them.  Is it just so wrong to want to start to slow down at some point in life. You know, what happened to, "Slow down you move too fast?" Or, stop and smell the flowers? Or, gasp, actually RETIRING! I want to do just that. Slow down. Sip the fru-fru coffee. Babysit my grandchildren. Visit my sons. Spend time with my elderly parents. Travel. Heck, it can even be WINE-Themed travel to appease my husband. I want to wake up in my 5th wheel on the coast of Maine. I want to frolic with my poodles in a mountain stream while staying in a log cabin tucked away nearby.

I dreamed of being in movies once upon a time. I even dabbled in it. I was even a contender with a reality show and a Sundance film under my belt. Do I really want to keep throwing myself down that path for the maybe, what if, it could happen if I work hard enough? I dreamed of being a model. I even tried that out once upon a time and landed a few print ads, TV commercials, and a modeling contract. But, once again, to diet constantly, to deny myself wine & cheese, to claw my way tooth and nail next to some scrawny 20-something with more neurosis than I have shoes?

So, I continue the quandary that today's society places on us to keep growing, evolving, changing, and learning. Ok, should I go back and work on that Doctorate in Psychology and try to save the world again? Nah, been there done that after 25 years in Education and Counseling. Time for someone younger, with more energy, and bigger rose-colored glasses than I have at this point.

Why can't I just BE?! Why do I have to keep proving myself over and over? Why do I need to get Fit at 40 or be Fabulous at 50? Or, paint like Gramma Moses at 80? Whatever happened to it being OK to retire at 55???

My husband and I go round and round on this topic. He SAYS he wants to slow down and take life a little easier. Yet! He plants another vineyard and leases another building to open a new business. Then, guess who gets to be his unwilling vict...um, I mean, partner! Me! Cranky Me who just wants to be! I want to have lunch with the girls, go to Zumba, visit my grandkids, spend time with my parents with what time they have left here on this sphere, maybe even go out on a limb and do an, "Eat, Pray, Love," kind of trip with my sisters or a girlfriend. Never alone. I'm just not as cool as that one chick who wrote that book.

Let's start a revolution! Let's bring back the fun of retiring at 55! Let's refuse to keep evolving into some fine, well chiseled 80 year old stud muffin. I say more skinny dipping and streaking! More sleeping in! More sitting at a sidewalk café in your own downtown drinking 2-3 bottles of wine and having riveting debates about fashion or talking about the glory days when you'd go to the disco until closing time then drive home a bit tooted because you were an excellent drunk driver. (Oh, settle down, moral majority, Mad Dads, etc., I'm  not condoning or encouraging that type of irresponsible behavior, just keeping it real and admitting it happened.) More Oktoberfests! More just selling your shit on Ebay. Then use the money to splurge on some decadent spa treatment.

I'm going to do it. Just you wait. Some day, I will start that revolution. Just as soon as I find the energy!

Gerard Bertrand Wines: Don’t Fear the French

Domaine de Villemajou

My home is in a lesser known southern wine region where we’re striving for international acceptance and recognition of our wines.  So is Gerard Bertrand.  His desire is to make the world aware of the full potential of the South of France Terroirs.  My husband is an award winning winemaker with many decorated wines to his credit.  So is Gerard Bertrand.  Among many of his honors, Bertrand has achieved Red Winemaker of the Year and European Winery of the Year.  The parallels draw me towards him.  Hence, my love affair with Gerard ensues.

I'm packing.  Ready for a trip to the Southwest Region of France

I’m not sure Gerard realizes it quite yet; but, to be certain, my husband is well aware.  In fact, my husband spent the evening enjoying Gerard by my side.  We’re still talking about wine, of course.  My Southern California winemaker husband tipped his chapeau to the quality, the depth, and the essence of the Gerard Bertrand wines, stating, “These wines are definitely built for the Southern California market with their fruit forward aromas and finish.”   Indeed.  A full-fledged endorsement from one winemaker to another.

