St. Paddy’s Day (and Weekend) Festivities

1.) St. Patrick’s Day Green Wine & Pizza
Wednesday, March 17th, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
St. Patrick’s Day is normally associated with beer, but we’ve got a great alternative for a wine lover’s St. Paddy’s celebration: green wine with corned beef and cabbage pizza – the ultimate Irish indulgence.
$10 for pizza and wine tasting. We’ll be celebrating our Santa Barbara Green Business Certification as well!
www.riverbench.com

2.) St. Patrick’s Day Movie Feature: Waking Ned Devine at Core Wine Company
Thursday, March 18th; 6:15-8pm
Bring in a sandwich or burger of your choice and enjoy with a glass or bottle of CORE Wine Company wines. Check Facebook or Twitter for last minute changes or updates. www.corewinecompany.com

3.) St. Patrick’s Day Wine Down
Friday, March 10; 6:30-9:00pm
$15/cellar club members; $20/nonmembers
www.mpwevents.com

4.) Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser
Saturday, March 20th 6:30pm
Come support your community and have a good time in the process. There will be appetizers and live music. $20 at the door will include wine tasting. Additional glasses & bottles available for purchase with portion of proceeds going to the B&G Club. www.cdowinery.com

Valentine’s Weekend Events 2010

You’ll be sure to impress your Valentine this year if you take her (or him) to a wine event. There are many events to choose from during the weekend of February 12th-14th, 2010. Take a look….

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12th:
1.) McKeon-Phillips Winery Valentines Day Event
Feb 12th, 2010- 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

MENU

Shellfish Crepe
Of crab, shrimp & scallop
w/ béchamel sauce
2007 GC Chardonnay

Gruyere-fontina fondue
2006 Leonardo

Cornish Game Hens,
Mushroom wild rice & root vegetables,
w/spicy citrus Madeira glaze
2006 Nebbiolo

Chocolate fondue
Ladyfingers
2001 BPR Cabernet Sauvignon

2.) Special Valentine’s Day Shopping Event
Trilogy Club House, Avila Room
Thursday, Feb. 12th, 6-9pm
Costa de Oro will be pouring wine and selling Gift Baskets & Boxes, Gift Cards, and Special Wine Packages, including our Syrah Port and Chocolate Cups! Flowers, jewelry, and food items also available. www.cdowinery.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13th:
1.) Byron’s Tasting Room Grand Opening
Byron has scheduled music, aphrodisiac noshes, charming company (including members of our winemaking and viticultural team), and a wide selection of Byron’s current releases, library wines and rare bottlings. On both Saturday and Sunday we’ll be offering:
• 2 for 1 tasting fees ($10 per couple; wine club members complimentary)
• Luscious appetizers prepared by New West Catering
• A sensory exploration of the aromatics found in Byron wines
• Live jazz

Date: Saturday and Sunday, February 13th -14th
Time: 11:00am – 6:00pm both days
Location: 2367 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441 – two blocks north of flagpole

Please call Katy at 888-938-7310 with any questions.

2.) Tres Hermanas Winery Valentines Dinner
• February 13th, 2010
• Location: 9660 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, CA
• Music, Dinner & Live Auction
• All proceeds benefit the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society

Valentines Celebration held in historic barn! Hors d’ oeuvres at 6:00pm Dinner includes Santa Maria Style Barbeque at 7:00. Beer, wine, malted beverages and soft drinks available. Tickets are pre-sold only. Table reservations can be made for groups of 10 or more, with maximum table seating 12. Each table will have two bottles of Tres Hermanas estate Syrah donated by Tres Hermanas Winery. Tickets are available now until February 3rd. We need your help to ensure that Santa Maria Valley Humane Society can continue to be a safe place for animals in need for years to come. If you are in need of a friend, visit your local animal shelter.

Tickets $35 Per Person, $25/pp for wine club members
Tasting Room: (805)937-8451 Hours: 10-5 Daily

3.)

Mandolina New Release Party
Saturday, February 13th from 6-8 pm
For you valentines who will be visiting us over the weekend of February 14th, we have scheduled a Mandolina New Release Party where we will officially release and taste three new 2009 Italian wines: the beautiful Malvasia Bianca that you have been waiting for, Muscat Canelli, and the lightly sweet Moscato made from Orange Muscat.

