Project Paso

Project Paso

Paso Robles will always hold a special place in my heart as it played an intrical part in bringing a special winemaker into my life via my family's Five Oaks Vineyard just off Crestin Road.  In the rolling hills surrounding this beautiful wine region, where Zinfindels reign, Moonstone Beach beckons, and the elephant seals languish around the tide pools, one can truly be seduced by the allure of it all.  It is this backdrop that sets the stage for so many robust wineries in an ever-growing wine destination.

Enter, Project Paso.  A class act quietly blending wines in the Paso Robles appellation for 30 years.  The families of August Sebastiani Sr. and Sam Balakian started their project by mixing depth, spice, and complexity in an effort to share this region's rustic character in each bottle they lovingly produce.

Delicious flat bread with pesto and roasted garlic

The Women's Wine Council of Temecula began our research of the Project Paso wines with the classic varietal of a Sauvignon Blanc.  A crisp white with pleasant aromas of citrus and honey to greet you with first sniffs.  Blended with a Semillon to give it a smooth, green apple mouthfeel, this wine paired quite nicely with a bloodorange jam on simple wine crackers and allowed the zesty taste of garlic, pesto flatbread to shine through brilliantly.  A fun side note on the Project Paso bottling was the introduction of the "Zork!"  A quirky synthetic cork that is recyclable, reusable, and made in the good 'ole US of A!  Peel off the seal.  Pop the Zork.  Re-stop!  Handy dandy!

Next stop was a 2009 Chardonnay that packed a powerful oaky-punch as it was aged for 8 months on half French and half American oak.  Light flavors of apricot and Meyer lemon come from the cold marine air that flows into Paso Robles through the Templeton Gap.  Alone, it was a bit daunting for this true-blue red lover.  But, Ba-Zinga! when paired with a scrumptious (freshly caught!) Alaskan salmon slathered in a dill, cuke, and yogurt mixture.

Pinwheel roll ups with a kick!

Now, for the real stars of Project Paso, (in this Wench's opinion), as we sampled the Old Vine Zin.  Ah, yes, Paso Zins as alluded to earlier.  The concentrated white pepper, blueberry aromas, and warm indian spices help this Big Zin stand up to your barbiest of BBQ dishes and did a lively dance with our appetizer of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, salsa, dried cranberry, chopped green olive pinwheels that partied past the teeth and through the gums, look out tummy, here it comes.  (Yes, I love to mince nostalgia by using good old-fashioned sayings that I grew up on.)

Delightful figs with goat cheese, bacon, and drizled in Balsamic

Being more and more influenced by my own honey's love of blending, the Red Wine Blend definitely took first prize in my book.  So delicious that I savored every sip and forgot to even write any tasting notes except that it took my breathe away (Oliver, Oliver, I hear Berlin playing in the background! A little Green Acres reference since the original farmhouse in the opening shots is right up there in Paso).  The intense, jammy red cherry sips containing Grenache, Zin, Petite Sirah, and Mourvedre all melded beautifully together with subtle caramel, cinnamon, and walnut nuances strutting their stuff and marching with panache over my taste buds.  As I thoroughly enjoyed the exquisite taste of this wine, I was hard pressed to find a befitting hors d'oeuvre amongst our array and succombed to the sensation that some wines are just meant to be savored solo.  However, the goat cheese baked figs with bacon bits drizzled in balsamic was working it's way into my favor!

Savory bites of chicken with honey mustard and Tabasco!

The 2009 Cab on our list was definitely noteworthy and one of our Cab lovers in the group proclaimed this to be the best of all.  It certainly was a perfect example of high quality Paso Robles Cabernet with a multi-layered nose from dusty blackberry, hints of jalapeno, leather and dried mushrooms hailing from Paso's rich, red soils.  So complex was this wine, that the entire group was searching to find the best food mate for our sultry friend.  I enjoyed zesty honey mustard Tabasco chicken bites, albeit we unanimously voted a green and black organic dark chocolate bar with almond and currant as the divine match.  And, thusly, we closed out another hard day at the office!

One of our lovely council members, Carmen!

