Photo by Steve Jurvetson
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Saturday, January 30, 2010
Lone Oak Vineyard Valentine's Eve Serenade
A Valentine's Eve Serenade is scheduled at Lone Oak Vineyard Estate, 8400 Ann Arbor, Grass Lake, Michigan on February 13. This Jackon-area winery is an easy drive from the Toledo area. The evening will feature wine, food and great music by Ian Stewart, singer/guitarist, in the winery's newly expanded and remodeled tasting room. All ladies will receive a gift of a flower and a chocolate treat. Wine by the glass and light fare available.
Ian Stewart will perform from 6 pm to 9:30 PM. Seating is limited, so early reservations are strongly suggested. Call (517) 522-8167 for information/reservations. We visited this winery recently (write-up coming in the near future) and enjoyed visiting with Dennise and tasting wine. If you are able to attend, be sure to try the Vin du Roi.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake Offer Days of Wine and Chocolate in February
Each of the 44,000 chocolates to be savoured by couples in love and friends out for a day will be handmade in Niagara-on-the-Lake by Willow Cakes & Pastries. Full details on Days of Wine and Chocolate and a complete listing of all pairings are available at: www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/dowac.html.
“Valentine’s Day is always special for us, but it’s not the only day during February to share such a
decadent treat,” said Sherri Lockwood, chair of the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. “It’s true that many
couples visit Niagara-on-the-Lake to enjoy a romantic weekend, but the wineries have also become a
popular destination for what you might call a ‘girls weekend’ throughout the month,” she added.
The Days of Wine and Chocolate Touring Pass costs $30 (plus taxes) and will be valid during the
weekends of February 6/7, 13/14, 20/21, 27/28 from 11 am to 5 pm. They can be bought at the 22 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, online through the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce or by phone at (905) 468-1950.
About the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake: The Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake is comprised of 22 distinctive wineries located in one unforgettable place nestled below the Niagara Escarpment amidst a landscape of vineyards and orchards. The 22 wineries are: Cattail Creek, Château des Charmes, Coyote's Run, Hillebrand, Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs, Joseph's, Konzelmann, Lailey, Maleta, Marynissen, Niagara College, Palatine, Peller, Pillitteri, Ravine, Reif, Southbrook, Stonechurch, Stratus, Strewn, Sunnybrook Farm. More information about each of the wineries can be found at http://www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/.
More information about Willow Cakes & Pastries is available at: http://www.willowcakes.ca/
Photo by Camille King
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Ohio Winery Visit: Harpersfield Vineyard
We paid our first visit to the Harpersfield Vineyard in December, during the Tannenbaum Trail event. The winery wasn’t officially part of the event, but we were told by others that it was worth the short trip from Ferrante.
A note that applies to both Harpersfield Vineyard and Ferrante. The scenery in the surrounding area is beautiful. We stopped at a park near a scenic covered bridge before hitting both wineries. It’s a great opportunity for photographers, and later you can celebrate your success with some tasty wine.
Harpersfield Vineyard has an Old World feel. We stepped into the tasting room and felt immediately at home. A log was flaming in the fireplace and a cool light filtered in through the windows, illuminating comfortable sofas, chairs and tables. The room was furnished with French country decorations.
Green Dragon immediately sank into a comfortable leather sofa and started playing with the winery dog. There was no commercial vibe here! In fact, they didn’t have a printed wine list because they said their wines are so limited that the print version would quickly be obsolete.
In addition to using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling, the winery has a nice breadth of grapes including Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Auxerrois and Pinot Gris used in a late harvest wine.
My first taste was Cuvee De Deux 2008, a blend of Muscat Ottonell and Kerner. The flavors here were fruit notes of apricot and peaches. Green Dragon sampled the Chardonnay Cuvee Sans Chene, which is an unoaked Chard.
We sat down to have a pleasant conversation with some new found friends and enjoy our reds. It was obvious that the winery has a very loyal clientele. During our short visit, almost everyone who came in was a friendly face to the server.
The Musette Red is a blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and
Chambourcin. The Cab Franc adds a bit of pepper, which we enjoy. Chambourcin in my experience doesn’t have much bouquet but has a delightful flavor. I don’t think I’ve had a blend featuring this trio of wines, but it is an original and enjoyable effort.
