Get thee to the Winery for Shakespeare in the Vines at picturesque Stuart Cellars www.stuartcellars.com in beautiful Temecula Valley Wine Country. You won’t want to miss their sensational presentation of Hamlet, one of Shakespeare’s most brilliant productions! Brilliantly portraying Hamlet is the up and coming actor, Alex Coe.
Such a lofty role to place on the shoulders of burgeoning actor! Young Coe rises to the occasion in spades! From his resonating voice and passionate delivery to his commanding presence of the stage in a striking all black costume, the handsome Coe has the audience in the palm of his hands. Having the pleasure of sharing the stage with this developing actor in a previous Shakespeare performance, it was thrilling to watch how much he has grown and matured as an actor in this breakout role.
Equally as impressive are the brief, yet haunting appearances by veteran actor, Winston Earle. Earle’s booming bass coupling with his sheer girth leaves theatre goers entranced by his eerie, fog-filled essence while on stage. Delightfully portraying Rosencrantz & Guildenstern while providing a light-hearted escape from the otherwise heavy subject matter at hand are Alex Meth and Beau Allen. Turning in another enjoyable performance was Kelly Reed as an over-the-top actor and farcical grave digger throwing one-liners at Hamlet faster than Derek Jeter at bat.
Quote after famous quote is credited to Hamlet. Even those unfamiliar with the extensive works of Shakespeare will surely recognize many of these memorable lines. “Get thee to a nunnery,” Hamlet vehemently rages at the tragic Ophelia poignantly played by Kassy Skoretz. “To be or not to be, that is the question,” is the timeless question posed by Hamlet. “To thine own self be true,” is the lasting advice that Polonius bestows upon his son, Laertes. And, lest we forget, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” or “The lady doth protest too much, methinks!” (Two of Shakespeare’s most oft misquoted lines!) Ahhh, yes. Hamlet.
As Shakespeare in the Vines founder and artistic director, Sheila Havens Ryle enthusiastically continues her labor of love by bringing culture and wine together in Southern California’s Wine Country. Sayeth Shakespeare, “A man cannot make him laugh, but that’s no marvel – he drinks no wine.” Although, Hamlet is no laughing matter, what better to accompany the arts than the rolling hills and vines under a starry summer sky with a little vino? Bring your own picnic or order ahead from Gourmet Italia. Partake in a free glass of wine with your VIP Shakespeare in the Vines goblet. Stuart’s wine bar is open from pre-show to the end of intermission, where patrons may imbibe in wine by the glass or by the bottle.
For ticket information: http://www.shakespeareinthevines.org/SITV/Tickets.html or call 951-402-SITV (7488). Hamlet will continue through July 24th. Treat yourself, a special someone, and your family to something different. Be filled with the spirit of Shakespeare and wine. Join your friends this weekend at Stuart Cellars for Shakespeare and a little mayhem, madness, and merriment!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Dudley's Wine Shop
Cue in theme song from “Cheers.” Sit on your favorite bar stool. Order from the owner (Eric, not Sam). Share stories and go where “Everybody Knows Your Name!” But, you won’t find beer here. It’s Dudley’s neighborhood bar, Southern Californicated, where wine rules the day!
When Eric and Chris opened their wine bar two and a half years ago, this was their simple concept. Hailing from back east, there was a friendly bar on every block where Eric lived. He wanted to bring that same, inviting vibe to Temecula Valley, with a twist of wine! Before entering the doors of Dudley’s on a bustling Wednesday night, you can hear the beat of the music and the happy chatter of patrons enjoying the wines and one another.
You know that feeling, when you can’t wait to join something that everyone is buzzing about? That’s what it was like when approaching Dudley’s. Full of anticipation and anxious to be a part of the IT crowd, one is immediately greeted by the ever smiling Chris and Eric…no hanging back, no wondering if you’re going to feel comfortable, or if anyone’s going to notice you even entered! Instantaneous welcome! Ahhhh, you’re home!
