Monday, May 31, 2010

Cleavage Creek 2008 Tracy Hills Reserve Chardonnay

cleavage creek chardI must admit that when I first saw “Cleavage Creek” wines for bid in an online auction to benefit Haiti relief, I kept on scrolling. Based on the name, I assumed that this was a misguided marketing ploy targeted at customers who like amusing “gag” wines.

My assumption was punctured when I read a review of some Cleavage Creek wines. Not only are the wines and winery good – they are the exact opposite of what I thought. Instead of a bottle of plonk that I would be embarrassed to serve (especially to women), the wines are delightful and their sale generates much needed revenue for breast cancer research.

The owner of California’s Cleavage Creek is self-made businessman and farmer Budge Brown. He lost his wife to breast cancer after 48 years of marriage. Brown purchased Cleavage Creek wines and put his business skills to work against breast cancer.
When I mentioned to Wine Chick and Sax Man, two tasting team members, that I brought some Cleavage Creek wine to sample and they saw a photo of a woman on the label, the snickers began. Upon explanation, the snickers turn to appreciation.

The label of each bottle of Cleavage Creek wine features the image of an actual breast cancer survivor whose story is told on the Cleavage Creek website.  “Putting a face on this disease and telling the stories of those who are dealing with it personalizes this and hopefully inspires everyone to take on the fight,” says Brown. 

Cleavage Creek makes a difference.  10% percent of the gross dollar amount of this operation is donated to cutting edge research to fight breast cancer.  That’s gross, not net—a huge difference when determining the amount of money that will be contributed. To date, Cleavage Creek and Budge Brown have donated over $72,300 to breast cancer causes. Money has gone to help women fighting breast cancer purchase medicine as well as found an oncology research center.

All this would be enough even if the wines weren’t exceptional. But they are.
Cleavage has vineyards in Napa as well as the new AVA Tracy Hills, which is where the reserve chardonnay comes from.

The wine is light in color with an oaky aroma. It has a classic chardonnay flavor with pear, roasted nuts and subtle oak. The reserve wine is aged in new French oak for 10 months. Sax man quipped that is a nice ecumenical wine – it can be enjoyed by those who love oakiness and those turned off by the big butter bombs. The flavor sneaks up underground and then emerges with a nice lingering finish.

We love Cleavage and think you will too.

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Saturday, May 29, 2010

Sandhill Crane Vineyards Begins Construction on Building Expansion

MONTE VISTA, CO - MARCH 08:  Sandhill Cranes f...Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Sisters Holly Balansag and Heather Price joke that they ran out of room in their Sandhill Crane Vineyard winery building about three weeks after it opened in September 2003. Expanding the building, especially the wine cellar, has been a dream pretty much ever since that time. The dream was finally realized about 2 months ago when the family-run winery near Jackson, Michigan, broke ground on an expansion project that will more than double the existing facility.

On the ground (and sub-ground) floor, the winery operations will more than double in size. The new area, approximately 2400 square feet, will include a cold room, dedicated lab, vintner's office, and wine barrel "cave" tucked under the front porch. The first floor will see an extension of the popular front porch (often used for live music in warm weather) -- wrapping around several sides of the building and overlooking the vineyards. Inside, the 2200 square foot addition will include a cafe' with commercial kitchen along with a large room for cafe' customers, additional wine tasting, winery events, and private parties. The cafe' will be open during normal winery hours and feature local, sustainable comfort cuisine. A second floor cupola will house winery offices.

All businesses connected with the construction project are local. The new cafe' is projected to open in late 2010 or early 2011.

Sandhill Crane Vineyards, 4724 Walz Road Jackson, MI, is a short drive from the Toledo area. It's tTucked in amongst their vineyards in eastern Jackson county. The winery Sandhill Crane Vineyards produces award-winning wines using only the finest local produce. Made lovingly in small batches, the tasting list includes well-balanced acidic white wines, rich reds, flavorful fruit wines, and delicious sweet-tart dessert wines. All wines are made on the premises.

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Friday, May 28, 2010

Salmon Run Cold Brook White

After a long afternoon meeting discussing the blog, wine and other important world affairs, it was time to chill on the patio with some vino. My wife was out of town and Spiderman and Glorious T extended an invitation for a cookout, with their son serving as grillmaster. Barbequed chicken and shrimp were on the menu and a nice bottle from Dr. Frank’s Vinifera Cellars was cooling off.

SR%202009%20Cold%20Brook%20White Salmon Run Cold Brook White is an off-dry white blend picked up during last summer’s trip to the Finger Lakes. The flavor is a mélange of  citrus and fruit which is balanced by acidity. The finish is smooth with a touch of creaminess.

This is a great choice for shrimp or chicken and for unwinding as you watch the sun setting on a warm May day.

Cold Brook White is highly recommended as an everyday white.

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Thursday, May 27, 2010

Cruising For Wine On The High Seas

 2010_0501cruise0026 To mark a very special anniversary, my wife and I booked a Western Caribbean cruise on the Celebrity Solstice. The stops in Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Honduras certainly were appealing, but I must admit that the wine events scheduled on the ship may have sealed my decision to opt for this particular ship.

This dazzling ship features 13 different bars, outstanding entertainment and even has a “lawn club” up on the top deck with glassmaking demonstrations and lawn games.

One of the bars is Cellar Masters with a Napa Valley theme and enomatic wine machines that dispense tastes of some of the top wines in the world. Opus One anyone? The main dining area, the Grand Epernay, features a gleaming two-story glass wine tower. The ship also has a regular schedule of wine tastings throughout the voyage.