Our final glass was courtesy of our new wine friends who had purchased a bottle of Pinot Noir Clos Mes Amis. Due to the somewhat dim light on this overcast day, a lack of printed materials for a memory jogger and faltering handwriting, my tasting notes appear to read: “crunchy, chocolate and oak.” Our visit was a “crunchy” one, filled with handcrafted wine, friendly people, a rustic feel and a new “must visit” winery for our next trip to the Geneva area.
A note that applies to both Harpersfield Vineyard and Ferrante. The scenery in the surrounding area is beautiful. We stopped at a park near a scenic covered bridge before hitting both wineries. It’s a great opportunity for photographers, and later you can celebrate your success with some tasty wine. Green Dragon immediately sank into a comfortable leather sofa and started playing with the winery dog. There was no commercial vibe here! In fact, they didn’t have a printed wine list because they said their wines are so limited that the print version would quickly be obsolete.
In addition to using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling, the winery has a nice breadth of grapes including Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Auxerrois and Pinot Gris used in a late harvest wine.
My first taste was Cuvee De Deux 2008, a blend of Muscat Ottonell and Kerner. The flavors here were fruit notes of apricot and peaches. Green Dragon sampled the Chardonnay Cuvee Sans Chene, which is an unoaked Chard.
We sat down to have a pleasant conversation with some new found friends and enjoy our reds. It was obvious that the winery has a very loyal clientele. During our short visit, almost everyone who came in was a friendly face to the server.
The Musette Red is a blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and
Chambourcin. The Cab Franc adds a bit of pepper, which we enjoy. Chambourcin in my experience doesn’t have much bouquet but has a delightful flavor. I don’t think I’ve had a blend featuring this trio of wines, but it is an original and enjoyable effort.
Our final glass was courtesy of our new wine friends who had purchased a bottle of Pinot Noir Clos Mes Amis. Due to the somewhat dim light on this overcast day, a lack of printed materials for a memory jogger and faltering handwriting, my tasting notes appear to read: “crunchy, chocolate and oak.” Our visit was a “crunchy” one, filled with handcrafted wine, friendly people, a rustic feel and a new “must visit” winery for our next trip to the Geneva area.
Technorati Tags: wine
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Keuka Spring Vineyard Gewurz Takes Honors
Back in October the Toledo Wines and Vines tasting team did a tour of the Finger Lakes. One of the most enjoyable wineries we visited was Keuka Spring Vineyard. You can read about our visit here.
We were delighted to read that the 2008 Keuka Springs Vineyard Gewurztraminer was named the white wine Sweepstakes winner in the annual San Francisco Chronicle wine Competition. About 60 judges tasted wine from all over the country with 4,913 wine entries from 23 states.
Gewürztraminer is one of our favorite wines. You should check out the recent feature we did on Gewurztraminer.
We were captivated by the 2008 Keuka Springs Gewurztraminer. We said, “First out of the chute was a double-gold medal winner, the 2008 Gewurztraminer. Green Dragon always goes straight for the medals (like a moth to the flame) and her instincts were right on target in this case. “Wow” was the consensus on this one – perhaps the best Gerwurz of our trip. Floral notes with a rich body. It was also the first Gerwurz I’ve tasted with a caramel tones.”
Congratulations to Keuka Springs!
We were delighted to read that the 2008 Keuka Springs Vineyard Gewurztraminer was named the white wine Sweepstakes winner in the annual San Francisco Chronicle wine Competition. About 60 judges tasted wine from all over the country with 4,913 wine entries from 23 states.Gewürztraminer is one of our favorite wines. You should check out the recent feature we did on Gewurztraminer.
We were captivated by the 2008 Keuka Springs Gewurztraminer. We said, “First out of the chute was a double-gold medal winner, the 2008 Gewurztraminer. Green Dragon always goes straight for the medals (like a moth to the flame) and her instincts were right on target in this case. “Wow” was the consensus on this one – perhaps the best Gerwurz of our trip. Floral notes with a rich body. It was also the first Gerwurz I’ve tasted with a caramel tones.”
