Friday, February 28, 2014

Special Michael David Winery Tasting At Zinful March 5

Zinful Tasting & Taproom, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville, will host a special tasting of Michael David Winery wines, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Wednesday, March 5. Special guest Nicole Gardner from Michael David Winery will be pouring five fantastic varieties of wines for the evening’s tasting.
Michael David Winery was established in 1984 by brothers, Michael and David Phillips. The Phillips family has been farming land in the Lodi region of California since the 1850’s. Michael, as a fifth generation wine grower, couldn’t pass up the opportunity to jump into the winemaking business and with the help of his father and his brother David the winery was born. Michael David Winery has been producing high quality wines with eye catching labels ever since.
Featured wines include: 1. Lodi Chardonnay, 2. 6th Sense Syrah, 3. Freakshow Cabernet, 4. Inkblot Petit Verdot, 5. Gluttony Zinfandel. The cost is $20 per person. Great food is available, but isn’t included in the price.
Photo by Praytino via Compfight
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Thursday, February 27, 2014

Blue Rock 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley


When we visited Maumee Wines & Bistro for Valentine’s Day, our attention was riveted by this 2009 Blue Rock Cabernet. We have been dazzled by their Baby Blue red blend before and consider it one of our favorite wines.
We have never had the Blue Rock Cab and it was time to correct that omission.
Green Dragon and I were accompanied by the Cabinator and Glorious T. It wasn’t hard to convince the Cabinator to go with a great Cab from Alexander Valley. At the Bistro you can buy a bottle of wine from the retail area and have it with dinner for an additional $8 corkage fee. That’s a nice saving over the typical 100% markup.
I ordered an awesome pan roasted beef tenderloin finished with fruit chutney
accompanied by rustic potatoes and broccoli rabe. Green Dragon selected the Chicken Oscar. The pairing couldn’t have been better.
The Blue Rock is a wonderfully rich wine that is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with the blend being rounded out with Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot. It is an elegant wine that is both complex but ready to drink and enjoy right now. It sells for about $45. It’s quality is certainly on par with some of Napa’s best Cab – but at about half the price.
Blue Rock is aged 22 months in oak and ripples with black cherry and dark fruit notes. The wine is ripe and fresh in flavor, avoiding the heaviness that can detract from some high-end Cabs.
Alexander Valley is home to some sensational wines and top-notch values. In short, Blue Rock rocks!
Rating: 5 of 5  Value: 5 of 5

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Fairy Tales, Fables and Flowers Wine Tasting Set At Toledo Zoo March 1

Toledo Zoo Flowers

Toledo Zoo Flowers (Photo credit: barbmanning)

Looking for a truly “wild” experience?  On Friday, March 1, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, the Toledo Zoo will present Spring Alive: Fairytales, Fables, & Flowers. The cost is $40 for Toledo Zoo members, $45 for non-members. At the event you will enjoy a delectable mix of wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and socializing.  

Appetizers: Sausage en croute, Roasted vegetable trays, Roasted grape and brie, finger sandwiches, Cajun Crab dip, and Fruit trays.

Wines: Fancy Pants Pinot Grigio, Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay, The Seeker Rose, Discoveries Moscato, Dreaming Tree White, Superstition White Blend, Lock and Key Meritage, Lost Angel Pinot Noir, Worlds End Cabernet, Carmen Petite Syrah, Lucky County Shiraz and 19 Crimes Red Blend.

Entertainment: Cooking demonstrations by the Toledo Zoo’s Executive Chef, Sam Misiura . Asteria String Quartet

You may purchase tickets online here. If you have any questions, or prefer to place your reservation by phone please call The Toledo Zoo Group Sales department at 419-385-5721, Ext. 6001, Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm.