Chatting merrily, cheersing away, and hydrating with plenty of natural spring water, The Temecula Women's Council thoroughly embraced the wines from a sister appellation who started from humble beginnings, much like our Temecula region, fought hard and long to gain respectable standings in the world of wine, ditto to Temecula again, and are finally enjoying the fruits of their labors.  The Project Paso wines reviewed today retail for a modest $14 and may be found in Temecula Old Towne at Rancho Liquor.  For those times when you need to grab & go, Project Paso wines are a sure deal for a great price.

Guest member, Robin, debating with Carmen.

Scrumptious homemade chix salad w/ hints of curry & cranberries.

As the US just surpassed the French in total annual wine comsumption for the first time in history, we cannot sit back and rest on our laurels!  NO!  Indeed!  We still have a ways to go in catching them on amount of wine consummed by individuals...now, get out there and do your part!  Drink wine with every meal, toast every special occasion (like, it's a Tuesday and you live in Southern California!), take wine destination vacations, and support your local wineries!  Make the USA proud! 

To learn more about the Project Paso wines reviewed in The Winemaker's Wench blog, check on the Don & Sons at  http://www.donandsons.com/ourwine/projectpaso/redblend.php

Our hostess, Corie, with Judy in the background.

As always, giant thank you to Corie Maue at
 http://lifehalffull.co/ and http://www.docpros.net/contactus.html

And, of course, a huge thank you to our great guru, Linda Kissam, for having the vision (and patience) to pair this group of winey women together!

Little Black Riding Wench with her basket of goodies!  Delicious salmon in the foreground.

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#!

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

Wine Culture

What wine goes best with an intense drama written by award winning Shem Bitterman and directed by the incomparable Steve Zuckerman set in Colombia amidst a raging war involving drugs, wealth, and idealism? An obvious choice would be a big, strong red to stand up to the mind blowing content of this bold play revolving around a high stakes game of life and death. Perhaps, a better choice would be a 2009 Wiens Family Cellars Pinot Noir to soften the electrifying effects of an evening at the Skylight Theatre in the Los Feliz district of LA. At least, that was the wine of choice by Steve Zuckerman (Everybody Loves Raymond, Murphy Brown, etc., etc.), and even The Winemaker’s Wench isn’t going to argue with such genius.

It was my pleasure and honor to attend this incredible play with such high caliber talent gathered under one roof. After a chance meeting with Mr. Zuckerman a week ago, I found myself traveling back to LA to attend, “A Death in Colombia.” Produced by Gary Grossman, co-owner of The Beverly Hills Playhouse Acting School, “A Death in Colombia,” is a must-see on everyone’s list. I was impressed that Zuckerman was so passionate about this play, that he would take the time to invite, nay, urge this Winemaker’s Wench to attend the show. How could I resist?
Don’t miss this chance to see live theatre that is superbly acted by Joe Regalbuto, best known for his role as Frank in the block buster TV series, “Murphy Brown.” Regalbuto is hauntingly creepy as a deranged CIA agent who has lost touch with reality and his own moral compass. Roxanne Hart plays Lisa with heartfelt emotional pain, tenderness, and anguish as doom looms apparent in the safety of her own apartment in Bogota.

Zuckerman makes a 180 degree turn around from his signature comedic history to expertly make the audience squirm in uneasy anticipation at every twist and turn in this thriller. You are left guessing what’s up next, sitting on the edge of your seat, and gasping until the very end.
This is theatre modified for today’s modern, impatient audiences. From start to finish, the tale unfolds in less than 90 minutes without intermission and with continuous action. Get in. Get on. Get out. I booked online (which gave us priority seating), made a quick Sunday drive into LA with friend and author, Sue Richter, (“Guide to Becoming the 60 Second Lover” www.serabooks@aol.com), easily found free street parking in a nearby neighborhood, enjoyed a meal with plenty of eclectic sidewalk cafes to choose from, hit a Broadway caliber show, and was home in bed by 10:45 pm. For tickets, go to http://www.katselastheatre.com/

Whether you live in the greater LA area, or a neighboring community throughout Southern California…don’t get caught up in a rut, doing the same old same old, going to the regular haunts, seeing the same people day in and day out. Southern California boasts incredible wineries here in Temecula Valley Wine Country, live theatre right in your own town, LA, or San Diego, horseback riding, a day trip to Catalina, scuba lessons, world-class restaurants, cooking classes with famous chefs, beaches, mountains, and the desert!! GET OUT and enjoy the abundance of where we live.

