In the Vineyard: April 2010

Vine growth has continued at slow to moderate pace with the cooler than normal weather and fairly frequent storms over the last 30 days. Both of these are nothing for us growers to worry about as we have needed the rainfall and with a week of warm weather the vines will easily get caught up.

The shoots in varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir range from 3 to 12 inches of growth and we can see the developing clusters emerging and separating at this stage. Cluster numbers look to be average or slightly better and we will be able to get our first yield estimate in the coming weeks. Unknown to us now through bloom and berry set is how many berries each cluster will have and how large they will be. Bloom-time weather in the Santa Maria Valley is generally good for good berry set (little shatter) so that is unlikely a problem for us. With the above normal rains we have had thus far and because we have had a good amount already in April there is a good possibility for larger than average berry size this year.

Already we can talk fruit quality when we look at weather and the possibility for larger berries. Generally, we like small berries which increases the skin to juice ratio in the fruit and therefore increases the phenolics of the juice and wine potential. Time will tell.

I hope you enjoyed this walk “in the vineyard.” Please send any comments or questions to me and I will respond as quickly as possible.

Jim Stollberg manages vineyards for Maverick Farming Company in the Santa Maria Valley. He can be reached at (805)310-9322 or jim@maverickfarming.com.

In the Vineyard: March 2010

Our earliest varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are beginning to emerge with new growth from their dormancy in mid November. The buds are between bud swell and rosette stages depending on their age, variety, and elevation.

We have been controlling weeds around the base of the vines and have begun trapping gophers. Both of these pests can do damage to the vines and compete for water and nutrients.

The last few months have been great to recharge our soils with rain water and I expect to see even, moderate growth from the vines over the next few months. This time of year is great because we get to see for the first time what the 2010 vintage may offer. As growth continues and shoots get to be about six inches long we will get our first glimpse of the clusters. Small, green and indistinguishable to most onlookers, they will emerge from the expanding tissue.

I hope everyone enjoys this time of year driving by the vineyards of the Santa Maria Valley. Mornings with overhead sprinklers running to protect from frost damage and the long vine rows with new bright green tips of growth. Enjoy the daylight hours stretching into to evening with one of our delicious Chardonnay or Pinot Noirs and we’ll keep an eye on the new fruit “in the vineyard.”

Jim Stollberg manages vineyards for Maverick Farming Company in the Santa Maria Valley. He can be reached at (805)310-9322 or <jim@maverickfarming.com.

In the Vineyard: February 2010

Photo by Natalie Pranevsky

The New Year has brought more rain than we have seen in the last 3 years and we were definitely due. For the season we are at or above our average yearly total and more rain is on the way. The wet days have slowed our pruning progress, but with a good group of men and working through weekends, when dry, we have stayed on schedule.

Photo by Natalie Pranevsky

In the last week I have seen pruning wounds begin to “bleed” which is our first indication of the vines beginning sap flow and emerging from their winter dormancy. I expect our earliest varieties and fields to begin pushing buds by the end of the month.

The wet weather has made our tractor work, which includes weed control, cover crop mowing and mulching, slow, but again not more important than the needed rainfall.

Budbreak not only signifies the beginning of the 2010 vintage, but the likely need for frost control in most of our Santa Maria Valley vineyards. The large majority of vineyards use overhead sprinklers which provide a protective layer of water and ice around the tender new growth while others use wind machines to mix warmer upper level air with the colder ground level air.

This is a conflicting time of year for me; I am excited for the new growth and for producing great fruit, which will show great 2010 wines and conversely, the indefinite and frankly tiresome practice of being aroused from a good sleep and being out for long nights protecting our vines, looms in the coming months.

Nevertheless, grape growing is more than rewarding; it sustains our environment and brings joy and purpose to many in our Valley. I look forward to seeing everyone sometime this season “in the vineyard.”

NOTE: Jim will be hosting another free vineyard walk this May 8th at 1pm at Riverbench Vineyards. Please visit www.smvwines.com for more details.

Jim Stollberg manages vineyards for Maverick Farming Company in the Santa Maria Valley. He can be reached at (805)310-9322 or jim@maverickfarming.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

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.

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Green and..Red Basket

I bought a basket for my mommy
And on the way I dropped it.

Good idea: buying a gift basket for your mom for the holidays.
Bad idea: dropping it.

Pick up a wine basket filled with wine and goodies for your mother, your father, your boss, or anyone else in your life. Gift baskets are especially useful when you cannot-for-the-life-of-you figure out what to get that special person. Order them already made or customize your own. Better yet, don’t worry about dropping your basket; have the winery ship it direct.

As mentioned in a previous post, there are wine gift packs that come in great reusable containers and there are gift baskets that contain gifts and food in addition to wine. Here are a few:

Cambria’s Canine Extravaganza ($49): Perfect for the dog lover in your life, this package features a bottle each of Katherine’s Chardonnay and Julia’s Pinot Noir, as well as wine grape-shaped biscuits and a cozy black scarf for our four-legged friends. www.cambriawine.com

Cambria’s Santa Maria BBQ Package ($38): Santa Maria is famous for its BBQ. Ideal for the grill lover on your list, this package comes with a Cambria chef’s apron, spicy Suzie Q beans, fresh salsa and, the ultimate BBQ wine, our 2006 Tepusquet Syrah. As a special treat we’re including an official guide of “How to Throw a Santa Maria-Style BBQ.” www.cambriawines.com