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Monday, February 24, 2014

Dry Creek Vineyard 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley


Dry Creek Valley is a Sonoma AVA known mostly for producing Zinfandel, but the valley actually has more Cabernet Sauvignon planted than any other variety. Cooler than many other parts of Sonoma County, it provides long days of intense sunshine – perfect for ripening Cabernet grapes.
The 2010 vintage in Sonoma provided many challenges for the winemaker. There were late spring rains, a cool summer and then several heat spikes before harvest. But out of adversity has come a worthy wine.
The Dry Creek Vineyard 2010 Cabernet has a juicy aroma of raspberry with a hint of floral. On the palate this is a silky wine with flavors of black cherry and chocolate. The tannins in the wine are somewhat tight, providing good structure. For me, the wine improved as it opened up and a night later it was even better than the first.
Composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petite Verdot, the blend is spot on. The wine is aged 18 months in American, French and Hungarian oak.
For $25 this is is a Sonoma Cab to that will entice wine lovers with style and great value.
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Full Disclosure: This wine was received as a marketing sample.
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Friday, February 21, 2014

Kenwood 2010 Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Mountain


We heard the “call of the wild” from this wine during a wintery meal at Mancy’s Bluewater Grille in Maumee. We were in the mood for a nice drinking red and this bottle delivered in spades.
Kenwood’s Jack London Cab is from the Sonoma Mountain AVA and is 97% Cabernet with 3% Merlot. The Jack London Vineyard has a combination of nice morning sun and gentle cooling breezes along well-drained soils.
I must say that I’m still focused on the 2009 California Cabernet, but this Cab is certainly in its prime drinking window. The drinking profile is similar to many Napa Cabs – rich red fruit, full body and very smooth finish. The Jack London also sports a hint of vanilla and a plush texture.
This was a great pairing with our entrees, which ranged from fish to filet. The price is also easy to swallow, at about $35 retail. This is a rewarding, easy going Cabernet.
Although Napa Valley is often the “go to” destination for Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma offers a wealth of great Cab and some distinctive growing regions. As prices continue to climb for “cult” Napa Cabs, the view from Sonoma looks better and better.
Rating: 3 of 5  Value: 3 of 5
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Thursday, February 20, 2014

Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival Celebrates Its 11th Year Beginning March 1

