Halloween Vineyard Adventure October 29 at Toledo Zoo

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The Toledo Zoo has scheduled its annual Halloween Vineyard Adventure Saturday, October 29, from 7:00 to 11:00 PM. The Nairobi Pavilion will be transformed into a classy yet mystical setting with jack-o-lanterns and macabre décor. There will be a delectable mix of wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, socializing, and dancing to your favorite tunes.

Guests are encouraged to wear your favorite costumes and masks to get into the spirit of the evening. There will be a costume contest, and photos by Photobooth Live.

The Toledo Zoo’s Corporate Gifts department will provide a wide assortment of gourmet foods, wines, and other great gifts for additional purchase.

Tickets are $40 per person for non-members and $35 for Zoo members. Reservations can also be made by calling 419-385-5721, Ext. 3092. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

Please note: tickets purchased during the week prior to the event will be available through will call. Online sales of tickets are discontinued at 3:00 PM on the day before the event. You may purchase tickets online here.

Technorati Tags: wine

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Lone Oak Vineyard Plans Trip To Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 20

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Lone Oak Vineyard Estate, 8400 Ann Arbor, Grass Lake, Michigan, is presenting “Wine, Women and Song: A Trip to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They are sending out a call to all "hippy chicks" and music lovers for a day trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to see their special exhibit, “Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power” on November 20. 

The group will depart from Lone Oak Vineyard Estate at 8:00 AM via luxury motor coach and arrive at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by noon or before, stopping for a short break along the way. For those living in the Detroit area, there will be an alternate pick up point in the Livonia area to save you the drive to Grass Lake.

Lunch can be purchased at the Rock Hall Cafe and you'll have ample time to see the "Women Who Rock" exhibit - along with any others you'd care to see. The bus will leave the museum in time to get back to Lone Oak by 8:00 PM.

The trip includes:

• Luxury motor coach transport from Lone Oak Vineyard Estate or alternate pick up location in the Livonia area, to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and back.
• Admission to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• 2 glasses of Lone Oak Vineyard Estate Wine along the way
• Fun and camaraderie with your fellow wine and music lovers
• Ticket price is $65 per person

Call (517)522-8167 for reservations - seating is limited. The registration deadline is November 1.

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Row Eleven 2008 Vinas 3 Pinot Noir

A recent trip to Louisville provided a serendipitous chance to eat at a favorite restaurant, Proof on Main. The restaurant blends culinary traditions of Italy and the American South it also adjoins the 21c modern art museum so it is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

For the wine selection, my friend Gary and I opted for a wine neither of us had tried before, the Row Eleven 2008 Three Vineyards Pinot Noir.

Row Eleven is a California winemaker with a focus on Pinot. They make Pinots including Santa Maria and Russian River wines. Vinas 3 is a blend of Sonoma, Santa Barbara and Monterey vineyards.

The first sip seemed a bit tight. As we enjoyed our first course of butternut squash soup with chocolate brioche, cilantro and green curry, we were pleased to notice that the versatile Vinas 3 was a nice pairing.

My main course was Iowa Berkshire pork with honey crisp apple, rye and pecan. Gary opted for the Pacific Sturgeon. By this time the wine had opened up beautifully. Pinot and pork is a heavenly combination and this certainly is the case when enjoyed with friends in a sensational restaurant. The Pinot was also a good match for the tasty sturgeon.

The Vinas 3 was smooth with rich cherry flavors, light tannins and a tasty finish. It seems single vineyard or block wines are all the rage now, but this wine shows that skillful blending of regional grapes can artfully capture the taste of California Pinot Noir.

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Wine Tastings & Events: October 19-22, 2011

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Wednesday, October 19

The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Taste some of the Cave's past wines of the month. $15.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6-9 PM. Wine Tasting. Merlot. Cost is $15.