Flying Goat Cellars:
The “Holiday Gift Pack” includes a bottle of the 2005 YNOT Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the new second label produced by winemaker Norm Yost of Flying Goat Cellars. Also tucked into the box is a 1/2 lb. box of Dark Chocolate Almond Bark from chocolatier Cindy Ruda of Sweet Creations Chocolate Shoppe. What a perfect match for the holidays – Cabernet Sauvignon and Chocolate. $24.99 plus tax & shipping. This sounds like a great gift for Valetine’s Day, too!www.flyinggoatcellars.com

Lucas & Lewellen: 1.) Send a bottle of Cabernet or Chardonnay, a logo bottle opener, and 2 L&L logo glasses in a lovely gift box and pay only $50 total, including freight. Or create your own 1-3 bottle gift box and we will charge you accordingly. 2.) Ship a bottle of Lucas & Lewellen Silver King Port with a beautiful gold logo box of 12 dark chocolate Port glasses to a continental U.S. resident for $40. 3.) Talk to Andy at the Tasting Room about adding a personalized message or family photo to your gift of wine. Only $5/label with a 6-bottle minimum (non-sale wine only). www.llwine.com

***

For those who just want wine, take advantage of the special savings a gift pack can offer and the convenience of shipping. Some examples are below:

Core’s Holiday 6 Packs: For $95 with UPS ground shipping included in California (other states pay the difference) receive 2006 CORE red (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre), 2007 Grenache, 2006 Kuyam 13 Moons (Merlot, Cab, Cab Franc, Malbec), 2007 Turchi Cab, 2006 C3 Tempranillo and 2006 Kuyam Petite Sirah. For $195 with UPS ground shipping included in California (other states pay the difference) receive 2006 Hard Core, 2006 Ground Around (Grenache, Tempranillo, Syrah), 2006 Mister Moreved, 2007 Turchi Cab Reserve, 2006 Crazy 8’s (Tempranillo, Merlot, Cab) and 2006 Kuyam Cuvee Nolan (Cab, Cab Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Verdot). www.corewine.com

Rancho Sisquoc:
At $52.00 this pack is a great value and includes three bottles of wine at 20% off the regular price. The pack includes three favorites: 1 bottle Chardonnay, 1 bottle Syrah, 1 bottle Merlot. Please visit our Wine Store to order or call the tasting room at 805-934-4332. www.ranchosisquoc.com

Riverbench:
For the holiday season we bottled our 2006 Reserve Chardonnay in 1.5 Liter ($50), 3 Liter ($75) and 5 Liter ($125) bottles. Each bottle’s label is beautifully etched in the glass. www.riverbench.com

In The Vineyard: November 2009

These winter months are when grape growers get to sit down and reflect on how to better improve their operations. I am engulfed with paperwork, planning, and budgeting for the 2010 season. Yes, cool, wet weather doesn’t mean farming stops, it means I have no excuse for a paper-stacked desk and I can get all of the office work done which I have been putting off since harvest began.

Reviewing the good and the bad from 2009 and meeting with my vineyard foreman to get their feelings and ideas on where we can improve on efficiency is where the 2010 vintage begins. I look at fertility options, where we can improve growth and where we may need to decrease growth to maximize both quantity and quality of grapes. I look at irrigation amounts, timing of applications and length of applications so that every precious drop of water applied has the maximum benefit to the vines. I take a look at the latest in machinery, materials, and viticulture philosophies and adjust where I can to make my operation as successful as possible.

Sitting down and learning about the wines which are being produced from my vines another fun operation this time of year. Discussing where the best fruit came from the vineyard and what may have been associated with that success is very important with my partnering winemakers. I will get muddy in the vineyard, the winemakers will be molding their wines, and we need everyone to keep raising their wine glasses to great Santa Maria Valley wines.

Jim Stollberg manages vineyards for Hampton and Maverick Farming Companies in the Santa Maria Valley. He can be reached at (805)310-9322 or jim@maverickfarming.com.

Riverbench’s Halloween Candy + Wine Pairing Tasting

Halloween has come and gone but you still have that leftover bag of mixed Halloween candy in your cupboard. Want a great way to entertain guests without baking a dessert for the occasion? Why not use your leftover Halloween candy and pair it with wine for a truly memorable tasting? During the weeks before Halloween, Riverbench Vineyard and Winery created a candy-centric tasting menu with wine pairings in honor of Halloween. Try theirs or come up with some of your own:

2007 Bedrock Chardonnay + Lemon Starburst
The clean and refreshing tastes of the Bedrock Chardonnay brings out the crispness fruit flavor from the Starburst.

2007 Estate Chardonnay + Candy Corn
Candy corn, another seasonal treat, has a strong buttery vanilla taste and a creamy texture. The Estate Chardonnay pair well with the honey and vanilla flavors while its light oak doesn’t mask the candy corn goodness.

2006 Reserve Chardonnay + Twix or Reese’s
The rich creamy texture of the Reserve Chardonnay stands up nicely to the thick caramel or peanut butter and chocolate combo of Twix or Reese’s.

2006 Estate Pinot Noir + Caramels
If caramels are your Halloween weakness, our pairing choice for the toastiness of caramel and butterscotch is the Estate Pinot Noir. The acidity of white wines should stand up well to the sweetness of caramel.

2006 Reserve Pinot Noir + Assorted Hershey’s Miniatures or Snickers
The old standby of Halloween candy, the bag of Hershey’s miniatures, receives a fun new lease on life when it’s paired with the Reserve Pinot Noir. Because this wine is red, and thus has a slightly fuller body, it’s not overwhelmed by the chocolate, which can be difficult to pair because of its thick, mouth-coating texture. Best of all, it handles Special Dark and Krackel with equal aplomb.