For three Saturdays in March “ice wine groupies” will swarm to five area wineries in Northeastern Ohio, during the 11th Annual Ice Wine Festival. The event is sponsored by the Wineries of the Grand River Valley and will be held on three consecutive Saturdays, March 1, 8 and 15 from noon to 5:00 PM.
The focus will be on the next vintage of ice wine. Lovers of this golden nectar wine will come from all over the state of Ohio and neighboring states as well. It’s a celebration of a labor of love and a unique wine that can only be made in certain parts of the world.
The festival consists of five area wineries all within a 10-minute drive of each other. Patrons begin at the winery of their choice for this fun, progressive Ice Wine tasting throughout the Grand River Valley wine region. Participating wineries include Debonné Vineyards, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, Laurello Vineyards, and St. Joseph Vineyards.
Making this event a progressive tasting is one of the reasons the event is such a draw. Patrons will have a unique experience at every winery and will be able to see different sights around the area. Many wineries have added “extras” for people to enjoy. Some of the extras include special wine dinners featuring local meats, cheeses and vegetables, ice carving, dog sledding, food demonstrations and several artisans. Most of these “extras” are free but some will cost the patron a small additional charge. In addition, many of the winemakers will be on hand for people to talk to and other wines will be available for people to taste.
“I love having the consumer down in my cellar so they can taste these wines”, says Cindy Lindberg, event coordinator and president of Grand River Cellars Winery. “Being down there among the tanks and barrels gives you a true understanding of a working wine cellar. Many other wineries have patrons in the cellars tasting wine as well as roasting ice wine marshmallows, or relaxing and looking at juried crafts while sipping on their ice wine. It's an opportunity to get out and embrace the cold weather and have a great time doing it."
The wines featured at the Ice Wine Festival are ‘true’ ice wines. The grapes are left on the vines at the end of the traditional harvest season and await Mother Nature to shift seasons from fall to winter. Once the grapes are truly frozen, and the temperature reaches 17 degrees or less, the grapes are picked and pressed immediately before they have a chance to thaw. This year's harvest was December 12th during the very early morning hours. The harvest was one of the biggest in history as the grapes were still well formed and hearty.
Out of town guests will be sure to want to check the local visitor’s bureau websites for places to stay the night. Since the Ice Wine Festival is in March, many of our hotels and restaurants are able to give top-notch service because it is a slower time of year and are able to offer wonderful amenities and are much less crowded.
Participants will need to determine a starting point at one of the participating wineries in the Grand River Valley. Each winery will provide a sample of their wines, an ice wine glass, and a complimentary appetizer. The event begins at noon and ends at 5 p.m. The cost is $6 per person at each winery. In an effort to help the local food banks, the wineries are encouraging everyone to bring in canned food items for which they will receive $1 off at each location. For more information about the Ice Wine Festival call (440) 466-3485 or visit www.debonne.com  for a list of details.
Appetizer and Event Menu
DEBONNÉ VINEYARDS - APPETIZER: Ice wine infused Chocolate Fudge - Sled Dog Demonstration all day. Field to Fork Progressive Dinner- each Friday evening. Ice Wine Raffle to support the “We Care” fund to help assist wounded soldiers. Call (440) 466-3485 or www.debonne.com for more information on the dinner.
FERRANTE WINERY & RISTORANTE - APPETIZER: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with a Nutmeg Spice Ice Wine Marshmallow - Ice Wine Princess-all day. “A Touch of Glass” featuring Grape Jewelry.
GRAND RIVER CELLARS WINERY & RESTAURANT - APPETIZER: Pear, Walnut, & Caramel Tart - Featuring Ice Carving at 12 p.m. Delightful Soy Candles featuring Ice Wine Candles - Wine jelly samples and sales by Gathering Place - Ice Wine Marshmallow Roast All Day (small additional fee) - Field to Fork Progressive Dinner- each Friday evening. Call (440) 298-9838 or www.grandrivercellars.com for more information.
LAURELLO VINEYARDS - APPETIZER: Chocolate, Pepper & Nut Biscotti - Featuring Beach Glass Jewelry - Hand Painted Glassware.
ST. JOSEPH VINEYARDS - APPETIZER: Ohio Apple & Maple Strudel - Art Work featuring Jeff Suntala - Krzys Family Maple Syrup Demonstration.

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Toledo Area Wine Events and Tastings: February 19-22, 2014

A glass of Chardonnay. Thomas Jefferson's Rotu...
A glass of Chardonnay. Thomas Jefferson's Rotunda is reflected in the wine. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Wednesday, February 19
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. Munchies Included. 1. Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre 2009 Chardonnay, 2. Plan Pegau 2007 Rhone, 3. Michael David 2010 Petite Petite, 4. Michael David 2010 Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon. $8 per flight or nominal fee per sample.
Denny’s Craft Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Call for schedule… 6-8 PM. $15.
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. Call for schedule… 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Thursday, February 20
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM.Some Great Spanish Wines: 1. 2012 Lasbrisas – White Blend – Rueda, 2. 2012 Luzon – Jumilla, 3. 2009 Luzon Crianza – Jumilla, 4. 2009 Altos de Luzon – Jumilla. Flight $7 or nominal fee per sample.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Spanish Tempranillo, Smooth, Refined and Powerful: 1. Paso A Paso, 2. Monte Hinestra, 3. Resalso, 4. Volver, 5. Alsonso de Yarro, 6. Victorino, 7. Muga Seleccion Especial. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee 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, February 21
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 4-7 PM. New Night! French Rhone Reds. Five wines for $10.