Look for special release pricing on these 3 wines and enjoy live music, cheese and light appetizers,
a surprise announcement for Mandolina fans only, and the company of good friends.

Event will be held at the Mandolina Tasting Room and is complimentary to Mandolina, L&L, and Owners’ Select Wine Club members (2 admissions per club account) and $20 per guest.

No RSVP required but expect a crowd unless it’s still raining! For more information, phone 1.888.777.6663.

4.) Cottonwood Canyon Futures Event: Sample 11 unreleased wines from 11am-2pm, mostly pinot noirs with five great appetizers. www.cottonwoodcanyon.com

5.) Summerland Winery’s Lucious Wines & Divine Chocolate Pairing. February 13th & 14th. 11am-5pm. 2-for-1 Wine & Chocolate Pairing plus 10% off all wine purchases.www.summerlandwine.com/

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14th:
1.) Chocolate and Wine at Riverbench Vineyard and Winery
Chocolate, wine and Valentine’s Day- sounds like the perfect date! Join us Sunday, February 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for delectable chocolate and wine pairings, and get your own box of chocolates to take home with your purchase of our 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir. Riverbench Vineyard and Winery is located at 6020 Foxen Canyon Road in Santa Maria. (805) 937-8340.

2.) Lucas & Lewellen Valentine’s Day Winemaker Dinner
Date: Sunday, February 14th
Time: 6 PM
Location: The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott “Jockey Club” at 555 McMurray Road in Buellton
Treat your valentine to a romantic wine dinner featuring Lucas & Lewellen wines at the charming Jockey Club at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott.

MENU
Champagne Reception with Butler Passed Hors d’Oeuvres
Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms, Coconut Shrimp with Mango Chutney, and Pork Potstickers with Soy Ginger Sauce

First Course
Poached Pear Salad with Bibb, Endive, Arugula, Baby Spinach, Candied Walnuts and Gorgonzola
with Raspberry Vinaigrette and Warm French Rolls
served with Lucas & Lewellen Rosé of Pinot Noir

Intermezzo
Rose Petal Sorbet

Second Course
Small Plate of Lobster Tail with Lemon Beurre Blanc Sauce with Baby Vegetables
served with Lucas & Lewellen Chenin Blanc

Third Course
Filet Mignon with Lucas & Lewellen Merlot Mushroom Sauce
with Blue Cheese Red Skin Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus with Roasted Red Pepper
served with Lucas & Lewellen Cabernet Sauvignon, Cote del Sol

Fourth Course
Chocolate Indulgence with Lucas & Lewellen Port Wine Chocolate Sauce and Fresh Raspberries

$100 per couple, not including tax and gratuity.
For dinner reservations, more information, and to secure a special room rate of $119 on Sunday, February 14th, which includes breakfast, contact Susie Harrison at the Marriott at 805.325.2000.

3.) Testa’s Bistro: 5 Course Valentine’s Day Menu

Testa’s Bistro Valentines Dinner
5 Course Dinner with Complimentary Champagne
Your choice of one option per course

1st Course
-Fire Roasted Artichoke Quarter with Chipotle Aioli
-Goat Cheese Stuffed Tear Drop Tomato topped with a sprig of fresh Dill

2nd Course
-Lobster Bacon Roll with Tomato Puree’
-Lamb Lollipop with Syrah reduction and Fresh Mint

3rd Course
-Corsa Arrugula Salad with Flame Roasted Portabella Mushroom, Avocado, Corn, Shaved Parmesan with Blood Orange Vinaigrette
-Onion Soup with Guiness Beef Broth Base with Melted Gruyere and Crispy Baguette Chip

4th Course
-Miso Marinated Black Cod resting on Saffron Fried Risotto and Garlic baby BokChoy with a pool of bacon broth
-Certified Angus Beef New York Steak topped with Truffle Butter, Grilled Shallots and Garlic over Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus.