Cork vs Synthetic vs Screw Caps

In the wonderful world of wine, we are at an impasse.  Wine is a very romantic entity with a long and illustrious past.  Wine is entrenched in traditions.  The French, Spanish, and, now, even the Americans have created strict laws and codes of conduct regarding wine.  Wine is a pretentious and fickle lady.  The wine never lies.  Or, does it?!

 

Everything in life evolves.  Modern technology dictates and demands change.  Old-fashioned ways fade into obscurity for newer, more innovative, updated versions.  Do younger generations even know what a percolator is or a sweeper or hootenanny? Who has 8-tracks anymore?  Or, watches black & white TV's?  It only stands to reason that wine should be no different!  It comes down to cork vs. synthetics vs. screw caps.  Those of us who grew up with Boonesfarm, Riunite on Ice, "That's nice!" and, even, Mad Dog 20 (yikes, did I just admit to knowing about that?!  Soo, it was just one New Year's Eve a very long time ago!) know exactly what I'm talking about.  How can any serious wine even dream of adorning an exquisite creation with a screw cap atop?

When my husband and I first met, I was so disappointed to find that he had gasp! sold out, in my book, and was using synthetic corks.  We debated.  He was patient and explained all of the advantages of using the synthetic corks over a natural cork.  Reluctantly, I had to agree that it made sense.  And, it still makes the neat little POP when it's pulled out AND you still get to use the cork screw.  After all, that's part of the whole ceremony that takes place every time you open a bottle of wine.  I was somewhat placated. 

Immediately following this discussion, he popped the rest of the story on me….screw caps are the best and most dependable seal you can put on a wine bottle.  I fainted.

The fact of the matter is….a screw cap is the most evolved form of packaging wine. It always seals perfectly, doesn't add or take anything away from the wine, and doesn't lose its integrity over time.  Let's look at the evidence.  True corked wine can become…well, CORKED!  Did you know that about 1 in 20 bottles pick up a musty, wet cardboard taste from natural cork?  How many times have you anxiously opened a long-anticipated bottle of wine to accompany your meal only to find the cork was dried out? It crumbled into your wine? It allowed air to seep in? It has a funky smell and putrid vinegar taste?  Now what do you do?

We still have far to go on the acceptance of the screw cap.  It's coming, though.  Prepare yourselves.  In the tradition of watching the last steam engine roaring past (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmtvA0yJyTU) to giving up your Erica phone for push button to cell, albums to cassettes to CD's and i-tunes, the screw caps are coming.  Make way for progress.



The Erica Phone



Lots of great wine related activities surround us during the summer months.  The Temecula wineries are knocking themselves out to power pack fun and wine for your summer pleasure.  Check out http://www.temeculanightout.com/

THE place to go for All the places to go!

Get out there and support our local wine industry! 

Cheers & Joy!!



Secret Ingredient Contest

Are you a foodie?  Do you love to create in the kitchen?  Have you dreamed of entering a cook off?  Are you ready for some serious Wine & Dine fun in Temecula Valley?  If you answered Yes, to any or all of these questions, then have I got the contest for you!

Secret Ingredient Recipe Cook Off is coming to Temecula Valley's Wine Country, Southern California's premiere wine region.  Temecula Nightout at http://www.temeculanightout.com/ is sponsoring the first ever Garlic Cook Off contest (No, The Wench, cannot keep a secret!) to be held at Danza del Sol Winery http://www.danzadelsolwinery.com/.  This fab event will feature 5-Star Chef, Michael Cragg, formerly from The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LagunaNiguel/Default.htm, and presently with his own Temecula Catering Company and Cooking School, http://temecula-catering.com/. 

Do not tarry to enter!  Get your recipes in by June 30, 2011.  Email Recipe@TemeculaNightOut.com with your "Original" Garlic recipe.  Chef Cragg will choose two lucky finalists then guide them with his prepping and preparing expertise as they move on to the final event on July 31, 2011.  In addition to delish garlic dishes and tasty wines, Diego Mondragon will be delighting the audience with his smooth sounds of Latin-jazz fusion tunes violin style.

The first place winner will receive a "Never to be Forgotten" 5 Star Gourmet Dinner for two prepared and cooked personally by Chef Michael and accompanied with Danza del Sol Wines. 