I admit. I finished this the next day.

We started our evening with a Cremant de Limoux Blanc 2010.  Made from 70% Chardonnay, 10% Mauzac, and 20% Chenin.  This sparkling was made in The Method Champenoise and brings bright, lemony notes with elegance.  When paired with Mediterranean olive oil infused mushrooms it was divine.  Don't break the bank, you can find the Cremant de Limoux Blanc between $13-$16.

This exquisite start to our evening was followed by a Naturalys Grenache Rose made with organic grapes.  It had mild, soft strawberry tones and as it opened revealed a more earthy quality.  An unbelievable pairing with bacon smoked Gouda from Temecula’s own Baron’s Martket, would make anyone the Hostess with the Mostess.



Our neighborhood pride.  Baron's Marketplace.

 Marching on, our merry group is now greeted by the reds.  We started with a bang by sampling a complex 2009 Corbieres.  While our resident winemaker raved about its great nose with pumpkin pie spices, our wine production manager found its aroma to be full of dark fruit with a surprise lighter fruit finish of cranberry and brown sugar undertones.  Due to the layers and complexity of this wine derived from Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, it was best accompanied by simple foods finding favor with pita chips, Temecula Olive Oil Late Harvest Medley green olives, a spot of prosciutto, and a soft port salut.  At a price point of $13.95 (we were shocked too!) this was certainly the best wine value of the line-up.

 

Delicious fare from the Temecula Olive Oil Company

Next stop was the Grand Terroir Tautavel 2008. This exceptional wine was made from 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 15% Carignan.  Driven by a passion for all things Mediterranean, a number of the Bertrand wines were noted for their perfect accompaniment to a range of foods from that region.  The 2008 Tautavel was no exception and easy to pair with everything from dark chocolate shortbread cookies to Cranberry Stiltson cheese to grilled red meats.  Just under $18.

 

This brings us to the Star of the Evening!  The 2010 Cigalus.  Big.  Bold.  Red.   A bounty of wines consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Granache, Carignan, and Caladoc made this beauty go bing, boing, bounce in our mouths and left the group clamoring for more.  A homerun at $40, we unanimously would purchase this intensely flavorful, highly pleasing wine.  Even the bottle was heavy and sexy.  It held its own with any food we threw its way and even turned cranberry cheese into a creamy pepper taste sensation.  Lush, opulent, velvet tannins.  This is one for the record books!

What Southern Californians Drink When We Go French!

Okay.  How do you possibly top off an evening like this with any worthy finish?  Simple.  A 1998 Domaine de La Coume Du Roy.  100% Grenache Noir.  Mapley, Bourbon, and Fun!  Comments around the table mentioned pouring it on your pancakes, having it with Strawberry Shortcake, it was compared  to honey, and simply delish with our little dark chocolate shortbread cookies.  The other wine writer and tasting room manager in our company made off like a bandit snagging this little darling post evening.

Best bet for finding Gerard Bertrand wines in your area is to check at Bev Mo.  Have you desired a fling with the French, but were afraid you’d make a mistake?  Start your love affair with Gerard and discover that not all French wines are created equal!

To learn more about Gerard Bertrand wines go to http://www.gerardbertrandwines.com/



Tasting Room Manager & Wine Writer Chris Baptiste



Some serious wine drinking, serious spitting, and serious smooching.  Who said Americans aren't romantic and don't know how to sample wine appropriately?  Classic photo that covers the range!



Bizet approves.