Thursday, October 20

The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Ports, Sherrys and Madera, Oh my! 1. Morande’ – Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc – Casablanca Valley, Chile, 2. Feist Madera – Island of Madera, Portugal, 3. Pedro Romero – Moscatel Sherry, Mazanilla, Spain, 4. 2005 Grahams LBV – Portugal. $5 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Petite Sirah
Inky dark full firm red wine. 1. Guenoc Napa Petite Sirah, 2. Lava Cap Eldorado Reserve Petite Sirah, 3. McNabb Ridge Petite Sirah, 4. Niner Paso Robles Petite Sirah, 5. Two Angels High Valley Petite Sirah, 6. True Grit Mendocino Petite Sirah, 7. La Storia Alexander Valley Petite Sirah, 8. Girard Napa Valley Petite Sirah. Added attraction: Bogle Petite Sirah Limited Release Port. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Taste some of the Cave's past wines of the month. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Great wines at great prices. Special guest: Diana Kerr-Brown from Wine Trends. 1. Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc from South Africa, 2. Ken Forrseter Red Blend from South Africa, 3. Four Vines Naked Chardonnay from Santa Barbara, CA., 4. Four Vines Old Vine Cuvee Zin from California. $1 per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, October 21

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. French Wines: 1. Ch. De L'Hyverniere Muscadet, 2. 1996 Roux Pere & Fils Puligny Montrachet, 3. Gerard Bertrand GSM, 4. Baron de Rothschild Bordeaux. $10 tasting.

Saturday, October 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. French Wines: 1. Ch. De L'Hyverniere Muscadet, 2. 1996 Roux Pere & Fils Puligny Montrachet, 3. Gerard Bertrand GSM, 4. Baron de Rothschild Bordeaux. $10 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Zinfandel Based Reds: 1. Menage Red, 2. Gnarly Head, Authentic Red, 3. Primal Roots Red, 4. Shannon Ridge Wrangler Red. $2 per flight or nominal fee per sample. Note: Beginning October 27, our wine tastings will move to Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6-9 PM “Wine that should be drank with wine.” Cost is $15.

AREA WINE BARS

• Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
• Vino 100 Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 866-8466, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite C, Maumee.
• Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.

Technorati Tags: wine

[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

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Italian Wines Featured in Wine By The Glass Pavilion Tasting

By Glorious T, TWAV Tasting Team Member

Image by ｐｒｋｂｋｒ via Flickr

It was a beautiful October evening. We had two guests in town and had spent the week going to nice restaurants, so were ready for something a little different.

We decided to visit the Toledo Museum of art’s Glass Pavilion for their wine tasting event. The museum is impressive to visitors and our guests immediately loved the look and feel of the all-glass structure and the hot shop was a hotspot of activity since master glass maker Mark Matthews was presenting. The night’s event was being held under the stars in the courtyard. 55 Degrees reps from Cleveland, along with the museum’s wonderful event staff were ready to pour a selection of Venetian wines. In addition, there was a wonderful spread of diverse appetizers including a type of pineapple crab cake, asparagus spears with prosciutto, and other delectable treats – plenty of food to go along with the wine. Following are tasting notes on the evening’s offerings:

1. Vignalta Colle Euganei Chardonnay 2007 (Chardonnay from the Padova Hills “Colli Euganei”) Distinct apricot and pear notes, slight oak on the front with a bitter finish. Did not appeal to our group of tasters, but they are not normally chardonnay lovers anyway.

2. Novaia Valpolicella Classico Ripasso (Blend of Corvina-Rondinella “Appasimento” style) We were immediately taken aback when the wine was served chilled, very chilled. Fruity front which dissipated immediately into a completely nonexistent finish.

3. Bastianich Vespa Roso (Blend of Merlot-Refosco-Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc) I could deal with the first two, anticipating that glory was on its way. When attending wine tastings, I fully expect to get through the first two before discovering something delicious. This bold, full-bodied blend was worth the wait. The Cab Franc pops immediately with a smooth and luxurious feel that is enhanced by the bold peppers. Very strong middle, it was noted, because this is unusual – we usually expect the front and the finish, but this wine was pronounced all the way through and finished soft and dry. We practically raced to the tasting station for a second glass.

