Check out this video from Presqu’ile Winery. They have a very interesting story and are already developing a name for themselves. On July 31st, they poured their Chardonnay at The Chardonnay Symposium and received excellent reviews. Click here for a recap of the symposium as well as information about Presqu’ile’s Chardonnay.
Steve Loves California Chardonnay!
Steve Heimoff of Wine Enthusiast wrote a post on his blog today about The Chardonnay Symposium. We’re very grateful for the extra publicity and love hearing that Chardonnay is his favorite white California varietal.
Check it out:
http://www.steveheimoff.com/index.php/2010/05/26/announcing-the-first-chardonnay-symposium/
My only comment is in response to his note about the lack of quality hotels in the area. Fortunately, accommodations in Santa Maria have greatly improved over the last year. First of all, there have been many multi-million dollar renovations (Radisson, the Historic Santa Maria Inn, Holiday Inn, Rodeway Inn). Second, there are two new hotels off Broadway. One of the most drastic renovations probably is the Rodeway Inn. From the outside it looks like a motel that might not be the ideal overnight stay for a wine connoisseur. However, take a look at the photos of the inside–it’s pretty amazing. I would like to stay there myself and I live here!
If you have a favorite chain of hotels (Radisson, Best Western, Holiday Inn, etc.) you can likely find it in Santa Maria. Check out our accomodations page on www.thechardonnaysymposium.com.
Kady Fleckenstein, Executive Director of the Santa Maria Valley Wine Country (smvwines.com) and owner of marketing/public relations company, kadydid.
Trattoria Uliveto
Rural charm, gourmet Italian, wood fired pizzas and a micro brewery next door. Pinch me!
Trattoria Uliveto in Old Town Orcutt, a setting a like no other and combined with it’s ambience, cultured cuisine and friendly staff it’s destined to be your next destination spot for lunch or dinner. It is for me, anyway.
I’ve had Uliveto on my list of must stops for nearly four months,having heard nearly every foodie and wine person I know spoon heaps of praise on this little trattoria in the movie-set-charming town of Orcutt.
You would feel equally at home sauntering up on your pinto pony of gliding in aboard your Prius.
We started off with their Parmigiana di Melanzana; baked egglplant, tomato sauce and mozzarella. If I didn’t know Id be getting plenty o’carbs from the pasta dish I was eyeing I would of ordered their appy, Rollino Veneto; rolled pizza with braised radicchio, onion, smoked mozzarella. Served with tomato, basil and garlic.
The pizzas coming out of their wood fired pizza oven were mighty tempting but I had my heart set on the Linguini Mare Monte pasta made with garlic, olive oil, shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, tomato filet and white wine. Speaking of which, the Kenneth Volk Chardonnay from Uliveto’s great wine list was the perfect pal di vino for this dish.
The entrée hit every note my palate had anticipated and more. I was thrilled with the dish. We then split a chocolate flourless cake with espresso sauce. It certainly wasn’t calorieless or caffeineless. Perfect combo of sweet tooth appeaser and mild to jolt to help me out of the chair and back to our travels.
If not for the wine and chocolate I would have made my next stop Orcutt Brewery right next store.
Gourmet relaxation in picturesque, pastoral surroundings and right down the road for most lucky residents of the Central Coast. The rest of y’all will just have to salivate while planning your next wine country vacation.
Trattoria Uliveto
285 S. Broadway St.
Orcutt, CA 93455
805.934.4546
http://www.trattoriauliveto.com
Contributed by Cliff Stepp, Marketing Manager for the Central Coast Urgent Care Medical Group. He can be reached at cstepp@ccurgent.com.
Strawberry Festival
Do you have Strawberry Wine? That was the most asked question this last weekend at the Santa Maria annual Strawberry Festival held at the downtown fairpark. Although the answer was, no, San Andreas West Wines served twelve different varietals! Varietals ranged from a cool crisp Sauvignon Blanc to a supple Chardonnay for white wines. While the red wines varied from a smooth Merlot and Syrah, zesty Cabernet Sauvignon or spicy Zinfandel to name a few. Festival patrons loved the wines so much San Andreas West Wines reports a 25% increase in sales for the 2010 Strawberry Festival.
Robin Bogue is the winemaker and owner of William James Cellars. Please visit www.williamjamescellars.com for more details.
Wine Tasting To Die For Reception with PCPA’s Curtains: a Musical Whodunit
Wine Tasting To Die For with PCPA's Curtains
Murder. Mystery. Wine. To learn more visit: www.smvwines.com/WineTastingToDieFor.
For the same price as a theatre ticket ($34) you can attend our wine tasting reception on Saturday, May 8th from 5:30-6:45pm before the evening performance of PCPA’s Curtains: a Musical Whodunit. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres from Chef Rick’s, taste local Santa Maria wines and try your hand at winning 2 tickets to The Chardonnay Symposium by guessing the mystery wines (first to get all of them correct will win!). Your ticket also includes admission to the show starting at 7pm. What a deal!
