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Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2009

Russ Winton: Wine Line Celebrates

It's hard to believe. This column is 2 years old and I still haven't run out of winey-things to write about.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared September as California Wine Month for the fifth consecutive year.

His proclamation recognizes how the state's 2,800 wineries and 4,600 wine grape growers contribute to tourism, provide countless jobs, serve their communities and promote environmentally responsible farming practices.

California is the fourth-largest wine producer in the world, and the Golden State wineries produce 90 percent of all U.S. wine.

Each year, nearly 20 million tourists visit wine regions throughout the state to explore and enjoy the wines, the cuisine and the cultural offerings of this vibrant industry.

The annual California crush takes place in 48 of California's 58 counties where wine grapes are grown. This once-a-year opportunity is happening right now as you are reading this column.

After you finish reading this, go to www.discovercaliforniawine.com and check out the wine events happening in your favorite wine region.

As I labor over this column on Labor Day, I think I'll take a break and open a bottle of sparkling wine to celebrate the holiday and this column's second birthday.

As I popped the cork, my editor asked, "What are you doing? I thought you were writing your column."

"I am," I said.

So I poured her a glass of Scharffenberger Brut and nothing more was said.

"What's On Our Table" seems to be a favorite of many readers.

Here are my white and rose wine picks for the second year of Wine Line.

Two delicious dry pink wines made the table this year, Domaine De Gournier ($2.99 Grocery Outlet) and Montes Cherub Rose of Syrah ($13.99 Costco). The Dry Creek Clarksburg Chenin Blanc ($7.99 Raley's/BevMo) is one of the best dry chenin blancs available. My favorite sauvignon blancs were: Robert Hall Paso Robles ($12.99 BevMo), Los Vascos Chile ($9.99 World Market/BevMo) and Pomelo California ($9.99 Save Mart).

The Woodbridge (Mondavi) Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio in the 1.5 liter format are excellent choices for consistent house white wines ($7.49 Costco).

Celebrate Wednesdays

I am happy to report that Bishop's on the Square will be hosting wine tastings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. The $10 tasting fee for five wines will include two appetizers and 15 percent off the price of the featured wines if ordered with dinner.

A big thanks to Bishop's on the Square and Fernando's Bistro for hosting these wine-down-Wednesday events.

Thank you for reading Wine Line the past two years. The winey thoughts will continue however the Scharffenberger is empty and I'm at the end of this column. Cheers!

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can reach me at rgwinton@yahoo.com.