Saturday, February 22
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Noble Grapes #2: Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay. This week, we feature three noble varieties that produce wines of power, richness, emphasis, and intensity. Nominal fee per sample.
Up and Coming: Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Wednesday, February 26, 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Evening with Master Sommelier Matt Citriglia. $75 per person. Limited to 20 people.
Exchange Club of Toledo Benefit Wine Tasting, Toledo Club, 235 14th St., Thursday, February 27, 6:00 – 8:00 PM. $50 per person. Contact ralbright@nationalexchangeclub.org for tickets.
AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

The Exchange Club of Toledo 2nd Annual Wine Tasting Scheduled February 27 at the Toledo Club

Members of the Exchange Club of Toledo and Maumee will host their 2nd Annual Benefit Wine Tasting with paired appetizers at the historic Toledo Club in downtown Toledo 6:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, February 27. The Toledo Club is located at 235 14th St. The event will benefit their Youth of the Year and Accepting the Challenge of Excellence scholarships.
Both scholarships benefit seniors in high school from our area with monetary scholarships for either being an exceptional student and young citizen or overcoming a life changing obstacle and achieving success. The Exchange Club works with students from the TPS system.
The event promises tasty wines and food pairings in a comfortable, historic downtown setting. There will be several irresistible silent auction items and the company will be just right.  Tickets are $50 per person. For information or tickets, contact Ryan Albright at (419 535-3232 or email ralbright@nationalexchangeclub.org . All major credit cards accepted.
The event last year was sensational. We’ve had a peek at the wine list and this is a not-to-be-missed event.
Photo Credit: fofie57 via Compfight cc
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Monday, February 17, 2014

Canyon Wind 2009 Tempranillo, Grand Valley, Colorado


The Canyon Wind Winery was a delicious surprise during our visit to Colorado a couple years ago. In the state for a wedding, we toured the Grand Valley area, known as Colorado Wine Country.
Canyon Wind has a beautiful tasting room and scenic vineyards against the setting of rough, rocky mesas of Palisade, Colorado. The grapes are grown in their high altitude vineyard. The intense sunlight and sunbaked soil produces very expressive grapes. We bought this bottle at the winery, and we’re glad we did.
When we got this bottle in 2011, we were told that it would be the final vintage for their Tempranillo. The vines were scheduled to be torn our and replaced with the more popular Malbec. What a shame!
We opened this bottle at a nice dinner with friends and felt a slight breeze from Colorado as we did. The wine is light in body and has strawberry and spice on the palate. The wine is oaked for 10 months and the oak is integrated into a smooth and lithe drink.
Only 214 cases were produced, so the wine is long gone, like the wind whistling down the brown, dusty desert. This is a superb wine that paired well with pork tenderloin.
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Friday, February 14, 2014

Acústic Celler 2010 Acústic Blanc, Montsant


In Chicago a few years ago I enjoyed a great bottle of Acústic Celler red wine at a gastropub. Hoping they could duplicate the magic, I picked up a bottle of their 2010 Acústic Blanc.
The wine is from the Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) of Montsant, which is in the southern province of Catalonia. Montsant is a ring-shaped region that almost encircles the more famous Priorat region.
We’ve been driven indoors by some inhospitable winter weather, venturing forth occasionally to burrow through the snow. We popped this bottle while having a game night with friends and enjoying the warmth of home.
Acústic Blanc is made from 60% Garnacha Blanca, 25% Macabeu, and the balance Garnacha Rojo and Pansal. We recently had some Garnacha Blanca and it is an austere grape – not splashing with opulent floral and fruit flavors. Thirty percent of the wine was fermented in oak for three months and the rest in stainless steel tanks – so the oak is just a whisper.
The flavor is slightly mineral with some chalk and citrus. It is bone dry with a clean finish. This could be a good match with seafood, but it was rather nondescript on its own. It was refreshing and enjoyable at the time, but not memorable and probably not the best choice for a brisk winter’s night.
Rating: 2 of 5 Value: 1.5 of 5 (Based on $17 retail)
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Thursday, February 13, 2014

Wine Tasting To Be Part of Perrysburg Winterfest February 22

Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting (Photo credit: cheesy42)

Perrysburg annual Winterfest celebration will be held from Friday, February 21, to Sunday, February 23, and one of the highlights is a special downtown wine tasting.