The Winemaker’s Wench and the Dudley’s have one big interest in common; let’s take the stuffiness out of wine tasting and make it obtainable and enjoyable for everyone. Eric wanted an establishment where you could learn about wine, not worry whether you’re pronouncing a wine correctly, and wear your football jersey on any given night! Badda BOOM! Dudley’s was born!
Supporting Temecula Valley Wines as well as wines of the world, Dudley’s has a spectacular selection of wines in a variety of prices. Currently, they offer wine tasting Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5:30 until ?! Gotta love the “until?” part! Offering a flight tasting of pre-selected wines that vary nightly, a choice of wine by the glass or by the bottle, you’re sure to find a varietal or two that you will love.
The wench’s love of the evening was a 2010 Postales Del Fin Del Mundo Argentinean Malbec. Literally translated, The Finest of the World, this wine captured the essence of a Malbec with black and red fruits of plum and chocolate and a gentle spiciness that tickled and teased all the way down. This Postales Malbec is priced right at an enticing $14, from the lesser known wine region of Patagonia, and garners a raised skirt award from the Winemaker’s Wench! (That’s better than a thumbs up any day!) The other pleasing wine that was sampled on this evening was a lovely Monterey Pinot Gris. From Ventana Winery (another Spanish word meaning Window) it displays fruity tones of apricots, pears, and a slight roasted nut flavor. A delightful summer sipping wine and a bargain at $14.
We would be remiss not to mention the newest member of Dudley’s serving staff, Ginger Giordano! With her vast wine knowledge and winning personality, Ginger is the perfect addition to this friendly wine bar. Word to the wise, Ginger is usually armed with a camera and poised to create one of her famous, Girls Gone Grape, video productions! You’ve been warned!
Why buy from the big chains or the supermarket when you can sample before you buy at Dudley’s? Revel in the company of other likeminded wine lovers and go where you’re personally greeted! Be unique. Shop boutique. Support the local guys! Visit them on the web, http://www.wix.com/dudleyswine/gifts#!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Will the Wench Be Soon Doubling as the Brewmaster's Babe?!
UPDATE! Wiens Brewing Company is coming faster than you can say, "Hey BarKeep!" Brewing equipment has been ordered!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay tuned and keep your beer stein poised and ready for action, Wiens Style!
Wiens / Black Market Brewery Collaboration
On June 11th Luke Wiens, Doug Wiens (Winemaker) and Ben Wiens took a trip down to Black Market Brewery to brew up a collaboration between the two Temecula companies. Assisted by Andrew Marshall (owner of Black Market and Wiens wine club member) and led by Shaun McBride, the 5 members of the local wine and beer community came together to enjoy each others company, drink a few pints, and above all brew a great quality beer.
The style of beer brewed would be a California Common made with ingredients sourced entirely from California. This type of beer is commonly associated with steam beer. Steam beer was a distinct style of beer that arose from the production of lager beers without the luxury of ice or refrigeration. The higher temperatures resulted in faster fermentation that produced a distinct flavor profile. At least 25 California breweries were known to produce this style of beer, circa 1850-1900.
Luke Wiens provided the initial recipe which had to be tweaked slightly to accommodate the all California standard. Since the specialty grains associated with the recipe could not be sourced locally, Shaun McBride took Black Market’s standard 2-row base malt and modified it in an oven. This process involved soaking the grain in water and cooking them at various temperatures to achieve different flavors and colors. Along with the grain, the hops would have to be changed around as well. Although several of the components in the initial recipe had to be modified, the yeast strain would remain the same; still providing the essence of what the California Common beer should be about. These subtle tweaks were welcomed by both parties, as it provides a sort of uniqueness one looks for when creating wine and beer.
The brew day started off with a bang and the conversations between the group only served to distract from the process. With enough professional eyes on the brew the group still managed to catch each time check along the way. The brew would be split into two 10 gallon batches which created an opportunity to tweak the second batch if the first didn’t nail the mark. The first batch’s targeted sugar came in a touch low, so the second batch was tweaked slightly providing a touch more color and increased fermentable sugars to balance out the full 20 gallons. The sugar in beer’s wort and in wine grapes are essential and is also what helps to produce alcohol during the fermentation process. At the end of the day both batches tasted great and provided all of the fermentation potential that one looks for in making a quality beer.