Visit the PCPA box office to buy your tickets or call: (805) 922-8313. Be sure to mention the SMVWINES “Wine Tasting To Die For” reception (individual tickets to the show are also sold for the same day).
Why not make it a full day of wine and entertainment? Attend our Free Vineyard Walk at Riverbench that same day starting at 1:00pm: www.smvwines.com/VineyardWalks. Jim Stollberg, vineyard manager of Riverbench and the author of our monthly “In the Vineyard” posts will be your guide.
Cambria Dinner at Testa’s Bistro
Testa’s Bistro/Cambria Winery Dinner
Thursday March 25th, 2010
4 Course Wine Pairing Dinner
$45++ per person
6:00pm
Champagne Welcome
1st Course-2007 Vin Gris of Pinot Noir
Goat Cheese, Crab Roll, Proscuitto and Melon
2nd Course- 2007 Clone 95 Chardonnay
Saffron Fried Risotto, Seared Sea Scallops, Tropical Jalapeno Puree
3rd Course
- 2007 Benchbreak Pinot Noir
Stuffed Quail, Cranberry Carrot Dressing, Pomegranate Reduction
4th Course
-2008 Late Harvest Viognier
Bread Pudding, Amaretto Caramel Molasses
Contact
specialevents@testasbistro.com
805-310-8135
Wine Pairings without Food
Let me explain the title of this post. Recently I was messaging with a fellow wine drinker, Bill Streeter, on Facebook and he wrote the following:
Many wineries want to let me know how to pair wine with food. I don’t care how the food feels about the wine. Give me some useful information like what wine to have while watching a sunset. I did enjoy a nice bottle of Symphony White wine while listening to the Grand Rapids Symphony. The Blue Angels demostration team will be in Michigan this summer. What is a good wine to have while watching them perform thier feats?
Here was my response:
I think a sparkling wine would go well with the Blue Angels demo because it’s such a thrilling thing to watch and the bubbles add to the excitement. Otherwise something bold with a little spice–perhaps a Tempranillo? We have some excellent local Tempranillos here in Santa Maria.
Now I am a self-proclaimed foodie (although I’m not a huge fan of that word) and I LOVE to pair foods and wines. However, I love the idea of pairing wine with activities, music, or art. What are some of your favorite wine pairings unrelated to food?
Photo courtsey of Enobytes.com
Kady Fleckenstein is the Executive Director of SMVWINES, also known as the Santa Maria Valley Wine Country. She can be reached via email: info at smvwines dot com.
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
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
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
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
SELF-STORAGE COMPANY OFFERS TEMPERATURE CONTROL STORAGE OPTIONS
Storing wine can be a hassle. The affordable home wine coolers break down easily and take up a lot of space. For the average wine consumer, it can be difficult to build an entire cellar in their home. Travellers, too, have wine storage problems. Sometimes it isn’t reasonable to ship cases upon cases of wine home only to be stuck with finding a storage solution. We use Roemer Way Self-Storage for storing our wine and other materials and have really appreciated the convenience and security it provides. The music, automatic lights, and nice bathrooms are extra perks that make your life a little bit easier when moving items in and out of your unit. Here is a little bit about this self-storage facility:
Roemer Way Self-Storage serving both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties is one of the few storage facilities offering temperature controlled storage in the Central Coast. Conveniently located minutes off the 101 Freeway, Roemer Way Self-Storage provides solutions for local wine enthusiast, travelers and wineries. “Temperature controlled units are difficult to come by and we are so lucky to be able to offer this convenience to the public”, boasts Laurie Bickham, Manager, Roemer Way Self Storage.
Temperature controlled storage gives travelers purchasing power, to buy larger quantities of wine and take advantage of case discounts, without worrying about how to transport it. They can return home with a sampling of favorites to hold them between visits- then return for more when it’s time for a quick getaway.
Roemer Way Self-Storage gives central coast wine enthusiasts an option for protecting their collections. New Customers receive a signature Roemer Way Self-Storage gift bag when moving in, beginning December 1, 2009. They are also eligible for a free dinner at a local restaurant when they refer a new move-in customer.
Roemer Way Self-Storage is located at 330 Roemer Way, Santa Maria, just South of where Broadway and Roemer Way come together. The Facility consists of 442 units offering 10 different sizes, 52 of which are temperature-controlled. The facility is equipped with high-tech security cameras throughout, after-hours lighting and music. Seven days a week gate access from 7am to 7pm, Office open 9am to 6pm weekdays and 10am to 4pm weekends. Twenty-four hour access and deliveries are available by special request.
For additional information, contact: Laurie Bickham, Roemer Way Self-Storage, at (805) 347-9111, email Marketing@roemerway-selfstorage.com, or visit www.roemerway-selfstorage.com.
smvwines