As a member of a prestigious group of media representatives, I had the opportunity to experience the incredible food personally prepared by Chef Michael.  The pairings with Mike Tingly's wines from Danza and the perfect soulful music of Mondragon set the stage for a winning event in July.

Temecula Nightout is the ONE place to go for ALL of the places to go!  Don't be left out!  Submit your entry today and be ready to be whisked away.  Do you have what it takes to be crowned the Garlic Champion of Temecula Valley Wine Country?

Sexy Senoritas Sipping Spanish Wines

“Well I never been to Spaiiiiin, but, I kinda like their music…” and, wine!  From the popular, Three Dog Night, song from 1971, I added my own flair to the end of that phrase, after sipping through the Navarro Region of Spain at the latest Women’s Wine Council.  Another delightful wine fiesta in the company of some savvy, spicy senoritas.  Out of six different wines that were sampled, there wasn’t a bad one in the bunch.  All of the wines were solid and enjoyable.  Were they all my personal favorites?  Now that’s a stretch!  But, as a hostess, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy or serve any of these wines.

We started the tasting with a 2009 Otazu Chardonnay.  I didn’t expect to be impressed.  After all, we mainly hear about vino tinto, tempranillos, or riojas associated with Spanish wines.  This Chard started off with aromas reminiscent of a Sauvignon Blanc.  However, once sampled, it had more of a green apple flavor and a flat finish.  The pleasant surprise came in how nicely it paired with several of the dishes; including a lovely homemade Spanish olive tapenade with almonds, parmesan, and a hint of anchovy and a spectacular cilantro and onion shrimp ceviche.  Ole!

The second wine in our lineup was the 2010 Torrecilla Rose.  It started flirting with me from the first scents of dry, earthy aromas and finished tempting me with hints of strawberry notes.  The Rose didn’t stop tantalizing there, oh, no!  It continued to tease with a very light mouth feel that slowly turned into some big, bold tannins.  The real treat came, once more, with how well it did the cha-cha with smoked salmon from The Fish House Veracruz, merengued with soft brie giving the wine a smart, fresh flavor; and, finally sizzled with chicken empanadas packed with roasted red and poblano peppers and cream cheese.  Hotchihuahua!

Next on our list was a lovely 2008 Malon de Echaide Tinto Roble (Granacha) with a modest 13.5% alcohol content.  Is it any wonder that this wine was a delight coming from 20+ year old vines?   It was a joyful sensory overload full of mushroom and earthy tones giving way to a deeper smoky and black licorice taste.  Can I just say, for the record, that if Pee Wee Herman had been around, he would have married this wine AND the incredible chocolate chip brownies with fresh ground cloves, on the spot!  And, YUM!  This Tinto Roble absolutely popped with the above mentioned chicken empanadas. 

On to number four, was the classic Marco Real Crianza (Tempranillo) from 2006.  More old vines, a year in oak, and all from a state of the art winery.  Big, black, coffee aroma with hints of vanilla.  The shocker was at how light and smooth tasting this Tempranillo was until paired with food.  The crowd pleasing empanadas brought out the bolder tones in this wine and served quite nicely with the brownies.

The 2008 Inurrieta Sur was a blend of Granacha, Syrah, and Graciano and one has to love this vino for being aged six months on American oak!  Bully for them!  (Or, should I say Toro!)  This blend had beautiful aromas with a mix of spicy smokiness and black pepper.  The strangest food combo of the day was a mint, prosciutto, brie bite that hit a homerun with our group and this particular wine.  A big thumbs up and double Ole’s from me on this one!

We ended our trip to Spain with a lemony fresh tasting 2010 Ochoa Moscatel.  Let me be the first to admit, I am not a syrupy dessert wine type-of-person.  However, when it partnered with the spicy mango slice on the chocolate chip brownie, all of my pre-conceived notions disappeared.  This stuff was muy bueno!

When the tallies were all in, I was surprised that my top three picks came in the top three spots with the group.  After only one other meeting, is our group already developing a sense of collective palates?!  The Inurriate Sur earned the number one spot.  Second place went to the smooth Malon de Echaide Tinto Roble and the Tempranillo nabbed the bronze.  Rounding out the roster was the Rose in fourth, the Chardonnay was fifth, and the desert wine rounded out our roster at sixth.  As one friend recently said to me, her dream was to drink her way across Europe.  After this tasting, I don’t think I would mind starting off in Spain!