There were six special wine events during our seven-day cruise, and we took part in one called the World Wine Tour. The tasting had six different stations, each with two wines. It started in the Cellar Masters bar and then wound its way to various stations on Deck 4 overlooking the Grand Foyer.

The lineup included:
2010_0501cruise0023 Station 1: Gruner Veltliner Nigl Kremser, Austria, (Gewürztraminer-like and tasty); and Riesling SA Prum Essence, Germany (semi-sweet and too sweet for our taste).

Station 2: Pinotage Blend, Heron’s Nest, South Africa (light red in color, tart cherry with a bit of pepper on the finish); and Malbec Elsa Valentini Bianchi, Argentina (smooth, rich, a bit like Layer Cake Shiraz).

Station 3: Chateauneuf du Pape Mont Redon, France (now we’re talking! low in tannins, smooth and pleasing finish); and Pouilly Fume Domaine Denis Gaudry, France (another winner with flavor notes of green apple).

Station 4: Chardonnay Cakebread Napa (I was looking forward to this and assumed it would be a highlight. Pale gold in color, oak on the nose – and unfortunately way too oaky. However, many of the other passengers dug it.); Cabernet Sauvignon Sequoia Grove (beautiful and for me the best wine of the tasting. Smooth, silky and a nice ride that concluded with a long finish).

Station 5: Valpolicella Classico Allegrini, Italy (nice, but non-descript red); Sparkling Ferrari Brut, Italy (great effervescence with a touch of sweetness).

Station 6: Albarino Paco Lola, Spain (straw in color, citrus on the nose and a mineral taste); Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva St. Carolina (nice, as I recall – but this was the 12th wine we tasted!).
The tasting was an outstanding event. Each station was set up with a flag representing the various countries to tie-in with the global theme. Not only were the wines enjoyable, but it was a great way to mingle with the other passengers.
2010_0501cruise0102 Another thoughtful feature of the cruise was that if you ate in the main dining room (which we did) you could buy a bottle of wine and if you didn’t finish it, they would save it and you could have it with your meal the next evening. We enjoyed a superior white burgundy one evening (nothing left to save) and had a dynamite 2007 Pinot Noir Manzana Vineyard (Sonoma Coast) from Nickel & Nickel. Beautiful ruby color, dark fruit flavor notes with a touch of herbiness.

We were catered to by our sommelier who we got to know and who also learned our tastes. The ship has the most sommeliers I’ve ever seen in one place.

The cruise was a delight and the exceptional attention to the wine made sure it was smooth sailing the whole way!
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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Wine Tastings and Events: Week of May 24, 2010

Bonny Doon VineyardImage of Bonny Doon Vineyard via Snooth
Wednesday, May 26
Andeson's Market, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8:00 PM. 1. Staglin Family Chardonnay, 2. Vino Family 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Vino Family 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Lost Vineyard Spumante. Nominal fee per sample or $7.75 per flight.
059216-yellow-road-sign-icon-food-beverage-food-grapes
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Cool, New Stuff Wines. $15.
Manhattan’s Restaurant, 1516 Adams Street, Toledo. Wine Tasting with Uptown Vineyard. 6:30 PM. $15. Five wines and appetizers. In Union Square room. Reservations required. E-mail info@uptownvineyard.com or call (866) 276-1984.

Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Opens at 4:00 PM. Flights and Bites.  Four wines TBA. Cost is $15, served with marinated olives, bread, cheese, and Marcona Almonds.

Thursday, May 27
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting.  5-7 PM.
Food Pairings – FISH: 1. Giovello – Prosecco, Italy; 2. Hughes Beaulieu – Picpoul de Pinet – Languedoc, France; 3. Dr. Konstantin Frank – Rose’ – Finger Lakes, New York; 4. River’s Edge – Pinot Noir – Umpqua Valley, Oregon. Nominal fee per sample or $6.50 per flight.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM.
Wines of Spain: 1. Tres Ojos Rosado, 2. Yasa Macabeo, 3. Bielsa Old Vine Grenache, 4. CT Carcelo, Jumilla,  5. Finca Sobreno, 6. Termes, 7.  Clos Berenguer, 8. Barbadillo Pedro Ximinez Sherry.  Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Cool, New Stuff Wines. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Didgeridoos and Wobbegongs. Oh, Australia. It seems that so many of us have moved on, but there are those who know better. Hop on over and join us as we pop open the best Aussies in the shop. $1 to $3 per sample.

Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Opens at 4:00 PM. Flights and Bites.  Four wines TBA. Cost is $15, served with marinated olives, bread, cheese, and Marcona Almonds.

Friday, May 28
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Memorial Day BBQ Wines: 1. Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio, 2. Bonny Doon Ca' Del Solo Albarino, 3. Matetic Equilibrio Syrah, 4. Brazin Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel. $10 tasting. 

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Didgeridoos and Wobbegongs. Oh, Australia. It seems that so many of us have moved on, but there are those who know better. Hop on over and join us as we pop open the best Aussies in the shop. $1 to $3 per sample.

Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Opens at 4:00 PM. Flights and Bites.  Four wines TBA. Cost is $15, served with marinated olives, bread, cheese, and Marcona Almonds.