Joe Wiens Production Manager shows off Wine & Swag

 

 

 

A Month of Thankfulness

As Americans, we have much to be thankful for! Why limit it to just one day a year? Count your blessings daily, weekly, monthly! All year long. We're thankful for all of you! Your support and loyalty has helped us continue to grow beyond that one year mark! Our commitment to you is to keep producing quality wines, friendly service with integrity, and excellence in all we do! With our thoughts turning toward the holidays, we have some great ideas to help make your holiday entertaining and gift giving as simple as pumpkin pie! Turn to Orange Coast Winery for the perfect present. Even the hardest person to please will be delighted with our assortment of wines. Throw in a cute wine sign, flirty apron, or a one-of-a-kind wine rack and they'll thank you for a long time! Want to take the stress and hassle out of entertaining your co-workers, out-of-town relatives, or your BFF's?! Give Jo Anne a call at 949-645-0400 or send a fast email to joanne@orangecoastwinery and leave the planning to the professionals. Jo Anne is the ultimate party planner and will work within your budget to create the best holiday party ever! Read on for our expert advice on finding the perfect wine compliment for your own DIY holiday feasts that will leave your peeps thoroughly impressed!

Everyone has their tried and true favorite wines, so there are no hard and fast rules! (No matter what those wine snobs say!) It's all in the flavors that you add to your special dishes, which will help them meld with the meal! For example, if you have a guest roster filled with Sauvignon Blanc lovers, prepare your turkey simply in its own jus, and let the soft grassy undertones and crisp apply goodness of our 2011 Bronze Medal winning Sauvignon Blanc shine through. If you like a more complex red, look to our fruit-forward 2010 Temecula Zinfandel to lead the way for your savory turkey with all the trimmings. Are you stepping out of the traditional turkey zone? The Orange Coast Winery Silver Medal 2008 Reserve Beach Blend will have everyone raving when accompanied with your special prime rib or sumptuous rack of lamb (any of our Zins will also delight in these pairings!). Are you taking the sea food route? Then, the MUST-HAVE newly released Beach Bubbly is all you need to complete the party. Actually, for all the cheers and goodwill...you need to load up on this bubbly-iciousness to keep you toasting clear through the New Year! We'll be featuring recipes and more holiday food and wine pairings through the next two months!

 

 

Guess WHAT?! Orange Coast Winery is now available in your favorite wine shoppe! Stop by Total Wines at either location in Tustin or Huntington Beach where you'll find several of our wonderful wines featured! You've been asking for it (Thank YOU!) and you've got it! Now, on those dern days that we're closed and you've GASP! run out of your FAVS - just pop on by and grab a few or more emergency bottles of Temecula Zin, Sauvignon Blanc, and Beach Blend Red to get you through until Thursday at 4:00! Speaking of THURSDAYS! YeeeeHaw! Our Thursdays are catching on like a house a'fire! It's only been a month since we started our Thirsty Thursdays and we've had to add additional staff! Again, YOU SPOKE and we listened! Now. Who's ready for Wine Wednesdays?

Our Orange Coast Winery Club Members have frequently asked about reciprocal tastings at Wiens Family Cellars in Temecula as we've treated Wiens Club Members this past year to complimentary tastings with us in Newport Beach. Due to the fact that the two wineries have completely different owners and simply share the amazing winemaker, Doug Wiens; we've come to the difficult decision to separate the two entities entirely. If you'd like to visit Wiens Family Cellars, please talk to our super OCW staff and ask for a 2 for 1 tasting card to check out Wiens. We will offer these cards on a limited basis. Likewise, if you're a Wiens member and haven't taken the Orange Coast Winery plunge yet...we'll give you one last opportunity to visit us for a complimentary tasting. Over the course of this new year, we will be expanding our Orange Coast Winery line of wines and slowly (slowly) phasing out our Wiens inventory. We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion. Same last name. Different owners. Same incredible quality wines. Different labels and varietals. Same professional, friendly service. Different Staff.

Well, it's OFFICIAL! We are growing by leaps and bounds. Our Wine Club Pick Up Parties are bursting at the seams. Our special events are always filled to capacity. As the song in the Broadway Musical Wicked goes, "We're POP-ULAR!" So, when the chance to snag a premium space one building down from us (same free parking, same convenient area!) - we JUMPED! It will take us a couple of months to transform this area into the most spectacular working barrel room in Orange County, but oh MAN! The results will be unbelievable. Jo Anne has earned her stripes or Event Space as the case may be.