For recipes used in this tasting, go to http://winesofnavarra.com/cuisine/.  Special thanks to The Wine Company, http://www.tvwineco.com/, of Temecula for our door prizes!

Some articles by "The Wench" can also be viewed at Temecula Nightout http://www.temeculanightout.com/.  Like them AND me, The Winemaker's Wench, on FB!

Must See Video

Our former marketing manager, Suzanne Schaffner, included this clever clip in her comments to my "Wish I Had a Nickel" posting from yesterday!  The hilarity is in the irony of everything the characters say.  It pretty much sums up the outsider looking in viewpoint of owning a winery.

For me, the days of "Falcon Crest" resonate in my ears when I think of life in the vines.  Fast cars, hot guys (Lorenzo Lamas is STILL sizzling!), sexy women, cat fights, black tie galas, and diamonds galore!  hahahahahahaha!  More like old pick ups, dirty jeans, grape-stained hands, and long, stressful days.

Watch and enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcjVfXBxvdg

Wish I had a nickel!

....for every time someone tells me, "It's always been our dream to have a winery."  It's a great dream to have and far be it from me to squelch anyone's dream....BUT!  This definitely fits into the category of, "Be careful what you wish for, it just may come true!"

People visit us from all over the world and it's alway a thrill to see tourists outside of our winery snapping away memories to take with them.  My husband is absolutely passionate about what he does and on most any given day, merrily whistles whilst he works!  Winemaking is an honorable and gratifying profession.  A winemaker is able to observe the fruits of one's labor from start to finish.  He is involved in every aspect from bud to bottle.  And, he loves every minute of it.

Make no mistake, it is way over romanticized and definitely not for the faint of heart!  I have a dear friend who has a deep passion for all things wine!  A few years ago, Angel was emphatic about wanting to become a winemaker.  So, my patient man helped her do due diligence, "Are you good at Math?"  "Ummm, no, not really."  "Do you like Science?"  "Yeh, noo, not particularly."  "Are you prepared for years of classes and internships and long hours and working for next to nothing?"  "Yikes!  Maybe I'll just keep drinking wine and enjoying that aspect of it."  Good answer!

Then, there's the whole money side of it.  I can't speak to all areas of the United States, but if you're going to start up a winery in California, you better have deep pockets.  Whatever your budget is, triple or quadruple it.  Don't expect returns for at least five years.  Be ready for healthy servings of political red tape and numerous rounds with the city and county.  If a large, extended family is involved, get out your boxing gloves, smelling salts, and be ready to go the distance.  If business partners are solicited, be prepared for ruthlessness, cutthroat conniving con artists, lawsuits, criminal activities, heart break, stolen ideas, and debt.  Have you heard enough?  Are you dissuaded yet?  Don't even get me started on just wanting to grow grapes as a little side business.  Actually, I'll let my brother, Dave, field those questions!

Right now I'm feeling like the neighborhood bully that just told a 5 year old that there's no Santa, the toothfairy is your parents, and Bambi's mother gets killed in the movie.  As you dejectably walk away with your head bent down, tears in your eyes, and dragging your little grape vines behind you, let me tell you the upside!

First and foremost....FREEE WINE!  duuuuh!  Okay, seriously...well, that IS seriously, gobs & gobs of free wine (but, that in itself can be a dilemma as well--Jenny Craig,  http://www.jennycraig.com/& Gold's Gym http://www.goldsgym.com/ love me!)  Alright, alright, I'll be really serious.  Opening your own winery means a full social calendar with more events, concerts, dinners, parties, and travel than you can imagine.  Meeting wonderful wine enthusiasts from all walks of life and corners of the world are definite bonuses.  Having a sense of pride and accomplishment at the end of every harvest/crush season is priceless.  Feeling good that you're selling happiness, good times, and special memories, awesome.  Leaving a lasting legacy for future generations, check!  Enjoying the comaraderie and cooperation that it takes to become and remain successful, heart warming.