Saturday, May 29
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Memorial Day BBQ Wines: 1. Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio, 2. Bonny Doon Ca' Del Solo Albarino, 3. Matetic Equilibrio Syrah, 4. Brazin Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel. $10 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville, Wine Tasting. 12-3 PM. Closeouts: 1.  Nobilo, 2006, Chardonnay New Zealand, 2. Gysler, 2004, Silvaner Halbtrocken,  Germany, 3. Chateau Greysac, 2005, Medoc France, 4. Villa San Juliette, 2006, Shiraz/Cab. Nominal fee.

Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Opens at 4:00 PM. Flights and Bites.  Four wines TBA. Cost is $15, served with marinated olives, bread, cheese, and Marcona Almonds.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 p.m. Producer Profile: Verget 2008 Chablis 1er Cru. Pay by the sample or flight (premium tasting, a bit more expensive than usual). 

[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Vintage Indiana Wine and Food Festival

Skyline of Indianpolis. This photo was also ta...Image via Wikipedia
The Vintage Indiana Wine and Food Festival, featuring wines from the Hoosier state and foods from the state's top culinary experts, is scheduled June 5 at Military Park in downtown Indianapolis. The festival is presented by the Indiana Wine Grape Council.

There will be 25 wineries participating and more than hundreds of wines to sample, all for $25. The Wine & Food Experience Pavillion will have food and wine sessions with chefs and winemakers. Entertainment will also be featured. Tickets are available online.

Vintage Indiana is in its 11th year and continues to grow, as does the Indiana wine industry. Last year eight new wineries opened in the state and up to 12 new wineries may open in 2010. Currently there are 46 wineries in the state.
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Monday, May 24, 2010

Spring Tasting Features Italy, Finger Lakes and Spain

The TWAV tasting team recently convened for a spring wine tasting. the line-up was:
  • Sandhill Crane Vineyard Vidal Blanc NV
  • Banear Prosecco Delle Venezie Italia NV
  • Bully Hill Marechal Foch NV
  • Sebastiani 2007 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
  • Lan Rioja Reserva 2004
The Vidal Blanc had been picked up during a visit to the Sandhill Crane Vineyard near Jackson in Michigan. It's a great winery with a comfortable and fun tasting room. This wine is a great choice for a warm afternoon on the patio with friends. The taste is complex with floral taste notes and a clean finish. On this evening, some of the tasting panel thought this was just a tad bit too sweet.


I had wanted to start the group with a glass of the bubbly Prosecco, but my wife insisted we wait until all had arrived since we needed to have a toast to celebrate our anniversary. I've learned enough to know that when "anniversary" is mentioned, it's best to let the Green Dragon have her way.

The Prosecco was worth the wait. This is a simple, yet fun wine. It is in the frizzante style, bubbly, but not a Deepwater Horizon gusher of carbonation. It is light straw in color and somewhat dry with streams of elegant bubbles.

Our first red was the Bully Hill Marechal Foch. Bully Hill is the court jester of Finger Lakes wines. Creating great wines with an irreverant attitude that carries over to its labels, marketing material and tasting room staff. During our last trip to the Finger Lakes with Spiderman and Glorious T, each couple picked up a bottle of this wine. Marechal Foch is a variety that abounds in Ohio and the Finger Lakes, but is scarce elsewhere.

Not only did we enjoy the wine during our visit to Bully Hill, but the bottle is a beautiful work of art, decorated with a a day-glo blue butterfly. Bully Hill calls it a Tuscan style wine. It is dark, almost black in color with a warm berry nose. The flavor is red cherry with a dash of spice. We decanted this using my new Vinturi aerator. This is a primo pasta wine.

The star of the evening was the delightful Sebastiani Pinot Noir. We waxed poetic about this wine in a post about the Charmed and Cherished wine event. You can read all about it here.

I then asked a silly question, "I don't need to open this last bottle of wine, do I?" We had been engaged in a heated game of "Buzzwords" with the "guys" shellacking the "girls" until they pulled off an improbable come-from-behind win. It looked like the evening was starting to wind down.

The group called out for more (actually just Spiderman) and the cork was popped on the Lan Rioja Reserva. The Rioja is a Tempranillo with a black cherry color. This was named a Wine Spectator Top 100 wine a couple years ago and it is a nicely balanced red. It has a slight plum taste with an elegant smokey and earthy quality. It has a smooth, velvety texture through the mouth and a dry finish. It has some intense tannins, but not off-putting.

It was a nice exclamation point to an enjoyable spring evening.


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Saturday, May 22, 2010

Toledo Wines and Vines Wins Washington Wine Blog Competition

wbcorbust_r2ww_205x335 We're celebrating! TWAV was selected as one of 12 national winners in the WBC or Bust blog competition sponsored by WineCHATr.com! As a winning citizen wine writer, TWAV won the opportunity to catch a free ride experiencing Washington wine country while attending the North American Wine Bloggers Conference in June.

More than 100 blog posts from around the country were judged in the following categories:

  • Top 2 Best Washington winery posts
  • Top 2 Best Washington wine or tasting note posts
  • Best Washington growing region post
  • Best Washington vineyard post
  • Most Washington Related Posts

A total of 12 winning bloggers were selected.

Highlights of the WBC-or-Bust road trip include an exclusive winemaker dinner in Seattle at the Waterfront Seafood Grill, food and wine pairing at Chateau St. Michelle, a farm-sponsored lunch amongst the vines of DeBrul Vineyard and a Yakima Valley grand tasting at Prosser’s Vintner’s Village. And this is all before the North American Wine Bloggers Conference begins at Walla Walla.

During the WBC there will be wine tasting aplenty plus a live blogging wine tasting on two nights, one for reds and one for whites. We’ll be posting live so you can enjoy the wine with us (virtually, of course!).