Orange Coast Winery

Let the Sun Shine In on Orange Coast Winery

My Winemaker and I have given birth.  NO!  Not to a real baby! (Big sigh of relief! At our age we'll just enjoy the grandchildren. Thanks!)  We've given birth to a bouncing, bubbly winery in Newport Beach, CA.  Orange Coast Winery was actually born in April of 2011.  Doug and I bought the dream in October and what a whirlwind it's been.  We really do feel like new parents all over again.  Late nights staying up with our baby, researching how to care for it and nurture it properly, sending out tons of announcements to our friends, family, and acquaintances...the analogies are endless.

We bought an existing inventory, the name, and the location.  All of which we didn't have to love, but certainly needed to feel comfortable enough to live with until we are able to change things once within our power.  The former owner enjoyed a softer, Italian style wine - very different from Doug's big, bold love affair with red wines.  Another immediate "To-Do" on our list was to round out our wine list with a few sweet wines for those novice wine fans. 

We are in love with the Beach Bubbly sparkling that we acquired and love the way it plays on the beach theme as well as panders to the more serious Champagne connoisseur.  Plans are in the works to bring back another popular white that we recently ran out of, the Beach Blend White.  In the meantime, a flirty, fruity Rose has nicely filled out our menu along with two new Chardonnays.  A stainless steel lovely that has everyone buzzing and an enticing Reserve Chardonnay with just the right amount of butter and oak.  Break out the clambake and lobster and serve up with any of the aforementioned wines.  As the inventory started to deplete, we got excited about Doug batching and blending the rest of the wines still in tanks and barrels that we'd purchased.   

California is our vineyard!

My wily winemaker  had a few other tricks up his sleeve, including one last batch of Malbec from my brother's vineyard in Paso Robles.  This deliciously spicy yet smooth Malbec is especially dear to our hearts since David and Sara Israel recently sold their Five Oaks Vineyard, thus the bittersweet end of a wine era for all of us.  This Malbec is a beauty and does its Swan Song exquisitely!  Ask me about the amazing Lamb recipe that will rock & roll with this little number!  Another surprise was a couple of Zins that Doug was able to snag - one Paso and one from Temecula.  Each Zinfandel is so complex and different it's as if they aren't even from the same grape family.  The Paso Zin is bold and jammy in the traditional "Zinse" that made Paso Zins famous.  The Temecula Zin is rich and fruity with a burst of pomegranate pelting your taste buds.

A mainstay on our original menu was an extremely popular Beach Blend Red.  This has been our work horse wine, the Chianti, the table wine, your every day go-to wine.  When we ran out of this around Christmas, I seriously thought that some of our wine club members needed sedation!  Needless to say, the release of a new batch, a Dougifide, Beach Blend Red has received a hearty welcome!  But, WAIT, there's MORE!  Riding on the coattails of the regular Beach Blend Red, this over achieving winemaker decided, what could be better than the Beach Blend Red, but a RESERVE Beach Blend Red.  Oh.  Can we talk?  This big, bold, bad boy goes in like a John Phillip Sousa March and continues with the rockets and fireworks all the way through the long, lingering finish.  Anyone care for a smoke after that description?!  Speaking of smoking, least I not forget, a lovely little Cab from Lodi (glad to not be stuck in Lodi again, surely!).  This supple Cab is unassuming and grand, all in one.  Pair it with dark chocolate, or a mouth watering steak...either one will thank you!