On Saturday, February 22, Louisiana Avenue in downtown Perrysburg, will be transformed into a Family Fun Fest with activities, crafts, entertainment and performers, including ice-carving. From 7:00 to 10:00 PM, it is time for some fun directed at the grown ups with a wine tasting hosted by Heidelberg Distributing.

The tasting will feature more than 30 specialty wines including Port. A Taste of Perrysburg by area restaurants, entertainment and the National Ice Carving Championship awards ceremony will be part of the festivities.

Tickets for the tasting are $35 each. For more information, to to www.visitperrysburg.com or email downtownperrysburg@gmail.com .

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: February 12-15, 2014

Paso Robles Wine Country Back Road
Paso Robles Wine Country Back Road (Photo credit: trishhartmann)
Wednesday, February 12
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM.
Denny’s Craft Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Call for schedule… 6-8 PM. $15.
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. Call for schedule… 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Thursday, February 13
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Valentine Wines: 1. Riondo – Prosecco – Italy, 2. 2010 Thomas Barton – Red Bordeaux – St. Emilion, France, 3. 2012 Adesso – Cagnina di Romagna – Italy, 4. 2012 Contero – Moscato Di Asti – Italy. Flight $7 or nominal fee per sample.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Heart of Darkness Wines: 1. Shft Red - Paso Robles, 2. Chapillon Harmonie - Aragon, Spain, 3. Finca Sandoval - Manchuela, Spain, 4. Black Rock Petite Sirah - Red Hills, Lake Co., 5. Chakana Red - Mendoza, Argentina, 6. Allamand H - Mendoza, Argentina, 7. Siglo - Napa. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee 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, February 14
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 4-7 PM. New Night! Port and Chocolate. Five wines for $10.

Saturday, February 15
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Noble Grapes #1: Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling. In the classifications of wine grapes, you are either 'noble' or you are not. Nobility is defined by two characteristics. 1) You produce very good wine from locations all around the world. 2) Your best wines are arguably the best in the world. This week, we feature three noble varieties that produce wines of class, grace, style, and sophistication. Nominal fee per sample.
Up and Coming: Maumee Wines and Bistro, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee. 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Tuesday, February 18.Spanish Wine Tasting. Three whites and four reds. Assorted Tapas and imported cheeses by Chef Joshua Cooper. Cost $35 per person.
AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Sapphire Hill 2009 Merleaux, Sonoma County


Looking for a perfect Mardi Gras wine? We humbly suggest Merleaux from Sapphire Hill.
Honestly, I should have saved this for Mardi Gras myself – but since I didn’t, I’m spreading the word so you can score some in time for your Fat Tuesday celebration.
The label shows a colorful Mardi Gras mask (or should I say masque?) and the name adopts the N’awlins spelling of “Merleaux.” All of this would mean nothing if the wine inside doesn’t measure up.
Happily, this is a very enjoyable bottle. The primary grape is Merlot from Sonoma County – which is pretty good right there. The winemaker has added some “Cajun-style spices” in the form of Barbera, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sounds like the ingredients in a potful of gumbo!
This is a rich tasting wine with a kick of spiciness that floats over top. This is a fun wine. I couldn’t help thinking about New Orleans and the great food, music and people there. It’s a quality bottle of Merlot, but the blend gives it additional complexity.
It’s a party in a bottle and it only costs $20. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Rating: 3 of 5  Value: 3 of 5
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Monday, February 10, 2014

What’s New At The 2014 Glass City Wine Festival?

