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!

Next stop on our tour was David's self-proclaimed most prized child of all, his 2009 Monterey County Pinot Noir.  He compared this wine to your perfect child.  The one that never gave you any trouble, received all A's, and was the Valedictorian of her class.  That sums up this beautifully crafted Pinot Noir.  A few weeks later, I was thrilled to find this wine in a little Fareway grocery store while on a trip back to Omaha, Nebraska.  You can bet I was snatching up this little jewel with happy exclamations of oh's and ah's!  The chef at Bo-beau's, Katherine Humphus, surprised us all again with a unique pairing of croque madame tartine cooked to perfection. 


Chef Katherine and her pizza baker



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



Our fun group!




Writer Sue Richter discusses wine with Bridlewood's Megan Verardi




Troy Johnson will appear on Food Network this fall on their new series, "Crave!"





Sue and The Loveable Wench toast a perfect evening!




Poetry in food and wine



An Evening with Jay Alexander

Kimberly Seilhamer

Once in awhile, someone comes along in your life who is so amazing and inspirational that you can't help but feel humbled and blessed just by knowing them.  For me, Kimberly Seilhamer is one such person.  Kimberly is a successful writer, producer, and director whose most current film project, "Jack the Reaper," just nabbed the top prize in the Horror/SciFi category at the Cannes Independent Film Festival. 

For most, this in itself is a fulfilling accomplishment and it would be easy to rest on your laurels and/or start planning your sequels!  And, YES, Kimberly is doing just that.  However, in addition to her love of film is a long standing love for animals and a desire to make this world a better place for all living creatures.  Enter stage right, The Baakari Foundation.  Kimberly's passion and creation of this foundation manifests itself in one simple mission, "...we strive to make the world a better place for all creatures, great and small, including man. 

The Baakari Foundation is centered around a fictional character who is a Bull African Elephant and goes by the name of Baakari.  But, what he stands for and what the Baakari Foundation does is real.  "Awaken your spirit...change the world" is what Baakari challenges us all to do.  The Baakari Foundation is all encompassing as it spans wildlife conservation education (using documentary film production and public service announcements), domestic and wild animal rescue, endangered land acquisition, charitable giving, and sanctuaries.  Baakari has a trunk full of love to offer and is far reaching in his ability to help make a difference locally, nationally, and internationally.

Kimberly and her foundation are based in Temecula, California.  To keep current on foundation activites, please visit their website at http://www.baakari.org/.  Follow them on Facebook and join their Twitter account at Baakaricares.  But, WAIT, there's more you can do right now!  The Baakari Foundation is holding a benefit at the Old Town Temecula Theatre on Saturday, August 20th with Comedy Mentalist Jay Alexander.  http://http//www.jayalexander.com/

Ever wonder who the stars turn to when they need a good laugh and mesmerizing evening?  Jay Alexander is that man.  Jay has dazzled such A-listers as Robin Williams and Bono to rave reviews and repeated performances over the years.  Jay has appeared on the Today Show, MTV, and Good Morning, America and creates customized shows for Fortune 500 Companies.  Jay Alexander is one of the top corporate and society entertainers in the country.  And, he's coming to Temecula! 

To purchase tickets for this one night only engagement, go to http://www.temeculatheater.org/ or call the box office at 866-653-8696.  Join your friends and other local celebrities for this special evening out in Old Town Temecula.  Make it date night or a chance to catch up with folks you're overdue to socialize with! Dine out prior to the show at one of Old Town's fabulous restaurants such as:

The Edge http://www.edgelounge.com/
The Public House http://publichouse.tv/
Soro's Mediterranean Grill http://www.sorosgrilltemecula.com/
The Gambling Cowboy http://thegamblingcowboy.com/

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry and FEEL GOOD that you are supporting an incredible cause!  The Winemaker AND his Wench will be there.  Won't you join us?!

Hamlet Amongst the Vines

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!

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!!