4. Novaia Recioto Della Valpolicella (Blend of Corvina-Rondinella Late Harvest) Dessert wine – well, not exactly. We were told that Italians drink this like water by the gallon, beginning first thing in the morning – sure wish this was acceptable in this country;) What a wonderful surprise – this was indeed my type of dessert wine. Strong and beautiful mocha chocolate bouquet with a port style front. Not at all syrupy, just a really pleasant and smooth drink. A great wine to wrap up the tasting.

We enjoyed the dessert wine in the hotshop and watched a bit of the demonstration. It was a great way to end a pleasant evening. The museum even focused on a Venetian glass collection to go along with the evening’s theme. The wine tasting events occur a few times throughout the year (check http://www.toledomuseum.org/glass-pavilion for dates and details). Highly recommended as a special evening out, or just something different to kick off the weekend for just $20 ($15 for members). The museum event staff is extremely hospitable and accommodating, and they pay attention to the details necessary to keep guests coming back for more.

Technorati Tags: Italy,wine,Toledo Museum of Art

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2006 Schloss Reinhartshausen Old Vines Riesling

This is a superb German Riesling sampled and enjoyed by a group of friends on the patio around the fire pit.
Schloss Reinhartshausen is the largest privately owned wine estate in Rheingau and this offering is the product of 40 year-old vines planted in the Hoherain vineyard. 

The initial reaction is “wow” as you savor the interplay of sweetness and acidity. It’s finished in the “off dry” style but the acidity keeps the sweetness in good balance. That fact made this popular with both fans of dry Riesling and those who avoid acidic wines.

The palate is dominated by white peach with a nice tapestry of citrus flavors that prance around as you drink. There is moderate minerality to add complexity and a much fuller body than you may expect from a Riesling. Watery this is not.

It’s a wine that generated a lot of discussion around the fire. This is a gem of a Riesling that I purchased online for a special price of only $14 (an unbelievable value). This heavenly Germanic elixir copped a ***** rating out of *****.

Technorati Tags: wine,German Riesling

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Blog Action Day: Best Food Memory

By Glorious T, TWAV Tasting Team Member

Since 2009, Toledo Wines and Vines has participated in Blog Action Day, which focuses bloggers around the world to blog about one important global topic on the same day.This year, Blog Action Day will be held on October 16, which coincides with World Food Day, so naturally our 2011 theme is food.

We use food to mark times of celebration and sorrow. Lack of access to food causes devastating famines, while too much is causing a generation of new health problems. It can cost the world, or be too cheap for farmers to make a living. Today Glorious T shares her favorite food memory. – Editor

I have a personal philosophy about food – I would rather have a small amount of something wonderful than a large plate of something that’s just pretty good. Therefore, I especially love tapas. It’s fun to gather with a group of people and select from different categories to create a delicious and diverse experience that is shared among friends. When spending our annual vacation at the beach we enjoy a feast of fresh mahi-mahi, grouper, and tuna and then visit a nice restaurant a couple of times during the week.

This past summer we spent an evening in Wilmington NC and based on rave reviews from locals we chose Circa 1922. We shared uniquely presented and highly creative small plates such as wild mushroom strudel and crabmeat cheesecake – both of which I’ve since tried to duplicate. The wine list was fabulous, offering a wide expanse of both unique and familiar choices. Surprisingly, the food appealed to the diverse palates in our group of adults, non-meat eaters, finicky college students, and an Irishman. Everyone was raving about their choices, although there was some apprehension upon ordering. A bonus when ordering tapas – you generally have room for dessert.

The college students chose to leave and headed for the local ice cream parlor. They missed out because the rest of us opted to share both the Colossal Crème Brule and the Bananas Foster with Myers’ Dark Rum Sauce. Wow! No small plates for dessert, both were served in baking dishes normally used to serve a family dinner! There aren’t enough adjectives to describe these divine treats. It was a fabulous ending to an incredibly fun and refreshing vacation with family. Food brings us together, and provides beautiful lasting memories.

Technorati Tags: Blog Action Day,Food

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