The 2nd Annual Glass City Wine Festival is quickly approaching. The event is schedule March 1 at Seagate Center in downtown Toledo and wine lovers can expect some pleasing changes to the event.
“The reaction to our first event was overwhelmingly positive,” said Ann King one of the event organizers. “We had more than 1,900 attendees last year. We’ve made a number of changes that I’m sure people will like including more wineries, more vendors and we’re upgrading the ambiance. The décor will make customers feel they’ve been transported to Central Park for an enchanted experience with fine wines and gourmet food.”
Tickets for the afternoon session (1:00 to 4:00) are $25 and the evening session (6:00 to 9:00) are $30. Special VIP tickets are available as well for an extra $10 – and they entitle you to enter an hour earlier and your receive a coupon for $5 toward a purchase of a bottle of wine. Tickets can be purchased online here. Every ticket holder gets a keepsake wine glass, sampling from all the wineries and vendors as well as great entertainment. Tickets could be an excellent idea for a Valentine’s Day gift!
The festival is your opportunity to taste regional wines, sample gourmet cheese and fare from local restaurants and shop for unique gifts. Plenty of parking is available.
“We have many new vendors this year, really focusing more heavily on food and specialty products,” said Ann. “You’ll have more food options this year. Rosie’s Italian Grille, Yancey’s Fancy (an artisan cheese company from New York State), Little Dippers Dip Mixes and Forrester’s on the River are just a few of the additions. Food vendors will be giving out samples.”
Of course, wine will be a focal point. There are a number of new wineries this year, including Al-Bi Winery, Your WINE Cellar, Meier’s and Buckeye Winery. Participating wineries so far include:
· Al-Bi Winery
· Breitenbbach Winery
· Buckeye Winery
· Chateau Tebeau Winery
· Emerine Estates Winery
· Firelands Winery
· Hillside Winery
· It's Your Winery
· Klingshirn Winery
· Meier’s Wine Cellars
· Mon Ami Historic Restaurant and Winery
· Old Firehouse Winery
· Stoney Ridge Winery
· Your WINE Cellar
The festival is shaping up to be another spotlight event! For more information, visit the Glass City Wine Festival website.
Photo Credit: tarotastic via Compfight cc
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Friday, February 7, 2014

Toledo Zoo Announces “Wild” 2014 Wine Tasting Schedule

Photo of a Bald Eagle taken at the Toledo Zoo.

Photo of a Bald Eagle taken at the Toledo Zoo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Looking for a truly “wild” experience? Try a wine tasting at the Toledo Zoo. Each evening 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.

Here are the details on the 2014 events:  

Valentine’s Day Wine & Dine – February 14 – SOLD OUT

Spring Alive: Fairytales, Fables, & Flowers – 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Friday, March 1. $40 for Toledo Zoo members, $45 for non-members

Appetizers: Sausage en croute, Roasted vegetable trays, Roasted grape and brie, finger sandwiches, Cajun Crab dip, and Fruit trays.

Wines: Fancy Pants Pinot Grigio, Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay, The Seeker Rose, Discoveries Moscato, Dreaming Tree White, Superstition White Blend, Lock and Key Meritage, Lost Angel Pinot Noir, Worlds End Cabernet, Carmen Petite Syrah, Lucky County Shiraz and 19 Crimes Red Blend.

Entertainment: Cooking demonstrations by the Toledo Zoo’s Executive Chef, Sam Misiura . Asteria String Quartet

Flight – 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Friday, May 2. Aviary Tour then “migrate” to the Lodge. $40 for Toledo Zoo members, $45 for non-members

Appetizers in the Lodge: Pesto chicken salad, grilled bread, Polenta rounds with roasted pepper mousse, fried capers, Lamb and mint rissoles with beet tzatiki, Giardeniera Chocolate bark.

Wines: Leese Fitch Chardonnay, Leese Fitch Sauvignon Blanc, Dynamite Chardonnay, Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc, BV Coastal Riesling, BV Coastal Moscato, Leese Fitch Cabernet, Leese Fitch Merlot, Leese Fitch Pinot Noir, Leese Fitch Red Zinfandel, Dynamite Cabernet, and Dynamite Red Blend.