5th Course
-Chocolate Souffle accompanied with Fresh Citrus and Raspberries
-Fried Bananas served over Vanilla Gelato and warm Rum molasses

Complimentary Champagne Upon Arrival
5 Course Dinner- $55 Per Guest
5 Course w/ Wine Pairng- $70 Per Guest
Complimentary Corkage Fee
Single Seating Starting at 5:30pm. Reservations Required
805-349-1122
Tracy@TestaCatering.com
Tax & Gratuity will be added

4.) Far Western Tavern’s Valentine’s Day Dinner:

Valenties Day Dinner Special

Appetizer Special
Ravioli with roasted garlic cream sauce
$8.95

Dinner Special
Shrimp cocktail and mixed green salad with choice of dressing
8oz. prime top sirloin and a 9oz. Lobster tail with drawn
butter and lemon
served with garlic`chive mashed potatoes
$42.95

Dessert
Crispy Cannolis filled with dried cherry and chocolate ricotta cheese
drizzled with sweet Pinot Noir reduction
$6.95

Far Western Tavern
899 Guadalupe St, Guadalupe, Ca 93434
Reservation call or go to our website
805-343-2211
www.farwesterntavern.com

Valentine Gifts from the Wine Country

Picking out the perfect Valentine’s gift can be a difficult task. Don’t stress! We have affordable gift ideas for you and your loved one to share.

WINE

1.) SWEETHEART TASTING PACK from RANCHO SISQUOC

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, our Sweetheart Tasting Pack is the perfect treat for your loved one. It includes the following favorites:

1 bottle Riesling
1 bottle Syrah
1 bottle Chardonnay
This tasting pack is priced at $45.60 – a 20% savings. Visit their online Winestore to order or call the tasting room at 805-934-4332.

2.) Wine-inspired jewelry and fashion at COSTA DE ORO:
Choose from a variety of grape and wine inspired jewelry and women’s fashion at Costa de Oro. If that doesn’t do the trick, there are always many other gift choices in their tasting room ranging from chocolate sauce to brittle to wine stoppers. Costa de Oro is also having a sale (while supplies last) on the following wines:
2007 Sauvignon Blanc $8/btl, $80/cs
2006 Vintage Red $10/btl, $100/cs (Blend of Tempranillo, Syrah, Cab, Petite Sirah)

3.) Sparkling Chardonnay from RIVERBENCH
Riverbench is releasing their brand new sparkling wine on February 13th–just in time for Valentine’s Day!

HOTELS

1.) ROMANCE PACKAGE from the RADISSON HOTEL
The Radisson Hotel in Santa Maria is offering a “Romance Package” at $249, which includes room, dinner for two, turndown service with chocolates, breakfast for two and evening entertainment throughout the weekend with a live jazz band “The Storm” and “Carole McNeil” on Valentine’s Night! Call 866-292-4676 to book this incredible deal.

2.) A SUITE DEAL from BEST WESTERN BIG AMERICA
• A two room mini suite with a king size bed
• Deluxe continental breakfast served in our beautiful lobby
from 6am – 10am
• Heated outdoor pool & spa
• Early check in at 10am and late check out at 3pm
• A certificate for $30 from A.J. Spurs Saloon & Dining Hall
Enjoy this incredible hotel package for only $99 (plus tax) any day throughout the month of February. Call 1-800-426-3213 to reserve this deal today.

3.) VALENTINE’S DAY WEEKEND at THE HISTORIC SANTA MARIA INN:

The rate of $229 is valid Friday, February 12, Saturday, February 13 or Sunday, February 14. The package includes an overnight stay in a deluxe Original Inn room, a chilled bottle of champagne and box of chocolates upon check-in, $75 dinner voucher toward our featured menu in the Garden Room Restaurant, Full American Breakfast Buffet for two in the morning, late checkout at 2 p.m., and complimentary entrance to the Tap Room featuring live music by Steppin’ Out. Rate includes all taxes and gratuities. Guests may upgrade to our Champagne Sunday Brunch for an additional $30. The Historic Santa Maria Inn is located at 801 S. Broadway in Santa Maria. (805) 928-7777. www.santamariainn.com

Wine Christmas Passport 2009 Raffle Winners

Our first year hosting a raffle during the Wine Christmas Passport was a big success. We were excited to give something back to you for purchasing wine during your visit.

For every 2 bottles of wine purchased by attendees during the passport weekend, they were entered in a raffle to win any of the following prizes. Congratulations to the winners (listed below)!