To get some insight on Washington State’s wines, check out these TWAV stories:

Washington Wine: A Dash of Taste

Washington Micro-Wines Make A Splash in Toledo

Washington Wines: An Inside Look

Washington’s Five Star Cellars A Smooth Success

* If your winery would like us to sample your wines before the conference, please e-mail us at TWAV@att.net  for shipping information.

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Friday, May 21, 2010

New Bottle for Wine Lightweights: Drinking and Saving Mother Earth

no original descriptionImage via Wikipedia
Taking care of our environment and promoting sustainability is everybody's business. One bottle manufacturer has found a way to reduce the carbon footprint while we savor the fruit of the grape.

A new lightweight wine bottle, weighing in at less than 12 ounces, is ready to hit the market. Owens-Illinois (NYSE: OI), the world's largest manufacturer of glass containers, is launching its lightest-ever North American wine bottle, which is up to 27 percent lighter than similar wine bottles. Manufactured at the company's California manufacturing facilities, the new bottles weigh just 11.6 ounces.

The company is also launching a 13-ounce 750 mL claret bottle, available to customers on the East coast. The first customer receiving the new 13-ounce container is wholesaler L.D. Carlson Co.

The new line of 750 mL lightweight claret and burgundy bottles is part of the company's initiative designed to create strong, durable, yet lighter bottles using advanced manufacturing techniques. The Lean+Green line is available in a variety of colors, including Champagne Green, Flint, Emerald Green and Dead Leaf Green, and will be between 16 and 27 percent lighter than current offerings.

The new lightweight line is said to retain the premium image of glass without noticeable changes in appearance and feel.

"O-I developed its lighter wine bottles to meet the same strict quality standards of our traditional wine bottles," said Stan Gossett, VP and Category Director for North America Wine. He went on to say that the lightweight options allow customers realize environmental savings while retaining strength and a premium image.

Lighter bottles mean less use of materials and reduce the amount of emissions released into the environment. According to O-I, use of the lightweight bottles will result in carbon dioxide savings of more than 89 tons. This is the equivalent of reducing semi-truck travel by 57,000 miles or the CO2 absorbed by 4,100 trees (this is based on production of 1 million bottles). The packaging also will reduce the cost of shipping

O-I is headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio, home town of Toledo Wines and Vines' international news center. O-I has an interesting Web site about lightweight glass packaging and glass' environmental benefits, found at http://www.winelovesglass.com/.

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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Wine By The Glass Pavilion Schedule Released

Anne Amie VineyardsImage of Anne Amie Vineyards via Snooth
The Toledo Museum of Art has announced its schedule for the upcoming Wine by the Glass Pavilion tastings. These popular drop-in tasting event are scheduled Fridays from 7:00 to 9:30 PM at the Glass Pavilion. Enjoy four wines, light snacks, and a view of our Hot Shop. Prices are $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.
  • May 21: Summer Roses
  • June 4: Anne Amie Vineyards with winemaker Thomas Houseman
  • June 11: Buenos Vinos de Espana
  • June 18: Santa Maria Barbecue
  • June 25: Summer Beers

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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of May 17, 2010

Firesteed CellarsImage of Firesteed Cellars via Snooth
Wednesday, May 19
Andeson's Market, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8:00 PM. Annual Blind Margarita Showdown. We will be brown-bagging all four contestants, and you vote for the winner. Nominal fee per sample or $7 per flight.
059216-yellow-road-sign-icon-food-beverage-food-grapes
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Wines that any cowboy would like. $15.

Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Opens at 4:00 PM. Flights and Bites.  Four wines you can serve with ice. Cost is $15, served with marinated olives, bread, cheese, and Marcona Almonds.

Thursday, May 20
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting.  5-7 PM. Staff Picks (Cheri): 1. Byron – Pinot Noir – Santa Maria Valley, Califonia; 2. Layer Cake – Shiraz – Tanunda, South Australia; 3. G. M. Machmer – Gewürztraminer – Rheinhessen, Germany; 4. New Age –White Blend – Mendoza, Argentina. Nominal fee per sample or $7.50 per flight.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM.
Strange Bed Fellows: Not so much strange, but blends not often found. 1. Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc, 2. Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Generation Red, 3. Crios, Argentina; 4. La Posta Cocina blend, Argentina; 5. Terra Andina Carmenere-Carignan, Chile 6. Terra Andina Malbec Petit Verdot, Chile; 7. Primus, Chile;  8. Five Star Cellars, Petit Verdot, Washington. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Wines that any cowboy would like. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. A Brave New World: Silky, smooth, New World, palate-pleasers. Special guests Jillian Cambell from the Gallo Winery and Tricia Rasar of Berman Distribution. $1 to $3 per sample.

Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Opens at 4:00 PM. Flights and Bites.  Four wines you can serve with ice. Cost is $15, served with marinated olives, bread, cheese, and Marcona Almonds.

Friday, May 21
*Special Event * Wood County Humane Society Wine & Cheese Benefit, 7:00 to10:30 PM,  Nazareth Hall (on the Maumee River located at the intersection of Route 65 and Weston Road). Live and silent auctions, music, hors d'oeuvres and wines. $65 per person, $120 per couple and are available online. Order Tickets Online. For additional information call (419) 378-1178 or e-mail WoodCountyHumane@gmail.com.