Oh, it's definitely a work in progress.  We strive to navigate the distance between our home in Temecula and the new business in Newport Beach.  We're working hard to network and immerse ourselves into our new community while maintaining our ties with our current home.  We have immediate plans to join the local Chamber and have already provided wine, wine tasting certificates, and donated our venues for a number of charitable causes.  As we quickly grow, we are not only busy planning exciting events in the next few month, we're looking for an Event Coordinator to help take us there!  We're juggling the bookkeeping, keeping up with the social media, constantly updating our website, all of the licenses and permits, hiring and training our employees, and, oh yeh, selling wine!

I wrote a blog awhile back about the romantic misconceptions that so many people have about the wine business.  It's like anything in life...you must be passionate about it as it is like a jealous lover.  It consumes your life, demands your constant attention, throws occasionally tantrums, and takes you on the thrill of a lifetime.  Definitely not for the faint of heart.

Doug and I extend our warmest invitation to all of you to visit us at Orange Coast Winery in Newport Beach.  We're open Friday and Saturday from 12-6 and on Sunday from 12-5.  We're also open on special holidays such as most recently on Valentine's Day and the upcoming President's Day.  Wine tasting includes six one ounce tastes of our premium wines and a chic logo glass for $10.00.  All of our wines are reasonably priced between $19 and $39.  Local.  Sustainable.  Warm.  Friendly.  Fun.  And, for this beach loving wench....less than a mile from the Pacific Ocean.  It doesn't get much better than that.

On warm days, (which is often in Newport!), we open up the warehouse garage door and let the sun shine in, the balmy breezes float by, and the enticing combination of wine and the ocean fill your senses.  Join our wine club and enjoy quarterly shipments of six wines or twelve.  As wine club members, you'll receive 20% off on all purchases including retail items, exclusive wine club only events, and YES! free wine tastings!

Catch the Wine Wave and make plans to visit us soon.

Orange Coast Winery
869 W. 16th St.
Newport Beach, CA  92663
949-645-0400
www.orangecoastwinery.com
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Dunning Done Good!

Once in a while, something so amazing comes along in life that makes you realize how lucky, blessed, fortunate you are to be a part of it!  Being a member of a cohesive group of wine loving ladies called The Women's Wine Council of Temecula, is one of those rare treats.  Sharing our passion for wine, food, travel, and writing with each other gives us the opportunity to blend friendship, encouragement, tips, and fun all rolled up in a few hours once a month.

Our last council meeting found us transported (metaphysically speaking) to Paso Robles as we sipped on wines from Dunning Vineyards.  We've come to a point where, at first glance, an outsider may wonder whether we're a wine or food council!  By the looks of our table overflowing with luscious goodies (all strategically created to enhance and pair with specific wine varietals), we embark on our journey to find the perfect wine with its perfect mate!

Ladies, start your engines!  Straight out of the gate comes the underdog champion of the day, a stunning & a stunner of a Chardonnay.  Thier 2009 Estate Chardonnay was laced with vanilla and pear.  Aged in my favorite, a new French Oak, it only had mild hints of oak to the palette.  It paired superbly with a lovely Sage/Apricot cracker and made my Cranberry Tarragon Wine Dip from our own Orange Coast Winery literally pop in your mouth.  The winning Chardonnay was a stunner since our group is primarily a Big Red's kinda group.  But, the appealing full-mouth feel of this Chardonnay was a sleeper delight that none of us could resist!  This is one Chardonnay that I wouldn't mind paying the retail price of $24.

Next we sampled a fun 2008 Estate Vin De Casa ($24) that boasted of 45% Cab France, 35% Zin, and 20% Syrah.  What's not to love in this amazing blend?!  This deep, earthy, liquid saddle paired with espresso chocolate cookies and persimmons with a prosciutto wrap drizzled with balsamic olive oil.  We also were excited to find that Edam cheese and Wasabi crackers were super with the bold taste of this blend.  I have to admit that even though I loved the Chard, I'm still a sucker for a wonderful, full-bodied blend.  The Vin De Casa was my personal, number one pick of our Dunning taste test!