Entertainment: Gypsy Luvin’

Beach Party – 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Friday, June 6 - Penguin Deck and Main Plaza.
$40 for Toledo Zoo members, $45 for non-members.

Appetizers: Pineapple cilantro salsa, fresh tortillas, Black bean dip, BBQ pork belly “BLT’s”, Roasted garlic hummus, celery/carrots/pita, Thai cucumber, radish and tomato salad, Spiced rum and caramel fondue, pretzel rods.

Wines: Los Vascos Sauvignon Blanc, Chile; Piedra Negra Pinot Gris, Argentina; Nederburg “Lyric” white Blend, South Africa; Miguel Torres Rose, Chile; Finlayson “The Honey Pot,” South Africa; Yalumba Antique Tawny, Australia; Nederburg Pinotage, South Africa; Miguel Torres Merlot, Chile;
Antigal Uno Malbec, Argentina; Antucura Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina; Los Vascos Reserve Red, Chile; and Finlayson “The Berry Box,” South Africa.  

Entertainment: Toledo School for the Arts “Glass City Steel

You may purchase tickets online here. If you have any questions, or prefer to place your reservation by phone please call The Toledo Zoo Group Sales department at 419-385-5721, Ext. 6001, Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm.

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Thursday, February 6, 2014

Owen Roe 2010 Yakima Red, Yakima Valley


Last week we finally had dinner with friends at Mancy’s Blue Water Grille. I say finally because we had to cancel our reservations the previous week due to wintery weather and Green Dragon being called away on a Red Cross assignment.
This wine helped make it worth the wait. Owen Roe is favorite winery producing great bottles from both Oregon and Washington. Their Abbot’s Table is a luscious Sangiovese blend that we particularly like.
Although our group of four was focused mainly on seafood, the cry went out for red wine. Seeing Owen Roe on the wine list made for a quick decision.
A friend had told us that they had problems more than once at the restaurant when the wine brought to the table was the wrong vintage. We were alert to this issue and, in fact, our server told us when she presented the bottle that the 2011 vintage was unavailable. Alarm bells went off – but she quickly produced a bottle of 2010 Yakima Red. So much the better! (Our service and the food were excellent, by the way.)
Yakima Red is a signature wine of Owen Roe. It is a blend of 52% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a bold wine with a bit a mystery. It has deep dark cherry flavor with mocha and blueberries.
The wine is aged in oak for 19 months resulting in a rich and supple texture. This was an ideal wine for my Mancy’s filet mignon but also elicited “ahs” from the fish-lovers.
Owen Roe Yakima Red is a tasty pour of Washington State goodness, showcasing great vineyards and winemaking artistry. On the restaurant wine list it was $66, but it retails for $36 to $42. Any of those prices is a tasty value.
Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 4 of 5
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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: February 5-8, 2014

English: Barrels of 2007 Zinfandel wine fermen...
Barrels of 2007 Zinfandel wine fermenting in a wine cave in Amador County, California. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Wednesday, February 5
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM.
Denny’s Craft Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Call for schedule… 6-8 PM. $15.
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. Call for schedule… 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Thursday, February 6
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Great Washington Wines from Mercer Wine Estates: 1. 2012 Mercer Canyon – Chardonnay, 2. 2010 Mercer Canyons – Red Blend, 3. 2010 Mercer Canyons – Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. 2008 Mercer Estate – Merlot. Flight $7 or nominal fee per sample.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Off the Wall - Over the Top - Outlandish Wines: White Wines – 1. Blindfold White, California; 2.
Maniquin White, California. Red Wines – 1. BayonetteCote du Roussillon Villages, France; 2. Klinker Brick Zinfandel, Lodi, California; 3. F - Bomb Red, California, 4. Boom Boom Syrah, Washington; 5. Fittings, Cotes Catalans, France; 6. Noval Black Port, Portugal. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee 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, February 7
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 4-7 PM. New Night! Five wines for $10.