*Special Event* Vineyard Adventure: Red, White and Brut. 7:00 to 9:00 p.m, Rose Garden, Toledo Zoo. Wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, live music, and socializing. Toledo Zoo members $35,  non-members $40. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. For information call (419) 385-5721, ext 3092.

* Special Event * Wine by the Glass Pavilion Winemakers Series, Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St., 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Summer Roses. 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. Springtime Whites: 1. The Royal Chenin Blanc, 2. Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier, 3. Firesteed Riesling, 4. Robert Hall Orange Muscat. $10 tasting. 

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. A Brave New World: Silky, smooth, New World, palate-pleasers. Special guests Jillian Cambell from the Gallo Winery and Tricia Rasar of Berman Distribution. $1 to $3 per sample.

Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Opens at 4:00 PM. Flights and Bites.  Four wines you can serve with ice. Cost is $15, served with marinated olives, bread, cheese, and Marcona Almonds.

Saturday, May 22
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Springtime Whites: 1. The Royal Chenin Blanc, 2. Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier, 3. Firesteed Riesling, 4. Robert Hall Orange Muscat. $10 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville, Wine Tasting. 12-3 PM. Great value wines: 1. Le Lapin Multiplicity; 2. Hayman & Hill Interchange White; 3. Santa Julia Malbec; 4.  Gysler Silvaner Halbtrocken. Nominal fee. or $1 per flight. 

Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Opens at 4:00 PM. Flights and Bites.  Four wines you can serve with ice. Cost is $15, served with marinated olives, bread, cheese, and Marcona Almonds.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 p.m. Superstar Syrahs of America. Pay by the sample or flight (premium tasting, a bit more expensive than usual). 

[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Toledo Zoo Hosts Red, White and Brut May 21

The Toledo Zoo has scheduled its latest Vineyard Adventure winePhoto of the Toledo Zoo entrance gate. event. Titled Red, White and Brut, the event will take place Friday, May 21, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Enjoy a fragrant evening among the blossoms of the Zoo's rose garden while sampling wine and enjoying entertainment and hors d'oeuvres. This is the final Vineyard Adventure until Fall.

Each Vineyard Adventure is based on a unique theme and is spent at a different location at the Zoo. At each event you will enjoy a delectable mix of wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, live music, and socializing.

The price for Toledo Zoo members is $35. The cost for non-members is $40. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. You must be 21 years or older to attend a Vineyard Adventure and a valid ID will be required. For information call (419) 385-5721, ext 3092.

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Monday, May 17, 2010

May 18 Mancy's Wine Bash Celebrates Oregon

Raptor Ridge WineryImage of Raptor Ridge Winery via Snooth
Delicious wines from Oregon will be on the menu at Mancy's Italian restaurant on Tuesday, May 18, during their Wine Bash. The event runs from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris will be featured from a number of wineries including Lange and Raptor Ridge.

Cost for the event is $22 per person and includes Signature pizza, assorted Italian meats and cheeses and assorted crostinni. All wines will be available for purchase by the bottle and case discounts (including mixed cases) are available.

Mancy's Italian is located at 5453 Monroe St., Toledo. Call (419) 882-9229‎ for information or reservations.

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Saturday, May 15, 2010

Early History of Michigan Wine Holds Surprises

Vineyard on the Leelanau peninsulaImage via Wikipedia
A new publication chronicles the beginning of the wine industry in Michigan and offers a few surprises. One of the big ones being that in May of 1918, Michigan outlawed alcohol, more than a year before the National Prohibition Act banned alcoholic beverages in all states in the union. Fifteen years later, Michigan was the first state to repeal the prohibition of alcohol. This is just one of the historical tidbits you'll discover when reading "The Early History of the Michigan Wine Industry," written by Lorri Hathaway and Sharon Kegerreis.

In 2009, the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council commissioned Hathaway and Kegerreis to document the early history of Michigan's wine industry -- from the pre-1900s to early 1970s. After completing their book, "From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries," the pair was eager to take on the challenge of recording the history of Michigan wine. They spent the year interviewing, researching and documenting specific topics requested by the council.

"Through their research, Lorri and Sharon found records of winemaking in Michigan that date back to 1679," says Linda Jones, executive director of the council, "and references to the first vineyard for commercial winemaking being planted in 1863.

"Michigan is a youngster in the global wine picture," she says. "But the industry has grown at an amazing rate in the last 10 years -- from 25 wineries to 71, with at least four more due to open in the next year. We were concerned that some of the early history of the industry might be lost if we didn't get some of the stories firsthand."

Hathaway and Kegerreis interviewed some of the pioneers of the modern Michigan wine industry for the project, including Bernie Rink, Boskydel Vineyards; Ed O'Keefe, Sr., Chateau Grand Traverse; and David Braganini, St. Julian Wine Company.

"Every person we talked to was enthusiastic about getting their story down on paper," says Kegerreis. "They shared photographs, letters, legal documents and more, to help ensure this important part of Michigan's history is preserved."

"The Early History of the Michigan Wine Industry" is full of historic photos, and interesting, sometimes surprising, stories about the growth of the industry. The documents are available online at http://www.michiganwines.com/, under "About Michigan Wines," and will be preserved electronically in the Archives of Michigan.

The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council is an 11-member panel that supports the growth of the grape and wine industry in Michigan. It is housed in the Michigan Department of Agriculture, which is the official state agency charged with serving, promoting and protecting the food, agriculture and agricultural economic interests of the people of the state of Michigan.

