The Winemaker's Wench: Bridlewood Winery and Bo-Beau Kitchen & Grill

Bridlewood Winery visits Bo-beau Kitchen & Grill

One would think that actually being The Winemaker's Wench, it wouldn't be a big deal to sit next to a winemaker at an event. Wrong! I was thrilled to find myself plunked down next to Bridlewood Winery's very own surfing winemaker, David Hopkins. It's true. Winemaker's really are the rock stars in the world of wine. Although a colleague and I recently debated whether the general public could care less about who the winemaker of such and such winery is, I stay firm in my opinion that the winemaker is the lord and master of a winery. True, also, that good wine begins with stellar vineyard practices; however, a great winemaker can turn a so-so wine into something delightful. I digress. Enough about the winemaker. How about those Bridlewood wines and the chosen food pairings from the quaint, inviting setting of Bo-beau Kitchen and Grill of San Diego.

Thanks to an invitation from my travel & fun writer pal, Sue Richter, I was thrilled to accompany her to this perfect evening under the stars of the open air patio with walls at Bo-beau's in San Diego. We opened our evening with a lovely 2009 Monterey County Chardonnay, which was creatively paired with...brussel sprouts! Yep, brussel sprouts for grown ups and served as our starter...set in a crispy pancetta, parmesan, and basalmic mixture that was amazing. The Chardonnay was also served with a delish spinach salad complete with shaved fennel, cumin toasted almonds, and tasty, crunchy chick peas. Another advantage of sitting next to the winemaker? No way is your glass ever allowed to be empty. That's just insulting! Thanks, David!

The fourth course was far and above my favorite for both the wine and selected fare. The 2009 Red Blend 175 was a symphony of flavors combining a cab, petite sirah, and a sirah in a bountiful blend. But, here's the real kicker...10% Viognier is ingeniously infused in this red blend. Magic! When complemented with an unreal chorizo flatbread with serrano, marinara, five italian cheeses, and basil, it was like a John Phillip Souza March in my mouth. Stars & Stripes forever SALUTE to San Diego heritage and California Red Wines!

Chef

The Charm of Bo-beau Kitchen & Grill in San Diego

The taste madness (that's like the kids saying something is sic, that's really cool! In this case, madness is like so way good!) doesn't end there. The fifth course cascades into our being with a fab cab from Paso Robles. Also, a 2009, (there seems to be a pattern here in the year we were served!), this Cabernet Sauvignon stood solid with the bold taste of rib eye au poivre, herb butter, haricot verts, and pomme frites.

Just when we think we will be like Mr. Creosote from Monty Python and truly EXPLODE if we eat one more bite, they launch one last course barrage of sweet delights with a lovely 2010 Late Harvest Viognier and tahitian vanilla bean + seasonal berries in a scrumptious creme brulee. Both wine and dessert were incredible in their own rights. Not being one for overtly sweet wines and desserts, the combination was not one of my preferences, not to diminish the quality of either. I would have chosen a fluffy angel food cake or simple New York style vanilla cheesecake to accompany the honey goodness of the Late Harvest wine.

Oh, I know what some of my fans have been thinking while reading this post. The Winemaker's Wench is all about keeping it real, boutiquey, and local. Yes, true. However, my main goal is to educate about all things wine and all wines. Recent statistics just announced, that for the first time in history the USA finally showed as many wine drinkers as beer. This is HUGE to those of us in the wine world. There will always be those times when you are out of town (in Omaha, for example!) and you are in the mood for a solid wine that you aren't going to break the bank to purchase (a modest $14.99), and you can find it in a local grocery store (like Fareway!). Don't you want to know what a sure bet will be?!? I thought so! Here you have it!!

Bridlewood Winery is located in a picturesque setting outside of Santa Ynez, California and known for wines that reflect the eclectic diversity of their region. The winery also combines the beauty of wine with the work of local artists and has recently unveiled a new gallery on the estate. Enjoy strolling around the manicured grounds, gazing at art, and sipping on first class wine. Oh, and on your way back home, if you're heading down the coast, be sure to wave at David as he's sure to be out catching the last wave of the day before making his way home.

Visit their website at http://www.bridlewoodwinery.com/our-estate/index.html