Congratulations to Keuka Springs!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Finger Lakes Report: Silver Thread Vineyard
FINGER LAKES REPORT -- Continuing our series of fall winery visit reports.
The Silver Thread Vineyard had piqued our interest during our visit a year ago but we never made it to this low profile winery. We say low profile in a positive way, as in quirky, organic and with a good reputation known to a small group of insiders.. We were in the middle of our final day of wine tasting in the Finger Lakes and had just run smack into busloads of tourists and several "girlfriend" outings at some of the larger wineries. We needed a change of pace and Silver Thread seemed just the thing.
The day was bright and sunny as we rumbled down the gravel road to Silver Thread. Several times during our approach we wondered if we should turn back, but just before we did we saw another sign urging us on. This is no road for low slung sportsters. We crossed a ditch with a warning sign and the winery came into view.
The winery was established in the early 1980s on a hillside that once was a huge peach orchard tended by the Iroquois. Once specializing only in the traditional European grape varieties of Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the winery has since expanded to include Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grunerveltliner. This is an artisan winery with 10 acres of estate vineyards.
The winery practices sustainable farming by using mulch, compost and cover crops instead of chemical fertilizers. The winery is set into the hillside to take advantage of the natural temperature control. The winery also uses gravity to flow water from a nearby spring.
Silver Thread is off limits to tour buses -- they could never make it down the road. The tasting room is also a small affair with a couple tables and counter space for four to six friendly people.
We opened with the 2007 Good Earth White, a light, citrusy Chardonnay blend. The 2008 Chardonnay I found much more interesting. The Chard is fermented in French oak and has a complex nutty flavor that is intriguing.
The 2007 Gewürztraminer was very spicy and had rose-floral notes. This we found to be the most interesting white. The 2007 Off-Dry Riesling we found to be nothing special. This has 1.2% residual sugar, so it is a little sweeter than we prefer. In the Finger Lakes, land of some of the best Rieslings in the country, this bottle didn't earn a top spot for us.
Among the reds, we tried the 2006 Good Earth Red. This is a dry fruity red made in the style of French Beaujolais. This also missed the mark with us, lacking complexity. More enjoyable for us was the 2006 Blackbird, which is a blend of 2/3 Cab Franc and 1/3 Cab Sauvignon. This had a strong tannic structure and delightful blackberry aroma and flavors.
We wrapped up with the 2007 Pinot Noir, the highest priced bottle on the Silver Thread price list at $22. This had a medium body with herbal notes. Black cherry was the predominate flavor.
While we enjoyed our visit, some of the wines fell short. However, our visit was enjoyable enough that we'd like to go back and taste the wines once again. The wines here are a real value. The Good Earth White and Good Earth Red are just $9 and $12 respectively. So for less than the mass marketed commercial vino, you can enjoy an organic wine that has some soul.
The grounds are enchanting and just the thing for a romantic picnic for two. There is a small porch off the back of the tasting room that is also an ideal setting for a photo. Silver Thread is a handcrafted experience. There's no glossy, high dollar tasting room -- just real people serving up genuine wines created in harmony with the ecosystem.
If you go, and we'd suggest that you do, check the Web site and call ahead. Silver Thread is only open on weekends from Memorial Day to the weekend before Thanksgiving.
The Silver Thread Vineyard had piqued our interest during our visit a year ago but we never made it to this low profile winery. We say low profile in a positive way, as in quirky, organic and with a good reputation known to a small group of insiders.. We were in the middle of our final day of wine tasting in the Finger Lakes and had just run smack into busloads of tourists and several "girlfriend" outings at some of the larger wineries. We needed a change of pace and Silver Thread seemed just the thing.
The day was bright and sunny as we rumbled down the gravel road to Silver Thread. Several times during our approach we wondered if we should turn back, but just before we did we saw another sign urging us on. This is no road for low slung sportsters. We crossed a ditch with a warning sign and the winery came into view. The winery was established in the early 1980s on a hillside that once was a huge peach orchard tended by the Iroquois. Once specializing only in the traditional European grape varieties of Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the winery has since expanded to include Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grunerveltliner. This is an artisan winery with 10 acres of estate vineyards.