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Friday, May 14, 2010

GaREAT Wine Fest Scheduled May 22


The GaREAT Spring Wine Fest is scheduled May 22 at the sports complex in Geneva. The event benefits the Geneva area Recreational, Educational and Athletic Trust. The event is a celebration of spring, of award winning Ohio wines and the first full summer of activities at the spectacular GaREAT Sports Complex in Geneva, Ohio. Fifteen wineries will gather for a gala day of fun, wine sampling and a preview of the new sports and education facility, 1822 South Broadway, Geneva.
The day will include wine tasting, food sampling, live entertainment an array of artists and crafters, sports related vendors and tours of the world class complex.

Participating wineries include: Al-Bi Winery from Dellroy; Candlelight Wine Cellars, Garrettsville; Debonne Vineyards, Madison; Emerine Estates, Jefferson; Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Geneva; Grand River Cellars, Madison; It’s Your Winery, Akron; Klingshirn Winery, Avon Lake; Maize Valley Winery, Hartville; Mastropietro Winery, Berlin Center; Old Firehouse Winery, Geneva on the Lake; Old Mill Winery, Geneva; The Winery at Spring Hill, Geneva; Viking Vineyards & Winery, Kent and Virant Family Winery, Geneva.

Hours for the Wine Fest are 2:00 to 9:00 PM. Tickets are $20 per person in advance and $25 at the gate. Each ticket includes ten sampling tickets as well as all of the activities and complimentary tours of the facility. Tickets are available by calling the Ohio Wine Produces at 800-227-6972 or may be purchased online.

A portion of the proceeds from the Wine Fest will benefit the Geneva Area Recreational Educational Athletic Trust, a nonprofit corporation supporting this world class multi-purpose facility. The complex will include more than 450,000 square feet of facilities on a 175 acre campus in Harpersfield Township at the intersection of I-90 and State Route 534. There is literally no venue of this kind anywhere in North America. They offer state of the art facilities for baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, field and track as well as volleyball. Additional activities include programs for tots, Striders for Seniors, summer sports camps and community events.

Flickr photo by Pixle

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Thursday, May 13, 2010

Wood County Humane Society Wine & Cheese Benefit Set For May 21

The "swingin’ and swanky" 2010 Wood County Humane Society Wine & Cheese Benefit will be held 7:00 to10:30 PM on Friday, May 21. The event will be held at beautiful Nazareth Hall on the Maumee River located at the intersection of Route 65 and Weston Road. There will be live and silent auctions of great items (with auctioneer Jerry Anderson). Music will be provided by The Guytones Jazz Quartet and DJ Paul Spoerl. A DVD by BGSU design students will also be presented. There will be an assortment of hors d'oeuvres and numerous wines (from hearty Cab to sweet Moscato) to sample.

Tickets are $65 per person or $120 per couple and are available online. Order Tickets Online.  UPDATE: If you order before May 15, the earlybird cost is $55 and $110. A portion of your ticket is tax-deductable. Cocktail attire is appropriate. For additional information call (419) 378-1178 or e-mail WoodCountyHumane@gmail.com.

Items donated for the silent auction by WCHS friends and area businesses are cumulatively valued at more than $10,000, and items will be accepted through May 14th. These include fabulous items such as a timeshare vacation, a Kalahari Resort Package, Golf Passes, Vera Bradley items, sports memorabilia, Coach bags, hand crafted jewelry and art, restaurant, shop and salon certificates from area merchants and many more items for the entire family (including pets).

The Wood County Humane Society receives no government funding, and so relies on the donations of individuals like you to carry on its important work. WCHS is a private, non-profit, no-kill animal shelter. Its mission is to provide the best quality care for abused, homeless, neglected and abandoned animals in the community. Their Humane Agent responds to reports of cruelty throughout Wood County. Dedicated staff and volunteers also provide public assistance, information and assistance with low-cost spay/neuter programs and community education.


Flickr photo by Matt
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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Charming Wines at Cherished Event


Last week’s Charmed and Cherished wine tasting benefit last week at the Navy Bistro was a smashing success.
 
While the wining and dining was going on, yours truly was on the tennis court battling in a league match. As I was scrambling after fuzzy green balls, members of the Toledo Wines and Vines tasting team were “on the job” sampling fine wine from Heidelberg Distributing and the Walter Berman division with scrumptious morsels.
The report from the field is that the event was simply stunning. The number of wines available for sampling was down by a few compared with last year. Also, the mezzanine level wasn’t used for tasting as it was last year – so things were a little bit more cramped. But why quibble when there is great wine to be sampled for a good cause?
 
Here’s a list of some of the top tastes:
 
Excellent
  • Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (pleasant, flavorful, great bouquet)
  • Rosemount Shiraz (this is always a “go to” wine)
  • Sebastiani Pinot Noir Sonoma County (a smash hit, smooth finish and full of flavor)
  • Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon (Great nose, easy to drink, delicious with chocolate)
 
Very Good
  • Gascon Malbec (one of our favorite Malbecs)
  • Alamos Torrontes (crowd favorite at table)
  • Colores del Sol (deep color, nice, complex)
  • Penfolds Bin 52 Shiraz Mourvedre
  • Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc
 
The favorite wine of the evening for the tasting team was the Sebastiani Pinot Noir. We were able to sample a full bottle of the 2007 Saturday night. It was tasted with two other reds and two whites, but was selected again as the crowd favorite.
 
In the glass it is a clear, deep purple. The nose offers cherry scents. The taste has smokiness and a bit of spicy tannins that smooth out and leave a nice lingering finish. It has a zingy kick at the end.
 
