Wine Line: Three wine events for you

I realized the other day that I mention quite a few wine festivals, open houses, barrel tastings and such, but have never done a follow-up report.

So should you Wine Liners out there just take my word, lay out your money and go? Of course, not. However, if I do mention a wine event, I have attended and enjoyed it. I have also witnessed several popular wine events that self-destruct. The word gets out how "great-fun-super-neat-wine-cool" the event is, but sometimes by the third year, it's a mob scene and all that wine-coolness is long gone. Bummer.

Here are three wine events that I feel are still going strong and are good value.

The first is the "Celebration of Wine" hosted by the Department of Viticulture and Enology of Fresno State University. Proceeds go to raise money for the Vincent Petrucci Library. The event is held at a beautiful horse ranch just south of Madera called Rancho Vista del Rio. This year there were 80 wineries and 50 restaurants serving their best. The event ends with dessert and coffee and dancing to Big Band Swing music. It is a first-class event and well worth the $70 donation.

The first weekend in May is the Spring Open House on River Road in Monterey County. This was the 16th year, as 12 wineries opened their doors. I escorted some friends to their first-ever wine event. Our first stop was Paraiso Vineyards where we tasted six outstanding wines, munched various appetizers and took in the beautiful view of the Salinas Valley. At Hahn Winery a cool blues band kept things jumpin' on the deck, along with eight wines and excellent wood-oven pizzas. The novice wine tasters said they were up for one more stop, so I took them to my favorite winery on River Road, Marilyn Remark. Yes, more food, music and eight wonderful wines made from Rhone varietals. Mark your calendar. This event is fun and free.

The Madera Wine Trail and its Wine and Chocolate weekend in February is a terrific value. It is close to home, reasonably priced and features excellent wines. The dessert wines from Ficklin and Quady are worth the price of admission alone. When you experience the Madera Wine Trail, you support the local economy, you save on gas and everybody wins. If you are looking for a special wine or food event, you will probably find it at www.LocalWineEvents.com.

Amateur winemakers

Two local amateur winemakers received medals at the Winemaker International Amateur Competition. In all, 4,508 wines were judged from all 50 states, eight Canadian provinces and eight foreign countries. Andy Littlejohn of Ballico won a gold medal for his Chardonnay and Mercedian Alan Arnold won bronze medals for his 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2008 Petit Verdot.

What's on our table

2008 Morgan Cotes du Crow's is a blend of 55 percent Syrah and 45 percent Grenache. It's a rich, ruby red with blackberry, leather and spicy aromas, medium bodied with soft tannins and a smooth finish of red berry and cherry, and a touch of toasty oak. SRP is $16, but you can find it at BevMo for less. It is the ideal barbecue wine. Just grill, baby, grill! Cheers!

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