Through our winery, I've met incredible musicians like Lukas Nelson, http://www.promiseofthereal.com/, who says things like, "Yes, Ma'am." and "It's an honor to be compared to my dad."  Or, Dave Wakeling,  http://www.davewakeling.com/home.asp, who loves us so much he just performed for the 4th year in a row.  Even famous DJ's like Richard Blade, http://www.richardblade.com/.  He and his wife can't get enough of us and even renewed their 10th wedding anniversary vows at our place last year. 

Not to mention, a built-in place to entertain friends and family.  I barely clean my house anymore!  Out-of-town guests...sure!  Meet us at the winery.  Family gatherings?  Head on over to the winery and we'll have a picnic on the grounds.  Need to get my girlfriends together?  Join me for an afternoon of wine tasting in our private reserve room.

Nothing in life that's worthwhile comes easy.  For most of us, there is no free handouts.  (How many more of those sage dad-isms can I quote?)  The bottom line is that owning a winery and making it in the wine business takes hard work and perserverance.  When all is said and done, at the end of the day, as you sit on your patio and watch the beautiful California sunset, while you sip on an incredible Sangiovese or Bordeaux-style blend, the winemaker and his wench sigh a collective sigh of happiness and make a toast to life, love, and abundant blessings.

Temecula's Wine & Balloon Festival!

Flashing lights, cacophonous noise, jamming beats, free flowing wine, crowds, and every kind of food imaginable.   Oh, and gigantic, glowing hot air balloons.  It’s that time again!  Temecula’s annual Wine & Balloon Festival.  Is it possible it could be bigger and better than ever?!  Over 20 years in the running and a resounding YES!  The festival planning committee keeps adding more features and improving conditions in order to enhance the attendee’s experience.  ( I especially appreciate the water truck sprinkling away to keep the dust at bay!)

Last night the merriment opened with the smooth sounds of Ambrosia on the main stage, looking and sounding better than ever, warming up the crowd for the incomparable Dennis DeYoung and the music of Styx.  DeYoung found his groove early when he opened with “Come Sail Away” and continued creating a smash performance with more of Styx’s greatest hits of all time  including, “Mr. Roboto,” “Too Much Time on My Hands,” and rounding out the evening with a beautiful rendition of “Babe I Love You.”  I swooned!  DeYoung’s voice was as fresh and lively as it was 30 years ago when they hit the scene.  His performance delivered and delighted the throngs as he dished out humorous old-man quips telling fans that his jeans were pulled all the way up to here (pointing to his chest) under his jacket and a crack or two about his prostate.   If you check out their official fan page, you’ll find that they have their own brand of coffee!  http://www.styxworld.com/

If you haven’t been to the festival ever or since the earlier days, especially if you’re a local, you owe it to yourself to get out there and see what the buzz is all about.  Row after row of decorated booths boasting of Temecula’s finest wineries where you will meet celebrated winemakers and family members.  Talk to them up close and personal.  Find out their stories and learn their secrets to success.  For the more discerning wine goers, there’s even a premium flight of wine tasting available this year.  Get into the cabana club and chillax under cover with members of the bands and other festival VIP’s!  Indulge AND give to a good cause with the Red Cross annual Wine & Food Pairing event.  Stroll amongst the hundreds of vendors showcasing the latest and greatest products that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!  And, of course, there’s food galore….kettle corn, BBQ, cotton candy, funnel cakes, Greek, Mexican, Thai, ice cream, Italian, and on and on and on!!!

What are you waiting for?  Quit reading this!  Get off your duff and get to Temecula’s Wine & Balloon Festival !  Come early and stay late for the smash hits of Third Eye Blind.  Look for me, I’ll be sporting a cowboy hat with flashing neon lights, a giant lightsabor, glowsticks, and a bedazzled wine glass hanging around  my neck yelling “WHOOOO HOOOOO!”….or, not….you’ll never know if you don’t go!!

Wine Etiquette

One of the greatest pleasures I discovered many years ago was the beauty and fun of wine tasting.  Exploring the various wineries and their distinct personalities, picking up cheese and fruit for our anticipated midday picnic, the thrill of your specially selected purchases, culminating with the heady rush of a memorable day in wine country; it didn't get much better!  Did I mention that we didn't pay one cent for tastings, not even a dime to tip our servers, and, whoever heard of a wine club?