The Sebastiani Pinot paired well with almonds and dark chocolate.  Although not as full bodied as a Cabernet, we suspect this elegant wine can stand up to a good steak too. At about $18, the price is as tasty as the wine.
 
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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of May 10, 2010

Grgich HillsImage of Grgich Hills via Snooth
Wednesday, May 12
Andeson's Market, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8:00 PM. 1. Corvidae “Crowe” White Blend, 2. BV Reserve Carneros Pinot Noir, 3.  Gorman Winery “The Pixie” Syrah, 4.  Movendo Moscato.  Nominal fee per sample or $9 per flight.
059216-yellow-road-sign-icon-food-beverage-food-grapes
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Italian Stallions: Wines from Italy. $15.

Manhattan’s Restaurant, 1516 Adams Street, Toledo. Wine Tasting with Uptown Vineyard. 6:30 PM. $15. Five wines and appetizers. In Union Square room. Reservations required. E-mail info@uptownvineyard.com or call (866) 276-1984.



Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Opens at 4:00 PM. Flights and Bites.  Our flights of wine this week will be four white blends. Cost is $15, served with marinated olives, bread, cheese, and Marcona Almonds.

Thursday, May 13
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting.  5-7 PM. Staff Pick’s (Nick): 1. Prestige Tavel – Rose’ – Lauzeraies, France, 2. Tarrica – Pinot Noir – Monterey, California, 3. Lan – Crianza – Rioja, Spain, 4. Armador – Cabernet Sauvignon – Maipio Valley, Chile.  Nominal fee per sample or $6.50 per flight.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM.
Elegant Whites and Brawny Reds: 1. Grgich Hills Fume Blanc, 2. Plumpjack Napa Chardonnay, 3. Prisme Pinot Noir Blanc, Willamette Valley, 4. Mount Eden Saratoga Red Cuvee, California, 5. Burnet Ridge Purple Trillium Red, 6. Lytton Springs Zinfandel, California, 7. Chapellet Mountain Cuvee, 8. Royal Tokaji, Hungary. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Italian Stallions: Wines from Italy. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Here's Ampelography! Ampelography is a fine wine sales and marketing firm that is really starting to blow up the Great Lakes region. Adam Mahler has taken his passion for great wine and poured every drop of it into this new powerhouse. $1 to $3 per sample.

Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Opens at 4:00 PM. Flights and Bites. Our flights of wine this week will be four white blends. Cost is $15, served with marinated olives, bread, cheese, and Marcona Almonds.  Live music scheduled by Mitch Cahl.  7:30 to 10:30 PM.

Friday, May 14
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Popcorn with Buttery Chardonnays: 1. Anakena Chardonnay, 2. Thorn Clark Chardonnay, 3. Ferrari Carano Chardonnay, 4. MacRostie Chardonnay. $10 tasting. 

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Here's Ampelography! Ampelography is a fine wine sales and marketing firm that is really starting to blow up the Great Lakes region. Adam Mahler has taken his passion for great wine and poured every drop of it into this new powerhouse. $1 to $3 per sample.

Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Opens at 4:00 PM. Flights and Bites. Our flights of wine this week will be four white blends. Cost is $15, served with marinated olives, bread, cheese, and Marcona Almonds.

Saturday, May 15
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Popcorn with Buttery Chardonnays: 1. Anakena Chardonnay, 2. Thorn Clark Chardonnay, 3. Ferrari Carano Chardonnay, 4. MacRostie Chardonnay. $10 tasting.  

The Andersons, Woodville, Wine Tasting. 12-3 PM. Wines from Mondavi Private Selection: 1. Mondavi Pinot Grigio,  2. Mondavi Riesling, 3.  Mondavi Pinot Noir, 4. Mondavi Meritage. Nominal fee. or $2.00 per flight. 

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 p.m. Spring Wines pt 2: Reds. Pay by the sample or flight ($10 to $15 for flight). 

[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Monday, May 10, 2010

Harpersfield Vineyard “Les Reves” (Dreams) Chardonnay

Heading back from a Geneva wine conference recently wesunset funnel cloud 2 decided that there was time to visit one winery before returning to the Toledo area. I exited and headed toward Ferrante. Ferrante is one of the largest wineries in Ohio’s wine country and produces some very nice wines. But we came to a fork in the road and as for me, I took the road less travelled.

Outside Harpersfield Vineyard I saw the flag indicating they were open and even before I could make a conscious decision, I was turning left and rumbling up the drive to their old world tasting room. This was different than our last visit, when the tasting room was bustling with customers and flames were crackling in the large fireplace.

The sun was coming out and it was turning into a beautiful afternoon. Green Dragon and I were the only visitors on this weekday and so I had a nice chance to converse with co-owner Patty Ribic.
Harpersfield was noticeably absent from the Ohio Wine Producers Association event we had attended and I asked Patty about it. She said that Harpersfield was an estate winery and that many of the OWPA members don’t grow their own grapes. She is interested in authenticity and being true to the wine.

As she laid out her philosophy we sampled wine and the Harpersfield terriers scooted through the tasting room and into the sunny courtyard. I shared my thoughts about how wine, friends and new experiences blend to make wonderful memories.

On our previous visit we really savored the wine. The grapes are all hand-picked and the terroir really shines through. There are no fads or folderol here, just honest juice without the heavy hand of interventionist winemaking.