FOOD:
-Sunday Brunch for two at the Raddison hotel’s VINTNER’S GRILL
WINNER: Liz Lewis

-Lunch for 4 at Garey Store & Deli
WINNER: Dawn Robbins, dawnrobbins@sbcglobal.net

WINE:
- Complimentary wine tasting at Kynsi for up to four people
- One bottle Kynsi 2007 PINOT BLANC Bien Nacido Vineyard, SMV
- One bottle Kynsi 2006 PINOT NOIR Bien Nacido Vineyard, SMV
WINNER: Jacki Hampton

-Tasting for two at Summerland Winery
-2 bottles of Summerland 2007 Vintners Select Santa Maria Valley
WINNER: Sheila Smith

SERVICES:
-1 month free temperature-controlled storage* at ROEMER WAY SELF-STORAGE
WINNER: Marcel London

-30% off a new rental order* from CLASSIC PARTY RENTALS
WINNER: Genevieve Gardener

Qupé Chardonnay on TODAY

Sommelier Aldo Sohm of Le Bernadin restaurant discusses affordable wines on The Today Show. One of the wines he recommends, and a favorite of the hosts, Kathy Lee and Hoda, is a Qupé Chardonnay from Bien Nacido Vineyards (with a nice mention of the Santa Maria Valley).

Cookie & Wine Pairing Recipe #7: Cambria

These Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies from Martha Stewart Living pair perfectly with Cambria‘s Syrah.

Suggested alterations to recipe: Omit the freshly grated ginger. Semi-sweet chocolate chips can be substituted instead of cuttting up the chocolate into chunks.

Prefer Pinot? Try this Oatmeal Toffee Cookie recipe instead.

Cookie & Wine Pairing #6: Kenneth Volk

Raspberry and Almond Shortbread Thumbprints

Ingredients:
1 Cup butter, softened
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
3/4 tsp almond extract
1 tsp milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, cream together butter and white sugar until smooth. Mix in 1/2 tsp almond extract. Mix in flour until dough comes together. Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Make a small hole in the center of each ball, using your thumb and finger, and fill the hole with preserves.

Bake for 14 to 18 minutes in preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Let cool 1 minute on the cookie sheet.

In a medium bowl, mix together the confectioners sugar, 3/4 tsp almond extract and milk until smooth. Drizzle lightly over warm cookies.

Source: All Recipes

Pair with Kenneth Volk Vyd. 2007 Viognier.

Cookie & Wine Pairing #5: Foxen

Olive Oil Cookies

Yield: About 4 dozen cookies
Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup olive oil, plus a little for cookie sheet
• 3/4 cup , or a little more, dry red wine

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the dry ingredients. Beat the eggs with the olive oil and wine. Use a rubber spatula to stir the liquid mix into the dry one, just until well combined; if the mixture is stiff, add a little more wine.
2. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto a lightly oiled cookie sheet and back 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool a couple of minutes, then remove the cookies to a rack to cool further.

Pair with 2007 Foxen Pinot Noir.

Suggestion: support your local economy and buy local olive oil such as Global Garden’s Olive Oil (seen in photo above) or olive oils made by your local winery.

Cookie & Wine Pairing #4: Costa de Oro

Potato Chip Cookies

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup crushed potato chips
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350F. Cream shortening, butter, sugar and egg yolk. Add rest of the ingredients. Make into balls, flatten with a fork. Bake 12-14 minutes. Sprinkle sugar on top while hot.

This cookie goes very well with the Costa de Oro ’07 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay.

Submitted by Audra Vasquez (it was her grandmother’s recipe).

Cookie & Wine Pairing #3: Riverbench

No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Bars
from Martha Stewart Living

Coat a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-3 inch overhang on long sides.

Chop 9 ounces of chocolate wafers until they are fine crumbs. Combine these with 1 ½ cups oats, 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar, and ¼ tsp. salt.

Melt 1 stick and 2 tbsp. unsalted butter on medium heat and then add 1 cup chunky peanut butter and ¾ cup smooth peanut butter. Whisk until combined. Add to wafer mixture and stir until just moist. Flatten into parchment lined dish and chill for half an hour.

Melt 10 ounces chocolate chips and pour over chilled bars until entire surface is covered with a thin layer. Chill for 15 minutes. Melt 3 tbsp. smooth peanut butter and drizzle on top, then drizzle 1.5 ounces of melted milk chocolate on top, too. Chill for another 15 minutes, cut into bars and serve.

Pair with with any red wine, but we like Riverbench‘s 2007 Reserve Pinot the best with this recipe.