Fast-forward about 20 years (I just aged myself, didn't I?)  It's a whole new scene.  The world of wine tasting has vastly changed over time.  Wine tasting has become big business.  It's the Disneyland of drinking packed full of fun for adults.  For those of you who remember the days of free tastings and now grumble about the cost of admission…peek in the back room of a winery nowadays and view the cases upon cases of wine poured in just one busy day.  It's mind-boggling.  With a boom in wine business nationwide and such an emphasis on wine regions as vacation destinations, the wineries had to implement a tasting fee to help off-set their ever increasing costs to provide this service.  In return, most wineries include a fun logo glass with the fee, apply credit toward your purchases, reimburse you the fee for joining their wine club, OR a combination thereof.

Tipping.  Obviously, tipping your server is not mandatory.  However, if you have a server that has taken the time to educate you on the distinct wines of that particular winery, patiently answered your questions, helped you make buying decisions, given you excellent service all around...what better way to show your gratitude than a tip.  It's not always easy dealing with large crowds that have been imbibing all day and sometimes not on their best behavior. 

So what's with all the wine clubs?   These are wonderful perks that the wineries have created with their wine patrons in mind.  While wine clubs vary from winery to winery, most will not cost anything to join.  They offer you discounts on everything from wine, gifts, and events plus exclusive offers on select wines, wine-club only events, and free tastings.  If you fall in love with a certain winery, by all means, join the wine club!

My husband and I are blessed to be in the wine industry and as a result are often treated to complementary tastings when we're out exploring.  As our thank you, we never leave a winery without a purchase or two, even if we weren't totally jazzed about the wine.  It's a matter of courtesy.  We also make sure we take good care of our server as well.  It creates goodwill and, often, they'll return the favor by visiting our winery in the future.  If you are lucky enough to receive free tastings whether due to an industry perk or through a coupon; please, please show your appreciation by purchasing something at the establishment and leave something for your server. 

It's a little thing called wine etiquette.

A Match Made in Wine Country

 Several years ago, a co-worker wondered if I would like to meet her single brother.  Not another blind date!  He was moving from Lodi to Southern California. Groan!  He was a winemaker.  Hey! This is getting interesting.  They were starting a winery in Temecula.  Sold!  I'll meet him. 

I'm a wine enthusiast from way back.  And, in spite of being a Midwest girl, my wine journey began when my brother moved to San Francisco and I fell in love with the Napa wineries.  Later, another brother bought land in Paso Robles and turned eleven acres into a vineyard.  I guess you could say that wine was in my blood.  Needless to say, the blind date turned out to be a match made in wine country.

 Where else would a winemaker go on his honeymoon but France?  France it was!  However, we only spent an afternoon in Bordeaux.  The rest of the trip we were immersed in the Champagne Region.  Imagine our thrill when the people at Moet Chandon learned my husband was a winemaker and gave us our own private tasting….in the Napoleon room!  My husband was supercharged and immediately began planning the release of his very first sparkler.  It had to be a French name.  It had to be romantic sounding.  It had to be unique!  Amour De L'Orange!  It quickly became one of our best selling whites.  Hmmm, could it be the special ingredient he infused into it?  

Besides our time in France, we spent almost a year researching champagnes and sparkling wines (our work is never ending!).  It was fun and enlightening.  I encourage all of you to take your own champagne journey.  Each time you go to one of our Temecula wineries that boast sparkling wine or stop by your favorite wine shop, pick up a different kind of champagne.  Compare a brut to a blanc de blanc or a cuvee to a blanc de noirs.  Notice the difference in sweetness, bouquets, or dryness.  Compare French to American to Chilean and so on.  Expand your champagne knowledge and discover which one most suits your personal tastes. 

 When the famous monk, Dom Perignon, discovered his amazing champagne creation, he was quoted as saying, "Come quickly, Brothers! I am drinking the stars!"  What a beauitful quote.  I could end there, but aren’t you the least curious as to what that secret ingredient is in my husband’s sparkling wine?  The answer is, "When you drink our Amour De L'Orange, you're drinking love!" 

A favorite, musical artist and friend of mine, Kiki Ebsen, has a CD that she released several years ago entitled, "Love Loud."  That pretty much sums up my life!!  I hope the same for you!  Until next time, love loud!  Sante!