As our tasting progressed, we were mesmerized with the Dunning 2009 Estate Zinfandel ($28) with its full-body and hints of raspberry.  Is it no wonder that the little darlings of the day, the espresso chocolate cookies, also paired with this one as well?!

Admitting that the Vin De Casa was my favorite and the Chardonnay was a force to be reckoned with, the 2009 Private Reserve Estate Zinfandel ($35) that we rounded out our council soiree with was not to be upstaged!  This Zin had a richness that balanced between bold, spicy flavors and the perfect amount of oak.  Definitely old world charm abounds in this wine.  You're probably not surprised that yes, once again, the espresso cookies found their way into favor with the Zin as well; but, not to be forgotten was the incredible roasted sage, pumpkin, fontina, pancetta, and pepita flat bread.  Forgo the turkey dinner for Thanksgiving and just serve this dish and Zin.  How Zinfully easy would THAT be?

Since my husband and I recently purchased a little winery in Newport Beach, I couldn't resist showing off our gold medal winner from the recent Orange County Fair.  The ladies were exceedingly pleased with this Sauvignon Blanc and its light, citrus appeal.  It was wonderful with a plethora of the foods presented that day and nabbed the spotlight as the most versatile food wine of the day.

It is always bittersweet when our Women's Wine Council realizes that we've tasted through our selection of wines and had our way with the delicacies that we've each lovingly prepared...we've laughed, shared stories, toasted, sipped, and supped.  As all good things come to an end and we say our last adieu's, we leave our compadres with the reassuring thought that we get to do this all over again next month!!!

Be Unique, Shop Boutique

Our Temecula Winery

I really should copyright this phrase that I coined about a year ago when doing an article on unique, local places to shop.  Being a small business owner myself, I know how critical it is to the heart of our business to have the support of our local community.

I was reminded of these series of articles that I did when a friend recently sent me a forward on purchasing USA made products this holiday season as well as buying from local artisans, supporting family-owned businesses, helping struggling musicians by booking them for your holiday parties, and dining at local restaurants.  A feel-good, boost our own hometown movement.  I like that.  Pitch in, do your part, think locally, give experiential gifts, be unique & shop boutique.   Here is the "jist" of the forward that was sent to me (and I threw in a few personal tips as well!):

"This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. It's time to think outside the box.  Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

How about gift certificates from your local hair salon (my friend, Ricardo is amazing) or barber?

Guitar lessons? Yoga classes? Car detail? Oil change? (Massages from either of my sisters, Liz has Avani in Hastings, NE and Priscilla has a place in Palos Verde!)

Perhaps you know someone who would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, (try my son's business Kinnanscaping in Omaha, Nebraska) or driveway plowed all winter (Kinnanscaping, again!), or time at the local golf course. 

GIVE TO A CHARITY that you know will do some good!

My friend's charity, Baakari!

What about a month of breakfast at the local cafe?  SUPPORT your home town... Americans with their financial lives on the line need to keep their doors open.  

Incredible Rustico's!

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? She would love the services of a local cleaning lady for a day, month, or year.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I bet I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

My friend's store in Murrieta

Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at locally owned and operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.   Musicians need love, too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Christmas is and should be about caring anyway!  Let's encourage American small businesses to keep plugging away by helping them keep their doors open and dreams alive.  When we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.  Let's make this the new American Christmas tradition."

Our Newport Beach Winery

Synergy

Synergy.  When wine and food are paired together, they have “synergy” or a third flavor beyond what either the food or drink offers alone.  This is a wonderful saying I stumbled upon this past week on a website called “Random Facts” that is now saved to my favorites.  This also occurs when our Temecula Women’s Wine Council convenes with a cohesive group of like-minded women.  As Linda Kissam aptly put it, “Somehow we’ve created a very special blend.  Each person in this group brings a special talent with them that enhances all the others present.”  Nice.