Of the initial 20 gallons brewed, 15 is scheduled to be released in Black Market’s tasting room on Wednesday, July 6th at 4pm. Black Market Brewing Co. is a small production brewery in Temecula. They are locally owned and operated and produce high-quality, hand crafted, national and international award winning beers. The brewery is located at 41740 Enterprise Cir N # 109 here in Temecula if you’d like to join the group in releasing the Californian creation. The beer will likely go quick and all members involved with the brewing process will be available in the tasting room for the release.
The winery often goes by the saying, “it takes a lot of beer to make good wine,” and now they are working to show the bond between winery and brewery. Both Black Market Brewing Company and Wiens Family Cellars show the highest respect for both quality and community. Bridging the gap between beer and wine along with breaking down the stigma that one should prefer one versus another is what these two are trying to accomplish. Wine and beer can coexist together, and they already are here in Temecula.
Black Market Brewing Company: blackmarketbrew.com
Photography by Ryan Jones: ryanmjonesphotography.com
Wiens / Black Market Brewery Collaboration
On June 11th Luke Wiens, Doug Wiens (Winemaker) and Ben Wiens took a trip down to Black Market Brewery to brew up a collaboration between the two Temecula companies. Assisted by Andrew Marshall (owner of Black Market and Wiens wine club member) and led by Shaun McBride, the 5 members of the local wine and beer community came together to enjoy each others company, drink a few pints, and above all brew a great quality beer.
The style of beer brewed would be a California Common made with ingredients sourced entirely from California. This type of beer is commonly associated with steam beer. Steam beer was a distinct style of beer that arose from the production of lager beers without the luxury of ice or refrigeration. The higher temperatures resulted in faster fermentation that produced a distinct flavor profile. At least 25 California breweries were known to produce this style of beer, circa 1850-1900.
Luke Wiens provided the initial recipe which had to be tweaked slightly to accommodate the all California standard. Since the specialty grains associated with the recipe could not be sourced locally, Shaun McBride took Black Market’s standard 2-row base malt and modified it in an oven. This process involved soaking the grain in water and cooking them at various temperatures to achieve different flavors and colors. Along with the grain, the hops would have to be changed around as well. Although several of the components in the initial recipe had to be modified, the yeast strain would remain the same; still providing the essence of what the California Common beer should be about. These subtle tweaks were welcomed by both parties, as it provides a sort of uniqueness one looks for when creating wine and beer.
The brew day started off with a bang and the conversations between the group only served to distract from the process. With enough professional eyes on the brew the group still managed to catch each time check along the way. The brew would be split into two 10 gallon batches which created an opportunity to tweak the second batch if the first didn’t nail the mark. The first batch’s targeted sugar came in a touch low, so the second batch was tweaked slightly providing a touch more color and increased fermentable sugars to balance out the full 20 gallons. The sugar in beer’s wort and in wine grapes are essential and is also what helps to produce alcohol during the fermentation process. At the end of the day both batches tasted great and provided all of the fermentation potential that one looks for in making a quality beer.
Of the initial 20 gallons brewed, 15 is scheduled to be released in Black Market’s tasting room on Wednesday, July 6th at 4pm. Black Market Brewing Co. is a small production brewery in Temecula. They are locally owned and operated and produce high-quality, hand crafted, national and international award winning beers. The brewery is located at 41740 Enterprise Cir N # 109 here in Temecula if you’d like to join the group in releasing the Californian creation. The beer will likely go quick and all members involved with the brewing process will be available in the tasting room for the release.
The winery often goes by the saying, “it takes a lot of beer to make good wine,” and now they are working to show the bond between winery and brewery. Both Black Market Brewing Company and Wiens Family Cellars show the highest respect for both quality and community. Bridging the gap between beer and wine along with breaking down the stigma that one should prefer one versus another is what these two are trying to accomplish. Wine and beer can coexist together, and they already are here in Temecula.
Black Market Brewing Company: blackmarketbrew.com
Photography by Ryan Jones: ryanmjonesphotography.com
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