We were reluctantly preparing to go when Patty pulled out a special sample for us, “Les Reves” Chardonnay, which is French for dreams. The wine was beautifully layered with green apple, light oakiness and vanilla. A touch of caramel highlighted the taste. I envisioned a wispy cloud wafting about with the sun poking through. This was certainly a very special wine. I grabbed my credit card so we could procure a bottle.

Patty firmly told me to put it away and presented the bottle as a gift. Here, she said, take it and enjoy it with friends. But drink it soon, don’t wait. That, she said, is what wine is all about.

And so we did.

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Saturday, May 8, 2010

Paws and Whiskers Wine Benefit May 18

A wine tasting event to benefit Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter, Toledo's only all-feline, no kill shelter, is scheduled 7:00 to 9:00 PM Tuesday, May 18, at  Capers Pizza Bar 2038 S. Byrne Road (at Heatherdowns) Toledo. The cost is $25 per person and includes five different wines to taste and five different grazing stations, including pizza, bruschetta, crackers/cheese, and more. For tickets call Capers at (419) 389-9900 or Paws and Whiskers at (419) 536-1914.

The shelter, governed by a Board of Directors, is dedicated to providing a safe haven for unwanted feline friends. It provides shelter, food, love, and veterinary care for the area’s homeless, unwanted, and orphaned felines, while seeking safe, loving homes.Through the dedication of Paws and Whiskers volunteers and generous contributions of supporters more than 8,100 cats have been placed with caring families over the past 13. The shelter even offers a “cat-back” guarantee. Any cat adopted from the shelter need never be homeless again because Paws and Whiskers will take it back at anytime, for any reason.

Flickr photo by Delphine
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Friday, May 7, 2010

W.I.N.O.S. Pairs Women and Shopping May 20

The Satek Winery, 6208 N. Van Guilder Road, Fremont, Indiana, has interested us for some time. It's located just off I-80 near Angola and so we've zipped past it on the way to various destination. The timing has never been quite right, so we've rolled on past the winery with a twinge of longing. From all appearances, Satek has some interesting wines and I'd like to sample what Indiana has to offer.

We intend to pay them a visit in the next few months. For those of you who can't wait, here is a special event combining wine, food, socializing and shopping that may catch your fancy.

W.I.N.O.S.-- Women in Need Of Shopping-- is scheduled for May 20th at Satek Winery.  It features an upscale party with gourmet finger foods catered by Sutton's Deli; a sampling of Satek wines at both indoor and outdoor tasting bars; some "retail therapy" at the Merchant Marketplace. You can enter drawings for numerous door prizes to be given away, mingle with friends and take in the gorgeous Spring weather in an outdoor tented picnic area.

The Merchant Marketplace features six vendors this month including Panache SalonSpa, Tastefully Simple, All About Me, Creative Memories, The Magnet Lady, and May Kay. In addition, Satek Winery will offer a 10% discount on all gift shop purchases that evening (wine purchases not included)!

Tickets are just $9 each, and if you buy your tickets before May 17th, you'll get a bonus Ice Wine Tasting (a $3 value) at no extra charge!

The event is held from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Tickets are available for staggered entry times, but once you are in the door, you are welcome to stay as long as you like. When ordering your tickets, please indicate your preference of entry time: 6:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., or 7:30 p.m.

You can order your tickets online or you can charge tickets by phone by calling the winery during regular business hours at (260) 495-WINE.

Photo by Rudolf Vlcek

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Thursday, May 6, 2010

Sipping The Taste of the Nation Toledo

The April 25th Taste of the Nation event held at Levis Commons brought together top chefs and top wines in an elegant and fun evening. Our tasting team member, Spiderman, attended to provided this report.


"It was a very rainy and windy Sunday evening for the event. The tent company definitely had their hands full but did a nice job in keeping the event dry and warm inside the tents which were located in the back parking lot of Fat Fish Blue.

Upon arrival, there was free valet parking a nice and necessary service with the weather being so uncooperative. I checked in at the door with Marla Schecht one of the event chairs who was very nice and was excited to have a representative from TWAV attend the event. (Who wouldn't be?)

The food was outstanding as so many restaurants were able to be represented from the Toledo area. Each restaurant had a featured dish that was very unique to their respective chef. For instance Matt Lawrence the chef from Mancy's Italian served a dish call "Sheep's Milk Ricotta" which he described as ravioli without the dough. Matt was right and it was an excellent dish that you would not normally get to eat. The list went on and on with great chef's presenting their signature specialty dishes for this very upscale event.

Overall... Amazing food with an amazing representation of restaurants.

Now lets get to the wine...

There were two major distributors represented at this event: Glazer's Distributors of NW Ohio and Heidelberg Distributing Company. Some of the wines sampled...

Port... I tried a Penfolds Club Tawny that I would recommend in place of a traditional dessert wine because it was not as sweet as a normal dessert wine but would complement most desserts.

Pinot Noir..... My favorite Pino of the night was La Crema --- This was very crisp wine with bursting with plum and cherry. Cost is about $29. This wine would go fantastic with Mediterranean food.

Amarone... My favorite of the whole evening. It's a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes. Amarone is considered one of Italy's wine treasures and features ripe fruit, power, and roundness. It's an adventurous wine which has become very popular. This wine logically would be great with Italian food. Cost is $45 or so."

As if the great wine and food were not enough, the charity aspect of the event also is in good taste. The event's goal is to help ensure no kid in America goes hungry. One hundred percent of ticket sales go to charity with local beneficiaries being Toledo GROWS, Toledo Day Nursery, Aurora House and Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank.

Flickr photo by Amy
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