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Valentine's Day is just around the corner.
Have you ever had the desire to make your own wine?
Are you making wine now and would like to learn a few secrets from other winemakers?
Valentine's Day is just around the corner.
Have you ever had the desire to make your own wine?
Are you making wine now and would like to learn a few secrets from other winemakers?
Russ Winton -
If you answered "yes," there is hope.
A meet-and-greet of amateur winemakers will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 21.
If you are interested in attending, you are encouraged to bring a bottle of wine and an appetizer to share.
About a dozen readers of this column have already responded.
For more information and directions, RSVP to mercedwino@gmail.com.
Why not surprise your sweetie with a day of chocolate and wine, with a kiss and a cuddle thrown in for good measure?
Here are three events that seem to get better each year. It would be difficult to choose a favorite, but here goes.
The Madera Wine Trail will host its 2010 Wine and Chocolate Weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Feb. 13-14. Tickets for this event are $20 in advance and include both days of the event.
For more information, go to www.maderawinetrail.com. Madera is very close, almost in our backyard. I like the dessert wines from Ficklin and Quady and you could be back in Merced in time for dinner at one of your favorite restaurants.
The Lodi Wine and Chocolate Weekend is also Feb. 13-14. Music, food, wine and chocolate treats will be featured.
Tickets are available at lodiwineandchocolate.com.
And finally, 12 artisan vintners along Monterey's River Road will host a Valentine's Passport Day on Feb. 13.
A celebration of rare vintages, fun, food and music will be available on this one-day event. For tickets and more information, go to riverroadwinetrail.com.
Keep in mind the same 12 Monterey River Road Wineries have set their 16th annual Springfest Open House for May 1 and it is free.
(Write that date on your calendar.)
Whatever area you choose to visit, have a great Valentine's Day and don't forget that kiss and cuddle. Cheers!
What's on our table? 2007 337 Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon
The criteria for selecting a wine for What's On Our Table is that the wine must cost under $15, be a good value to price and most important, it must be readily available.
I debated on this selection because I chose the 2006 last year but this year, the 2007 is even better.
It is named for a French vine clone from Bordeaux and is grown in the Clay Station Vineyard, east of Lodi, in the rocky red soils of the foothills. It is a big wine with black cherry and currant aromas.
The wine has flavors of black cherry, blackberry with hints of coffee beans and black pepper on the finish.
It is a great wine for a New York steak.
The suggested retail price is $12.99 and on sale you can find it for a few dollars less.
Enjoy, cheers!
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can reach me at rgwinton@yahoo.com,