The winery practices sustainable farming by using mulch, compost and cover crops instead of chemical fertilizers. The winery is set into the hillside to take advantage of the natural temperature control. The winery also uses gravity to flow water from a nearby spring. Silver Thread is off limits to tour buses -- they could never make it down the road. The tasting room is also a small affair with a couple tables and counter space for four to six friendly people.
We opened with the 2007 Good Earth White, a light, citrusy Chardonnay blend. The 2008 Chardonnay I found much more interesting. The Chard is fermented in French oak and has a complex nutty flavor that is intriguing.
The 2007 Gewürztraminer was very spicy and had rose-floral notes. This we found to be the most interesting white. The 2007 Off-Dry Riesling we found to be nothing special. This has 1.2% residual sugar, so it is a little sweeter than we prefer. In the Finger Lakes, land of some of the best Rieslings in the country, this bottle didn't earn a top spot for us. Among the reds, we tried the 2006 Good Earth Red. This is a dry fruity red made in the style of French Beaujolais. This also missed the mark with us, lacking complexity. More enjoyable for us was the 2006 Blackbird, which is a blend of 2/3 Cab Franc and 1/3 Cab Sauvignon. This had a strong tannic structure and delightful blackberry aroma and flavors.
We wrapped up with the 2007 Pinot Noir, the highest priced bottle on the Silver Thread price list at $22. This had a medium body with herbal notes. Black cherry was the predominate flavor.
While we enjoyed our visit, some of the wines fell short. However, our visit was enjoyable enough that we'd like to go back and taste the wines once again. The wines here are a real value. The Good Earth White and Good Earth Red are just $9 and $12 respectively. So for less than the mass marketed commercial vino, you can enjoy an organic wine that has some soul.
The grounds are enchanting and just the thing for a romantic picnic for two. There is a small porch off the back of the tasting room that is also an ideal setting for a photo. Silver Thread is a handcrafted experience. There's no glossy, high dollar tasting room -- just real people serving up genuine wines created in harmony with the ecosystem.
If you go, and we'd suggest that you do, check the Web site and call ahead. Silver Thread is only open on weekends from Memorial Day to the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wine Tasting & Events: Week of Jan. 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 27
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Gougenheim wines (Argentina). 6-8 PM, $15.
Thursday, January 28
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Huntington by Hahn. 1. Huntington Chardonnay, 2. Huntington Sauvignon Blanc, 3. Huntington Petite Sirah, 4. Huntington Merlot, $1 per sample or $4 per flight.
The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Gougenheim wines (Argentina). 6-8 PM, $15.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. I Heart Terroir. Terroir is a French term commonly used to describe the piece of earth that a particular wine comes from, and the effect that specific spot (soil, climate, etc.) has on the grapes that are grown there. Join us as we sample wines that are chock full of the stuff. Cost $1 to $3 per sample.
Uptown Vineyard Wine Tasting, Manhattan’s Restaurant, 1516 Adams Street, Union Square Room. (419) 243-6675. 6:30 PM. Includes five wines and appetizers. Reservations required. RSVP to info@uptownvineyard.com. $15.
Friday, January 29
* Special Event * Wine by the Glass Winemakers Series, Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St., 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Domaine de Piaugier, Rhone, France.. Enjoy four wines, light snacks and a view of glassmakers working in the Hot Shop. Cost is $15 for museum members and $20 for non-members.
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Port and Chocolate. 1. Trentadue Chocolate Port, 2. Montevina Zinfandel Port, 3. Broadbent “Auction Reserve” Porto, 4. Penfolds “Grandfathers” Tawny. $15 tasting.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. I Heart Terroir. Terroir is a French term commonly used to describe the piece of earth that a particular wine comes from, and the effect that specific spot (soil, climate, etc.) has on the grapes that are grown there. Join us as we sample wines that are chock full of the stuff.Cost $1 to $3 per sample.
Saturday, January 30
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Port and Chocolate. 1. Trentadue Chocolate Port, 2. Montevina Zinfandel Port, 3. Broadbent “Auction Reserve” Porto, 4. Penfolds “Grandfathers” Tawny. $15 tasting.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 p.m. Gruaud Larose Bordeaux Vertical (‘95, ‘96, ‘98, ‘04, ‘05). Premium tasting. Will be a bit more expensive than normal.
NN8NM6GTAMEU
[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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