On October 5, our merry group, including guest writer, Sue Richter, was brought to order and were ready to review Terra d’Oro wines from Amador County.  The intro on their website states that years ago folks flocked to California for the gold, but today they come for the wine.  Indeed, wine reigns supreme in California as we are one of the largest producers and consumers in the world. 

Our afternoon was filled with the usual fascinating fare of exciting combinations and delectable delights waiting anxiously to be paired with its perfect mate during the equivalent of speed dating between food & wine.  First up was a 2008 Barbera with an approachable aroma of blackberry and spices.  This wine turned out to be the most food versatile of all that were sampled and struck up a relationship with some unlikely mates.  It was as pleasing with a homemade pumpkin truffle pound cake as the mushroom and wild rice dish.  My favorite was a scrumptious little cheddar/rosemary cracker, but was disappointed that the asparagus wrapped in roast beef with horseradish cream cheese (which I brought to specifically pair with it) did not light up my world.  Not to despair, as this little number was a favorite with several other wines amongst us.

The unique 2007 Field Blend Zin was the next contender and delivered musky, earthy tones mixed with deep tobacco flavors.  The Field Blend found its true love with the amazingly spicy BBQ ribs (also homemade!).  With such a big wine, it is advisable to aerate before serving.  Closely following this wine was the 2007 Home Vineyard Zinfandel with smoky raisin and hints of cherry, this Zin was wonderfully versatile and could be enjoyed with cinnamon cranberry goat cheese (oh, my, can we talk about this cheese?! Big Hit!) or my famous asparagus wrapped spears!  An aged cheddar was also begging for affection and attention from this Zin as well!  This was my Number Two pick of the day.

As we moved through our list, the next up was their Deaver Vineyard Zin, also a 2007 vintage.  It started us off with a bit of a funky, inky bouquet that opened nicely into a ripe plum flavor on the palette.  This Zin went well with just about everything we tried it with.  BBQ ribs?  Check.  Rice, mushroom, lamb?  Check.  Cheddar Cheese Crackers?  Yep!  Spicy cayenne chocolate chip cupcakes?  Definitely. To quote Linda, again, this wine had an “open-door policy!”

Our Number Five wine was actually our Number One.  A 2007 Forte Super Tuscan with powerful pine and musk flavors tantalizing our taste buds, we loved this as much with the fiery chocolate cupcakes as the aged cheddar cheese.  Terra d’Oro’s tasting notes said it best, “Muscle and Finesse.”  The finale of our soiree was the Montevina Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port.  A lovely example of a port with grapy flavors, caramel and orange peel.  With the traces of orange peel taste,  the flavors in a light orange-flavored shortbread cookie were a pleasant pairing, but also two-timed with the bittersweet chocolate.  A fun finish to a fun tasting.

How the rest of the wines ranked….My number one choice was the lovely Barbera, even though she didn’t cooperate with my chosen pairing, she was still a darling in my eyes.  However, the group chose the Super Tuscan as number one, followed by the Barbera, with the Home Vineyard Zinfandel as number three.  The Deaver Zin and Port were duking it out for 4^th and 5^th while the heavy hitting Field Zin rounded out our list. 

Our group has been together now since early last summer and it’s been an incredible journey thus far.  Our palettes are ever growing and changing as evidenced by our diehard Chardonnay fan who is slowly being seduced by the Red Side of the force.  We are honing our ability to pair incredible combo’s together and still surprising ourselves when two unexpected flavors twirl in our months fancifully proclaiming, “Look at us!  We’re dancing together in your cheek-to-cheek!”  And, mostly, we are becoming true sisters in wine, spirit, and synergy.

The Terra d’Oro wines are available at BevMo and range between $9.00-$15.00 dollars per bottle.  A modest amount for some solid wines.  As an owner of two smaller lot wineries, my motto will always be, “Be unique, shop boutique.”  For those occasions when you need to grab & go, it’s nice to have a road map of good “Go-To” wines.