Saturday, February 8
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Premium California Zinfandel Tasting includes lunch in Walt’s Smokehouse. Zinfandel is "America's Grape."  It captures the style of USA winemaking and the diversity of American terroir in a way few other wines can do.  From lean 'claret-style' wines to monsters of jammy extraction - Zinfandel's diversity & quality makes it a delicious pairing for smoky richness of Walt Churchill's smokehouse. (And no.  This isn't the pink-stuff.) Premium tasting.

AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Sapphire Hill 2011 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley


This wine from Sapphire Hill is truly a gem. I purchased this from Underground Cellar, which is a new online wine site. Unlike “flash” sites that sell odd lot and closeout wines at steep discounts, Underground Cellar has offers that allow you to purchase from a selection of unique wines and get a free upgrade to high-priced wines.
I ordered three bottles at $20, which was the cost for Sapphire Hill’s Merleaux, a Merlot blend. I got one Merleaux and two free upgrades, including this very satisfying bottle, which retails for $28.
Sapphire Hill has a focus on small lot wines from premium vineyards in the top Sonoma AVAs of Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley. Dry Creek Valley is known for their knock-out Zinfandel. Only 240 cases were made of this vintage.
Produced with grapes from 70-year-old vines, this wine includes a touch of Petit Syrah in the blend. Many wines require time to open up. I also find I need time for my own palate to get oriented to the wine. Not so with the Sapphire Zin – it was simply wonderful from the word “go.”
It has a smooth texture and great lushness, without shifting from the “dry” end of the sweetness spectrum. Full and rich with blackberries it also has a sprinkle of pepper and briary flavors.
Some Zinfandels can be easy, jammy affairs, but this is a complex wine. It also avoids the pitfalls of being too “hot” with alcohol or overly earthy.
In the battle for Zinfandel supremacy, Dry Creek Valley is certainly among the best regions and this bottle is an example of the superlative wine originating there. Today I found my thrill on Sapphire Hill.
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Monday, February 3, 2014

Jean Louis Chave Wines From Hermitage Focus of February 26 WCM Event

crozes hermitage

(Photo credit: jenny downing)

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000, has scheduled a not-to-be-missed event for lovers of great French wine. An Evening with Master Sommelier Matt Citriglia and the Wines of Jean Louis Chave is scheduled 6:00 to 8:30 PM Wednesday, February 26, 2014.

The cost is $75.00 per person. The event is limited to 20 people. Wine Manager Austin Beeman said the tasting is filling up rapidly, so our suggestion is to call right away to lock in your place. You must prepay to reserve your place and the fee is non-refundable. The tasting starts promptly at 6:00.

Matt Citriglia is one of only 211 Master Sommeliers in the world and helped create the new Certified Sommelier Exam. His knowledge and expertise will make the event special indeed.

World-renowned wine authority Robert Parker says, “Jean Louis Chave is a small, but world-class wine enterprise that is truly inspiring. The Chave family have been doing this since 1472.”

The key to success has been perfectionist organic/biodynamic farming, low yields, full ripeness, minimal new oak, minimal intervention, and no filtering. This is the result of five generations of high quality winemaking and respect for their terroir. The Chave family could easily be called the royal family of French Wine.

Wines scheduled to be tasted are:

  • 2009 Hermitage BLANCHE – “A magic, exciting white” –Gary Vaynerchuk
  • 2010 Hermitage Blanc – 99pts Wine Spectator. “France’s Greatest Wine!”
  • 2010 St. Joseph Estate – 94pts WS – “Fabulous purity, focus, & freshness”
  • 2009 Hermitage ‘Farconnet’ – 92pts CT – “Positively surprising!”
  • 2010 Hermitage Rouge – 100 points Robert Parker – “Pure Perfection!”

Contact Austin Beeman at (419)794.4000 or at Austin.beeman@waltchurchillsmarket.com

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